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Ye D, Chukwu C, Yang Y, Hu Z, Chen H. Adeno-associated virus vector delivery to the brain: Technology advancements and clinical applications. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 211:115363. [PMID: 38906479 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors have emerged as a promising tool in the development of gene therapies for various neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. However, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) poses a significant challenge to successfully delivering AAV vectors to the brain. Strategies that can overcome the BBB to improve the AAV delivery efficiency to the brain are essential to successful brain-targeted gene therapy. This review provides an overview of existing strategies employed for AAV delivery to the brain, including direct intraparenchymal injection, intra-cerebral spinal fluid injection, intranasal delivery, and intravenous injection of BBB-permeable AAVs. Focused ultrasound has emerged as a promising technology for the noninvasive and spatially targeted delivery of AAV administered by intravenous injection. This review also summarizes each strategy's current preclinical and clinical applications in treating neurological diseases. Moreover, this review includes a detailed discussion of the recent advances in the emerging focused ultrasound-mediated AAV delivery. Understanding the state-of-the-art of these gene delivery approaches is critical for future technology development to fulfill the great promise of AAV in neurological disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dezhuang Ye
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Chinwendu Chukwu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Yaoheng Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Zhongtao Hu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Hong Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO 63130, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110 USA; Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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2
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Takeda S, Hoshiai R, Tanaka M, Izawa T, Yamate J, Kuramoto T, Kuwamura M. Myelin lesion in the aspartoacylase (Aspa) knockout rat, an animal model for Canavan disease. Exp Anim 2024; 73:347-356. [PMID: 38538326 PMCID: PMC11254489 DOI: 10.1538/expanim.23-0089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Canavan disease (CD) is a fatal hereditary neurological disorder caused by a mutation in the aspartoacylase (ASPA) gene and characterized by neurological signs and vacuolation in the central nervous system (CNS). The mutation inhibits the hydrolysis of N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA) resulting in accumulation of NAA in the CNS. A new Aspa-knockout rat was generated by transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN) technology. Herein we describe the pathological and morphometrical findings in the brain and spinal cords of Aspa-knockout rats. Although Aspa-knockout rats did not show any neurological signs, vacuolation with swollen axons, hypomyelination, and activated swollen astrocytes were observed mainly in the brainstem reticular formation, ascending and descending motor neuron pathway, and in the olfactory tract. Morphometrical analysis revealed no obvious change in the number of neurons. These changes in the CNS are similar to human CD, suggesting that this animal model would be useful for further study of treatment and understanding the pathophysiology of human CD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuji Takeda
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Osaka Metropolitan University, Izumisano, Osaka 598-8531, Japan
| | - Rika Hoshiai
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Osaka Metropolitan University, Izumisano, Osaka 598-8531, Japan
| | - Miyuu Tanaka
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Osaka Metropolitan University, Izumisano, Osaka 598-8531, Japan
| | - Takeshi Izawa
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Osaka Metropolitan University, Izumisano, Osaka 598-8531, Japan
| | - Jyoji Yamate
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Osaka Metropolitan University, Izumisano, Osaka 598-8531, Japan
| | - Takashi Kuramoto
- Institute of Laboratory Animals, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 9 Yoshida-konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Kuwamura
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Osaka Metropolitan University, Izumisano, Osaka 598-8531, Japan
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3
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Mallack EJ, Wang C, Kim JS, Ross ME. A novel missense variant in HIKESHI: Clinical phenotype, in vitro functional testing, and potential for gene therapy. Am J Med Genet A 2024:e63790. [PMID: 38922739 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.63790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
A 7-month-old boy presented to our clinic with developmental delay, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) features of delayed myelination and diffusion restriction, and a homozygous variant of uncertain significance (c.4T>G, p.Phe2Val) in HIKESHI, a gene associated with autosomal-recessive hypomyelinating leukodystrophy 13. We hypothesized that the variant is disease-causing and aimed to rescue the cellular phenotype with vector-mediated gene replacement. HIKESHI mediates heat-induced nuclear accumulation of heat-shock proteins, including HSP70, to protect cells from stress. We generated skin fibroblasts from the proband and proband's mother (heterozygous) to compare protein expression and subcellular localization of HSP70 under heat stress conditions, and the effect of vector-mediated overexpression of HIKESHI in the proband's cells under the same heat stress conditions. Western blot analysis revealed absent HIKESHI protein from proband fibroblasts, contrasted with ample expression in parental cells. Under heat stress conditions, while the mother's cells displayed appropriate nuclear localization of HSP70, the proband's cells displayed impaired nuclear translocalization. When patient fibroblasts were provided exogenous HIKESHI, the transfected proband's cells showed restored heat-induced nuclear translocalization of HSP70 under conditions of heat stress. These functional data establish that the patient's variant is a pathogenic loss-of-function mutation, thus confirming a diagnosis of hypomyelinating leukodystrophy 13 and that vector-mediated gene replacement may be an effective treatment approach for patients with this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric J Mallack
- Leukodystrophy Center, Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medicine, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York City, New York, USA
- Center for Neurogenetics, Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Chengbing Wang
- Center for Neurogenetics, Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Ji-Sun Kim
- Center for Neurogenetics, Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York City, New York, USA
| | - M Elizabeth Ross
- Center for Neurogenetics, Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York City, New York, USA
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4
