1
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Kepreotis SV, Oh JG, Park M, Yoo J, Lee C, Mercola M, Hajjar RJ, Jeong D. Inhibition of miR-25 ameliorates cardiac and skeletal muscle dysfunction in aged mdx/utrn haploinsufficient (+/-) mice. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102174. [PMID: 38584818 PMCID: PMC10998245 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Dystrophic cardiomyopathy is a significant feature of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Increased cardiomyocyte cytosolic calcium (Ca2+) and interstitial fibrosis are major pathophysiological hallmarks that ultimately result in cardiac dysfunction. MicroRNA-25 (miR-25) has been identified as a suppressor of both sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase 2a (SERCA2a) and mothers against decapentaplegic homolog-7 (Smad7) proteins. In this study, we created a gene transfer using an miR-25 tough decoy (TuD) RNA inhibitor delivered via recombinant adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (AAV9) to evaluate the effect of miR-25 inhibition on cardiac and skeletal muscle function in aged dystrophin/utrophin haploinsufficient mice mdx/utrn (+/-), a validated transgenic murine model of DMD. We found that the intravenous delivery of AAV9 miR-25 TuD resulted in strong and stable inhibition of cardiac miR-25 levels, together with the restoration of SERCA2a and Smad7 expression. This was associated with the amelioration of cardiomyocyte interstitial fibrosis as well as recovered cardiac function. Furthermore, the direct quadricep intramuscular injection of AAV9 miR-25 TuD significantly restored skeletal muscle Smad7 expression, reduced tissue fibrosis, and enhanced skeletal muscle performance in mdx/utrn (+/-) mice. These results imply that miR-25 TuD gene transfer may be a novel therapeutic approach to restore cardiomyocyte Ca2+ homeostasis and abrogate tissue fibrosis in DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sacha V. Kepreotis
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai, NY, USA
| | - Jae Gyun Oh
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai, NY, USA
| | - Mina Park
- Department of Medicinal and Life Science, College of Science and Convergence Technology, Hanyang University-ERICA, Ansan, South Korea
| | - Jimeen Yoo
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai, NY, USA
| | - Cholong Lee
- Department of Medicinal and Life Science, College of Science and Convergence Technology, Hanyang University-ERICA, Ansan, South Korea
| | - Mark Mercola
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Roger J. Hajjar
- Mass General Brigham Gene and Cell Therapy Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dongtak Jeong
- Department of Medicinal and Life Science, College of Science and Convergence Technology, Hanyang University-ERICA, Ansan, South Korea
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai, NY, USA
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2
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Patil SV, Kaipa BR, Ranshing S, Sundaresan Y, Millar JC, Nagarajan B, Kiehlbauch C, Zhang Q, Jain A, Searby CC, Scheetz TE, Clark AF, Sheffield VC, Zode GS. Lentiviral mediated delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 reduces intraocular pressure in a mouse model of myocilin glaucoma. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6958. [PMID: 38521856 PMCID: PMC10960846 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57286-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Mutations in myocilin (MYOC) are the leading known genetic cause of primary open-angle glaucoma, responsible for about 4% of all cases. Mutations in MYOC cause a gain-of-function phenotype in which mutant myocilin accumulates in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) leading to ER stress and trabecular meshwork (TM) cell death. Therefore, knocking out myocilin at the genome level is an ideal strategy to permanently cure the disease. We have previously utilized CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing successfully to target MYOC using adenovirus 5 (Ad5). However, Ad5 is not a suitable vector for clinical use. Here, we sought to determine the efficacy of adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) and lentiviruses (LVs) to target the TM. First, we examined the TM tropism of single-stranded (ss) and self-complimentary (sc) AAV serotypes as well as LV expressing GFP via intravitreal (IVT) and intracameral (IC) injections. We observed that LV_GFP expression was more specific to the TM injected via the IVT route. IC injections of Trp-mutant scAAV2 showed a prominent expression of GFP in the TM. However, robust GFP expression was also observed in the ciliary body and retina. We next constructed lentiviral particles expressing Cas9 and guide RNA (gRNA) targeting MYOC (crMYOC) and transduction of TM cells stably expressing mutant myocilin with LV_crMYOC significantly reduced myocilin accumulation and its associated chronic ER stress. A single IVT injection of LV_crMYOC in Tg-MYOCY437H mice decreased myocilin accumulation in TM and reduced elevated IOP significantly. Together, our data indicates, LV_crMYOC targets MYOC gene editing in TM and rescues a mouse model of myocilin-associated glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruti V Patil
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Balasankara Reddy Kaipa
- Department of Ophthalmology and Center for Translational Vision Research, University of California, 829 Health Sciences Rd, Irvine, CA, 92617, USA
| | - Sujata Ranshing
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Yogapriya Sundaresan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Center for Translational Vision Research, University of California, 829 Health Sciences Rd, Irvine, CA, 92617, USA
| | - J Cameron Millar
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Bhavani Nagarajan
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Charles Kiehlbauch
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Qihong Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Ankur Jain
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Charles C Searby
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Todd E Scheetz
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Abbot F Clark
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Val C Sheffield
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Gulab S Zode
- Department of Ophthalmology and Center for Translational Vision Research, University of California, 829 Health Sciences Rd, Irvine, CA, 92617, USA.
