1
|
Chen X, Wolfe DA, Bindu DS, Zhang M, Taskin N, Goertsen D, Shay TF, Sullivan EE, Huang SF, Ravindra Kumar S, Arokiaraj CM, Plattner VM, Campos LJ, Mich JK, Monet D, Ngo V, Ding X, Omstead V, Weed N, Bishaw Y, Gore BB, Lein ES, Akrami A, Miller C, Levi BP, Keller A, Ting JT, Fox AS, Eroglu C, Gradinaru V. Functional gene delivery to and across brain vasculature of systemic AAVs with endothelial-specific tropism in rodents and broad tropism in primates. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3345. [PMID: 37291094 PMCID: PMC10250345 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38582-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Delivering genes to and across the brain vasculature efficiently and specifically across species remains a critical challenge for addressing neurological diseases. We have evolved adeno-associated virus (AAV9) capsids into vectors that transduce brain endothelial cells specifically and efficiently following systemic administration in wild-type mice with diverse genetic backgrounds, and in rats. These AAVs also exhibit superior transduction of the CNS across non-human primates (marmosets and rhesus macaques), and in ex vivo human brain slices, although the endothelial tropism is not conserved across species. The capsid modifications translate from AAV9 to other serotypes such as AAV1 and AAV-DJ, enabling serotype switching for sequential AAV administration in mice. We demonstrate that the endothelial-specific mouse capsids can be used to genetically engineer the blood-brain barrier by transforming the mouse brain vasculature into a functional biofactory. We apply this approach to Hevin knockout mice, where AAV-X1-mediated ectopic expression of the synaptogenic protein Sparcl1/Hevin in brain endothelial cells rescued synaptic deficits.
Collapse
Grants
- P51 OD010425 NIH HHS
- P51 OD011107 NIH HHS
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute
- DP1 NS111369 NINDS NIH HHS
- OT2 OD024899 NIH HHS
- DP1 MH104069 NIMH NIH HHS
- UF1 MH128336 NIMH NIH HHS
- DP1 EB016986 NIBIB NIH HHS
- DP1 OD000616 NIH HHS
- DP2 NS087949 NINDS NIH HHS
- UG3 MH120095 NIMH NIH HHS
- U42 OD011123 NIH HHS
- NIH Director’s New Innovator DP2NS087949 and PECASE, NIH BRAIN Armamentarium 1UF1MH128336-01, NIH Pioneer 5DP1NS111369-04 and SPARC 1OT2OD024899. Additional funding includes the Vallee Foundation, the Moore Foundation, the CZI Neurodegeneration Challenge Network, and the NSF NeuroNex Technology Hub grant 1707316, the Heritage Medical Research Institute and the Beckman Institute for CLARITY, Optogenetics and Vector Engineering Research (CLOVER) for technology development and dissemination, NIH BRAIN UG3MH120095.
- The Swiss National Science Foundation (310030_188952, A.K), the Synapsis (grant 2019-PI02, A.K.), the Swiss Multiple Sclerosis Society (A.K.).
- CNPRC base grant (NIH P51 OD011107)
- The CZI Neurodegeneration Challenge Network. C.E. is an investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinhong Chen
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Damien A Wolfe
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | | | - Mengying Zhang
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Naz Taskin
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - David Goertsen
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Timothy F Shay
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Erin E Sullivan
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Sheng-Fu Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neuroscience Center, Zürich University Hospital, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Sripriya Ravindra Kumar
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Cynthia M Arokiaraj
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | | | - Lillian J Campos
- Department of Psychology and California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - John K Mich
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Deja Monet
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Victoria Ngo
- Cortical Systems and Behavior Lab, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92039, USA
| | - Xiaozhe Ding
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | | | - Natalie Weed
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Yeme Bishaw
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Bryan B Gore
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ed S Lein
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Athena Akrami
- Sainsbury Wellcome Centre, University College London, London, UK
| | - Cory Miller
- Cortical Systems and Behavior Lab, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92039, USA
| | - Boaz P Levi
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Annika Keller
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neuroscience Center, Zürich University Hospital, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zürich, University of Zürich and ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Jonathan T Ting
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Andrew S Fox
- Department of Psychology and California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Cagla Eroglu
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Viviana Gradinaru
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Greig JA, Chorazeczewski JK, Chowdhary V, Smith MK, Jennis M, Tarrant JC, Buza EL, Coughlan K, Martini PG, Wilson JM. Lipid nanoparticle-encapsulated mRNA therapy corrects serum total bilirubin level in Crigler-Najjar syndrome mouse model. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2023; 29:32-39. [PMID: 36936447 PMCID: PMC10017950 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.02.007] [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: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Crigler-Najjar syndrome is a rare disorder of bilirubin metabolism caused by uridine diphosphate glucuronosyl transferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) mutations characterized by hyperbilirubinemia and jaundice. No cure currently exists; treatment options are limited to phototherapy, whose effectiveness diminishes over time, and liver transplantation. Here, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of systemically administered, lipid nanoparticle-encapsulated human UGT1A1 (hUGT1A1) mRNA therapy in a Crigler-Najjar mouse model. Ugt1 knockout mice were rescued from lethal post-natal hyperbilirubinemia by phototherapy. These adult Ugt1 knockout mice were then administered a single lipid nanoparticle-encapsulated hUGT1A1 mRNA dose. Within 24 h, serum total bilirubin levels decreased from 15 mg/dL (256 μmol/L) to <0.5 mg/dL (9 μmol/L), i.e., slightly above wild-type levels. This reduction was sustained for 2 weeks before bilirubin levels rose and returned to pre-treatment levels by day 42 post-administration. Sustained reductions in total bilirubin levels were achieved by repeated administration of the mRNA product in a frequency-dependent manner. We were also able to rescue the neonatal lethality phenotype seen in Ugt1 knockout mice with a single lipid nanoparticle dose, which suggests that this may be a treatment modality appropriate for metabolic crisis situations. Therefore, lipid nanoparticle-encapsulated hUGT1A1 mRNA may represent a potential treatment for Crigler-Najjar syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jenny A. Greig
