1
|
Cau MF, Ferraresso F, Seadler M, Badior K, Zhang Y, Ketelboeter LM, Rodriguez GG, Chen T, Ferraresso M, Wietrzny A, Robertson M, Haugen A, Cullis PR, de Moya M, Dyer M, Kastrup CJ. siRNA-mediated reduction of a circulating protein in swine using lipid nanoparticles. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2024; 32:101258. [PMID: 38779336 PMCID: PMC11109470 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2024.101258] [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: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Genetic manipulation of animal models is a fundamental research tool in biology and medicine but is challenging in large animals. In rodents, models can be readily developed by knocking out genes in embryonic stem cells or by knocking down genes through in vivo delivery of nucleic acids. Swine are a preferred animal model for studying the cardiovascular and immune systems, but there are limited strategies for genetic manipulation. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) efficiently deliver small interfering RNA (siRNA) to knock down circulating proteins, but swine are sensitive to LNP-induced complement activation-related pseudoallergy (CARPA). We hypothesized that appropriately administering optimized siRNA-LNPs could knock down circulating levels of plasminogen, a blood protein synthesized in the liver. siRNA-LNPs against plasminogen (siPLG) reduced plasma plasminogen protein and hepatic plasminogen mRNA levels to below 5% of baseline values. Functional assays showed that reducing plasminogen levels modulated systemic blood coagulation. Clinical signs of CARPA were not observed, and occasional mild and transient hepatotoxicity was present in siPLG-treated animals at 5 h post-infusion, which returned to baseline by 7 days. These findings advance siRNA-LNPs in swine models, enabling genetic engineering of blood and hepatic proteins, which can likely expand to proteins in other tissues in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Massimo F. Cau
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Francesca Ferraresso
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Versiti Blood Research Institute, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Monica Seadler
- Versiti Blood Research Institute, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | | | - Youjie Zhang
- Versiti Blood Research Institute, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | | | | | - Taylor Chen
- Versiti Blood Research Institute, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | | | | | - Madelaine Robertson
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Amber Haugen
- Versiti Blood Research Institute, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Pieter R. Cullis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Marc de Moya
- Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Mitchell Dyer
- Versiti Blood Research Institute, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Christian J. Kastrup
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Versiti Blood Research Institute, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Departments of Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, and Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Huang C, Zheng X, Yan S, Zhang Z. Advances in Clinical Therapies for Huntington's Disease and the Promise of Multi-Targeted/Functional Drugs Based on Clinicaltrials.gov. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2024. [PMID: 38863261 DOI: 10.1002/cpt.3341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a dominantly inherited neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a triad of motor, cognitive, and psychiatric problems. Caused by CAG repeat expansion in the huntingtin gene (HTT), the disease involves a complex network of pathogenic mechanisms, including synaptic dysfunction, impaired autophagy, neuroinflammation, oxidative damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, and extrasynaptic excitotoxicity. Although current therapies targeting the pathogenesis of HD primarily aim to reduce mHTT levels by targeting HTT DNA, RNA, or proteins, these treatments only ameliorate downstream pathogenic effects. While gene therapies, such as antisense oligonucleotides, small interfering RNAs and gene editing, have emerged in the field of HD treatment, their safety and efficacy are still under debate. Therefore, pharmacological therapy remains the most promising breakthrough, especially multi-target/functional drugs, which have diverse pharmacological effects. This review summarizes the latest progress in HD drug development based on clinicaltrials.gov search results (Search strategy: key word "Huntington's disease" in HD clinical investigational drugs registered as of December 31, 2023), and highlights the key role of multi-target/functional drugs in HD treatment strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunhui Huang
- School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Models, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic, Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research and Institute of New Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao Zheng
- Stomatological Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sen Yan
- School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Models, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic, Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research and Institute of New Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zaijun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic, Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research and Institute of New Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
de Sousa-Lourenço J, Silva AC, Pereira de Almeida L, Nobre RJ. Molecular therapy for polyQ disorders: from bench to clinical trials. Trends Mol Med 2024:S1471-4914(24)00126-6. [PMID: 38839514 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2024.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Polyglutamine (polyQ) disorders are monogenic neurodegenerative disorders. Currently, no therapies are available for this complex group of disorders. Here, we aim to provide an overview of recent promising preclinical studies and the ongoing clinical trials focusing on molecular therapies for polyQ disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- João de Sousa-Lourenço
- CNC-UC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana C Silva