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Li W, Jiang G, Yang G, Qiu F. Comprehensive Study on Mineral Processing Methods and Mineral Technical Economics of Manganese Ore in Chongqing Chengkou. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:10929-10936. [PMID: 38463324 PMCID: PMC10918821 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c10272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Chongqing Chengkou manganese deposit is a large carbonate-type manganese deposit in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, located in Gaoyan Town, Chengkou County, Chongqing. In order to improve the recovery rate of low-grade manganese ore and concentrate grade index, achieve efficient utilization of mineral resources, and sustainable development of Gaoyan manganese ore deposit in Chengkou, Chongqing, China, in this paper, by means of optical microscope analysis, high-resolution X-ray tomography technology, three-dimensional image analysis technology, X-ray diffraction analysis, X-ray fluorescence spectrum analysis, and technical and economic analysis, the occurrence state and process mineralogy of manganese are studied, and the technical and economic analysis of flotation, high-intensity magnetic separation, and gravity separation are carried out. It provides a reference for other mining enterprises to choose the most suitable beneficiation method according to the specific mineral species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wensheng Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical
Engineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China
| | - Guangchao Jiang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical
Engineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China
| | - Guangzhou Yang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical
Engineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China
| | - Facheng Qiu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical
Engineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China
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5
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Fröhlich D, Kalotay E, von Jonquieres G, Bongers A, Lee B, Suchowerska AK, Housley GD, Klugmann M. Dual-function AAV gene therapy reverses late-stage Canavan disease pathology in mice. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1061257. [PMID: 36568275 PMCID: PMC9772617 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1061257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The leukodystrophy Canavan disease is a fatal white matter disorder caused by loss-of-function mutations of the aspartoacylase-encoding ASPA gene. There are no effective treatments available and experimental gene therapy trials have failed to provide sufficient amelioration from Canavan disease symptoms. Preclinical studies suggest that Canavan disease-like pathology can be addressed by either ASPA gene replacement therapy or by lowering the expression of the N-acetyl-L-aspartate synthesizing enzyme NAT8L. Both approaches individually prevent or even reverse pathological aspects in Canavan disease mice. Here, we combined both strategies and assessed whether intracranial adeno-associated virus-mediated gene delivery to a Canavan disease mouse model at 12 weeks allows for reversal of existing pathology. This was enabled by a single vector dual-function approach. In vitro and in vivo biopotency assessment revealed significant knockdown of neuronal Nat8l paired with robust ectopic aspartoacylase expression. Following nomination of the most efficient cassette designs, we performed proof-of-concept studies in post-symptomatic Aspa-null mice. Late-stage gene therapy resulted in a decrease of brain vacuoles and long-term reversal of all pathological hallmarks, including loss of body weight, locomotor impairments, elevated N-acetyl-L-aspartate levels, astrogliosis, and demyelination. These data suggest feasibility of a dual-function vector combination therapy, directed at replacing aspartoacylase with concomitantly suppressing N-acetyl-L-aspartate production, which holds potential to permanently alleviate Canavan disease symptoms and expands the therapeutic window towards a treatment option for adult subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Fröhlich
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia,*Correspondence: Dominik Fröhlich,
| | - Elizabeth Kalotay
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Georg von Jonquieres
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Andre Bongers
- Biological Resources Imaging Laboratory, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Brendan Lee
- Biological Resources Imaging Laboratory, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Alexandra K. Suchowerska
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Gary D. Housley
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Matthias Klugmann
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia,Research Beyond Borders, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany,Matthias Klugmann,
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6
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Zhou K, Han J, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Zhu C. Routes of administration for adeno-associated viruses carrying gene therapies for brain diseases. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:988914. [PMID: 36385771 PMCID: PMC9643316 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.988914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy is a powerful tool to treat various central nervous system (CNS) diseases ranging from monogenetic diseases to neurodegenerative disorders. Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) have been widely used as the delivery vehicles for CNS gene therapies due to their safety, CNS tropism, and long-term therapeutic effect. However, several factors, including their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, the efficiency of transduction, their immunotoxicity, loading capacity, the choice of serotype, and peripheral off-target effects should be carefully considered when designing an optimal AAV delivery strategy for a specific disease. In addition, distinct routes of administration may affect the efficiency and safety of AAV-delivered gene therapies. In this review, we summarize different administration routes of gene therapies delivered by AAVs to the brain in mice and rats. Updated knowledge regarding AAV-delivered gene therapies may facilitate the selection from various administration routes for specific disease models in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Zhou
- Henan Neurodevelopment Engineering Research Center for Children, Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Pediatric Neurobehavior, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jinming Han
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yafeng Wang
- Henan Neurodevelopment Engineering Research Center for Children, Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Pediatric Neurobehavior, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yaodong Zhang
- Henan Neurodevelopment Engineering Research Center for Children, Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Pediatric Neurobehavior, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Changlian Zhu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Pediatric Clinical Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Neuroscience, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Centre for Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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7