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Vivek Chowdhary
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Melanie K. Smith
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Matthew Jennis
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - James C. Tarrant
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Elizabeth L. Buza
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | | | - James M. Wilson
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Corresponding author. James M. Wilson, MD, PhD, Gene Therapy Program, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 125 South 31st Street, Suite 1200, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
González-Moreno L, Santamaría-Cano A, Paradela A, Martínez-Chantar ML, Martín MÁ, Pérez-Carreras M, García-Picazo A, Vázquez J, Calvo E, González-Aseguinolaza G, Saheki T, del Arco A, Satrústegui J, Contreras L. Exogenous aralar/slc25a12 can replace citrin/slc25a13 as malate aspartate shuttle component in liver. Mol Genet Metab Rep 2023; 35:100967. [PMID: 36967723 PMCID: PMC10031141 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgmr.2023.100967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The deficiency of CITRIN, the liver mitochondrial aspartate-glutamate carrier (AGC), is the cause of four human clinical phenotypes, neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis caused by CITRIN deficiency (NICCD), silent period, failure to thrive and dyslipidemia caused by CITRIN deficiency (FTTDCD), and citrullinemia type II (CTLN2). Clinical symptoms can be traced back to disruption of the malate-aspartate shuttle due to the lack of citrin. A potential therapy for this condition is the expression of aralar, the AGC present in brain, to replace citrin. To explore this possibility we have first verified that the NADH/NAD+ ratio increases in hepatocytes from citrin(-/-) mice, and then found that exogenous aralar expression reversed the increase in NADH/NAD+ observed in these cells. Liver mitochondria from citrin (-/-) mice expressing liver specific transgenic aralar had a small (~ 4-6 nmoles x mg prot-1 x min-1) but consistent increase in malate aspartate shuttle (MAS) activity over that of citrin(-/-) mice. These results support the functional replacement between AGCs in the liver. To explore the significance of AGC replacement in human therapy we studied the relative levels of citrin and aralar in mouse and human liver through absolute quantification proteomics. We report that mouse liver has relatively high aralar levels (citrin/aralar molar ratio of 7.8), whereas human liver is virtually devoid of aralar (CITRIN/ARALAR ratio of 397). This large difference in endogenous aralar levels partly explains the high residual MAS activity in liver of citrin(-/-) mice and why they fail to recapitulate the human disease, but supports the benefit of increasing aralar expression to improve the redox balance capacity of human liver, as an effective therapy for CITRIN deficiency.
Collapse
|
4
|
Chen X, Wolfe DA, Bindu DS, Zhang M, Taskin N, Goertsen D, Shay TF, Sullivan E, Huang SF, Kumar SR, Arokiaraj CM, Plattner V, Campos LJ, Mich J, Monet D, Ngo V, Ding X, Omstead V, Weed N, Bishaw Y, Gore B, Lein ES, Akrami A, Miller C, Levi BP, Keller A, Ting JT, Fox AS, Eroglu C, Gradinaru V. Functional gene delivery to and across brain vasculature of systemic AAVs with endothelial-specific tropism in rodents and broad tropism in primates. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.12.523844. [PMID: 36711773 PMCID: PMC9882234 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.12.523844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Delivering genes to and across the brain vasculature efficiently and specifically across species remains a critical challenge for addressing neurological diseases. We have evolved adeno-associated virus (AAV9) capsids into vectors that transduce brain endothelial cells specifically and efficiently following systemic administration in wild-type mice with diverse genetic backgrounds and rats. These AAVs also exhibit superior transduction of the CNS across non-human primates (marmosets and rhesus macaques), and ex vivo human brain slices although the endothelial tropism is not conserved across species. The capsid modifications translate from AAV9 to other serotypes such as AAV1 and AAV-DJ, enabling serotype switching for sequential AAV administration in mice. We demonstrate that the endothelial specific mouse capsids can be used to genetically engineer the blood-brain barrier by transforming the mouse brain vasculature into a functional biofactory. Vasculature-secreted Hevin (a synaptogenic protein) rescued synaptic deficits in a mouse model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinhong Chen
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Damien A. Wolfe
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | | | - Mengying Zhang
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Naz Taskin
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - David Goertsen
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Timothy F. Shay
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Erin Sullivan
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Sheng-Fu Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neuroscience Center, Zurich University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sripriya Ravindra Kumar
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Cynthia M. Arokiaraj
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Viktor Plattner
- Sainsbury Wellcome Centre, University College London, London, UK
| | - Lillian J. Campos
- Department of Psychology and California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - John Mich
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Deja Monet
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Victoria Ngo
- Cortical Systems and Behavior Lab, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92039, USA
| | - Xiaozhe Ding
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | | | - Natalie Weed
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Yeme Bishaw
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Bryan Gore
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ed S Lein
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Athena Akrami
- Sainsbury Wellcome Centre, University College London, London, UK
| | - Cory Miller
- Cortical Systems and Behavior Lab, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92039, USA
| | - Boaz P. Levi
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Annika Keller
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neuroscience Center, Zurich University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jonathan T. Ting
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Andrew S. Fox
- Department of Psychology and California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Cagla Eroglu
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Viviana Gradinaru
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Immune profiling of adeno-associated virus response identifies B cell-specific targets that enable vector re-administration in mice. Gene Ther 2022; 30:429-442. [PMID: 36372846 PMCID: PMC10183056 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-022-00371-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector-based gene therapies can be applied to a wide range of diseases. AAV expression can last for months to years, but vector re-administration may be necessary to achieve life-long treatment. Unfortunately, immune responses against these vectors are potentiated after the first administration, preventing the clinical use of repeated administration of AAVs. Reducing the immune response against AAVs while minimizing broad immunosuppression would improve gene delivery efficiency and long-term safety. In this study, we quantified the contributions of multiple immune system components of the anti-AAV response in mice. We identified B-cell-mediated immunity as a critical component preventing vector re-administration. Additionally, we found that IgG depletion alone was insufficient to enable re-administration, suggesting IgM antibodies play an important role in the immune response against AAV. Further, we found that AAV-mediated transduction is improved in µMT mice that lack functional IgM heavy chains and cannot form mature B-cells relative to wild-type mice. Combined, our results suggest that B-cells, including non-class switched B-cells, are a potential target for therapeutics enabling AAV re-administration. Our results also suggest that the µMT mice are a potentially useful experimental model for gene delivery studies since they allow repeated dosing for more efficient gene delivery from AAVs.
Collapse
|
6
|
Targeting the lung epithelium after intravenous delivery by directed evolution of underexplored sites on the AAV capsid. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2022; 26:331-342. [PMID: 35990749 PMCID: PMC9372736 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2022.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Advances in adeno-associated virus (AAV) engineering have provided exciting new tools for research and potential solutions for gene therapy. However, the lung has not received the same tailored engineering as other major targets of debilitating genetic disorders. To address this, here we engineered the surface-exposed residues AA452-458 of AAV9 capsid proteins at the three-fold axis of symmetry and employed a Cre-transgenic-based screening platform to identify AAV capsids targeted to the lung after intravenous delivery in mice. Using a custom image processing pipeline to quantify transgene expression across whole tissue images, we found that one engineered variant, AAV9.452sub.LUNG1, displays dramatically improved transgene expression in lung tissue after systemic delivery in mice. This improved transduction extends to alveolar epithelial type II cells, expanding the toolbox for gene therapy research for diseases specific to the lung.
Collapse
|
7
|
Li X, Wei X, Lin J, Ou L. A versatile toolkit for overcoming AAV immunity. Front Immunol 2022; 13:991832. [PMID: 36119036 PMCID: PMC9479010 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.991832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) is a promising delivery vehicle for in vivo gene therapy and has been widely used in >200 clinical trials globally. There are already several approved gene therapy products, e.g., Luxturna and Zolgensma, highlighting the remarkable potential of AAV delivery. In the past, AAV has been seen as a relatively non-immunogenic vector associated with low risk of toxicity. However, an increasing number of recent studies indicate that immune responses against AAV and transgene products could be the bottleneck of AAV gene therapy. In clinical studies, pre-existing antibodies against AAV capsids exclude many patients from receiving the treatment as there is high prevalence of antibodies among humans. Moreover, immune response could lead to loss of efficacy over time and severe toxicity, manifested as liver enzyme elevations, kidney injury, and thrombocytopenia, resulting in deaths of non-human primates and patients. Therefore, extensive efforts have been attempted to address these issues, including capsid engineering, plasmapheresis, IgG proteases, CpG depletion, empty capsid decoy, exosome encapsulation, capsid variant switch, induction of regulatory T cells, and immunosuppressants. This review will discuss these methods in detail and highlight important milestones along the way.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuefeng Li
- The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People’s Hospital; State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Sino-French Hoffmann Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Shenzhen Luohu People’s Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaoli Wei
- Guangzhou Dezheng Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinduan Lin
- The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People’s Hospital; State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Sino-French Hoffmann Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li Ou
- Genemagic Biosciences, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- *Correspondence: Li Ou,
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Chen H, Zhong D, Gao Z, Wu X. Effect of the genetic mutant G71R in uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 on the conjugation of bilirubin. Open Life Sci 2022; 17:221-229. [PMID: 35415244 PMCID: PMC8934855 DOI: 10.1515/biol-2022-0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to investigate the effect of the genetic mutant G71R (c. 211G > A) in uridine diphosphate (UDP)-glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) on the glucuronidation of unconjugated bilirubin. The UGT1A1 wild-type and mutant G71R gene sequences were inserted into the lentiviral vector GV358 plasmid and then transfected into COS-7 cells. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses were used to determine mRNA and protein expression levels of UGT1A1, respectively. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to quantitate the levels of conjugated bilirubin. The results showed no significant difference in the mRNA and protein expression levels between the UGT1A1 wild-type and G71R homozygous and heterozygous mutants. The level of conjugated bilirubin reached a maximum in wild-type UGT1A1-transfected COS-7 cells. However, relative to the UGT1A1 wild-type, conjugated bilirubin concentrations were 71 and 22% with G71R heterozygous- and G71R homozygous-transfected COS-7 cells, respectively. In conclusion, we successfully established in vitro cell models of the UGT1A1 wild-type and the G71R homozygous and heterozygous mutants using a lentiviral vector. Furthermore, the catalytic activity for unconjugated bilirubin was lower in the mutant G71R than the UGT1A1 wild-type enzyme, and a weaker effect was observed in the homozygote.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University , No. 6 Shuangyong Road , Nanning 530021 , Guangxi , China
| | - Danni Zhong
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University , No. 6 Shuangyong Road , Nanning 530021 , Guangxi , China
| | - Zongyan Gao
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University , No. 6 Shuangyong Road , Nanning 530021 , Guangxi , China