- CNC-UC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, Doctoral Programme in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine (PDBEB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; GeneT, Gene Therapy Center of Excellence, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Luís Pereira de Almeida
- CNC-UC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; GeneT, Gene Therapy Center of Excellence, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; ViraVector, Viral Vector for Gene Transfer Core Facility, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Rui J Nobre
- CNC-UC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; GeneT, Gene Therapy Center of Excellence, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; ViraVector, Viral Vector for Gene Transfer Core Facility, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tong H, Yang T, Xu S, Li X, Liu L, Zhou G, Yang S, Yin S, Li XJ, Li S. Huntington's Disease: Complex Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3845. [PMID: 38612657 PMCID: PMC11011923 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073845] [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: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) arises from the abnormal expansion of CAG repeats in the huntingtin gene (HTT), resulting in the production of the mutant huntingtin protein (mHTT) with a polyglutamine stretch in its N-terminus. The pathogenic mechanisms underlying HD are complex and not yet fully elucidated. However, mHTT forms aggregates and accumulates abnormally in neuronal nuclei and processes, leading to disruptions in multiple cellular functions. Although there is currently no effective curative treatment for HD, significant progress has been made in developing various therapeutic strategies to treat HD. In addition to drugs targeting the neuronal toxicity of mHTT, gene therapy approaches that aim to reduce the expression of the mutant HTT gene hold great promise for effective HD therapy. This review provides an overview of current HD treatments, discusses different therapeutic strategies, and aims to facilitate future therapeutic advancements in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Xiao-Jiang Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (H.T.); (T.Y.); (S.X.); (X.L.); (L.L.); (G.Z.); (S.Y.); (S.Y.)
| | - Shihua Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (H.T.); (T.Y.); (S.X.); (X.L.); (L.L.); (G.Z.); (S.Y.); (S.Y.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zheng Y, Li Y, Zhou K, Li T, VanDusen NJ, Hua Y. Precise genome-editing in human diseases: mechanisms, strategies and applications. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:47. [PMID: 38409199 PMCID: PMC10897424 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01750-2] [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: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Precise genome-editing platforms are versatile tools for generating specific, site-directed DNA insertions, deletions, and substitutions. The continuous enhancement of these tools has led to a revolution in the life sciences, which promises to deliver novel therapies for genetic disease. Precise genome-editing can be traced back to the 1950s with the discovery of DNA's double-helix and, after 70 years of development, has evolved from crude in vitro applications to a wide range of sophisticated capabilities, including in vivo applications. Nonetheless, precise genome-editing faces constraints such as modest efficiency, delivery challenges, and off-target effects. In this review, we explore precise genome-editing, with a focus on introduction of the landmark events in its history, various platforms, delivery systems, and applications. First, we discuss the landmark events in the history of precise genome-editing. Second, we describe the current state of precise genome-editing strategies and explain how these techniques offer unprecedented precision and versatility for modifying the human genome. Third, we introduce the current delivery systems used to deploy precise genome-editing components through DNA, RNA, and RNPs. Finally, we summarize the current applications of precise genome-editing in labeling endogenous genes, screening genetic variants, molecular recording, generating disease models, and gene therapy, including ex vivo therapy and in vivo therapy, and discuss potential future advances.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanjiang Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Yifei Li
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Kaiyu Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Tiange Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Nathan J VanDusen
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
| | - Yimin Hua
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chen Y, Luo X, Kang R, Cui K, Ou J, Zhang X, Liang P. Current therapies for osteoarthritis and prospects of CRISPR-based genome, epigenome, and RNA editing in osteoarthritis treatment. J Genet Genomics 2024; 51:159-183. [PMID: 37516348 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2023.07.007] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common degenerative joint diseases worldwide, causing pain, disability, and decreased quality of life. The balance between regeneration and inflammation-induced degradation results in multiple etiologies and complex pathogenesis of OA. Currently, there is a lack of effective therapeutic strategies for OA treatment. With the development of CRISPR-based genome, epigenome, and RNA editing tools, OA treatment has been improved by targeting genetic risk factors, activating chondrogenic elements, and modulating inflammatory regulators. Supported by cell therapy and in vivo delivery vectors, genome, epigenome, and RNA editing tools may provide a promising approach for personalized OA therapy. This review summarizes CRISPR-based genome, epigenome, and RNA editing tools that can be applied to the treatment of OA and provides insights into the development of CRISPR-based therapeutics for OA treatment. Moreover, in-depth evaluations of the efficacy and safety of these tools in human OA treatment are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuxi Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510275, China
| | - Xiao Luo
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510275, China
| | - Rui Kang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510275, China
| | - Kaixin Cui
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510275, China
| | - Jianping Ou
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China
| | - Xiya Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China.
