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Seo JH, Shin JH, Lee J, Kim D, Hwang HY, Nam BG, Lee J, Kim HH, Cho SR. DNA double-strand break-free CRISPR interference delays Huntington's disease progression in mice. Commun Biol 2023; 6:466. [PMID: 37117485 PMCID: PMC10147674 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04829-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the huntingtin (HTT) gene. CRISPR-Cas9 nuclease causes double-strand breaks (DSBs) in the targeted DNA that induces toxicity, whereas CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) using dead Cas9 (dCas9) suppresses the target gene expression without DSBs. Delivery of dCas9-sgRNA targeting CAG repeat region does not damage the targeted DNA in HEK293T cells containing CAG repeats. When this study investigates whether CRISPRi can suppress mutant HTT (mHTT), CRISPRi results in reduced expression of mHTT with relative preservation of the wild-type HTT in human HD fibroblasts. Although both dCas9 and Cas9 treatments reduce mHTT by sgRNA targeting the CAG repeat region, CRISPRi delays behavioral deterioration and protects striatal neurons against cell death in HD mice. Collectively, CRISPRi can delay disease progression by suppressing mHtt, suggesting DNA DSB-free CRISPRi is a potential therapy for HD that can compensate for the shortcoming of CRISPR-Cas9 nuclease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Hwa Seo
- Department and Research Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Hong Shin
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Pharmacology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Junwon Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Vision Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Daesik Kim
- Department of Precision Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Yeon Hwang
- Department of Precision Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Bae-Geun Nam
- Department and Research Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Graduate Program of Biomedical Engineering, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinu Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yonsei University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyongbum Henry Kim
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Pharmacology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Graduate Program of Biomedical Engineering, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Rae Cho
- Department and Research Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Graduate Program of Biomedical Engineering, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Rehabilitation Institute of Neuromuscular Disease, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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Tran H, Moazami MP, Yang H, McKenna-Yasek D, Douthwright CL, Pinto C, Metterville J, Shin M, Sanil N, Dooley C, Puri A, Weiss A, Wightman N, Gray-Edwards H, Marosfoi M, King RM, Kenderdine T, Fabris D, Bowser R, Watts JK, Brown RH. Suppression of mutant C9orf72 expression by a potent mixed backbone antisense oligonucleotide. Nat Med 2022; 28:117-124. [PMID: 34949835 PMCID: PMC8861976 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-021-01557-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Expansions of a G4C2 repeat in the C9ORF72 gene are the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), two devastating adult-onset neurodegenerative disorders. Using C9-ALS/FTD patient-derived cells and C9ORF72 BAC transgenic mice, we generated and optimized antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) that selectively blunt expression of G4C2 repeat-containing transcripts and effectively suppress tissue levels of poly(GP) dipeptides. ASOs with reduced phosphorothioate content showed improved tolerability without sacrificing efficacy. In a single patient harboring mutant C9ORF72 with the G4C2 repeat expansion, repeated dosing by intrathecal delivery of the optimal ASO was well tolerated, leading to significant reductions in levels of cerebrospinal fluid poly(GP). This report provides insight into the effect of nucleic acid chemistry on toxicity and, to our knowledge, for the first time demonstrates the feasibility of clinical suppression of the C9ORF72 gene. Additional clinical trials will be required to demonstrate safety and efficacy of this therapy in patients with C9ORF72 gene mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Tran
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Michael P Moazami
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Huiya Yang
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Diane McKenna-Yasek
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | | | - Courtney Pinto
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Jake Metterville
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Minwook Shin
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Nitasha Sanil
- Research Pharmacy, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Craig Dooley
- Research Pharmacy, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Ajit Puri
- Department of Radiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Alexandra Weiss
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Nicholas Wightman
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Heather Gray-Edwards
- Department of Radiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Miklos Marosfoi
- Department of Radiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Robert M King
- Department of Radiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA, USA
| | | | - Daniele Fabris
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Robert Bowser
- Departments of Neurology and Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Jonathan K Watts
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
| | - Robert H Brown
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
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3
