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Goh KY, Lee WX, Choy SM, Priyadarshini GK, Chua K, Tan QH, Low SY, Chin HS, Wong CS, Huang SY, Fu NY, Nishiyama J, Harmston N, Tang HW. FOXO-regulated DEAF1 controls muscle regeneration through autophagy. Autophagy 2024. [PMID: 38963021 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2024.2374693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The commonality between various muscle diseases is the loss of muscle mass, function, and regeneration, which severely restricts mobility and impairs the quality of life. With muscle stem cells (MuSCs) playing a key role in facilitating muscle repair, targeting regulators of muscle regeneration has been shown to be a promising therapeutic approach to repair muscles. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms driving muscle regeneration are complex and poorly understood. Here, we identified a new regulator of muscle regeneration, Deaf1 (Deformed epidermal autoregulatory factor-1) - a transcriptional factor downstream of foxo signaling. We showed that Deaf1 is transcriptionally repressed by FOXOs and that DEAF1 targets to Pik3c3 and Atg16l1 promoter regions and suppresses their expression. Deaf1 depletion therefore induces macroautophagy/autophagy, which in turn blocks MuSC survival and differentiation. In contrast, Deaf1 overexpression inactivates autophagy in MuSCs, leading to increased protein aggregation and cell death. The fact that Deaf1 depletion and its overexpression both lead to defects in muscle regeneration highlights the importance of fine tuning DEAF1-regulated autophagy during muscle regeneration. We further showed that Deaf1 expression is altered in aging and cachectic MuSCs. Manipulation of Deaf1 expression can attenuate muscle atrophy and restore muscle regeneration in aged mice or mice with cachectic cancers. Together, our findings unveil an evolutionarily conserved role for DEAF1 in muscle regeneration, providing insights into the development of new therapeutic strategies against muscle atrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kah Yong Goh
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wen Xing Lee
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sze Mun Choy
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Kenon Chua
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
- Programme in Musculoskeletal Sciences Academic Clinical Program, SingHealth/Duke-NUS, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Qian Hui Tan
- Division of Science, Yale-NUS College, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shin Yi Low
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hui San Chin
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chee Seng Wong
- Program in Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shu-Yi Huang
- Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Nai Yang Fu
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jun Nishiyama
- Program in Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nathan Harmston
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Science, Yale-NUS College, Singapore, Singapore
- Molecular Biosciences Division, Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, UK
| | - Hong-Wen Tang
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Cellular & Molecular Research, Humphrey Oei Institute of Cancer Research, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
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Zhou K, Yuan M, Sun J, Zhang F, Zong X, Li Z, Tang D, Zhou L, Zheng J, Xiao X, Wu X. Sildenafil increases AAV9 transduction after a systemic administration and enhances AAV9-dystrophin therapeutic effect in mdx mice. Gene Ther 2024; 31:19-30. [PMID: 37500816 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-023-00411-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors have been successfully used to deliver genes for treating rare diseases. However, the systemic administration of high AAV vector doses triggers several adverse effects, including immune response, the asymptomatic elevation of liver transaminase levels, and complement activation. Thus, improving AAV transduction and reducing AAV dosage for treatment is necessary. Recently, we found that a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor significantly promoted AAV9 transduction in vitro by regulating the caveolae and macropinocytosis pathways. When AAV9-Gaussian luciferase (AAV9-Gluc) and AAV9-green fluorescent protein (AAV9-GFP) were injected intravenously into mice pre-treated with sildenafil, the expressions of Gluc in the plasma and GFP in muscle tissues significantly increased (P < 0.05). Sildenafil also improved Evans blue permeation in tissues. Additionally, we found that sildenafil promoted Treg proliferation, inhibited B-cell activation, and decreased anti-AAV9 IgG levels (P < 0.05). Furthermore, sildenafil significantly promoted Duchenne muscular dystrophy gene therapy efficacy using AAV9 in mdx mice; it increased micro-dystrophin gene expression, forelimb grip strength, and time spent on the rotarod test, decreased serum creatine kinase levels, and ameliorated histopathology by improving muscle cell morphology and reducing fibrosis (P < 0.05). These results show that sildenafil significantly improved AAV transduction, suppressed the levels of anti-AAV9 IgG, and enhanced the efficacy of gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiyi Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Meng Yuan
- School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiabao Sun
- School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Feixu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, School of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoying Zong
- School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhanao Li
- School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Dingyue Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, School of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Lichen Zhou
- The General Hospital of Western Theater Command PLA, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Jing Zheng
- Belief BioMed, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Xiao
- School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27517, USA.
| | - Xia Wu
- School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.
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Sopariwala DH, Rios AS, Saley A, Kumar A, Narkar VA. Estrogen-Related Receptor Gamma Gene Therapy Promotes Therapeutic Angiogenesis and Muscle Recovery in Preclinical Model of PAD. J Am Heart Assoc 2023; 12:e028880. [PMID: 37548153 PMCID: PMC10492941 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.122.028880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Background Peripheral arterial disease and critical limb ischemia are cardiovascular complications associated with vascular insufficiency, oxidative metabolic dysfunction, and myopathy in the limbs. Estrogen-related receptor gamma (ERRγ) has emerged as a dual regulator of paracrine angiogenesis and oxidative metabolism through transgenic mouse studies. Here our objective was to investigate whether postischemic intramuscular targeting of ERRγ via gene therapy promotes ischemic recovery in a preclinical model of peripheral arterial disease/critical limb ischemia. Methods and Results Adeno-associated virus 9 (AAV9) Esrrg gene delivery vector was developed and first tested via intramuscular injection in murine skeletal muscle. AAV9-Esrrg robustly increased ERRγ protein expression, induced angiogenic and oxidative genes, and boosted capillary density and succinate dehydrogenase oxidative metabolic activity in skeletal muscles of C57Bl/6J mice. Next, hindlimb ischemia was induced via unilateral femoral vessel ligation in mice, followed by intramuscular AAV9-Esrrg (or AAV9-green fluorescent protein) gene delivery 24 hours after injury. ERRγ overexpression increased ischemic neoangiogenesis and markers of endothelial activation, and significantly improved ischemic revascularization measured using laser Doppler flowmetry. Moreover, ERRγ overexpression restored succinate dehydrogenase oxidative metabolic capacity in ischemic muscle, which correlated with increased mitochondrial respiratory complex protein expression. Most importantly, myofiber size to number quantification revealed that AAV9-Esrrg restores myofibrillar size and mitigates ischemia-induced myopathy. Conclusions These results demonstrate that intramuscular AAV9-Esrrg delivery rescues ischemic pathology after hindlimb ischemia, underscoring that Esrrg gene therapy or pharmacological activation could be a promising strategy for the management of peripheral arterial disease/critical limb ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danesh H. Sopariwala
- Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular MedicineMcGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center (UTHealth)HoustonTXUSA
| | - Andrea S. Rios
- Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular MedicineMcGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center (UTHealth)HoustonTXUSA
| | - Addison Saley
- Department of BiosciencesRice UniversityHoustonTXUSA
| | - Ashok Kumar
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of HoustonTXUSA
| | - Vihang A. Narkar
- Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular MedicineMcGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center (UTHealth)HoustonTXUSA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at UTHealthHoustonTXUSA
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DOK7 Promotes NMJ Regeneration After Nerve Injury. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:1453-1464. [PMID: 36464749 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-03143-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Motor function recovery from injury requires the regeneration of not only muscle fibers, but also the neuromuscular junction-the synapse between motor nerve terminals and muscle fibers. However, unlike muscle regeneration which has been extensively studied, little is known about the molecular mechanisms of NMJ regeneration. Recognizing the critical role of agrin-LRP4-MuSK signaling in NMJ formation and maintenance, we investigated whether increasing MuSK activity promotes NMJ regeneration. To this end, we evaluated the effect of DOK7, a protein that stimulates MuSK, on NMJ regeneration. Reinnervation, AChR cluster density, and endplate area were improved, and fragmentation was reduced in the AAV9-DOK7-GFP-injected muscles compared with muscles injected with AAV9-GFP. These results demonstrated expedited NMJ regeneration associated with increased DOK7 expression and support the hypothesis that increasing agrin signaling benefits motor function recovery after injury. Our findings propose a potentially new therapeutic strategy for functional recovery after muscle and nerve injury, i.e., promoting NMJ regeneration by increasing agrin signaling.
