1
|
Paul A, Collins MG, Lee HY. Gene Therapy: The Next-Generation Therapeutics and Their Delivery Approaches for Neurological Disorders. Front Genome Ed 2022; 4:899209. [PMID: 35832929 PMCID: PMC9272754 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2022.899209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurological conditions like neurodevelopmental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases are quite complex and often exceedingly difficult for patients. Most of these conditions are due to a mutation in a critical gene. There is no cure for the majority of these neurological conditions and the availability of disease-modifying therapeutics is quite rare. The lion's share of the treatments that are available only provide symptomatic relief, as such, we are in desperate need of an effective therapeutic strategy for these conditions. Considering the current drug development landscape, gene therapy is giving us hope as one such effective therapeutic strategy. Consistent efforts have been made to develop gene therapy strategies using viral and non-viral vectors of gene delivery. Here, we have discussed both of these delivery methods and their properties. We have summarized the relative advantages and drawbacks of viral and non-viral vectors from the perspectives of safety, efficiency, and productivity. Recent developments such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9-mediated gene editing and its use in vivo have been described here as well. Given recent advancements, gene therapy shows great promise to emerge as a next-generation therapeutic for many of the neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative conditions.
Collapse
|
2
|
Yamamoto Y, Tomonaga K, Honda T. Development of an RNA Virus-Based Episomal Vector Capable of Switching Transgene Expression. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2485. [PMID: 31781052 PMCID: PMC6851019 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral vectors are efficient gene delivery systems, although most of these vectors still present limitations to their practical use, such as achieving only transient transgene expression and a risk of insertional mutations. We have recently developed an RNA virus-based episomal vector (REVec), based on nuclear-replicating Borna disease virus (BoDV). REVec can transduce transgenes into various types of cells and stably express transgenes; however, an obstacle to the practical use of REVec is the lack of a mechanism to turn off transgene expression once REVec is transduced. Here, we developed a novel REVec system, REVec-L2b9, in which transgene expression can be switched on and off by using a theophylline-dependent self-cleaving riboswitch. Transgene expression from REVec-L2b9 was suppressed in the absence of theophylline and induced by theophylline administration. Conversely, transgene expression from REVec-L2b9 was switched off by removing theophylline. To our knowledge, REVec-L2b9 is the first nuclear-replicating RNA virus vector capable of switching transgene expression on and off as needed, which will expand the potential for gene therapies by increasing safety and usability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Yamamoto
- Laboratory of RNA Viruses, Department of Virus Research, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto, Japan.,Laboratory of RNA Viruses, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Keizo Tomonaga
- Laboratory of RNA Viruses, Department of Virus Research, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto, Japan.,Laboratory of RNA Viruses, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto, Japan.,Department of Molecular Virology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Honda
- Division of Virology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kritzinger A, Ferger B, Gillardon F, Stierstorfer B, Birk G, Kochanek S, Ciossek T. Age-related pathology after adenoviral overexpression of the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 in the mouse striatum. Neurobiol Aging 2018; 66:97-111. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2018.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Revised: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 02/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
4
|
JENKINS STUARTI, PICKARD MARKR, CHARI DIVYAM. MAGNETIC NANOPARTICLE MEDIATED GENE DELIVERY IN OLIGODENDROGLIAL CELLS: A COMPARISON OF DIFFERENTIATED CELLS VERSUS PRECURSOR FORMS. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1142/s1793984412430015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have emerged as a major platform for the formulation of magnetic vectors for nonviral gene delivery. Notably the application of "magnetofection" strategies (use of magnetic fields to increase MNP–cell interactions) can significantly enhance MNP mediated gene transfer. Despite the potential of this approach, the use of MNPs and magnetofection for gene delivery to oligodendrocytes (the cells that make and maintain myelin, the insulating sheath around nerve fibers in the central nervous system) has never been tested. Here, we prove the feasibility of using MNPs in conjunction with applied static or oscillating gradient magnetic fields (the "magnetofection" method) to deliver genes to oligodendrocytes; all applied magnetic field conditions resulted in greater transfection than the no field condition but overall transfection levels obtained were typically low (ca. < 6%). Oligodendrocyte transfection levels under all magnetic field conditions were less than a third compared with their parent cell population, the oligodendrocyte precursor cells. Our results demonstrate for the first time that, within cells of a specific neural lineage, the amenability to transfection is dependent on the differentiation status of the cell.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- STUART I. JENKINS