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3
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Borrás T, Stepankoff M, Danias J. Genes as drugs for glaucoma: latest advances. Curr Opin Ophthalmol 2024; 35:131-137. [PMID: 38117663 DOI: 10.1097/icu.0000000000001025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To provide the latest advances on the future use of gene therapy for the treatment of glaucoma. RECENT FINDINGS In preclinical studies, a number of genes have been shown to be able to reduce elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), and to exert neuroprotection of the retinal ganglion cells. These genes target various mechanisms of action and include among others: MMP3 , PLAT, IκB, GLIS, SIRT, Tie-2, AQP1. Some of these as well as some previously identified genes ( MMP3, PLAT, BDNF, C3, TGFβ, MYOC, ANGPTL7 ) are starting to move onto drug development. At the same time, progress has been made in the methods to deliver and control gene therapeutics (advances in these areas are not covered in this review). SUMMARY While preclinical efforts continue in several laboratories, an increasing number of start-up and large pharmaceutical companies are working on developing gene therapeutics for glaucoma ( Sylentis, Quetera/Astellas, Exhaura, Ikarovec, Genentech, Regeneron, Isarna, Diorasis Therapeutics ). Despite the presence of generic medications to treat glaucoma, given the size of the potential world-wide market (∼$7B), it is likely that the number of companies developing glaucoma gene therapies will increase further in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Borrás
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | | | - John Danias
- Downstate Health Science University, SUNY, New York, USA
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4
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Sulak R, Liu X, Smedowski A. The concept of gene therapy for glaucoma: the dream that has not come true yet. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:92-99. [PMID: 37488850 PMCID: PMC10479832 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.375319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene therapies, despite of being a relatively new therapeutic approach, have a potential to become an important alternative to current treatment strategies in glaucoma. Since glaucoma is not considered a single gene disease, the identified goals of gene therapy would be rather to provide neuroprotection of retinal ganglion cells, especially, in intraocular-pressure-independent manner. The most commonly reported type of vector for gene delivery in glaucoma studies is adeno-associated virus serotype 2 that has a high tropism to retinal ganglion cells, resulting in long-term expression and low immunogenic profile. The gene therapy studies recruit inducible and genetic animal models of optic neuropathy, like DBA/2J mice model of high-tension glaucoma and the optic nerve crush-model. Reported gene therapy-based neuroprotection of retinal ganglion cells is targeting specific genes translating to growth factors (i.e., brain derived neurotrophic factor, and its receptor TrkB), regulation of apoptosis and neurodegeneration (i.e., Bcl-xl, Xiap, FAS system, nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyl transferase 2, Digit3 and Sarm1), immunomodulation (i.e., Crry, C3 complement), modulation of neuroinflammation (i.e., erythropoietin), reduction of excitotoxicity (i.e., CamKIIα) and transcription regulation (i.e., Max, Nrf2). On the other hand, some of gene therapy studies focus on lowering intraocular pressure, by impacting genes involved in both, decreasing aqueous humor production (i.e., aquaporin 1), and increasing outflow facility (i.e., COX2, prostaglandin F2α receptor, RhoA/RhoA kinase signaling pathway, MMP1, Myocilin). The goal of this review is to summarize the current state-of-art and the direction of development of gene therapy strategies for glaucomatous neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Sulak
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Xiaonan Liu
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Adrian Smedowski
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
- GlaucoTech Co., Katowice, Poland
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5
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Patil SV, Kaipa BR, Ranshing S, Sundaresan Y, Millar JC, Nagarajan B, Kiehlbauch C, Zhang Q, Jain A, Searby CC, Scheetz TE, Clark AF, Sheffield VC, Zode GS. Lentiviral mediated delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 reduces intraocular pressure in a mouse model of myocilin glaucoma. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3740880. [PMID: 38196579 PMCID: PMC10775399 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3740880/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Mutations in myocilin (MYOC) are the leading known genetic cause of primary open-angle glaucoma, responsible for about 4% of all cases. Mutations in MYOC cause a gain-of-function phenotype in which mutant myocilin accumulates in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) leading to ER stress and trabecular meshwork (TM) cell death. Therefore, knocking out myocilin at the genome level is an ideal strategy to permanently cure the disease. We have previously utilized CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing successfully to target MYOC using adenovirus 5 (Ad5). However, Ad5 is not a suitable vector for clinical