| | - Xiaojing Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University , No. 6 Shuangyong Road , Nanning 530021 , Guangxi , China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Briolay T, Petithomme T, Fouet M, Nguyen-Pham N, Blanquart C, Boisgerault N. Delivery of cancer therapies by synthetic and bio-inspired nanovectors. Mol Cancer 2021; 20:55. [PMID: 33761944 PMCID: PMC7987750 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-021-01346-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As a complement to the clinical development of new anticancer molecules, innovations in therapeutic vectorization aim at solving issues related to tumor specificity and associated toxicities. Nanomedicine is a rapidly evolving field that offers various solutions to increase clinical efficacy and safety. MAIN: Here are presented the recent advances for different types of nanovectors of chemical and biological nature, to identify the best suited for translational research projects. These nanovectors include different types of chemically engineered nanoparticles that now come in many different flavors of 'smart' drug delivery systems. Alternatives with enhanced biocompatibility and a better adaptability to new types of therapeutic molecules are the cell-derived extracellular vesicles and micro-organism-derived oncolytic viruses, virus-like particles and bacterial minicells. In the first part of the review, we describe their main physical, chemical and biological properties and their potential for personalized modifications. The second part focuses on presenting the recent literature on the use of the different families of nanovectors to deliver anticancer molecules for chemotherapy, radiotherapy, nucleic acid-based therapy, modulation of the tumor microenvironment and immunotherapy. CONCLUSION This review will help the readers to better appreciate the complexity of available nanovectors and to identify the most fitting "type" for efficient and specific delivery of diverse anticancer therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tina Briolay
- Université de Nantes, Inserm, CRCINA, F-44000, Nantes, France
| | | | - Morgane Fouet
- Université de Nantes, Inserm, CRCINA, F-44000, Nantes, France
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Shi X, Aronson SJ, Ten Bloemendaal L, Duijst S, Bakker RS, de Waart DR, Bortolussi G, Collaud F, Oude Elferink RP, Muro AF, Mingozzi F, Ronzitti G, Bosma PJ. Efficacy of AAV8-h UGT1A1 with Rapamycin in neonatal, suckling, and juvenile rats to model treatment in pediatric CNs patients. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2021; 20:287-297. [PMID: 33511243 PMCID: PMC7809245 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2020.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
A clinical trial using adeno-associated virus serotype 8 (AAV8)-human uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (hUGT1A1) to treat inherited severe unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia (Crigler-Najjar syndrome) is ongoing, but preclinical data suggest that long-term efficacy in children is impaired due to loss of transgene expression upon hepatocyte proliferation in a growing liver. This study aims to determine at what age long-term efficacy can be obtained in the relevant animal model and whether immune modulation allows re-treatment using the same AAV vector. Neonatal, suckling, and juvenile Ugt1a1-deficient rats received a clinically relevant dose of AAV8-hUGT1A1, and serum bilirubin levels and anti-AAV8 neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) in serum were monitored. The possibility of preventing the immune response toward the vector was investigated using a rapamycin-based regimen with daily intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections starting 2 days before and ending 21 days after vector administration. In rats treated at postnatal day 1 (P1) or P14, the correction was (partially) lost after 12 weeks, whereas the correction was stable in rats injected at P28. Combining initial vector administration with the immune-suppressive regimen prevented induction of NAbs in female rats, allowing at least partially effective re-administration. Induction of NAbs upon re-injection could not be prevented, suggesting that this strategy will be ineffective in patients with low levels of preexisting anti-AAV NAbs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxia Shi
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, AGEM, Meibergdreef 69-71, 1105 BK Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sem J Aronson
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, AGEM, Meibergdreef 69-71, 1105 BK Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lysbeth Ten Bloemendaal
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, AGEM, Meibergdreef 69-71, 1105 BK Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Suzanne Duijst
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, AGEM, Meibergdreef 69-71, 1105 BK Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Robert S Bakker
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, AGEM, Meibergdreef 69-71, 1105 BK Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Dirk R de Waart
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, AGEM, Meibergdreef 69-71, 1105 BK Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Giulia Bortolussi
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Fanny Collaud
- Genethon, 91000 Evry, France.,Université Paris-Saclay, Université d'Evry, INSERM, Genethon, Integrare Research Unit UMR S951, 91000 Evry, France
| | - Ronald P Oude Elferink
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, AGEM, Meibergdreef 69-71, 1105 BK Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Andrés F Muro
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Ronzitti
- Genethon, 91000 Evry, France.,Université Paris-Saclay, Université d'Evry, INSERM, Genethon, Integrare Research Unit UMR S951, 91000 Evry, France
| | - Piter J Bosma
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, AGEM, Meibergdreef 69-71, 1105 BK Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Wang Y, Bruggeman KF, Franks S, Gautam V, Hodgetts SI, Harvey AR, Williams RJ, Nisbet DR. Is Viral Vector Gene Delivery More Effective Using Biomaterials? Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2001238. [PMID: 33191667 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202001238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Gene delivery has been extensively investigated for introducing foreign genetic material into cells to promote expression of therapeutic proteins or to silence relevant genes. This approach can regulate genetic or epigenetic disorders, offering an attractive alternative to pharmacological therapy or invasive protein delivery options. However, the exciting potential of viral gene therapy has yet to be fully realized, with a number of clinical trials failing to deliver optimal therapeutic outcomes. Reasons for this include difficulty in achieving localized delivery, and subsequently lower efficacy at the target site, as well as poor or inconsistent transduction efficiency. Thus, ongoing efforts are focused on improving local viral delivery and enhancing its efficiency. Recently, biomaterials have been exploited as an option for more controlled, targeted and programmable gene delivery. There is a growing body of literature demonstrating the efficacy of biomaterials and their potential advantages over other delivery strategies. This review explores current limitations of gene delivery and the progress of biomaterial-mediated gene delivery. The combination of biomaterials and gene vectors holds the potential to surmount major challenges, including the uncontrolled release of viral vectors with random delivery duration, poorly localized viral delivery with associated off-target effects, limited viral tropism, and immune safety concerns.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Wang
- Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials Research School of Engineering The Australian National University Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
| | - Kiara F. Bruggeman
- Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials Research School of Engineering The Australian National University Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
| | - Stephanie Franks
- Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials Research School of Engineering The Australian National University Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
| | - Vini Gautam
- Department of Biomedical Engineering The University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria 3010 Australia
| | - Stuart I. Hodgetts
- School of Human Sciences The University of Western Australia Perth WA 6009 Australia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science Perth WA 6009 Australia
| | - Alan R. Harvey
- School of Human Sciences The University of Western Australia Perth WA 6009 Australia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science Perth WA 6009 Australia
| | - Richard J. Williams
- The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT) School of Medicine Deakin University Waurn Ponds VIC 3216 Australia
- Biofab3D St. Vincent's Hospital Fitzroy 3065 Australia
| | - David R. Nisbet
- Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials Research School of Engineering The Australian National University Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
- Biofab3D St. Vincent's Hospital Fitzroy 3065 Australia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Belbellaa B, Reutenauer L, Messaddeq N, Monassier L, Puccio H. High Levels of Frataxin Overexpression Lead to Mitochondrial and Cardiac Toxicity in Mouse Models. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2020; 19:120-138. [PMID: 33209958 PMCID: PMC7648087 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2020.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Friedreich ataxia (FA) is currently an incurable inherited mitochondrial disease caused by reduced levels of frataxin (FXN). Cardiac dysfunction is the main cause of premature death in FA. Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene therapy constitutes a promising approach for FA, as demonstrated in cardiac and neurological mouse models. While the minimal therapeutic level of FXN protein to be restored and biodistribution have recently been defined for the heart, it is unclear if FXN overexpression could be harmful. Indeed, depending on the vector delivery route and dose administered, the resulting FXN protein level could reach very high levels in the heart, cerebellum, or off-target organs such as the liver. The present study demonstrates safety of FXN cardiac overexpression up to 9-fold the normal endogenous level but significant toxicity to the mitochondria and heart above 20-fold. We show gradual severity with increasing FXN overexpression, ranging from subclinical cardiotoxicity to left ventricle dysfunction. This appears to be driven by impairment of the mitochondria respiratory chain and ultrastructure, which leads to cardiomyocyte subcellular disorganization, cell death, and fibrosis. Overall, this study underlines the need, during the development of gene therapy approaches, to consider appropriate vector expression level, long-term safety, and biomarkers to monitor such events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brahim Belbellaa
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Illkirch 67404, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1258, Illkirch 67404, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104, Illkirch 67404, France.,Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch 67404, France
| | - Laurence Reutenauer
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Illkirch 67404, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1258, Illkirch 67404, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104, Illkirch 67404, France.,Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch 67404, France
| | - Nadia Messaddeq
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Illkirch 67404, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1258, Illkirch 67404, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104, Illkirch 67404, France.,Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch 67404, France
| | - Laurent Monassier
- Laboratoire de Pharmacologie et Toxicologie NeuroCardiovasculaire EA7296, Faculté de Médecine, Strasbourg 67085, France
| | - Hélène Puccio
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Illkirch 67404, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1258, Illkirch 67404, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104, Illkirch 67404, France.,Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch 67404, France
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Overcoming Immunological Challenges to Helper-Dependent Adenoviral Vector-Mediated Long-Term CFTR Expression in Mouse Airways. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11050565. [PMID: 32443586 PMCID: PMC7291004 DOI: 10.3390/genes11050565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, and CF patients require life-long treatment. Although CFTR modulators show a great potential for treating most CF patients, some individuals may not tolerate the treatment. In addition, there is no effective therapy for patients with some rare CFTR mutations, such as class I CF mutations, which lead to a lack of CFTR protein production. Therefore, other therapeutic strategies, such as gene therapy, have to be investigated. Currently, immune responses to gene therapy vectors and transgene products are a major obstacle to applying CF gene therapy to clinical applications. In this study, we examined the effects of cyclophosphamide on the modulation of host immune responses and for the improvement of the CFTR transgene expression in the repeated delivery of helper-dependent adenoviral (HD-Ad) vectors to mouse lungs. We have found that cyclophosphamide significantly decreased the expression of T cell genes, such as CD3 (cluster of differentiation 3) and CD4, and reduced their infiltration into mouse lung tissues. We have also found that the levels of the anti-adenoviral antibody and neutralizing activity as well as B-cell infiltration into the mouse lung tissues were significantly reduced with this treatment. Correspondingly, the expression of the human CFTR transgene has been significantly improved with cyclophosphamide administration compared to the group with no treatment. These data suggest that the sustained expression of the human CFTR transgene in mouse lungs through repeated vector delivery can be achieved by transient immunosuppression.
