1
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Rallapalli H, McCall EC, Koretsky AP. Genetic control of MRI contrast using the manganese transporter Zip14. Magn Reson Med 2024; 92:820-835. [PMID: 38573932 PMCID: PMC11142883 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.29993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Gene-expression reporter systems, such as green fluorescent protein, have been instrumental to understanding biological processes in living organisms at organ system, tissue, cell, and molecular scales. More than 30 years of work on developing MRI-visible gene-expression reporter systems has resulted in a variety of clever application-specific methods. However, these techniques have not yet been widely adopted, so a general-purpose expression reporter is still required. Here, we demonstrate that the manganese ion transporter Zip14 is an in vivo MRI-visible, flexible, and robust gene-expression reporter to meet this need. METHODS Plasmid constructs consisting of a cell type-specific promoter, gene coding for human Zip14, and a histology-visible tag were packaged into adeno-associated viruses. These viruses were intracranially injected into the mouse brain. Serial in vivo MRI was performed using a vendor-supplied 3D-MPRAGE sequence. No additional contrast agents were administered. Animals were sacrificed after the last imaging timepoint for immunohistological validation. RESULTS Neuron-specific overexpression of Zip14 produced substantial and long-lasting changes in MRI contrast. Using appropriate viruses enabled both anterograde and retrograde neural tracing. Expression of Zip14 in astrocytes also enabled MRI of glia populations in the living mammalian brain. CONCLUSIONS The flexibility of this system as an MRI-visible gene-expression reporter will enable many applications of serial, high-resolution imaging of gene expression for basic science and therapy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harikrishna Rallapalli
- Section on Plasticity and Imaging of the Nervous System, NINDS/NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Eleanor C McCall
- Section on Plasticity and Imaging of the Nervous System, NINDS/NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Alan P Koretsky
- Section on Plasticity and Imaging of the Nervous System, NINDS/NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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2
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Yoon SY, Hunter JE, Chawla S, Clarke DL, Molony C, O'Donnell PA, Bagel JH, Kumar M, Poptani H, Vite CH, Wolfe JH. Global CNS correction in a large brain model of human alpha-mannosidosis by intravascular gene therapy. Brain 2020; 143:2058-2072. [PMID: 32671406 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awaa161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Intravascular injection of certain adeno-associated virus vector serotypes can cross the blood-brain barrier to deliver a gene into the CNS. However, gene distribution has been much more limited within the brains of large animals compared to rodents, rendering this approach suboptimal for treatment of the global brain lesions present in most human neurogenetic diseases. The most commonly used serotype in animal and human studies is 9, which also has the property of being transported via axonal pathways to distal neurons. A small number of other serotypes share this property, three of which were tested intravenously in mice compared to 9. Serotype hu.11 transduced fewer cells in the brain than 9, rh8 was similar to 9, but hu.32 mediated substantially greater transduction than the others throughout the mouse brain. To evaluate the potential for therapeutic application of the hu.32 serotype in a gyrencephalic brain of larger mammals, a hu.32 vector expressing the green fluorescent protein reporter gene was evaluated in the cat. Transduction was widely distributed in the cat brain, including in the cerebral cortex, an important target since mental retardation is an important component of many of the human neurogenetic diseases. The therapeutic potential of a hu.32 serotype vector was evaluated in the cat homologue of the human lysosomal storage disease alpha-mannosidosis, which has globally distributed lysosomal storage lesions in the brain. Treated alpha-mannosidosis cats had reduced severity of neurological signs and extended life spans compared to untreated cats. The extent of therapy was dose dependent and intra-arterial injection was more effective than intravenous delivery. Pre-mortem, non-invasive magnetic resonance spectroscopy and diffusion tensor imaging detected differences between the low and high doses, and showed normalization of grey and white matter imaging parameters at the higher dose. The imaging analysis was corroborated by post-mortem histological analysis, which showed reversal of histopathology throughout the brain with the high dose, intra-arterial treatment. The hu.32 serotype would appear to provide a significant advantage for effective treatment of the gyrencephalic brain by systemic adeno-associated virus delivery in human neurological diseases with widespread brain lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sea Young Yoon
- Research Institute of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Jacqueline E Hunter
- Research Institute of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Sanjeev Chawla
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Dana L Clarke
- W.F. Goodman Center for Comparative Medical Genetics, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Caitlyn Molony
- W.F. Goodman Center for Comparative Medical Genetics, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Patricia A O'Donnell
- W.F. Goodman Center for Comparative Medical Genetics, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Jessica H Bagel
- W.F. Goodman Center for Comparative Medical Genetics, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Manoj Kumar
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Harish Poptani
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Charles H Vite