use. Here, we sought to determine the efficacy of adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) and lentiviruses (LVs) to target the TM. First, we examined the TM tropism of single-stranded (ss) and self-complimentary (sc) AAV serotypes as well as LV expressing GFP via intravitreal (IVT) and intracameral (IC) injections. We observed that LV_GFP expression was more specific to the TM injected via the IVT route. IC injections of Trp-mutant scAAV2 showed a prominent expression of GFP in the TM. However, robust GFP expression was also observed in the ciliary body and retina. We next constructed lentiviral particles expressing Cas9 and guide RNA (gRNA) targeting MYOC (crMYOC) and transduction of TM cells stably expressing mutant myocilin with LV_crMYOC significantly reduced myocilin accumulation and its associated chronic ER stress. A single IVT injection of LV_crMYOC in Tg-MYOCY437H mice decreased myocilin accumulation in TM and reduced elevated IOP significantly. Together, our data indicates, LV_crMYOC targets MYOC gene editing in TM and rescues a mouse model of myocilin-associated glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruti V Patil
- University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
| | | | - Sujata Ranshing
- University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Abbot F Clark
- University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
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6
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Xia X, Guo X. Adeno-associated virus vectors for retinal gene therapy in basic research and clinical studies. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1310050. [PMID: 38105897 PMCID: PMC10722277 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1310050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal degenerative diseases, including glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and a broad range of inherited retinal diseases, are leading causes of irreversible vision loss and blindness. Gene therapy is a promising and fast-growing strategy to treat both monogenic and multifactorial retinal disorders. Vectors for gene delivery are crucial for efficient and specific transfer of therapeutic gene(s) into target cells. AAV vectors are ideal for retinal gene therapy due to their inherent advantages in safety, gene expression stability, and amenability for directional engineering. The eye is a highly compartmentalized organ composed of multiple disease-related cell types. To determine a suitable AAV vector for a specific cell type, the route of administration and choice of AAV variant must be considered together. Here, we provide a brief overview of AAV vectors for gene transfer into important ocular cell types, including retinal pigment epithelium cells, photoreceptors, retinal ganglion cells, Müller glial cells, ciliary epithelial cells, trabecular meshwork cells, vascular endothelial cells, and pericytes, via distinct injection methods. By listing suitable AAV vectors in basic research and (pre)clinical studies, we aim to highlight the progress and unmet needs of AAV vectors in retinal gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xinzheng Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Suzhou, China
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7
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Gómez-Moreno A, San Sebastian E, Moya J, Gomollón-Zueco P, Isola S, Vales Á, González-Aseguinolaza G, Unzu C, Garaigorta U. Topoisomerase Inhibitors Increase Episomal DNA Expression by Inducing the Integration of Episomal DNA in Hepatic Cells. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2459. [PMID: 37896219 PMCID: PMC10610421 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15102459] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy is a promising strategy to treat and cure most inherited metabolic liver disorders. Viral vectors such as those based on adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) and lentiviruses (LVs) are used as vehicles to deliver functional genes to affected hepatocytes. Adverse events associated with the use of high vector doses have motivated the use of small molecules as adjuvants to reduce the dose. In this study, we showed that a one-hour treatment with topoisomerase inhibitors (camptothecin and etoposide) prior to viral transduction is enough to increase AAV and LV reporter expression in non-dividing hepatic cells in culture. Topoisomerase inhibitors increased both integration-competent (ICLV) and integration-deficient (IDLV) LV-derived expression, with a much stronger increase in the IDLV transduction system. In agreement with that, topoisomerase inhibitors increased viral genome integration in both strains, with a greater impact on the IDLV strain, supporting the idea that topoisomerase inhibitors increased episomal DNA integration, especially when viral integrase activity is abolished. These effects correlated with an increase in the DNA damage response produced by the treatments. Our study highlights the need to monitor DNA damage and undesired integration of viral episomal DNAs into the host genome when studying chemical compounds that increase viral transduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andoni Gómez-Moreno
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Celular, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CNB-CSIC), Calle Darwin 3, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (E.S.S.); (J.M.); (P.G.-Z.)