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Marrone L, Marchi PM, Azzouz M. Circumventing the packaging limit of AAV-mediated gene replacement therapy for neurological disorders. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2022; 22:1163-1176. [PMID: 34904932 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2022.2012148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Gene therapy provides the exciting opportunity of a curative single treatment for devastating diseases, eradicating the need for chronic medication. Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are among the most attractive vector carriers for gene replacement in vivo. Yet, despite the success of recent AAV-based clinical trials, the clinical use of these vectors has been limited. For instance, the AAV packaging capacity is restricted to ~4.7 kb, making it a substantial challenge to deliver large gene products. AREAS COVERED In this review, we explore established and emerging strategies that circumvent the packaging limit of AAVs to make them effective vehicles for gene replacement therapy of monogenic disorders, with a particular focus on diseases affecting the nervous system. We report historical references, design remarks, as well as strengths and weaknesses of these approaches. We additionally discuss examples of neurological disorders for which such strategies have been attempted. EXPERT OPINION The field of AAV-gene therapy has experienced enormous advancements in the last decade. However, there is still ample space for improvement aimed at overcoming existing challenges that are slowing down the progressive trajectory of this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Marrone
- Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Paolo M Marchi
- Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Mimoun Azzouz
- Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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6
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Sirt6 reprograms myofibers to oxidative type through CREB-dependent Sox6 suppression. Nat Commun 2022; 13:1808. [PMID: 35379817 PMCID: PMC8980083 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29472-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractExpanding the exercise capacity of skeletal muscle is an emerging strategy to combat obesity-related metabolic diseases and this can be achieved by shifting skeletal muscle fibers toward slow-twitch oxidative type. Here, we report that Sirt6, an anti-aging histone deacetylase, is critical in regulating myofiber configuration toward oxidative type and that Sirt6 activator can be an exercise mimetic. Genetic inactivation of Sirt6 in skeletal muscle reduced while its transgenic overexpression increased mitochondrial oxidative capacity and exercise performance in mice. Mechanistically, we show that Sirt6 downregulated Sox6, a key repressor of slow fiber specific gene, by increasing the transcription of CREB. Sirt6 expression is elevated in chronically exercised humans, and mice treated with an activator of Sirt6 showed an increase in exercise endurance as compared to exercise-trained controls. Thus, the current study identifies Sirt6 as a molecular target for reprogramming myofiber composition toward the oxidative type and for improving muscle performance.
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7
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Riedmayr LM, Hinrichsmeyer KS, Karguth N, Böhm S, Splith V, Michalakis S, Becirovic E. dCas9-VPR-mediated transcriptional activation of functionally equivalent genes for gene therapy. Nat Protoc 2022; 17:781-818. [PMID: 35132255 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-021-00666-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Many disease-causing genes possess functionally equivalent counterparts, which are often expressed in distinct cell types. An attractive gene therapy approach for inherited disorders caused by mutations in such genes is to transcriptionally activate the appropriate counterpart(s) to compensate for the missing gene function. This approach offers key advantages over conventional gene therapies because it is mutation- and gene size-independent. Here, we describe a protocol for the design, execution and evaluation of such gene therapies using dCas9-VPR. We offer guidelines on how to identify functionally equivalent genes, design and clone single guide RNAs and evaluate transcriptional activation in vitro. Moreover, focusing on inherited retinal diseases, we provide a detailed protocol on how to apply this strategy in mice using dual recombinant adeno-associated virus vectors and how to evaluate its functionality and off-target effects in the target tissue. This strategy is in principle applicable to all organisms that possess functionally equivalent genes suitable for transcriptional activation and addresses pivotal unmet needs in gene therapy with high translational potential. The protocol can be completed in 15-20 weeks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Riedmayr
- Department of Pharmacy-Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Klara S Hinrichsmeyer
- Department of Pharmacy-Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Nina Karguth
- Department of Pharmacy-Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Sybille Böhm
- Department of Pharmacy-Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Victoria Splith
- Department of Pharmacy-Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Stylianos Michalakis
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Elvir Becirovic
- Department of Pharmacy-Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany.
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8
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Thirunavukkarasu M, Pradeep SR, Ukani G, Abunnaja S, Youssef M, Accorsi D, Swaminathan S, Lim ST, Parker V, Campbell J, Rishi MT, Palesty JA, Maulik N. Gene therapy with Pellino-1 improves perfusion and decreases tissue loss in Flk-1 heterozygous mice but fails in MAPKAP Kinase-2 knockout murine hind limb ischemia model. Microvasc Res 2022; 141:104311. [PMID: 34999110 PMCID: PMC9250804 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2022.104311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In the United States, over 8.5 million people suffer from peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Previously we reported that Pellino-1(Peli1) gene therapy reduces ischemic damage in the myocardium and skin flaps in Flk-1 [Fetal Liver kinase receptor-1 (Flk-1)/ Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2/VEGFR2] heterozygous (Flk-1+/-) mice. The present study compares the angiogenic response and perfusion efficiency following hind limb ischemia (HLI) in, Flk-1+/- and, MAPKAPKINASE2 (MK2-/-) knockout (KO) mice to their control wild type (WT). We also demonstrated the use of Peli1 gene therapy to improve loss of function following HLI. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Femoral artery ligation (HLI) was performed in both Flk-1+/-and MK2-/-mice along with their corresponding WT. Another set of Flk-1+/- and MK2-/- were injected with either Adeno-LacZ (Ad.LacZ) or Adeno-Peli1 (Ad.Peli1) after HLI. Hind limb perfusion was assessed by laser doppler imaging at specific time points. A standardized scoring scale is used to quantify the extent of ischemia. Histology analysis performed includes capillary density, fibrosis, pro-angiogenic and anti-apoptotic proteins. RESULTS Flk-1+/- and MK2-/- had a slower recovery of perfusion efficiency in the ischemic limbs than controls. Both Flk-1+/-and MK2-/-KO mice showed decreased capillary density and capillary myocyte ratios with increased fibrosis than their corresponding wild types. Ad.Peli1 injected ischemic Flk-1+/- limb showed improved perfusion, increased capillary density, and pro-angiogenic molecules with reduced fibrosis compared to Ad.LacZ group. No significant improvement in perfusion was observed in MK2-/- ischemic limb after Ad. Peli1 injection. CONCLUSION Deletion of Flk-1 and MK2 impairs neovascularization and perfusion following HLI. Treatment with Ad. Peli1 results in increased angiogenesis and improved perfusion in Flk-1+/- mice but fails to rectify perfusion in MK2 KO mice. Overall, Peli1 gene therapy is a promising candidate for the treatment of PAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahesh Thirunavukkarasu
- Molecular Cardiology and Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Surgery, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington 06030, CT, USA
| | - Seetur R Pradeep
- Molecular Cardiology and Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Surgery, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington 06030, CT, USA
| | - Gopi Ukani
- Molecular Cardiology and Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Surgery, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington 06030, CT, USA; Stanley J. Dudrick, Department of Surgery, Saint Mary's Hospital, Waterbury 06706, CT, USA
| | - Salim Abunnaja
- Molecular Cardiology and Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Surgery, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington 06030, CT, USA; Stanley J. Dudrick, Department of Surgery, Saint Mary's Hospital, Waterbury 06706, CT, USA
| | - Mark Youssef
- Molecular Cardiology and Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Surgery, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington 06030, CT, USA; Stanley J. Dudrick, Department of Surgery, Saint Mary's Hospital, Waterbury 06706, CT, USA
| | - Diego Accorsi
- Molecular Cardiology and Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Surgery, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington 06030, CT, USA; Stanley J. Dudrick, Department of Surgery, Saint Mary's Hospital, Waterbury 06706, CT, USA
| | - Santosh Swaminathan
- Molecular Cardiology and Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Surgery, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington 06030, CT, USA; Stanley J. Dudrick, Department of Surgery, Saint Mary's Hospital, Waterbury 06706, CT, USA
| | - Sue Ting Lim
- Molecular Cardiology and Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Surgery, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington 06030, CT, USA; Stanley J. Dudrick, Department of Surgery, Saint Mary's Hospital, Waterbury 06706, CT, USA
| | - Virginia Parker
- Molecular Cardiology and Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Surgery, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington 06030, CT, USA; Stanley J. Dudrick, Department of Surgery, Saint Mary's Hospital, Waterbury 06706, CT, USA
| | - Jacob Campbell
- Molecular Cardiology and Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Surgery, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington 06030, CT, USA
| | - Muhammad Tipu Rishi
- Molecular Cardiology and Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Surgery, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington 06030, CT, USA; Stanley J. Dudrick, Department of Surgery, Saint Mary's Hospital, Waterbury 06706, CT, USA
| | - J Alexander Palesty
- Stanley J. Dudrick, Department of Surgery, Saint Mary's Hospital, Waterbury 06706, CT, USA
| | - Nilanjana Maulik
- Molecular Cardiology and Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Surgery, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington 06030, CT, USA.