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Dong X, Cong S. MicroRNAs in Huntington's Disease: Diagnostic Biomarkers or Therapeutic Agents? Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:705348. [PMID: 34421543 PMCID: PMC8377808 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.705348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNA (miRNA) is a non-coding single-stranded small molecule of approximately 21 nucleotides. It degrades or inhibits the translation of RNA by targeting the 3′-UTR. The miRNA plays an important role in the growth, development, differentiation, and functional execution of the nervous system. Dysregulated miRNA expression has been associated with several pathological processes of neurodegenerative disorders, including Huntington’s disease (HD). Recent studies have suggested promising roles of miRNAs as biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for HD. Here, we review the emerging role of dysregulated miRNAs in HD and describe general biology of miRNAs, their pathophysiological implications, and their potential roles as biomarkers and therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Dong
- Department of Neurology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Shuyan Cong
- Department of Neurology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Zhang N, Bewick B, Schultz J, Tiwari A, Krencik R, Zhang A, Adachi K, Xia G, Yun K, Sarkar P, Ashizawa T. DNAzyme Cleavage of CAG Repeat RNA in Polyglutamine Diseases. Neurotherapeutics 2021; 18:1710-1728. [PMID: 34160773 PMCID: PMC8609077 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-021-01075-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
CAG repeat expansion is the genetic cause of nine incurable polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases with neurodegenerative features. Silencing repeat RNA holds great therapeutic value. Here, we developed a repeat-based RNA-cleaving DNAzyme that catalyzes the destruction of expanded CAG repeat RNA of six polyQ diseases with high potency. DNAzyme preferentially cleaved the expanded allele in spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) cells. While cleavage was non-allele-specific for spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) cells, treatment of DNAzyme leads to improved cell viability without affecting mitochondrial metabolism or p62-dependent aggresome formation. DNAzyme appears to be stable in mouse brain for at least 1 month, and an intermediate dosage of DNAzyme in a SCA3 mouse model leads to a significant reduction of high molecular weight ATXN3 proteins. Our data suggest that DNAzyme is an effective RNA silencing molecule for potential treatment of multiple polyQ diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Program, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX USA
| | - Brittani Bewick
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Program, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX USA
| | - Jason Schultz
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Program, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX USA
| | - Anjana Tiwari
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Program, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX USA
| | - Robert Krencik
- Center for Neuroregeneration, Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX USA
| | - Aijun Zhang
- Center for Bioenergetics, Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX USA
| | - Kaho Adachi
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, UC-Berkeley, Berkeley, CA USA
| | - Guangbin Xia
- Indiana University School of Medicine-Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne, IN USA
| | - Kyuson Yun
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Program, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX USA
| | - Partha Sarkar
- Department of Neurology and Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology and Anatomy, UTMB Health, Galveston, TX USA
| | - Tetsuo Ashizawa
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Program, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX USA
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Korecka JA, Thomas R, Hinrich AJ, Moskites AM, Macbain ZK, Hallett PJ, Isacson O, Hastings ML. Splice-Switching Antisense Oligonucleotides Reduce LRRK2 Kinase Activity in Human LRRK2 Transgenic Mice. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2020; 21:623-635. [PMID: 32736291 PMCID: PMC7393423 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2020.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder estimated to affect 7–10 million people worldwide. There is no treatment available that cures or slows the progression of PD. Elevated leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) activity has been associated with genetic and sporadic forms of PD and, thus, reducing LRRK2 function is a promising therapeutic strategy. We have previously reported that an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) that blocks splicing of LRRK2 exon 41, which encodes part of the kinase domain, reverses aberrant endoplasmic reticulum (ER) calcium levels and mitophagy defects in PD patient-derived cell lines harboring the LRRK2 G2019S mutation. In this study, we show that treating transgenic mice expressing human wild-type or G2019S LRRK2 with a single intracerebroventricular injection of ASO induces exon 41 skipping and results in a decrease in phosphorylation of the LRRK2 kinase substrate RAB10. Exon 41 skipping also reverses LRRK2 kinase-dependent changes in LC3B II/I ratios, a marker for the autophagic process. These results demonstrate the potential of LRRK2 exon 41 skipping as a possible therapeutic strategy to modulate pathogenic LRRK2 kinase activity associated with PD development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna A Korecka
- Neuroregeneration Research Institute, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA 02478, USA.
| | - Ria Thomas
- Neuroregeneration Research Institute, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA 02478, USA
| | - Anthony J Hinrich
- Center for Genetic Diseases, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA
| | - Alyssa M Moskites
- Neuroregeneration Research Institute, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA 02478, USA
| | - Zach K Macbain
- Neuroregeneration Research Institute, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA 02478, USA
| | - Penelope J Hallett
- Neuroregeneration Research Institute, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA 02478, USA
| | - Ole Isacson
- Neuroregeneration Research Institute, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA 02478, USA
| | - Michelle L Hastings
- Center for Genetic Diseases, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA.
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