1
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Hu X, Chen J, Dai W, Xiao Y, Chen X, Chen Z, Zhang S, Hu Y. PHLDA1-PRDM1 mediates the effect of lentiviral vectors on fate-determination of human retinal progenitor cells. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:305. [PMID: 39012348 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05279-z] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Lentiviral vectors have markedly enhanced gene therapy efficiency in treating congenital diseases, but their long-term safety remains controversial. Most gene therapies for congenital eye diseases need to be carried out at early ages, yet the assessment of related risks to ocular development posed by lentiviral vectors is challenging. Utilizing single-cell transcriptomic profiling on human retinal organoids, this study explored the impact of lentiviral vectors on the retinal development and found that lentiviral vectors can cause retinal precursor cells to shift toward photoreceptor fate through the up-regulation of key fate-determining genes such as PRDM1. Further investigation demonstrated that the intron and intergenic region of PRDM1 was bound by PHLDA1, which was also up-regulated by lentiviral vectors exposure. Importantly, knockdown of PHLDA1 successfully suppressed the lentivirus-induced differentiation bias of photoreceptor cells. The findings also suggest that while lentiviral vectors may disrupt the fate determination of retinal precursor cells, posing risks in early-stage retinal gene therapy, these risks could potentially be reduced by inhibiting the PHLDA1-PRDM1 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jia Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wangxuan Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuhua Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zheyao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuyao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Youjin Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China.
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2
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Li M, Liu Z, Wang D, Ye J, Shi Z, Pan C, Zhang Q, Ju R, Zheng Y, Liu Y. Intraocular mRNA delivery with endogenous MmPEG10-based virus-like particles. Exp Eye Res 2024; 243:109899. [PMID: 38636802 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLP) are a promising tool for intracellular gene delivery, yet their potential in ocular gene therapy remains underexplored. In this study, we bridged this knowledge gap by demonstrating the successful generation and application of vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein (VSVG)-pseudotyped mouse PEG10 (MmPEG10)-VLP for intraocular mRNA delivery. Our findings revealed that PEG10-VLP can efficiently deliver GFP mRNA to adult retinal pigment epithelial cell line-19 (ARPE-19) cells, leading to transient expression. Moreover, we showed that MmPEG10-VLP can transfer SMAD7 to inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in RPE cells effectively. In vivo experiments further substantiated the potential of these vectors, as subretinal delivery into adult mice resulted in efficient transduction of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and GFP reporter gene expression without significant immune response. However, intravitreal injection did not yield efficient ocular expression. We also evaluated the transduction characteristics of MmPEG10-VLP following intracameral delivery, revealing transient GFP protein expression in corneal endothelial cells without significant immunotoxicities. In summary, our study established that VSVG pseudotyped MmPEG10-based VLP can transduce mitotically inactive RPE cells and corneal endothelial cells in vivo without triggering an inflammatory response, underscoring their potential utility in ocular gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengke Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China; Research Unit of Ocular Development and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100085 China
| | - Zhong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Dongliang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Jinguo Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Zhuoxing Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Caineng Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Qikai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Rong Ju
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Yingfeng Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China; Research Unit of Ocular Development and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100085 China.
| | - Yizhi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China; Research Unit of Ocular Development and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100085 China
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3
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Patil SV, Kaipa BR, Ranshing S, Sundaresan Y, Millar JC, Nagarajan B, Kiehlbauch C, Zhang Q, Jain A, Searby CC, Scheetz TE, Clark AF, Sheffield VC, Zode GS. Lentiviral mediated delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 reduces intraocular pressure in a mouse model of myocilin glaucoma. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6958. [PMID: 38521856 PMCID: PMC10960846 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57286-6] [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: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Mutations in myocilin (MYOC) are the leading known genetic cause of primary open-angle glaucoma, responsible for about 4% of all cases. Mutations in MYOC cause a gain-of-function phenotype in which mutant myocilin accumulates in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) leading to ER stress and trabecular meshwork (TM) cell death. Therefore, knocking out myocilin at the genome level is an ideal strategy to permanently cure the disease. We have previously utilized CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing successfully to target MYOC using adenovirus 5 (Ad5). However, Ad5 is not a suitable vector for clinical use. Here, we sought to determine the efficacy of adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) and lentiviruses (LVs) to target the TM. First, we examined the TM tropism of single-stranded (ss) and self-complimentary (sc) AAV serotypes as well as LV expressing GFP via intravitreal (IVT) and intracameral (IC) injections. We observed that LV_GFP expression was more specific to the TM injected via the IVT route. IC injections of Trp-mutant scAAV2 showed a prominent expression of GFP in the TM. However, robust GFP expression was also observed in the ciliary body and retina. We next constructed lentiviral particles expressing Cas9 and guide RNA (gRNA) targeting MYOC (crMYOC) and transduction of TM cells stably expressing mutant myocilin with LV_crMYOC significantly reduced myocilin accumulation and its associated chronic ER stress. A single IVT injection of LV_crMYOC in Tg-MYOCY437H mice decreased myocilin accumulation in TM and reduced elevated IOP significantly. Together, our data indicates, LV_crMYOC targets MYOC gene editing in TM and rescues a mouse model of myocilin-associated glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruti V Patil
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Balasankara Reddy Kaipa
- Department of Ophthalmology and Center for Translational Vision Research, University of California, 829 Health Sciences Rd, Irvine, CA, 92617, USA
| | - Sujata Ranshing
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Yogapriya Sundaresan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Center for Translational Vision Research, University of California, 829 Health Sciences Rd, Irvine, CA, 92617, USA
| | - J Cameron Millar
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Bhavani Nagarajan
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Charles Kiehlbauch
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Qihong Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Ankur Jain
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Charles C Searby
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Todd E Scheetz
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Abbot F Clark
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Val C Sheffield
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Gulab S Zode
- Department of Ophthalmology and Center for Translational Vision Research, University of California, 829 Health Sciences Rd, Irvine, CA, 92617, USA.
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4
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Patil SV, Kaipa BR, Ranshing S, Sundaresan Y, Millar JC, Nagarajan B, Kiehlbauch C, Zhang Q, Jain A, Searby CC, Scheetz TE, Clark AF, Sheffield VC, Zode GS. Lentiviral mediated delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 reduces intraocular pressure in a mouse model of myocilin glaucoma. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3740880. [PMID: 38196579 PMCID: PMC10775399 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3740880/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Mutations in myocilin (MYOC) are the leading known genetic cause of primary open-angle glaucoma, responsible for about 4% of all cases. Mutations in MYOC cause a gain-of-function phenotype in which mutant myocilin accumulates in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) leading to ER stress and trabecular meshwork (TM) cell death. Therefore, knocking out myocilin at the genome level is an ideal strategy to permanently cure the disease. We have previously utilized CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing successfully to target MYOC using adenovirus 5 (Ad5). However, Ad5 is not a suitable vector for clinical use. Here, we sought to determine the efficacy of adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) and lentiviruses (LVs) to target the TM. First, we examined the TM tropism of single-stranded (ss) and self-complimentary (sc) AAV serotypes as well as LV expressing GFP via intravitreal (IVT) and intracameral (IC) injections. We observed that LV_GFP expression was more specific to the TM injected via the IVT route. IC injections of Trp-mutant scAAV2 showed a prominent expression of GFP in the TM. However, robust GFP expression was also observed in the ciliary body and retina. We next constructed lentiviral particles expressing Cas9 and guide RNA (gRNA) targeting MYOC (crMYOC) and transduction of TM cells stably expressing mutant myocilin with LV_crMYOC significantly reduced myocilin accumulation and its associated chronic ER stress. A single IVT injection of LV_crMYOC in Tg-MYOCY437H mice decreased myocilin accumulation in TM and reduced elevated IOP significantly. Together, our data indicates, LV_crMYOC targets MYOC gene editing in TM and rescues a mouse model of myocilin-associated glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruti V Patil
- University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
| | | | - Sujata Ranshing
- University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Abbot F Clark
- University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
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5
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Mandal S, Maharana PK, Kaweri L, Asif MI, Nagpal R, Sharma N. Management and prevention of corneal graft rejection. Indian J Ophthalmol 2023; 71:3149-3159. [PMID: 37602601 PMCID: PMC10565940 DOI: 10.4103/ijo.ijo_228_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The management of an episode of corneal graft rejection (CGR) is primarily by corticosteroids. Immunomodulators are useful for long-term immunosuppression and in dealing with cases of high-risk (HR) corneal grafts. The classical signs of CGR following penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) include rejection line, anterior chamber (AC) reaction, and graft edema. However, these signs may be absent or subtle in cases of endothelial keratoplasty (EK). Prevention of an episode of graft rejection is of utmost importance as it can reduce the need for donor cornea significantly. In our previous article (IJO_2866_22), we had discussed about the immunopathogenesis of CGR. In this review article, we aim to discuss the various clinical aspects and management of CGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohini Mandal
- Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Prafulla K Maharana
- Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Luci Kaweri
- Consultant, Narayana Nethralaya, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | | | - Ritu Nagpal
- Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Namrata Sharma
- Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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6
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Han G, Wei P, Han Q. Application of IPSC and Müller glia derivatives in retinal degenerative diseases. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2023; 199:351-362. [PMID: 37678979 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2023.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Retinal degenerative diseases cause blindness characterized by a progressive decline in the number and function of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), photoreceptor cells, and ganglion cells. Such diseases include retinitis pigmentosa (RP), glaucomatous optic neuropathy, age-related macular degeneration and diabetic optic neuropathy. Recent studies have demonstrated that Müller glial cells (MGCs), an endogenous alternative source of retinal neurons, are important glial cells involved in retinal development, damage, and regeneration, making it an excellent target for retinal nerve regeneration. Although hardly differentiate into neuron cells, transplanted MGCs have been shown to induce partial recovery of visual function in experimental retinal degenerative models. This improvement is possibly attributed to the release of neuroprotective factors that derived from the MGCs. With the development of the therapeutic usage of pluripotent stem cell, application of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) or embryonic stem cells (ESCs) originated derivation of MGCs have been widely used in retinal degenerative disease model such as glaucoma and retinitis pigmentosa model. This chapter summarized the relevant research and mechanisms and provided a broader application and research prospects for effective treatments in retinal degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoge Han
- Clinical College of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, P.R. China; Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin, P.R. China; Nankai University Eye Institute, Nankai University Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nankai University, Tianjin, P.R. China.