Collapse
|
14
|
Famulari ES, Navarro-Tableros V, Herrera Sanchez MB, Bortolussi G, Gai M, Conti L, Silengo L, Tolosano E, Tetta C, Muro AF, Camussi G, Fagoonee S, Altruda F. Human liver stem cells express UGT1A1 and improve phenotype of immunocompromised Crigler Najjar syndrome type I mice. Sci Rep 2020; 10:887. [PMID: 31965023 PMCID: PMC6972964 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-57820-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Crigler Najjar Syndrome type I (CNSI) is a rare recessive disorder caused by mutations in the Ugt1a1 gene. There is no permanent cure except for liver transplantation, and current therapies present several shortcomings. Since stem cell-based therapy offers a promising alternative for the treatment of this disorder, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of human liver stem cells (HLSC) in immune-compromised NOD SCID Gamma (NSG)/Ugt1−/− mice, which closely mimic the pathological manifestations in CNSI patients. To assess whether HLSC expressed UGT1A1, decellularised mouse liver scaffolds were repopulated with these cells. After 15 days’ culture ex vivo, HLSC differentiated into hepatocyte-like cells showing UGT1A1 expression and activity. For the in vivo human cell engraftment and recovery experiments, DiI-labelled HLSC were injected into the liver of 5 days old NSG/Ugt1−/− pups which were analysed at postnatal Day 21. HLSC expressed UGT1A1 in vivo, induced a strong decrease in serum unconjugated bilirubin, thus significantly improving phenotype and survival compared to untreated controls. A striking recovery from brain damage was also observed in HLSC-injected mutant mice versus controls. Our proof-of-concept study shows that HLSC express UGT1A1 in vivo and improve the phenotype and survival of NSG/Ugt1−/− mice, and show promises for the treatment of CNSI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elvira Smeralda Famulari
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Victor Navarro-Tableros
- 2i3T - Società per la gestione dell'incubatore di imprese e per il trasferimento tecnologico dell'Università degli studi di Torino, Scarl and Molecular Biotechnology Center, Turin, Italy
| | - Maria Beatriz Herrera Sanchez
- 2i3T - Società per la gestione dell'incubatore di imprese e per il trasferimento tecnologico dell'Università degli studi di Torino, Scarl and Molecular Biotechnology Center, Turin, Italy
| | - Giulia Bortolussi
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Marta Gai
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Laura Conti
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Silengo
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, CNR c/o Molecular Biotechnology Center, Turin, Italy
| | - Emanuela Tolosano
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Andrés Fernando Muro
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Giovanni Camussi
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Sharmila Fagoonee
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, CNR c/o Molecular Biotechnology Center, Turin, Italy.
| | - Fiorella Altruda
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy. .,Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, CNR c/o Molecular Biotechnology Center, Turin, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Experimental models assessing bilirubin neurotoxicity. Pediatr Res 2020; 87:17-25. [PMID: 31493769 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-019-0570-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The molecular and cellular events leading to bilirubin-induced neurotoxicity, the mechanisms regulating liver and intestine expression in neonates, and alternative pathways of bilirubin catabolism remain incompletely defined. To answer these questions, researchers have developed a number of model systems to closely recapitulate the main characteristics of the disease, ranging from tissue cultures to engineered mouse models. In the present review we describe in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models developed to study bilirubin metabolism and neurotoxicity, with a special focus on the use of engineered animal models. In addition, we discussed the most recent studies related to potential therapeutic approaches to treat neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, ranging from anti-inflammatory drugs, activation of nuclear receptor pathways, blockade of bilirubin catabolism, and stimulation of alternative bilirubin-disposal pathways.