| | - Puping Liang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510275, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kwon DH, Gim GM, Yum SY, Jang G. Current status and future of gene engineering in livestock. BMB Rep 2024; 57:50-59. [PMID: 38053297 PMCID: PMC10828428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The application of gene engineering in livestock is necessary for various reasons, such as increasing productivity and producing disease resistance and biomedicine models. Overall, gene engineering provides benefits to the agricultural and research aspects, and humans. In particular, productivity can be increased by producing livestock with enhanced growth and improved feed conversion efficiency. In addition, the application of the disease resistance models prevents the spread of infectious diseases, which reduces the need for treatment, such as the use of antibiotics; consequently, it promotes the overall health of the herd and reduces unexpected economic losses. The application of biomedicine could be a valuable tool for understanding specific livestock diseases and improving human welfare through the development and testing of new vaccines, research on human physiology, such as human metabolism or immune response, and research and development of xenotransplantation models. Gene engineering technology has been evolving, from random, time-consuming, and laborious methods to specific, time-saving, convenient, and stable methods. This paper reviews the overall trend of genetic engineering technologies development and their application for efficient production of genetically engineered livestock, and provides examples of technologies approved by the United States (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for application in humans. [BMB Reports 2024; 57(1): 50-59].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Hyeok Kwon
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute for Veterinary Science, BK21 FOUR Future Veterinary Medicine Leading Education & Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | | | | | - Goo Jang
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute for Veterinary Science, BK21 FOUR Future Veterinary Medicine Leading Education & Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
- LARTBio Inc., Gwangmyeong 14322, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
An L, Ren J, Yu T, Hai T, Jia Y, Liu Y. Three-dimensional surface motion capture of multiple freely moving pigs using MAMMAL. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7727. [PMID: 38001106 PMCID: PMC10673844 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43483-w] [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: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Understandings of the three-dimensional social behaviors of freely moving large-size mammals are valuable for both agriculture and life science, yet challenging due to occlusions in close interactions. Although existing animal pose estimation methods captured keypoint trajectories, they ignored deformable surfaces which contained geometric information essential for social interaction prediction and for dealing with the occlusions. In this study, we develop a Multi-Animal Mesh Model Alignment (MAMMAL) system based on an articulated surface mesh model. Our self-designed MAMMAL algorithms automatically enable us to align multi-view images into our mesh model and to capture 3D surface motions of multiple animals, which display better performance upon severe occlusions compared to traditional triangulation and allow complex social analysis. By utilizing MAMMAL, we are able to quantitatively analyze the locomotion, postures, animal-scene interactions, social interactions, as well as detailed tail motions of pigs. Furthermore, experiments on mouse and Beagle dogs demonstrate the generalizability of MAMMAL across different environments and mammal species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liang An
- Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Jilong Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Farm Animal Research Center, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Yu
- Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Tsinghua University Beijing National Research Center for Information Science and Technology (BNRist), Beijing, China
| | - Tang Hai
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Beijing Farm Animal Research Center, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Yichang Jia
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research at Tsinghua, Beijing, China.