| | - Enara San Sebastian
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Celular, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CNB-CSIC), Calle Darwin 3, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (E.S.S.); (J.M.); (P.G.-Z.)
| | - Jennifer Moya
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Celular, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CNB-CSIC), Calle Darwin 3, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (E.S.S.); (J.M.); (P.G.-Z.)
| | - Pilar Gomollón-Zueco
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Celular, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CNB-CSIC), Calle Darwin 3, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (E.S.S.); (J.M.); (P.G.-Z.)
| | - Sergio Isola
- DNA & RNA Medicine Division, CIMA, Universidad de Navarra, Avda Pio XII, 55, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (S.I.); (Á.V.); (G.G.-A.); (C.U.)
| | - África Vales
- DNA & RNA Medicine Division, CIMA, Universidad de Navarra, Avda Pio XII, 55, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (S.I.); (Á.V.); (G.G.-A.); (C.U.)
| | - Gloria González-Aseguinolaza
- DNA & RNA Medicine Division, CIMA, Universidad de Navarra, Avda Pio XII, 55, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (S.I.); (Á.V.); (G.G.-A.); (C.U.)
| | - Carmen Unzu
- DNA & RNA Medicine Division, CIMA, Universidad de Navarra, Avda Pio XII, 55, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (S.I.); (Á.V.); (G.G.-A.); (C.U.)
| | - Urtzi Garaigorta
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Celular, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CNB-CSIC), Calle Darwin 3, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (E.S.S.); (J.M.); (P.G.-Z.)
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8
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Ajenjo J, Seo JW, Foiret J, Wu B, Raie MN, Wang J, Fite BZ, Zhang N, Malek R, Beinat C, Malik N, Anders DA, Ferrara KW. PET imaging of focused-ultrasound enhanced delivery of AAVs into the murine brain. Theranostics 2023; 13:5151-5169. [PMID: 37908737 PMCID: PMC10614693 DOI: 10.7150/thno.85549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Despite recent advances in the use of adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) as potential vehicles for genetic intervention of central and peripheral nervous system-associated disorders, gene therapy for the treatment of neuropathology in adults has not been approved to date. The currently FDA-approved AAV-vector based gene therapies rely on naturally occurring serotypes, such as AAV2 or AAV9, which display limited or no transport across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) if systemically administered. Recently developed engineered AAV variants have shown broad brain transduction and reduced off-target liver toxicity in non-human primates (NHPs). However, these vectors lack spatial selectivity for targeted gene delivery, a potentially critical limitation for delivering therapeutic doses in defined areas of the brain. The use of microbubbles, in conjunction with focused ultrasound (FUS), can enhance regional brain AAV transduction, but methods to assess transduction in vivo are needed. Methods: In a murine model, we combined positron emission tomography (PET) and optical imaging of reporter gene payloads to non-invasively assess the spatial distribution and transduction efficiency of systemically administered AAV9 after FUS and microbubble treatment. Capsid and reporter probe accumulation are reported as percent injected dose per cubic centimeter (%ID/cc) for in vivo PET quantification, whereas results for ex vivo assays are reported as percent injected dose per gram (%ID/g). Results: In a study spanning accumulation and transduction, mean AAV9 accumulation within the brain was 0.29 %ID/cc without FUS, whereas in the insonified region of interest of FUS-treated mice, the spatial mean and maximum reached ~2.3 %ID/cc and 4.3 %ID/cc, respectively. Transgene expression assessed in vivo by PET reporter gene imaging employing the pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2)/[18F]DASA-10 reporter system increased up to 10-fold in the FUS-treated regions, as compared to mice receiving AAVs without FUS. Systemic injection of AAV9 packaging the EF1A-PKM2 transgene followed by FUS in one hemisphere resulted in 1) an average 102-fold increase in PKM2 mRNA concentration compared to mice treated with AAVs only and 2) a 12.5-fold increase in the insonified compared to the contralateral hemisphere of FUS-treated mice. Conclusion: Combining microbubbles with US-guided treatment facilitated a multi-hour BBB disruption and stable AAV transduction in targeted areas of the murine brain. This unique platform has the potential to provide insight and aid in the translation of AAV-based therapies for the treatment of neuropathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Ajenjo