- Cellular and Neural Engineering Group, Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine, Keele University, Staffordshire ST5 5BG, UK
| | - MARK R. PICKARD
- Cellular and Neural Engineering Group, Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine, Keele University, Staffordshire ST5 5BG, UK
| | - DIVYA M CHARI
- Cellular and Neural Engineering Group, Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine, Keele University, Staffordshire ST5 5BG, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Jenkins SI, Pickard MR, Granger N, Chari DM. Magnetic nanoparticle-mediated gene transfer to oligodendrocyte precursor cell transplant populations is enhanced by magnetofection strategies. ACS NANO 2011; 5:6527-38. [PMID: 21721568 DOI: 10.1021/nn2018717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
This study has tested the feasibility of using physical delivery methods, employing static and oscillating field "magnetofection" techniques, to enhance magnetic nanoparticle-mediated gene transfer to rat oligodendrocyte precursor cells derived for transplantation therapies. These cells are a major transplant population to mediate repair of damage as occurs in spinal cord injury and neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis. We show for the first time that magnetic nanoparticles mediate effective transfer of reporter and therapeutic genes to oligodendrocyte precursors; transfection efficacy was significantly enhanced by applied static or oscillating magnetic fields, the latter using an oscillating array employing high-gradient NdFeB magnets. The effects of oscillating fields were frequency-dependent, with 4 Hz yielding optimal results. Transfection efficacies obtained using magnetofection methods were highly competitive with or better than current widely used nonviral transfection methods (e.g., electroporation and lipofection) with the additional critical advantage of high cell viability. No adverse effects were found on the cells' ability to divide or give rise to their daughter cells, the oligodendrocytes-key properties that underpin their regeneration-promoting effects. The transplantation potential of transfected cells was tested in three-dimensional tissue engineering models utilizing brain slices as the host tissue; modified transplanted cells were found to migrate, divide, give rise to daughter cells, and integrate within host tissue, further evidencing the safety of the protocols used. Our findings strongly support the concept that magnetic nanoparticle vectors in conjunction with state-of-the-art magnetofection strategies provide a technically simple and effective alternative to current methods for gene transfer to oligodendrocyte precursor cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stuart I Jenkins
- Cellular and Neural Engineering Group, Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Huang D, Pereboev AV, Korokhov N, He R, Larocque L, Gravel C, Jaentschke B, Tocchi M, Casley WL, Lemieux M, Curiel DT, Chen W, Li X. Significant alterations of biodistribution and immune responses in Balb/c mice administered with adenovirus targeted to CD40(+) cells. Gene Ther 2007; 15:298-308. [PMID: 18046426 PMCID: PMC7091597 DOI: 10.1038/sj.gt.3303085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
CD40 ligation has been shown to promote antigen-presenting functions of dendritic cells, which express CD40 receptor. Here we reported significantly altered biodistribution and immune responses with the use of CD40-targeted adenovirus. Compared with unmodified adenovirus 5, the CD40-targeted adenovirus following intravenous administration (i.v.) resulted in increased transgene expressions in the lung and thymus, which normally do not take up significant amounts of adenovirus. Intradermal injection saw modified adenovirus being mainly processed in local draining lymph nodes and skin. Following intranasal administration (i.n.), neither unmodified nor targeted viruses were found to be in the liver or spleen, which predominantly took up the virus following i.v. administration. However, inadvertent infection of the brain was found with unmodified adenoviruses, with the second highest gene expression among 14 tissues examined. Importantly, such undesirable effects were largely ablated with the use of targeted vector. Moreover, the targeted adenovirus elicited more sustained antigen-specific cellular immune responses (up to 17-fold) at later time points (30 days post boosting), but also significantly hampered humoral responses irrespective of administration routes. Additional data suggest the skewed immune responses induced by the targeted adenoviruses were not due to the identity of the transgene but more likely a combination of overall transgene load and CD40 stimulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Huang