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Mitochondrial targeted meganuclease as a platform to eliminate mutant mtDNA in vivo. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3210. [PMID: 34050192 PMCID: PMC8163834 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23561-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Diseases caused by heteroplasmic mitochondrial DNA mutations have no effective treatment or cure. In recent years, DNA editing enzymes were tested as tools to eliminate mutant mtDNA in heteroplasmic cells and tissues. Mitochondrial-targeted restriction endonucleases, ZFNs, and TALENs have been successful in shifting mtDNA heteroplasmy, but they all have drawbacks as gene therapy reagents, including: large size, heterodimeric nature, inability to distinguish single base changes, or low flexibility and effectiveness. Here we report the adaptation of a gene editing platform based on the I-CreI meganuclease known as ARCUS®. These mitochondrial-targeted meganucleases (mitoARCUS) have a relatively small size, are monomeric, and can recognize sequences differing by as little as one base pair. We show the development of a mitoARCUS specific for the mouse m.5024C>T mutation in the mt-tRNAAla gene and its delivery to mice intravenously using AAV9 as a vector. Liver and skeletal muscle show robust elimination of mutant mtDNA with concomitant restoration of mt-tRNAAla levels. We conclude that mitoARCUS is a potential powerful tool for the elimination of mutant mtDNA. Heteroplasmic mitochondrial DNA mutations lack effective treatments. Here the authors adapt I-CreI meganuclease to target the mitochondria and specifically-eliminate mtDNA with a m.5024C>T mutation in the mttRNA Ala gene.
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10
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Gushchina LV, Frair EC, Rohan N, Bradley AJ, Simmons TR, Chavan HD, Chou HJ, Eggers M, Waldrop MA, Wein N, Flanigan KM. Lack of Toxicity in Nonhuman Primates Receiving Clinically Relevant Doses of an AAV9.U7snRNA Vector Designed to Induce DMD Exon 2 Skipping. Hum Gene Ther 2021; 32:882-894. [PMID: 33406986 PMCID: PMC10112461 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2020.286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic exon skipping as a treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) has largely concentrated on the delivery of antisense oligomers to treat out-of-frame exon deletions. Here we report on the preclinical development of an adeno-associated virus (AAV)-encapsidated viral vector containing four copies of the noncoding U7 small nuclear RNA (U7snRNA), each targeted to either the splice donor or the splice acceptor sites of DMD exon 2. We have previously shown that delivery of this vector (scAAV9.U7.ACCA) to the Dup2 mouse model results in expression of full-length dystrophin from wild-type DMD mRNA, as well as an internal ribosome entry site (IRES)-driven isoform translated only in the absence of exon 2 (deletion exon 2 [Del2] mRNA). Here we present the data from a rigorous dose escalation toxicity study in nonhuman primates, encompassing two doses (3 × 1013 and 8 × 1013 vg/kg) and two time points (3 and 6 months postinjection). No evidence for significant toxicity was seen by biochemical, histopathologic, or clinical measures, providing evidence for safety that led to initiation of a first-in-human clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liubov V Gushchina
- The Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Emma C Frair
- The Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Natalie Rohan
- The Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Adrienne J Bradley
- The Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Tabatha R Simmons
- The Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | | | | | | | - Megan A Waldrop
- The Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Nicolas Wein
- The Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Kevin M Flanigan
- The Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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11
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Ocana-Santero G, Díaz-Nido J, Herranz-Martín S. Future Prospects of Gene Therapy for Friedreich's Ataxia. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1815. [PMID: 33670433 PMCID: PMC7918362 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Friedreich's ataxia is an autosomal recessive neurogenetic disease that is mainly associated with atrophy of the spinal cord and progressive neurodegeneration in the cerebellum. The disease is caused by a GAA-expansion in the first intron of the frataxin gene leading to a decreased level of frataxin protein, which results in mitochondrial dysfunction. Currently, there is no effective treatment to delay neurodegeneration in Friedreich's ataxia. A plausible therapeutic approach is gene therapy. Indeed, Friedreich's ataxia mouse models have been treated with viral vectors en-coding for either FXN or neurotrophins, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor showing promising results. Thus, gene therapy is increasingly consolidating as one of the most promising therapies. However, several hurdles have to be overcome, including immunotoxicity and pheno-toxicity. We review the state of the art of gene therapy in Friedreich's ataxia, addressing the main challenges and the most feasible solutions for them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Ocana-Santero
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CSIC-UAM), Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Nicolás Cabrera 1, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (G.O.-S.); (J.D.-N.)
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Sherrington Building, Parks Road, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Javier Díaz-Nido
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CSIC-UAM), Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Nicolás Cabrera 1, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (G.O.-S.); (J.D.-N.)
| | - Saúl Herranz-Martín
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CSIC-UAM), Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Nicolás Cabrera 1, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (G.O.-S.); (J.D.-N.)
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12
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Marsico G, Jin C, Abbah SA, Brauchle EM, Thomas D, Rebelo AL, Orbanić D, Chantepie S, Contessotto P, Papy-Garcia D, Rodriguez-Cabello C, Kilcoyne M, Schenke-Layland K, Karlsson NG, McCullagh KJA, Pandit A. Elastin-like hydrogel stimulates angiogenesis in a severe model of critical limb ischemia (CLI): An insight into the glyco-host response. Biomaterials 2021; 269:120641. [PMID: 33493768 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2020.120641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is characterized by the impairment of microcirculation, necrosis and inflammation of the muscular tissue. Although the role of glycans in mediating inflammation has been reported, changes in the glycosylation following muscle ischemia remains poorly understood. Here, a murine CLI model was used to show the increase of high mannose, α-(2, 6)-sialic acid and the decrease of hybrid and bisected N-glycans as glycosylation associated with the ischemic environment. Using this model, the efficacy of an elastin-like recombinamers (ELR) hydrogel was assessed. The hydrogel modulates key angiogenic signaling pathways, resulting in capillary formation, and ECM remodeling. Arterioles formation, reduction of fibrosis and anti-inflammatory macrophage polarization wa also induced by the hydrogel administration. Modulation of glycosylation was observed, suggesting, in particular, a role for mannosylation and sialylation in the mediation of tissue repair. Our study elucidates the angiogenic potential of the ELR hydrogel for CLI applications and identifies glycosylation alterations as potential new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grazia Marsico
- CÚRAM SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway H92 W2TY, Ireland
| | - Chunseng Jin
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology at Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, The University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Sunny A Abbah
- CÚRAM SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway H92 W2TY, Ireland
| | - Eva M Brauchle
- Department of Women's Health, Research Institute for Women's Health, The Eberhard-Karls-University Tuebingen, Germany; The Natural and Medical Sciences Institute (NMI) at the University of Tübingen, Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Dilip Thomas
- CÚRAM SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway H92 W2TY, Ireland
| | - Ana Lúcia Rebelo
- CÚRAM SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway H92 W2TY, Ireland
| | | | - Sandrine Chantepie
- Cell Growth, Tissue Repair and Regeneration (CRRET), UPEC EA 4397/ERL CNRS 9215, Université Paris Est Créteil, Université Paris Est, Créteil, France
| | - Paolo Contessotto
- CÚRAM SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway H92 W2TY, Ireland
| | - Dulce Papy-Garcia
- Cell Growth, Tissue Repair and Regeneration (CRRET), UPEC EA 4397/ERL CNRS 9215, Université Paris Est Créteil, Université Paris Est, Créteil, France
| | | | - Michelle Kilcoyne
- CÚRAM SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway H92 W2TY, Ireland; Carbohydrate Signalling Group, Microbiology, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway H92 W2TY, Ireland
| | - K Schenke-Layland
- Department of Women's Health, Research Institute for Women's Health, The Eberhard-Karls-University Tuebingen, Germany; The Natural and Medical Sciences Institute (NMI) at the University of Tübingen, Reutlingen, Germany
| | - N G Karlsson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology at Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, The University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Karl J A McCullagh
- Physiology Department, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway H92 W2TY, Ireland
| | - Abhay Pandit
- CÚRAM SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway H92 W2TY, Ireland.
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13
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Buscara L, Gross DA, Daniele N. Of rAAV and Men: From Genetic Neuromuscular Disorder Efficacy and Toxicity Preclinical Studies to Clinical Trials and Back. J Pers Med 2020; 10:E258. [PMID: 33260623 PMCID: PMC7768510 DOI: 10.3390/jpm10040258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuromuscular disorders are a large group of rare pathologies characterised by skeletal muscle atrophy and weakness, with the common involvement of respiratory and/or cardiac muscles. These diseases lead to life-long motor deficiencies and specific organ failures, and are, in their worst-case scenarios, life threatening. Amongst other causes, they can be genetically inherited through mutations in more than 500 different genes. In the last 20 years, specific pharmacological treatments have been approved for human usage. However, these "à-la-carte" therapies cover only a very small portion of the clinical needs and are often partially efficient in alleviating the symptoms of the disease, even less so in curing it. Recombinant adeno-associated virus vector-mediated gene transfer is a more general strategy that could be adapted for a large majority of these diseases and has proved very efficient in rescuing the symptoms in many neuropathological animal models. On this solid ground, several clinical trials are currently being conducted with the whole-body delivery of the therapeutic vectors. This review recapitulates the state-of-the-art tools for neuron and muscle-targeted gene therapy, and summarises the main findings of the spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and X-linked myotubular myopathy (XLMTM) trials. Despite promising efficacy results, serious adverse events of various severities were observed in these trials. Possible leads for second-generation products are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David-Alexandre Gross
- Genethon, 91000 Evry, France; (L.B.); (D.-A.G.)
