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Cell-Based and Gene-Based Therapy Approaches in Neuro-orthopedic Disorders: a Literature Review. REGENERATIVE ENGINEERING AND TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40883-022-00284-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Han RC, MacLaren RE. RNA gene editing in the eye and beyond: The neglected tool of the gene editing armatorium? INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 372:175-205. [PMID: 36064264 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2022.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
RNA editing allows correction of pathological point mutations without permanently altering genomic DNA. Theoretically targetable to any RNA type and site, its flexibility and reversibility makes it a potentially powerful gene editing tool. RNA editing offers a host of potential advantages in specific niches when compared to currently available alternative gene manipulation techniques. Unlike DNA editors, which are currently too large to be delivered in vivo using a viral vector, smaller RNA editors fit easily within the capabilities of an adeno-associated virus (AAV). Unlike gene augmentation, which is limited by gene size and viral packaging constraints, RNA editing may correct transcripts too long to fit within a viral vector. In this article we examine the development of RNA editing and discuss potential applications and pitfalls. We argue that, although in its infancy, an RNA editing approach can offer unique advantages for selected retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruofan Connie Han
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom.
| | - Robert E MacLaren
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom; Oxford Eye Hospital, John Radcliffe, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Korneyenkov MA, Zamyatnin AA. Next Step in Gene Delivery: Modern Approaches and Further Perspectives of AAV Tropism Modification. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13050750. [PMID: 34069541 PMCID: PMC8160765 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13050750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Today, adeno-associated virus (AAV) is an extremely popular choice for gene therapy delivery. The safety profile and simplicity of the genome organization are the decisive advantages which allow us to claim that AAV is currently among the most promising vectors. Several drugs based on AAV have been approved in the USA and Europe, but AAV serotypes’ unspecific tissue tropism is still a serious limitation. In recent decades, several techniques have been developed to overcome this barrier, such as the rational design, directed evolution and chemical conjugation of targeting molecules with a capsid. Today, all of the abovementioned approaches confer the possibility to produce AAV capsids with tailored tropism, but recent data indicate that a better understanding of AAV biology and the growth of structural data may theoretically constitute a rational approach to most effectively produce highly selective and targeted AAV capsids. However, while we are still far from this goal, other approaches are still in play, despite their drawbacks and limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxim A. Korneyenkov
- Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Andrey A. Zamyatnin
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Biotechnology, Sirius University of Science and Technology, 1 Olympic Ave, 354340 Sochi, Russia
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119992 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-495-622-9843
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Fernández-Eulate G, Leturcq F, Laforêt P, Richard I, Stojkovic T. [Sarcoglycanopathies: state of the art and therapeutic perspectives]. Med Sci (Paris) 2021; 36 Hors série n° 2:22-27. [PMID: 33427632 DOI: 10.1051/medsci/2020243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Sarcoglycanopathies are the third most common cause of autosomal recessive limb girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMD). They are the result of a deficiency in one of the sarcoglycans a, b, g, or d. The usual clinical presentation is that of a symmetrical involvement of the muscles of the pelvic and scapular girdles as well as of the trunk, associated with more or less severe cardio-respiratory impairment and a marked increase of serum CK levels. The first symptoms appear during the first decade, the loss of ambulation occurring often during the second decade. Lesions observed on the muscle biopsy are dystrophic. This is associated with a decrease or an absence of immunostaining of the sarcoglycan corresponding to the mutated gene and, to a lesser degree, of the other three sarcoglycans. Many mutations have been reported in the four incriminated genes and some of them are prevalent in certain populations. To date, there is no curative treatment, which does not prevent the development of many clinical trials, especially in gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gorka Fernández-Eulate
- Centre de Référence des maladies neuromusculaires Nord/Est/Île-de-France, APHP, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - France Leturcq
- Laboratoire de biochimie génétique. APHP, Hôpital Cochin, Paris, France
| | - Pascal Laforêt
- Centre de Référence des maladies neuromusculaires Nord/Est/Île-de-France. APHP, CHU Raymond Poincaré, Garches. Université Paris-Saclay, France
| | - Isabelle Richard
- Généthon, 91000, Évry, France - Université Paris-Saclay, Université d'Evry, Inserm, Généthon, unité de recherche Integrare UMR_S951, 91000, Évry, France
| | - Tanya Stojkovic
- Centre de Référence des maladies neuromusculaires Nord/Est/Île-de-France, APHP, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
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Keeler AM, Flotte TR. Recombinant Adeno-Associated Virus Gene Therapy in Light of Luxturna (and Zolgensma and Glybera): Where Are We, and How Did We Get Here? Annu Rev Virol 2019; 6:601-621. [PMID: 31283441 PMCID: PMC7123914 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-virology-092818-015530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 195] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The recent market approvals of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) gene therapies in Europe and the United States are landmark achievements in the history of modern science. These approvals are also anticipated to herald the emergence of a new class of therapies for monogenic disorders, which had hitherto been considered untreatable. These events can be viewed as stemming from the convergence of several important historical trends: the study of basic virology, the development of genomic technologies, the imperative for translational impact of National Institutes of Health-funded research, and the development of economic models for commercialization of rare disease therapies. In this review, these historical trends are described and the key developments that have enabled clinical rAAV gene therapies are discussed, along with an overview of the current state of the field and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison M Keeler
- Horae Gene Therapy Center and Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01655, USA;
| | - Terence R Flotte
- Horae Gene Therapy Center and Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01655, USA;
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Gazzerro E, Baratto S, Assereto S, Baldassari S, Panicucci C, Raffaghello L, Scudieri P, De Battista D, Fiorillo C, Volpi S, Chaabane L, Malnati M, Messina G, Bruzzone S, Traggiai E, Grassi F, Minetti C, Bruno C. The Danger Signal Extracellular ATP Is Involved in the Immunomediated Damage of α-Sarcoglycan-Deficient Muscular Dystrophy. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2018; 189:354-369. [PMID: 30448410 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2018.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Revised: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In muscular dystrophies, muscle membrane fragility results in a tissue-specific increase of danger-associated molecular pattern molecules (DAMPs) and infiltration of inflammatory cells. The DAMP extracellular ATP (eATP) released by dying myofibers steadily activates muscle and immune purinergic receptors exerting dual negative effects: a direct damage linked to altered intracellular calcium homeostasis in muscle cells and an indirect toxicity through the triggering of the immune response and inhibition of regulatory T cells. Accordingly, pharmacologic and genetic inhibition of eATP signaling improves the phenotype in models of chronic inflammatory diseases. In α-sarcoglycanopathy, eATP effects may be further amplified because α-sarcoglycan extracellular domain binds eATP and displays an ecto-ATPase activity, thus controlling eATP concentration at the cell surface and attenuating the magnitude and/or the duration of eATP-induced signals. Herein, we show that in vivo blockade of the eATP/P2X purinergic pathway by a broad-spectrum P2X receptor-antagonist delayed the progression of the dystrophic phenotype in α-sarcoglycan-null mice. eATP blockade dampened the muscular inflammatory response and enhanced the recruitment of forkhead box protein P3-positive immunosuppressive regulatory CD4+ T cells. The improvement of the inflammatory features was associated with increased strength, reduced necrosis, and limited expression of profibrotic factors, suggesting that pharmacologic purinergic antagonism, altering the innate and adaptive immune component in muscle infiltrates, might provide a therapeutic approach to slow disease progression in α-sarcoglycanopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Gazzerro
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscle Disease Unit, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy; Charité Universität-Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Serena Baratto
- Center of Translational and Experimental Myology, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Stefania Assereto
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscle Disease Unit, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Simona Baldassari
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscle Disease Unit, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Chiara Panicucci
- Center of Translational and Experimental Myology, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Lizzia Raffaghello
- Center of Translational and Experimental Myology, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy; Stem Cell Laboratory and Cell Therapy Center, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Paolo Scudieri
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Napoli, Italy
| | - Davide De Battista
- Unit of Human Virology, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Disease, Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
| | - Chiara Fiorillo
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscle Disease Unit, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Stefano Volpi
- Pediatria II Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Linda Chaabane
- Unit of Human Virology, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Disease, Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
| | - Mauro Malnati
- Unit of Human Virology, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Disease, Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Santina Bruzzone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | | | - Fabio Grassi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Bellinzona, Switzerland; Istituto Nazionale Genetica Molecolare "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Milan, Italy
| | - Carlo Minetti
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscle Disease Unit, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Claudio Bruno
- Center of Translational and Experimental Myology, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy.
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Bera A, Sen D. Promise of adeno-associated virus as a gene therapy vector for cardiovascular diseases. Heart Fail Rev 2017; 22:795-823. [DOI: 10.1007/s10741-017-9622-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Sun F, Li X, Duan WQ, Tian W, Gao M, Yang J, Wu XY, Huang D, Xia W, Han YN, Wang JX, Liu YX, Dong CJ, Zhao D, Ban T, Chu WF. Transforming Growth Factor-β Receptor III is a Potential Regulator of Ischemia-Induced Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis. J Am Heart Assoc 2017; 6:JAHA.116.005357. [PMID: 28559372 PMCID: PMC5669164 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.116.005357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Myocardial infarction (MI) is often accompanied by cardiomyocyte apoptosis, which decreases heart function and leads to an increased risk of heart failure. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of transforming growth factor‐β receptor III (TGFβR3) on cardiomyocyte apoptosis during MI. Methods and Results An MI mouse model was established by left anterior descending coronary artery ligation. Cell viability, apoptosis, TGFβR3, and mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling were assessed by methylthiazolyldiphenyl‐tetrazolium bromide assay, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick end labeling assay, immunofluorescence, electron microscopy, and Western blotting. Our results demonstrated that TGFβR3 expression in the border region of the heart was dynamically changed during MI. After stimulation with H2O2, TGFβR3 overexpression in cardiomyocytes led to increased cell apoptosis and activation of p38 signaling, whereas TGFβR3 knockdown had the opposite effect. ERK1/2 and JNK1/2 signaling was not altered by TGFβR3 modulation, and p38 inhibitor (SB203580) reduced the effect of TGFβR3 on apoptosis, suggesting that p38 has a nonredundant function in activating apoptosis. Consistent with the in vitro observations, cardiac TGFβR3 transgenic mice showed augmented cardiomyocyte apoptosis, enlarged infarct size, increased injury, and enhanced p38 signaling upon MI. Conversely, cardiac loss of function of TGFβR3 by adeno‐associated viral vector serotype 9–TGFβR3 short hairpin RNA attenuated the effects of MI in mice. Conclusions TGFβR3 promotes apoptosis of cardiomyocytes via a p38 pathway–associated mechanism, and loss of TGFβR3 reduces MI injury, which suggests that TGFβR3 may serve as a novel therapeutic target for MI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Sun
- Department of Pharmacology (the State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Pharmacology (the State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Wen-Qi Duan
- Department of Pharmacology (the State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Wei Tian
- Department of Pharmacology (the State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Ming Gao
- Department of Pharmacology (the State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jia Yang
- Department of Pharmacology (the State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xia-Yang Wu
- Department of Pharmacology (the State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Di Huang
- Department of Pharmacology (the State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Wei Xia
- Department of Pharmacology (the State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yan-Na Han
- Department of Pharmacology (the State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jia-Xin Wang
- Department of Pharmacology (the State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yan-Xin Liu
- Department of Pharmacology (the State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Chang-Jiang Dong
- Department of Pharmacology (the State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Dan Zhao
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy (Key Laboratories of Education Ministry for Myocardial Ischemia Mechanism and Treatment), The 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Tao Ban
- Department of Pharmacology (the State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Wen-Feng Chu
- Department of Pharmacology (the State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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Marsolier J, Laforet P, Pegoraro E, Vissing J, Richard I. 1st International Workshop on Clinical trial readiness for sarcoglycanopathies 15-16 November 2016, Evry, France. Neuromuscul Disord 2017; 27:683-692. [PMID: 28521973 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2017.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Justine Marsolier
- Généthon, INSERM, U951, INTEGRARE Research Unit, Evry F-91002, France
| | | | | | - John Vissing
- Copenhagen Neuromuscular Center, Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Isabelle Richard
- Généthon, INSERM, U951, INTEGRARE Research Unit, Evry F-91002, France.
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Yue Y, Binalsheikh IM, Leach SB, Domeier TL, Duan D. Prospect of gene therapy for cardiomyopathy in hereditary muscular dystrophy. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2015; 4:169-183. [PMID: 27340611 DOI: 10.1517/21678707.2016.1124039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cardiac involvement is a common feature in muscular dystrophies. It presents as heart failure and/or arrhythmia. Traditionally, dystrophic cardiomyopathy is treated with symptom-relieving medications. Identification of disease-causing genes and investigation on pathogenic mechanisms have opened new opportunities to treat dystrophic cardiomyopathy with gene therapy. Replacing/repairing the mutated gene and/or targeting the pathogenic process/mechanisms using alternative genes may attenuate heart disease in muscular dystrophies. AREAS COVERED Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the most common muscular dystrophy. Duchenne cardiomyopathy has been the primary focus of ongoing dystrophic cardiomyopathy gene therapy studies. Here, we use Duchenne cardiomyopathy gene therapy to showcase recent developments and to outline the path forward. We also discuss gene therapy status for cardiomyopathy associated with limb-girdle and congenital muscular dystrophies, and myotonic dystrophy. EXPERT OPINION Gene therapy for dystrophic cardiomyopathy has taken a slow but steady path forward. Preclinical studies over the last decades have addressed many fundamental questions. Adeno-associated virus-mediated gene therapy has significantly improved the outcomes in rodent models of Duchenne and limb girdle muscular dystrophies. Validation of these encouraging results in large animal models will pave the way to future human trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongping Yue
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri
| | | | - Stacey B Leach
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri
| | - Timothy L Domeier
- Department of Medical Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri
| | - Dongsheng Duan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri; Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri
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Forte TM, Sharma V, Ryan RO. Apolipoprotein A-V gene therapy for disease prevention / treatment: a critical analysis. J Biomed Res 2015; 30:88-93. [PMID: 26679785 PMCID: PMC4820885 DOI: 10.7555/jbr.30.20150059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2015] [Revised: 06/06/2015] [Accepted: 09/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Apolipoprotein (apo) A-V is a novel member of the class of exchangeable apo's involved in triacylglycerol (TG) homeostasis. Whereas a portion of hepatic-derived apoA-V is secreted into plasma and functions to facilitate lipoprotein lipase-mediated TG hydrolysis, another portion is recovered intracellularly, in association with cytosolic lipid droplets. Loss of apoA-V function is positively correlated with elevated plasma TG and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the APOA5 locus can affect transcription efficiency or introduce deleterious amino acid substitutions. Likewise, rare mutations in APOA5 that compromise functionality are associated with increased plasma TG and premature myocardial infarction. Genetically engineered mouse models and human population studies suggest that, in certain instances, supplementation with wild type (WT) apoA-V may have therapeutic benefit. It is hypothesized that individuals that manifest elevated plasma TG owing to deleterious APOA5 SNPs or rare mutations would respond to WT apoA-V supplementation with improved plasma TG clearance. On the other hand, subjects with hypertriglyceridemia of independent origin (unrelated to apoA-V function) may not respond to apoA-V augmentation in this manner. Improvement in the ability to identify individuals predicted to benefit, advances in gene transfer technology and the strong connection between HTG and heart disease, point to apoA-V supplementation as a viable disease prevention / therapeutic strategy. Candidates would include individuals that manifest chronic TG elevation, have low plasma apoA-V due to an APOA5 mutation/polymorphism and not have deleterious mutations/polymorphisms in other genes known to influence plasma TG levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trudy M Forte
- Center for Prevention of Obesity, Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease, Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, CA 94609, USA
| | - Vineeta Sharma
- Center for Prevention of Obesity, Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease, Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, CA 94609, USA
| | - Robert O Ryan
- Center for Prevention of Obesity, Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease, Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, CA 94609, USA;
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Doorschodt B, Teubner A, Kobayashi E, Tolba R. Promising future for the transgenic rat in transplantation research. Transplant Rev (Orlando) 2014; 28:155-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trre.2014.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2014] [Revised: 04/02/2014] [Accepted: 05/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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Bouyon S, Roussel V, Fromes Y. SERCA2a gene therapy can improve symptomatic heart failure in δ-sarcoglycan-deficient animals. Hum Gene Ther 2014; 25:694-704. [PMID: 24645914 PMCID: PMC4137356 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2013.132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2013] [Accepted: 03/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The loss of dystrophin or its associated proteins results in the development of muscle wasting frequently associated with cardiomyopathy. Contractile cardiac tissue is injured and replaced by fibrous tissue or fatty infiltrates, leading to a progressive decrease of the contractile force and finally to end-stage heart failure. At the time symptoms appear, restoration of a functional allele of the causative gene might not be sufficient to prevent disease progression. Alterations in Ca(2+) transport and intracellular calcium levels have been implicated in many types of pathological processes, especially in heart disease. On the basis of a gene transfer strategy, we analyzed the therapeutic efficacy of primary gene correction in a δ-sarcoglycan (δ-SG)-deficient animal model versus gene transfer of the Ca(2+) pump hSERCA2a (human sarco-endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase 2a), at a symptomatic stage of heart disease. Our results strongly suggest that restoration of δ-SG at this stage of disease will not lead to improved clinical outcome. However, restoration of proper Ca(2+) handling by means of amplifying SERCA2a expression in the myocardium can lead to functional improvement. Abnormalities in Ca(2+) handling play an important role in disease progression toward heart failure, and increased SERCA2a levels appear to significantly improve cardiac contraction and relaxation. Beneficial effects persist at least over a period of 6 months, and the evolution of cardiac functional parameters paralleled those of normal controls. Furthermore, we demonstrate that a plasmid formulation based on amphiphilic block copolymers can provide a safe and efficient platform for myocardial gene therapies. The use of synthetic formulations for myocardial gene transfer might thus overcome one of the major hurdles linked to viral vectors, that is, repeat administrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Bouyon
- UPMC um76, INSERM u974, CNRS umr7215, Institut de Myologie, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Véronique Roussel
- UPMC um76, INSERM u974, CNRS umr7215, Institut de Myologie, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Yves Fromes
- UPMC um76, INSERM u974, CNRS umr7215, Institut de Myologie, 75013 Paris, France
- ONIRIS, Centre de Boisbonne, 44307 Nantes, France
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14
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Wang D, Zhong L, Nahid MA, Gao G. The potential of adeno-associated viral vectors for gene delivery to muscle tissue. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2014; 11:345-364. [PMID: 24386892 PMCID: PMC4098646 DOI: 10.1517/17425247.2014.871258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Muscle-directed gene therapy is rapidly gaining attention primarily because muscle is an easily accessible target tissue and is also associated with various severe genetic disorders. Localized and systemic delivery of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors of several serotypes results in very efficient transduction of skeletal and cardiac muscles, which has been achieved in both small and large animals, as well as in humans. Muscle is the target tissue in gene therapy for many muscular dystrophy diseases, and may also be exploited as a biofactory to produce secretory factors for systemic disorders. Current limitations of using rAAVs for muscle gene transfer include vector size restriction, potential safety concerns such as off-target toxicity and the immunological barrier composing of pre-existing neutralizing antibodies and CD8(+) T-cell response against AAV capsid in humans. AREAS COVERED In this article, we will discuss basic AAV vector biology and its application in muscle-directed gene delivery, as well as potential strategies to overcome the aforementioned limitations of rAAV for further clinical application. EXPERT OPINION Delivering therapeutic genes to large muscle mass in humans is arguably the most urgent unmet demand in treating diseases affecting muscle tissues throughout the whole body. Muscle-directed, rAAV-mediated gene transfer for expressing antibodies is a promising strategy to combat deadly infectious diseases. Developing strategies to circumvent the immune response following rAAV administration in humans will facilitate clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wang
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Gene Therapy Center, 368 Plantation Street, AS6-2049, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Department of Microbiology and Physiology Systems, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Li Zhong
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Gene Therapy Center, 368 Plantation Street, AS6-2049, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - M Abu Nahid
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Gene Therapy Center, 368 Plantation Street, AS6-2049, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Department of Microbiology and Physiology Systems, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Guangping Gao
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Gene Therapy Center, 368 Plantation Street, AS6-2049, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Department of Microbiology and Physiology Systems, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Sichuan University, West China Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
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15
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Asokan A, Samulski RJ. An emerging adeno-associated viral vector pipeline for cardiac gene therapy. Hum Gene Ther 2013; 24:906-13. [PMID: 24164238 PMCID: PMC3815036 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2013.2515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The naturally occurring adeno-associated virus (AAV) isolates display diverse tissue tropisms in different hosts. Robust cardiac transduction in particular has been reported for certain AAV strains. Successful applications of these AAV strains in preclinical and clinical settings with a focus on treating cardiovascular disease continue to be reported. At the same time, these studies have highlighted challenges such as cross-species variability in AAV tropism, transduction efficiency, and immunity. Continued progress in our understanding of AAV capsid structure and biology has provided the rationale for designing improved vectors that can possibly address these concerns. The current report provides an overview of cardiotropic AAV, existing gaps in our knowledge, and newly engineered AAV strains that are viable candidates for the cardiac gene therapy clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aravind Asokan
- Gene Therapy Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
- Department of Genetics, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
| | - R. Jude Samulski
- Gene Therapy Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
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16
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Boink GJJ, Nearing BD, Shlapakova IN, Duan L, Kryukova Y, Bobkov Y, Tan HL, Cohen IS, Danilo P, Robinson RB, Verrier RL, Rosen MR. Ca(2+)-stimulated adenylyl cyclase AC1 generates efficient biological pacing as single gene therapy and in combination with HCN2. Circulation 2012; 126:528-36. [PMID: 22753192 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.111.083584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biological pacing performed solely via HCN2 gene transfer in vivo results in relatively slow idioventricular rates and only moderate autonomic responsiveness. We induced biological pacing using the Ca(2+)-stimulated adenylyl cyclase AC1 gene expressed alone or in combination with HCN2 and compared outcomes with those with single-gene HCN2 transfer. METHODS AND RESULTS We implanted adenoviral HCN2, AC1, or HCN2/AC1 constructs into the left bundle branches of atrioventricular-blocked dogs. During steady-state gene expression (days 5-7), differences between AC1, HCN2/AC1, and HCN2 alone were evident in basal beating rate, escape time, and dependence on electronic backup pacing. In HCN2, AC1, and HCN2/AC1, these parameters were as follows: basal beating rate: 50±1.5, 60±5.0, and 129±28.9 bpm (P<0.05 for HCN2/AC1 versus HCN2 or AC1 alone), respectively; escape time: 2.4±0.2, 1.3±0.2, and 1.1±.0.4 seconds (P<0.05 for AC1 and HCN2/AC1 versus HCN2); and percent electronic beats: 34±8%, 2±1%, and 6±2% (P<0.05 for AC1 and HCN2/AC1 versus HCN2). Instantaneous (SD1) and long-term (SD2) heart rate variability and circadian rhythm analyzed via 24-hour Holter recordings showed a shift toward greater sensitivity to parasympathetic modulation in animals injected with AC1 and a high degree of sympathetic modulation in animals injected with HCN2/AC1. CONCLUSION AC1 or HCN2/AC1 overexpression in left bundle branches provides highly efficient biological pacing and greater sensitivity to autonomic modulation than HCN2 alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard J J Boink
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Molecular Therapeutics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
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17
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Abstract
The heart is frequently afflicted in muscular dystrophy. In severe cases, cardiac lesion may directly result in death. Over the years, pharmacological and/or surgical interventions have been the mainstay to alleviate cardiac symptoms in muscular dystrophy patients. Although these traditional modalities remain useful, the emerging field of gene therapy has now provided an unprecedented opportunity to transform our thinking/approach in the treatment of dystrophic heart disease. In fact, the premise is already in place for genetic correction. Gene mutations have been identified and animal models are available for several types of muscular dystrophy. Most importantly, innovative strategies have been developed to effectively deliver therapeutic genes to the heart. Dystrophin-deficient Duchenne cardiomyopathy is associated with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), the most common lethal muscular dystrophy. Considering its high incidence, there has been a considerable interest and significant input in the development of Duchenne cardiomyopathy gene therapy. Using Duchenne cardiomyopathy as an example, here we illustrate the struggles and successes experienced in the burgeoning field of dystrophic heart disease gene therapy. In light of abundant and highly promising data with the adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector, we have specially emphasized on AAV-mediated gene therapy. Besides DMD, we have also discussed gene therapy for treating cardiac diseases in other muscular dystrophies such as limb-girdle muscular dystrophy.
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18
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Abstract
Twelve AAV serotypes have been described so far in human and nonhuman primate (NHP) populations while surprisingly high diversity of AAV sequences is detected in tissue biopsies. The analysis of these novel AAV sequences has indicated a rapid evolution of the viral genome both by accumulation of mutations and recombination. This chapter describes how this rich resource of naturally evolved sequences is used to derive gene transfer vectors with a wide array of activities depending on the nature of the cap gene used in the packaging system. AAV2-based recombinant genomes have been packaged in dozens of different capsid types, resulting in a wide array of "pseudotyped vectors" that constitute a rich resource for the development of gene therapy clinical trials. We describe a polymerase chain reaction-based molecular rescue method for novel AAV isolation that uses primers designed to recognize the highly conserved regions in known AAV isolates and generate amplicons across the hypervariable regions of novel AAV genomes present in the analyzed sample.
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19
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Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is the most promising gene delivery vehicle for muscle-directed gene therapy. AAV's natural tropism to muscle cells, long-term persistent transgene expression, multiple serotypes, as well as its minimal immune response have made AAV vectors well suited for muscle-directed gene therapy. AAV vector-mediated gene delivery to augment muscle structural proteins, such as dystrophin and sarcoglycans, offers great hope for muscular dystrophy patients. In addition, muscle can be used as a therapeutic platform for AAV vectors to express nonmuscle secretory/regulatory pathway proteins for diabetes, atherosclerosis, hemophilia, cancer, etc. AAV vector can be delivered into both skeletal muscle and cardiac muscle by means of local, regional, and systemic administrations. Successful animal studies have led to several noteworthy clinical trials involving muscle-directed gene therapy. In this chapter, we describe the basic methodology that is currently utilized in the area of AAV-mediated muscle-directed gene therapy. These methods include vector delivery route, vector dosage, detection of transgene expression by immunostaining and western blot, determination of vector copy numbers and quantification of mRNA expression, as well as potential immune responses involved in AAV delivery. Technical details and tips leading to successful experimentation are also discussed.
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20
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Abstract
Gene therapy holds promise for treating numerous heart diseases. A key premise for the success of cardiac gene therapy is the development of powerful gene transfer vehicles that can achieve highly efficient and persistent gene transfer specifically in the heart. Other features of an ideal vector include negligible toxicity, minimal immunogenicity and easy manufacturing. Rapid progress in the fields of molecular biology and virology has offered great opportunities to engineer various genetic materials for heart gene delivery. Several nonviral vectors (e.g. naked plasmids, plasmid lipid/polymer complexes and oligonucleotides) have been tested. Commonly used viral vectors include lentivirus, adenovirus and adeno-associated virus. Among these, adeno-associated virus has shown many attractive features for pre-clinical experimentation in animal models of heart diseases. We review the history and evolution of these vectors for heart gene transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nalinda B. Wasala
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Jin-Hong Shin
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Dongsheng Duan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
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21
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AAV vectors for cardiac gene transfer: experimental tools and clinical opportunities. Mol Ther 2011; 19:1582-90. [PMID: 21792180 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2011.124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the first demonstration of in vivo gene transfer into myocardium there have been a series of advancements that have driven the evolution of cardiac gene delivery from an experimental tool into a therapy currently at the threshold of becoming a viable clinical option. Innovative methods have been established to address practical challenges related to tissue-type specificity, choice of delivery vehicle, potency of the delivered material, and delivery route. Most importantly for therapeutic purposes, these strategies are being thoroughly tested to ensure safety of the delivery system and the delivered genetic material. This review focuses on the development of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) as one of the most valuable cardiac gene transfer agents available today. Various forms of rAAV have been used to deliver "pre-event" cardiac protection and to temper the severity of hypertrophy, cardiac ischemia, or infarct size. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors have also been functional delivery tools for cardiac gene expression knockdown studies and successfully improving the cardiac aspects of several metabolic and neuromuscular diseases. Viral capsid manipulations along with the development of tissue-specific and regulated promoters have greatly increased the utility of rAAV-mediated gene transfer. Important clinical studies are currently underway to evaluate AAV-based cardiac gene delivery in humans.
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22
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Gene transfer as a strategy to achieve permanent cardioprotection I: rAAV-mediated gene therapy with inducible nitric oxide synthase limits infarct size 1 year later without adverse functional consequences. Basic Res Cardiol 2011; 106:1355-66. [PMID: 21779912 DOI: 10.1007/s00395-011-0207-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2011] [Revised: 07/04/2011] [Accepted: 07/08/2011] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The ultimate goal of prophylactic gene therapy is to confer permanent protection against ischemia. Although gene therapy with inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is known to protect against myocardial infarction at 3 days and up to 2 months, the long-term effects on myocardial ischemic injury and function are unknown. To address this issue, we created a recombinant adeno-associated viral vector carrying the iNOS gene (rAAV/iNOS), which enables long-lasting transgene expression. The ability of rAAV/iNOS to direct the expression of functional iNOS protein was confirmed in COS-7 cells before in vivo gene transfer. Mice received injections in the anterior LV wall of rAAV/LacZ or rAAV/iNOS; 1 year later, they underwent a 30-min coronary occlusion (O) and 4 h of reperfusion (R). iNOS gene transfer resulted in elevated iNOS protein expression (+3-fold vs. the LacZ group, n = 6; P < 0.05) and iNOS activity (+4.4-fold vs. the LacZ group, n = 6; P < 0.05) 1 year later. Infarct size (% of risk region) was dramatically reduced at 1 year after iNOS gene transfer (13.5 ± 2.2%, n = 12, vs. 41.7 ± 2.9%, n = 10, in the LacZ group; P < 0.05). The infarct-sparing effect of iNOS gene therapy at 1 year was as powerful as that observed 24 h after ischemic preconditioning (six 4-min O/4-min R cycles) (19.3 ± 2.3%, n = 11; P < 0.05). Importantly, compared with the LacZ group (n = 11), iNOS gene transfer (n = 10) had no effect on LV dimensions or function for up to 1 year (at 1 year: FS 34.5 ± 2.0 vs. 34.6 ± 2.6%, EF 57.0 ± 2.0 vs. 59.7 ± 2.9%, LVEDD 4.3 ± 0.1 vs. 4.2 ± 0.2 mm, LVESD 2.8 ± 0.1 vs. 2.9 ± 0.2 mm) (echocardiography). These data demonstrate, for the first time, that rAAV-mediated iNOS gene transfer affords long-term, probably permanent (1 year), cardioprotection without adverse functional consequences, providing a strong rationale for further preclinical testing of prophylactic gene therapy.
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23
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Qiao C, Zhang W, Yuan Z, Shin JH, Li J, Jayandharan GR, Zhong L, Srivastava A, Xiao X, Duan D. Adeno-associated virus serotype 6 capsid tyrosine-to-phenylalanine mutations improve gene transfer to skeletal muscle. Hum Gene Ther 2011; 21:1343-8. [PMID: 20497037 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2010.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors are the most efficient in vivo gene transfer tools for gene therapy applications. Efforts have been made to translate encouraging results in small animal models to human patients. However, the need for large quantities of vector for clinical application remains a great challenge. Developing novel AAV vectors with enhanced infectivity may reduce the high vector dose requirement for many applications such as gene therapy for muscular dystrophy. Selective mutation of AAV capsid surface-exposed tyrosine (Y) is a novel strategy to improve transduction efficiency. AAV6 has been considered one of the most robust muscle gene delivery vehicles. Here, we hypothesize that AAV6 transduction efficiency can be further enhanced by mutating surface Y to phenylalanine (F). We found that mutants AAV6-Y445F and AAV6-Y731F, especially the former, achieved more efficient gene transfer than the original AAV6 after intramuscular administration to mice. Expression of both firefly luciferase and alkaline phosphatase reporter genes increased up to 8-fold and DNA copy numbers in muscle increased up to 6-fold. Our results suggest that tyrosine-mutant AAV6 vectors may represent powerful tools for testing muscle gene therapy in animal models and potentially in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunping Qiao
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics, University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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24
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Blain AM, Straub VW. δ-Sarcoglycan-deficient muscular dystrophy: from discovery to therapeutic approaches. Skelet Muscle 2011; 1:13. [PMID: 21798091 PMCID: PMC3156636 DOI: 10.1186/2044-5040-1-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2010] [Accepted: 03/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the δ-sarcoglycan gene cause limb-girdle muscular dystrophy 2F (LGMD2F), an autosomal recessive disease that causes progressive weakness and wasting of the proximal limb muscles and often has cardiac involvement. Here we review the clinical implications of LGMD2F and discuss the current understanding of the putative mechanisms underlying its pathogenesis. Preclinical research has benefited enormously from various animal models of δ-sarcoglycan deficiency, which have helped researchers to explore therapeutic approaches for both muscular dystrophy and cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison M Blain
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, International Centre for Life, Central Parkway, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3BZ, UK
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25
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Abstract
Heart disease is the leading health problem of industrialized countries. The development of gene therapies tailored towards the heart has grown exponentially over the past decade. Murine models of heart diseases have played a pivotal role in testing novel cardiac gene therapy approaches. Unfortunately, the small body size and rapid heart rate of mice present a great challenge to heart function evaluation. Here we outline the commonly used cardiac phenotyping methods of treadmill exercise regimen, full 12-lead electrocardiographic assay and left ventricular catheterization hemodynamic assay. Application of these protocols will allow critical testing of gene therapy efficacy in mouse models of heart diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Bostick
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, The University of Missouri, One Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO, USA
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26
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Hoshijima M, Hayashi T, Jeon YE, Fu Z, Gu Y, Dalton ND, Ellisman MH, Xiao X, Powell FL, Ross J. Delta-sarcoglycan gene therapy halts progression of cardiac dysfunction, improves respiratory failure, and prolongs life in myopathic hamsters. Circ Heart Fail 2010; 4:89-97. [PMID: 21036890 DOI: 10.1161/circheartfailure.110.957258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The BIO14.6 hamster provides a useful model of hereditary cardiomyopathies and muscular dystrophy. Previous δ-sarcoglycan (δSG) gene therapy (GT) studies were limited to neonatal and young adult animals and prevented the development of cardiac and skeletal muscle dysfunction. GT of a pseudophosphorylated mutant of phospholamban (S16EPLN) moderately alleviated the progression of cardiomyopathy. METHODS AND RESULTS We treated 4-month-old BIO14.6 hamsters with established cardiac and skeletal muscle diseases intravenously with a serotype-9 adeno-associated viral vector carrying δSG alone or in combination with S16EPLN. Before treatment at age 14 weeks, the left ventricular fractional shortening by echocardiography was 31.3% versus 45.8% in normal hamsters. In a randomized trial, GT halted progression of left ventricular dilation and left ventricular dysfunction. Also, respiratory function improved. Addition of S16EPLN had no significant additional effects. δSG-GT prevented severe degeneration of the transverse tubular system in cardiomyocytes (electron tomography) and restored distribution of dystrophin and caveolin-3. All placebo-treated hamsters, except animals removed for the hemodynamic study, died with heart failure between 34 and 67 weeks of age. In the GT group, signs of cardiac and respiratory failure did not develop, and animals lived for 92 weeks or longer, an age comparable to that reported in normal hamsters. CONCLUSION GT was highly effective in BIO14.6 hamsters even when given in late-stage disease, a finding that may carry implications for the future treatment of hereditary cardiac and muscle diseases in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiko Hoshijima
- Center for Research in Biological Systems, the Department of Medicine, National Center for Microscopy and Imaging Research, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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Wang J, Faust SM, Rabinowitz JE. The next step in gene delivery: molecular engineering of adeno-associated virus serotypes. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2010; 50:793-802. [PMID: 21029739 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2010.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2010] [Revised: 10/12/2010] [Accepted: 10/13/2010] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Delivery is at the heart of gene therapy. Viral DNA delivery systems are asked to avoid the immune system, transduce specific target cell types while avoiding other cell types, infect dividing and non-dividing cells, insert their cargo within the host genome without mutagenesis or to remain episomal, and efficiently express transgenes for a substantial portion of a lifespan. These sought-after features cannot be associated with a single delivery system, or can they? The Adeno-associated virus family of gene delivery vehicles has proven to be highly malleable. Pseudotyping, using AAV serotype 2 terminal repeats to generate designer shells capable of transducing selected cell types, enables the packaging of common genomes into multiple serotypes virions to directly compare gene expression and tropism. In this review the ability to manipulate this virus will be examined from the inside out. The influence of host cell factors and organism biology including the immune response on the molecular fate of the viral genome will be discussed as well as differences in cellular trafficking patterns and uncoating properties that influence serotype transduction. Re-engineering the prototype vector AAV2 using epitope insertion, chemical modification, and molecular evolution not only demonstrated the flexibility of the best-studied serotype, but now also expanded the tool kit for molecular modification of all AAV serotypes. Current AAV research has changed its focus from examination of wild-type AAV biology to the feedback of host cell/organism on the design and development of a new generation of recombinant AAV delivery vehicles. This article is part of a Special Section entitled "Special Section: Cardiovascular Gene Therapy".
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhui Wang
- Thomas Jefferson University Center for Translational Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
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28
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A new genetic vaccine platform based on an adeno-associated virus isolated from a rhesus macaque. J Virol 2009; 83:12738-50. [PMID: 19812149 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01441-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We created a hybrid adeno-associated virus (AAV) from two related rhesus macaque isolates, called AAVrh32.33, and evaluated it as a vaccine carrier for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and type A influenza virus antigens. The goal was to overcome the limitations of vaccines based on other AAVs, which generate dysfunctional T-cell responses and are inhibited by antibodies found in human sera. Injection of a Gag-expressing AAVrh32.33 vector into mice resulted in a high-quality CD8(+) T-cell response. The resulting Gag-specific T cells express multiple cytokines at high levels, including interleukin-2, with many having memory phenotypes; a subsequent boost with an adenovirus vector yielded a brisk expansion of Gag-specific T cells. A priming dose of AAVrh32.33 led to high levels of Gag antibodies, which exceed levels found after injection of adenovirus vectors. Importantly, passive transfer of pooled human immunoglobulin into mice does not interfere with the efficacy of AAVrh32.33 expressing nucleoproteins from influenza virus, as measured by protection to a lethal dose of influenza virus, which is consistent with the very low seroprevalence to this virus in humans. Studies of macaques with vectors expressing gp140 from HIV-1 (i.e., with AAVrh32.33 as the prime and simian adenovirus type 24 as the boost) demonstrated results similar to those for mice with high-level and high-quality CD8(+) T-cell responses to gp140 and high-titered neutralizing antibodies to homologous HIV-1. The biology of this novel AAV hybrid suggests that it should be a preferred genetic vaccine carrier, capable of generating robust T- and B-cell responses.
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Vitiello C, Faraso S, Sorrentino NC, Di Salvo G, Nusco E, Nigro G, Cutillo L, Calabrò R, Auricchio A, Nigro V. Disease rescue and increased lifespan in a model of cardiomyopathy and muscular dystrophy by combined AAV treatments. PLoS One 2009; 4:e5051. [PMID: 19333401 PMCID: PMC2660610 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0005051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2008] [Accepted: 02/19/2009] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The BIO14.6 hamster is an excellent animal model for inherited cardiomyopathy, because of its lethal and well-documented course, due to a spontaneous deletion of delta-sarcoglycan gene promoter and first exon. The muscle disease is progressive and average lifespan is 11 months, because heart slowly dilates towards heart failure. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Based on the ability of adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors to transduce heart together with skeletal muscle following systemic administration, we delivered human delta-sarcoglycan cDNA into male BIO14.6 hamsters by testing different ages of injection, routes of administration and AAV serotypes. Body-wide restoration of delta-SG expression was associated with functional reconstitution of the sarcoglycan complex and with significant lowering of centralized nuclei and fibrosis in skeletal muscle. Motor ability and cardiac functions were completely rescued. However, BIO14.6 hamsters having less than 70% of fibers recovering sarcoglycan developed cardiomyopathy, even if the total rescued protein was normal. When we used serotype 2/8 in combination with serotype 2/1, lifespan was extended up to 22 months with sustained heart function improvement. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Our data support multiple systemic administrations of AAV as a general therapeutic strategy for clinical trials in cardiomyopathies and muscle disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Vitiello
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Faraso
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Naples, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Di Salvo
- Dip. di Scienze Cardiotoraciche e Respiratorie, A.O. Monaldi, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Edoardo Nusco
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Naples, Italy
| | - Gerardo Nigro
- Dip. di Scienze Cardiotoraciche e Respiratorie, A.O. Monaldi, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Luisa Cutillo
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaele Calabrò
- Dip. di Scienze Cardiotoraciche e Respiratorie, A.O. Monaldi, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Alberto Auricchio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Naples, Italy
- Genetica Medica, Dip. di Pediatria, Università Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Nigro
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Naples, Italy
- Laboratorio di genetica medica, Dip. di Patologia Generale, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Naples, Italy
- * E-mail:
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30
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Yang L, Jiang J, Drouin LM, Agbandje-Mckenna M, Chen C, Qiao C, Pu D, Hu X, Wang DZ, Li J, Xiao X. A myocardium tropic adeno-associated virus (AAV) evolved by DNA shuffling and in vivo selection. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2009; 106:3946-51. [PMID: 19234115 PMCID: PMC2656185 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0813207106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2008] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
To engineer gene vectors that target striated muscles after systemic delivery, we constructed a random library of adeno-associated virus (AAV) by shuffling the capsid genes of AAV serotypes 1 to 9, and screened for muscle-targeting capsids by direct in vivo panning after tail vein injection in mice. After 2 rounds of in vivo selection, a capsid gene named M41 was retrieved mainly based on its high frequency in the muscle and low frequency in the liver. Structural analyses revealed that the AAVM41 capsid is a recombinant of AAV1, 6, 7, and 8 with a mosaic capsid surface and a conserved capsid interior. AAVM41 was then subjected to a side-by-side comparison to AAV9, the most robust AAV for systemic heart and muscle gene delivery; to AAV6, a parental AAV with strong muscle tropism. After i.v. delivery of reporter genes, AAVM41 was found more efficient than AAV6 in the heart and muscle, and was similar to AAV9 in the heart but weaker in the muscle. In fact, the myocardium showed the highest gene expression among all tissues tested in mice and hamsters after systemic AAVM41 delivery. However, gene transfer in non-muscle tissues, mainly the liver, was dramatically reduced. AAVM41 was further tested in a genetic cardiomyopathy hamster model and achieved efficient long-term delta-sarcoglycan gene expression and rescue of cardiac functions. Thus, direct in vivo panning of capsid libraries is a simple tool for the de-targeting and retargeting of viral vector tissue tropisms facilitated by acquisition of desirable sequences and properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Yang
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics, University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Jiangang Jiang
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics, University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Lauren M. Drouin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610; and
| | - Mavis Agbandje-Mckenna
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610; and
| | - Chunlian Chen
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics, University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Chunping Qiao
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics, University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Dongqiuye Pu
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics, University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Xiaoyun Hu
- Carolina Cardiovascular Biology Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Da-Zhi Wang
- Carolina Cardiovascular Biology Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Juan Li
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics, University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Xiao Xiao
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics, University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
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Goehringer C, Rutschow D, Bauer R, Schinkel S, Weichenhan D, Bekeredjian R, Straub V, Kleinschmidt JA, Katus HA, Müller OJ. Prevention of cardiomyopathy in delta-sarcoglycan knockout mice after systemic transfer of targeted adeno-associated viral vectors. Cardiovasc Res 2009; 82:404-10. [PMID: 19218289 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvp061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Delta-sarcoglycan is a member of the dystrophin-associated glycoprotein complex linking the cytoskeleton to the extracellular matrix. Similar to patients with defects in the gene encoding delta-sarcoglycan (Sgcd), knockout mice develop cardiomyopathy and muscular dystrophy. The aim of our study was to develop an approach for preventing cardiomyopathy in Sgcd-deficient mice by cardiac expression of the intact cDNA upon systemic delivery of adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors. METHODS AND RESULTS We packaged the Sgcd cDNA under transcriptional control of a myosin light chain-promoter fused with a cytomegalovirus enhancer into AAV-9 capsids. Vectors carrying either the Sgcd cDNA or an enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) reporter gene were intravenously injected into adult Sgcd knockout mice. After 6 months, immunohistochemistry revealed almost complete reconstitution of the sarcoglycan subcomplex in heart but not skeletal muscle of mice with the Sgcd vector. Furthermore, Sgcd gene transfer resulted in prevention of cardiac fibrosis and significantly increased running distance measured by voluntary wheel running. Left ventricular function remained stable in mice expressing Sgcd while it deteriorated in EGFP controls within 6 months, paralleled by increased expression of brain natriuretic peptide, a molecular marker of heart failure. CONCLUSION Our study establishes an approach to specifically treat hereditary cardiomyopathies by targeting gene expression into the myocardium upon systemic application of AAV vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Goehringer
- Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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Straub V, Bushby K. Therapeutic possibilities in the autosomal recessive limb-girdle muscular dystrophies. Neurotherapeutics 2008; 5:619-26. [PMID: 19019315 PMCID: PMC4514698 DOI: 10.1016/j.nurt.2008.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Fourteen years ago, the first disease-causing mutation in a form of autosomal recessive limb-girdle muscular dystrophy was reported. Since then the number of genes has been extended to at least 14 and the phenotypic spectrum has been broadened. The generation of mouse models helped to improve our understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease and also served to study therapeutic possibilities. All autosomal recessive limb-girdle muscular dystrophies are rare diseases, which is one reason why there have been so very few controlled clinical trials. Other reasons are insufficient natural history data and the lack of standardized assessment criteria and validated outcome measures. Currently, therapeutic possibilities are mainly restricted to symptomatic treatment and the treatment of disease complications. On the other hand, new efforts in translational research and the development of molecular therapeutic approaches suggest that more promising clinical trials will be carried out in autosomal recessive limb-girdle muscular dystrophy in the next several years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Volker Straub
- Institute of Human Genetics, International Centre for Life, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Central Parkway, NE1 3BZ Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Kate Bushby
- Institute of Human Genetics, International Centre for Life, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Central Parkway, NE1 3BZ Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Miyagi N, Rao VP, Ricci D, Du Z, Byrne GW, Bailey KR, Nakai H, Russell SJ, McGregor CGA. Efficient and durable gene transfer to transplanted heart using adeno-associated virus 9 vector. J Heart Lung Transplant 2008; 27:554-60. [PMID: 18442723 DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2008.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2007] [Revised: 01/14/2008] [Accepted: 01/24/2008] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In this investigation we studied the efficacy and durability of recombinant adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (rAAV9) vector-mediated gene transfer to the transplanted rat heart. METHODS A rAAV9-CMV-lacZ vector diluted in cold (4 degrees C) University of Wisconsin solution was used to perfuse the rat coronary vasculature for 20 minutes prior to syngeneic heterotopic transplantation. Perfusion experiments (six groups, n = 3/group) were performed without rAAV9 and at four separate doses ranging from 2 x 10(9) to 2 x 10(12) viral genomes/ml. The transplanted heart was recovered 10 days or 3 months after transplantation and expression of lacZ assessed by histology, enzyme-linked immunoassay and real-time reverse transcript-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In a final group (n = 3), rAAV9 was administered systemically to compare the cardiac transduction efficiency and viral distribution to other organs. RESULTS Transduction efficiency of perfused virus correlated with vector dose (p < 0.0001), with myocardial transduction ranging up to 71.74% at the highest dose. Cardiac expression of lacZ was equivalent at 10 days and 3 months. There was no evidence of viral gene transfer to other organs after heart transplantation. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate efficient and durable rAAV9-mediated gene transfer to the transplanted heart after ex vivo perfusion and suggest that AAV9 is a promising vector for cardiac gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoto Miyagi
- William J. von Liebig Transplant Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA
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Analysis of AAV serotypes 1-9 mediated gene expression and tropism in mice after systemic injection. Mol Ther 2008; 16:1073-80. [PMID: 18414476 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2008.76] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1023] [Impact Index Per Article: 63.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
This study examines transgene expression and biodistribution of adeno-associated virus (AAV) pseudotyped 1-9 after tail vein (TV) injection in male mice. Using a cytomegalovirus (CMV)-luciferase transgene, the time-course of expression in each animal was tracked throughout the experiment. The animals were imaged at 7, 14, 29, 56, and 100 days after the TV injection. The total number of photons emitted from each animal was recorded, allowing examination of expression level and kinetics for each pseudotyped virus. The bioluminescence imaging revealed three expression levels (i) low-expression group, AAV2, 3, 4, and 5; (ii) moderate-expression group, AAV1, 6, and 8; and (iii) high-expression group, AAV7 and 9. In addition, imaging revealed two classes of kinetics (i) rapid-onset, for AAV1, 6, 7, 8, and 9; and (ii) slow-onset, for AAV2, 3, 4, and 5. We next evaluated protein expression and viral genome copy numbers in dissected tissues. AAV9 had the best viral genome distribution and highest protein levels. The AAV7 protein and genome copy numbers were comparable to those of AAV9 in the liver. Most surprisingly, AAV4 showed the greatest number of genome copies in lung and kidney, and a high copy number in the heart. AAV6 expression was observed in the heart, liver, and skeletal muscle, and the genome distribution corroborated these observations.
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Schirmer JM, Miyagi N, Rao VP, Ricci D, Federspiel MJ, Kotin RM, Russell SJ, McGregor CGA. Recombinant adeno-associated virus vector for gene transfer to the transplanted rat heart. Transpl Int 2007; 20:550-7. [PMID: 17403107 DOI: 10.1111/j.1432-2277.2007.00479.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Efficient durable viral vector transduction of the transplanted heart remains elusive. This study assesses the potential of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) mediated gene delivery to the transplanted rat heart. rAAV serotype 1, 2 and 5 vectors encoding the green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene (1 x 10(11) viral particles/ml) were diluted in cold University of Wisconsin solution and circulated through the coronary vasculature of the donor organs for 30 min before syngeneic rat heterotopic heart transplantation was performed. Study 1: animals (n = 5 each serotype) were killed at 21 days post-transplant to evaluate the efficiency of GFP transduction using RT-PCR and expression by fluorescence microscopy. Study 2: using rAAV-1, animals (n = 5 each group) were killed at 7, 21 and 84 days to evaluate the durability of GFP expression. The maximum cardiac GFP expression at 21 days was observed in rAAV-1. GFP expression by rAAV-1 was detectable at 7 days, improved at 21 days, and was still evident at 84 days. This study demonstrates cardiac rAAV gene transduction with a cold perfusion preservation system of the donor heart. These data show that AAV-1 is superior to AAV-2 and AAV-5 for this purpose and that durable expression is achievable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes M Schirmer
- William J. von Liebig Transplant Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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Xu P, Li SY, Li Q, Ren J, Van Kirk EA, Murdoch WJ, Radosz M, Shen Y. Biodegradable cationic polyester as an efficient carrier for gene delivery to neonatal cardiomyocytes. Biotechnol Bioeng 2006; 95:893-903. [PMID: 17001632 DOI: 10.1002/bit.21036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Viral-mediated gene delivery has been explored for the treatment and protection of cardiomyocytes, but so far there is only one report using cationic polymer for gene delivery to cardiomyocytes in spite of many advantages of polymer-mediated gene delivery. In this study, a cationic poly(beta-amino ester) (PDMA) with a degradable backbone and cleavable side chains was synthesized by Michael addition reaction. The toxicity of PDMA to neonatal mouse cardiomyocytes (NMCMs) was significantly lower than that of polyethyleneimine (PEI). PDMA formed stable polyplexes with pEGFP. The dissociation of the polyplexes could be triggered by PDMA degradation, and the dissociation time was tunable via the polymer/pEGFP ratio. In vitro transfection showed that PDMA was an effective and low toxic gene delivery carrier for NMCMs. The PDMA/pEGFP polyplexes transfected EGFP gene to NMCMs with about 28% efficiency and caused little death. In contrast, a significant portion of cardiomyocytes cultured with PEI/pEGFP died.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peisheng Xu
- Soft Materials Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming 82071, USA
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Walter G, Cordier L, Bloy D, Sweeney HL. Noninvasive monitoring of gene correction in dystrophic muscle. Magn Reson Med 2006; 54:1369-76. [PMID: 16261578 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.20721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Gene and stem cell transfer have shown tremendous potential in rescuing dystrophic muscle in animal models. However, monitoring of gene transfer efficacy in clinical settings currently requires invasive muscle biopsies. We determined whether (1)H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and imaging (MRI) could be used to noninvasively monitor gene correction in dystrophic skeletal muscle. MRI/MRS measurements were performed in murine models of Limb Girdle (gammasg(-/-)) and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (mdx). Viral delivery of gammasg into gammasg(-/-) muscles was achieved using both an adenovirus and an adenoassociated virus. T(2)-weighted MRIs consistently revealed hyperintense regions in muscles of dystrophic mice, which agreed well with histologically determined damaged muscle fibers. (1)H-MRS revealed that the increase in T(2) in dystrophic muscle is not due to fatty tissue infiltration. Reintroduction of the gammasg gene in gammasg(-/-) muscles restored normal muscle histology, membrane stability, and T(2) contrast. Expression of gammasg also significantly decreased the number of pixels with increased T(2) values and MRI contrast agent uptake. Our data demonstrate that therapeutic correction of dystrophic lesions can be noninvasively monitored using endogenous MR contrast. This may be particularly relevant for future interventions in children with muscular dystrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenn Walter
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA.
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38
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Yan H, Guo Y, Zhang P, Zu L, Dong X, Chen L, Tian J, Fan X, Wang N, Wu X, Gao W. Superior neovascularization and muscle regeneration in ischemic skeletal muscles following VEGF gene transfer by rAAV1 pseudotyped vectors. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2005; 336:287-98. [PMID: 16129416 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2005.08.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2005] [Accepted: 08/09/2005] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated virus serotype 2 (rAAV2) vector has been widely employed for gene therapy. Recent progress suggests that the new serotypes of AAV showed a better performance than did AAV2 in normal tissues. Here, we evaluate the potential role of human vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene transfer using rAAV vector pseudotyped with serotype 1 capsid proteins (rAAV1) in the treatment of muscle ischemia. In ischemic skeletal muscles, the rAAV1-LacZ vector allowed higher level, broader distribution, and long-lasting gene expression compared with the rAAV2-LacZ vector. Muscle VEGF165 production following the rAAV1-VEGF165 vector injection was 5-10 times higher than that following the rAAV2-VEGF165 vector injection. VEGF165 production mediated by the rAAV1-VEGF165 vector stimulated a large set of neovascularization with relatively mature vascular structures and enhanced muscle regeneration in the ischemic skeletal muscles. Thus, the rAAV1-VEGF165 vector mediated gene transfer may be a therapeutic approach to peripheral vascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Yan
- Department of Cardiology, Peking University Third Hospital, No. 49, North Garden Road, Beijing 100083, China
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Zhu T, Zhou L, Mori S, Wang Z, McTiernan CF, Qiao C, Chen C, Wang DW, Li J, Xiao X. Sustained Whole-Body Functional Rescue in Congestive Heart Failure and Muscular Dystrophy Hamsters by Systemic Gene Transfer. Circulation 2005; 112:2650-9. [PMID: 16230483 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.105.565598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The success of muscular dystrophy gene therapy requires widespread and stable gene delivery with minimal invasiveness. Here, we investigated the therapeutic effect of systemic delivery of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors carrying human delta-sarcoglycan (delta-SG) gene in TO-2 hamsters, a congestive heart failure and muscular dystrophy model with a delta-SG gene mutation. METHODS AND RESULTS A single injection of double-stranded AAV serotype 8 vector carrying human delta-SG gene without the need of any physical or pharmaceutical interventions achieved nearly complete gene transfer and tissue-specific expression in the heart and skeletal muscles of the diseased hamsters. Broad and sustained (>12 months) restoration of the missing delta-SG gene in the TO-2 hamsters corrected muscle cell membrane leakiness throughout the body and normalized serum creatine kinase levels (a 50- to 100-fold drop). Histological examination revealed minimal or the absence of central nucleation, fibrosis, and calcification in the skeletal muscle and heart. Whole-body functional analysis such as treadmill running showed dramatic improvement, similar to the wild-type F1B hamsters. Furthermore, cardiac functional studies with echocardiography revealed significantly increased percent fractional shortening and decreased left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic dimensions in the treated TO-2 hamsters. The survival time of the animals was also dramatically extended. CONCLUSIONS Systemic gene transfer of delta-SG by the AAV serotype 8 vector could effectively ameliorate cardiac and skeletal muscle pathology, profoundly improve cardiac and whole-body functions, and significantly prolong the lifespan of the treated TO-2 hamsters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Zhu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
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40
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Kawamoto S, Shi Q, Nitta Y, Miyazaki JI, Allen MD. Widespread and early myocardial gene expression by adeno-associated virus vector type 6 with a beta-actin hybrid promoter. Mol Ther 2005; 11:980-5. [PMID: 15922969 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2005.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2004] [Revised: 02/18/2005] [Accepted: 02/23/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy for acute cardiac events such as myocardial infarction requires early gene expression over an entire region of myocardium, which has not been possible using adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors to date. Here we demonstrate marked improvement in the distribution and rapidity of gene expression in myocardium using the AAV pseudotype 6 (AAV6) vector, compared to the standard serotype 2 (AAV2) vector. An alkaline phosphatase (AP) reporter construct driven by the chicken beta-actin promoter was packaged in either AAV6 or AAV2 capsids and delivered to rat hearts in vivo by direct injection. AP expression was evident in both AAV6 and AAV2 vector-treated hearts as early as 1 day after injection, but increased rapidly in AAV6 vector-treated hearts during the first 7 days. The amplitude of AP activity produced by the AAV6 vector was 5-fold greater than that produced by the equivalent AAV2 vector at both 3 and 7 days postinjection. Additionally, the AAV6 vector transduced a myocardial volume that was 10-fold larger than the AAV2 vector. These results indicate the significant potential of AAV6 serotype vectors for early gene expression and widespread regional transduction of myocardium, both auspicious results for in vivo applications in acute cardiac disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunsuke Kawamoto
- The Hope Heart Program, Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, 1201 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101-2795, USA
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Abstract
In recent years, significant efforts have been made on studying and engineering adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsid, in order to increase efficiency in targeting specific cell types that are non-permissive to wild type (wt) viruses and to improve efficacy in infecting only the cell type of interest. With our previous knowledge of the viral properties of the naturally occurring serotypes and the elucidation of their capsid structures, we can now generate capsid mutants, or hybrid serotypes, by various methods and strategies. In this review, we summarize the studies performed on AAV retargeting, and categorize the available hybrid serotypes to date, based on the type of modification: 1) transcapsidation, 2) adsorption of bi-specific antibody to capsid surface, 3) mosaic capsid, and 4) chimeric capsid. Not only these hybrid serotypes could achieve high efficiency of gene delivery to a specific targeted cell type, which can be better-tailored for a particular clinical application, but also serve as a tool for studying AAV biology such as receptor binding, trafficking and genome delivery into the nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian W. Choi
- Department of Pharmacology and
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill. NC 27599, USA
| | - Douglas M. McCarty
- Columbus Children’s Research Institute, Center for Gene Therapy, Columbus Children’s Hospital, and Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine and Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43205, USA
| | - R. Jude Samulski
- Department of Pharmacology and
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill. NC 27599, USA
- *Address correspondence to this author at the 7119 Thurston Bowles CB#7352, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Tel: 1-919-962-3285, Fax 1-919-966-0907; E-mail:
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Wang Z, Zhu T, Qiao C, Zhou L, Wang B, Zhang J, Chen C, Li J, Xiao X. Adeno-associated virus serotype 8 efficiently delivers genes to muscle and heart. Nat Biotechnol 2005; 23:321-8. [PMID: 15735640 DOI: 10.1038/nbt1073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 465] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2004] [Accepted: 01/24/2005] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Systemic gene delivery into muscle has been a major challenge for muscular dystrophy gene therapy, with capillary blood vessels posing the principle barrier and limiting vector dissemination. Previous efforts to deliver genes into multiple muscles have relied on isolated vessel perfusion or pharmacological interventions to enforce broad vector distribution. We compared the efficiency of multiple adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors after a single injection via intraperitoneal or intravenous routes without additional intervention. We show that AAV8 is the most efficient vector for crossing the blood vessel barrier to attain systemic gene transfer in both skeletal and cardiac muscles of mice and hamsters. Serotypes such as AAV1 and AAV6, which demonstrate robust infection in skeletal muscle cells, were less effective in crossing the blood vessel barrier. Gene expression persisted in muscle and heart, but diminished in tissues undergoing rapid cell division, such as neonatal liver. This technology should prove useful for muscle-directed systemic gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong Wang
- Dept. of Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA
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43
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Park YM, Woo S, Lee GT, Ko JY, Lee Y, Zhao ZS, Kim HJ, Ahn CW, Cha BS, Kim KS, Park CW, Lee HC. Safety and efficacy of adeno-associated viral vector-mediated insulin gene transfer via portal vein to the livers of streptozotocin-induced diabetic Sprague-Dawley rats. J Gene Med 2005; 7:621-9. [PMID: 15651056 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies demonstrating the efficacy of insulin gene therapy have mostly involved use of adenoviral vectors or naked DNA to deliver the insulin gene. However, this procedure may not guarantee long-term insulin production. To improve the performance, we prepared recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors (rAAV) harboring the gene encoding a furin-modified human insulin under the cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter [rAAV-hPPI(F12)]. METHODS Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic Sprague-Dawley rats were used as a diabetic animal model. The levels of blood glucose, insulin, and HbA1c were measured to test the effect. An intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test was performed to test the capability of blood glucose disposal. Immunohistochemical staining and Northern blot analyses were performed to survey the expression pattern of the therapeutic insulin gene. RESULTS STZ-induced diabetic Sprague-Dawley rats infused via the portal vein with rAAV-hPPI(F12) produced human insulin and after a 6-h fast were normoglycemic for over 90 days post-treatment, whereas diabetic rats treated with recombinant adenoviral vector harboring the hPPI(F12) gene [rAV-hPPI(F12)] were normoglycemic only for days 3 to 13 post-treatment. Insulin mRNA was detected mainly in the liver of the rAAV-hPPI(F12)-treated diabetic rats. The glucose tolerance capability of the rAAV-hPPI(F12)-treated diabetic rats was comparable to that of non-diabetic rats, even without injection of recombinant insulin. Furthermore, blood HbA1c concentrations in rAAV-hPPI(F12)-treated diabetic rats were reduced to almost the normal level. Importantly, studies of rAV or rAAV vector-dependent side effects on the targeted liver strongly suggested that only rAAV treatment caused no side effects. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that our rAAV-mediated in vivo insulin gene therapy provides safer maintenance of the insulin gene expression required for long-term and thus more effective blood glycemic control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Mi Park
- Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Science, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-752, Korea
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Athanasopoulos T, Graham IR, Foster H, Dickson G. Recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vectors as therapeutic tools for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Gene Ther 2004; 11 Suppl 1:S109-21. [PMID: 15454965 DOI: 10.1038/sj.gt.3302379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a lethal genetic muscle disorder caused by recessive mutations in the dystrophin gene. The size of the gene (2.4 Mb) and mRNA (14 kb) in addition to immunogenicity problems and inefficient transduction of mature myofibres by currently available vector systems are formidable obstacles to the development of efficient gene therapy approaches. Adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors overcome many of the problems associated with other vector systems (nonpathogenicity and minimal immunogenicity, extensive cell and tissue tropism) but accommodate limited transgene capacity (<5 kb). As a result of these observations, a number of laboratories worldwide have engineered a series of microdystrophin cDNAs based on genotype-phenotype relationship in Duchenne (DMD) and Becker (BMD) dystrophic patients, and transgenic studies in mdx mice. Recent progress in characterization of AAV serotypes from various species has demonstrated that alternative AAV serotypes are far more efficient in transducing muscle than the traditionally used AAV2. This article summarizes the current progress in the field of recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) delivery for DMD, including optimization of recombinant AAV-microdystrophin vector systems/cassettes targeting the skeletal and cardiac musculature.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Athanasopoulos
- Centre for Biomedical Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey, UK
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Iwanaga Y, Hoshijima M, Gu Y, Iwatate M, Dieterle T, Ikeda Y, Date MO, Chrast J, Matsuzaki M, Peterson KL, Chien KR, Ross J. Chronic phospholamban inhibition prevents progressive cardiac dysfunction and pathological remodeling after infarction in rats. J Clin Invest 2004; 113:727-36. [PMID: 14991071 PMCID: PMC351313 DOI: 10.1172/jci18716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2003] [Accepted: 12/28/2003] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Ablation or inhibition of phospholamban (PLN) has favorable effects in several genetic murine dilated cardiomyopathies, and we showed previously that a pseudophosphorylated form of PLN mutant (S16EPLN) successfully prevented progressive heart failure in cardiomyopathic hamsters. In this study, the effects of PLN inhibition were examined in rats with heart failure after myocardial infarction (MI), a model of acquired disease. S16EPLN was delivered into failing hearts 5 weeks after MI by transcoronary gene transfer using a recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vector. In treated (MI-S16EPLN, n = 16) and control (MI-saline, n = 18) groups, infarct sizes were closely matched and the left ventricle was similarly depressed and dilated before gene transfer. At 2 and 6 months after gene transfer, MI-S16EPLN rats showed an increase in left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction and a much smaller rise in LV end-diastolic volume, compared with progressive deterioration of LV size and function in MI-saline rats. Hemodynamic measurements at 6 months showed lower LV end-diastolic pressures, with enhanced LV function (contractility and relaxation), lowered LV mass and myocyte size, and less fibrosis in MI-S16EPLN rats. Thus, PLN inhibition by in vivo rAAV gene transfer is an effective strategy for the chronic treatment of an acquired form of established heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshitaka Iwanaga
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0613B, USA
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