Collapse
|
16
|
Zabaleta N, Hommel M, Salas D, Gonzalez-Aseguinolaza G. Genetic-Based Approaches to Inherited Metabolic Liver Diseases. Hum Gene Ther 2019; 30:1190-1203. [DOI: 10.1089/hum.2019.140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nerea Zabaleta
- Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, IDISNA, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Mirja Hommel
- Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, IDISNA, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - David Salas
- Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, IDISNA, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Gloria Gonzalez-Aseguinolaza
- Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression Program, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, IDISNA, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Vivet Therapeutics, Pamplona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
De Caneva A, Porro F, Bortolussi G, Sola R, Lisjak M, Barzel A, Giacca M, Kay MA, Vlahoviček K, Zentilin L, Muro AF. Coupling AAV-mediated promoterless gene targeting to SaCas9 nuclease to efficiently correct liver metabolic diseases. JCI Insight 2019; 5:128863. [PMID: 31211694 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.128863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-integrative AAV-mediated gene therapy in the liver is effective in adult patients, but faces limitations in pediatric settings due to episomal DNA loss during hepatocyte proliferation. Gene targeting is a promising approach by permanently modifying the genome. We previously rescued neonatal lethality in Crigler-Najjar mice by inserting a promoterless human uridine glucuronosyl transferase A1 (UGT1A1) cDNA in exon 14 of the albumin gene, without the use of nucleases. To increase recombination rate and therapeutic efficacy, here we used CRISPR/SaCas9. Neonatal mice were transduced with two AAVs: one expressing the SaCas9 and sgRNA, and one containing a promoterless cDNA flanked by albumin homology regions. Targeting efficiency increased ~26-fold with an eGFP reporter cDNA, reaching up to 24% of eGFP-positive hepatocytes. Next, we fully corrected the diseased phenotype of Crigler-Najjar mice by targeting the hUGT1A1 cDNA. Treated mice had normal plasma bilirubin up to 10 months after administration, hUGT1A1 protein levels were ~6-fold higher than in WT liver, with a 90-fold increase in recombination rate. Liver histology, inflammatory markers, and plasma albumin were normal in treated mice, with no off-targets in predicted sites. Thus, the improved efficacy and reassuring safety profile support the potential application of the proposed approach to other liver diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessia De Caneva
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Fabiola Porro
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Giulia Bortolussi
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Riccardo Sola
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Michela Lisjak
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Adi Barzel
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Mauro Giacca
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Mark A Kay
- Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Kristian Vlahoviček
- Bioinformatics Group, Division of Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lorena Zentilin
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Andrés F Muro
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
In vitro and in vivo translational models for rare liver diseases. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2019; 1865:1003-1018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2018.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Revised: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
19
|
Collaud F, Bortolussi G, Guianvarc'h L, Aronson SJ, Bordet T, Veron P, Charles S, Vidal P, Sola MS, Rundwasser S, Dufour DG, Lacoste F, Luc C, Wittenberghe LV, Martin S, Le Bec C, Bosma PJ, Muro AF, Ronzitti G, Hebben M, Mingozzi F. Preclinical Development of an AAV8-hUGT1A1 Vector for the Treatment of Crigler-Najjar Syndrome. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2018; 12:157-174. [PMID: 30705921 PMCID: PMC6348934 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2018.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are among the most efficient vectors for liver gene therapy. Results obtained in the first hemophilia clinical trials demonstrated the long-term efficacy of this approach in humans, showing efficient targeting of hepatocytes with both self-complementary (sc) and single-stranded (ss) AAV vectors. However, to support clinical development of AAV-based gene therapies, efficient and scalable production processes are needed. In an effort to translate to the clinic an approach of AAV-mediated liver gene transfer to treat Crigler-Najjar (CN) syndrome, we developed an (ss)AAV8 vector carrying the human UDP-glucuronosyltransferase family 1-member A1 (hUGT1A1) transgene under the control of a liver-specific promoter. We compared our construct with similar (sc)AAV8 vectors expressing hUGT1A1, showing comparable potency in vitro and in vivo. Conversely, (ss)AAV8-hUGT1A1 vectors showed superior yields and product homogeneity compared with their (sc) counterpart. We then focused our efforts in the scale-up of a manufacturing process of the clinical product (ss)AAV8-hUGT1A1 based on the triple transfection of HEK293 cells grown in suspension. Large-scale production of this vector had characteristics identical to those of small-scale vectors produced in adherent cells. Preclinical studies in animal models of the disease and a good laboratory practice (GLP) toxicology-biodistribution study were also conducted using large-scale preparations of vectors. These studies demonstrated long-term safety and efficacy of gene transfer with (ss)AAV8-hUGT1A1 in relevant animal models of the disease, thus supporting the clinical translation of this gene therapy approach for the treatment of CN syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Collaud
- INTEGRARE, Genethon, INSERM, Univ. Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91002 Evry, France
| | - Giulia Bortolussi
- International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Laurence Guianvarc'h
- INTEGRARE, Genethon, INSERM, Univ. Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91002 Evry, France
| | - Sem J Aronson
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, AG&M, 1105 BK Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Philippe Veron
- INTEGRARE, Genethon, INSERM, Univ. Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91002 Evry, France
| | - Severine Charles
- INTEGRARE, Genethon, INSERM, Univ. Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91002 Evry, France
| | - Patrice Vidal
- INTEGRARE, Genethon, INSERM, Univ. Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91002 Evry, France
| | - Marcelo Simon Sola
- INTEGRARE, Genethon, INSERM, Univ. Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91002 Evry, France
| | - Stephanie Rundwasser
- INTEGRARE, Genethon, INSERM, Univ. Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91002 Evry, France
| | - Delphine G Dufour