- Université Paris-Saclay, Univ Evry, Inserm, Genethon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, 91000 Evry, France
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14
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Luchicchi A, Pattij T, Viaña JNM, de Kloet S, Marchant N. Tracing goes viral: Viruses that introduce expression of fluorescent proteins in chemically-specific neurons. J Neurosci Methods 2020; 348:109004. [PMID: 33242528 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2020.109004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Over the last century, there has been great progress in understanding how the brain works. In particular, the last two decades have been crucial in gaining more awareness over the complex functioning of neurotransmitter systems. The use of viral vectors in neuroscience has been pivotal for such development. Exploiting the properties of viral particles, modifying them according to the research needs, and making them target chemically-specific neurons, techniques such as optogenetics and chemogenetics have been developed, which could lead to a giant step toward gene therapy for brain disorders. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of some of the most widely used viral techniques in neuroscience. We will discuss advantages and disadvantages of these methods. In particular, attention is dedicated to the pivotal role played by the introduction of adeno-associated virus and the retrograde tracer canine-associated-2 Cre virus in order to achieve optimal visualization, and interrogation, of chemically-specific neuronal populations and their projections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Luchicchi
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center, de Boelelaan 1108, 1081HZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Tommy Pattij
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center, de Boelelaan 1108, 1081HZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - John Noel M Viaña
- Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), VU University Amsterdam, de Boelelaan 1085, 1081HZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science, ANU College of Science, The Australian National University, Linnaeus Way, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Sybren de Kloet
- Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), VU University Amsterdam, de Boelelaan 1085, 1081HZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Nathan Marchant
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center, de Boelelaan 1108, 1081HZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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15
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Ryan TE, Schmidt CA, Tarpey MD, Amorese AJ, Yamaguchi DJ, Goldberg EJ, Iñigo MM, Karnekar R, O'Rourke A, Ervasti JM, Brophy P, Green TD, Neufer PD, Fisher-Wellman K, Spangenburg EE, McClung JM. PFKFB3-mediated glycolysis rescues myopathic outcomes in the ischemic limb. JCI Insight 2020; 5:139628. [PMID: 32841216 PMCID: PMC7526546 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.139628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Compromised muscle mitochondrial metabolism is a hallmark of peripheral arterial disease, especially in patients with the most severe clinical manifestation - critical limb ischemia (CLI). We asked whether inflexibility in metabolism is critical for the development of myopathy in ischemic limb muscles. Using Polg mtDNA mutator (D257A) mice, we reveal remarkable protection from hind limb ischemia (HLI) due to a unique and beneficial adaptive enhancement of glycolytic metabolism and elevated ischemic muscle PFKFB3. Similar to the relationship between mitochondria from CLI and claudicating patient muscles, BALB/c muscle mitochondria are uniquely dysfunctional after HLI onset as compared with the C57BL/6 (BL6) parental strain. AAV-mediated overexpression of PFKFB3 in BALB/c limb muscles improved muscle contractile function and limb blood flow following HLI. Enrichment analysis of RNA sequencing data on muscle from CLI patients revealed a unique deficit in the glucose metabolism Reactome. Muscles from these patients express lower PFKFB3 protein, and their muscle progenitor cells possess decreased glycolytic flux capacity in vitro. Here, we show supplementary glycolytic flux as sufficient to protect against ischemic myopathy in instances where reduced blood flow-related mitochondrial function is compromised preclinically. Additionally, our data reveal reduced glycolytic flux as a common characteristic of the failing CLI patient limb skeletal muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terence E Ryan
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute.,Department of Physiology
| | - Cameron A Schmidt
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute.,Department of Physiology
| | - Michael D Tarpey
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute.,Department of Physiology
| | - Adam J Amorese
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute.,Department of Physiology
| | - Dean J Yamaguchi
- Department of Cardiovascular Science, and.,Division of Surgery, East Carolina University, Brody School of Medicine, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Emma J Goldberg
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute.,Department of Physiology
| | - Melissa Mr Iñigo
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute.,Department of Physiology
| | - Reema Karnekar
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute.,Department of Physiology
| | - Allison O'Rourke
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, College of Biological Sciences, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - James M Ervasti
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, College of Biological Sciences, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | | | - Thomas D Green
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute.,Department of Physiology
| | - P Darrell Neufer
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute.,Department of Physiology
| | | | | | - Joseph M McClung
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute.,Department of Physiology.,Department of Cardiovascular Science, and
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16
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Boutagy NE, Ravera S, Papademetris X, Onofrey JA, Zhuang ZW, Wu J, Feher A, Stacy MR, French BA, Annex BH, Carrasco N, Sinusas AJ. Noninvasive In Vivo Quantification of Adeno-Associated Virus Serotype 9-Mediated Expression of the Sodium/Iodide Symporter Under Hindlimb Ischemia and Neuraminidase Desialylation in Skeletal Muscle Using Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography/Computed Tomography. Circ Cardiovasc Imaging 2019; 12:e009063. [PMID: 31296047 DOI: 10.1161/circimaging.119.009063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We propose micro single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography imaging of the hNIS (human sodium/iodide symporter) to noninvasively quantify adeno-associated virus 9 (AAV9)-mediated gene expression in a murine model of peripheral artery disease. METHODS AAV9-hNIS (2×1011 viral genome particles) was injected into nonischemic or ischemic gastrocnemius muscles of C57Bl/6J mice following unilateral hindlimb ischemia ± the α-sialidase NA (neuraminidase). Control nonischemic limbs were injected with phosphate buffered saline or remained noninjected. Twelve mice underwent micro single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography imaging after serial injection of pertechnetate (99mTcO4-), a NIS substrate, up to 28 days after AAV9-hNIS injection. Twenty four animals were euthanized at selected times over 1 month for ex vivo validation. Forty-two animals were imaged with 99mTcO4- ± the selective NIS inhibitor perchlorate on day 10, to ascertain specificity of radiotracer uptake. Tissue was harvested for ex vivo validation. A modified version of the U-Net deep learning algorithm was used for image quantification. RESULTS As quantitated by standardized uptake value, there was a gradual temporal increase in 99mTcO4- uptake in muscles treated with AAV9-hNIS. Hindlimb ischemia, NA, and hindlimb ischemia plus NA increased the magnitude of 99mTcO4- uptake by 4- to 5-fold compared with nonischemic muscle treated with only AAV9-hNIS. Perchlorate treatment significantly reduced 99mTcO4- uptake in AAV9-hNIS-treated muscles, demonstrating uptake specificity. The imaging results correlated well with ex vivo well counting (r2=0.9375; P<0.0001) and immunoblot analysis of NIS protein (r2=0.65; P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Micro single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography imaging of hNIS-mediated 99mTcO4- uptake allows for accurate in vivo quantification of AAV9-driven gene expression, which increases under ischemic conditions or neuraminidase desialylation in skeletal muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabil E Boutagy
- Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale Translational Research Imaging Center (N.E.B., Z.W.Z., A.F., M.R.S., A.J.S.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Silvia Ravera
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology (S.R., N.C.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Xenophon Papademetris
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging (X.P., J.A.O., J.W., A.J.S.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - John A Onofrey
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging (X.P., J.A.O., J.W., A.J.S.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Zhen W Zhuang
- Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale Translational Research Imaging Center (N.E.B., Z.W.Z., A.F., M.R.S., A.J.S.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Jing Wu
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging (X.P., J.A.O., J.W., A.J.S.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Attila Feher
- Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale Translational Research Imaging Center (N.E.B., Z.W.Z., A.F., M.R.S., A.J.S.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Mitchel R Stacy
- Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale Translational Research Imaging Center (N.E.B., Z.W.Z., A.F., M.R.S., A.J.S.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Brent A French
- Department of Biomedical Engineering (B.A.F., B.H.A.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine (B.A.F., B.H.A.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Brian H Annex
- Department of Biomedical Engineering (B.A.F., B.H.A.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine (B.A.F., B.H.A.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Nancy Carrasco
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology (S.R., N.C.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Albert J Sinusas
- Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale Translational Research Imaging Center (N.E.B., Z.W.Z., A.F., M.R.S., A.J.S.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging (X.P., J.A.O., J.W., A.J.S.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
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17
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Shen X, Xu Y, Bai Z, Ma D, Niu Q, Meng J, Fan S, Zhang L, Hao Z, Zhang X, Liang C. Transparenchymal Renal Pelvis Injection of Recombinant Adeno-Associated Virus Serotype 9 Vectors Is a Practical Approach for Gene Delivery in the Kidney. Hum Gene Ther Methods 2019; 29:251-258. [PMID: 30458119 DOI: 10.1089/hgtb.2018.148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy has great potential in treating human diseases, but little progress has been made in preclinical and clinical studies of renal diseases. To find an effective gene delivery approach in the kidney, transparenchymal renal pelvis injection was developed. Using adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (AAV9) vectors, the gene delivery efficiency and safety of this administration method were evaluated. The results showed that the exogenous gene was expressed in the tubular epithelial cells of the injected kidney, with a much lower expression level in the contralateral kidney. Extra-renal transduction in the liver was also observed in this study, with the liver function of AAV9-injected mice comparable to that of control mice. Altogether, the administration of AAV9 vectors by newly established transparenchymal renal pelvis injection achieved the desired exogenous gene expression in renal tubular cells, and hence might be one possible way for gene therapy in renal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xufeng Shen
- 1 Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, P.R. China; Hefei, P.R. China.,2 Institute of Urology and Hefei, P.R. China.,3 Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Genitourinary Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, P.R. China; and Hefei, P.R. China.,4 Anhui Province PKD Center, Hefei, P.R. China
| | - Yuchen Xu
- 1 Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, P.R. China; Hefei, P.R. China.,2 Institute of Urology and Hefei, P.R. China.,3 Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Genitourinary Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, P.R. China; and Hefei, P.R. China.,4 Anhui Province PKD Center, Hefei, P.R. China
| | - Zhengming Bai
- 1 Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, P.R. China; Hefei, P.R. China.,2 Institute of Urology and Hefei, P.R. China.,3 Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Genitourinary Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, P.R. China; and Hefei, P.R. China.,4 Anhui Province PKD Center, Hefei, P.R. China
| | - Dongyue Ma
- 1 Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, P.R. China; Hefei, P.R. China.,2 Institute of Urology and Hefei, P.R. China.,3 Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Genitourinary Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, P.R. China; and Hefei, P.R. China.,4 Anhui Province PKD Center, Hefei, P.R. China
| | - Qingsong Niu
- 1 Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, P.R. China; Hefei, P.R. China.,2 Institute of Urology and Hefei, P.R. China.,3 Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Genitourinary Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, P.R. China; and Hefei, P.R. China.,4 Anhui Province PKD Center, Hefei, P.R. China
| | - Jialin Meng
- 1 Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, P.R. China; Hefei, P.R. China.,2 Institute of Urology and Hefei, P.R. China.,3 Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Genitourinary Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, P.R. China; and Hefei, P.R. China
| | - Song Fan
- 1 Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, P.R. China; Hefei, P.R. China.,2 Institute of Urology and Hefei, P.R. China.,3 Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Genitourinary Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, P.R. China; and Hefei, P.R. China
| | - Li Zhang
- 1 Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, P.R. China; Hefei, P.R. China.,2 Institute of Urology and Hefei, P.R. China.,3 Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Genitourinary Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, P.R. China; and Hefei, P.R. China
| | - Zongyao Hao
- 1 Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, P.R. China; Hefei, P.R. China.,2 Institute of Urology and Hefei, P.R. China.,3 Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Genitourinary Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, P.R. China; and Hefei, P.R. China
| | - Xiansheng Zhang
- 1 Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, P.R. China; Hefei, P.R. China.,2 Institute of Urology and Hefei, P.R. China.,3 Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Genitourinary Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, P.R. China; and Hefei, P.R. China
| | - Chaozhao Liang
- 1 Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, P.R. China; Hefei, P.R. China.,2 Institute of Urology and Hefei, P.R. China.,3 Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Genitourinary Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, P.R. China; and Hefei, P.R. China.,4 Anhui Province PKD Center, Hefei, P.R. China
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18
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Zhu H, Wang T, John Lye R, French BA, Annex BH. Neuraminidase-mediated desialylation augments AAV9-mediated gene expression in skeletal muscle. J Gene Med 2018; 20:e3049. [PMID: 30101537 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.3049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Revised: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Following systemic delivery, AAV9-mediated gene expression is significantly increased in ischemic versus non-ischemic muscle, suggesting that AAV9 is an attractive vector for treating peripheral arterial disease. Potential mechanisms underlying ischemia-augmented expression include: (i) increased vascular permeability and (ii) "unmasking" of endogenous AAV9 receptors. In the present study, we aimed to reconstitute the ischemic induction of AAV9 in vivo, using local injection of histamine (to increase vascular permeability) and neuraminidase (to desialylate cell surface glycans). METHODS Bioassays were performed to optimize the effects of histamine and neuraminidase after intramuscular injection. Histamine and/or neuraminidase were then injected intramuscularly shortly before intravenous injection of an AAV9 vector expressing luciferase. Luciferase expression was serially assessed with bioluminescence imaging. At the end of the study, tissues were harvested for assays of luciferase activity and AAV9 genome copy number aiming to assess AAV-mediated gene expression and transduction, respectively. RESULTS Intramuscular injection of either neuraminidase or neuraminidase plus histamine significantly increased both transduction and gene expression, whereas histamine alone had little effect. Pre-injection with neuraminidase increased AAV9-mediated gene delivery by four- to nine-fold and luciferase activity by 60-100-fold. Luciferase activity in neuraminidase-injected muscle was > 100-fold higher than in any off-target tissue (including heart, liver and brain). CONCLUSIONS The ischemic induction of AAV9-mediated gene expression in muscle can largely be reconstituted by pre-injecting neuraminidase intranmuscularly. This strategy may prove useful in future human gene therapy protocols as a quick and efficient means to selectively target systemically injected AAV9 to localized regions of muscle, thus decreasing the potential for adverse effects in off-target tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongling Zhu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Robert John Lye
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Brent A French
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.,Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Brian H Annex
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.,Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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19
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Mayer WP, Murray AJ, Brenner-Morton S, Jessell TM, Tourtellotte WG, Akay T. Role of muscle spindle feedback in regulating muscle activity strength during walking at different speed in mice. J Neurophysiol 2018; 120:2484-2497. [PMID: 30133381 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00250.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Terrestrial animals increase their walking speed by increasing the activity of the extensor muscles. However, the mechanism underlying how this speed-dependent amplitude modulation is achieved remains obscure. Previous studies have shown that group Ib afferent feedback from Golgi tendon organs that signal force is one of the major regulators of the strength of muscle activity during walking in cats and humans. In contrast, the contribution of group Ia/II afferent feedback from muscle spindle stretch receptors that signal angular displacement of leg joints is unclear. Some studies indicate that group II afferent feedback may be important for amplitude regulation in humans, but the role of muscle spindle feedback in regulation of muscle activity strength in quadrupedal animals is very poorly understood. To examine the role of feedback from muscle spindles, we combined in vivo electrophysiology and motion analysis with mouse genetics and gene delivery with adeno-associated virus. We provide evidence that proprioceptive sensory feedback from muscle spindles is important for the regulation of the muscle activity strength and speed-dependent amplitude modulation. Furthermore, our data suggest that feedback from the muscle spindles of the ankle extensor muscles, the triceps surae, is the main source for this mechanism. In contrast, muscle spindle feedback from the knee extensor muscles, the quadriceps femoris, has no influence on speed-dependent amplitude modulation. We provide evidence that proprioceptive feedback from ankle extensor muscles is critical for regulating muscle activity strength as gait speed increases. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Animals upregulate the activity of extensor muscles to increase their walking speed, but the mechanism behind this is not known. We show that this speed-dependent amplitude modulation requires proprioceptive sensory feedback from muscle spindles of ankle extensor muscle. In the absence of muscle spindle feedback, animals cannot walk at higher speeds as they can when muscle spindle feedback is present.