- Centre for Biologics Research, Biologics and Genetic Therapies Directorate, HPFB, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Van Houdt WJ, Wu H, Glasgow JN, Lamfers ML, Dirven CM, Gillespie GY, Curiel DT, Haviv YS. Gene delivery into malignant glioma by infectivity-enhanced adenovirus: in vivo versus in vitro models. Neuro Oncol 2007; 9:280-90. [PMID: 17522331 PMCID: PMC1907413 DOI: 10.1215/15228517-2007-017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenoviral (Ad) vectors demonstrate several attributes of potential utility for glioma gene therapy. Although Ad infection is limited in vitro by low expression levels of the coxsackie-adenoviral receptor (CAR), in vivo studies have shown the efficacy of Ad vectors as gene delivery vectors. To evaluate the in vivo utility of CAR-independent, infectivity-enhanced Ad vectors, we employed genetically modified Ad vectors in several experimental models of human gliomas. We used three capsid-modified Ad vectors: (1) a chimeric Ad vector with a human Ad backbone and a fiber knob of a canine Ad, (2) an Ad vector with a polylysine motif incorporated into the fiber gene, and (3) a double-modified Ad vector incorporating both an RGD4C peptide and the polylysine motif. These three modified Ad vectors target, respectively, the putative membrane receptor(s) of the canine Ad vector, heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs), and both integrins and HSPGs. Our in vitro studies indicated that these retargeting strategies all enhanced CAR-independent infectivity in both established and primary low-passage glioma cells. Enhancement of in vitro gene delivery by the capsid-modified vectors correlated inversely with the levels of cellular CAR expression. However, in vivo in orthotopic human glioma xenografts, the unmodified Ad vector was not inferior relative to the capsid-modified Ad vector. Although genetic strategies to circumvent CAR deficiency in glioma cells could reproducibly expand the cellular entry mechanisms of Ad vectors in cultured and primary glioma cells, these approaches were insufficient to confer in vivo significant infectivity enhancement over unmodified Ad vectors. Other factors, probably the extracellular matrix, stromal cells, and the three-dimensional tumor architecture, clearly play important roles in vivo and interfere with Ad-based gene delivery into glioma tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yosef S. Haviv
- Address correspondence to Yosef S. Haviv, Department of Medicine and the Gene Therapy Institute, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, P.O. Box 12000, Jerusalem, Israel, 91120 (
)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
McIver SR, Lee CS, Lee JM, Green SH, Sands MS, Snider BJ, Goldberg MP. Lentiviral transduction of murine oligodendrocytes in vivo. J Neurosci Res 2006; 82:397-403. [PMID: 16158420 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.20626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Lentiviral vectors are used widely to direct efficient gene transfer in vivo. We examined cell-specific expression in adult murine white matter after stereotaxic microinjection of four lentiviral constructs. We synthesized vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein (VSV-G) pseudotyped lentiviruses with combinations of two promoters, cytomegalovirus (CMV) or myelin basic protein (MBP), and two reporter sequences, cytosolic enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) or a plasma membrane-targeted eGFP (human lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase [Lck]-eGFP). For all constructs, intracerebral injections to lateral corpus callosum resulted in widespread GFP expression in forebrain white matter glial cells. Intense cellular GFP fluorescence was observed within 3 days after injection and lasted for at least 28 days. The CMV promoter directed GFP expression in multiple glial cell types, whereas the MBP promoter targeted GFP specifically to oligodendrocytes. Expression of the membrane-targeted Lck-eGFP construct distinctly labeled individual myelinating processes of oligodendrocytes. Lentiviral constructs expressing eGFP or Lck-eGFP under the MBP promoter provide excellent visualization of oligodendrocyte morphology in intact white matter, and may prove valuable for delivering additional genes of interest to oligodendrocytes in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sally R McIver
- Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