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Chao J, Feng L, Ye P, Chen X, Cui Q, Sun G, Zhou T, Tian E, Li W, Hu W, Riggs AD, Matalon R, Shi Y. Therapeutic development for Canavan disease using patient iPSCs introduced with the wild-type ASPA gene. iScience 2022; 25:104391. [PMID: 35637731 PMCID: PMC9142666 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Canavan disease (CD) is a devastating neurological disease that lacks effective therapy. Because CD is caused by mutations of the aspartoacylase (ASPA) gene, we introduced the wild-type (WT) ASPA gene into patient iPSCs through lentiviral transduction or CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing. We then differentiated the WT ASPA-expressing patient iPSCs (ASPA-CD iPSCs) into NPCs and showed that the resultant ASPA-CD NPCs exhibited potent ASPA enzymatic activity. The ASPA-CD NPCs were able to survive in brains of transplanted CD mice. The engrafted ASPA-CD NPCs reconstituted ASPA activity in CD mouse brains, reduced the abnormally elevated level of NAA in both brain tissues and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and rescued hallmark pathological phenotypes of the disease, including spongy degeneration, myelination defects, and motor function impairment in transplanted CD mice. These genetically modified patient iPSC-derived NPCs represent a promising cell therapy candidate for CD, a disease that has neither a cure nor a standard treatment. The wild-type ASPA gene was introduced into CD patient iPSCs to make ASPA-CD iPSCs ASPA-CD iPSCs were differentiated into ASPA-CD NPCs with potent ASPA activity Engrafted ASPA-CD NPCs could rescue major disease phenotypes in CD mice CSF NAA level can be used as a biomarker to monitor the treatment outcome for CD
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianfei Chao
- Division of Stem Cell Biology Research, Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Lizhao Feng
- Division of Stem Cell Biology Research, Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Peng Ye
- Division of Stem Cell Biology Research, Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Xianwei Chen
- Division of Stem Cell Biology Research, Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Qi Cui
- Division of Stem Cell Biology Research, Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Guihua Sun
- Division of Stem Cell Biology Research, Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.,Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Tao Zhou
- Division of Stem Cell Biology Research, Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - E Tian
- Division of Stem Cell Biology Research, Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Wendong Li
- Division of Stem Cell Biology Research, Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Weidong Hu
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Arthur D Riggs
- Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Reuben Matalon
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555-0359, USA
| | - Yanhong Shi
- Division of Stem Cell Biology Research, Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
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8
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Khorkova O, Hsiao J, Wahlestedt C. Nucleic Acid-Based Therapeutics in Orphan Neurological Disorders: Recent Developments. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:643681. [PMID: 33996898 PMCID: PMC8115123 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.643681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The possibility of rational design and the resulting faster and more cost-efficient development cycles of nucleic acid–based therapeutics (NBTs), such as antisense oligonucleotides, siRNAs, and gene therapy vectors, have fueled increased activity in developing therapies for orphan diseases. Despite the difficulty of delivering NBTs beyond the blood–brain barrier, neurological diseases are significantly represented among the first targets for NBTs. As orphan disease NBTs are now entering the clinical stage, substantial efforts are required to develop the scientific background and infrastructure for NBT design and mechanistic studies, genetic testing, understanding natural history of orphan disorders, data sharing, NBT manufacturing, and regulatory support. The outcomes of these efforts will also benefit patients with “common” diseases by improving diagnostics, developing the widely applicable NBT technology platforms, and promoting deeper understanding of biological mechanisms that underlie disease pathogenesis. Furthermore, with successes in genetic research, a growing proportion of “common” disease cases can now be attributed to mutations in particular genes, essentially extending the orphan disease field. Together, the developments occurring in orphan diseases are building the foundation for the future of personalized medicine. In this review, we will focus on recent achievements in developing therapies for orphan neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Claes Wahlestedt
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
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9
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Lotun A, Gessler DJ, Gao G. Canavan Disease as a Model for Gene Therapy-Mediated Myelin Repair. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:661928. [PMID: 33967698 PMCID: PMC8102781 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.661928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the scientific and therapeutic fields for rare, genetic central nervous system (CNS) diseases such as leukodystrophies, or white matter disorders, have expanded significantly in part due to technological advancements in cellular and clinical screenings as well as remedial therapies using novel techniques such as gene therapy. However, treatments aimed at normalizing the pathological changes associated with leukodystrophies have especially been complicated due to the innate and variable effects of glial abnormalities, which can cause large-scale functional deficits in developmental myelination and thus lead to downstream neuronal impairment. Emerging research in the past two decades have depicted glial cells, particularly oligodendrocytes and astrocytes, as key, regulatory modulators in constructing and maintaining myelin function and neuronal viability. Given the significance of myelin formation in the developing brain, myelin repair in a time-dependent fashion is critical in restoring homeostatic functionality to the CNS of patients diagnosed with white matter disorders. Using Canavan Disease (CD) as a leukodystrophy model, here we review the hypothetical roles of N-acetylaspartate (NAA), one of the brain's most abundant amino acid derivatives, in Canavan disease's CNS myelinating pathology, as well as discuss the possible functions astrocytes serve in both CD and other leukodystrophies' time-sensitive disease correction. Through this analysis, we also highlight the potential remyelinating benefits of gene therapy for other leukodystrophies in which alternative CNS cell targeting for white matter disorders may be an applicable path for reparative treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anoushka Lotun