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Affiliation(s)
- William P Mayer
- Atlantic Mobility Action Project, Brain Repair Center, Department of Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University , Halifax, Nova Scotia , Canada.,Department of Morphology, Federal University of Espirito Santo , Vitoria , Brazil
| | - Andrew J Murray
- Sainsbury Wellcome Center for Neural Circuits and Behaviour, University College London , London , United Kingdom
| | - Susan Brenner-Morton
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University , New York, New York
| | - Thomas M Jessell
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University , New York, New York
| | - Warren G Tourtellotte
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedar Sinai Medical Center, West Hollywood, California
| | - Turgay Akay
- Atlantic Mobility Action Project, Brain Repair Center, Department of Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University , Halifax, Nova Scotia , Canada
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Downregulated sodium currents in heart failure (HF) have been linked to increased arrhythmic risk. Reduced expression of the messenger RNA (mRNA)-stabilizing protein HuR (also known as ELAVL1) may be responsible for the downregulation of sodium channel gene SCN5A mRNA. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this article was to investigate whether HuR regulates SCN5A mRNA expression and whether manipulation of HuR benefits arrhythmia control in HF. METHODS Quantitative real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was used to investigate the expression of SCN5A. Optical mapping of the intact heart was adopted to study the effects of HuR on the conduction velocity and action potential upstroke in mice with myocardial infarct and HF after injection of AAV9 viral particles carrying HuR. RESULTS HuR was associated with SCN5A mRNA in cardiomyocytes, and expression of HuR was downregulated in failing hearts. The association of HuR and SCN5A mRNA protected SCN5A mRNA from decay. Injection of AAV9 viral particles carrying HuR increased SCN5A expression in mouse heart tissues after MI. Optical mapping of the intact heart demonstrated that overexpression of HuR improved action potential upstroke and conduction velocity in the infarct border zone, which reduced the risk of reentrant arrhythmia after MI. CONCLUSION Our data indicate that HuR is an important RNA-binding protein in maintaining SCN5A mRNA abundance in cardiomyocytes. Reduced expression of HuR may be at least partially responsible for the downregulation of SCN5A mRNA expression in ischemic HF. Overexpression of HuR may rescue decreased SCN5A expression and reduce arrhythmic risk in HF. Increasing mRNA stability to increase ion channel currents may correct a fundamental defect in HF and represent a new paradigm in antiarrhythmic therapy.
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21
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Flotte TR, Daniels E, Benson J, Bevett-Rose JM, Cornetta K, Diggins M, Johnston J, Sepelak S, van der Loo JCM, Wilson JM, McDonald CL. The Gene Therapy Resource Program: A Decade of Dedication to Translational Research by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. HUM GENE THER CL DEV 2017; 28:178-186. [PMID: 29130351 PMCID: PMC5733658 DOI: 10.1089/humc.2017.170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Over a 10-year period, the Gene Therapy Resource Program (GTRP) of the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute has provided a set of core services to investigators to facilitate the clinical translation of gene therapy. These services have included a preclinical (research-grade) vector production core; current Good Manufacturing Practice clinical-grade vector cores for recombinant adeno-associated virus and lentivirus vectors; a pharmacology and toxicology core; and a coordinating center to manage program logistics and to provide regulatory and financial support to early-phase clinical trials. In addition, the GTRP has utilized a Steering Committee and a Scientific Review Board to guide overall progress and effectiveness and to evaluate individual proposals. These resources have been deployed to assist 82 investigators with 172 approved service proposals. These efforts have assisted in clinical trial implementation across a wide range of genetic, cardiac, pulmonary, and blood diseases. Program outcomes and potential future directions of the program are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terence R. Flotte
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Eric Daniels
- Social and Scientific Systems, Inc., Silver Spring, Maryland
| | - Janet Benson
- Lovelace Biomedical and Environmental Research Institute, Albuquerque, New Mexico
| | | | - Kenneth Cornetta
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | | | - Julie Johnston
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Susan Sepelak
- Social and Scientific Systems, Inc., Silver Spring, Maryland
| | - Johannes C. M. van der Loo
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- The Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - James M. Wilson
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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22
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Iyer SR, Annex BH. Therapeutic Angiogenesis for Peripheral Artery Disease: Lessons Learned in Translational Science. JACC Basic Transl Sci 2017; 2:503-512. [PMID: 29430558 PMCID: PMC5802410 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacbts.2017.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a major health care problem. There have been limited advances in medical therapies, and a huge burden of symptomatic patients with intermittent claudication and critical limb ischemia who have limited treatment options. Angiogenesis is the growth and proliferation of blood vessels from existing vasculature. For approximately 2 decades, "therapeutic angiogenesis" has been studied as an investigational approach to treat patients with symptomatic PAD. Despite literally hundreds of positive preclinical studies, results from human clinical studies thus far have been disappointing. Here we present an overview of where the field of therapeutic angiogenesis stands today and examine lessons learned from previously conducted clinical trials. The objective is not to second-guess past efforts but to place the lessons in perspective to allow for trial success in the future to improve agent development, trial design, and ultimately, clinical outcomes for new therapeutics for PAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunil R. Iyer
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Brian H. Annex
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
- Robert Bernie Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
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23
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AAV9-IGF1 protects TDP-25 cells from apoptosis and oxidative stress partly via up-regulating the expression of VEGF in vitro. Neurosci Lett 2017; 640:123-129. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2017.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2016] [Revised: 12/06/2016] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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24
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Rudeck S, Etard C, Khan MM, Rottbauer W, Rudolf R, Strähle U, Just S. A compact unc45b-promoter drives muscle-specific expression in zebrafish and mouse. Genesis 2016; 54:431-8. [PMID: 27295336 PMCID: PMC5113797 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.22953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Revised: 06/02/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Summary: Gene therapeutic approaches to cure genetic diseases require tools to express the rescuing gene exclusively within the affected tissues. Viruses are often chosen as gene transfer vehicles but they have limited capacity for genetic information to be carried and transduced. In addition, to avoid off‐target effects the therapeutic gene should be driven by a tissue‐specific promoter in order to ensure expression in the target organs, tissues, or cell populations. The larger the promoter, the less space will be left for the respective gene. Thus, there is a need for small but tissue‐specific promoters. Here, we describe a compact unc45b promoter fragment of 195 bp that retains the ability to drive gene expression exclusively in skeletal and cardiac muscle in zebrafish and mouse. Remarkably, the described unc45b promoter fragment not only drives muscle‐specific expression but presents heat‐shock inducibility, allowing a temporal and spatial quantity control of (trans)gene expression. Here, we demonstrate that the transgenic expression of the smyd1b gene driven by the unc45b promoter fragment is able to rescue the embryonically lethal heart and skeletal muscle defects in smyd1b‐deficient flatline mutant zebrafish. Our findings demonstrate that the described muscle‐specific unc45b promoter fragment might be a valuable tool for the development of genetic therapies in patients suffering from myopathies. genesis 54:431–438, 2016. © 2016 The Authors. Genesis Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Rudeck
- Molecular Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine II, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Christelle Etard
- Institute of Toxicology and Genetics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Muzamil M Khan
- Molecular Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine II, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany.,Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Hochschule Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany.,Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences, University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Rüdiger Rudolf
- Institute of Toxicology and Genetics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany.,Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Hochschule Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany.,Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences, University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Uwe Strähle
- Institute of Toxicology and Genetics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Steffen Just
- Molecular Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine II, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
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25
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Rapid, scalable, and low-cost purification of recombinant adeno-associated virus produced by baculovirus expression vector system. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2016; 3:16035. [PMID: 27226971 PMCID: PMC4867670 DOI: 10.1038/mtm.2016.35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Revised: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 04/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAV) are largely used for gene transfer in research, preclinical developments, and clinical trials. Their broad in vivo biodistribution and long-term efficacy in postmitotic tissues make them good candidates for numerous gene transfer applications. Upstream processes able to produce large amounts of rAAV were developed, particularly those using baculovirus expression vector system. In parallel, downstream processes present a large panel of purification methods, often including multiple and time consuming steps. Here, we show that simple tangential flow filtration, coupled with an optimized iodixanol-based isopycnic density gradient, is sufficient to purify several liters of crude lysate produced by baculovirus expression vector system in only one working day, leading to high titers and good purity of rAAV products. Moreover, we show that the viral vectors retain their in vitro and in vivo functionalities. Our results demonstrate that simple, rapid, and relatively low-cost methods can easily be implemented for obtaining a high-quality grade of gene therapy products based on rAAV technology.