Apoptotic cell death is a fundamental and highly regulated biological process in which a cell is instructed to actively participate in its own demise. This process of cellular suicide is activated by developmental and environmental cues and normally plays an essential role in eliminating superfluous, damaged, and senescent cells of many tissue types. In recent years, a number of experimental studies have provided evidence of widespread neuronal and glial apoptosis following injury to the central nervous system (CNS). These studies indicate that injury-induced apoptosis can be detected from hours to days following injury and may contribute to neurological dysfunction. Given these findings, understanding the biochemical signaling events controlling apoptosis is a first step towards developing therapeutic agents that target this cell death process. This review will focus on molecular cell death pathways that are responsible for generating the apoptotic phenotype. It will also summarize what is currently known about the apoptotic signals that are activated in the injured CNS, and what potential strategies might be pursued to reduce this cell death process as a means to promote functional recovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joe E Springer
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky Medical Center, 800 Rose Street MN225 Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0298, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ness JK, Valentino M, McIver SR, Goldberg MP. Identification of oligodendrocytes in experimental disease models. Glia 2005; 50:321-328. [PMID: 15846801 DOI: 10.1002/glia.20206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The ability to identify oligodendrocytes in culture, in fixed tissue, and in vivo using unique markers is a requisite step to understanding their responses in any damage, recovery, or developmental process. Their nuclei are readily seen in histological preparations of healthy white and gray matter, and their cell bodies can be reliably identified with a variety of immunocytochemical markers. However, there is little consensus regarding optimal methods to assess oligodendrocyte survival or morphology under experimental injury conditions. We review common approaches for histological and immunocytochemical identification of these cells. Transgenic and viral methods for cell type-selective transfer of genes encoding fluorescent proteins offer promising new approaches for manipulating and visualizing oligodendrocytes in models of health and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer K Ness
- Department of Neurology, Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Mario Valentino
- Department of Neurology, Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Sally R McIver
- Department of Neurology, Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Mark P Goldberg
- Department of Neurology, Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Alisky JM, Hughes SM, Davidson BL. Transduction of neurons lining the cerebral external capsules in mice with feline immunodeficiency virus based vectors. Neurosci Lett 2003; 351:120-4. [PMID: 14583396 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-3940(03)00833-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy in the brain has focused mainly on neurons (gray matter), with little comparable research on white matter. In this study, injections into mice cerebral white matter of mice were done to assess the distribution of gene transfer with recombinant feline immunodeficiency virus vectors expressing either beta-galactosidase or beta-glucuronidase. Our results show that vectors were preferentially distributed along the white matter of the external capsule, which was the site of vector injection as confirmed by horseradish peroxidase labeling. Moreover, we found gene transfer almost exclusively to NeuN(+) cells lining the external capsule, which then robustly secreted recombinant beta-glucuronidase throughout the white matter of the entire external capsule on the injected side. These results may have application to lysosomal storage diseases with widespread central nervous system deficits, and other disorders such as multiple sclerosis and human immunodeficiency virus dementia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph M Alisky
- Program in Gene Therapy, Department of Internal Medicine, 200 EMRB, University of Iowa, College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Zhao C, Strappe PM, Lever AML, Franklin RJM. Lentiviral vectors for gene delivery to normal and demyelinated white matter. Glia 2003; 42:59-67. [PMID: 12594737 DOI: 10.1002/glia.10195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Lentiviral vectors are increasingly used for gene delivery to neurons and in experimental models of neurodegeneration. Their use in gene delivery to white matter and their potential value in preventing or repairing CNS demyelination has received less attention. Here we show using a VSV-G-pseudotyped HIV-derived vector expressing the marker gene LacZ that lentiviral vectors transduce the major macroglial cell types present in normal white matter (astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and oligodendrocyte progenitors). Injection of lentiviral vectors causes an inflammatory response at the injection site characterized by OX42(+) and ED1(+) macrophages, but only a few CD8(+) and no CD4(+) lymphocytes, and mild demyelination. Injection of lentiviral vectors into areas of toxin-induced demyelination resulted in significant numbers of cells expressing the marker gene and was a more effective means of gene delivery than was a LacZ-expressing murine retroviral vector.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chao Zhao