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States.,Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Dominic J Gessler
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States.,Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States.,Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Guangping Gao
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States.,Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States.,Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
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10
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Francis JS, Markov V, Wojtas ID, Gray S, McCown T, Samulski RJ, Figueroa M, Leone P. Preclinical biodistribution, tropism, and efficacy of oligotropic AAV/Olig001 in a mouse model of congenital white matter disease. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2021; 20:520-534. [PMID: 33614826 PMCID: PMC7878967 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances in adeno-associated viral (AAV) capsid variants with novel oligotropism require validation in models of disease in order to be viable candidates for white matter disease gene therapy. We present here an assessment of the biodistribution, tropism, and efficacy of a novel AAV capsid variant (AAV/ Olig001) in a model of Canavan disease. We first define a combination of dose and route of administration of an AAV/Olig001-GFP reporter conducive to widespread CNS oligodendrocyte transduction in acutely symptomatic animals that model the Canavan brain at time of diagnosis. Administration of AAV/Olig001-GFP resulted in >70% oligotropism in all regions of interest except the cerebellum without the need for lineage-specific expression elements. Intracerebroventricular infusion into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was identified as the most appropriate route of administration and employed for delivery of an AAV/Olig001 vector to reconstitute oligodendroglial aspartoacylase (ASPA) in adult Canavan mice, which resulted in a dose-dependent rescue of ASPA activity, motor function, and a near-total reduction in vacuolation. A head-to-head efficacy comparison with astrogliotropic AAV9 highlighted a significant advantage conferred by oligotropic AAV/Olig001 that was independent of overall transduction efficiency. These results support the continued development of AAV/Olig001 for advancement to clinical application to white matter disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy S Francis
- Cell and Gene Therapy Center, Department of Cell Biology & Neuroscience, Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, NJ, USA
| | - Vladimir Markov
- Cell and Gene Therapy Center, Department of Cell Biology & Neuroscience, Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, NJ, USA
| | - Irenuez D Wojtas
- Cell and Gene Therapy Center, Department of Cell Biology & Neuroscience, Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, NJ, USA
| | - Steve Gray
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Thomas McCown
- Gene Therapy Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - R Jude Samulski
- Asklepios BioPharmaceutical, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Marciano Figueroa
- Cell and Gene Therapy Center, Department of Cell Biology & Neuroscience, Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, NJ, USA
| | - Paola Leone
- Cell and Gene Therapy Center, Department of Cell Biology & Neuroscience, Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, NJ, USA
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11
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Feng L, Chao J, Tian E, Li L, Ye P, Zhang M, Chen X, Cui Q, Sun G, Zhou T, Felix G, Qin Y, Li W, Meza ED, Klein J, Ghoda L, Hu W, Luo Y, Dang W, Hsu D, Gold J, Goldman SA, Matalon R, Shi Y. Cell-Based Therapy for Canavan Disease Using Human iPSC-Derived NPCs and OPCs. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2020; 7:2002155. [PMID: 33304759 PMCID: PMC7709977 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202002155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Canavan disease (CD) is a fatal leukodystrophy caused by mutation of the aspartoacylase (ASPA) gene, which leads to deficiency in ASPA activity, accumulation of the substrate N-acetyl-L-aspartate (NAA), demyelination, and spongy degeneration of the brain. There is neither a cure nor a standard treatment for this disease. In this study, human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based cell therapy is developed for CD. A functional ASPA gene is introduced into patient iPSC-derived neural progenitor cells (iNPCs) or oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (iOPCs) via lentiviral transduction or TALEN-mediated genetic engineering to generate ASPA iNPC or ASPA iOPC. After stereotactic transplantation into a CD (Nur7) mouse model, the engrafted cells are able to rescue major pathological features of CD, including deficient ASPA activity, elevated NAA levels, extensive vacuolation, defective myelination, and motor function deficits, in a robust and sustainable manner. Moreover, the transplanted mice exhibit much prolonged survival. These genetically engineered patient iPSC-derived cellular products are promising cell therapies for CD. This study has the potential to bring effective cell therapies, for the first time, to Canavan disease children who have no treatment options. The approach established in this study can also benefit many other children who have deadly genetic diseases that have no cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizhao Feng
- Division of Stem Cell Biology ResearchDepartment of Developmental and Stem Cell BiologyBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Jianfei Chao
- Division of Stem Cell Biology ResearchDepartment of Developmental and Stem Cell BiologyBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - E Tian
- Division of Stem Cell Biology ResearchDepartment of Developmental and Stem Cell BiologyBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Li Li
- Division of Stem Cell Biology ResearchDepartment of Developmental and Stem Cell BiologyBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Peng Ye
- Division of Stem Cell Biology ResearchDepartment of Developmental and Stem Cell BiologyBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Mi Zhang
- Division of Stem Cell Biology ResearchDepartment of Developmental and Stem Cell BiologyBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Xianwei Chen
- Division of Stem Cell Biology ResearchDepartment of Developmental and Stem Cell BiologyBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Qi Cui
- Division of Stem Cell Biology ResearchDepartment of Developmental and Stem Cell BiologyBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Guihua Sun
- Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute at City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Tao Zhou
- Division of Stem Cell Biology ResearchDepartment of Developmental and Stem Cell BiologyBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Gerardo Felix
- Division of Stem Cell Biology ResearchDepartment of Developmental and Stem Cell BiologyBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
- Irell & Manella Graduate School of Biological SciencesBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Yue Qin
- Division of Stem Cell Biology ResearchDepartment of Developmental and Stem Cell BiologyBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Wendong Li