- INTEGRARE, Genethon, INSERM, Univ. Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91002 Evry, France
| | - Florence Lacoste
- INTEGRARE, Genethon, INSERM, Univ. Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91002 Evry, France
| | - Cyril Luc
- INTEGRARE, Genethon, INSERM, Univ. Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91002 Evry, France
| | | | - Samia Martin
- INTEGRARE, Genethon, INSERM, Univ. Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91002 Evry, France
| | - Christine Le Bec
- INTEGRARE, Genethon, INSERM, Univ. Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91002 Evry, France
| | - Piter J Bosma
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, AG&M, 1105 BK Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Andres F Muro
- International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ronzitti
- INTEGRARE, Genethon, INSERM, Univ. Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91002 Evry, France
| | - Matthias Hebben
- INTEGRARE, Genethon, INSERM, Univ. Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91002 Evry, France
| | - Federico Mingozzi
- INTEGRARE, Genethon, INSERM, Univ. Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91002 Evry, France
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Greig JA, Nordin JML, Draper C, McMenamin D, Chroscinski EA, Bell P, Gray JT, Richman LK, Wilson JM. Determining the Minimally Effective Dose of a Clinical Candidate AAV Vector in a Mouse Model of Crigler-Najjar Syndrome. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2018; 10:237-244. [PMID: 30112420 PMCID: PMC6090885 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2018.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Liver metabolism disorders are attractive targets for gene therapy, because low vector doses can reverse the buildup of toxic metabolites in the blood. Crigler-Najjar syndrome is an inherited disorder of bilirubin metabolism that is caused by the absence of uridine diphosphate glucuronosyl transferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) activity. This syndrome is characterized by hyperbilirubinemia and jaundice. Unfortunately, current phototherapy treatment is not effective long term. We intravenously injected phototherapy-rescued adult UGT1 knockout mice with 2.5 × 1010–2.5 × 1013 genome copies (GC)/kg of a clinical candidate vector, AAV8.TBG.hUGT1A1co, to study the treatment of disease compared to vehicle-only control mice. There were no apparent vector-related laboratory or clinical sequelae; the only abnormalities in clinical pathology were elevations in liver transaminases, primarily in male mice at the highest vector dose. Minimal to mild histopathological findings were present in control and vector-administered male mice. At vector doses greater than 2.5 × 1011 GC/kg, we observed a reversal of total bilirubin levels to wild-type levels. Based on a significant reduction in serum total bilirubin levels, we determined the minimally effective dose in this mouse model of Crigler-Najjar syndrome to be 2.5 × 1011 GC/kg.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jenny A Greig
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jayme M L Nordin
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Christine Draper
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Deirdre McMenamin
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Edward A Chroscinski
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Peter Bell
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - John T Gray
- Audentes Therapeutics, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Laura K Richman
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - James M Wilson
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Bortolussi G, Muro AF. Advances in understanding disease mechanisms and potential treatments for Crigler–Najjar syndrome. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2018.1495558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Bortolussi
- Mouse Molecular Genetics Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Andrés Fernando Muro
- Mouse Molecular Genetics Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Greig JA, Nordin JM, Draper C, Bell P, Wilson JM. AAV8 Gene Therapy Rescues the Newborn Phenotype of a Mouse Model of Crigler–Najjar. Hum Gene Ther 2018; 29:763-770. [DOI: 10.1089/hum.2017.185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jenny A. Greig
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jayme M.L. Nordin
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Christine Draper
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Peter Bell
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - James M. Wilson
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Pierce GF, Iorio A. Past, present and future of haemophilia gene therapy: From vectors and transgenes to known and unknown outcomes. Haemophilia 2018; 24 Suppl 6:60-67. [DOI: 10.1111/hae.13489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- G. F. Pierce
- World Federation of Hemophilia; Montreal QC Canada
- World Federation of Hemophilia; Third Rock Ventures; San Francisco CA USA
| | - A. Iorio
- McMaster University; Hamilton ON Canada
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Abstract
In recent years, the number of clinical trials in which adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors have been used for in vivo gene transfer has steadily increased. The excellent safety profile, together with the high efficiency of transduction of a broad range of target tissues, has established AAV vectors as the platform of choice for in vivo gene therapy. Successful application of the AAV technology has also been achieved in the clinic for a variety of conditions, including coagulation disorders, inherited blindness, and neurodegenerative diseases, among others. Clinical translation of novel and effective "therapeutic products" is, however, a long process that involves several cycles of iterations from bench to bedside that are required to address issues encountered during drug development. For the AAV vector gene transfer technology, several hurdles have emerged in both preclinical studies and clinical trials; addressing these issues will allow in the future to expand the scope of AAV gene transfer as a therapeutic modality for a variety of human diseases. In this review, we will give an overview on the biology of AAV vector, discuss the design of AAV-based gene therapy strategies for in vivo applications, and present key achievements and emerging issues in the field. We will use the liver as a model target tissue for gene transfer based on the large amount of data available from preclinical and clinical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pasqualina Colella
- Genethon, INSERM U951 INTEGRARE, University of Evry, University Paris-Saclay, 91001 Evry, France
| | - Giuseppe Ronzitti
- Genethon, INSERM U951 INTEGRARE, University of Evry, University Paris-Saclay, 91001 Evry, France
| | - Federico Mingozzi
- Genethon, INSERM U951 INTEGRARE, University of Evry, University Paris-Saclay, 91001 Evry, France
- University Pierre and Marie Curie-Paris 6 and INSERM U974, 75651 Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|