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Wu H, Seki T, Dmitriev I, Uil T, Kashentseva E, Han T, Curiel DT. Double modification of adenovirus fiber with RGD and polylysine motifs improves coxsackievirus-adenovirus receptor-independent gene transfer efficiency. Hum Gene Ther 2002; 13:1647-53. [PMID: 12228019 DOI: 10.1089/10430340260201734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenoviral vectors based on serotype 5 (Ad5) have been widely used to deliver therapeutic genes to different organs and tissues. However, many tissues are poorly infected with Ad5 because of low-level expression of its primary receptor, coxsackievirus-adenovirus receptor (CAR). Two motifs, RGD and polylysine (pK7), have been shown to enhance Ad5 infection via CAR-independent pathways when incorporated into fiber separately. Because the two motifs bind to different cell surface proteins (RGD motif binds to integrins, and pK7 binds to heparan sulfate-containing receptors), we hypothesized that the two motifs function additively to improve gene transfer efficiency. In this study, we sought to improve infectivity of Ad5 by incorporating both RGD and pK7 motifs into fiber. We created an Ad5 vector containing an RGD motif in the HI loop and a pK7 motif at the C terminus of fiber (Ad5.RGD.pK7). Compared with unmodified and singly modified Ad5 vectors Ad5.RGD and Ad5.pK7, the doubly modified Ad5 demonstrated the highest infectivity in both CAR-positive and CAR-negative cells. The enhanced infectivity appeared to be mediated by additive effects of the two motifs. More importantly, Ad5.RGD.pK7 lost the natural CAR-dependent pathway while employing novel targeting mechanisms. This strategy thus may be used to overcome CAR deficiency and to achieve vector retargeting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongju Wu
- Division of Human Gene Therapy, Department of Medicine, Gene Therapy Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294-2172, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Abstract
Gene therapy is a promising drug delivery mechanism for the treatment of spinal disorders. Currently, the technique has been most useful in enhancing growth factor therapy for spinal fusion, intervertebral disc regeneration, and spinal cord injury healing. Gene therapy allows for the high-level local production of growth factors, obviating the need for slow release carriers or continuous infusion pumps that are otherwise necessary because of the short half-lives of most peptide growth factors. Although continuous expression is desirable, growth factor therapy is usually intended to be transient. The typical expression profile of Ad vectors--at a high level over 2 weeks or so--has been ideal, leading to its widespread use in these applications. Despite the ability of Ad to deliver genes directly in vivo, however, the cell-based ex vivo approach has been used widely in spinal applications. In spinal cord injury, cells such as peripheral nerve or Schwann cells may provide a permissive substrate for axonal growth [51]. For spinal fusion and IVD regeneration, ex vivo manipulation of cells facilitates gene transfer, because bone and IVD tissue are too dense to be penetrated by injection of Ad or other vectors. The use of cells may be advantageous in these applications in which new tissue formation is the goal. Finally, the use of genetically modified cells may decrease the inflammatory reaction induced by Ad vectors. Although gene therapy for spinal disorders has been centered around Ad-mediated transfer of single growth factor genes, the options for candidate genes and vectors are growing rapidly. Ad vectors are being improved by decreasing their immunogenicity and altering their tropism [2]. Vectors based on other viruses (such as herpes, adeno-associated virus, and lentivirus) are being developed, also with lower immunogenicity and with longer durations of expression [26,67]. Regulated expression, such as with the tetracycline regulated promoter, is being developed so that genes can be turned on or off as needed. Such regulation may be sensitive even to physiologic cues in the future [68,69]. Finally, the high throughput technologies, such as the gene chip, are elucidating thousands of genes that may be good candidates for the enhancement of bone healing and IVD and spinal cord regeneration. Genes whose products not only support bone, fibrocartilage, or axon growth but also neutralize natural inhibitors or promote tissue remodeling and maturation may be good future candidates. In the future, a series of vectors with multiple genes that are regulated by physiologic cues might be used to enhance spinal fusion, restore IVD tissue, or support spinal cord healing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chisa Hidaka