| | - Pinghui Wei
- Clinical College of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, P.R. China; Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin, P.R. China; Nankai University Eye Institute, Nankai University Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nankai University, Tianjin, P.R. China
| | - Quanhong Han
- Clinical College of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, P.R. China; Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin, P.R. China; Nankai University Eye Institute, Nankai University Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nankai University, Tianjin, P.R. China
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7
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Abstract
This Review examines the state-of-the-art in the delivery of nucleic acid therapies that are directed to the vascular endothelium. First, we review the most important homeostatic functions and properties of the vascular endothelium and summarize the nucleic acid tools that are currently available for gene therapy and nucleic acid delivery. Second, we consider the opportunities available with the endothelium as a therapeutic target and the experimental models that exist to evaluate the potential of those opportunities. Finally, we review the progress to date from investigations that are directly targeting the vascular endothelium: for vascular disease, for peri-transplant therapy, for angiogenic therapies, for pulmonary endothelial disease, and for the blood-brain barrier, ending with a summary of the future outlook in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - W. Mark Saltzman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering
- Department of Chemical & Environmental Engineering
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Physiology
- Department of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510
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8
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Mandal M, Banerjee I, Mandal M. Nanoparticle-mediated gene therapy as a novel strategy for the treatment of retinoblastoma. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2022; 220:112899. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2022.112899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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9
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Wasnik VB, Thool AR. Ocular Gene Therapy: A Literature Review With Focus on Current Clinical Trials. Cureus 2022; 14:e29533. [DOI: 10.7759/cureus.29533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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10
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Abstract
In 2001, the first large animal was successfully treated with a gene therapy that restored its vision. Lancelot, the Briard dog that was treated, suffered from a human childhood blindness called Leber's congenital amaurosis type 2. Sixteen years later, the gene therapy was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The success of this gene therapy in dogs led to a fast expansion of the ocular gene therapy field. By now every class of inherited retinal dystrophy has been treated in at least one animal model and many clinical trials have been initiated in humans. In this study, we review the status of viral gene therapies for the retina, with a focus on ongoing human clinical trials. It is likely that in the next decade we will see several new viral gene therapies approved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun-Yun Cheng
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Ophthalmology, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States;
| | - Claudio Punzo
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Ophthalmology, 368 Plantation Street, Albert Sherman Center, AS6-2041, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States, 01605;
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11
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Peng M, Margetts TJ, Rayana NP, Sugali CK, Dai J, Mao W. The application of lentiviral vectors for the establishment of TGFβ2-induced ocular hypertension in C57BL/6J mice. Exp Eye Res 2022; 221:109137. [PMID: 35691374 PMCID: PMC10953626 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Elevated levels of TGFβ2 in the aqueous humor is associated with the pathological changes in the trabecular meshwork (TM). These changes lead to ocular hypertension (OHT), the most important risk factor for the development and progression of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), a leading cause of blindness worldwide. Therefore, TGFβ2 is frequently used to develop OHT models including in perfusion cultured eyes and in mouse eyes. Adenovirus-mediated overexpression of human mutant TGFβ2 has demonstrated great success in increasing intraocular pressure (IOP) in mouse eyes. However, adenoviruses have limited capacity for a foreign gene, induce transient expression, and may cause ocular inflammation. Here, we explored the potential of using lentiviral vectors carrying the mutant human TGFβ2C226S/C228S (ΔhTGFβ2C226S/C228S) gene expression cassette for the induction of OHT in C57BL/6J mice. Lentiviral vectors using CMV or EF1α promoter to drive the expression of ΔhTGFβ2C226S/C228S were injected into one of the mouse eyes and the fellow eye was injected with the same vector but expressing GFP/mCherry as controls. Both intravitreal and intracameral injection routes were tested in male and female mice. We did not observe significant IOP changes using either promoter or injection route at the dose of 8 × 105 PFU/eye. Immunostaining showed normal anterior chamber angle structures and a slight increase in TGFβ2 expression in the TM of the eyes receiving intracameral viral injection but not in those receiving intravitreal viral injection. At the dose of 2 × 106 PFU/eye, intracameral injection of the lentiviral vector with the CMV-ΔhTGFβ2C226S/C228S cassette induced significant IOP elevation and increased the expression of TGFβ2 and fibronectin isoform EDA in the TM. Our data suggest that lentiviral doses are important for establishing the TGFβ2-induced OHT model in the C57BL/6J strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Peng
- Eugene & Marilyn Glick Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, USA
| | - Tyler J Margetts
- Eugene & Marilyn Glick Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, USA
| | - Naga Pradeep Rayana
- Eugene & Marilyn Glick Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, USA
| | - Chenna Kesavulu Sugali
- Eugene & Marilyn Glick Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, USA
| | - Jiannong Dai
- Eugene & Marilyn Glick Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, USA
| | - Weiming Mao
- Eugene & Marilyn Glick Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, USA.
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12
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He M, Rong R, Ji D, Xia X. From Bench to Bed: The Current Genome Editing Therapies for Glaucoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:879957. [PMID: 35652098 PMCID: PMC9149310 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.879957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a group of optic neuropathies featured by degeneration of retinal ganglion cells and loss of their axons in the optic nerve. The only currently approved therapies focus on lowering intraocular pressure with medication and surgery. Over the previous few decades, technological advances and research progress regarding pathogenesis has brought glaucomatous gene therapy to the forefront. In this review, we discuss the three current genome editing methods and potential disease mechanisms of glaucoma. We further summarize different genome editing strategies that are being developed to target a number of glaucoma-related genes and pathways from four aspects including strategies to lower intraocular pressure, neuroprotection, RGC and optic nerve neuro-regeneration, and other strategies. In summary, genome therapy is a promising therapy for treating patients with glaucoma and has great potential to be widely applied in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meihui He
- Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Rong Rong
- Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Dan Ji
- Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaobo Xia
- Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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13
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Ghoraba HH, Akhavanrezayat A, Karaca I, Yavari N, Lajevardi S, Hwang J, Regenold J, Matsumiya W, Pham B, Zaidi M, Mobasserian A, DongChau AT, Or C, Yasar C, Mishra K, Do D, Nguyen QD. Ocular Gene Therapy: A Literature Review with Special Focus on Immune and Inflammatory Responses. Clin Ophthalmol 2022; 16:1753-1771. [PMID: 35685379 PMCID: PMC9173725 DOI: 10.2147/opth.s364200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hashem H Ghoraba
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Amir Akhavanrezayat
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Irmak Karaca
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Negin Yavari
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Sherin Lajevardi
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Jaclyn Hwang
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Jonathan Regenold
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Wataru Matsumiya
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Brandon Pham
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Moosa Zaidi
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Azadeh Mobasserian
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Anthony Toan DongChau
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Christopher Or
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Cigdem Yasar
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Kapil Mishra
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Diana Do
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Quan Dong Nguyen
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Correspondence: Quan Dong Nguyen, Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, 2370 Watson Court, Suite 200, Palo Alto, CA, USA, Tel +1 6507257245, Fax +1 6507368232, Email
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14
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Alsing S, Doktor TK, Askou AL, Jensen EG, Ahmadov U, Kristensen LS, Andresen BS, Aagaard L, Corydon TJ. VEGFA-targeting miR-agshRNAs combine efficacy with specificity and safety for retinal gene therapy. MOLECULAR THERAPY - NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 28:58-76. [PMID: 35356684 PMCID: PMC8933642 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Retinal gene therapy using RNA interference (RNAi) to silence targeted genes requires both efficacy and safety. Short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) are useful for RNAi, but high expression levels and activity from the co-delivered passenger strand may cause undesirable cellular responses. Ago2-dependent shRNAs (agshRNAs) produce no passenger strand activity. To enhance efficacy and to investigate improvements in safety, we have generated VEGFA-targeting agshRNAs and microRNA (miRNA)-embedded agshRNAs (miR-agshRNAs) and inserted these RNAi effectors in Pol II/III-driven expression cassettes and lentiviral vectors (LVs). Compared with corresponding shRNAs, agshRNAs and miR-agshRNAs increased specificity and safety, while retaining a high knockdown efficacy and abolishing passenger strand activity. The agshRNAs also caused significantly smaller reductions in cell viability and reduced competition with the processing of endogenous miR21 compared with their shRNA counterparts. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis of LV-transduced ARPE19 cells revealed that expression of shRNAs in general leads to more changes in gene expression levels compared with their agshRNA counterparts and activation of immune-related pathways. In mice, subretinal delivery of LVs encoding tissue-specific miR-agshRNAs resulted in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)-restricted expression and significant knockdown of Vegfa in transduced RPE cells. Collectively, our data suggest that agshRNAs and miR-agshRNA possess important advantages over shRNAs, thereby posing a clinically relevant approach with respect to efficacy, specificity, and safety.
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15
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Developing Non-Human Primate Models of Inherited Retinal Diseases. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13020344. [PMID: 35205388 PMCID: PMC8872446 DOI: 10.3390/genes13020344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) represent a genetically and clinically heterogenous group of diseases that can eventually lead to blindness. Advances in sequencing technologies have resulted in better molecular characterization and genotype–phenotype correlation of IRDs. This has fueled research into therapeutic development over the recent years. Animal models are required for pre-clinical efficacy assessment. Non-human primates (NHP) are ideal due to the anatomical and genetic similarities shared with humans. However, developing NHP disease to recapitulate the disease phenotype for specific IRDs may be challenging from both technical and cost perspectives. This review discusses the currently available NHP IRD models and the methods used for development, with a particular focus on gene-editing technologies.
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16
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Advances in Ophthalmic Optogenetics: Approaches and Applications. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12020269. [PMID: 35204770 PMCID: PMC8961521 DOI: 10.3390/biom12020269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in optogenetics hold promise for vision restoration in degenerative eye diseases. Optogenetics refers to techniques that use light to control the cellular activity of targeted cells. Although optogenetics is a relatively new technology, multiple therapeutic options are already being explored in pre-clinical and phase I/II clinical trials with the aim of developing novel, safe, and effective treatments for major blinding eye diseases, such as glaucoma and retinitis pigmentosa. Optogenetic approaches to visual restoration are primarily aimed at replacing lost or dysfunctional photoreceptors by inserting light-sensitive proteins into downstream retinal neurons that have no intrinsic light sensitivity. Such approaches are attractive because they are agnostic to the genetic causes of retinal degeneration, which raises hopes that all forms of retinal dystrophic and degenerative diseases could become treatable. Optogenetic strategies can also have a far-reaching impact on translational research by serving as important tools to study the pathogenesis of retinal degeneration and to identify clinically relevant therapeutic targets. For example, the CRY-CIBN optogenetic system has been recently applied to animal models of glaucoma, suggesting a potential role of OCRL in the regulation of intraocular pressure in trabecular meshwork. As optogenetic strategies are being intensely investigated, it appears crucial to consider the opportunities and challenges such therapies may offer. Here, we review the more recent promising optogenetic molecules, vectors, and applications of optogenetics for the treatment of retinal degeneration and glaucoma. We also summarize the preliminary results of ongoing clinical trials for visual restoration.
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17
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Paniagua AE, Segurado A, Dolón JF, Esteve-Rudd J, Velasco A, Williams DS, Lillo C. Key Role for CRB2 in the Maintenance of Apicobasal Polarity in Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:701853. [PMID: 34262913 PMCID: PMC8273544 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.701853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Apicobasal polarity is essential for epithelial cell function, yet the roles of different proteins in its completion is not fully understood. Here, we have studied the role of the polarity protein, CRB2, in human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells during polarization in vitro, and in mature murine RPE cells in vivo. After establishing a simplified protocol for the culture of human fetal RPE cells, we studied the temporal sequence of the expression and localization of polarity and cell junction proteins during polarization in these epithelial cells. We found that CRB2 plays a key role in tight junction maintenance as well as in cell cycle arrest. In addition, our studies in vivo show that the knockdown of CRB2 in the RPE affects to the distribution of different apical polarity proteins and results in perturbed retinal homeostasis, manifested by the invasion of activated microglial cells into the subretinal space. Together our results demonstrate that CRB2 is a key protein for the development and maintenance of a polarized epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio E. Paniagua
- Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla y León, IBSAL, Cell Biology and Pathology, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Stein Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Alicia Segurado
- Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla y León, IBSAL, Cell Biology and Pathology, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Jorge F. Dolón
- Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla y León, IBSAL, Cell Biology and Pathology, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Julián Esteve-Rudd
- Stein Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Almudena Velasco
- Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla y León, IBSAL, Cell Biology and Pathology, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - David S. Williams
- Stein Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Concepción Lillo
- Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla y León, IBSAL, Cell Biology and Pathology, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
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18
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Amador C, Shah R, Ghiam S, Kramerov AA, Ljubimov AV. Gene therapy in the anterior eye segment. Curr Gene Ther 2021; 22:104-131. [PMID: 33902406 DOI: 10.2174/1566523221666210423084233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
This review provides comprehensive information about the advances in gene therapy in the anterior segment of the eye including cornea, conjunctiva, lacrimal gland, and trabecular meshwork. We discuss gene delivery systems including viral and non-viral vectors as well as gene editing techniques, mainly CRISPR-Cas9, and epigenetic treatments including antisense and siRNA therapeutics. We also provide a detailed analysis of various anterior segment diseases where gene therapy has been tested with corresponding outcomes. Disease conditions include corneal and conjunctival fibrosis and scarring, corneal epithelial wound healing, corneal graft survival, corneal neovascularization, genetic corneal dystrophies, herpetic keratitis, glaucoma, dry eye disease, and other ocular surface diseases. Although most of the analyzed results on the use and validity of gene therapy at the ocular surface have been obtained in vitro or using animal models, we also discuss the available human studies. Gene therapy approaches are currently considered very promising as emerging future treatments of various diseases, and this field is rapidly expanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Amador
- Eye Program, Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Ruchi Shah
- Eye Program, Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Sean Ghiam
- Sackler School of Medicine, New York State/American Program of Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Andrei A Kramerov
- Eye Program, Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Alexander V Ljubimov
- Eye Program, Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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19
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Sauter MM, Brandt CR. Knockdown of TRIM5α or TRIM11 increases lentiviral vector transduction efficiency of human Muller cells. Exp Eye Res 2021; 204:108436. [PMID: 33440192 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The goal of this study was to determine the expression and distribution of the host restriction factors (RFs) TRIM5α and TRIM11 in non-human primate (NHP) neural retina tissue and the human Muller cell line MIO-M1. In addition, experiments were performed to determine the effect of TRIM5α and TRIM11 knockdown on FIVGFP transduction of MIO-M1 cells with the goal of devising strategies to increase the efficiency of lentiviral (LV) gene delivery. Immunofluorescence (IF) studies indicated that TRIM5α and TRIM11 were localized predominantly in nuclei within the outer nuclear layer (ONL) and inner nuclear layer (INL) of NHP retina tissue. Double label IF indicated that TRIM5α and TRIM11 were localized to some of the retinal Muller cell nuclei. MIO-M1 cells expressed TRIM5α predominantly in the nucleus and TRIM11 primarily in the cytosol. FIVGFP transduction efficiency was significantly increased, at 4 and 7 days post transduction, in TRIM5α and TRIM11 knockdown clones (KD) compared to WT MIO-M1 cells. In addition, pretreatment with the proteasome inhibitor MG132 increased the transduction efficiency of FIVGFP in WT MIO-M1 cells. The nuclear translocation of NF-κB (p65), at 72 h post FIVGFP transduction, was enhanced in TRIM5α and TRIM11 KD clones. The expression of TRIM5α and TRIM11 in macaque neural retina tissue and MIO-M1 cells indicate the presence of these RFs in NHP retina and human Muller cells. Our data indicate that even partial knockdown of TRIM5α or TRIM11, or a short proteasome inhibitor pretreatment, can increase the transduction efficiency of a LV vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica M Sauter
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Curtis R Brandt
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA; Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA; McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA.
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20
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Ocular delivery of CRISPR/Cas genome editing components for treatment of eye diseases. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 168:181-195. [PMID: 32603815 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2020.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
A variety of inherited or multifactorial ocular diseases call for novel treatment paradigms. The newly developed genome editing technology, CRISPR, has shown great promise in treating these diseases, but delivery of the CRISPR/Cas components to target ocular tissues and cells requires appropriate use of vectors and routes of administration to ensure safety, efficacy and specificity. Although adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors are thus far the most commonly used tool for ocular gene delivery, sustained expression of CRISPR/Cas components may cause immune reactions and an increased risk of off-target editing. In this review, we summarize the ocular administration routes and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of viral and non-viral vectors for delivery of CRISPR/Cas components to the eye. We review the existing studies of CRISPR/Cas genome editing for ocular diseases and discuss the major challenges of the technology in ocular applications. We also discuss the most recently developed CRISPR tools such as base editing and prime editing which may be used for future ocular applications.
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21
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McClements ME, Staurenghi F, MacLaren RE, Cehajic-Kapetanovic J. Optogenetic Gene Therapy for the Degenerate Retina: Recent Advances. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:570909. [PMID: 33262683 PMCID: PMC7686539 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.570909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The degeneration of light-detecting rod and cone photoreceptors in the human retina leads to severe visual impairment and ultimately legal blindness in millions of people worldwide. Multiple therapeutic options at different stages of degeneration are being explored but the majority of ongoing clinical trials involve adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector-based gene supplementation strategies for select forms of inherited retinal disease. Over 300 genes are associated with inherited retinal degenerations and only a small proportion of these will be suitable for gene replacement therapy. However, while the origins of disease may vary, there are considerable similarities in the physiological changes that occur in the retina. When early therapeutic intervention is not possible and patients suffer loss of photoreceptor cells but maintain remaining layers of cells in the neural retina, there is an opportunity for a universal gene therapy approach that can be applied regardless of the genetic origin of disease. Optogenetic therapy offers such a strategy by aiming to restore vision though the provision of light-sensitive molecules to surviving cell types of the retina that enable light perception through the residual neurons. Here we review the recent progress in attempts to restore visual function to the degenerate retina using optogenetic therapy. We focus on multiple pre-clinical models used in optogenetic strategies, discuss their strengths and limitations, and highlight considerations including vector and transgene designs that have advanced the field into two ongoing clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle E. McClements
- Nuffield Laboratory Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Federica Staurenghi
- Nuffield Laboratory Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Robert E. MacLaren
- Nuffield Laboratory Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Jasmina Cehajic-Kapetanovic
- Nuffield Laboratory Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
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22
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Naik S, Shreya AB, Raychaudhuri R, Pandey A, Lewis SA, Hazarika M, Bhandary SV, Rao BSS, Mutalik S. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) based gene silencing strategies for the treatment of glaucoma: Recent advancements and future perspectives. Life Sci 2020; 264:118712. [PMID: 33159955 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
RNA-interference-based mechanisms, especially the use of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), have been under investigation for the treatment of several ailments and have shown promising results for ocular diseases including glaucoma. The eye, being a confined compartment, serves as a good target for the delivery of siRNAs. This review focuses on siRNA-based strategies for gene silencing to treat glaucoma. We have discussed the ocular structures and barriers to gene therapy (tear film, corneal, conjunctival, vitreous, and blood ocular barriers), methods of administration for ocular gene delivery (topical instillation, periocular, intracameral, intravitreal, subretinal, and suprachoroidal routes) and various viral and non-viral vectors in siRNA-based therapy for glaucoma. The components and mechanism of siRNA-based gene silencing have been mentioned briefly followed by the basic strategies and challenges faced during siRNA therapeutics development. We have emphasized different therapeutic targets for glaucoma which have been under research by scientists and the current siRNA-based drugs used in glaucoma treatment. We also mention briefly strategies for siRNA-based treatment after glaucoma surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santoshi Naik
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka State, India
| | - Ajjappla Basavaraj Shreya
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka State, India
| | - Ruchira Raychaudhuri
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka State, India
| | - Abhijeet Pandey
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka State, India
| | - Shaila A Lewis
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka State, India
| | - Manali Hazarika
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka State, India
| | - Sulatha V Bhandary
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka State, India
| | - Bola Sadashiva Satish Rao
- Director - Research, Directorte of Research, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal and School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka State, India
| | - Srinivas Mutalik
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka State, India.
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23
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Kleinlogel S, Vogl C, Jeschke M, Neef J, Moser T. Emerging approaches for restoration of hearing and vision. Physiol Rev 2020; 100:1467-1525. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00035.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Impairments of vision and hearing are highly prevalent conditions limiting the quality of life and presenting a major socioeconomic burden. For long, retinal and cochlear disorders have remained intractable for causal therapies, with sensory rehabilitation limited to glasses, hearing aids, and electrical cochlear or retinal implants. Recently, the application of gene therapy and optogenetics to eye and ear has generated hope for a fundamental improvement of vision and hearing restoration. To date, one gene therapy for the restoration of vision has been approved and undergoing clinical trials will broaden its application including gene replacement, genome editing, and regenerative approaches. Moreover, optogenetics, i.e. controlling the activity of cells by light, offers a more general alternative strategy. Over little more than a decade, optogenetic approaches have been developed and applied to better understand the function of biological systems, while protein engineers have identified and designed new opsin variants with desired physiological features. Considering potential clinical applications of optogenetics, the spotlight is on the sensory systems. Multiple efforts have been undertaken to restore lost or hampered function in eye and ear. Optogenetic stimulation promises to overcome fundamental shortcomings of electrical stimulation, namely poor spatial resolution and cellular specificity, and accordingly to deliver more detailed sensory information. This review aims at providing a comprehensive reference on current gene therapeutic and optogenetic research relevant to the restoration of hearing and vision. We will introduce gene-therapeutic approaches and discuss the biotechnological and optoelectronic aspects of optogenetic hearing and vision restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Tobias Moser
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience, University Medical Center Goettingen, Germany
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24
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Han IC, Burnight ER, Ulferts MJ, Worthington KS, Russell SR, Sohn EH, Mullins RF, Stone EM, Tucker BA, Wiley LA. Helper-Dependent Adenovirus Transduces the Human and Rat Retina but Elicits an Inflammatory Reaction When Delivered Subretinally in Rats. Hum Gene Ther 2019; 30:1371-1384. [PMID: 31456426 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2019.159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of >100 genes causing inherited retinal degeneration and the promising results of recent gene augmentation trials have led to an increase in the number of studies investigating the preclinical efficacy of viral-mediated gene transfer. Despite success using adeno-associated viruses, many disease-causing genes, such as ABCA4 or USH2A, are too large to fit into these vectors. One option for large gene delivery is the family of integration-deficient helper-dependent adenoviruses (HDAds), which efficiently transduce postmitotic neurons. However, HDAds have been shown in other organ systems to elicit an immune response, and the immunogenicity of HDAds in the retina has not been characterized. In this study, HDAd serotype 5 (HDAd5) was found to successfully transduce rod and cone photoreceptors in ex vivo human retinal organ cultures. The ocular inflammatory response to subretinal injection of the HDAd5 was evaluated using a rat model. Subretinal injection of HDAd5 carrying cytomegalovirus promoter-driven enhanced green fluorescent protein (HDAd5-CMVp-eGFP) elicited a robust inflammatory response by 3 days postinjection. This reaction included vitreous infiltration of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1)-positive monocytes and increased expression of the proinflammatory protein, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1). By 7 days postinjection, most Iba1-positive infiltrates migrated into the neural retina and ICAM-1 expression was significantly increased compared with buffer-injected control eyes. At 14 days postinjection, Iba1-positive cells persisted in the retinas of HDAd5-injected eyes, and there was thinning of the outer nuclear layer. Subretinal injection of an empty HDAd5 virus was used to confirm that the inflammatory response was in response to the HDAd5 vector and not due to eGFP-induced overexpression cytotoxicity. Subretinal injection of lower doses of HDAd5 dampened the inflammatory response, but also eGFP expression. Despite their larger carrying capacity, further work is needed to elucidate the inflammatory pathways involved and to identify an immunomodulation paradigm sufficient for safe and effective transfer of large genes to the retina using HDAd5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian C Han
- The University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Erin R Burnight
- The University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Mallory J Ulferts
- The University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Kristan S Worthington
- The University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Stephen R Russell
- The University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Elliott H Sohn
- The University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Robert F Mullins
- The University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Edwin M Stone
- The University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Budd A Tucker
- The University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Luke A Wiley
- The University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
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25
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Gene delivery to the rat retina by non-viral vectors based on chloroquine-containing cationic niosomes. J Control Release 2019; 304:181-190. [PMID: 31071372 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2019.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The incorporation of chloroquine within nano formulations, rather than as a co-treatment of the cells, could open a new avenue for in vivo retinal gene delivery. In this manuscript, we evaluated the incorporation of chloroquine diphosphate into the cationic niosome formulation composed of poloxamer 188, polysorbate 80 non-ionic surfactants, and 2,3-di (tetradecyloxy) propan-1-amine (hydrochloride salt) cationic lipid, to transfect rat retina. Niosome formulations without and with chloroquine diphosphate (DPP80, and DPP80-CQ, respectively) were prepared by the reverse phase evaporation technique and characterized in terms of size, PDI, zeta potential, and morphology. After the incorporation of the pCMS-EGFP plasmid, the resultant nioplexes -at different cationic lipid/DNA mass ratios- were further evaluated to compact, liberate, and secure the DNA against enzymatic digestion. In vitro procedures were achieved in ARPE-19 cells to assess transfection efficacy and intracellular transportation. Both nioplexes formulations transfected efficiently ARPE-19 cells, although the cell viability was clearly better in the case of DPP80-CQ nioplexes. After subretinal and intravitreal injections, DPP80 nioplexes were not able to transfect the rat retina. However, chloroquine containing vector showed protein expression in many retinal cells, depending on the administration route. These data provide new insights for retinal gene delivery based on chloroquine-containing niosome non-viral vectors.
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26
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Devoldere J, Peynshaert K, De Smedt SC, Remaut K. Müller cells as a target for retinal therapy. Drug Discov Today 2019; 24:1483-1498. [PMID: 30731239 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2019.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Müller cells are specialized glial cells that span the entire retina from the vitreous cavity to the subretinal space. Their functional diversity and unique radial morphology render them particularly interesting targets for new therapeutic approaches. In this review, we reflect on various possibilities for selective Müller cell targeting and describe how some of their cellular mechanisms can be used for retinal neuroprotection. Intriguingly, cross-species investigation of their properties has revealed that Müller cells also have an essential role in retinal regeneration. Although many questions regarding this subject remain, it is clear that Müller cells have unique characteristics that make them suitable targets for the prevention and treatment of numerous retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joke Devoldere
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Karen Peynshaert
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stefaan C De Smedt
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Katrien Remaut
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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27
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Askou AL, Alsing S, Benckendorff JNE, Holmgaard A, Mikkelsen JG, Aagaard L, Bek T, Corydon TJ. Suppression of Choroidal Neovascularization by AAV-Based Dual-Acting Antiangiogenic Gene Therapy. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2019; 16:38-50. [PMID: 30825671 PMCID: PMC6393707 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2019.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Revised: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) is involved in the pathogenesis of vasoproliferative retinal diseases, such as exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The objective of this study was to investigate whether dual-acting therapy based on the simultaneous expression of anti-VEGFA microRNAs (miRNAs) and the secreted, antiangiogenic protein pigment endothelial-derived factor (PEDF) delivered by adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors provides improved protection against choroidal neovascularization (CNV). To investigate this, a multigenic AAV vector allowing retina pigment epithelium (RPE)-specific expression of anti-VEGFA miRNAs and PEDF was engineered. Robust expression of PEDF, driven by the RPE-specific vitelliform macular dystrophy 2 promoter, was observed in human cells and in mouse retina. A significant reduction in CNV was observed in a laser-induced CNV mouse model 57 days post-injection of the AAV5 particles conveying either anti-VEGFA miRNA and PEDF dual therapy or anti-VEGFA miRNA monotherapy. Overall, CNV reduction was most prominent in animals receiving dual-acting therapy. In both cases, the reduction in CNV was accompanied by a significant attenuation of VEGFA. In conclusion, the presented data reveal that gene therapy targeting VEGFA via multigenic AAV vectors displays combined efficacy, suggesting that dual-acting therapy is an important tool in future eye gene therapy for the treatment of neovascular ocular diseases, including AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Louise Askou
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Sidsel Alsing
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | | | - Andreas Holmgaard
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | | | - Lars Aagaard
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Toke Bek
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Thomas J Corydon
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
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28
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Abstract
Inherited retinal degeneration (IRD), a group of rare retinal diseases that primarily lead to the progressive loss of retinal photoreceptor cells, can be inherited in all modes of inheritance: autosomal dominant (AD), autosomal recessive (AR), X-linked (XL), and mitochondrial. Based on the pattern of inheritance of the dystrophy, retinal gene therapy has 2 main strategies. AR, XL, and AD IRDs with haploinsufficiency can be treated by inserting a functional copy of the gene using either viral or nonviral vectors (gene augmentation). Different types of viral vectors and nonviral vectors are used to transfer plasmid DNA both in vitro and in vivo. AD IRDs with gain-of-function mutations or dominant-negative mutations can be treated by disrupting the mutant allele with (and occasionally without) gene augmentation. This review article aims to provide an overview of ocular gene therapy for treating IRDs using gene augmentation with viral or nonviral vectors or gene disruption through different gene-editing tools, especially with the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated (Cas) system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirmohsen Arbabi
- Department of Ophthalmology, USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Amelia Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Hossein Ameri
- Department of Ophthalmology, USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
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29
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Holmgaard A, Alsing S, Askou AL, Corydon TJ. CRISPR Gene Therapy of the Eye: Targeted Knockout of Vegfa in Mouse Retina by Lentiviral Delivery. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1961:307-328. [PMID: 30912054 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9170-9_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Genome editing and knockout by virus-based delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 may provide a new option to cure inherited and acquired ocular diseases. Here we describe development and application of lentivirus-based delivery vectors enabling knockout of the Vegfa gene. We show that Streptococcus pyogenes (Sp) Cas9 and single-guide RNAs (sgRNAs) delivered by such vectors selectively can ablate the vascular endothelial growth factor A (Vegfa) gene in mouse retina following a single administration. These findings may contribute to the development of a new therapeutic path in the treatment of ocular diseases including exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sidsel Alsing
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Thomas J Corydon
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark. .,Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
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30
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In Vivo Genome Editing as a Therapeutic Approach. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19092721. [PMID: 30213032 PMCID: PMC6163904 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19092721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 09/08/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome editing has been well established as a genome engineering tool that enables researchers to establish causal linkages between genetic mutation and biological phenotypes, providing further understanding of the genetic manifestation of many debilitating diseases. More recently, the paradigm of genome editing technologies has evolved to include the correction of mutations that cause diseases via the use of nucleases such as zinc-finger nucleases (ZFN), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), and more recently, Cas9 nuclease. With the aim of reversing disease phenotypes, which arise from somatic gene mutations, current research focuses on the clinical translatability of correcting human genetic diseases in vivo, to provide long-term therapeutic benefits and potentially circumvent the limitations of in vivo cell replacement therapy. In this review, in addition to providing an overview of the various genome editing techniques available, we have also summarized several in vivo genome engineering strategies that have successfully demonstrated disease correction via in vivo genome editing. The various benefits and challenges faced in applying in vivo genome editing in humans will also be discussed.
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31
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Cristante E, Liyanage SE, Sampson RD, Kalargyrou A, De Rossi G, Rizzi M, Hoke J, Ribeiro J, Maswood RN, Duran Y, Matsuki T, Aghaizu ND, Luhmann UF, Smith AJ, Ali RR, Bainbridge JWB. Late neuroprogenitors contribute to normal retinal vascular development in a Hif2a-dependent manner. Development 2018; 145:dev.157511. [PMID: 29615467 DOI: 10.1242/dev.157511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In the adult central nervous system, endothelial and neuronal cells engage in tight cross-talk as key components of the so-called neurovascular unit. Impairment of this important relationship adversely affects tissue homeostasis, as observed in neurodegenerative conditions including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. In development, the influence of neuroprogenitor cells on angiogenesis is poorly understood. Here, we show in mouse that these cells interact intimately with the growing retinal vascular network, and we identify a novel regulatory mechanism of vasculature development mediated by hypoxia-inducible factor 2a (Hif2a). By Cre-lox gene excision, we show that Hif2a in retinal neuroprogenitor cells upregulates the expression of the pro-angiogenic mediators vascular endothelial growth factor and erythropoietin, whereas it locally downregulates the angiogenesis inhibitor endostatin. Importantly, absence of Hif2a in retinal neuroprogenitor cells causes a marked reduction of proliferating endothelial cells at the angiogenic front. This results in delayed retinal vascular development, fewer major retinal vessels and reduced density of the peripheral deep retinal vascular plexus. Our findings demonstrate that retinal neuroprogenitor cells are a crucial component of the developing neurovascular unit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Cristante
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK .,NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, City Road, London EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Sidath E Liyanage
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK.,NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, City Road, London EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Robert D Sampson
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | | | - Giulia De Rossi
- Centre for Microvascular Research, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Matteo Rizzi
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK.,NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, City Road, London EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Justin Hoke
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Joana Ribeiro
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Ryea N Maswood
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Yanai Duran
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Takaaki Matsuki
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Nozie D Aghaizu
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Ulrich F Luhmann
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK.,NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, City Road, London EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Alexander J Smith
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Robin R Ali
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK.,NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, City Road, London EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - James W B Bainbridge
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK .,NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, City Road, London EC1V 2PD, UK
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32
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Bai L, Liang W, Chen M, Cissé Y, Liu J, Su Y, Yu J, Liu Q. Effect of lentivirus-mediated gene silencing, targeting toll-like receptor 2, on corneal allograft transplantation in rats. Mol Immunol 2017; 91:97-104. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2017.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2017] [Revised: 08/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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33
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Holmgaard A, Askou AL, Benckendorff JNE, Thomsen EA, Cai Y, Bek T, Mikkelsen JG, Corydon TJ. In Vivo Knockout of the Vegfa Gene by Lentiviral Delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 in Mouse Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cells. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2017; 9:89-99. [PMID: 29246327 PMCID: PMC5626917 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2017.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Revised: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Virus-based gene therapy by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing and knockout may provide a new option for treatment of inherited and acquired ocular diseases of the retina. In support of this notion, we show that Streptococcus pyogenes (Sp) Cas9, delivered by lentiviral vectors (LVs), can be used in vivo to selectively ablate the vascular endothelial growth factor A (Vegfa) gene in mice. By generating LVs encoding SpCas9 targeted to Vegfa, and in parallel the fluorescent eGFP marker protein, we demonstrate robust knockout of Vegfa that leads to a significant reduction of VEGFA protein in transduced cells. Three of the designed single-guide RNAs (sgRNAs) induce in vitro indel formation at high frequencies (44%-93%). A single unilateral subretinal injection facilitates RPE-specific localization of the vector and disruption of Vegfa in isolated eGFP+ RPE cells obtained from mice five weeks after LV administration. Notably, sgRNA delivery results in the disruption of Vegfa with an in vivo indel formation efficacy of up to 84%. Sequencing of Vegfa-specific amplicons reveals formation of indels, including 4-bp deletions and 2-bp insertions. Taken together, our data demonstrate the capacity of lentivirus-delivered SpCas9 and sgRNAs as a developing therapeutic path in the treatment of ocular diseases, including age-related macular degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Holmgaard
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Anne Louise Askou
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | | | | | - Yujia Cai
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Toke Bek
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | | | - Thomas J Corydon
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
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34
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Lee CS, Bishop ES, Zhang R, Yu X, Farina EM, Yan S, Zhao C, Zeng Z, Shu Y, Wu X, Lei J, Li Y, Zhang W, Yang C, Wu K, Wu Y, Ho S, Athiviraham A, Lee MJ, Wolf JM, Reid RR, He TC. Adenovirus-Mediated Gene Delivery: Potential Applications for Gene and Cell-Based Therapies in the New Era of Personalized Medicine. Genes Dis 2017; 4:43-63. [PMID: 28944281 PMCID: PMC5609467 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2017.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 387] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
With rapid advances in understanding molecular pathogenesis of human diseases in the era of genome sciences and systems biology, it is anticipated that increasing numbers of therapeutic genes or targets will become available for targeted therapies. Despite numerous setbacks, efficacious gene and/or cell-based therapies still hold the great promise to revolutionize the clinical management of human diseases. It is wildly recognized that poor gene delivery is the limiting factor for most in vivo gene therapies. There has been a long-lasting interest in using viral vectors, especially adenoviral vectors, to deliver therapeutic genes for the past two decades. Among all currently available viral vectors, adenovirus is the most efficient gene delivery system in a broad range of cell and tissue types. The applications of adenoviral vectors in gene delivery have greatly increased in number and efficiency since their initial development. In fact, among over 2,000 gene therapy clinical trials approved worldwide since 1989, a significant portion of the trials have utilized adenoviral vectors. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview on the characteristics of adenoviral vectors, including adenoviral biology, approaches to engineering adenoviral vectors, and their applications in clinical and pre-clinical studies with an emphasis in the areas of cancer treatment, vaccination and regenerative medicine. Current challenges and future directions regarding the use of adenoviral vectors are also discussed. It is expected that the continued improvements in adenoviral vectors should provide great opportunities for cell and gene therapies to live up to its enormous potential in personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody S. Lee
- The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Laboratory of Craniofacial Biology and Development, Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Elliot S. Bishop
- Laboratory of Craniofacial Biology and Development, Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Ruyi Zhang
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine, and the Affiliated Hospitals of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Xinyi Yu
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine, and the Affiliated Hospitals of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Evan M. Farina
- The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Laboratory of Craniofacial Biology and Development, Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Shujuan Yan
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine, and the Affiliated Hospitals of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Chen Zhao
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine, and the Affiliated Hospitals of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Zongyue Zeng
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine, and the Affiliated Hospitals of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yi Shu
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine, and the Affiliated Hospitals of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Xingye Wu
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine, and the Affiliated Hospitals of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Jiayan Lei
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine, and the Affiliated Hospitals of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yasha Li
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine, and the Affiliated Hospitals of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Wenwen Zhang
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Clinical Diagnostics, The Affiliated Yantai Hospital, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264100, China
| | - Chao Yang
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine, and the Affiliated Hospitals of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Ke Wu
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine, and the Affiliated Hospitals of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Ying Wu
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Sherwin Ho
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Aravind Athiviraham
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Michael J. Lee
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Jennifer Moriatis Wolf
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Russell R. Reid
- Laboratory of Craniofacial Biology and Development, Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Tong-Chuan He
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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35
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May-Simera H, Nagel-Wolfrum K, Wolfrum U. Cilia - The sensory antennae in the eye. Prog Retin Eye Res 2017; 60:144-180. [PMID: 28504201 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2017.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Revised: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cilia are hair-like projections found on almost all cells in the human body. Originally believed to function merely in motility, the function of solitary non-motile (primary) cilia was long overlooked. Recent research has demonstrated that primary cilia function as signalling hubs that sense environmental cues and are pivotal for organ development and function, tissue hoemoestasis, and maintenance of human health. Cilia share a common anatomy and their diverse functional features are achieved by evolutionarily conserved functional modules, organized into sub-compartments. Defects in these functional modules are responsible for a rapidly growing list of human diseases collectively termed ciliopathies. Ocular pathogenesis is common in virtually all classes of syndromic ciliopathies, and disruptions in cilia genes have been found to be causative in a growing number of non-syndromic retinal dystrophies. This review will address what is currently known about cilia contribution to visual function. We will focus on the molecular and cellular functions of ciliary proteins and their role in the photoreceptor sensory cilia and their visual phenotypes. We also highlight other ciliated cell types in tissues of the eye (e.g. lens, RPE and Müller glia cells) discussing their possible contribution to disease progression. Progress in basic research on the cilia function in the eye is paving the way for therapeutic options for retinal ciliopathies. In the final section we describe the latest advancements in gene therapy, read-through of non-sense mutations and stem cell therapy, all being adopted to treat cilia dysfunction in the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen May-Simera
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Cilia Biology, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, 55099 Mainz, Germany
| | - Kerstin Nagel-Wolfrum
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Molecular Cell Biology, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, 55099 Mainz, Germany
| | - Uwe Wolfrum
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Molecular Cell Biology, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, 55099 Mainz, Germany.
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36
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Taking Stock of Retinal Gene Therapy: Looking Back and Moving Forward. Mol Ther 2017; 25:1076-1094. [PMID: 28391961 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2017.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Revised: 03/04/2017] [Accepted: 03/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past 20 years, there has been tremendous progress in retinal gene therapy. The safety and efficacy results in one early-onset severe blinding disease may lead to the first gene therapy drug approval in the United States. Here, we review how far the field has come over the past two decades and speculate on the directions that the field will take in the future.
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37
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Maunder HE, Wright J, Kolli BR, Vieira CR, Mkandawire TT, Tatoris S, Kennedy V, Iqball S, Devarajan G, Ellis S, Lad Y, Clarkson NG, Mitrophanous KA, Farley DC. Enhancing titres of therapeutic viral vectors using the transgene repression in vector production (TRiP) system. Nat Commun 2017; 8:14834. [PMID: 28345582 PMCID: PMC5378976 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms14834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
A key challenge in the field of therapeutic viral vector/vaccine manufacturing is maximizing production. For most vector platforms, the ‘benchmark' vector titres are achieved with inert reporter genes. However, expression of therapeutic transgenes can often adversely affect vector titres due to biological effects on cell metabolism and/or on the vector virion itself. Here, we exemplify the novel ‘Transgene Repression In vector Production' (TRiP) system for the production of both RNA- and DNA-based viral vectors. The TRiP system utilizes a translational block of one or more transgenes by employing the bacterial tryptophan RNA-binding attenuation protein (TRAP), which binds its target RNA sequence close to the transgene initiation codon. We report enhancement of titres of lentiviral vectors expressing Cyclo-oxygenase-2 by 600-fold, and adenoviral vectors expressing the pro-apoptotic gene Bax by >150,000-fold. The TRiP system is transgene-independent and will be a particularly useful platform in the clinical development of viral vectors expressing problematic transgenes. The maximum titre of therapeutic viral vectors can be adversely affected by the encoded transgene. Here the authors repress transgene expression in producing cells by employing the tryptophan RNA-binding attenuation protein and show that it improves titre of RNA- and DNA-based viral vectors expressing toxic transgenes.
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Affiliation(s)
- H E Maunder
- Research Department, Oxford BioMedica Ltd., Windrush Court, Transport Way, Oxford OX4 6LT, UK
| | - J Wright
- Research Department, Oxford BioMedica Ltd., Windrush Court, Transport Way, Oxford OX4 6LT, UK
| | - B R Kolli
- Research Department, Oxford BioMedica Ltd., Windrush Court, Transport Way, Oxford OX4 6LT, UK
| | - C R Vieira
- Research Department, Oxford BioMedica Ltd., Windrush Court, Transport Way, Oxford OX4 6LT, UK
| | - T T Mkandawire
- Research Department, Oxford BioMedica Ltd., Windrush Court, Transport Way, Oxford OX4 6LT, UK
| | - S Tatoris
- Research Department, Oxford BioMedica Ltd., Windrush Court, Transport Way, Oxford OX4 6LT, UK
| | - V Kennedy
- Research Department, Oxford BioMedica Ltd., Windrush Court, Transport Way, Oxford OX4 6LT, UK
| | - S Iqball
- Research Department, Oxford BioMedica Ltd., Windrush Court, Transport Way, Oxford OX4 6LT, UK
| | - G Devarajan
- Research Department, Oxford BioMedica Ltd., Windrush Court, Transport Way, Oxford OX4 6LT, UK
| | - S Ellis
- Research Department, Oxford BioMedica Ltd., Windrush Court, Transport Way, Oxford OX4 6LT, UK
| | - Y Lad
- Research Department, Oxford BioMedica Ltd., Windrush Court, Transport Way, Oxford OX4 6LT, UK
| | - N G Clarkson
- Research Department, Oxford BioMedica Ltd., Windrush Court, Transport Way, Oxford OX4 6LT, UK
| | - K A Mitrophanous
- Research Department, Oxford BioMedica Ltd., Windrush Court, Transport Way, Oxford OX4 6LT, UK
| | - D C Farley
- Research Department, Oxford BioMedica Ltd., Windrush Court, Transport Way, Oxford OX4 6LT, UK
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38
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Abstract
Viral vector use in gene therapy has highlighted several safety concerns, including genotoxic events. Generally, vector-mediated genotoxicity results from upregulation of cellular proto-oncogenes via promoter insertion, promoter activation, or gene transcript truncation, with enhancer-mediated activation of nearby genes the primary mechanism reported in gene therapy trials. Vector-mediated genotoxicity can be influenced by virus type, integration target site, and target cell type; different vectors have distinct integration profiles which are cell-specific. Non-viral factors, including patient age, disease, and dose can also influence genotoxic potential, thus the choice of test models and clinical trial populations is important to ensure they are indicative of efficacy and safety. Efforts have been made to develop viral vectors with less risk of insertional mutagenesis, including self-inactivating (SIN) vectors, enhancer-blocking insulators, and microRNA targeting of vectors, although insertional mutagenesis is not completely abrogated. Here we provide an overview of the current understanding of viral vector-mediated genotoxicity risk from factors contributing to viral vector-mediated genotoxicity to efforts made to reduce genotoxicity, and testing strategies required to adequately assess the risk of insertional mutagenesis. It is clear that there is not a 'one size fits all' approach to vector modification for reducing genotoxicity, and addressing these challenges will be a key step in the development of therapies such as CRISPR-Cas9 and delivery of future gene-editing technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhiannon M David
- Genetic Toxicology, Discovery Safety, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, CB4 0WG, UK
| | - Ann T Doherty
- Genetic Toxicology, Discovery Safety, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, CB4 0WG, UK
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39
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MacLaren RE, Bennett J, Schwartz SD. Gene Therapy and Stem Cell Transplantation in Retinal Disease: The New Frontier. Ophthalmology 2016; 123:S98-S106. [PMID: 27664291 PMCID: PMC5545086 DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2016.06.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Revised: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene and cell therapies have the potential to prevent, halt, or reverse diseases of the retina in patients with currently incurable blinding conditions. Over the past 2 decades, major advances in our understanding of the pathobiologic basis of retinal diseases, coupled with growth of gene transfer and cell transplantation biotechnologies, have created optimism that previously blinding retinal conditions may be treatable. It is now possible to deliver cloned genes safely and stably to specific retinal cell types in humans. Preliminary results testing gene augmentation strategies in human recessive diseases suggest promising safety and efficacy profiles, including improved visual function outcomes over extended periods. Additional gene-based strategies under development include approaches to autosomal dominant disease ("gain of function"), attempts to deliver genes encoding therapeutic proteins with proven mechanisms of action interfering with specific disease pathways, and approaches that could be used to render retinal cells other than atrophied photoreceptors light sensitive. In the programs that are the furthest along-pivotal regulatory safety and efficacy trials studying individuals with retinal degeneration resulting from RPE65 mutations-initial results reveal a robust safety profile and clinically significant improvements in visual function, thereby making this program a frontrunner for the first approved gene therapy product in the United States. Similar to gene therapy, progress in regenerative or stem cell-based transplantation strategies has been substantial. It is now possible to deliver safely stem cell-derived, terminally differentiated, biologically and genetically defined retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) to the diseased human eye. Although demonstration of clinical efficacy is still well behind the gene therapy field, multiple programs investigating regenerative strategies in RPE disease are beginning to enroll subjects, and initial results suggest possible signs of efficacy. Stem cells capable of becoming other retinal cell types, such as photoreceptors, are on the cusp of clinical trials. Stem cell-derived transplants can be delivered to precise target locations in the eye, and their ability to ameliorate, reverse, regenerate, or neuroprotect against disease processes can be assessed. Results from these studies will provide foundational knowledge that may lead to clinically significant therapies for currently untreatable retinal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert E MacLaren
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford and Oxford University Eye Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, United Kingdom; Moorfields Eye Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Jean Bennett
- Center for Advanced Retinal and Ocular Therapeutics, Department of Ophthalmology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Steven D Schwartz
- Retina Division, Department of Ophthalmology, Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
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40
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Abstract
The idea of treating disease in humans with genetic material was conceived over two decades ago and with that a promising journey involving development and efficacy studies in cells and animals of a large number of novel therapeutic reagents unfolded. In the footsteps of this process, successful gene therapy treatment of genetic conditions in humans has shown clear signs of efficacy. Notably, significant advancements using gene supplementation and silencing strategies have been made in the field of ocular gene therapy, thereby pinpointing ocular gene therapy as one of the compelling "actors" bringing gene therapy to the clinic. Most of all, this success has been facilitated because of (1) the fact that the eye is an effortlessly accessible, exceedingly compartmentalized, and immune-privileged organ offering a unique advantage as a gene therapy target, and (2) significant progress toward efficient, sustained transduction of cells within the retina having been achieved using nonintegrating vectors based on recombinant adeno-associated virus and nonintegrating lentivirus vectors. The results from in vivo experiments and trials suggest that treatment of inherited retinal dystrophies, ocular angiogenesis, and inflammation with gene therapy can be both safe and effective. Here, the progress of ocular gene therapy is examined with special emphasis on the potential use of RNAi- and protein-based antiangiogenic gene therapy to treat exudative age-related macular degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Corydon
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University , Aarhus C, Denmark
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41
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Sauter MM, Brandt CR. Primate neural retina upregulates IL-6 and IL-10 in response to a herpes simplex vector suggesting the presence of a pro-/anti-inflammatory axis. Exp Eye Res 2016; 148:12-23. [PMID: 27170050 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2016.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2016] [Revised: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 05/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Injection of herpes simplex virus vectors into the vitreous of primate eyes induces an acute, transient uveitis. The purpose of this study was to characterize innate immune responses of macaque neural retina tissue to the herpes simplex virus type 1-based gene delivery vector hrR3. PCR array analysis demonstrated the induction of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6, as well as the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, following hrR3 exposure. Secretion of IL-6 was detected by ELISA and cone photoreceptors and Muller cells were the predominant IL-6 positive cell types. RNA in situ hybridization confirmed that IL-6 was expressed in photoreceptor and Muller cells. The IL-10 positive cells in the inner nuclear layer were identified as amacrine cells by immunofluorescence staining with calretinin antibody. hrR3 challenge resulted in activation of NFκB (p65) in Muller glial cells, but not in cone photoreceptors, suggesting a novel regulatory mechanism for IL-6 expression in cone cells. hrR3 replication was not required for IL-6 induction or NFκB (p65) activation. These data suggest a pro-inflammatory (IL-6)/anti-inflammatory (IL-10) axis exists in neural retina and the severity of acute posterior uveitis may be determined by this interaction. Further studies are needed to identify the trigger for IL-6 and IL-10 induction and the mechanism of IL-6 induction in cone cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica M Sauter
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - Curtis R Brandt
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
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42
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Abstract
Gene transfer vectors based on retroviridae are increasingly becoming a tool of choice for biomedical research and for the development of biotherapies in rare diseases or cancers. To meet the challenges of preclinical and clinical production, different steps of the production process of self-inactivating γ-retroviral (RVs) and lentiviral vectors (LVs) have been improved (e.g., transfection, media optimization, cell culture conditions). However, the increasing need for mass production of such vectors is still a challenge and could hamper their availability for therapeutic use. Recently, we observed that the use of a neutral pH during vector production is not optimal. The use of mildly acidic pH conditions (pH 6) can increase by two- to threefold the production of RVs and LVs pseudotyped with the vesicular stomatitis virus G (VSV-G) or gibbon ape leukemia virus (GALV) glycoproteins. Here, we describe the production protocol in mildly acidic pH conditions of GALVTR- and VSV-G-pseudotyped LVs using the transient transfection of HEK293T cells and the production protocol of GALV-pseudotyped RVs produced from a murine producer cell line. These protocols should help to achieve higher titers of vectors, thereby facilitating experimental research and therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Holic
- Généthon, 91002, Evry, France.
- INSERM, UMR_S951, Généthon, 1bis, rue de l'Internationale-BP60, 91002, Evry, France.
- Université Evry Val d'Essonne, UMR_S951, 91002, Evry, France.
| | - David Fenard
- Généthon, 91002, Evry, France.
- INSERM, UMR_S951, Généthon, 1bis, rue de l'Internationale-BP60, 91002, Evry, France.
- Université Evry Val d'Essonne, UMR_S951, 91002, Evry, France.
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43
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Shen J, Burgess DJ. In vitro-in vivo correlation for complex non-oral drug products: Where do we stand? J Control Release 2015; 219:644-651. [PMID: 26419305 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2015.09.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2015] [Revised: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
In vitro–in vivo correlation (IVIVC) is a predictive mathematical model describing the relationship between an in vitro property and a relevant in vivo response of drug products. Since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a regulatory guidance on the development, evaluation, and applications of IVIVC for extended release (ER) oral dosage forms in 1997, IVIVC has been one of the most important issues in the field of pharmaceutics. However, even with the aid of the FDA IVIVC Guidance, only very limited Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) submission for ER oral drug products included adequate IVIVC data to enable the completion of bioequivalence (BE) review within first review cycle. Establishing an IVIVC for non-oral dosage forms has remained extremely challenging due to their complex nature and the lack of in vitro release methods that are capable of mimicking in vivo drug release conditions. This review presents a general overview of recent advances in the development of IVIVC for complex non-oral dosage forms (such as parenteral polymeric microspheres/implants, and transdermal formulations), and briefly summarizes the knowledge gained over the past two decades. Lastly this review discusses possible directions for future development of IVIVC for complex non-oral dosage forms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Shen
- University of Connecticut, School of Pharmacy, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Diane J Burgess
- University of Connecticut, School of Pharmacy, Storrs, CT 06269, USA.
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44
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Rodríguez-Gascón A, Del Pozo-Rodríguez A, Isla A, Solinís MA. Vaginal gene therapy. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2015; 92:71-83. [PMID: 26189799 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2015.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2015] [Revised: 06/09/2015] [Accepted: 07/09/2015] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
In the last years, vaginal gene therapy has gained increasing attention mainly for the treatment and control of sexually transmitted infections. DNA delivery has been also suggested to improve reproductive outcomes for women with deficiencies in the female reproductive tract. Although no product has reached clinical phase, preclinical investigations reveal the potential of the vaginal tract as an effective administration route for gene delivery. This review focuses on the main advantages and challenges of vaginal gene therapy, and on the most used nucleic acid delivery systems, including viral and non-viral vectors. Additionally, the advances in the application of vaginal gene therapy for the treatment and/or prevention of infectious diseases such as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the human papillomavirus (HPV) or the herpes simplex virus (HSV) are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Rodríguez-Gascón
- Pharmacokinetic, Nanotechnology and Gene Therapy Group (PharmaNanoGene), Faculty of Pharmacy, Centro de investigación Lascaray ikergunea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Paseo de la Universidad, 7, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
| | - Ana Del Pozo-Rodríguez
- Pharmacokinetic, Nanotechnology and Gene Therapy Group (PharmaNanoGene), Faculty of Pharmacy, Centro de investigación Lascaray ikergunea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Paseo de la Universidad, 7, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Arantxazu Isla
- Pharmacokinetic, Nanotechnology and Gene Therapy Group (PharmaNanoGene), Faculty of Pharmacy, Centro de investigación Lascaray ikergunea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Paseo de la Universidad, 7, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - María Angeles Solinís
- Pharmacokinetic, Nanotechnology and Gene Therapy Group (PharmaNanoGene), Faculty of Pharmacy, Centro de investigación Lascaray ikergunea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Paseo de la Universidad, 7, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
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45
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Hu C, Xu L, Liang S, Zhang Z, Zhang Y, Zhang F. Lentivirus-mediated shRNA targeting Nanog inhibits cell proliferation and attenuates cancer stem cell activities in breast cancer. J Drug Target 2015; 24:422-32. [PMID: 26339994 DOI: 10.3109/1061186x.2015.1082567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Emerging evidences suggest that cancer stem cells (CSCs) are responsible for tumor growth, metastasis and treatment resistance. Nanog is one of the transcription factors that are essential for stem cellular physiology process. Previous studies reported that Nanog was detected in breast cancer and other solid tumors and indicated that it has oncogenic characteristics. However, expression feature of Nanog in breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) enriched population and its biological function in BCSCs is poorly understood. In this study, CD44 + CD24- fraction sorting with Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorter and mammosphere culture were used for enriching BCSCs. We report here that Nanog was highly expressed in CSCs-enriched population from the breast cancer cells, as well as stemness-associated genes. In addition, we employed the lentivirus-mediated shRNA targeting Nanog to investigate function of Nanog in BCSCs. We found that targeted inhibition of Nanog could suppress proliferation and colony formation in breast cancer cells. Further studies showed that targeted inhibition of Nanog resulted in a decrease of BCSCs activities, including mammosphere formation, CD44 + CD24- proportion and expressions of stemness-associated genes. These data therefore suggest that Nanog possesses important function in BCSCs and targeted inhibition of Nanog may provide a novel means of targeting and eliminating BCSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Hu
- a Department of Oncology , Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Shanghai , P.R. China
| | - Liang Xu
- a Department of Oncology , Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Shanghai , P.R. China .,b Department of Oncology , Suzhou Kowloon Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Suzhou , P.R. China
| | - Shujing Liang
- a Department of Oncology , Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Shanghai , P.R. China .,b Department of Oncology , Suzhou Kowloon Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Suzhou , P.R. China
| | - Zhiying Zhang
- b Department of Oncology , Suzhou Kowloon Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Suzhou , P.R. China .,c Graduate School of Xuzhou Medical College , Xuzhou , P.R. China , and
| | - Yanyun Zhang
- d Institute of Health Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences & Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Shanghai , P.R. China
| | - Fengchun Zhang
- a Department of Oncology , Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Shanghai , P.R. China .,b Department of Oncology , Suzhou Kowloon Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Suzhou , P.R. China
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46
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Bush RA, Wei LL, Sieving PA. Convergence of Human Genetics and Animal Studies: Gene Therapy for X-Linked Retinoschisis. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2015; 5:a017368. [PMID: 26101206 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a017368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Retinoschisis is an X-linked recessive genetic disease that leads to vision loss in males. X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS) typically affects young males; however, progressive vision loss continues throughout life. Although discovered in 1898 by Haas in two brothers, the underlying biology leading to blindness has become apparent only in the last 15 years with the advancement of human genetic analyses, generation of XLRS animal models, and the development of ocular monitoring methods such as the electroretinogram and optical coherence tomography. It is now recognized that retinoschisis results from cyst formations within the retinal layers that interrupt normal visual neurosignaling and compromise structural integrity. Mutations in the human retinoschisin gene have been correlated with disease severity of the human XLRS phenotype. Introduction of a normal human retinoschisin cDNA into retinoschisin knockout mice restores retinal structure and improves neural function, providing proof-of-concept that gene replacement therapy is a plausible treatment for XLRS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald A Bush
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Lisa L Wei
- National Eye Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
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47
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Khabou H, Dalkara D. [Developments in gene delivery vectors for ocular gene therapy]. Med Sci (Paris) 2015; 31:529-37. [PMID: 26059304 DOI: 10.1051/medsci/20153105015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy is quickly becoming a reality applicable in the clinic for inherited retinal diseases. Its remarkable success in safety and efficacy, in clinical trials for Leber's congenital amaurosis (LCA) type II generated significant interest and opened up possibilities for a new era of retinal gene therapies. Success in these clinical trials was mainly due to the favorable characteristics of the retina as a target organ. The eye offers several advantages as it is readily accessible and has some degree of immune privilege making it suitable for application of viral vectors. The viral vectors most frequently used for retinal gene delivery are lentivirus, adenovirus and adeno-associated virus (AAV). Here we will discuss the use of these viral vectors in retinal gene delivery with a strong focus on favorable properties of AAV. Thanks to its small size, AAV diffuses well in the inter-neural matrix making it suitable for applications in neural retina. Building on this initial clinical success with LCA II, we have now many opportunities to extend this proof-of-concept to other retinal diseases using AAV as a vector. This article will discuss what are some of the most imminent cellular targets for such therapies and the AAV toolkit that has been built to target these cells successfully. We will also discuss some of the challenges that we face in translating AAV-based gene therapies to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanen Khabou
- Inserm UMR S968, Institut de la vision, 17, rue Moreau, 75012 Paris, France - Sorbonne universités, UPMC université Paris 6, UMR S968, 75012 Paris, France - CNRS, UMR 7210, 75012 Paris, France
| | - Deniz Dalkara
- Inserm UMR S968, Institut de la vision, 17, rue Moreau, 75012 Paris, France - Sorbonne universités, UPMC université Paris 6, UMR S968, 75012 Paris, France - CNRS, UMR 7210, 75012 Paris, France
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48
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Bogner B, Boye SL, Min SH, Peterson JJ, Ruan Q, Zhang Z, Reitsamer HA, Hauswirth WW, Boye SE. Capsid Mutated Adeno-Associated Virus Delivered to the Anterior Chamber Results in Efficient Transduction of Trabecular Meshwork in Mouse and Rat. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0128759. [PMID: 26052939 PMCID: PMC4460001 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0128759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2015] [Accepted: 04/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adeno associated virus (AAV) is well known for its ability to deliver transgenes to retina and to mediate improvements in animal models and patients with inherited retinal disease. Although the field is less advanced, there is growing interest in AAV’s ability to target cells of the anterior segment. The purpose of our study was to fully articulate a reliable and reproducible method for injecting the anterior chamber (AC) of mice and rats and to investigate the transduction profiles of AAV2- and AAV8-based capsid mutants containing self-complementary (sc) genomes in the anterior segment of the eye. Methodology/Principle Findings AC injections were performed in C57BL/6 mice and Sprague Dawley rats. The cornea was punctured anterior of the iridocorneal angle. To seal the puncture site and to prevent reflux an air bubble was created in the AC. scAAVs expressing GFP were injected and transduction was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Both parent serotype and capsid modifications affected expression. scAAV2- based vectors mediated efficient GFP-signal in the corneal endothelium, ciliary non-pigmented epithelium (NPE), iris and chamber angle including trabecular meshwork, with scAAV2(Y444F) and scAAV2(triple) being the most efficient. Conclusions/Significance This is the first study to semi quantitatively evaluate transduction of anterior segment tissues following injection of capsid-mutated AAV vectors. scAAV2- based vectors transduced corneal endothelium, ciliary NPE, iris and trabecular meshwork more effectively than scAAV8-based vectors. Mutagenesis of surface-exposed tyrosine residues greatly enhanced transduction efficiency of scAAV2 in these tissues. The number of Y-F mutations was not directly proportional to transduction efficiency, however, suggesting that proteosomal avoidance alone may not be sufficient. These results are applicable to the development of targeted, gene-based strategies to investigate pathological processes of the anterior segment and may be applied toward the development of gene-based therapies for glaucoma and acquired or inherited corneal anomalies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Bogner
- Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, SALK/Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Sanford L. Boye
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, United States of America
| | - Seok Hong Min
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, United States of America
| | - James J. Peterson
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, United States of America
| | - Qing Ruan
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, United States of America
| | - Zhonghong Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, SALK/Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Herbert A. Reitsamer
- Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, SALK/Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - William W. Hauswirth
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, United States of America
| | - Shannon E. Boye
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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49
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Abstract
Striking therapeutic advances for lysosomal diseases have harnessed the biology of this organelle and illustrate its central rôle in the dynamic economy of the cell. Further Innovation will require improved protein-targetting or realization of therapeutic gene- and cell transfer stratagems. Rescuing function before irreversible injury, mandates a deep knowledge of clinical behaviour as well as molecular pathology – and frequently requires an understanding of neuropathology. Whether addressing primary causes, or rebalancing the effects of disordered cell function, true therapeutic innovation depends on continuing scientific exploration of the lysosome. Genuine partnerships between biotech and the patients affected by this extraordinary family of disorders continue to drive productive pharmaceutical discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy M Cox
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, UK.
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50
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Thompson DA, Ali RR, Banin E, Branham KE, Flannery JG, Gamm DM, Hauswirth WW, Heckenlively JR, Iannaccone A, Jayasundera KT, Khan NW, Molday RS, Pennesi ME, Reh TA, Weleber RG, Zacks DN. Advancing therapeutic strategies for inherited retinal degeneration: recommendations from the Monaciano Symposium. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2015; 56:918-31. [PMID: 25667399 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.14-16049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Although rare in the general population, retinal dystrophies occupy a central position in current efforts to develop innovative therapies for blinding diseases. This status derives, in part, from the unique biology, accessibility, and function of the retina, as well as from the synergy between molecular discoveries and transformative advances in functional assessment and retinal imaging. The combination of these factors has fueled remarkable progress in the field, while at the same time creating complex challenges for organizing collective efforts aimed at advancing translational research. The present position paper outlines recent progress in gene therapy and cell therapy for this group of disorders, and presents a set of recommendations for addressing the challenges remaining for the coming decade. It is hoped that the formulation of these recommendations will stimulate discussions among researchers, funding agencies, industry, and policy makers that will accelerate the development of safe and effective treatments for retinal dystrophies and related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debra A Thompson
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Robin R Ali
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States Division of Molecular Therapy, University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, London, England, United Kingdom
| | - Eyal Banin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Kari E Branham
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - John G Flannery
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California-Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States
| | - David M Gamm
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
| | - William W Hauswirth
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, United States
| | - John R Heckenlively
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Alessandro Iannaccone
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hamilton Eye Institute, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States
| | - K Thiran Jayasundera
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Naheed W Khan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Robert S Molday
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Mark E Pennesi
- Casey Eye Institute and the Department of Ophthalmology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - Thomas A Reh
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Richard G Weleber
- Casey Eye Institute and the Department of Ophthalmology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - David N Zacks
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
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