- W.F. Goodman Center for Comparative Medical Genetics, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - John H Wolfe
- Research Institute of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA.,W.F. Goodman Center for Comparative Medical Genetics, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
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3
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Maturana CJ, Verpeut JL, Pisano TJ, Dhanerawala ZM, Esteves A, Enquist LW, Engel EA. Small Alphaherpesvirus Latency-Associated Promoters Drive Efficient and Long-Term Transgene Expression in the CNS. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2020; 17:843-857. [PMID: 32368565 PMCID: PMC7191541 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2020.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs) are used as gene therapy vectors to treat central nervous system (CNS) diseases. Despite their safety and broad tropism, important issues need to be corrected such as the limited payload capacity and the lack of small gene promoters providing long-term, pan-neuronal transgene expression in the CNS. Commonly used gene promoters are relatively large and can be repressed a few months after CNS transduction, risking the long-term performance of single-dose gene therapy applications. We used a whole-CNS screening approach based on systemic delivery of AAV-PHP.eB, iDisco+ tissue-clearing and light-sheet microscopy to identify three small latency-associated promoters (LAPs) from the herpesvirus pseudorabies virus (PRV). These promoters are LAP1 (404 bp), LAP2 (498 bp), and LAP1_2 (880 bp). They drive chronic transcription of the virus-encoded latency-associated transcript (LAT) during productive and latent phases of PRV infection. We observed stable, pan-neuronal transgene transcription and translation from AAV-LAPs in the CNS for 6 months post AAV transduction. In several CNS areas, the number of cells expressing the transgene was higher for LAP2 than the large conventional EF1α promoter (1,264 bp). Our data suggest that the LAPs are suitable candidates for viral vector-based CNS gene therapies requiring chronic transgene expression after one-time viral-vector administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carola J. Maturana
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Jessica L. Verpeut
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Thomas J. Pisano
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Zahra M. Dhanerawala
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Andrew Esteves
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Lynn W. Enquist
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Esteban A. Engel
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
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4
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Besse A, Astord S, Marais T, Roda M, Giroux B, Lejeune FX, Relaix F, Smeriglio P, Barkats M, Biferi MG. AAV9-Mediated Expression of SMN Restricted to Neurons Does Not Rescue the Spinal Muscular Atrophy Phenotype in Mice. Mol Ther 2020; 28:1887-1901. [PMID: 32470325 PMCID: PMC7403319 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neuromuscular disease mainly caused by mutations or deletions in the survival of motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene and characterized by the degeneration of motor neurons and progressive muscle weakness. A viable therapeutic approach for SMA patients is a gene replacement strategy that restores functional SMN expression using adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (AAV9) vectors. Currently, systemic or intra-cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) delivery of AAV9-SMN is being explored in clinical trials. In this study, we show that the postnatal delivery of an AAV9 that expresses SMN under the control of the neuron-specific promoter synapsin selectively targets neurons without inducing re-expression in the peripheral organs of SMA mice. However, this approach is less efficient in restoring the survival and neuromuscular functions of SMA mice than the systemic or intra-CSF delivery of an AAV9 in which SMN is placed under the control of a ubiquitous promoter. This study suggests that further efforts are needed to understand the extent to which SMN is required in neurons and peripheral organs for a successful therapeutic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurore Besse
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institute of Myology, Centre of Research in Myology, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Stephanie Astord
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institute of Myology, Centre of Research in Myology, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Thibaut Marais
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institute of Myology, Centre of Research in Myology, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Marianne Roda
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institute of Myology, Centre of Research in Myology, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Benoit Giroux
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institute of Myology, Centre of Research in Myology, 75013 Paris, France
| | - François-Xavier Lejeune
- Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière (ICM), Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Core Facility (iCONICS), Sorbonne Université, INSERM U1127, CNRS UMR 7225, GH Pitié-Salpêtrière, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Frederic Relaix
- Université Paris Est Créteil, INSERM, EnvA, AP-HP, 94000 Créteil, France
| | - Piera Smeriglio
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institute of Myology, Centre of Research in Myology, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Martine Barkats
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institute of Myology, Centre of Research in Myology, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Maria Grazia Biferi
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institute of Myology, Centre of Research in Myology, 75013 Paris, France.
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5
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Bacman SR, Gammage P, Minczuk M, Moraes CT. Manipulation of mitochondrial genes and mtDNA heteroplasmy. Methods Cell Biol 2020; 155:441-487. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2019.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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6
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Hunter JE, Gurda BL, Yoon SY, Castle MJ, Wolfe JH. In Situ Hybridization for Detection of AAV-Mediated Gene Expression. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1950:107-122. [PMID: 30783970 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9139-6_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Techniques to localize vector transgenes in cells and tissues are essential in order to fully characterize gene therapy outcomes. In situ hybridization (ISH) uses synthesized complementary RNA or DNA nucleotide probes to localize and detect sequences of interest in fixed cells, tissue sections, or whole tissue mounts. Variations in techniques include adding labels to probes, such as fluorophores, which can allow for the simultaneous visualization of multiple targets. Here we provide the steps necessary to: (1) label probes for colorimetric visualization and (2) perform ISH on OCT cryo-preserved fixed frozen tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline E Hunter
- Research Institute of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Brittney L Gurda
- Research Institute of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sea Young Yoon
- Research Institute of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- W.F. Goodman Center for Comparative Medical Genetics, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Michael J Castle
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - John H Wolfe
- Research Institute of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- W.F. Goodman Center for Comparative Medical Genetics, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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7
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Single Intramuscular Injection of AAV-shRNA Reduces DNM2 and Prevents Myotubular Myopathy in Mice. Mol Ther 2018; 26:1082-1092. [PMID: 29506908 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2018.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Revised: 02/02/2018] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Myotubular myopathy, or X-linked centronuclear myopathy, is a severe muscle disorder representing a significant burden for patients and their families. It is clinically characterized by neonatal and severe muscle weakness and atrophy. Mutations in the myotubularin (MTM1) gene cause myotubular myopathy, and no specific curative treatment is available. We previously found that dynamin 2 (DNM2) is upregulated in both Mtm1 knockout and patient muscle samples, whereas its reduction through antisense oligonucleotides rescues the clinical and histopathological features of this myopathy in mice. Here, we propose a novel approach targeting Dnm2 mRNA. We screened and validated in vitro and in vivo several short hairpin RNA (shRNA) sequences that efficiently target Dnm2 mRNA. A single intramuscular injection of AAV-shDnm2 resulted in long-term reduction of DNM2 protein level and restored muscle force, mass, histology, and myofiber ultrastructure and prevented molecular defects linked to the disease. Our results demonstrate a robust DNM2 knockdown and provide an alternative strategy based on reduction of DNM2 to treat myotubular myopathy.
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8
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Castle MJ, Turunen HT, Vandenberghe LH, Wolfe JH. Controlling AAV Tropism in the Nervous System with Natural and Engineered Capsids. Methods Mol Biol 2016; 1382:133-49. [PMID: 26611584 PMCID: PMC4993104 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-3271-9_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
More than one hundred naturally occurring variants of adeno-associated virus (AAV) have been identified, and this library has been further expanded by an array of techniques for modification of the viral capsid. AAV capsid variants possess unique antigenic profiles and demonstrate distinct cellular tropisms driven by differences in receptor binding. AAV capsids can be chemically modified to alter tropism, can be produced as hybrid vectors that combine the properties of multiple serotypes, and can carry peptide insertions that introduce novel receptor-binding activity. Furthermore, directed evolution of shuffled genome libraries can identify engineered variants with unique properties, and rational modification of the viral capsid can alter tropism, reduce blockage by neutralizing antibodies, or enhance transduction efficiency. This large number of AAV variants and engineered capsids provides a varied toolkit for gene delivery to the CNS and retina, with specialized vectors available for many applications, but selecting a capsid variant from the array of available vectors can be difficult. This chapter describes the unique properties of a range of AAV variants and engineered capsids, and provides a guide for selecting the appropriate vector for specific applications in the CNS and retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Castle
- Research Institute of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 502-G Abramson Pediatric Research Building, 3615 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Heikki T Turunen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Luk H Vandenberghe
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - John H Wolfe
- Research Institute of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 502-G Abramson Pediatric Research Building, 3615 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- W.F. Goodman Center for Comparative Medical Genetics, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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9
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Penrod RD, Wells AM, Carlezon WA, Cowan CW. Use of Adeno-Associated and Herpes Simplex Viral Vectors for In Vivo Neuronal Expression in Mice. CURRENT PROTOCOLS IN NEUROSCIENCE 2015; 73:4.37.1-4.37.31. [PMID: 26426386 PMCID: PMC4678623 DOI: 10.1002/0471142301.ns0437s73] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Adeno-associated viruses and the herpes simplex virus are the two most widely used vectors for the in vivo expression of exogenous genes. Advances in the development of these vectors have enabled remarkable temporal and spatial control of gene expression. This unit provides methods for storing, delivering, and verifying expression of adeno-associated and herpes simplex viruses in the adult mouse brain. It also describes important considerations for experiments using in vivo expression of these viral vectors, including serotype and promoter selection, as well as timing of expression. Additional protocols are provided that describe methods for preliminary experiments to determine the appropriate conditions for in vivo delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel D Penrod
- McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, Massachusetts
| | - Audrey M Wells
- McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, Massachusetts
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10