- Hospital for Special Surgery, Belfer Gene Therapy Core Facility, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Peltékian E, Garcia L, Danos O. Neurotropism and retrograde axonal transport of a canine adenoviral vector: a tool for targeting key structures undergoing neurodegenerative processes. Mol Ther 2002; 5:25-32. [PMID: 11786042 DOI: 10.1006/mthe.2001.0517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral tropism refers to the ability of a virus to selectively infect a given subset of cells. It relies on a variety of viral and host determinants that entail virus binding and entry into target cells, in addition to the presence of genetic elements that allow or enhance viral gene expression in a specific manner. Here we report the results of neuroanatomical studies in rat brains injected in different cerebral structures with vectors derived from the canine adenovirus type 2 (CAV2), whose natural target is the respiratory epithelium. Control animals injected with vectors derived from the human adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) displayed the previously documented pattern of gene transfer into both neurons and glial cells. Injection of CAV2 vectors resulted in selective transduction of neuronal cells. Cy3-labeled CAV2 particles allowed us to establish the high affinity of this vector for neuronal processes in vitro and their rapid uptake and retrograde axonal transport in vivo. After intrahippocampal injections, labeled particles were found, within 1 hour, closely associated to the nuclei of the neurons in layer II of the entorhinal cortex. Injections into the striatum resulted in a massive transduction of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra compacta. The high efficiency with which CAV2 vectors are retrogradely transported opens the possibility of targeting a transgene to neuron populations remote from the injection site and difficult to access. Our data support the possibility to target key structures undergoing a degenerative process: the enthorhinal cortex, which is affected first in Alzheimer's disease; and the substantia nigra compacta, which undergoes degeneration in Parkinson's disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elise Peltékian
- Genethon III-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique URA 1923, 1 bis rue de l'Internationale, 91002 Evry, France
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
O'Leary MT, Hinks GL, Charlton HM, Franklin RJM. Increasing local levels of IGF-I mRNA expression using adenoviral vectors does not alter oligodendrocyte remyelination in the CNS of aged rats. Mol Cell Neurosci 2002; 19:32-42. [PMID: 11817896 DOI: 10.1006/mcne.2001.1062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
IGF-I, a growth factor that contributes to developmental myelination, shows increased levels of expression within experimental models of remyelination. The pattern of IGF-I mRNA expression changes with the rate of remyelination, with peak levels of expression occurring earlier during rapid remyelination in young adult rats compared to the slower remyelination in old adult rats. In this study we have attempted to accelerate remyelination in old adult rats by using an IGF-expressing adenoviral vector (IGF-I-Ad) to bring forward the timing of peak level of IGF-I expression. Following injection of IGF-I-Ad into focal areas of lysolecithin-induced demyelination in the spinal white matter of old adult rats we created levels of IGF-I mRNA expression at 10 days that were considerably higher than those normally occurring at this time and more similar to those in young animals. However, despite the elevated levels of IGF-I mRNA expression there was no significant change in the extent of oligodendrocyte remyelination compared to saline controls or animals injected with an adenoviral vector expressing LacZ (NT-LacZ-Ad). There was a small increase in Schwann cell remyelination in IGF-I-Ad- and NT-LacZ-Ad-injected animals compared to saline controls. These results indicate that changing the levels of IGF-I directly within demyelinating lesions undergoing remyelination is not sufficient to alter remyelination and that the proremyelinating effects of systemically delivered IGF-I are unlikely to be due to direct effects on the oligodendrocyte lineage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M T O'Leary
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ES, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Saffery R, Choo KHA. Strategies for engineering human chromosomes with therapeutic potential. J Gene Med 2002; 4:5-13. [PMID: 11828382 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Human engineered chromosomes (HECs) have several potential advantages over currently used vectors for gene therapy applications. Firstly, there is no upper size limit to DNA that can be cloned in these vectors. Secondly, their extrachromosomal nature ensures that introduced genes are neither disruptive to, nor affected by, the genome of the host cell. Finally, being solely human in origin, HEC vectors should not evoke adverse host immunogenic responses. Recent advances have produced a variety of HECs via several different approaches. This review focuses on the current methodologies for making HEC vectors, the advantages and problems associated with each strategy, and discusses the outlook for HEC vectors as ex vivo therapeutic agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Saffery
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Childrens Hospital, Flemington Road, Parkville 3052, Australia.