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26
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Mattar CN, Wong AMS, Hoefer K, Alonso-Ferrero ME, Buckley SMK, Howe SJ, Cooper JD, Waddington SN, Chan JKY, Rahim AA. Systemic gene delivery following intravenous administration of AAV9 to fetal and neonatal mice and late-gestation nonhuman primates. FASEB J 2015; 29:3876-88. [PMID: 26062602 PMCID: PMC4560173 DOI: 10.1096/fj.14-269092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Several acute monogenic diseases affect multiple body systems, causing death in childhood. The development of novel therapies for such conditions is challenging. However, improvements in gene delivery technology mean that gene therapy has the potential to treat such disorders. We evaluated the ability of the AAV9 vector to mediate systemic gene delivery after intravenous administration to perinatal mice and late-gestation nonhuman primates (NHPs). Titer-matched single-stranded (ss) and self-complementary (sc) AAV9 carrying the green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter gene were intravenously administered to fetal and neonatal mice, with noninjected age-matched mice used as the control. Extensive GFP expression was observed in organs throughout the body, with the epithelial and muscle cells being particularly well transduced. ssAAV9 carrying the WPRE sequence mediated significantly more gene expression than its sc counterpart, which lacked the woodchuck hepatitis virus posttranscriptional regulatory element (WPRE) sequence. To examine a realistic scale-up to larger models or potentially patients for such an approach, AAV9 was intravenously administered to late-gestation NHPs by using a clinically relevant protocol. Widespread systemic gene expression was measured throughout the body, with cellular tropisms similar to those observed in the mouse studies and no observable adverse events. This study confirms that AAV9 can safely mediate systemic gene delivery in small and large animal models and supports its potential use in clinical systemic gene therapy protocols.—Mattar, C. N., Wong, A. M. S., Hoefer, K., Alonso-Ferrero, M. E., Buckley, S. M. K., Howe, S. J., Cooper, J. D., Waddington, S. N., Chan, J. K. Y., Rahim, A. A. Systemic gene delivery following intravenous administration of AAV9 to fetal and neonatal mice and late-gestation nonhuman primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Citra N Mattar
- *Experimental Fetal Medicine Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Pediatric Storage Disorders Laboratory, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; University College London (UCL) Institute for Child Health, Gene Transfer Technology Group, Institute for Women's Health, and **Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Reproductive Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Tower, Singapore; and Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore
| | - Andrew M S Wong
- *Experimental Fetal Medicine Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Pediatric Storage Disorders Laboratory, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; University College London (UCL) Institute for Child Health, Gene Transfer Technology Group, Institute for Women's Health, and **Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Reproductive Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Tower, Singapore; and Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore
| | - Klemens Hoefer
- *Experimental Fetal Medicine Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Pediatric Storage Disorders Laboratory, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; University College London (UCL) Institute for Child Health, Gene Transfer Technology Group, Institute for Women's Health, and **Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Reproductive Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Tower, Singapore; and Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore
| | - Maria E Alonso-Ferrero
- *Experimental Fetal Medicine Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Pediatric Storage Disorders Laboratory, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; University College London (UCL) Institute for Child Health, Gene Transfer Technology Group, Institute for Women's Health, and **Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Reproductive Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Tower, Singapore; and Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore
| | - Suzanne M K Buckley
- *Experimental Fetal Medicine Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Pediatric Storage Disorders Laboratory, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; University College London (UCL) Institute for Child Health, Gene Transfer Technology Group, Institute for Women's Health, and **Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Reproductive Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Tower, Singapore; and Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore
| | - Steven J Howe
- *Experimental Fetal Medicine Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Pediatric Storage Disorders Laboratory, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; University College London (UCL) Institute for Child Health, Gene Transfer Technology Group, Institute for Women's Health, and **Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Reproductive Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Tower, Singapore; and Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore
| | - Jonathan D Cooper
- *Experimental Fetal Medicine Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Pediatric Storage Disorders Laboratory, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; University College London (UCL) Institute for Child Health, Gene Transfer Technology Group, Institute for Women's Health, and **Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Reproductive Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Tower, Singapore; and Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore
| | - Simon N Waddington
- *Experimental Fetal Medicine Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Pediatric Storage Disorders Laboratory, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; University College London (UCL) Institute for Child Health, Gene Transfer Technology Group, Institute for Women's Health, and **Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Reproductive Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Tower, Singapore; and Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore
| | - Jerry K Y Chan
- *Experimental Fetal Medicine Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Pediatric Storage Disorders Laboratory, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; University College London (UCL) Institute for Child Health, Gene Transfer Technology Group, Institute for Women's Health, and **Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Reproductive Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Tower, Singapore; and Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore
| | - Ahad A Rahim
- *Experimental Fetal Medicine Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Pediatric Storage Disorders Laboratory, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; University College London (UCL) Institute for Child Health, Gene Transfer Technology Group, Institute for Women's Health, and **Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Reproductive Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Tower, Singapore; and Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore
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27
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Proto JD, Tang Y, Lu A, Chen WCW, Stahl E, Poddar M, Beckman SA, Robbins PD, Nidernhofer LJ, Imbrogno K, Hannigan T, Mars WM, Wang B, Huard J. NF-κB inhibition reveals a novel role for HGF during skeletal muscle repair. Cell Death Dis 2015; 6:e1730. [PMID: 25906153 PMCID: PMC4650539 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2015.66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2014] [Revised: 01/08/2015] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The transcription factor nuclear factor κB (NF-κB)/p65 is the master regulator of inflammation in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Disease severity is reduced by NF-κB inhibition in the mdx mouse, a murine DMD model; however, therapeutic targeting of NF-κB remains problematic for patients because of its fundamental role in immunity. In this investigation, we found that the therapeutic effect of NF-κB blockade requires hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) production by myogenic cells. We found that deleting one allele of the NF-κB subunit p65 (p65+/-) improved the survival and enhanced the anti-inflammatory capacity of muscle-derived stem cells (MDSCs) following intramuscular transplantation. Factors secreted from p65+/- MDSCs in cell cultures modulated macrophage cytokine expression in an HGF-receptor-dependent manner. Indeed, we found that following genetic or pharmacologic inhibition of basal NF-κB/p65 activity, HGF gene transcription was induced in MDSCs. We investigated the role of HGF in anti-NF-κB therapy in vivo using mdx;p65+/- mice, and found that accelerated regeneration coincided with HGF upregulation in the skeletal muscle. This anti-NF-κB-mediated dystrophic phenotype was reversed by blocking de novo HGF production by myogenic cells following disease onset. HGF silencing resulted in increased inflammation and extensive necrosis of the diaphragm muscle. Proteolytic processing of matrix-associated HGF is known to activate muscle stem cells at the earliest stages of repair, but our results indicate that the production of a second pool of HGF by myogenic cells, negatively regulated by NF-κB/p65, is crucial for inflammation resolution and the completion of repair in dystrophic skeletal muscle. Our findings warrant further investigation into the potential of HGF mimetics for the treatment of DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- J D Proto
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Y Tang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - A Lu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - W C W Chen
- 1] Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA [2] Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - E Stahl
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - M Poddar
- 1] Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA [2] Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - S A Beckman
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - P D Robbins
- Department of Metabolism and Aging, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL
| | - L J Nidernhofer
- Department of Metabolism and Aging, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL
| | - K Imbrogno
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - T Hannigan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - W M Mars
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - B Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - J Huard
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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28
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Powell SK, Rivera-Soto R, Gray SJ. Viral expression cassette elements to enhance transgene target specificity and expression in gene therapy. DISCOVERY MEDICINE 2015; 19:49-57. [PMID: 25636961 PMCID: PMC4505817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Over the last five years, the number of clinical trials involving AAV (adeno-associated virus) and lentiviral vectors continue to increase by about 150 trials each year. For continued success, AAV and lentiviral expression cassettes need to be designed to meet each disease's specific needs. This review discusses how viral vector expression cassettes can be engineered with elements to enhance target specificity and increase transgene expression. The key differences relating to target specificity between ubiquitous and tissue-specific promoters are discussed, as well as how endogenous miRNAs and their target sequences have been used to restrict transgene expression. Specifically, relevant studies indicating how cis-acting elements such as introns, WPRE, polyadenylation signals, and the CMV enhancer are highlighted to show their utility for enhancing transgene expression in gene therapy applications. All discussion bears in mind that expression cassettes have space constraints. In conclusion, this review can serve as a menu of vector genome design elements and their cost in terms of space to thoughtfully engineer viral vectors for gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Kathleen Powell
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Ricardo Rivera-Soto
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Steven James Gray
- Gene Therapy Center and Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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29
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Abstract
Gene therapy for the muscular dystrophies has evolved as a promising treatment for this progressive group of disorders. Although corticosteroids and/or supportive treatments remain the standard of care for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, loss of ambulation, respiratory failure, and compromised cardiac function is the inevitable outcome. Recent developments in genetically mediated therapies have allowed for personalized treatments that strategically target individual muscular dystrophy subtypes based on disease pathomechanism and phenotype. In this review, we highlight the therapeutic progress with emphasis on evolving preclinical data and our own experience in completed clinical trials and others currently underway. We also discuss the lessons we have learned along the way and the strategies developed to overcome limitations and obstacles in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jerry R Mendell
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute of Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio.
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30
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French BA, Annex BH. AAV9 and Cre: a one-two punch for a quick cardiac knockout. Cardiovasc Res 2014; 104:3-4. [PMID: 25187523 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvu200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Brent A French
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Medicine/Cardiovascular Medicine and Radiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Brian H Annex
- Departments of Medicine/Cardiovascular Medicine, Biomedical Engineering, and the Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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31
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Targeted delivery of miRNA therapeutics for cardiovascular diseases: opportunities and challenges. Clin Sci (Lond) 2014; 127:351-65. [PMID: 24895056 DOI: 10.1042/cs20140005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulation of miRNA expression has been associated with many cardiovascular diseases in animal models, as well as in patients. In the present review, we summarize recent findings on the role of miRNAs in cardiovascular diseases and discuss the opportunities, possibilities and challenges of using miRNAs as future therapeutic targets. Furthermore, we focus on the different approaches that can be used to deliver these newly developed miRNA therapeutics to their sites of action. Since siRNAs are structurally homologous with the miRNA therapeutics, important lessons learned from siRNA delivery strategies are discussed that might be applicable to targeted delivery of miRNA therapeutics, thereby reducing costs and potential side effects, and improving efficacy.