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Scheyltjens I, Laramée ME, Van den Haute C, Gijsbers R, Debyser Z, Baekelandt V, Vreysen S, Arckens L. Evaluation of the expression pattern of rAAV2/1, 2/5, 2/7, 2/8, and 2/9 serotypes with different promoters in the mouse visual cortex. J Comp Neurol 2015; 523:2019-42. [PMID: 26012540 DOI: 10.1002/cne.23819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2014] [Revised: 12/18/2014] [Accepted: 05/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
This study compared the expression pattern, laminar distribution, and cell specificity of several rAAV serotypes (2/1, 2/5, 2/7, 2/8, and 2/9) injected in the primary visual cortex (V1) of adult C57Bl/6J mice. In order to obtain specific expression in certain neuron subtypes, different promoter sequences were evaluated for excitatory cell specificity: a universal cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter, and two versions of the excitatory neuron-specific Ca(2+) /calmodulin-dependent kinase subunit α (CaMKIIα) promoter, CaMKIIα 0.4 and CaMKIIα 1.3. The spatial distribution as well as the cell type specificity was immunohistochemically verified. Depending on the rAAV serotype used, the transduced volume expressing reporter protein differed substantially (rAAV2/5 ≫ 2/7 ≈ 2/9 ≈ 2/8 ≫ 2/1). Excitatory neuron-specific targeting was promoter-dependent, with a surprising difference between the 1.3 kb and 0.4 kb CaMKIIα promoters. While CaMKIIα 1.3 and CMV carrying vectors were comparable, with 78% of the transduced neurons being excitatory for CMV and 82% for CaMKIIα 1.3, the shorter CaMKIIα 0.4 version resulted in 95% excitatory specificity. This study therefore puts forward the CaMKIIα 0.4 promoter as the best choice to target excitatory neurons with rAAVs. Together, these results can be used as an aid to select the most optimal vector system to deliver transgenes into specific rodent neocortical circuits, allowing further elucidation of their functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Scheyltjens
- KU Leuven, Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neuroproteomics, Department of Biology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marie-Eve Laramée
- KU Leuven, Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neuroproteomics, Department of Biology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Chris Van den Haute
- KU Leuven, Laboratory for Neurobiology and Gene Therapy, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven, Belgium.,KU Leuven, Leuven Viral Vector Core, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rik Gijsbers
- KU Leuven, Leuven Viral Vector Core, Leuven, Belgium.,KU Leuven, Laboratory for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Zeger Debyser
- KU Leuven, Laboratory for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Veerle Baekelandt
- KU Leuven, Laboratory for Neurobiology and Gene Therapy, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Samme Vreysen
- KU Leuven, Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neuroproteomics, Department of Biology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lutgarde Arckens
- KU Leuven, Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neuroproteomics, Department of Biology, Leuven, Belgium
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11
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Tomatsu S, Alméciga-Díaz CJ, Montaño AM, Yabe H, Tanaka A, Dung VC, Giugliani R, Kubaski F, Mason RW, Yasuda E, Sawamoto K, Mackenzie W, Suzuki Y, Orii KE, Barrera LA, Sly WS, Orii T. Therapies for the bone in mucopolysaccharidoses. Mol Genet Metab 2015; 114:94-109. [PMID: 25537451 PMCID: PMC4312706 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2014.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Revised: 11/30/2014] [Accepted: 12/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Patients with mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) have accumulation of glycosaminoglycans in multiple tissues which may cause coarse facial features, mental retardation, recurrent ear and nose infections, inguinal and umbilical hernias, hepatosplenomegaly, and skeletal deformities. Clinical features related to bone lesions may include marked short stature, cervical stenosis, pectus carinatum, small lungs, joint rigidity (but laxity for MPS IV), kyphoscoliosis, lumbar gibbus, and genu valgum. Patients with MPS are often wheelchair-bound and physical handicaps increase with age as a result of progressive skeletal dysplasia, abnormal joint mobility, and osteoarthritis, leading to 1) stenosis of the upper cervical region, 2) restrictive small lung, 3) hip dysplasia, 4) restriction of joint movement, and 5) surgical complications. Patients often need multiple orthopedic procedures including cervical decompression and fusion, carpal tunnel release, hip reconstruction and replacement, and femoral or tibial osteotomy through their lifetime. Current measures to intervene in bone disease progression are not perfect and palliative, and improved therapies are urgently required. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), and gene therapy are available or in development for some types of MPS. Delivery of sufficient enzyme to bone, especially avascular cartilage, to prevent or ameliorate the devastating skeletal dysplasias remains an unmet challenge. The use of an anti-inflammatory drug is also under clinical study. Therapies should start at a very early stage prior to irreversible bone lesion, and damage since the severity of skeletal dysplasia is associated with level of activity during daily life. This review illustrates a current overview of therapies and their impact for bone lesions in MPS including ERT, HSCT, gene therapy, and anti-inflammatory drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunji Tomatsu
- Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, USA; Medical Genetics Service/HCPA and Department of Genetics/UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
| | - Carlos J Alméciga-Díaz
- Institute for the Study of Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia
| | - Adriana M Montaño
- Department of Pediatrics, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Hiromasa Yabe
- Department of Cell Transplantation, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Akemi Tanaka
- Department of Pediatrics, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Vu Chi Dung
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism & Genetics, Vietnam National Hospital of Pediatrics, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Roberto Giugliani
- Medical Genetics Service/HCPA and Department of Genetics/UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Francyne Kubaski
- Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Robert W Mason
- Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - Eriko Yasuda
- Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - Kazuki Sawamoto
- Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | | | - Yasuyuki Suzuki
- Medical Education Development Center, Gifu University, Japan
| | - Kenji E Orii
- Department of Pediatrics, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Luis A Barrera
- Institute for the Study of Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia
| | - William S Sly
- Edward A. Doisy Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Tadao Orii
- Department of Pediatrics, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan.
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12
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Powell SK, Rivera-Soto R, Gray SJ. Viral expression cassette elements to enhance transgene target specificity and expression in gene therapy. DISCOVERY MEDICINE 2015; 19:49-57. [PMID: 25636961 PMCID: PMC4505817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Over the last five years, the number of clinical trials involving AAV (adeno-associated virus) and lentiviral vectors continue to increase by about 150 trials each year. For continued success, AAV and lentiviral expression cassettes need to be designed to meet each disease's specific needs. This review discusses how viral vector expression cassettes can be engineered with elements to enhance target specificity and increase transgene expression. The key differences relating to target specificity between ubiquitous and tissue-specific promoters are discussed, as well as how endogenous miRNAs and their target sequences have been used to restrict transgene expression. Specifically, relevant studies indicating how cis-acting elements such as introns, WPRE, polyadenylation signals, and the CMV enhancer are highlighted to show their utility for enhancing transgene expression in gene therapy applications. All discussion bears in mind that expression cassettes have space constraints. In conclusion, this review can serve as a menu of vector genome design elements and their cost in terms of space to thoughtfully engineer viral vectors for gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Kathleen Powell
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Ricardo Rivera-Soto
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Steven James Gray
- Gene Therapy Center and Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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Distinct transduction profiles in the CNS via three injection routes of AAV9 and the application to generation of a neurodegenerative mouse model. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2014; 1:14032. [PMID: 26015973 PMCID: PMC4362361 DOI: 10.1038/mtm.2014.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2014] [Revised: 06/11/2014] [Accepted: 06/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Using single-stranded adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (ssAAV9) vectors containing the neuron-specific synapsin-I promoter, we examined whether different administration routes (direct cerebellar cortical (DC), intrathecal (IT) and intravenous (IV) injections) could elicit specific transduction profiles in the CNS. The DC injection route robustly and exclusively transduced the whole cerebellum, whereas the IT injection route primarily transduced the cerebellar lobules 9 and 10 close to the injection site and the spinal cord. An IV injection in neonatal mice weakly and homogenously transduced broad CNS areas. In the cerebellar cortex, the DC and IT injection routes transduced all neuron types, whereas the IV injection route primarily transduced Purkinje cells. To verify the usefulness of this method, we generated a mouse model of spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1). Mice that received a DC injection of the ssAAV9 vector expressing mutant ATXN1, a protein responsible for SCA1, showed the intranuclear aggregation of mutant ATXN1 in Purkinje cells, significant atrophy of the Purkinje cell dendrites and progressive motor deficits, which are characteristics of SCA1. Thus, ssAAV9-mediated transduction areas, levels, and cell types change depending on the route of injection. Moreover, this approach can be used for the generation of different mouse models of CNS/neurodegenerative diseases.
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14
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Quantitative, noninvasive, in vivo longitudinal monitoring of gene expression in the brain by co-AAV transduction with a PET reporter gene. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2014; 1:14016. [PMID: 26015960 PMCID: PMC4362377 DOI: 10.1038/mtm.2014.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2014] [Accepted: 03/09/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
In vivo imaging of vector transgene expression would be particularly valuable for repetitive monitoring of therapy in the brain, where invasive tissue sampling is contraindicated. We evaluated adeno-associated virus vector expression of a dopamine-2 receptor (D2R) mutant (D2R80A) by positron emission tomography in the brains of mice and cats. D2R80A is inactivated for intracellular signaling and binds subphysiologic amounts of the radioactive [18F]-fallypride analog of dopamine. The [18F]-fallypride signal bound to D2R80A in the injection site was normalized to the signal from endogenous D2R in the striatum and showed stable levels of expression within individual animals. A separate adeno-associated virus type 1 vector with identical gene expression control elements, expressing green fluorescent protein or a therapeutic gene, was coinjected with the D2R80A vector at equal doses into specific sites. Both transgenes had similar levels of gene expression by immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, and quantitative PCR assays, demonstrating that D2R80A is a faithful surrogate measure for expression of a gene of interest. This dual vector approach allows the D2R80A gene to be used with any therapeutic gene and to be injected into a single site for monitoring while the therapeutic gene can be distributed more widely as needed in each disease.
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15
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Cheng SH. Gene therapy for the neurological manifestations in lysosomal storage disorders. J Lipid Res 2014; 55:1827-38. [PMID: 24683200 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.r047175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past several years, considerable progress has been made in the development of gene therapy as a therapeutic strategy for a variety of inherited metabolic diseases, including neuropathic lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs). The premise of gene therapy for this group of diseases is borne of findings that genetic modification of a subset of cells can provide a more global benefit by virtue of the ability of the secreted lysosomal enzymes to effect cross-correction of adjacent and distal cells. Preclinical studies in small and large animal models of these disorders support the application of either a direct in vivo approach using recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors or an ex vivo strategy using lentiviral vector-modified hematopoietic stem cells to correct the neurological component of these diseases. Early clinical studies utilizing both approaches have begun or are in late-stage planning for a small number of neuropathic LSDs. Although initial indications from these studies are encouraging, it is evident that second-generation vectors that exhibit a greater safety profile and transduction activity may be required before this optimism can be fully realized. Here, I review recent progress and the remaining challenges to treat the neurological aspects of various LSDs using this therapeutic paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seng H Cheng
- Genzyme, a Sanofi Company, Framingham, MA 01701-9322
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16
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Kantor B, Bailey RM, Wimberly K, Kalburgi SN, Gray SJ. Methods for gene transfer to the central nervous system. ADVANCES IN GENETICS 2014; 87:125-97. [PMID: 25311922 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-800149-3.00003-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Gene transfer is an increasingly utilized approach for research and clinical applications involving the central nervous system (CNS). Vectors for gene transfer can be as simple as an unmodified plasmid, but more commonly involve complex modifications to viruses to make them suitable gene delivery vehicles. This chapter will explain how tools for CNS gene transfer have been derived from naturally occurring viruses. The current capabilities of plasmid, retroviral, adeno-associated virus, adenovirus, and herpes simplex virus vectors for CNS gene delivery will be described. These include both focal and global CNS gene transfer strategies, with short- or long-term gene expression. As is described in this chapter, an important aspect of any vector is the cis-acting regulatory elements incorporated into the vector genome that control when, where, and how the transgene is expressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Kantor
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Rachel M Bailey
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Keon Wimberly
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sahana N Kalburgi
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Steven J Gray
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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17
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Tomatsu S, Alméciga-Díaz CJ, Barbosa H, Montaño AM, Barrera LA, Shimada T, Yasuda E, Mackenzie WG, Mason RW, Suzuki Y, Orii KE, Orii T. Therapies of mucopolysaccharidosis IVA (Morquio A syndrome). Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2013; 1:805-818. [PMID: 25419501 DOI: 10.1517/21678707.2013.846853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Morquio A syndrome (mucopolysaccharidosis type IVA, MPS IVA) is one of the lysosomal storage diseases and is caused by the deficiency of N-acetylgalactosamine-6-sulfate sulfatase (GALNS). Deficiency of this enzyme leads to accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), keratan sulfate (KS) and chondroitin-6-sulfate (C6S). The majority of KS is produced by chondrocytes, and therefore, the undegraded substrates accumulate mainly in cells and extracelluar matrix (ECM) of cartilage. This has a direct impact on cartilage and bone development, leading to systemic skeletal dysplasia. In patients with Morquio A, cartilage cells are vacuolated, and this results in abnormal chondrogenesis and/or endochondral ossification. AREAS COVERED This article describes the advanced therapies of Morquio A, focused on enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) and gene therapy to deliver the drug to avascular bone lesions. ERT and gene therapies for other types of MPS are also discussed, which provide therapeutic efficacy to bone lesions. EXPERT OPINION ERT, gene therapy and hematopietic stem therapy are clinically and/or experimentally conducted. However, there is no effective curative therapy for bone lesion to date. One of the limitations for Morquio A therapy is that targeting avascular cartilage tissues remains an unmet challenge. ERT or gene therapy with bone-targeting system will improve the bone pathology and skeletal manifestations more efficiently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunji Tomatsu
- Professor and Director, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, USA ; Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Skeletal Dysplasia Center, Nemours Biomedical Research, 1600 Rockland Rd., Wilmington, DE 19803, USA
| | - Carlos J Alméciga-Díaz
- Institute for the Study of Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Hector Barbosa
- Institute for the Study of Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Adriana M Montaño
- Saint Louis University, Department of Pediatrics, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Luis A Barrera