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Masumura M, Hata R, Uetsuki T, Nishimura I, Nagai Y, Sawada T. In vivo gene transfer to cerebral white matter lesions with a recombinant adenovirus vector. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2001; 287:440-4. [PMID: 11554748 DOI: 10.1006/bbrc.2001.5609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Ischemic white matter lesions have been reported in rats after bilateral common carotid ligation (BCAL). Previously, comparing normotensive rats (WKY) with spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), we too found that sustained moderate ischemia with spontaneous hypertension accelerated the formation of ischemic white matter lesions. In this study, we explored the feasibility of gene therapy for lesioned white matter by means of an adenovirus vector expressing a reporter gene, LacZ. Using sham-operated and hypoperfused SHR as well as sham-operated and hypoperfused WKY, we demonstrated that (i) adenovirus vectors could deliver a foreign gene into oligodendrocytes and astrocytes in the cerebral white matter; (ii) the transduction efficiency was most effective in SHR after BCAL; and (iii) the level of alpha(V)-integrin was significantly correlated with adenoviral transduction efficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Masumura
- c/o National Cardiovascular Center, BF Research Institute, 7-1, 5-Chome, Fujishiro-dai, Suita, Osaka 565-0873, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Castro M, Hurtado-Lorenzo A, Umana P, Smith-Arica JR, Zermansky A, Abordo-Adesida E, Löwenstein PR. Regulatable and cell-type specific transgene expression in glial cells: prospects for gene therapy for neurological disorders. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2001; 132:655-81. [PMID: 11545027 DOI: 10.1016/s0079-6123(01)32109-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- M Castro
- Molecular Medicine and Gene Therapy Unit, Room 1.302, Stopford Building, School of Medicine, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Franceschini IA, Feigenbaum-Lacombe V, Casanova P, Lopez-Lastra M, Darlix JL, Dalcq MD. Efficient gene transfer in mouse neural precursors with a bicistronic retroviral vector. J Neurosci Res 2001; 65:208-19. [PMID: 11494355 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.1144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Gene transfer into neural precursors is a powerful approach to study the function of specific gene products during nervous system development. Here we describe a retrovirus-based methodology to transduce foreign genes into mouse neural precursors. We used a high-titer bicistronic retroviral vector that encodes a marker gene, placental alkaline phosphatase (plap), and a selection gene, neomycin phosphotransferase II (neoR), under the translational control of two retroviral internal ribosome entry segments. Transduction efficiency even without selection was up to 95% for multipotential neurospheres derived from embryonic striata and grown with basic fibroblast growth factor 2. Expression of plap and neoR was sustained with time in culture and upon differentiation into neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes, as shown by double immunofluorescence labeling with cell type-specific markers, Western blotting, and neomycin resistance. However, levels of plap were decreased in differentiated oligodendrocytes. Transduction with the same vector of neonatal oligodendrocyte precursors grown in oligospheres consistently resulted in a lower proportion of plap-immunoreactive cells and enhanced cell death in the absence of neomycin. However, plap expression was maintained in some differentiated oligodendrocytes expressing galactocerebroside or myelin basic protein. In that neurospheres can be easily expanded in vitro and factors enabling their differentiation into the three main central nervous system cell types are being elucidated, this methodology could be used in the future to produce large number of transduced, differentiated neural cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I A Franceschini
- Unité de Neurovirologie et Regénération du Système Nerveux, Pasteur Institute, 25 rue du Dr. Roux, 75724 Paris Cedex 15, France
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Thomas CE, Birkett D, Anozie I, Castro MG, Lowenstein PR. Acute direct adenoviral vector cytotoxicity and chronic, but not acute, inflammatory responses correlate with decreased vector-mediated transgene expression in the brain. Mol Ther 2001; 3:36-46. [PMID: 11162309 DOI: 10.1006/mthe.2000.0224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The potential utility of adenoviruses for the treatment of chronic neurological disease is controversial due to reports of vector-associated toxicity, inflammation, and transient transgene expression. To focus upon the mechanism by which transgene expression is lost, we injected increasing doses [1 x 10(6) to 1 x 10(9) infectious units (iu)] of a first-generation adenovirus vector expressing beta-galactosidase into the brains of immune-competent adult rats. Transgene expression was evaluated simultaneously with acute neuronal and glial cell cytotoxicity, and acute and chronic inflammation using immunohistochemistry, at 3 and 30 days post-vector administration. Our results show a clear threshold effect of viral dose upon the amount of transgene expression persisting by 30 days after vector administration. Below 10(8) iu, transgene expression remained stable over the 30-day period. Following infection of more than 10(8) iu, the extent of transgene expression at 30 days was inversely correlated with increasing viral dose. The severity of acute inflammation increased proportionally with increasing vector dose from 10(6) to 10(9) infectious units. In contrast, acute vector-mediated cytotoxicity and chronic inflammation were observed only above the threshold level of vector dose. Above 10(8) iu both the extent of the acute toxicity and the severity of the chronic inflammation were inversely correlated with transgene expression at 30 days. Thus, our data suggest that both an acute loss of cells through direct vector-mediated toxicity and the elicitation of chronic inflammation (but not acute inflammation) may account for the decline in transduction persistence at high vector doses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C E Thomas