- Tsinghua Laboratory of Brain and Intelligence, Beijing, China.
| | - Yebin Liu
- Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
- Institute for Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Tong H, Yang T, Liu L, Li C, Sun Y, Jia Q, Qin Y, Chen L, Zhao X, Zhou G, Yan S, Li XJ, Li S. Aberrant splicing of mutant huntingtin in Huntington's disease knock-in pigs. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 187:106291. [PMID: 37716514 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal-dominant inherited neurodegenerative disease caused by a CAG repeat expansion in exon1 of the huntingtin gene (HTT). This expansion leads to the production of N-terminal mutant huntingtin protein (mHtt) that contains an expanded polyglutamine tract, which is toxic to neurons and causes neurodegeneration. While the production of N-terminal mHtt can be mediated by proteolytic cleavage of full-length mHtt, abnormal splicing of exon1-intron1 of mHtt has also been identified in the brains of HD mice and patients. However, the proportion of aberrantly spliced exon1 mHTT in relation to normal mHTT exon remains to be defined. In this study, HTT exon1 production was examined in the HD knock-in (KI) pig model, which more closely recapitulates neuropathology seen in HD patient brains than HD mouse models. The study revealed that aberrant spliced HTT exon1 is also present in the brains of HD pigs, but it is expressed at a much lower level than the normally spliced HTT exon products. These findings suggest that careful consideration is needed when assessing the contribution of aberrantly spliced mHTT exon1 to HD pathogenesis, and further rigorous investigation is required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huichun Tong
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Tianqi Yang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Li Liu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Caijuan Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yize Sun
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Qingqing Jia
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yiyang Qin
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Laiqiang Chen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xianxian Zhao
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Gongke Zhou
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Sen Yan
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
| | - Xiao-Jiang Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
| | - Shihua Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Stahl EC, Sabo JK, Kang MH, Allen R, Applegate E, Kim SE, Kwon Y, Seth A, Lemus N, Salinas-Rios V, Soczek KM, Trinidad M, Vo LT, Jeans C, Wozniak A, Morris T, Kimberlin A, Foti T, Savage DF, Doudna JA. Genome editing in the mouse brain with minimally immunogenic Cas9 RNPs. Mol Ther 2023; 31:2422-2438. [PMID: 37403358 PMCID: PMC10422012 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Transient delivery of CRISPR-Cas9 ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) into the central nervous system (CNS) for therapeutic genome editing could avoid limitations of viral vector-based delivery including cargo capacity, immunogenicity, and cost. Here, we tested the ability of cell-penetrant Cas9 RNPs to edit the mouse striatum when introduced using a convection-enhanced delivery system. These transient Cas9 RNPs showed comparable editing of neurons and reduced adaptive immune responses relative to one formulation of Cas9 delivered using AAV serotype 9. The production of ultra-low endotoxin Cas9 protein manufactured at scale further improved innate immunity. We conclude that injection-based delivery of minimally immunogenic CRISPR genome editing RNPs into the CNS provides a valuable alternative to virus-mediated genome editing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth C Stahl
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Jennifer K Sabo
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Min Hyung Kang
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Ryan Allen
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Elizabeth Applegate
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Shin Eui Kim
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Yoonjin Kwon
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Anmol Seth
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Nicholas Lemus
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Viviana Salinas-Rios
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Katarzyna M Soczek
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Marena Trinidad
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Linda T Vo
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Chris Jeans
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - David F Savage
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Jennifer A Doudna
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; MBIB Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Gladstone Institutes, University of California, Berkeley, San Francisco, CA 94114, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Morton AJ. Sleep and Circadian Rhythm Dysfunction in Animal Models of Huntington's Disease. J Huntingtons Dis 2023; 12:133-148. [PMID: 37334613 PMCID: PMC10473141 DOI: 10.3233/jhd-230574] [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] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Sleep and circadian disruption affects most individuals with Huntington's disease (HD) at some stage in their lives. Sleep and circadian dysregulation are also present in many mouse and the sheep models of HD. Here I review evidence for sleep and/or circadian dysfunction in HD transgenic animal models and discuss two key questions: 1) How relevant are such findings to people with HD, and 2) Whether or not therapeutic interventions that ameliorate deficits in animal models of HD might translate to meaningful therapies for people with HD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A. Jennifer Morton
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| |
Collapse
|