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jai Woong Seo
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Josquin Foiret
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Bo Wu
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Marina Nura Raie
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - James Wang
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Brett Zain Fite
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Nisi Zhang
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Rim Malek
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Corinne Beinat
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Noeen Malik
- Stanford Cyclotron & Radiochemistry Facility (CRF), Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - David Alexander Anders
- Stanford Cyclotron & Radiochemistry Facility (CRF), Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Katherine W. Ferrara
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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9
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Chern KJ, Issac KZ, Gumbs ZD, O'Connor ME, Lawrence MS, Lipinski DM. Tolerability and tropism of recombinant adeno-associated virus vectors in the African green monkey (Chlorocebus sabaeus) anterior chamber. Gene Ther 2023; 30:714-722. [PMID: 37221271 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-023-00407-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
While many studies have investigated the use of recombinant adeno-associated vectors (rAAV) in the posterior chamber for treatment of inherited retinal diseases, fewer studies have looked at rAAV's ability to transduce cells within the anterior chamber. This study focuses on evaluating the tropism and tolerability of three rAAV serotypes-rAAV2/6, rAAV2/9, and rAAV2/2[MAX]-expressing a green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter following intracameral injection in the non-human primate (NHP) African green monkey (Chlorocebus sabaeus) model. Injection of high dose (1 × 1012 vg/eye) rAAV vector resulted in transient inflammation characterized by aqueous flare and cellular infiltrate that resolved without intervention in all serotypes. Post-mortem histology revealed widespread expression of GFP in cells of the trabecular meshwork and iris in high dose rAAV2/6, rAAV2/9, and particularly rAAV2/2[MAX] eyes, indicating that rAAV vectors of these serotypes have broad tropism for cells of the anterior chamber and may facilitate the treatment of blinding disorders, such as glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina J Chern
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Daniel M Lipinski
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
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10
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Ocular Drug Delivery: Advancements and Innovations. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14091931. [PMID: 36145679 PMCID: PMC9506479 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14091931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocular drug delivery has been significantly advanced for not only pharmaceutical compounds, such as steroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, immune modulators, antibiotics, and so forth, but also for the rapidly progressed gene therapy products. For conventional non-gene therapy drugs, appropriate surgical approaches and releasing systems are the main deliberation to achieve adequate treatment outcomes, whereas the scope of “drug delivery” for gene therapy drugs further expands to transgene construct optimization, vector selection, and vector engineering. The eye is the particularly well-suited organ as the gene therapy target, owing to multiple advantages. In this review, we will delve into three main aspects of ocular drug delivery for both conventional drugs and adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapy products: (1) the development of AAV vector systems for ocular gene therapy, (2) the innovative carriers of medication, and (3) administration routes progression.