- Institute for the Study of Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Tsutomu Shimada
- Professor and Director, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - Eriko Yasuda
- Professor and Director, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - William G Mackenzie
- Professor and Director, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - Robert W Mason
- Professor and Director, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - Yasuyuki Suzuki
- Gifu University, Medical Education Development Center, Gifu, Japan
| | - Kenji E Orii
- Gifu University, Department of Pediatrics, Gifu, Japan
| | - Tadao Orii
- Gifu University, Department of Pediatrics, Gifu, Japan
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18
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Simonato M, Bennett J, Boulis NM, Castro MG, Fink DJ, Goins WF, Gray SJ, Lowenstein PR, Vandenberghe LH, Wilson TJ, Wolfe JH, Glorioso JC. Progress in gene therapy for neurological disorders. Nat Rev Neurol 2013; 9:277-91. [PMID: 23609618 PMCID: PMC3908892 DOI: 10.1038/nrneurol.2013.56] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Diseases of the nervous system have devastating effects and are widely distributed among the population, being especially prevalent in the elderly. These diseases are often caused by inherited genetic mutations that result in abnormal nervous system development, neurodegeneration, or impaired neuronal function. Other causes of neurological diseases include genetic and epigenetic changes induced by environmental insults, injury, disease-related events or inflammatory processes. Standard medical and surgical practice has not proved effective in curing or treating these diseases, and appropriate pharmaceuticals do not exist or are insufficient to slow disease progression. Gene therapy is emerging as a powerful approach with potential to treat and even cure some of the most common diseases of the nervous system. Gene therapy for neurological diseases has been made possible through progress in understanding the underlying disease mechanisms, particularly those involving sensory neurons, and also by improvement of gene vector design, therapeutic gene selection, and methods of delivery. Progress in the field has renewed our optimism for gene therapy as a treatment modality that can be used by neurologists, ophthalmologists and neurosurgeons. In this Review, we describe the promising gene therapy strategies that have the potential to treat patients with neurological diseases and discuss prospects for future development of gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Simonato
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Fossato di Mortara 17-19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy. michele.simonato@ unife.it
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19
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Gray SJ. Gene therapy and neurodevelopmental disorders. Neuropharmacology 2012; 68:136-42. [PMID: 22750077 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2012.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2012] [Revised: 06/11/2012] [Accepted: 06/13/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
With a number of recent clinical successes, gene therapy is quickly becoming a realistic treatment option for neurological disorders. Advancements in global central nervous system (CNS) gene delivery, in particular, have accelerated to the point that treatments for neurological disorders such as lysosomal storage diseases seem within reach. Other neurodevelopmental disorders, such as Rett Syndrome, Fragile X, and autism still face significant obstacles to overcome before a viable human gene therapy can be considered. This review focuses on the most common CNS gene delivery vehicle, adeno-associated virus (AAV), and the current state of AAV vector design and delivery for CNS gene therapy. Relevant examples of gene therapy studies for neurodevelopmental disorders, as well as outstanding challenges, are discussed. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Neurodevelopmental Disorders'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven James Gray
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 7109 Thurston Bowles, 104 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7352, USA.
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20
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In utero administration of Ad5 and AAV pseudotypes to the fetal brain leads to efficient, widespread and long-term gene expression. Gene Ther 2011; 19:936-46. [PMID: 22071970 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2011.157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The efficient delivery of genetic material to the developing fetal brain represents a powerful research tool and a means to supply therapy in a number of neonatal lethal neurological disorders. In this study, we have delivered vectors based upon adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5) and adeno-associated virus (AAV) pseudotypes 2/5, 2/8 and 2/9 expressing green fluorescent protein to the E16 fetal mouse brain. One month post injection, widespread caudal to rostral transduction of neural cells was observed. In discrete areas of the brain these vectors produced differential transduction patterns. AAV2/8 and 2/9 produced the most extensive gene delivery and had similar transduction profiles. All AAV pseudotypes preferentially transduced neurons whereas Ad5 transduced both neurons and glial cells. None of the vectors elicited any significant microglia-mediated immune response when compared with control uninjected mice. Whole-body imaging and immunohistological evaluation of brains 9 months post injection revealed long-term expression using these non-integrating vectors. These data will be useful in targeting genetic material to discrete or widespread areas of the fetal brain with the purpose of devising therapies for early neonatal lethal neurodegenerative disease and for studying brain development.