- Molecular Medicine and Gene Therapy Unit, School of Medicine, University of Manchester, Room 1.302, Stopford Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Huber AB, Ehrengruber MU, Schwab ME, Brösamle C. Adenoviral gene transfer to the injured spinal cord of the adult rat. Eur J Neurosci 2000; 12:3437-42. [PMID: 10998127 DOI: 10.1046/j.1460-9568.2000.00255.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
We have investigated gene transfer to the injured adult rat spinal cord by the use of a recombinant adenovirus. 105 or 5 x 106 plaque-forming units (pfu) of a replication-defective adenoviral vector carrying the green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter gene were injected into a dorsal hemisection lesion at spinal level T8. Gene expression and inflammatory responses were studied 4, 8 and 21 days after surgery. Numerous cells within 3 mm on each side of the lesion were found to express high levels of GFP at 4 days after infection as shown by GFP fluorescence and immunohistochemistry. At 8 days, expression was still strong although weaker than at 4 days. After 21 days, transgene expression had almost ceased. Expression was neither higher nor more prolonged in animals that had received the higher vector dose. Delayed injection 1 week after spinal injury also did not increase transgene expression. Infected cell types were identified immunohistochemically. The most prominent transduced cells were spinal motoneurons. Additionally, we could identify other neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and peripheral cells infiltrating the lesion site. The glial and inflammatory reaction at and around the lesion was studied by cresyl violet histology, alpha-GFAP, OX42 and alpha-CD-8 immunohistochemistry. No significant differences from controls were found in the low virus group; in the high virus group a strong invasion of CD-8-positive lymphocytes was found. Open-field locomotion analysis showed virus-infected animals performing as well as control animals. Adenoviral gene transfer may be an efficient way to introduce factors to the injured spinal cord in paradigms of research or therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A B Huber
- Brain Research Institute, Department of Neuromorphology, University of Zurich and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Winterthurer Str. 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Cregan SP, MacLaurin J, Gendron TF, Callaghan SM, Park DS, Parks RJ, Graham FL, Morley P, Slack RS. Helper-dependent adenovirus vectors: their use as a gene delivery system to neurons. Gene Ther 2000; 7:1200-9. [PMID: 10918488 DOI: 10.1038/sj.gt.3301208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Recombinant adenovirus vectors have provided a major advance in gene delivery systems for post-mitotic neurons. However, the use of these first generation vectors has been limited due to the onset of virally mediated effects on cellular function and viability. In the present study we have used primary cultures of cerebellar granule neurons to examine the efficacy and cytotoxic effects of a helper-dependent adenovirus vector (hdAd) in comparison with a first generation vector. Our results demonstrate that the hdAd system provides equally efficient infectivity with significantly reduced toxicity in comparison to first generation vectors. Neurons transduced with a high titre of a first generation vector exhibited a time-dependent shut down in global protein synthesis and impaired physiological function as demonstrated by a loss of glutamate receptor responsiveness. This was followed by an increase in the fraction of TUNEL-positive cells and a loss of neuronal survival. In contrast, hdAds could be used at titres that transduce >85% of neurons with little cytotoxic effect: cellular glutamate receptor responses and rates of protein synthesis were indistinguishable from uninfected controls. Furthermore, cell viability was not significantly affected for at least 7 days after infection. At excessive viral titres, however, infection with hdAd did cause moderate but significant changes in cell function and viability in primary neuronal cultures. Thus, while these vectors are remarkably improved over first generation vectors, these also have limitations with respect to viral effects on cellular function and viability. Gene Therapy (2000) 7, 1200-1209.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S P Cregan
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Parks RJ, Bramson JL. Adenoviral vectors: prospects for gene delivery to the central nervous system. Gene Ther 1999; 6:1349-50. [PMID: 10467358 DOI: 10.1038/sj.gt.3301013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R J Parks
- Centre for Molecular Medicine, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | | |
Collapse
|