1
|
Ryckman AE, Deschenes NM, Quinville BM, Osmon KJ, Mitchell M, Chen Z, Gray SJ, Walia JS. Intrathecal delivery of a bicistronic AAV9 vector expressing β-hexosaminidase A corrects Sandhoff disease in a murine model: A dosage study. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2024; 32:101168. [PMID: 38205442 PMCID: PMC10777117 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.101168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
The pathological accumulation of GM2 ganglioside associated with Tay-Sachs disease (TSD) and Sandhoff disease (SD) occurs in individuals who possess mutant forms of the heterodimer β-hexosaminidase A (Hex A) because of mutation of the HEXA and HEXB genes, respectively. With a lack of approved therapies, patients experience rapid neurological decline resulting in early death. A novel bicistronic vector carrying both HEXA and HEXB previously demonstrated promising results in mouse models of SD following neonatal intravenous administration, including significant reduction in GM2 accumulation, increased levels of Hex A, and a 2-fold extension of survival. The aim of the present study was to identify an optimal dose of the bicistronic vector in 6-week-old SD mice by an intrathecal route of administration along with transient immunosuppression, to inform possible clinical translation. Three doses of the bicistronic vector were tested: 2.5e11, 1.25e11, and 0.625e11 vector genomes per mouse. The highest dose provided the greatest increase in biochemical and behavioral parameters, such that treated mice lived to a median age of 56 weeks (>3 times the lifespan of the SD controls). These results have direct implications in deciding a human equivalent dose for TSD/SD and have informed the approval of a clinical trial application (NCT04798235).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alex E. Ryckman
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Natalie M. Deschenes
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Brianna M. Quinville
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Karlaina J.L. Osmon
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Melissa Mitchell
- Medical Genetics/Departments of Pediatrics, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 2V7, Canada
| | - Zhilin Chen
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Steven J. Gray
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Jagdeep S. Walia
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
- Medical Genetics/Departments of Pediatrics, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 2V7, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
McLeod F, McDermott E, Mak S, Walsh D, Turnbull M, LeBeau FEN, Jackson A, Trevelyan AJ, Clowry GJ. AAV8 vector induced gliosis following neuronal transgene expression. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1287228. [PMID: 38495109 PMCID: PMC10944330 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1287228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Expression of light sensitive ion channels by selected neurons has been achieved by viral mediated transduction with gene constructs, but for this to have therapeutic uses, for instance in treating epilepsy, any adverse effects of viral infection on the cerebral cortex needs to be evaluated. Here, we assessed the impact of adeno-associated virus 8 (AAV8) carrying DNA code for a soma targeting light activated chloride channel/FusionRed (FR) construct under the CKIIa promoter. Methods Viral constructs were harvested from transfected HEK293 cells in vitro and purified. To test functionality of the opsin, cultured rodent neurons were transduced and the light response of transduced neurons was assayed using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings. In vivo expression was confirmed by immunofluorescence for FR. Unilateral intracranial injections of the viral construct were made into the mouse neocortex and non-invasive fluorescence imaging of FR expression made over 1-4 weeks post-injection using an IVIS Spectrum system. Sections were also prepared from injected mouse cortex for immunofluorescence staining of FR, alongside glial and neuronal marker proteins. Results In vitro, cortical neurons were successfully transduced, showing appropriate physiological responses to light stimulation. Following injections in vivo, transduction was progressively established around a focal injection site over a 4-week period with spread of transduction proportional to the concentration of virus introduced. Elevated GFAP immunoreactivity, a marker for reactive astrocytes, was detected near injection sites associated with, and proportional to, local FR expression. Similarly, we observed reactive microglia around FR expressing cells. However, we found that the numbers of NeuN+ neurons were conserved close to the injection site, indicating that there was little or no neuronal loss. In control mice, injected with saline only, astrocytosis and microgliosis was limited to the immediate vicinity of the injection site. Injections of opsin negative viral constructs resulted in comparable levels of astrocytic reaction as seen with opsin positive constructs. Discussion We conclude that introduction of an AAV8 vector transducing expression of a transgene under a neuron specific promotor evokes a mild inflammatory reaction in cortical tissue without causing extensive short-term neuronal loss. The expression of an opsin in addition to a fluorescent protein does not significantly increase neuroinflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Faye McLeod
- Centre for Transformative Neuroscience, Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Gavin J. Clowry
- Centre for Transformative Neuroscience, Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Johnson AK, McCurdy VJ, Gray-Edwards HL, Maguire AS, Cochran JN, Gross AL, Skinner HE, Randle AN, Shirley JL, Brunson BL, Bradbury AM, Leroy SG, Hwang M, Rockwell HE, Cox NR, Baker HJ, Seyfried TN, Sena-Esteves M, Martin DR. Life-Limiting Peripheral Organ Dysfunction in Feline Sandhoff Disease Emerges after Effective CNS Gene Therapy. Ann Neurol 2023; 94:969-986. [PMID: 37526361 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE GM2 gangliosidosis is usually fatal by 5 years of age in its 2 major subtypes, Tay-Sachs and Sandhoff disease. First reported in 1881, GM2 gangliosidosis has no effective treatment today, and children succumb to the disease after a protracted neurodegenerative course and semi-vegetative state. This study seeks to further develop adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy for human translation. METHODS Cats with Sandhoff disease were treated by intracranial injection of vectors expressing feline β-N-acetylhexosaminidase, the enzyme deficient in GM2 gangliosidosis. RESULTS Hexosaminidase activity throughout the brain and spinal cord was above normal after treatment, with highest activities at the injection sites (thalamus and deep cerebellar nuclei). Ganglioside storage was reduced throughout the brain and spinal cord, with near complete clearance in many regions. While untreated cats with Sandhoff disease lived for 4.4 ± 0.6 months, AAV-treated cats lived to 19.1 ± 8.6 months, and 3 of 9 cats lived >21 months. Correction of the central nervous system was so effective that significant increases in lifespan led to the emergence of otherwise subclinical peripheral disease, including megacolon, enlarged stomach and urinary bladder, soft tissue spinal cord compression, and patellar luxation. Throughout the gastrointestinal tract, neurons of the myenteric and submucosal plexuses developed profound pathology, demonstrating that the enteric nervous system was inadequately treated. INTERPRETATION The vector formulation in the current study effectively treats neuropathology in feline Sandhoff disease, but whole-body targeting will be an important consideration in next-generation approaches. ANN NEUROL 2023;94:969-986.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aime K Johnson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Victoria J McCurdy
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Heather L Gray-Edwards
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Anne S Maguire
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - J Nicholas Cochran
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Amanda L Gross
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Haleigh E Skinner
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Ashley N Randle
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Jamie L Shirley
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Brandon L Brunson
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Allison M Bradbury
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Stanley G Leroy
- Department of Neurology and Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Misako Hwang
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Hannah E Rockwell
- Biology Department, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nancy R Cox
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Henry J Baker
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Thomas N Seyfried
- Biology Department, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Miguel Sena-Esteves
- Department of Neurology and Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Douglas R Martin
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Vyas M, Deschenes NM, Osmon KJL, Chen Z, Ahmad I, Kot S, Thompson P, Richmond C, Gray SJ, Walia JS. Efficacy of Adeno-Associated Virus Serotype 9-Mediated Gene Therapy for AB-Variant GM2 Gangliosidosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14611. [PMID: 37834060 PMCID: PMC10572999 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
GM2 gangliosidoses are a group of neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorders that are characterized by the accumulation of GM2 gangliosides (GM2), leading to rapid neurological decline and death. The hydrolysis of GM2 requires the specific synthesis, processing, and combination of products of three genes-HEXA, HEXB, and GM2A-within the cell's lysosomes. Mutations in these genes result in Tay-Sachs disease, Sandhoff disease, or AB-variant GM2 gangliosidosis (ABGM2), respectively. ABGM2, the rarest of the three types, is characterized by a mutation in the GM2A gene, which encodes the GM2 activator (GM2A) protein. Being a monogenic disease, gene therapy is a plausible and likely effective method of treatment for ABGM2. This study aimed at assessing the effects of administering a one-time intravenous treatment of single-stranded Adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (ssAAV9)-GM2A viral vector at a dose of 1 × 1014 vector genomes (vg) per kilogram per mouse in an ABGM2 mouse model (Gm2a-/-). ssAAV9-GM2A was administered at 1-day (neonatal) or 6-weeks of age (adult-stage). The results demonstrated that, in comparison to Gm2a-/- mice that received a vehicle injection, the treated mice had reduced GM2 accumulation within the central nervous system and had long-term persistence of vector genomes in the brain and liver. This proof-of-concept study is a step forward towards the development of a clinically therapeutic approach for the treatment of patients with ABGM2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meera Vyas
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Natalie M. Deschenes
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Karlaina J. L. Osmon
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Zhilin Chen
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada; (Z.C.)
| | - Imtiaz Ahmad
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Shalini Kot
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada; (Z.C.)
| | - Patrick Thompson
- Department of Pediatrics, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 2V7, Canada;
| | - Chris Richmond
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada; (Z.C.)
| | - Steven J. Gray
- Department of Pediatrics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Jagdeep S. Walia
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada; (Z.C.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 2V7, Canada;
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Issa SS, Shaimardanova AA, Solovyeva VV, Rizvanov AA. Various AAV Serotypes and Their Applications in Gene Therapy: An Overview. Cells 2023; 12:cells12050785. [PMID: 36899921 PMCID: PMC10000783 DOI: 10.3390/cells12050785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite scientific discoveries in the field of gene and cell therapy, some diseases still have no effective treatment. Advances in genetic engineering methods have enabled the development of effective gene therapy methods for various diseases based on adeno-associated viruses (AAVs). Today, many AAV-based gene therapy medications are being investigated in preclinical and clinical trials, and new ones are appearing on the market. In this article, we present a review of AAV discovery, properties, different serotypes, and tropism, and a following detailed explanation of their uses in gene therapy for disease of different organs and systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaza S. Issa
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alisa A. Shaimardanova
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
| | - Valeriya V. Solovyeva
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
| | - Albert A. Rizvanov
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-(905)-3167599
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
AAV vectors applied to the treatment of CNS disorders: Clinical status and challenges. J Control Release 2023; 355:458-473. [PMID: 36736907 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.01.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, adeno-associated virus (AAV) has become the most important vector for central nervous system (CNS) gene therapy. AAV has already shown promising results in the clinic, for several CNS diseases that cannot be treated with drugs, including neurodegenerative diseases, neuromuscular diseases, and lysosomal storage disorders. Currently, three of the four commercially available AAV-based drugs focus on neurological disorders, including Upstaza for aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency, Luxturna for hereditary retinal dystrophy, and Zolgensma for spinal muscular atrophy. All these studies have provided paradigms for AAV-based therapeutic intervention platforms. AAV gene therapy, with its dual promise of targeting disease etiology and enabling 'long-term correction' of disease processes, has the advantages of immune privilege, high delivery efficiency, tissue specificity, and cell tropism in the CNS. Although AAV-based gene therapy has been shown to be effective in most CNS clinical trials, limitations have been observed in its clinical applications, which are often associated with side effects. In this review, we summarized the therapeutic progress, challenges, limitations, and solutions for AAV-based gene therapy in 14 types of CNS diseases. We focused on viral vector technologies, delivery routes, immunosuppression, and other relevant clinical factors. We also attempted to integrate several hurdles faced in clinical and preclinical studies with their solutions, to seek the best path forward for the application of AAV-based gene therapy in the context of CNS diseases. We hope that these thoughtful recommendations will contribute to the efficient translation of preclinical studies and wide application of clinical trials.
Collapse
|
7
|
Sala D, Ornaghi F, Morena F, Argentati C, Valsecchi M, Alberizzi V, Di Guardo R, Bolino A, Aureli M, Martino S, Gritti A. Therapeutic advantages of combined gene/cell therapy strategies in a murine model of GM2 gangliosidosis. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2022; 25:170-189. [PMID: 35434178 PMCID: PMC8983315 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2022.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Genetic deficiency of β-N-acetylhexosaminidase (Hex) functionality leads to accumulation of GM2 ganglioside in Tay-Sachs disease and Sandhoff disease (SD), which presently lack approved therapies. Current experimental gene therapy (GT) approaches with adeno-associated viral vectors (AAVs) still pose safety and efficacy issues, supporting the search for alternative therapeutic strategies. Here we leveraged the lentiviral vector (LV)-mediated intracerebral (IC) GT platform to deliver Hex genes to the CNS and combined this strategy with bone marrow transplantation (BMT) to provide a timely, pervasive, and long-lasting source of the Hex enzyme in the CNS and periphery of SD mice. Combined therapy outperformed individual treatments in terms of lifespan extension and normalization of the neuroinflammatory/neurodegenerative phenotypes of SD mice. These benefits correlated with a time-dependent increase in Hex activity and a remarkable reduction in GM2 storage in brain tissues that single treatments failed to achieve. Our results highlight the synergic mode of action of LV-mediated IC GT and BMT, clarify the contribution of treatments to the therapeutic outcome, and inform on the realistic threshold of corrective enzymatic activity. These results have important implications for interpretation of ongoing experimental therapies and for design of more effective treatment strategies for GM2 gangliosidosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Davide Sala
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Ornaghi
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Morena
- Department of Chemistry, Biology, and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Chiara Argentati
- Department of Chemistry, Biology, and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Manuela Valsecchi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milano, Via Fratelli Cervi 93, 20090 Segrate, MI, Italy
| | - Valeria Alberizzi
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, INSPE, Via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Di Guardo
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, INSPE, Via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bolino
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, INSPE, Via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Aureli
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milano, Via Fratelli Cervi 93, 20090 Segrate, MI, Italy
| | - Sabata Martino
- Department of Chemistry, Biology, and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Angela Gritti
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
González-Cuesta M, Herrera-González I, García-Moreno MI, Ashmus RA, Vocadlo DJ, García Fernández JM, Nanba E, Higaki K, Ortiz Mellet C. sp 2-Iminosugars targeting human lysosomal β-hexosaminidase as pharmacological chaperone candidates for late-onset Tay-Sachs disease. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2022; 37:1364-1374. [PMID: 35575117 PMCID: PMC9126592 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2022.2073444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The late-onset form of Tay-Sachs disease displays when the activity levels of human β-hexosaminidase A (HexA) fall below 10% of normal, due to mutations that destabilise the native folded form of the enzyme and impair its trafficking to the lysosome. Competitive inhibitors of HexA can rescue disease-causative mutant HexA, bearing potential as pharmacological chaperones, but often also inhibit the enzyme O-glucosaminidase (GlcNAcase; OGA), a serious drawback for translation into the clinic. We have designed sp2-iminosugar glycomimetics related to GalNAc that feature a neutral piperidine-derived thiourea or a basic piperidine-thiazolidine bicyclic core and behave as selective nanomolar competitive inhibitors of human Hex A at pH 7 with a ten-fold lower inhibitory potency at pH 5, a good indication for pharmacological chaperoning. They increased the levels of lysosomal HexA activity in Tay-Sachs patient fibroblasts having the G269S mutation, the highest prevalent in late-onset Tay-Sachs disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuel González-Cuesta
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Seville, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Irene Herrera-González
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Seville, Sevilla, Spain
| | - M Isabel García-Moreno
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Seville, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Roger A Ashmus
- Department of Chemistry and Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
| | - David J Vocadlo
- Department of Chemistry and Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
| | - José M García Fernández
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas (IIQ), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) - Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Eiji Nanba
- Organization for Research Initiative and Promotion, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan
| | - Katsumi Higaki
- Organization for Research Initiative and Promotion, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan
| | - Carmen Ortiz Mellet
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Seville, Sevilla, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Flotte TR, Cataltepe O, Puri A, Batista AR, Moser R, McKenna-Yasek D, Douthwright C, Gernoux G, Blackwood M, Mueller C, Tai PWL, Jiang X, Bateman S, Spanakis SG, Parzych J, Keeler AM, Abayazeed A, Rohatgi S, Gibson L, Finberg R, Barton BA, Vardar Z, Shazeeb MS, Gounis M, Tifft CJ, Eichler FS, Brown RH, Martin DR, Gray-Edwards HL, Sena-Esteves M. AAV gene therapy for Tay-Sachs disease. Nat Med 2022; 28:251-259. [PMID: 35145305 PMCID: PMC10786171 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-021-01664-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Tay-Sachs disease (TSD) is an inherited neurological disorder caused by deficiency of hexosaminidase A (HexA). Here, we describe an adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy expanded-access trial in two patients with infantile TSD (IND 18225) with safety as the primary endpoint and no secondary endpoints. Patient TSD-001 was treated at 30 months with an equimolar mix of AAVrh8-HEXA and AAVrh8-HEXB administered intrathecally (i.t.), with 75% of the total dose (1 × 1014 vector genomes (vg)) in the cisterna magna and 25% at the thoracolumbar junction. Patient TSD-002 was treated at 7 months by combined bilateral thalamic (1.5 × 1012 vg per thalamus) and i.t. infusion (3.9 × 1013 vg). Both patients were immunosuppressed. Injection procedures were well tolerated, with no vector-related adverse events (AEs) to date. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) HexA activity increased from baseline and remained stable in both patients. TSD-002 showed disease stabilization by 3 months after injection with ongoing myelination, a temporary deviation from the natural history of infantile TSD, but disease progression was evident at 6 months after treatment. TSD-001 remains seizure-free at 5 years of age on the same anticonvulsant therapy as before therapy. TSD-002 developed anticonvulsant-responsive seizures at 2 years of age. This study provides early safety and proof-of-concept data in humans for treatment of patients with TSD by AAV gene therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Terence R Flotte
- Department of Pediatrics, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
- Horae Gene Therapy Center and The Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
| | - Oguz Cataltepe
- Department of Pediatrics, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Ajit Puri
- Department of Radiology, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Ana Rita Batista
- Horae Gene Therapy Center and The Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Richard Moser
- Department of Neurosurgery, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Gwladys Gernoux
- Department of Pediatrics, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Horae Gene Therapy Center and The Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Meghan Blackwood
- Department of Pediatrics, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Horae Gene Therapy Center and The Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Christian Mueller
- Department of Pediatrics, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Horae Gene Therapy Center and The Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Phillip W L Tai
- Horae Gene Therapy Center and The Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Xuntian Jiang
- Department of Medicine and Cardiovascular Division, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Scot Bateman
- Department of Pediatrics, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Spiro G Spanakis
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Julia Parzych
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Allison M Keeler
- Department of Pediatrics, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Horae Gene Therapy Center and The Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Aly Abayazeed
- Department of Radiology, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Saurabh Rohatgi
- Department of Radiology, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Laura Gibson
- Department of Pediatrics, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Robert Finberg
- Department of Internal Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Bruce A Barton
- Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Zeynep Vardar
- Department of Radiology, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | | | - Matthew Gounis
- Department of Radiology, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Cynthia J Tifft
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Florian S Eichler
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Robert H Brown
- Horae Gene Therapy Center and The Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Douglas R Martin
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Heather L Gray-Edwards
- Horae Gene Therapy Center and The Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Department of Radiology, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Miguel Sena-Esteves
- Horae Gene Therapy Center and The Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
- Department of Neurology, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Flotte TR, Gessler DJ. Gene Therapy for Rare Neurological Disorders. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2022; 111:743-757. [PMID: 35102556 DOI: 10.1002/cpt.2543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
There are over 7 000 diseases that are individually rare, but collectively affect missions of people worldwide. They are very commonly neurologic single-gene disorders. Recent advances in recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors have enabled breakthroughs, including FDA-approved gene therapies for Inherited Retinal Dystrophy due to RPE65 mutation and spinal muscular atrophy. A range of other gene therapies for rare neurologic diseases are at various stages of development. Future development of gene editing technologies promises further to broaden the potential for more patients with these disorders to benefit from innovative therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Dominic J Gessler
- University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School.,University of Minnesota
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
The GM2 gangliosidoses: Unlocking the mysteries of pathogenesis and treatment. Neurosci Lett 2021; 764:136195. [PMID: 34450229 PMCID: PMC8572160 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.136195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
|
12
|
Osmon KJ, Thompson P, Woodley E, Karumuthil-Melethil S, Heindel C, Keimel JG, Kaemmerer WF, Gray SJ, Walia JS. Treatment of GM2 Gangliosidosis in Adult Sandhoff Mice using an Intravenous Self-Complementary Hexosaminidase Vector. Curr Gene Ther 2021; 22:262-276. [PMID: 34530708 DOI: 10.2174/1566523221666210916153051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND GM2 gangliosidosis is a neurodegenerative, lysosomal storage disease caused by the deficiency of β-hexosaminidase A enzyme (HexA), an α/β-subunit heterodimer. A novel variant of the human hexosaminidase α-subunit, coded by HEXM, has previously been shown to form a stable homodimer, HexM, that hydrolyzes GM2 gangliosides (GM2) in vivo. MATERIALS & METHODS The current study assessed the efficacy of intravenous (IV) delivery of a self-complementary adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (scAAV9) vector incorporating the HEXM transgene, scAAV9/HEXM, including the outcomes based on the dosages provided to the Sandhoff (SD) mice. Six-week-old SD mice were injected with either 2.5E+12 vector genomes (low dose, LD) or 1.0E+13 vg (high dose, HD). We hypothesized that when examining the dosage comparison for scAAV9/HEXM in adult SD mice, the HD group would have more beneficial outcomes than the LD cohort. Assessments included survival, behavioral outcomes, vector biodistribution, and enzyme activity within the central nervous system. RESULTS Toxicity was observed in the HD cohort, with 8 of 14 mice dying within one month of the injection. As compared to untreated SD mice, which have typical survival of 16 weeks, the LD cohort and the remaining HD mice had a significant survival benefit with an average/median survival of 40.6/34.5 and 55.9/56.7 weeks, respectively. Significant behavioral, biochemical and molecular benefits were also observed. The second aim of the study was to investigate the effects of IV mannitol infusions on the biodistribution of the LD scAAV9/HEXM vector and the survival of the SD mice. Increases in both the biodistribution of the vector as well as the survival benefit (average/median of 41.6/49.3 weeks) were observed. CONCLUSION These results demonstrate the potential benefit and critical limitations of the treatment of GM2 gangliosidosis using IV delivered AAV vectors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karlaina Jl Osmon
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario. Canada
| | - Patrick Thompson
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario. Canada
| | - Evan Woodley
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario. Canada
| | | | - Cliff Heindel
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. United States
| | - John G Keimel
- New Hope Research Foundation, North Oaks, Minnesota. United States
| | | | - Steven J Gray
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. United States
| | - Jagdeep S Walia
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario. Canada
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Story B, Taghian T, Gallagher J, Koehler J, Taylor A, Randle A, Nielsen K, Gross A, Maguire A, Carl S, Johnson S, Fernau D, Diffie E, Cuddon P, Corado C, Chandra S, Sena-Esteves M, Kolodny E, Jiang X, Martin D, Gray-Edwards H. Natural history of Tay-Sachs disease in sheep. Mol Genet Metab 2021; 134:164-174. [PMID: 34456134 PMCID: PMC8811770 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2021.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Tay-Sachs disease (TSD) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease caused by a deficiency of the enzyme β-N-acetylhexosaminidase A (HexA). TSD naturally occurs in Jacob sheep is the only experimental model of TSD. TSD in sheep recapitulates neurologic features similar to juvenile onset and late onset TSD patients. Due to the paucity of human literature on pathology of TSD, a better natural history in the sheep TSD brain, which is on the same order of magnitude as a child's, is necessary for evaluating therapy and characterizing the pathological events that occur. To provide clinicians and researchers with a clearer understanding of longitudinal pathology in patients, we compare spectrum of clinical signs and brain pathology in mildly symptomatic (3-months), moderately symptomatic (6-months), or severely affected TSD sheep (humane endpoint at ~9-months of age). Increased GM2 ganglioside in the CSF of TSD sheep and a TSD specific biomarker on MRS (taurine) correlate with disease severity. Microglial activation and reactive astrocytes were observed globally on histopathology in TSD sheep with a widespread reduction in oligodendrocyte density. Myelination is reduced primarily in the forebrain illustrated by loss of white matter on MRI. GM2 and GM3 ganglioside were increased and distributed differently in various tissues. The study of TSD in the sheep model provides a natural history to shed light on the pathophysiology of TSD, which is of utmost importance due to novel therapeutics being assessed in human patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brett Story
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States of America
| | - Toloo Taghian
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States of America; Department of Radiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States of America
| | - Jillian Gallagher
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States of America
| | - Jey Koehler
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States of America
| | - Amanda Taylor
- Auburn University, Department of Clinical Sciences Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States of America
| | - Ashley Randle
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States of America
| | - Kayly Nielsen
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States of America
| | - Amanda Gross
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States of America
| | - Annie Maguire
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States of America; Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States of America
| | - Sara Carl
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States of America
| | - Siauna Johnson
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States of America
| | - Deborah Fernau
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States of America
| | - Elise Diffie
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States of America
| | - Paul Cuddon
- Neurology Locum, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, AL
| | - Carly Corado
- BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc, Novato, CA, United States of America
| | - Sundeep Chandra
- BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc, Novato, CA, United States of America
| | - Miguel Sena-Esteves
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States of America; Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States of America
| | - Edwin Kolodny
- Bernard A. Marden Professor of Neurology and Chairman of the Department of Neurology, New York University, School of Medicine, NY, NY, United States of America; Head of the Division of Neurogenetics, New York University, School of Medicine, NY, NY, United States of America
| | - Xuntian Jiang
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MI, United States of America
| | - Douglas Martin
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States of America; Neurology Locum, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, AL
| | - Heather Gray-Edwards
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States of America; Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States of America; Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States of America; Department of Radiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Maguire AS, Martin DR. White Matter Pathology as a Barrier to Gangliosidosis Gene Therapy. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:682106. [PMID: 34456684 PMCID: PMC8397537 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.682106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The gangliosidoses are a family of neurodegenerative lysosomal storage diseases that have recently seen promising advances in gene therapy. White matter deficits are well established components of gangliosidosis pathology that are now receiving more attention because they are partially refractory to correction by gene therapy. After a brief synopsis of normal myelinogenesis, this review outlines current viewpoints on the origin of white matter deficits in the gangliosidoses and potential obstacles to treating them effectively by gene therapy. Dysmyelinogenesis (failure of myelin sheaths to form properly) is proposed as the predominant contributor to white matter pathology, but precise mechanistic details are not well understood. The involvement of neuronal storage deficits may extend beyond secondary demyelination (destruction of myelin due to axonal loss) and contribute to dysmyelinogenesis. Preclinical studies in animal models of the gangliosidoses have substantially improved lifespan and quality of life, leading to the initiation of several clinical trials. However, improvement of white matter pathology has lagged behind other metrics and few evidence-based explanations have been proposed to date. Research groups in the field are encouraged to include myelin-specific investigations in future gene therapy work to address this gap in knowledge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne S. Maguire
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, AL, United States
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Douglas R. Martin
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, AL, United States
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, AL, United States
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Cachón-González MB, Wang S, Cox TM. Expression of Ripk1 and DAM genes correlates with severity and progression of Krabbe disease. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 30:2082-2099. [PMID: 34172992 PMCID: PMC8561423 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddab159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Krabbe disease, an inherited leukodystrophy, is a sphingolipidosis caused by deficiency of β-galactocerebrosidase: it is characterized by myelin loss, and pathological activation of macrophage/microglia and astrocytes. To define driving pathogenic factors, we explored the expression repertoire of candidate neuroinflammatory genes: upregulation of receptor interacting protein kinase 1 (Ripk1) and disease-associated microglia (DAM) genes, including Cst7 and Ch25h, correlated with severity of Krabbe disease genetically modelled in the twitcher mouse. Upregulation of Ripk1 in Iba1/Mac2-positive microglia/macrophage associated with the pathognomic hypertrophic/globoid phenotype of this disease. Widespread accumulation of ubiquitinin1 in white and grey matter co-localised with p62. In Sandhoff disease, another sphingolipid disorder, neuroinflammation, accumulation of p62 and increased Ripk1 expression was observed. The upregulated DAM genes and macrophage/microglia expression of Ripk1 in the authentic model of Krabbe disease strongly resemble those reported in Alzheimer disease associating with disturbed autophagosomal/lysosomal homeostasis. Activation of this shared molecular repertoire, suggests the potential for therapeutic interdiction at a common activation step, irrespective of proximal causation. To clarify the role of Ripk1 in the pathogenesis of Krabbe disease, we first explored the contribution of its kinase function, by intercrossing twitcher and the K45A kinase-dead Ripk1 mouse and breeding to homozygosity. Genetic ablation of Ripk1 kinase activity neither altered the neuropathological features nor the survival of twitcher mice. We conclude that Ripk1 kinase-dependent inflammatory and degenerative capabilities play no instrumental role in Krabbe disease; however, putative kinase-independent functions of Ripk1 remain formally to be explored in its molecular pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María B Cachón-González
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Level 5, PO Box 157, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Susan Wang
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Level 5, PO Box 157, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Timothy M Cox
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Level 5, PO Box 157, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Kot S, Karumuthil-Melethil S, Woodley E, Zaric V, Thompson P, Chen Z, Lykken E, Keimel JG, Kaemmerer WF, Gray SJ, Walia JS. Investigating Immune Responses to the scAAV9- HEXM Gene Therapy Treatment in Tay-Sachs Disease and Sandhoff Disease Mouse Models. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22136751. [PMID: 34201771 PMCID: PMC8268035 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
GM2 gangliosidosis disorders are a group of neurodegenerative diseases that result from a functional deficiency of the enzyme β-hexosaminidase A (HexA). HexA consists of an α- and β-subunit; a deficiency in either subunit results in Tay–Sachs Disease (TSD) or Sandhoff Disease (SD), respectively. Viral vector gene transfer is viewed as a potential method of treating these diseases. A recently constructed isoenzyme to HexA, called HexM, has the ability to effectively catabolize GM2 gangliosides in vivo. Previous gene transfer studies have revealed that the scAAV9-HEXM treatment can improve survival in the murine SD model. However, it is speculated that this treatment could elicit an immune response to the carrier capsid and “non-self”-expressed transgene. This study was designed to assess the immunocompetence of TSD and SD mice, and test the immune response to the scAAV9-HEXM gene transfer. HexM vector-treated mice developed a significant anti-HexM T cell response and antibody response. This study confirms that TSD and SD mouse models are immunocompetent, and that gene transfer expression can create an immune response in these mice. These mouse models could be utilized for investigating methods of mitigating immune responses to gene transfer-expressed “non-self” proteins, and potentially improve treatment efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shalini Kot
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada; (S.K.); (E.W.)
| | - Subha Karumuthil-Melethil
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (S.K.-M.); (V.Z.); (E.L.); (S.J.G.)
| | - Evan Woodley
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada; (S.K.); (E.W.)
| | - Violeta Zaric
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (S.K.-M.); (V.Z.); (E.L.); (S.J.G.)
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Patrick Thompson
- Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 2V7, Canada; (P.T.); (Z.C.)
| | - Zhilin Chen
- Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 2V7, Canada; (P.T.); (Z.C.)
| | - Erik Lykken
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (S.K.-M.); (V.Z.); (E.L.); (S.J.G.)
| | - John G. Keimel
- New Hope Research Foundation, North Oaks, MN 55127, USA; (J.G.K.); (W.F.K.)
| | | | - