1
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Ball JB, Frank MG, Green-Fulgham SM, Watkins LR. Use of adeno-associated viruses for transgenic modulation of microglia structure and function: A review of technical considerations and challenges. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 118:368-379. [PMID: 38471576 PMCID: PMC11103248 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Microglia play a central role in the etiology of many neuropathologies. Transgenic tools are a powerful experiment approach to gain reliable and specific control over microglia function. Adeno-associated virus (AAVs) vectors are already an indispensable tool in neuroscience research. Despite ubiquitous use of AAVs and substantial interest in the role of microglia in the study of central nervous system (CNS) function and disease, transduction of microglia using AAVs is seldom reported. This review explores the challenges and advancements made in using AAVs for expressing transgenes in microglia. First, we will examine the functional anatomy of the AAV capsid, which will serve as a basis for subsequent discussions of studies exploring the relationship between capsid mutations and microglia transduction efficacy. After outlining the functional anatomy of AAVs, we will consider the experimental evidence demonstrating AAV-mediated transduction of microglia and microglia-like cell lines followed by an examination of the most promising experimental approaches identified in the literature. Finally, technical limitations will be considered in future applications of AAV experimental approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayson B Ball
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, and the Center for Neuroscience, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA.
| | - Matthew G Frank
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, and the Center for Neuroscience, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Suzanne M Green-Fulgham
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, and the Center for Neuroscience, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Linda R Watkins
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, and the Center for Neuroscience, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
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2
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Serrano C, Cananzi S, Shen T, Wang LL, Zhang CL. Simple and Highly Specific Targeting of Resident Microglia with Adeno-Associated Virus. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.12.571321. [PMID: 38168285 PMCID: PMC10760038 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.12.571321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Microglia, as the immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS), play dynamic roles in both health and diseased conditions. The ability to genetically target microglia using viruses is crucial for understanding their functions and advancing microglia-based treatments. We here show that resident microglia can be simply and specifically targeted using adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors containing a 466-bp DNA fragment from the human IBA1 (hIBA1) promoter. This targeting approach is applicable to both resting and reactive microglia. When combining the short hIBA1 promoter with the target sequence of miR124, up to 95% of transduced cells are identified as microglia. Such a simple and highly specific microglia-targeting strategy may be further optimized for research and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Serrano
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Sergio Cananzi
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Tianjin Shen
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Lei-Lei Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Chun-Li Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
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3
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Bakavayev S, Stavsky A, Argueti-Ostrovsky S, Yehezkel G, Fridmann-Sirkis Y, Barak Z, Gitler D, Israelson A, Engel S. Blocking an epitope of misfolded SOD1 ameliorates disease phenotype in a model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Brain 2023; 146:4594-4607. [PMID: 37394908 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The current strategies to mitigate the toxicity of misfolded superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) in familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis via blocking SOD1 expression in the CNS are indiscriminative for misfolded and intact proteins, and as such, entail a risk of depriving CNS cells of their essential antioxidant potential. As an alternative approach to neutralize misfolded and spare unaffected SOD1 species, we developed scFv-SE21 antibody that blocks the β6/β7 loop epitope exposed exclusively in misfolded SOD1. The β6/β7 loop epitope has previously been proposed to initiate amyloid-like aggregation of misfolded SOD1 and mediate its prion-like activity. The adeno-associated virus-mediated expression of scFv-SE21 in the CNS of hSOD1G37R mice rescued spinal motor neurons, reduced the accumulation of misfolded SOD1, decreased gliosis and thus delayed disease onset and extended survival by 90 days. The results provide evidence for the role of the exposed β6/β7 loop epitope in the mechanism of neurotoxic gain-of-function of misfolded SOD1 and open avenues for the development of mechanism-based anti-SOD1 therapeutics, whose selective targeting of misfolded SOD1 species may entail a reduced risk of collateral oxidative damage to the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shamchal Bakavayev
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Alexandra Stavsky
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Shirel Argueti-Ostrovsky
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Galit Yehezkel
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Yael Fridmann-Sirkis
- Department of Life Sciences Core Facilities, Faculty of Biochemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Zeev Barak
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Daniel Gitler
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
- The Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Adrian Israelson
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
- The Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Stanislav Engel
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
- The Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
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4
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Snyder CM, Gill SI. Good CARMA: Turning bad tumor-resident myeloid cells good with chimeric antigen receptor macrophages. Immunol Rev 2023; 320:236-249. [PMID: 37295964 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13231] [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: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In religious philosophy, the concept of karma represents the effect of one's past and present actions on one's future. Macrophages are highly plastic cells with myriad roles in health and disease. In the setting of cancer, macrophages are among the most plentiful members of the immune microenvironment where they generally support tumor growth and restrain antitumor immunity. However, macrophages are not necessarily born bad. Macrophages or their immediate progenitors, monocytes, are induced to traffic to the tumor microenvironment (TME) and during this process they are polarized toward a tumor-promoting phenotype. Efforts to deplete or repolarize tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) for therapeutic benefit in cancer have to date disappointed. By contrast, genetic engineering of macrophages followed by their transit into the TME may allow these impressionable cells to mend their ways. In this review, we summarize and discuss recent advances in the genetic engineering of macrophages for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M Snyder
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Saar I Gill
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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5
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Aerts-Kaya F, van Til NP. Gene and Cellular Therapies for Leukodystrophies. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2522. [PMID: 38004502 PMCID: PMC10675548 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15112522] [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: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Leukodystrophies are a heterogenous group of inherited, degenerative encephalopathies, that if left untreated, are often lethal at an early age. Although some of the leukodystrophies can be treated with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, not all patients have suitable donors, and new treatment strategies, such as gene therapy, are rapidly being developed. Recent developments in the field of gene therapy for severe combined immune deficiencies, Leber's amaurosis, epidermolysis bullosa, Duchenne's muscular dystrophy and spinal muscular atrophy, have paved the way for the treatment of leukodystrophies, revealing some of the pitfalls, but overall showing promising results. Gene therapy offers the possibility for overexpression of secretable enzymes that can be released and through uptake, allow cross-correction of affected cells. Here, we discuss some of the leukodystrophies that have demonstrated strong potential for gene therapy interventions, such as X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD), and metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD), which have reached clinical application. We further discuss the advantages and disadvantages of ex vivo lentiviral hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy, an approach for targeting microglia-like cells or rendering cross-correction. In addition, we summarize ongoing developments in the field of in vivo administration of recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vectors, which can be used for direct targeting of affected cells, and other recently developed molecular technologies that may be applicable to treating leukodystrophies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Aerts-Kaya
- Department of Stem Cell Sciences, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Center for Stem Cell Research and Development, Hacettepe University, 06100 Ankara, Turkey;
- Advanced Technologies Application and Research Center, Hacettepe University, 06800 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Niek P. van Til
- Amsterdam Leukodystrophy Center, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam Neuroscience, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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6
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Javanmehr N, Saleki K, Alijanizadeh P, Rezaei N. Microglia dynamics in aging-related neurobehavioral and neuroinflammatory diseases. J Neuroinflammation 2022; 19:273. [PMID: 36397116 PMCID: PMC9669544 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02637-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia represent the first line of immune feedback in the brain. Beyond immune surveillance, they are essential for maintaining brain homeostasis. Recent research has revealed the microglial cells' spatiotemporal heterogeneity based on their local and time-based functions in brain trauma or disease when homeostasis is disrupted. Distinct "microglial signatures" have been recorded in physiological states and brain injuries, with discrete or sometimes overlapping pro- and anti-inflammatory functions. Microglia are involved in the neurological repair processes, such as neurovascular unit restoration and synaptic plasticity, and manage the extent of the damage due to their phenotype switching. The versatility of cellular phenotypes beyond the classical M1/M2 classification, as well as the double-edge actions of microglia in neurodegeneration, indicate the need for further exploration of microglial cell dynamics and their contribution to neurodegenerative processes. This review discusses the homeostatic functions of different microglial subsets focusing on neuropathological conditions. Also, we address the feasibility of targeting microglia as a therapeutic strategy in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nima Javanmehr
- Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
- USERN Office, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Kiarash Saleki
- Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
- USERN Office, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Parsa Alijanizadeh
- Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
- USERN Office, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Dr. Qarib St, Keshavarz Blvd, Tehran, 14194, Iran.
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.
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7
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Okada Y, Hosoi N, Matsuzaki Y, Fukai Y, Hiraga A, Nakai J, Nitta K, Shinohara Y, Konno A, Hirai H. Development of microglia-targeting adeno-associated viral vectors as tools to study microglial behavior in vivo. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1224. [DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04200-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractHere we describe the microglia-targeting adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors containing a 1.7-kb putative promoter region of microglia/macrophage-specific ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1), along with repeated miRNA target sites for microRNA (miR)-9 and miR-129-2-3p. The 1.7-kb genomic sequence upstream of the start codon in exon 1 of the Iba1 (Aif1) gene, functions as microglia preferential promoter in the striatum and cerebellum. Furthermore, ectopic transgene expression in non-microglial cells is markedly suppressed upon adding two sets of 4-repeated miRNA target sites for miR-9 and miR-129-2-3p, which are expressed exclusively in non-microglial cells and sponged AAV-derived mRNAs. Our vectors transduced ramified microglia in healthy tissues and reactive microglia in lipopolysaccharide-treated mice and a mouse model of neurodegenerative disease. Moreover, live fluorescent imaging allowed the monitoring of microglial motility and intracellular Ca2+ mobilization. Thus, microglia-targeting AAV vectors are valuable for studying microglial pathophysiology and therapies, particularly in the striatum and cerebellum.
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8
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Directed evolution of adeno-associated virus for efficient gene delivery to microglia. Nat Methods 2022; 19:976-985. [PMID: 35879607 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-022-01547-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
As the resident immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS), microglia orchestrate immune responses and dynamically sculpt neural circuits in the CNS. Microglial dysfunction and mutations of microglia-specific genes have been implicated in many diseases of the CNS. Developing effective and safe vehicles for transgene delivery into microglia will facilitate the studies of microglia biology and microglia-associated disease mechanisms. Here, we report the discovery of adeno-associated virus (AAV) variants that mediate efficient in vitro and in vivo microglial transduction via directed evolution of the AAV capsid protein. These AAV-cMG and AAV-MG variants are capable of delivering various genetic payloads into microglia with high efficiency, and enable sufficient transgene expression to support fluorescent labeling, Ca2+ and neurotransmitter imaging and genome editing in microglia in vivo. Furthermore, single-cell RNA sequencing shows that the AAV-MG variants mediate in vivo transgene delivery without inducing microglia immune activation. These AAV variants should facilitate the use of various genetically encoded sensors and effectors in the study of microglia-related biology.
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9
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Gupta M. Parvovirus Vectors: The Future of Gene Therapy. Vet Med Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.105085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The unique diversity of parvoviral vectors with innate antioncogenic properties, autonomous replication, ease of recombinant vector production and stable transgene expression in target cells makes them an attractive choice as viral vectors for gene therapy protocols. Amongst various parvoviruses that have been identified so far, recombinant vectors originating from adeno-associated virus, minute virus of mice (MVM), LuIII and parvovirus H1 have shown promising results in many preclinical models of human diseases including cancer. The adeno-associated virus (AAV), a non-pathogenic human parvovirus, has gained attention as a potentially useful vector. The improved understanding of the metabolism of vector genomes and the mechanism of transduction by AAV vectors is leading to advancement in the development of more sophisticated AAV vectors. The in-depth studies of AAV vector biology is opening avenues for more robust design of AAV vectors that have potentially increased transduction efficiency, increased specificity in cellular targeting, and an increased payload capacity. This chapter gives an overview of the application of autonomous parvoviral vectors and AAV vectors, based on our current understanding of viral biology and the state of the platform.
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10
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Islam A, Tom VJ. The use of viral vectors to promote repair after spinal cord injury. Exp Neurol 2022; 354:114102. [PMID: 35513025 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.114102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating event that can permanently disrupt multiple modalities. Unfortunately, the combination of the inhibitory environment at a central nervous system (CNS) injury site and the diminished intrinsic capacity of adult axons for growth results in the failure for robust axonal regeneration, limiting the ability for repair. Delivering genetic material that can either positively or negatively modulate gene expression has the potential to counter the obstacles that hinder axon growth within the spinal cord after injury. A popular gene therapy method is to deliver the genetic material using viral vectors. There are considerations when deciding on a viral vector approach for a particular application, including the type of vector, as well as serotypes, and promoters. In this review, we will discuss some of the aspects to consider when utilizing a viral vector approach to as a therapy for SCI. Additionally, we will discuss some recent applications of gene therapy to target extrinsic and/or intrinsic barriers to promote axon regeneration after SCI in preclinical models. While still in early stages, this approach has potential to treat those living with SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashraful Islam
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Marion Murray Spinal Cord Research Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Veronica J Tom
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Marion Murray Spinal Cord Research Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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11
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Cantore A, Fraldi A, Meneghini V, Gritti A. In vivo Gene Therapy to the Liver and Nervous System: Promises and Challenges. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 8:774618. [PMID: 35118085 PMCID: PMC8803894 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.774618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
In vivo genetic engineering has recently shown remarkable potential as a novel effective treatment for an ever-growing number of diseases, as also witnessed by the recent marketing authorization of several in vivo gene therapy products. In vivo genetic engineering comprises both viral vector-mediated gene transfer and the more recently developed genome/epigenome editing strategies, as long as they are directly administered to patients. Here we first review the most advanced in vivo gene therapies that are commercially available or in clinical development. We then highlight the major challenges to be overcome to fully and broadly exploit in vivo gene therapies as novel medicines, discussing some of the approaches that are being taken to address them, with a focus on the nervous system and liver taken as paradigmatic examples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Cantore
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: Alessio Cantore
| | - Alessandro Fraldi
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Vasco Meneghini
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Angela Gritti
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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12
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Shah S, Wong LM, Ellis K, Bodnar B, Saribas S, Ting J, Wei Z, Tang Y, Wang X, Wang H, Ling B, Margolis DM, Garcia JV, Hu W, Jiang G. Microglia-Specific Promoter Activities of HEXB Gene. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:808598. [PMID: 35360489 PMCID: PMC8960132 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.808598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated genetic targeting of microglia remains a challenge. Overcoming this hurdle is essential for gene editing in the central nervous system (CNS). Here, we characterized the minimal/native promoter of the HEXB gene, which is known to be specifically and stably expressed in the microglia during homeostatic and pathological conditions. Dual reporter and serial deletion assays identified the critical role of the natural 5' untranslated region (-97 bp related to the first ATG) in driving transcriptional activity of the mouse Hexb gene. The native promoter region of mouse, human, and monkey HEXB are located at -135, -134, and -170 bp to the first ATG, respectively. These promoters were highly active and specific in microglia with strong cross-species transcriptional activities, but did not exhibit activity in primary astrocytes. In addition, we identified a 135 bp promoter of CD68 gene that was highly active in microglia but not in astrocytes. Considering that HEXB is specifically expressed in microglia, these data suggest that the newly characterized microglia-specific HEXB minimal/native promoter can be an ideal candidate for microglia-targeting AAV gene therapy in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahil Shah
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Lilly M Wong
- University of North Carolina HIV Cure Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Kendra Ellis
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Brittany Bodnar
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Sami Saribas
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Julia Ting
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Zhengyu Wei
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Yuyang Tang
- University of North Carolina HIV Cure Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Xianwei Wang
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Hong Wang
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Binhua Ling
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Host-Pathogen Interaction Program, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - David M Margolis
- University of North Carolina HIV Cure Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.,Department of Medicine, Microbiology and Immunology, Epidemiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - J Victor Garcia
- International Center for the Advancement of Translational Science, Division of Infectious Diseases, UNC Center for AIDS Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Wenhui Hu
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Guochun Jiang
- University of North Carolina HIV Cure Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.,Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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13
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Maes ME, Wögenstein GM, Colombo G, Casado-Polanco R, Siegert S. Optimizing AAV2/6 microglial targeting identified enhanced efficiency in the photoreceptor degenerative environment. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2021; 23:210-224. [PMID: 34703843 PMCID: PMC8516996 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are widely used to deliver genetic material in vivo to distinct cell types such as neurons or glial cells, allowing for targeted manipulation. Transduction of microglia is mostly excluded from this strategy, likely due to the cells’ heterogeneous state upon environmental changes, which makes AAV design challenging. Here, we established the retina as a model system for microglial AAV validation and optimization. First, we show that AAV2/6 transduced microglia in both synaptic layers, where layer preference corresponds to the intravitreal or subretinal delivery method. Surprisingly, we observed significantly enhanced microglial transduction during photoreceptor degeneration. Thus, we modified the AAV6 capsid to reduce heparin binding by introducing four point mutations (K531E, R576Q, K493S, and K459S), resulting in increased microglial transduction in the outer plexiform layer. Finally, to improve microglial-specific transduction, we validated a Cre-dependent transgene delivery cassette for use in combination with the Cx3cr1CreERT2 mouse line. Together, our results provide a foundation for future studies optimizing AAV-mediated microglia transduction and highlight that environmental conditions influence microglial transduction efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret E Maes
- Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | | | - Gloria Colombo
- Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | | | - Sandra Siegert
- Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
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14
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Meneghini V, Peviani M, Luciani M, Zambonini G, Gritti A. Delivery Platforms for CRISPR/Cas9 Genome Editing of Glial Cells in the Central Nervous System. Front Genome Ed 2021; 3:644319. [PMID: 34713256 PMCID: PMC8525379 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2021.644319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Glial cells (astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia) are emerging as key players in several physiological and pathological processes of the central nervous system (CNS). Astrocytes and oligodendrocytes are not only supportive cells that release trophic factors or regulate energy metabolism, but they also actively modulate critical neuronal processes and functions in the tripartite synapse. Microglia are defined as CNS-resident cells that provide immune surveillance; however, they also actively contribute to shaping the neuronal microenvironment by scavenging cell debris or regulating synaptogenesis and pruning. Given the many interconnected processes coordinated by glial cells, it is not surprising that both acute and chronic CNS insults not only cause neuronal damage but also trigger complex multifaceted responses, including neuroinflammation, which can critically contribute to the disease progression and worsening of symptoms in several neurodegenerative diseases. Overall, this makes glial cells excellent candidates for targeted therapies to treat CNS disorders. In recent years, the application of gene editing technologies has redefined therapeutic strategies to treat genetic and age-related neurological diseases. In this review, we discuss the advantages and limitations of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9-based gene editing in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, focusing on the development of viral- and nanoparticle-based delivery methods for in vivo glial cell targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasco Meneghini
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Peviani
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marco Luciani
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Giada Zambonini
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Angela Gritti
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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15
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Zhao HY, Zhang YY, Xing T, Tang SQ, Wen Q, Lyu ZS, Lv M, Wang Y, Xu LP, Zhang XH, Kong Y, Huang XJ. M2 macrophages, but not M1 macrophages, support megakaryopoiesis by upregulating PI3K-AKT pathway activity. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:234. [PMID: 34140465 PMCID: PMC8211642 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00627-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysfunctional megakaryopoiesis hampers platelet production, which is closely associated with thrombocytopenia (PT). Macrophages (MФs) are crucial cellular components in the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment. However, the specific effects of M1 MФs or M2 MФs on regulating megakaryocytes (MKs) are largely unknown. In the current study, aberrant BM-M1/M2 MФ polarization, characterized by increased M1 MФs and decreased M2 MФs and accompanied by impaired megakaryopoiesis-supporting abilities, was found in patients with PT post-allotransplant. RNA-seq and western blot analysis showed that the PI3K-AKT pathway was downregulated in the BM MФs of PT patients. Moreover, in vitro treatment with PI3K-AKT activators restored the impaired megakaryopoiesis-supporting ability of MФs from PT patients. Furthermore, we found M1 MФs suppress, whereas M2 MФs support MK maturation and platelet formation in humans. Chemical inhibition of PI3K-AKT pathway reduced megakaryopoiesis-supporting ability of M2 MФs, as indicated by decreased MK count, colony-forming unit number, high-ploidy distribution, and platelet count. Importantly, genetic knockdown of the PI3K-AKT pathway impaired the megakaryopoiesis-supporting ability of MФs both in vitro and in a MФ-specific PI3K-knockdown murine model, indicating a critical role of PI3K-AKT pathway in regulating the megakaryopoiesis-supporting ability of M2 MФs. Furthermore, our preliminary data indicated that TGF-β released by M2 MФs may facilitate megakaryopoiesis through upregulation of the JAK2/STAT5 and MAPK/ERK pathways in MKs. Taken together, our data reveal that M1 and M2 MФs have opposing effects on MKs in a PI3K-AKT pathway-dependent manner, which may lead to new insights into the pathogenesis of thrombocytopenia and provide a potential therapeutic strategy to promote megakaryopoiesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Yan Zhao
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Zhang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Tong Xing
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Shu-Qian Tang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Wen
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhong-Shi Lyu
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Meng Lv
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Lan-Ping Xu
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Zhang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Kong
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Peking University, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiao-Jun Huang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Peking University, Beijing, China.
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China.
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16
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O'Carroll SJ, Cook WH, Young D. AAV Targeting of Glial Cell Types in the Central and Peripheral Nervous System and Relevance to Human Gene Therapy. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 13:618020. [PMID: 33505247 PMCID: PMC7829478 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.618020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Different glial cell types are found throughout the central (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS), where they have important functions. These cell types are also involved in nervous system pathology, playing roles in neurodegenerative disease and following trauma in the brain and spinal cord (astrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocytes), nerve degeneration and development of pain in peripheral nerves (Schwann cells, satellite cells), retinal diseases (Müller glia) and gut dysbiosis (enteric glia). These cell type have all been proposed as potential targets for treating these conditions. One approach to target these cell types is the use of gene therapy to modify gene expression. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors have been shown to be safe and effective in targeting cells in the nervous system and have been used in a number of clinical trials. To date, a number of studies have tested the use of different AAV serotypes and cell-specific promoters to increase glial cell tropism and expression. However, true glial-cell specific targeting for a particular glial cell type remains elusive. This review provides an overview of research into developing glial specific gene therapy and discusses some of the issues that still need to be addressed to make glial cell gene therapy a clinical reality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon J O'Carroll
- Spinal Cord Injury Research Group, Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - William H Cook
- Molecular Neurotherapeutics Group, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Deborah Young
- Molecular Neurotherapeutics Group, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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17
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Nieuwenhuis B, Haenzi B, Hilton S, Carnicer-Lombarte A, Hobo B, Verhaagen J, Fawcett JW. Optimization of adeno-associated viral vector-mediated transduction of the corticospinal tract: comparison of four promoters. Gene Ther 2020; 28:56-74. [PMID: 32576975 PMCID: PMC7902269 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-020-0169-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Adeno-associated viral vectors are widely used as vehicles for gene transfer to the nervous system. The promoter and viral vector serotype are two key factors that determine the expression dynamics of the transgene. A previous comparative study has demonstrated that AAV1 displays efficient transduction of layer V corticospinal neurons, but the optimal promoter for transgene expression in corticospinal neurons has not been determined yet. In this paper, we report a side-by-side comparison between four commonly used promoters: the short CMV early enhancer/chicken β actin (sCAG), human cytomegalovirus (hCMV), mouse phosphoglycerate kinase (mPGK) and human synapsin (hSYN) promoter. Reporter constructs with each of these promoters were packaged in AAV1, and were injected in the sensorimotor cortex of rats and mice in order to transduce the corticospinal tract. Transgene expression levels and the cellular transduction profile were examined after 6 weeks. The AAV1 vectors harbouring the hCMV and sCAG promoters resulted in transgene expression in neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. The mPGK and hSYN promoters directed the strongest transgene expression. The mPGK promoter did drive expression in cortical neurons and oligodendrocytes, while transduction with AAV harbouring the hSYN promoter resulted in neuron-specific expression, including perineuronal net expressing interneurons and layer V corticospinal neurons. This promoter comparison study contributes to improve transgene delivery into the brain and spinal cord. The optimized transduction of the corticospinal tract will be beneficial for spinal cord injury research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart Nieuwenhuis
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Forvie Site, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0PY, UK. .,Laboratory for Regeneration of Sensorimotor Systems, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Meibergdreef 47, 1105 BA, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Barbara Haenzi
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Forvie Site, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0PY, UK
| | - Sam Hilton
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Forvie Site, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0PY, UK
| | - Alejandro Carnicer-Lombarte
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Forvie Site, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0PY, UK
| | - Barbara Hobo
- Laboratory for Regeneration of Sensorimotor Systems, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Meibergdreef 47, 1105 BA, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joost Verhaagen
- Laboratory for Regeneration of Sensorimotor Systems, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Meibergdreef 47, 1105 BA, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Centre for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - James W Fawcett
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Forvie Site, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0PY, UK.,Centre of Reconstructive Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Vídeňská 1083, 142 20, Prague 4, Czech Republic
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18
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Caron NS, Southwell AL, Brouwers CC, Cengio LD, Xie Y, Black HF, Anderson LM, Ko S, Zhu X, van Deventer SJ, Evers MM, Konstantinova P, Hayden MR. Potent and sustained huntingtin lowering via AAV5 encoding miRNA preserves striatal volume and cognitive function in a humanized mouse model of Huntington disease. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:36-54. [PMID: 31745548 PMCID: PMC7145682 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington disease (HD) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease caused by a pathogenic expansion of a CAG repeat in the huntingtin (HTT) gene. There are no disease-modifying therapies for HD. Artificial microRNAs targeting HTT transcripts for degradation have shown preclinical promise and will soon enter human clinical trials. Here, we examine the tolerability and efficacy of non-selective HTT lowering with an AAV5 encoded miRNA targeting human HTT (AAV5-miHTT) in the humanized Hu128/21 mouse model of HD. We show that intrastriatal administration of AAV5-miHTT results in potent and sustained HTT suppression for at least 7 months post-injection. Importantly, non-selective suppression of huntingtin was generally tolerated, however high dose AAV5-miHTT did induce astrogliosis. We observed an improvement of select behavioural and modest neuropathological HD-like phenotypes in Hu128/21 mice, suggesting a potential therapeutic benefit of miRNA-mediated non-selective HTT lowering. Finally, we also observed that potent reduction of wild type HTT (wtHTT) in Hu21 control mice was tolerated up to 7 months post-injection but may induce impairment of motor coordination and striatal atrophy. Taken together, our data suggests that in the context of HD, the therapeutic benefits of mHTT reduction may outweigh the potentially detrimental effects of wtHTT loss following non-selective HTT lowering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas S Caron
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Amber L Southwell
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Cynthia C Brouwers
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Louisa Dal Cengio
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Yuanyun Xie
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Hailey Findlay Black
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lisa M Anderson
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Seunghyun Ko
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Xiang Zhu
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Sander J van Deventer
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Melvin M Evers
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Pavlina Konstantinova
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Michael R Hayden
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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19
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Haery L, Deverman BE, Matho KS, Cetin A, Woodard K, Cepko C, Guerin KI, Rego MA, Ersing I, Bachle SM, Kamens J, Fan M. Adeno-Associated Virus Technologies and Methods for Targeted Neuronal Manipulation. Front Neuroanat 2019; 13:93. [PMID: 31849618 PMCID: PMC6902037 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2019.00093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-type-specific expression of molecular tools and sensors is critical to construct circuit diagrams and to investigate the activity and function of neurons within the nervous system. Strategies for targeted manipulation include combinations of classical genetic tools such as Cre/loxP and Flp/FRT, use of cis-regulatory elements, targeted knock-in transgenic mice, and gene delivery by AAV and other viral vectors. The combination of these complex technologies with the goal of precise neuronal targeting is a challenge in the lab. This report will discuss the theoretical and practical aspects of combining current technologies and establish best practices for achieving targeted manipulation of specific cell types. Novel applications and tools, as well as areas for development, will be envisioned and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Benjamin E. Deverman
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | | | - Ali Cetin
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Kenton Woodard
- Penn Vector Core, Gene Therapy Program, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Connie Cepko
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA, United States
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20
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Of Molecules and Mechanisms. J Neurosci 2019; 40:81-88. [PMID: 31630114 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0743-19.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 08/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Without question, molecular biology drives modern neuroscience. The past 50 years has been nothing short of revolutionary as key findings have moved the field from correlation toward causation. Most obvious are the discoveries and strategies that have been used to build tools for visualizing circuits, measuring activity, and regulating behavior. Less flashy, but arguably as important are the myriad investigations uncovering the actions of single molecules, macromolecular structures, and integrated machines that serve as the basis for constructing cellular and signaling pathways identified in wide-scale gene or RNA studies and for feeding data into informational networks used in systems biology. This review follows the pathways that were opened in neuroscience by major discoveries and set the stage for the next 50 years.
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21
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Maes ME, Colombo G, Schulz R, Siegert S. Targeting microglia with lentivirus and AAV: Recent advances and remaining challenges. Neurosci Lett 2019; 707:134310. [PMID: 31158432 PMCID: PMC6734419 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2019.134310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Microglia have emerged as a critical component of neurodegenerative diseases. Genetic manipulation of microglia can elucidate their functional impact in disease. In neuroscience, recombinant viruses such as lentiviruses and adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) have been successfully used to target various cell types in the brain, although effective transduction of microglia is rare. In this review, we provide a short background of lentiviruses and AAVs, and strategies for designing recombinant viral vectors. Then, we will summarize recent literature on successful microglial transductions in vitro and in vivo, and discuss the current challenges. Finally, we provide guidelines for reporting the efficiency and specificity of viral targeting in microglia, which will enable the microglial research community to assess and improve methodologies for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret E Maes
- Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria, Am Campus 1, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Gloria Colombo
- Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria, Am Campus 1, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Rouven Schulz
- Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria, Am Campus 1, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Sandra Siegert
- Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria, Am Campus 1, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria.
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22
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Gorelenkova Miller O, Mieyal JJ. Critical Roles of Glutaredoxin in Brain Cells-Implications for Parkinson's Disease. Antioxid Redox Signal 2019; 30:1352-1368. [PMID: 29183158 PMCID: PMC6391617 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2017.7411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE Glutaredoxin (Grx)1, an evolutionarily conserved and ubiquitous enzyme, regulates redox signal transduction and protein redox homeostasis by catalyzing reversible S-glutathionylation. Grx1 plays different roles in different cell types. In Parkinson's disease (PD), Grx1 regulates apoptosis signaling in dopaminergic neurons, so that loss of Grx1 leads to increased cell death; in microglial cells, Grx1 regulates proinflammatory signaling, so that upregulation of Grx1 promotes cytokine production. Here we examine the regulatory roles of Grx1 in PD with a view toward therapeutic innovation. Recent Advances: In postmortem midbrain PD samples, Grx1 was decreased relative to controls, specifically within dopaminergic neurons. In Caenorhabditis elegans models of PD, loss of the Grx1 homologue led to exacerbation of the neurodegenerative phenotype. This effect was partially relieved by overexpression of neuroprotective DJ-1, consistent with regulation of DJ-1 content by Grx1. Increased GLRX copy number in PD patients was associated with earlier PD onset; and Grx1 levels correlated with levels of proinflammatory tumor necrosis factor-α in mouse and human brain samples. In vitro studies showed Grx1 to be upregulated on proinflammatory activation of microglia. Direct overexpression of Grx1 increased microglial activation; silencing Grx1 diminished activation. Grx1 upregulation in microglia corresponded to increased neuronal cell death in coculture. Overall, these studies identify competing roles of Grx1 in PD etiology. CRITICAL ISSUES The dilemma regarding Grx1 as a PD therapeutic target is whether to stimulate its upregulation for neuroprotection or inhibit its proinflammatory activity. FUTURE DIRECTIONS Further investigation is needed to understand the preponderant role of Grx1 regarding dopaminergic neuronal survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Gorelenkova Miller
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - John J Mieyal
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
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23
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Abstract
Microglia, the primary resident immune cell type, constitute a key population of glia in the retina. Recent evidence indicates that microglia play significant functional roles in the retina at different life stages. During development, retinal microglia regulate neuronal survival by exerting trophic influences and influencing programmed cell death. During adulthood, ramified microglia in the plexiform layers interact closely with synapses to maintain synaptic structure and function that underlie the retina's electrophysiological response to light. Under pathological conditions, retinal microglia participate in potentiating neurodegeneration in diseases such as glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, and age-related neurodegeneration by producing proinflammatory neurotoxic cytokines and removing living neurons via phagocytosis. Modulation of pathogenic microglial activation states and effector mechanisms has been linked to neuroprotection in animal models of retinal diseases. These findings have led to the design of early proof-of-concept clinical trials with microglial modulation as a therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean M. Silverman
- Unit on Neuron-Glia Interactions in Retinal Disease, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA;,
| | - Wai T. Wong
- Unit on Neuron-Glia Interactions in Retinal Disease, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA;,
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24
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Virus vector-mediated genetic modification of brain tumor stromal cells after intravenous delivery. J Neurooncol 2018; 139:293-305. [PMID: 29767307 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-018-2889-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The malignant primary brain tumor, glioblastoma (GBM) is generally incurable. New approaches are desperately needed. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector-mediated delivery of anti-tumor transgenes is a promising strategy, however direct injection leads to focal transgene spread in tumor and rapid tumor division dilutes out the extra-chromosomal AAV genome, limiting duration of transgene expression. Intravenous (IV) injection gives widespread distribution of AAV in normal brain, however poor transgene expression in tumor, and high expression in non-target cells which may lead to ineffective therapy and high toxicity, respectively. Delivery of transgenes encoding secreted, anti-tumor proteins to tumor stromal cells may provide a more stable and localized reservoir of therapy as they are more differentiated than fast-dividing tumor cells. Reactive astrocytes and tumor-associated macrophage/microglia (TAMs) are stromal cells that comprise a large portion of the tumor mass and are associated with tumorigenesis. In mouse models of GBM, we used IV delivery of exosome-associated AAV vectors driving green fluorescent protein expression by specific promoters (NF-κB-responsive promoter and a truncated glial fibrillary acidic protein promoter), to obtain targeted transduction of TAMs and reactive astrocytes, respectively, while avoiding transgene expression in the periphery. We used our approach to express the potent, yet toxic anti-tumor cytokine, interferon beta, in tumor stroma of a mouse model of GBM, and achieved a modest, yet significant enhancement in survival compared to controls. Noninvasive genetic modification of tumor microenvironment represents a promising approach for therapy against cancers. Additionally, the vectors described here may facilitate basic research in the study of tumor stromal cells in situ.
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25
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Yanaizu M, Sakai K, Tosaki Y, Kino Y, Satoh JI. Small nuclear RNA-mediated modulation of splicing reveals a therapeutic strategy for a TREM2 mutation and its post-transcriptional regulation. Sci Rep 2018; 8:6937. [PMID: 29720600 PMCID: PMC5931963 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-25204-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Loss-of-function mutations in TREM2 cause Nasu-Hakola disease (NHD), a rare genetic disease characterized by early-onset dementia with leukoencephalopathy and bone cysts. An NHD-associated mutation, c.482 + 2 T > C, disrupts the splice donor site of intron 3 and causes aberrant skipping of exon 3, resulting in the loss of full-length TREM2 protein. Here, we examined the efficacy of artificial U1 and U7 small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs) designed to enhance exon 3 inclusion. Using mutant TREM2 minigenes, we found that some modified U1, but not U7, snRNAs enhanced exon 3 inclusion and restored TREM2 protein expression. Unexpectedly, we found that exon 3 of wild-type TREM2 is an alternative exon, whose skipping leads to reduced expression of the full-length protein. Indeed, TREM2 protein levels were modulated by modified snRNAs that either promoted or repressed exon 3 inclusion. The splice donor site flanking exon 3 was predicted to be weak, which may explain both the alternative splicing of exon 3 under normal conditions and complete exon skipping when the c.482 + 2 T > C mutation was present. Collectively, our snRNA-based approaches provide a potential therapeutic strategy for NHD-associated mis-splicing and novel insights into the post-transcriptional regulation of TREM2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motoaki Yanaizu
- Department of Bioinformatics and Molecular Neuropathology, Meiji Pharmaceutical University, 2-522-1, Noshio, Kiyose-shi, Tokyo, 204-8588, Japan
| | - Kenji Sakai
- Department of Bioinformatics and Molecular Neuropathology, Meiji Pharmaceutical University, 2-522-1, Noshio, Kiyose-shi, Tokyo, 204-8588, Japan
| | - Youhei Tosaki
- Department of Bioinformatics and Molecular Neuropathology, Meiji Pharmaceutical University, 2-522-1, Noshio, Kiyose-shi, Tokyo, 204-8588, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Kino
- Department of Bioinformatics and Molecular Neuropathology, Meiji Pharmaceutical University, 2-522-1, Noshio, Kiyose-shi, Tokyo, 204-8588, Japan.
| | - Jun-Ichi Satoh
- Department of Bioinformatics and Molecular Neuropathology, Meiji Pharmaceutical University, 2-522-1, Noshio, Kiyose-shi, Tokyo, 204-8588, Japan
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The Role of Macrophages in Neuroinflammatory and Neurodegenerative Pathways of Alzheimer's Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and Multiple Sclerosis: Pathogenetic Cellular Effectors and Potential Therapeutic Targets. Int J Mol Sci 2018. [PMID: 29533975 PMCID: PMC5877692 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19030831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In physiological conditions, different types of macrophages can be found within the central nervous system (CNS), i.e., microglia, meningeal macrophages, and perivascular (blood-brain barrier) and choroid plexus (blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier) macrophages. Microglia and tissue-resident macrophages, as well as blood-borne monocytes, have different origins, as the former derive from yolk sac erythromyeloid precursors and the latter from the fetal liver or bone marrow. Accordingly, specific phenotypic patterns characterize each population. These cells function to maintain homeostasis and are directly involved in the development and resolution of neuroinflammatory processes. Also, following inflammation, circulating monocytes can be recruited and enter the CNS, therefore contributing to brain pathology. These cell populations have now been identified as key players in CNS pathology, including autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, and degenerative diseases, such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease. Here, we review the evidence on the involvement of CNS macrophages in neuroinflammation and the advantages, pitfalls, and translational opportunities of pharmacological interventions targeting these heterogeneous cellular populations for the treatment of brain diseases.
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Tvrdik P, Kalani MYS. In Vivo Imaging of Microglial Calcium Signaling in Brain Inflammation and Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18112366. [PMID: 29117112 PMCID: PMC5713335 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18112366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2017] [Revised: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia, the innate immune sentinels of the central nervous system, are the most dynamic cells in the brain parenchyma. They are the first responders to insult and mediate neuroinflammation. Following cellular damage, microglia extend their processes towards the lesion, modify their morphology, release cytokines and other mediators, and eventually migrate towards the damaged area and remove cellular debris by phagocytosis. Intracellular Ca2+ signaling plays important roles in many of these functions. However, Ca2+ in microglia has not been systematically studied in vivo. Here we review recent findings using genetically encoded Ca2+ indicators and two-photon imaging, which have enabled new insights into Ca2+ dynamics and signaling pathways in large populations of microglia in vivo. These new approaches will help to evaluate pre-clinical interventions and immunomodulation for pathological brain conditions such as stroke and neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petr Tvrdik
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA.
| | - M Yashar S Kalani
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
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Destination Brain: the Past, Present, and Future of Therapeutic Gene Delivery. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2017; 12:51-83. [PMID: 28160121 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-016-9724-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Neurological diseases and disorders (NDDs) present a significant societal burden and currently available drug- and biological-based therapeutic strategies have proven inadequate to alleviate it. Gene therapy is a suitable alternative to treat NDDs compared to conventional systems since it can be tailored to specifically alter select gene expression, reverse disease phenotype and restore normal function. The scope of gene therapy has broadened over the years with the advent of RNA interference and genome editing technologies. Consequently, encouraging results from central nervous system (CNS)-targeted gene delivery studies have led to their transition from preclinical to clinical trials. As we shift to an exciting gene therapy era, a retrospective of available literature on CNS-associated gene delivery is in order. This review is timely in this regard, since it analyzes key challenges and major findings from the last two decades and evaluates future prospects of brain gene delivery. We emphasize major areas consisting of physiological and pharmacological challenges in gene therapy, function-based selection of a ideal cellular target(s), available therapy modalities, and diversity of viral vectors and nanoparticles as vehicle systems. Further, we present plausible answers to key questions such as strategies to circumvent low blood-brain barrier permeability and most suitable CNS cell types for targeting. We compare and contrast pros and cons of the tested viral vectors in the context of delivery systems used in past and current clinical trials. Gene vector design challenges are also evaluated in the context of cell-specific promoters. Key challenges and findings reported for recent gene therapy clinical trials, assessing viral vectors and nanoparticles are discussed from the perspective of bench to bedside gene therapy translation. We conclude this review by tying together gene delivery challenges, available vehicle systems and comprehensive analyses of neuropathogenesis to outline future prospects of CNS-targeted gene therapies.
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Peña-Ortega F. Pharmacological Tools to Activate Microglia and their Possible use to Study Neural Network Patho-physiology. Curr Neuropharmacol 2017; 15:595-619. [PMID: 27697040 PMCID: PMC5543677 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x14666160928151546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2016] [Revised: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 09/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microglia are the resident immunocompetent cells of the CNS and also constitute a unique cell type that contributes to neural network homeostasis and function. Understanding microglia cell-signaling not only will reveal their diverse functions but also will help to identify pharmacological and non-pharmacological tools to modulate the activity of these cells. METHODS We undertook a search of bibliographic databases for peer-reviewed research literature to identify microglial activators and their cell-specificity. We also looked for their effects on neural network function and dysfunction. RESULTS We identified several pharmacological targets to modulate microglial function, which are more or less specific (with the proper control experiments). We also identified pharmacological targets that would require the development of new potent and specific modulators. We identified a wealth of evidence about the participation of microglia in neural network function and their alterations in pathological conditions. CONCLUSION The identification of specific microglia-activating signals provides experimental tools to modulate the activity of this heterogeneous cell type in order to evaluate its impact on other components of the nervous system, and it also helps to identify therapeutic approaches to ease some pathological conditions related to microglial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Peña-Ortega
- Departamento de Neurobiología del Desarrollo y Neurofisiología, Instituto de Neurobiología, UNAM-Campus Juriquilla, México
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Bradbury AM, Peterson TA, Gross AL, Wells SZ, McCurdy VJ, Wolfe KG, Dennis JC, Brunson BL, Gray-Edwards H, Randle AN, Johnson AK, Morrison EE, Cox NR, Baker HJ, Sena-Esteves M, Martin DR. AAV-mediated gene delivery attenuates neuroinflammation in feline Sandhoff disease. Neuroscience 2016; 340:117-125. [PMID: 27793778 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.10.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2015] [Revised: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Sandhoff disease (SD) is a lysosomal storage disorder characterized by the absence of hydrolytic enzyme β-N-acetylhexosaminidase (Hex), which results in storage of GM2 ganglioside in neurons and unremitting neurodegeneration. Neuron loss initially affects fine motor skills, but rapidly progresses to loss of all body faculties, a vegetative state, and death by five years of age in humans. A well-established feline model of SD allows characterization of the disease in a large animal model and provides a means to test the safety and efficacy of therapeutic interventions before initiating clinical trials. In this study, we demonstrate a robust central nervous system (CNS) inflammatory response in feline SD, primarily marked by expansion and activation of the microglial cell population. Quantification of major histocompatibility complex II (MHC-II) labeling revealed significant up-regulation throughout the CNS with areas rich in white matter most severely affected. Expression of the leukocyte chemokine macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha (MIP-1α) was also up-regulated in the brain. SD cats were treated with intracranial delivery of adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors expressing feline Hex, with a study endpoint 16weeks post treatment. AAV-mediated gene delivery repressed the expansion and activation of microglia and normalized MHC-II and MIP-1α levels. These data reiterate the profound inflammatory response in SD and show that neuroinflammation is abrogated after AAV-mediated restoration of enzymatic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison M Bradbury
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA; Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA.
| | - Tiffany A Peterson
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Amanda L Gross
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Stephen Z Wells
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Victoria J McCurdy
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA; Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Karen G Wolfe
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - John C Dennis
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Brandon L Brunson
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Heather Gray-Edwards
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Ashley N Randle
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Aime K Johnson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Edward E Morrison
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Nancy R Cox
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA; Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Henry J Baker
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Miguel Sena-Esteves
- Department of Neurology and Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Douglas R Martin
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA; Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
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Felka T, Rothdiener M, Bast S, Uynuk-Ool T, Zouhair S, Ochs BG, De Zwart P, Stoeckle U, Aicher WK, Hart ML, Shiozawa T, Grodzinsky AJ, Schenke-Layland K, Venkatesan JK, Cucchiarini M, Madry H, Kurz B, Rolauffs B. Loss of spatial organization and destruction of the pericellular matrix in early osteoarthritis in vivo and in a novel in vitro methodology. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2016; 24:1200-9. [PMID: 26879798 PMCID: PMC4907798 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2016.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Revised: 01/26/2016] [Accepted: 02/07/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Current repair procedures for articular cartilage (AC) cannot restore the tissue's original form and function because neither changes in its architectural blueprint throughout life nor the respective biological understanding is fully available. We asked whether two unique elements of human cartilage architecture, the chondrocyte-surrounding pericellular matrix (PCM) and the superficial chondrocyte spatial organization (SCSO) beneath the articular surface (AS) are congenital, stable or dynamic throughout life. We hypothesized that inducing chondrocyte proliferation in vitro impairs organization and PCM and induces an advanced osteoarthritis (OA)-like structural phenotype of human cartilage. METHODS We recorded propidium-iodine-stained fetal and adult cartilage explants, arranged stages of organization into a sequence, and created a lifetime-summarizing SCSO model. To replicate the OA-associated dynamics revealed by our model, and to test our hypothesis, we transduced specifically early OA-explants with hFGF-2 for inducing proliferation. The PCM was examined using immuno- and auto-fluorescence, multiphoton second-harmonic-generation (SHG), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). RESULTS Spatial organization evolved from fetal homogeneity, peaked with adult string-like arrangements, but was completely lost in OA. Loss of organization included PCM perforation (local micro-fibrillar collagen intensity decrease) and destruction [regional collagen type VI (CollVI) signal weakness or absence]. Importantly, both loss of organization and PCM destruction were successfully recapitulated in FGF-2-transduced explants. CONCLUSION Induced proliferation of spatially characterized early OA-chondrocytes within standardized explants recapitulated the full range of loss of SCSO and PCM destruction, introducing a novel in vitro methodology. This methodology induces a structural phenotype of human cartilage that is similar to advanced OA and potentially of significance and utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tino Felka
- Siegfried Weller Institute for Trauma Research, BG Trauma Clinic Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Miriam Rothdiener
- Siegfried Weller Institute for Trauma Research, BG Trauma Clinic Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Sina Bast
- Siegfried Weller Institute for Trauma Research, BG Trauma Clinic Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Tatiana Uynuk-Ool
- Siegfried Weller Institute for Trauma Research, BG Trauma Clinic Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Sabra Zouhair
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Björn Gunnar Ochs
- Clinic for Trauma and Restorative Surgery, BG Trauma Clinic Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Peter De Zwart
- Clinic for Trauma and Restorative Surgery, BG Trauma Clinic Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Ulrich Stoeckle
- Clinic for Trauma and Restorative Surgery, BG Trauma Clinic Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Wilhelm K Aicher
- Department of Urology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Melanie L Hart
- Department of Urology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Shiozawa
- Institute of Clinical Anatomy and Cell Analysis, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Alan J Grodzinsky
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, USA
| | - Katja Schenke-Layland
- Department of Women’s Health, Research Institute for Women’s Health, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany,Department of Cell and Tissue Engineering, Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology (IGB), Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Jagadeesh K Venkatesan
- Center of Experimental Orthopaedics, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg, Germany
| | - Magali Cucchiarini
- Center of Experimental Orthopaedics, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg, Germany
| | - Henning Madry
- Center of Experimental Orthopaedics, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg, Germany
| | - Bodo Kurz
- Anatomical Institute, Christian-Albrecht-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Bernd Rolauffs
- Siegfried Weller Institute for Trauma Research, BG Trauma Clinic Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany,Clinic for Trauma and Restorative Surgery, BG Trauma Clinic Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany,Center for Biomedical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, USA,Corresponding Author: Bernd Rolauffs, Siegfried Weller Institute for Trauma Research, BG Trauma Clinic Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, ZMF, Waldhoernlestr. 22, 72074 Tuebingen, Germany,
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Microglia-specific targeting by novel capsid-modified AAV6 vectors. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2016; 3:16026. [PMID: 27308302 PMCID: PMC4909093 DOI: 10.1038/mtm.2016.26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2015] [Revised: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 02/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAV) have been widely used in gene therapy
applications for central nervous system diseases. Though rAAV can efficiently target
neurons and astrocytes in mouse brains, microglia, the immune cells of the brain, are
refractile to rAAV. To identify AAV capsids with microglia-specific transduction
properties, we initially screened the most commonly used serotypes, AAV1–9 and
rh10, on primary mouse microglia cultures. While these capsids were not permissive, we
then tested the microglial targeting properties of a newly characterized set of modified
rAAV6 capsid variants with high tropism for monocytes. Indeed, these newly characterized
rAAV6 capsid variants, specially a triply mutated Y731F/Y705F/T492V form, carrying a
self-complementary genome and microglia-specific promoters (F4/80 or CD68) could
efficiently and selectively transduce microglia in vitro. Delivery of these
constructs in mice brains resulted in microglia-specific expression of green fluorescent
protein, albeit at modest levels. We further show that CD68 promoter–driven
expression of the inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-6, using this capsid variant leads to
increased astrogliosis in the brains of wild-type mice. Our study describes the first
instance of AAV-targeted microglial gene expression leading to functional modulation of
the innate immune system in mice brains. This provides the rationale for utilizing these
unique capsid/promoter combinations for microglia-specific gene targeting for modeling or
functional studies.
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Papa S, Caron I, Rossi F, Veglianese P. Modulators of microglia: a patent review. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2016; 26:427-37. [DOI: 10.1517/13543776.2016.1135901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Su W, Kang J, Sopher B, Gillespie J, Aloi MS, Odom GL, Hopkins S, Case A, Wang DB, Chamberlain JS, Garden GA. Recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vectors mediate efficient gene transduction in cultured neonatal and adult microglia. J Neurochem 2016; 136 Suppl 1:49-62. [PMID: 25708596 PMCID: PMC4547919 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Revised: 02/13/2015] [Accepted: 02/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Microglia are a specialized population of myeloid cells that mediate CNS innate immune responses. Efforts to identify the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate microglia behaviors have been hampered by the lack of effective tools for manipulating gene expression. Cultured microglia are refractory to most chemical and electrical transfection methods, yielding little or no gene delivery and causing toxicity and/or inflammatory activation. Recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAVs) vectors are non-enveloped, single-stranded DNA vectors commonly used to transduce many primary cell types and tissues. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility and efficiency of utilizing rAAV serotype 2 (rAAV2) to modulate gene expression in cultured microglia. rAAV2 yields high transduction and causes minimal toxicity or inflammatory response in both neonatal and adult microglia. To demonstrate that rAAV transduction can induce functional protein expression, we used rAAV2 expressing Cre recombinase to successfully excise a LoxP-flanked miR155 gene in cultured microglia. We further evaluated rAAV serotypes 5, 6, 8, and 9, and observed that all efficiently transduced cultured microglia to varying degrees of success and caused little or no alteration in inflammatory gene expression. These results provide strong encouragement for the application of rAAV-mediated gene expression in microglia for mechanistic and therapeutic purposes. Neonatal microglia are functionally distinct from adult microglia, although the majority of in vitro studies utilize rodent neonatal microglia cultures because of difficulties of culturing adult cells. In addition, cultured microglia are refractory to most methods for modifying gene expression. Here, we developed a novel protocol for culturing adult microglia and evaluated the feasibility and efficiency of utilizing Recombinant Adeno-Associated Virus (rAAV) to modulate gene expression in cultured microglia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Su
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - John Kang
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Bryce Sopher
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - James Gillespie
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Macarena S. Aloi
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Guy L. Odom
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Stephanie Hopkins
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Amanda Case
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - David B. Wang
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Gwenn A. Garden
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Center on Human Development and Disability
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New Developments in Murine Imaging for Assessing Photoreceptor Degeneration In Vivo. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2016; 854:269-75. [PMID: 26427421 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-17121-0_36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a powerful clinical tool that measures near infrared light backscattered from the eye and other tissues. OCT is used for assessing changes in retinal structure, including layer thicknesses, detachments and the presence of drusen in patient populations. Our custom-built OCT system for the mouse eye quantitatively images all layers of the neural retinal, the RPE, Bruchs' membrane and the choroid. Longitudinal assessment of the same retinal region reveals that the relative intensities of retinal layers are highly stable in healthy tissue, but show progressive increases in intensity in a model of retinal degeneration. The observed changes in OCT signal have been correlated with ultrastructural disruptions that were most dramatic in the inner segments and nuclei of the rods. These early changes in photoreceptor structure coincided with activation of retinal microglia, which migrated vertically from the inner to the outer retina to phagocytose photoreceptor cell bodies (Levine et al., Vis Res 102:71-79, 2014). We conclude that quantitative analysis of OCT light scattering signals may be a useful tool for early detection and subcellular localization of cell stress prior to cell death, and for assessing the progression of degenerative disease over time. Future efforts to develop sensitive approaches for monitoring microglial dynamics in vivo may likewise elucidate earlier signs of cellular stress during retinal degeneration.
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Abstract
This chapter outlines some general principles of transcriptional targeting approaches using viral vectors in the central nervous system. Transcriptional targeting is first discussed in the context of vector tropism and appropriate delivery. Then, some of our own attempts to restrict expression of therapeutic factors to distinct brain cell populations are discussed, followed by a detailed description of the setscrews that are available for these experiments. A critical discussion of current stumbling blocks and necessary developments to achieve clinical applicability of advanced targeted vector systems is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Kügler
- Department of Neurology, Center Nanoscale Microscopy and Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), University Medicine Göttingen, Waldweg 33, 37073, Göttingen, Germany.
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Mucopolysaccharidosis IIIB confers enhanced neonatal intracranial transduction by AAV8 but not by 5, 9 or rh10. Gene Ther 2015; 23:263-71. [PMID: 26674264 PMCID: PMC4777635 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2015.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Revised: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 11/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Sanfilippo syndrome type B (mucopolysaccharidosis IIIB, MPS IIIB) is a lysosomal storage disease resulting from deficiency of N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAGLU) activity. To determine the possible therapeutic utility of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) in early gene therapy-based interventions, we performed a comprehensive assessment of transduction and biodistribution profiles of four central nervous system (CNS) administered rAAV serotypes, -5, -8, -9 and -rh10. To simulate optimal earliest treatment of the disease, each rAAV serotype was injected into the CNS of neonatal MPS IIIB and control animals. We observed marked differences in biodistribution and transduction profiles between the serotypes and this differed in MPS IIIB compared with healthy control mice. Overall, in control mice, all serotypes performed comparably, although some differences were observed in certain focal areas. In MPS IIIB mice, AAV8 was more efficient than AAV5, -9 and -rh10 for gene delivery to most structures analyzed, including the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and thalamus. Noteworthy, the pattern of biodistribution within the CNS varied by serotype and genotype. Interestingly, AAV8 also produced the highest green fluorescent protein intensity levels compared with any other serotype and demonstrated improved transduction in NAGLU compared with control brains. Importantly, we also show leakage of AAV8, -9 and -rh10, but not AAV5, from CNS parenchyma to systemic organs. Overall, our data suggest that AAV8 represents the best therapeutic gene transfer vector for early intervention in MPS IIIB.
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Rey-Rico A, Venkatesan JK, Frisch J, Schmitt G, Monge-Marcet A, Lopez-Chicon P, Mata A, Semino C, Madry H, Cucchiarini M. Effective and durable genetic modification of human mesenchymal stem cells via controlled release of rAAV vectors from self-assembling peptide hydrogels with a maintained differentiation potency. Acta Biomater 2015; 18:118-27. [PMID: 25712390 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2015.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2014] [Revised: 02/09/2015] [Accepted: 02/13/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Controlling the release of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors from biocompatible materials is a novel, attractive approach to increase the residence time and effectiveness of a gene carrier at a defined target site. Self-assembling peptides have an ability to form stable hydrogels and encapsulate cells upon exposure to physiological pH and ionic strength. Here, we examined the capacity of the peptide hydrogel RAD16-I in a pure (RAD) form or combined with hyaluronic acid (RAD-HA) to release rAAV vectors as a means to genetically modify primary human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), a potent source of cells for regenerative medicine. Specifically, we demonstrate the ability of the systems to efficiently encapsulate and release rAAV vectors in a sustained, controlled manner for the effective transduction of hMSCs (up to 80%) without deleterious effects on cell viability (up to 100%) or on their potential for chondrogenic differentiation over time (up to 21days). The present study demonstrates that RAD16-I is an advantageous material with tunable properties to control the release of rAAV vectors as a promising tool to develop new, improved therapeutic approaches for tissue engineering in vivo.
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Cucchiarini M, Henrionnet C, Mainard D, Pinzano A, Madry H. New trends in articular cartilage repair. J Exp Orthop 2015; 2:8. [PMID: 26914876 PMCID: PMC4544617 DOI: 10.1186/s40634-015-0026-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2014] [Accepted: 03/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Damage to the articular cartilage is an important, prevalent, and unsolved clinical issue for the orthopaedic surgeon. This review summarizes innovative basic research approaches that may improve the current understanding of cartilage repair processes and lead to novel therapeutic options. In this regard, new aspects of cartilage tissue engineering with a focus on the choice of the best-suited cell source are presented. The importance of non-destructive cartilage imaging is highlighted with the recent availability of adapted experimental tools such as Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) imaging. Novel insights into cartilage pathophysiology based on the involvement of the infrapatellar fat pad in osteoarthritis are also described. Also, recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors are discussed as clinically adapted, efficient tools for potential gene-based medicines in a variety of articular cartilage disorders. Taken as a whole, such advances in basic research in diverse fields of articular cartilage repair may lead to the development of improved therapies in the clinics for an improved, effective treatment of cartilage lesions in a close future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magali Cucchiarini
- Center of Experimental Orthopaedics, Saarland University Medical Center and Saarland University, Bldg 37, Kirrbergerstr. 1, D-66421, Homburg, Germany. .,Cartilage Net of the Greater Region, Homburg, Germany.
| | - Christel Henrionnet
- Cartilage Net of the Greater Region, Homburg, Germany. .,Ingénierie Moléculaire et Physiopathologie Articulaire, Unité Mixte de Recherches 7365 Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Lorraine, F-54505, Vandoeuvre Lès Nancy, France.
| | - Didier Mainard
- Cartilage Net of the Greater Region, Homburg, Germany. .,Ingénierie Moléculaire et Physiopathologie Articulaire, Unité Mixte de Recherches 7365 Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Lorraine, F-54505, Vandoeuvre Lès Nancy, France.
| | - Astrid Pinzano
- Cartilage Net of the Greater Region, Homburg, Germany. .,Ingénierie Moléculaire et Physiopathologie Articulaire, Unité Mixte de Recherches 7365 Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Lorraine, F-54505, Vandoeuvre Lès Nancy, France.
| | - Henning Madry
- Center of Experimental Orthopaedics, Saarland University Medical Center and Saarland University, Bldg 37, Kirrbergerstr. 1, D-66421, Homburg, Germany. .,Cartilage Net of the Greater Region, Homburg, Germany. .,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Saarland University Medical Center and Saarland University, D-66421, Homburg/Saar, Germany.
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Smolny M, Rogers ML, Shafton A, Rush RA, Stebbing MJ. Development of non-viral vehicles for targeted gene transfer into microglia via the integrin receptor CD11b. Front Mol Neurosci 2014; 7:79. [PMID: 25346658 PMCID: PMC4191133 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2014.00079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2014] [Accepted: 09/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglial activation is a central event in neurodegeneration. Novel technologies are sought for that specifically manipulate microglial function in order to delineate their role in onset and progression of neuropathologies. We investigated for the first time whether non-viral gene delivery based on polyethyleneglycol-polyethyleneimine conjugated to the monoclonal anti-CD11b antibody OX42 ("OX42-immunogene") could be used to specifically target microglia. We first conducted immunofluorescence studies with the OX42 antibody and identified its microglial integrin receptor CD11b as a potential target for receptor-mediated gene transfer based on its cellular specificity in mixed glia culture and in vivo and found that the OX42 antibody is rapidly internalized and trafficked to acidic organelles in absence of activation of the respiratory burst. We then performed transfection experiments with the OX42-immunogene in vitro and in rat brain showing that the OX42-immunogene although internalized was degraded intracellularly and did not cause substantial gene expression in microglia. Investigation of specific barriers to microglial gene transfer revealed that aggregated OX42-immunogene polyplexes stimulated the respiratory burst that likely involved Fcγ-receptors. Transfections in the presence of the endosomolytic agent chloroquine improved transfection efficiency indicating that endosomal escape may be limited. This study identifies CD11b as an entry point for antibody-mediated gene transfer into microglia and takes important steps toward the further development of OX42-immunogenes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Smolny
- School of Medical Sciences and Health Innovations Research Institute, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology UniversityBundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Mary-Louise Rogers
- Department of Human Physiology, Centre for Neuroscience, Flinders UniversityAdelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Anthony Shafton
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of MelbourneParkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Robert A. Rush
- Department of Human Physiology, Centre for Neuroscience, Flinders UniversityAdelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Martin J. Stebbing
- School of Medical Sciences and Health Innovations Research Institute, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology UniversityBundoora, VIC, Australia
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Malmevik J, Rogers ML, Nilsson M, Nakanishi Y, Rush RA, Sims NR, Muyderman H. Selective transfection of microglia in the brain using an antibody-based non-viral vector. Brain Res 2014; 1586:12-22. [PMID: 25150592 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2014.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2014] [Accepted: 08/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
There are currently few approaches to transiently manipulate the expression of specific proteins in microglia of the brain. An antibody directed against an extracellular epitope of scavenger receptor class B, type I (SR-BI) was found to be selectively taken up by these cells in the brain. Other antibodies tested were not internalised by microglia. A vector was produced by linking the SR-BI antibody to polyethyleneimine and binding a DNA plasmid encoding green fluorescent protein. Infusions of this vector into the hippocampus produced a widespread transfection of cells, more than 80% of which were immunoreactive for microglial/macrophage markers. Transfection was not detected in cells expressing markers for astrocytes or neurons. Reporter gene expression was most prominent near the infusion site but was seen in tissue up to 4mm away. DNA bound to polyethyleneimine alone or to a vector containing a different antibody did not produce transfection in the brain. Single injections of the vector containing the SR-BI antibody into the brain also resulted in transfection of microglia, albeit with lower efficiency. Vector modifications to promote lysis of endosomes or entry of DNA into the nucleus did not increase efficiency. The findings clearly demonstrate the capacity of the SR-BI antibody to selectively target brain microglia. This approach offers considerable potential to deliver DNA and other molecules capable of modifying the function of these cells in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Malmevik
- Centre for Neuroscience, Flinders Medical Science and Technology, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide SA 5001, Australia
| | - M-L Rogers
- Centre for Neuroscience, Flinders Medical Science and Technology, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide SA 5001, Australia
| | - M Nilsson
- Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), University of Newcastle, Australia; Centre for Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Y Nakanishi
- Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192, Japan
| | - R A Rush
- Centre for Neuroscience, Flinders Medical Science and Technology, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide SA 5001, Australia
| | - N R Sims
- Centre for Neuroscience, Flinders Medical Science and Technology, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide SA 5001, Australia
| | - H Muyderman
- Centre for Neuroscience, Flinders Medical Science and Technology, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide SA 5001, Australia.
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Hu X, Liou AKF, Leak RK, Xu M, An C, Suenaga J, Shi Y, Gao Y, Zheng P, Chen J. Neurobiology of microglial action in CNS injuries: receptor-mediated signaling mechanisms and functional roles. Prog Neurobiol 2014; 119-120:60-84. [PMID: 24923657 PMCID: PMC4121732 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2014.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2014] [Revised: 05/31/2014] [Accepted: 06/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Microglia are the first line of immune defense against central nervous system (CNS) injuries and disorders. These highly plastic cells play dualistic roles in neuronal injury and recovery and are known for their ability to assume diverse phenotypes. A broad range of surface receptors are expressed on microglia and mediate microglial 'On' or 'Off' responses to signals from other host cells as well as invading microorganisms. The integrated actions of these receptors result in tightly regulated biological functions, including cell mobility, phagocytosis, the induction of acquired immunity, and trophic factor/inflammatory mediator release. Over the last few years, significant advances have been made toward deciphering the signaling mechanisms related to these receptors and their specific cellular functions. In this review, we describe the current state of knowledge of the surface receptors involved in microglial activation, with an emphasis on their engagement of distinct functional programs and their roles in CNS injuries. It will become evident from this review that microglial homeostasis is carefully maintained by multiple counterbalanced strategies, including, but not limited to, 'On' and 'Off' receptor signaling. Specific regulation of theses microglial receptors may be a promising therapeutic strategy against CNS injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoming Hu
- Center of Cerebrovascular Disease Research, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Institute of Brain Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Geriatric Research, Educational and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Health Care System, Pittsburgh, PA 15240, USA.
| | - Anthony K F Liou
- Center of Cerebrovascular Disease Research, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Rehana K Leak
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, USA
| | - Mingyue Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Institute of Brain Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chengrui An
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Institute of Brain Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Suenaga
- Center of Cerebrovascular Disease Research, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Yejie Shi
- Center of Cerebrovascular Disease Research, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Yanqin Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Institute of Brain Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Institute of Brain Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Chen
- Center of Cerebrovascular Disease Research, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Institute of Brain Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Geriatric Research, Educational and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Health Care System, Pittsburgh, PA 15240, USA.
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Yeo SH, Herbison AE. Estrogen-negative feedback and estrous cyclicity are critically dependent upon estrogen receptor-α expression in the arcuate nucleus of adult female mice. Endocrinology 2014; 155:2986-95. [PMID: 24905671 DOI: 10.1210/en.2014-1128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The location and characteristics of cells within the brain that suppress GnRH neuron activity to contribute to the estrogen-negative feedback mechanism are poorly understood. Using adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated Cre-LoxP recombination in estrogen receptor-α (ERα) floxed mice (ERα(flox/flox)), we aimed to examine the role of ERα-expressing neurons located in the arcuate nucleus (ARN) in the estrogen-negative feedback mechanism. Bilateral injection of AAV-Cre into the ARN of ERα(flox/flox) mice (n = 14) resulted in the time-dependent ablation of up to 99% of ERα-immunoreactive cell numbers throughout the rostrocaudal length of the ARN. These mice were all acyclic by 5 weeks after AAV-Cre injections with most mice in constant estrous. Control wild-type mice injected with AAV-Cre (n = 13) were normal. Body weight was not altered in ERα(flox/flox) mice. After ovariectomy, a significant increment in LH secretion was observed in all genotypes, although its magnitude was reduced in ERα(flox/flox) mice. Acute and chronic estrogen-negative feedback were assessed by administering 17β-estradiol to mice as a bolus (LH measured 3 h later) or SILASTIC brand capsule implant (LH measured 5 d later). This demonstrated that chronic estrogen feedback was absent in ERα(flox/flox) mice, whereas the acute feedback was normal. These results reveal a critical role for ERα-expressing cells within the ARN in both estrous cyclicity and the chronic estrogen negative feedback mechanism in female mice. This suggests that ARN cells provide a key indirect, transsynpatic route through which estradiol suppresses the activity of GnRH neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shel-Hwa Yeo
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Physiology, University of Otago School of Medical Sciences, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
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44
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Matus S, Valenzuela V, Hetz C. A new method to measure autophagy flux in the nervous system. Autophagy 2014; 10:710-4. [PMID: 24717689 DOI: 10.4161/auto.28434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A current need in the neuroscience field is a simple method to monitor autophagic activity in vivo in neurons. Until very recently, most reports have been based on correlative and static determinations of the expression levels of autophagy markers in the brain, generating conflicting interpretations. Autophagy is a fundamental process mediating the degradation of diverse cellular components, including organelles and protein aggregates at basal levels, whereas alterations in the process (i.e., autophagy impairment) operate as a pathological mechanism driving neurodegeneration in most prevalent diseases. We have recently described a new simple method to deliver and express an autophagy flux reporter through the peripheral and central nervous system of mice by the intracerebroventricular delivery of adeno-associated viruses (AAV) into newborn mice. We obtained a wide expression of a monomeric tandem mCherry-GFP-LC3 construct in neurons through the nervous system and demonstrated efficient and accurate measurements of LC3 flux after pharmacological stimulation of the pathway or in disease settings of axonal damage. Here we discuss the possible applications of this new method to assess autophagy activity in neurons in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soledad Matus
- Neurounion Biomedical Foundation; Santiago, Chile; Biomedical Neuroscience Institute; Faculty of Medicine; University of Chile; Santiago, Chile
| | - Vicente Valenzuela
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute; Faculty of Medicine; University of Chile; Santiago, Chile; Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology; Institute of Biomedical Sciences; University of Chile; Santiago, Chile; Center for Molecular Studies of the Cell; Faculty of Medicine; University of Chile; Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudio Hetz
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute; Faculty of Medicine; University of Chile; Santiago, Chile; Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology; Institute of Biomedical Sciences; University of Chile; Santiago, Chile; Center for Molecular Studies of the Cell; Faculty of Medicine; University of Chile; Santiago, Chile; Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases; Harvard School of Public Health; Boston, MA USA
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Kantor B, Bailey RM, Wimberly K, Kalburgi SN, Gray SJ. Methods for gene transfer to the central nervous system. ADVANCES IN GENETICS 2014; 87:125-97. [PMID: 25311922 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-800149-3.00003-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Gene transfer is an increasingly utilized approach for research and clinical applications involving the central nervous system (CNS). Vectors for gene transfer can be as simple as an unmodified plasmid, but more commonly involve complex modifications to viruses to make them suitable gene delivery vehicles. This chapter will explain how tools for CNS gene transfer have been derived from naturally occurring viruses. The current capabilities of plasmid, retroviral, adeno-associated virus, adenovirus, and herpes simplex virus vectors for CNS gene delivery will be described. These include both focal and global CNS gene transfer strategies, with short- or long-term gene expression. As is described in this chapter, an important aspect of any vector is the cis-acting regulatory elements incorporated into the vector genome that control when, where, and how the transgene is expressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Kantor
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Rachel M Bailey
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Keon Wimberly
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sahana N Kalburgi
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Steven J Gray
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Chakrabarty P, Rosario A, Cruz P, Siemienski Z, Ceballos-Diaz C, Crosby K, Jansen K, Borchelt DR, Kim JY, Jankowsky JL, Golde TE, Levites Y. Capsid serotype and timing of injection determines AAV transduction in the neonatal mice brain. PLoS One 2013; 8:e67680. [PMID: 23825679 PMCID: PMC3692458 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0067680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2013] [Accepted: 05/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) mediated gene expression is a powerful tool for gene therapy and preclinical studies. A comprehensive analysis of CNS cell type tropism, expression levels and biodistribution of different capsid serotypes has not yet been undertaken in neonatal rodents. Our previous studies show that intracerebroventricular injection with AAV2/1 on neonatal day P0 results in widespread CNS expression but the biodistribution is limited if injected beyond neonatal day P1. To extend these observations we explored the effect of timing of injection on tropism and biodistribution of six commonly used pseudotyped AAVs delivered in the cerebral ventricles of neonatal mice. We demonstrate that AAV2/8 and 2/9 resulted in the most widespread biodistribution in the brain. Most serotypes showed varying biodistribution depending on the day of injection. Injection on neonatal day P0 resulted in mostly neuronal transduction, whereas administration in later periods of development (24–84 hours postnatal) resulted in more non-neuronal transduction. AAV2/5 showed widespread transduction of astrocytes irrespective of the time of injection. None of the serotypes tested showed any microglial transduction. This study demonstrates that both capsid serotype and timing of injection influence the regional and cell-type distribution of AAV in neonatal rodents, and emphasizes the utility of pseudotyped AAV vectors for translational gene therapy paradigms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paramita Chakrabarty
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease and Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Awilda Rosario
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease and Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Pedro Cruz
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease and Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Zoe Siemienski
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease and Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Carolina Ceballos-Diaz
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease and Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Keith Crosby
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease and Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Karen Jansen
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, United States of America
| | - David R. Borchelt
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease and Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Ji-Yoen Kim
- Department of Neuroscience, Huffington Center on Aging, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Joanna L. Jankowsky
- Department of Neuroscience, Huffington Center on Aging, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Todd E. Golde
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease and Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Yona Levites
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease and Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Zolotukhin I, Luo D, Gorbatyuk O, Hoffman B, Warrington K, Herzog R, Harrison J, Cao O. Improved Adeno-associated Viral Gene Transfer to Murine Glioma. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 4. [PMID: 24319629 DOI: 10.4172/2157-7412.1000133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a deadly primary brain tumor. Current treatment, consisting of surgical removal of the tumor mass followed by chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, does not significantly prolong survival. Gene therapies for GBM are being developed in clinical trials, for example using adenoviral vectors. While adeno-associated virus (AAV) represents an alternative vector system, limited gene transfer to glioma cells has hampered its use. Here, we evaluated newly emerged variants of AAV capsid for gene delivery to murine glioma. We tested a mutant AAV2 capsid devoid of 3 surface-exposed tyrosine residues, AAV2 (Y444-500-730F), and a "shuffed" capsid (ShH19, containing sequences from several serotypes) that had previously been selected for enhanced glial gene delivery. AAV2 (Y-F) and ShH19 showed improved transduction of murine glioma GL261 cells in vitro by 2- to 6-fold, respectively, over AAV2. While AAV2 gene transfer to GL261 cells in established tumors in brains of syngeneic mice was undetectable, intratumoral injection of AAV2 (Y-F) or ShH19 resulted in local transduction of approximately 10% of tumor cells. In addition, gene transfer to neurons adjacent to the tumor was observed, while microglia were rarely transduced. Use of self-complementary vectors further increased transduction of glioma cells. Together, the data demonstrate the potential for improved AAV-based gene therapy for glioma using recently developed capsid variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Zolotukhin
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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48
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Weimer A, Madry H, Venkatesan JK, Schmitt G, Frisch J, Wezel A, Jung J, Kohn D, Terwilliger EF, Trippel SB, Cucchiarini M. Benefits of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV)-mediated insulinlike growth factor I (IGF-I) overexpression for the long-term reconstruction of human osteoarthritic cartilage by modulation of the IGF-I axis. Mol Med 2012; 18:346-58. [PMID: 22160392 DOI: 10.2119/molmed.2011.00371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2011] [Accepted: 12/08/2011] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Administration of therapeutic genes to human osteoarthritic (OA) cartilage is a potential approach to generate effective, durable treatments against this slow, progressive disorder. Here, we tested the ability of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV)-mediated overexpression of human insulinlike growth factor (hIGF)-I to reproduce an original surface in human OA cartilage in light of the pleiotropic activities of the factor. We examined the proliferative, survival and anabolic effects of the rAAV-hIGF-I treatment in primary human normal and OA chondrocytes in vitro and in explant cultures in situ compared with control (reporter) vector delivery. Efficient, prolonged IGF-I secretion via rAAV stimulated the biological activities of OA chondrocytes in all the systems evaluated over extended periods of time, especially in situ, where it allowed for the long-term reconstruction of OA cartilage (at least for 90 d). Remarkably, production of high, stable amounts of IGF-I in OA cartilage using rAAV advantageously modulated the expression of central effectors of the IGF-I axis by downregulating IGF-I inhibitors (IGF binding protein [IGFBP]-3 and IGFBP4) while up-regulating key potentiators (IGFBP5, the IGF-I receptor and downstream mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 [MAPK/ERK-1/2] and phosphatidylinisitol-3/Akt [PI3K/Akt] signal transduction pathways), probably explaining the enhanced responsiveness of OA cartilage to IGF-I treatment. These findings show the benefits of directly providing an IGF-I sequence to articular cartilage via rAAV for the future treatment of human osteoarthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Weimer
- Center of Experimental Orthopaedics, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg/Saar, Germany
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rAAV Vectors as Safe and Efficient Tools for the Stable Delivery of Genes to Primary Human Chondrosarcoma Cells In Vitro and In Situ. Sarcoma 2012; 2012:347417. [PMID: 22645415 PMCID: PMC3356986 DOI: 10.1155/2012/347417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2011] [Revised: 02/17/2012] [Accepted: 02/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment of chondrosarcoma remains a major challenge in orthopaedic oncology. Gene transfer strategies based on recombinant adenoassociated viral (rAAV) vectors may provide powerful tools to develop new, efficient therapeutic options against these tumors. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that rAAV is adapted for a stable and safe delivery of foreign sequences in human chondrosarcoma tissue by transducing primary human chondrosarcoma cells in vitro and in situ with different reporter genes (E. coli lacZ, firefly luc, Discosoma sp. RFP). The effects of rAAV administration upon cell survival and metabolic activities were also evaluated to monitor possibly detrimental effects of the gene transfer method. Remarkably, we provide evidence that efficient and prolonged expression of transgene sequences via rAAV can be safely achieved in all the systems investigated, demonstrating the potential of the approach of direct application of therapeutic gene vectors as a means to treat chondrosarcoma.
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Pfrieger FW, Slezak M. Genetic approaches to study glial cells in the rodent brain. Glia 2011; 60:681-701. [PMID: 22162024 DOI: 10.1002/glia.22283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2011] [Accepted: 11/18/2011] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The development, function, and pathology of the brain depend on interactions of neurons and different types of glial cells, namely astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia, and ependymal cells. Understanding neuron-glia interactions in vivo requires dedicated experimental approaches to manipulate each cell type independently. In this review, we first summarize techniques that allow for cell-specific gene modification including targeted mutagenesis and viral transduction. In the second part, we describe the genetic models that allow to target the main glial cell types in the central nervous system. The existing arsenal of approaches to study glial cells in vivo and its expansion in the future are key to understand neuron-glia interactions under normal and pathologic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank W Pfrieger
- CNRS UPR 3212, University of Strasbourg, Institute of Cellular and Integrative Neurosciences (INCI), 67084 Strasbourg, France.
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