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32
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Rocca CJ, Ur SN, Harrison F, Cherqui S. rAAV9 combined with renal vein injection is optimal for kidney-targeted gene delivery: conclusion of a comparative study. Gene Ther 2014; 21:618-28. [PMID: 24784447 PMCID: PMC4047163 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2014.35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2013] [Revised: 03/03/2014] [Accepted: 03/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Effective gene therapy strategies for the treatment of kidney disorders remain elusive. We report an optimized kidney-targeted gene delivery strategy using recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) administered via retrograde renal vein injection in mice. Renal vein injection of rAAV consistently resulted in superior kidney transduction compared with tail vein injection using as little as half the tail vein dose. We compared rAAV5, 6, 8 and 9, containing either green fluorescent protein (GFP) or luciferase reporter genes driven by the Cytomegalovirus promoter. We demonstrated that although rAAV6 and 8 injected via renal vein transduced the kidney, transgene expression was mainly restricted to the medulla. Transgene expression was systematically low after rAAV5 injection, attributed to T-cell immune response, which could be overcome by transient immunosuppression. However, rAAV9 was the only serotype that permitted high-transduction efficiency of both the cortex and medulla. Moreover, both the glomeruli and tubules were targeted, with a higher efficiency within the glomeruli. To improve the specificity of kidney-targeted gene delivery with rAAV9, we used the parathyroid hormone receptor 'kidney-specific' promoter. We obtained a more efficient transgene expression within the kidney, and a significant reduction in other tissues. Our work represents the first comprehensive and clinically relevant study for kidney gene delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline J. Rocca
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetics, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman drive, MC 0734, La Jolla, California 92093-0734, USA
| | - Sarah N. Ur
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetics, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman drive, MC 0734, La Jolla, California 92093-0734, USA
| | - Frank Harrison
- Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Stephanie Cherqui
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetics, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman drive, MC 0734, La Jolla, California 92093-0734, USA
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Forbes SC, Bish LT, Ye F, Spinazzola J, Baligand C, Plant D, Vandenborne K, Barton ER, Sweeney HL, Walter GA. Gene transfer of arginine kinase to skeletal muscle using adeno-associated virus. Gene Ther 2014; 21:387-92. [PMID: 24572791 PMCID: PMC3975678 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2014.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2013] [Revised: 01/07/2014] [Accepted: 01/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we tested the feasibility of non-invasively measuring phosphoarginine (PArg) after gene delivery of arginine kinase (AK) using an adeno-associated virus (AAV) to murine hindlimbs. This was achieved by evaluating the time course, regional distribution and metabolic flux of PArg using (31)phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((31)P-MRS). AK gene was injected into the gastrocnemius of the left hindlimb of C57Bl10 mice (age 5 weeks, male) using self-complementary AAV, type 2/8 with desmin promoter. Non-localized (31)P-MRS data were acquired over 9 months after injection using 11.1-T and 17.6-T Bruker Avance spectrometers. In addition, (31)P two-dimensional chemical shift imaging and saturation transfer experiments were performed to examine the spatial distribution and metabolic flux of PArg, respectively. PArg was evident in each injected mouse hindlimb after gene delivery, increased until 28 weeks, and remained elevated for at least 9 months (P<0.05). Furthermore, PArg was primarily localized to the injected posterior hindimb region and the metabolite was in exchange with ATP. Overall, the results show the viability of AAV gene transfer of AK gene to skeletal muscle, and provide support of PArg as a reporter that can be used to non-invasively monitor the transduction of genes for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean C. Forbes
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Lawrence T. Bish
- Department of Physiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Fan Ye
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Janelle Spinazzola
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Celine Baligand
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Daniel Plant
- Advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy Facility, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | | | - Elisabeth R. Barton
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - H. Lee Sweeney
- Department of Physiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Glenn A. Walter
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
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Wang D, Zhong L, Nahid MA, Gao G. The potential of adeno-associated viral vectors for gene delivery to muscle tissue. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2014; 11:345-364. [PMID: 24386892 PMCID: PMC4098646 DOI: 10.1517/17425247.2014.871258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Muscle-directed gene therapy is rapidly gaining attention primarily because muscle is an easily accessible target tissue and is also associated with various severe genetic disorders. Localized and systemic delivery of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors of several serotypes results in very efficient transduction of skeletal and cardiac muscles, which has been achieved in both small and large animals, as well as in humans. Muscle is the target tissue in gene therapy for many muscular dystrophy diseases, and may also be exploited as a biofactory to produce secretory factors for systemic disorders. Current limitations of using rAAVs for muscle gene transfer include vector size restriction, potential safety concerns such as off-target toxicity and the immunological barrier composing of pre-existing neutralizing antibodies and CD8(+) T-cell response against AAV capsid in humans. AREAS COVERED In this article, we will discuss basic AAV vector biology and its application in muscle-directed gene delivery, as well as potential strategies to overcome the aforementioned limitations of rAAV for further clinical application. EXPERT OPINION Delivering therapeutic genes to large muscle mass in humans is arguably the most urgent unmet demand in treating diseases affecting muscle tissues throughout the whole body. Muscle-directed, rAAV-mediated gene transfer for expressing antibodies is a promising strategy to combat deadly infectious diseases. Developing strategies to circumvent the immune response following rAAV administration in humans will facilitate clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wang
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Gene Therapy Center, 368 Plantation Street, AS6-2049, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Department of Microbiology and Physiology Systems, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Li Zhong
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Gene Therapy Center, 368 Plantation Street, AS6-2049, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - M Abu Nahid
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Gene Therapy Center, 368 Plantation Street, AS6-2049, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Department of Microbiology and Physiology Systems, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Guangping Gao
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Gene Therapy Center, 368 Plantation Street, AS6-2049, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Department of Microbiology and Physiology Systems, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Sichuan University, West China Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
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Intrajugular vein delivery of AAV9-RNAi prevents neuropathological changes and weight loss in Huntington's disease mice. Mol Ther 2014; 22:797-810. [PMID: 24390280 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2013.289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2013] [Accepted: 12/18/2013] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a fatal neurological disorder caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the HTT gene, which encodes a mutant huntingtin protein (mHTT). The mutation confers a toxic gain of function on huntingtin, leading to widespread neurodegeneration and inclusion formation in many brain regions. Although the hallmark symptom of HD is hyperkinesia stemming from striatal degeneration, several other brain regions are affected which cause psychiatric, cognitive, and metabolic symptoms. Additionally, mHTT expression in peripheral tissue is associated with skeletal muscle atrophy, cardiac failure, weight loss, and diabetes. We, and others, have demonstrated a prevention of motor symptoms in HD mice following direct striatal injection of adeno-associated viral vector (AAV) serotype 1 encoding an RNA interference (RNAi) construct targeting mutant HTT mRNA (mHTT). Here, we expand these efforts and demonstrate that an intrajugular vein injection of AAV serotype 9 (AAV9) expressing a mutant HTT-specific RNAi construct significantly reduced mHTT expression in multiple brain regions and peripheral tissues affected in HD. Correspondingly, this approach prevented atrophy and inclusion formation in key brain regions as well as the severe weight loss germane to HD transgenic mice. These results demonstrate that systemic delivery of AAV9-RNAi may provide more widespread clinical benefit for patients suffering from HD.
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Lamon S, Russell AP. The role and regulation of erythropoietin (EPO) and its receptor in skeletal muscle: how much do we really know? Front Physiol 2013; 4:176. [PMID: 23874302 PMCID: PMC3710958 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2013.00176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2013] [Accepted: 06/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Erythropoietin (EPO) primarily activates erythroid cell proliferation and growth and is active in several types of non-hematopoietic cells via its interaction with the EPO-receptor (EPO-R). This review focuses on the role of EPO in skeletal muscle. The EPO-R is expressed in skeletal muscle cells and EPO may promote myoblast differentiation and survival via the activation of the same signaling cascades as in hematopoietic cells, such as STAT5, MAPK and Akt. Inconsistent results exist with respect to the detection of the EPO-R mRNA and protein in muscle cells, tissue and across species and the use of non-specific EPO-R antibodies contributes to this problem. Additionally, the inability to reproducibly detect an activation of the known EPO-induced signaling pathways in skeletal muscle questions the functionality of the EPO-R in muscle in vivo. These equivocal findings make it difficult to distinguish between a direct effect of EPO on skeletal muscle, via the activation of its receptor, and an indirect effect resulting from a better oxygen supply to the muscle. Consequently, the precise role of EPO in skeletal muscle and its regulatory mechanism/s remain to be elucidated. Further studies are required to comprehensively establish the importance of EPO and its function in skeletal muscle health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Séverine Lamon
- Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University Burwood, VIC, Australia
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