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Gray SJ, Foti SB, Schwartz JW, Bachaboina L, Taylor-Blake B, Coleman J, Ehlers MD, Zylka MJ, McCown TJ, Samulski RJ. Optimizing promoters for recombinant adeno-associated virus-mediated gene expression in the peripheral and central nervous system using self-complementary vectors. Hum Gene Ther 2011; 22:1143-53. [PMID: 21476867 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2010.245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 265] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
With the increased use of small self-complementary adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors, the design of compact promoters becomes critical for packaging and expressing larger transgenes under ubiquitous or cell-specific control. In a comparative study of commonly used 800-bp cytomegalovirus (CMV) and chicken β-actin (CBA) promoters, we report significant differences in the patterns of cell-specific gene expression in the central and peripheral nervous systems. The CMV promoter provides high initial neural expression that diminishes over time. The CBA promoter displayed mostly ubiquitous and high neural expression, but substantially lower expression in motor neurons (MNs). We report the creation of a novel hybrid form of the CBA promoter (CBh) that provides robust long-term expression in all cells observed with CMV or CBA, including MNs. To develop a short neuronal promoter to package larger transgenes into AAV vectors, we also found that a 229-bp fragment of the mouse methyl-CpG-binding protein-2 (MeCP2) promoter was able to drive neuron-specific expression within the CNS. Thus the 800-bp CBh promoter provides strong, long-term, and ubiquitous CNS expression whereas the MeCP2 promoter allows an extra 570-bp packaging capacity, with low and mostly neuronal expression within the CNS, similar to the MeCP2 transcription factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J Gray
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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22
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Baek RC, Broekman MLD, Leroy SG, Tierney LA, Sandberg MA, d'Azzo A, Seyfried TN, Sena-Esteves M. AAV-mediated gene delivery in adult GM1-gangliosidosis mice corrects lysosomal storage in CNS and improves survival. PLoS One 2010; 5:e13468. [PMID: 20976108 PMCID: PMC2956705 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0013468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2010] [Accepted: 09/22/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND GM1-gangliosidosis is a glycosphingolipid (GSL) lysosomal storage disease caused by a genetic deficiency of acid β-galactosidase (βgal), which results in the accumulation of GM1-ganglioside and its asialo-form (GA1) primarily in the CNS. Age of onset ranges from infancy to adulthood, and excessive ganglioside accumulation produces progressive neurodegeneration and psychomotor retardation in humans. Currently, there are no effective therapies for the treatment of GM1-gangliosidosis. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS In this study we examined the effect of thalamic infusion of AAV2/1-βgal vector in adult GM1 mice on enzyme distribution, activity, and GSL content in the CNS, motor behavior, and survival. Six to eight week-old GM1 mice received bilateral injections of AAV vector in the thalamus, or thalamus and deep cerebellar nuclei (DCN) with pre-determined endpoints at 1 and 4 months post-injection, and the humane endpoint, or 52 weeks of age. Enzyme activity was elevated throughout the CNS of AAV-treated GM1 mice and GSL storage nearly normalized in most structures analyzed, except in the spinal cord which showed ∼50% reduction compared to age-matched untreated GM1 mice spinal cord. Survival was significantly longer in AAV-treated GM1 mice (52 wks) than in untreated mice. However the motor performance of AAV-treated GM1 mice declined over time at a rate similar to that observed in untreated GM1 mice. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Our studies show that the AAV-modified thalamus can be used as a 'built-in' central node network for widespread distribution of lysosomal enzymes in the mouse cerebrum. In addition, this study indicates that thalamic delivery of AAV vectors should be combined with additional targets to supply the cerebellum and spinal cord with therapeutic levels of enzyme necessary to achieve complete correction of the neurological phenotype in GM1 mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rena C. Baek
- Biology Department, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Marike L. D. Broekman
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Pharmacology and Anatomy, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Stanley G. Leroy
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Laryssa A. Tierney
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Michael A. Sandberg
- Berman-Gund Laboratory for the Study of Retinal Degenerations, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Alessandra d'Azzo
- Department of Genetics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Thomas N. Seyfried
- Biology Department, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Miguel Sena-Esteves
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Passini MA, Bu J, Roskelley EM, Richards AM, Sardi SP, O'Riordan CR, Klinger KW, Shihabuddin LS, Cheng SH. CNS-targeted gene therapy improves survival and motor function in a mouse model of spinal muscular atrophy. J Clin Invest 2010; 120:1253-64. [PMID: 20234094 DOI: 10.1172/jci41615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 220] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2009] [Accepted: 01/13/2010] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neuromuscular disease caused by a deficiency of survival motor neuron (SMN) due to mutations in the SMN1 gene. In this study, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector expressing human SMN (AAV8-hSMN) was injected at birth into the CNS of mice modeling SMA. Western blot analysis showed that these injections resulted in widespread expression of SMN throughout the spinal cord, and this translated into robust improvement in skeletal muscle physiology, including increased myofiber size and improved neuromuscular junction architecture. Treated mice also displayed substantial improvements on behavioral tests of muscle strength, coordination, and locomotion, indicating that the neuromuscular junction was functional. Treatment with AAV8-hSMN increased the median life span of mice with SMA-like disease to 50 days compared with 15 days for untreated controls. Moreover, injecting mice with SMA-like disease with a human SMN-expressing self-complementary AAV vector - a vector that leads to earlier onset of gene expression compared with standard AAV vectors - led to improved efficacy of gene therapy, including a substantial extension in median survival to 157 days. These data indicate that CNS-directed, AAV-mediated SMN augmentation is highly efficacious in addressing both neuronal and muscular pathologies in a severe mouse model of SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco A Passini
- Genzyme Corporation, 49 New York Avenue, Room 2410, Framingham, MA 01701, USA.
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