- Division of Stem Cell Biology ResearchDepartment of Developmental and Stem Cell BiologyBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Edward David Meza
- Division of Stem Cell Biology ResearchDepartment of Developmental and Stem Cell BiologyBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Jeremy Klein
- Division of Stem Cell Biology ResearchDepartment of Developmental and Stem Cell BiologyBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Lucy Ghoda
- Division of Stem Cell Biology ResearchDepartment of Developmental and Stem Cell BiologyBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Weidong Hu
- Department of Molecular Imaging and TherapyBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Yonglun Luo
- Department of BiomedicineAarhus UniversityAarhus8000Denmark
| | - Wei Dang
- Center for Biomedicine and GeneticsBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - David Hsu
- Center for Biomedicine and GeneticsBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Joseph Gold
- Center for Biomedicine and GeneticsBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Steven A. Goldman
- Center for Translational NeuromedicineUniversity of Rochester Medical CenterRochesterNY14642USA
- Center for Translational NeuromedicineFaculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDK‐2200Denmark
| | - Reuben Matalon
- Department of Pediatricsthe University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston301 University BlvdGalvestonTX77555‐0359USA
| | - Yanhong Shi
- Division of Stem Cell Biology ResearchDepartment of Developmental and Stem Cell BiologyBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
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12
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Pleasure D, Guo F, Chechneva O, Bannerman P, McDonough J, Burns T, Wang Y, Hull V. Pathophysiology and Treatment of Canavan Disease. Neurochem Res 2020; 45:561-565. [PMID: 30535831 PMCID: PMC11131954 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-018-2693-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- David Pleasure
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Research, Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California and UC Davis School of Medicine, 2425 Stockton Blvd, 95817, Sacramento, CA, USA.
- , C/o Shriners Hospital, 2425 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
| | - Fuzheng Guo
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Research, Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California and UC Davis School of Medicine, 2425 Stockton Blvd, 95817, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Olga Chechneva
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Research, Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California and UC Davis School of Medicine, 2425 Stockton Blvd, 95817, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Peter Bannerman
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Research, Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California and UC Davis School of Medicine, 2425 Stockton Blvd, 95817, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer McDonough
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - Travis Burns
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Research, Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California and UC Davis School of Medicine, 2425 Stockton Blvd, 95817, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Yan Wang
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Research, Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California and UC Davis School of Medicine, 2425 Stockton Blvd, 95817, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Vanessa Hull
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Research, Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California and UC Davis School of Medicine, 2425 Stockton Blvd, 95817, Sacramento, CA, USA
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13
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Wang D, Niu Y, Ren L, Kang Y, Tai PWL, Si C, Mendonca CA, Ma H, Gao G, Ji W. Gene Delivery to Nonhuman Primate Preimplantation Embryos Using Recombinant Adeno-Associated Virus. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2019; 6:1900440. [PMID: 31728271 PMCID: PMC6839749 DOI: 10.1002/advs.201900440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Revised: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Delivery of genome editing tools to mammalian zygotes has revolutionized animal modeling. However, the mechanical delivery method to introduce genes and proteins to zygotes remains a challenge for some animal species that are important in biomedical research. Here, an approach to achieve gene delivery and genome editing in nonhuman primate embryos is presented by infecting zygotes with recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs). Together with previous reports from the authors of this paper and others, this approach is potentially applicable to a broad range of mammals. In addition to genome editing and animal modeling, this rAAV-based method can facilitate gene function studies in early-stage embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wang
- Horae Gene Therapy CenterUniversity of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMA01605USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological SystemsUniversity of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMA01605USA
| | - Yuyu Niu
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedicine ResearchInstitute of Primate Translational MedicineKunming University of Science and TechnologyKunming650500YunnanChina
| | - Lingzhi Ren
- Horae Gene Therapy CenterUniversity of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMA01605USA
| | - Yu Kang
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedicine ResearchInstitute of Primate Translational MedicineKunming University of Science and TechnologyKunming650500YunnanChina
| | - Phillip W. L. Tai
- Horae Gene Therapy CenterUniversity of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMA01605USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological SystemsUniversity of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMA01605USA
| | - Chenyang Si
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedicine ResearchInstitute of Primate Translational MedicineKunming University of Science and TechnologyKunming650500YunnanChina
| | - Craig A. Mendonca
- Horae Gene Therapy CenterUniversity of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMA01605USA
| | - Hong Ma
- Horae Gene Therapy CenterUniversity of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMA01605USA
| | - Guangping Gao
- Horae Gene Therapy CenterUniversity of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMA01605USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological SystemsUniversity of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMA01605USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases ResearchUniversity of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMA01605USA
| | - Weizhi Ji
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedicine ResearchInstitute of Primate Translational MedicineKunming University of Science and TechnologyKunming650500YunnanChina
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14