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Wu X, Yang X, Liang Q, Xue X, Huang J, Wang J, Xu Y, Tong R, Liu M, Zhou Q, Shi J. Drugs for the treatment of glaucoma: Targets, structure-activity relationships and clinical research. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 226:113842. [PMID: 34536672 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Glaucoma is the third leading cause of blindness and impairment of vision worldwide, after refractive errors and cataracts. According to the survey, the number of people with glaucoma is more than 76 million, with projections increasing to 112 million by 2040. With the coming of an aging society, the number of people suffering from glaucoma will increase day by day. Glaucoma is a heterogeneous disease characterized by damage to the head of the optic nerve and visual field. High intraocular pressure is a major risk and cause of glaucoma optic neuropathy. Therefore, drug lowering intraocular pressure therapy is still the first-line therapy in clinical practice. Here, the targets, structure-activity relationship, and clinical progress of drugs for the treatment of glaucoma are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianbo Wu
- School of Sports Medicine and Health, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Xinwei Yang
- School of Sports Medicine and Health, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Qi Liang
- College of Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610031, China
| | - Xiali Xue
- Institute of Sports Medicine and Health, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Jianli Huang
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang Guizhou, 550002, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang Guizhou, 550002, China
| | - Yihua Xu
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu Sichuan, 611137, China
| | - Rongsheng Tong
- Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu Sichuan, 610072, China
| | - Maoyu Liu
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu Sichuan, 611137, China.
| | - Qiaodan Zhou
- Ultrasonography Lab, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu Sichuan, 610072, China.
| | - Jianyou Shi
- Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu Sichuan, 610072, China.
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Novel tool to quantify with single-cell resolution the number of incoming AAV genomes co-expressed in the mouse nervous system. Gene Ther 2021; 30:463-468. [PMID: 34176926 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-021-00272-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors are an established and safe gene delivery tool to target the nervous system. However, the payload capacity of <4.9 kb limits the transfer of large or multiple genes. Oversized payloads could be delivered by fragmenting the transgenes into separate AAV capsids that are then mixed. This strategy could increase the AAV cargo capacity to treat monogenic, polygenic diseases and comorbidities only if controlled co-expression of multiple AAV capsids is achieved on each transduced cell. We developed a tool to quantify the number of incoming AAV genomes that are co-expressed in the nervous system with single-cell resolution. By using an isogenic mix of three AAVs each expressing single fluorescent reporters, we determined that expression of much greater than 31 AAV genomes per neuron in vitro and 20 genomes per neuron in vivo is obtained across different brain regions including anterior cingulate, prefrontal, somatomotor and somatosensory cortex areas, and cerebellar lobule VI. Our results demonstrate that multiple AAV vectors containing different transgenes or transgene fragments, can efficiently co-express in the same neuron. This tool can be used to design and improve AAV-based interrogation of neuronal circuits, map brain connectivity, and treat genetic diseases affecting the nervous system.
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Komáromy AM, Koehl KL, Park SA. Looking into the future: Gene and cell therapies for glaucoma. Vet Ophthalmol 2021; 24 Suppl 1:16-33. [PMID: 33411993 PMCID: PMC7979454 DOI: 10.1111/vop.12858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Glaucoma is a complex group of optic neuropathies that affects both humans and animals. Intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation is a major risk factor that results in the loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their axons. Currently, lowering IOP by medical and surgical methods is the only approved treatment for primary glaucoma, but there is no cure, and vision loss often progresses despite therapy. Recent technologic advances provide us with a better understanding of disease mechanisms and risk factors; this will permit earlier diagnosis of glaucoma and initiation of therapy sooner and more effectively. Gene and cell therapies are well suited to target these mechanisms specifically with the potential to achieve a lasting therapeutic effect. Much progress has been made in laboratory settings to develop these novel therapies for the eye. Gene and cell therapies have already been translated into clinical application for some inherited retinal dystrophies and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Except for the intravitreal application of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) by encapsulated cell technology for RGC neuroprotection, there has been no other clinical translation of gene and cell therapies for glaucoma so far. Possible application of gene and cell therapies consists of long-term IOP control via increased aqueous humor drainage, including inhibition of fibrosis following filtration surgery, RGC neuroprotection and neuroregeneration, modification of ocular biomechanics for improved IOP tolerance, and inhibition of inflammation and neovascularization to prevent the development of some forms of secondary glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- András M. Komáromy
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Kristin L. Koehl
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Shin Ae Park
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
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MacLaren RE. A 2020 vision of ocular gene therapy. Gene Ther 2020; 28:217-219. [PMID: 32601358 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-020-0170-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Robert E MacLaren
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford and Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, West Wing John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK.
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