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Gessler DJ, Tai PWL, Li J, Gao G. Intravenous Infusion of AAV for Widespread Gene Delivery to the Nervous System. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1950:143-163. [PMID: 30783972 PMCID: PMC7339923 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9139-6_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The central nervous system (CNS) is a fascinating and intricate set of biological structures that we have yet to fully understand. Studying the in vivo function of the CNS and finding novel methods for treating neurological disorders have been particularly challenging. One difficulty is correcting genetic disorders afflicting the CNS in a targeted manner. Recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs) have emerged as promising therapeutic tools for treating genetic defects of the CNS, due to their excellent safety profile and ability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). While stereotactic injection of AAV is promising for localized gene delivery, it is less desirable for some applications because of the technique's invasiveness and limited intraparenchymal spread. Alternatively, intravascular administration can achieve widespread delivery of rAAV to the CNS. In this chapter, we will discuss the prevalent routes of administration to deliver rAAV to the CNS via intravenous (IV) injection in mice. We will highlight key considerations for using rAAV, and the advantages and disadvantages of each administration method. We will also briefly discuss intravenous delivery in larger animal models, factors that may impact experimental interpretations, and outlooks for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic J Gessler
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Phillip W L Tai
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Jia Li
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Guangping Gao
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
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15
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Wang D, Li S, Gessler DJ, Xie J, Zhong L, Li J, Tran K, Van Vliet K, Ren L, Su Q, He R, Goetzmann JE, Flotte TR, Agbandje-McKenna M, Gao G. A Rationally Engineered Capsid Variant of AAV9 for Systemic CNS-Directed and Peripheral Tissue-Detargeted Gene Delivery in Neonates. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2018; 9:234-246. [PMID: 29766031 PMCID: PMC5948233 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2018.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) has provided the gene therapy field with the most powerful in vivo gene delivery vector to realize safe, efficacious, and sustainable therapeutic gene expression. Because many clinically relevant properties of AAV-based vectors are governed by the capsid, much research effort has been devoted to the development of AAV capsids for desired features. Here, we combine AAV capsid discovery from nature and rational engineering to report an AAV9 capsid variant, designated as AAV9.HR, which retains AAV9's capability to traverse the blood-brain barrier and transduce neurons. This variant shows reduced transduction in peripheral tissues when delivered through intravascular (IV) injection into neonatal mice. Therefore, when IV AAV delivery is used to treat CNS diseases, AAV9.HR has the advantage of mitigating potential off-target effects in peripheral tissues compared to AAV9. We also demonstrate that AAV9.HR is suitable for peripheral tissue-detargeted CNS-directed gene therapy in a mouse model of a fatal pediatric leukodystrophy. In light of recent success with profiling diversified natural AAV capsid repertoires and the understanding of AAV capsid sequence-structure-function relationship, such a combinatory approach to AAV capsid development is expected to further improve vector targeting and expand the vector toolbox for therapeutic gene delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wang
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Shaoyong Li
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Dominic J. Gessler
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Jun Xie
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Li Zhong
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Jia Li
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Karen Tran
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Kim Van Vliet
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Lingzhi Ren
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Qin Su
- Viral Vector Core, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Ran He
- Viral Vector Core, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Jason E. Goetzmann
- New Iberia Research Center, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, New Iberia, LA 70560, USA
| | - Terence R. Flotte
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Mavis Agbandje-McKenna
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Guangping Gao
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Viral Vector Core, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
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16
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Bannerman P, Guo F, Chechneva O, Burns T, Zhu X, Wang Y, Kim B, Singhal NK, McDonough JA, Pleasure D. Brain Nat8l Knockdown Suppresses Spongiform Leukodystrophy in an Aspartoacylase-Deficient Canavan Disease Mouse Model. Mol Ther 2018; 26:793-800. [PMID: 29456021 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2018.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Revised: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/06/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Canavan disease, a leukodystrophy caused by loss-of-function ASPA mutations, is characterized by brain dysmyelination, vacuolation, and astrogliosis ("spongiform leukodystrophy"). ASPA encodes aspartoacylase, an oligodendroglial enzyme that cleaves the abundant brain amino acid N-acetyl-L-aspartate (NAA) to L-aspartate and acetate. Aspartoacylase deficiency results in a 50% or greater elevation in brain NAA concentration ([NAAB]). Prior studies showed that homozygous constitutive knockout of Nat8l, the gene encoding the neuronal NAA synthesizing enzyme N-acetyltransferase 8-like, prevents aspartoacylase-deficient mice from developing spongiform leukodystrophy. We now report that brain Nat8l knockdown elicited by intracerebroventricular/intracisternal administration of an adeno-associated viral vector carrying a short hairpin Nat8l inhibitory RNA to neonatal aspartoacylase-deficient AspaNur7/Nur7 mice lowers [NAAB] and suppresses development of spongiform leukodystrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Bannerman
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Fuzheng Guo
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Olga Chechneva
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Travis Burns
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Xiaoqing Zhu
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266-61, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Bokyung Kim
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Naveen K Singhal
- Department of Biological Sciences and School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - Jennifer A McDonough
- Department of Biological Sciences and School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - David Pleasure
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.
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17
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Uncoupling N-acetylaspartate from brain pathology: implications for Canavan disease gene therapy. Acta Neuropathol 2018; 135:95-113. [PMID: 29116375 PMCID: PMC5756261 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-017-1784-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2017] [Revised: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
N-Acetylaspartate (NAA) is the second most abundant organic metabolite in the brain, but its physiological significance remains enigmatic. Toxic NAA accumulation appears to be the key factor for neurological decline in Canavan disease—a fatal neurometabolic disorder caused by deficiency in the NAA-degrading enzyme aspartoacylase. To date clinical outcome of gene replacement therapy for this spongiform leukodystrophy has not met expectations. To identify the target tissue and cells for maximum anticipated treatment benefit, we employed comprehensive phenotyping of novel mouse models to assess cell type-specific consequences of NAA depletion or elevation. We show that NAA-deficiency causes neurological deficits affecting unconscious defensive reactions aimed at protecting the body from external threat. This finding suggests, while NAA reduction is pivotal to treat Canavan disease, abrogating NAA synthesis should be avoided. At the other end of the spectrum, while predicting pathological severity in Canavan disease mice, increased brain NAA levels are not neurotoxic per se. In fact, in transgenic mice overexpressing the NAA synthesising enzyme Nat8l in neurons, supra-physiological NAA levels were uncoupled from neurological deficits. In contrast, elimination of aspartoacylase expression exclusively in oligodendrocytes elicited Canavan disease like pathology. Although conditional aspartoacylase deletion in oligodendrocytes abolished expression in the entire CNS, the remaining aspartoacylase in peripheral organs was sufficient to lower NAA levels, delay disease onset and ameliorate histopathology. However, comparable endpoints of the conditional and complete aspartoacylase knockout indicate that optimal Canavan disease gene replacement therapies should restore aspartoacylase expression in oligodendrocytes. On the basis of these findings we executed an ASPA gene replacement therapy targeting oligodendrocytes in Canavan disease mice resulting in reversal of pre-existing CNS pathology and lasting neurological benefits. This finding signifies the first successful post-symptomatic treatment of a white matter disorder using an adeno-associated virus vector tailored towards oligodendroglial-restricted transgene expression.
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18
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Appu AP, Moffett JR, Arun P, Moran S, Nambiar V, Krishnan JKS, Puthillathu N, Namboodiri AMA. Increasing N-acetylaspartate in the Brain during Postnatal Myelination Does Not Cause the CNS Pathologies of Canavan Disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:161. [PMID: 28626388 PMCID: PMC5454052 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Canavan disease is caused by mutations in the gene encoding aspartoacylase (ASPA), a deacetylase that catabolizes N-acetylaspartate (NAA). The precise involvement of elevated NAA in the pathogenesis of Canavan disease is an ongoing debate. In the present study, we tested the effects of elevated NAA in the brain during postnatal development. Mice were administered high doses of the hydrophobic methyl ester of NAA (M-NAA) twice daily starting on day 7 after birth. This treatment increased NAA levels in the brain to those observed in the brains of Nur7 mice, an established model of Canavan disease. We evaluated various serological parameters, oxidative stress, inflammatory and neurodegeneration markers and the results showed that there were no pathological alterations in any measure with increased brain NAA levels. We examined oxidative stress markers, malondialdehyde content (indicator of lipid peroxidation), expression of NADPH oxidase and nuclear translocation of the stress-responsive transcription factor nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NRF-2) in brain. We also examined additional pathological markers by immunohistochemistry and the expression of activated caspase-3 and interleukin-6 by Western blot. None of the markers were increased in the brains of M-NAA treated mice, and no vacuoles were observed in any brain region. These results show that ASPA expression prevents the pathologies associated with excessive NAA concentrations in the brain during postnatal myelination. We hypothesize that the pathogenesis of Canavan disease involves not only disrupted NAA metabolism, but also excessive NAA related signaling processes in oligodendrocytes that have not been fully determined and we discuss some of the potential mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhilash P. Appu
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics and Neuroscience Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health SciencesBethesda, MD, United States
| | - John R. Moffett
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics and Neuroscience Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health SciencesBethesda, MD, United States
| | - Peethambaran Arun
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics and Neuroscience Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health SciencesBethesda, MD, United States
| | - Sean Moran
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics and Neuroscience Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health SciencesBethesda, MD, United States
| | - Vikram Nambiar
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics and Neuroscience Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health SciencesBethesda, MD, United States
| | - Jishnu K. S. Krishnan
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics and Neuroscience Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health SciencesBethesda, MD, United States
| | - Narayanan Puthillathu
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics and Neuroscience Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health SciencesBethesda, MD, United States
| | - Aryan M. A. Namboodiri
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics and Neuroscience Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health SciencesBethesda, MD, United States
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19
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Gessler DJ, Li D, Xu H, Su Q, Sanmiguel J, Tuncer S, Moore C, King J, Matalon R, Gao G. Redirecting N-acetylaspartate metabolism in the central nervous system normalizes myelination and rescues Canavan disease. JCI Insight 2017; 2:e90807. [PMID: 28194442 PMCID: PMC5291725 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.90807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Canavan disease (CD) is a debilitating and lethal leukodystrophy caused by mutations in the aspartoacylase (ASPA) gene and the resulting defect in N-acetylaspartate (NAA) metabolism in the CNS and peripheral tissues. Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) has the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and widely transduce the CNS. We developed a rAAV-based and optimized gene replacement therapy, which achieves early, complete, and sustained rescue of the lethal disease phenotype in CD mice. Our treatment results in a super-mouse phenotype, increasing motor performance of treated CD mice beyond that of WT control mice. We demonstrate that this rescue is oligodendrocyte independent, and that gene correction in astrocytes is sufficient, suggesting that the establishment of an astrocyte-based alternative metabolic sink for NAA is a key mechanism for efficacious disease rescue and the super-mouse phenotype. Importantly, the use of clinically translatable high-field imaging tools enables the noninvasive monitoring and prediction of therapeutic outcomes for CD and might enable further investigation of NAA-related cognitive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic J. Gessler
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
- University Hospital Heidelberg, Centre for Child and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Child Neurology and Metabolic Medicine
- Ruprecht-Karls University, Medical School, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Danning Li
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hongxia Xu
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
- University of Science and Technology of Kunming, China
| | - Qin Su
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Julio Sanmiguel
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Constance Moore
- Center for Comparative Neuroimaging, Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jean King
- Center for Comparative Neuroimaging, Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Guangping Gao
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Francis JS, Wojtas I, Markov V, Gray SJ, McCown TJ, Samulski RJ, Bilaniuk LT, Wang DJ, De Vivo DC, Janson CG, Leone P. N-acetylaspartate supports the energetic demands of developmental myelination via oligodendroglial aspartoacylase. Neurobiol Dis 2016; 96:323-334. [PMID: 27717881 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2016.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Revised: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 10/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Breakdown of neuro-glial N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA) metabolism results in the failure of developmental myelination, manifest in the congenital pediatric leukodystrophy Canavan disease caused by mutations to the sole NAA catabolizing enzyme aspartoacylase. Canavan disease is a major point of focus for efforts to define NAA function, with available evidence suggesting NAA serves as an acetyl donor for fatty acid synthesis during myelination. Elevated NAA is a diagnostic hallmark of Canavan disease, which contrasts with a broad spectrum of alternative neurodegenerative contexts in which levels of NAA are inversely proportional to pathological progression. Recently generated data in the nur7 mouse model of Canavan disease suggests loss of aspartoacylase function results in compromised energetic integrity prior to oligodendrocyte death, abnormalities in myelin content, spongiform degeneration, and motor deficit. The present study utilized a next-generation "oligotropic" adeno-associated virus vector (AAV-Olig001) to quantitatively assess the impact of aspartoacylase reconstitution on developmental myelination. AAV-Olig001-aspartoacylase promoted normalization of NAA, increased bioavailable acetyl-CoA, and restored energetic balance within a window of postnatal development preceding gross histopathology and deteriorating motor function. Long-term effects included increased oligodendrocyte numbers, a global increase in myelination, reversal of vacuolation, and rescue of motor function. Effects on brain energy observed following AAV-Olig001-aspartoacylase gene therapy are shown to be consistent with a metabolic profile observed in mild cases of Canavan disease, implicating NAA in the maintenance of energetic integrity during myelination via oligodendroglial aspartoacylase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy S Francis
- Department of Cell Biology, Cell & Gene Therapy Center, Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, NJ, USA
| | - Ireneusz Wojtas
- Department of Cell Biology, Cell & Gene Therapy Center, Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, NJ, USA
| | - Vladimir Markov
- Department of Cell Biology, Cell & Gene Therapy Center, Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, NJ, USA
| | - Steven J Gray
- Department of Ophthalmology, UNC, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - R Jude Samulski
- Department of Pharmacology and Gene Therapy Center, UNC, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Larissa T Bilaniuk
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Dah-Jyuu Wang
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Christopher G Janson
- Department of Neurology & Rehabilitation, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | - Paola Leone
- Department of Cell Biology, Cell & Gene Therapy Center, Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, NJ, USA.
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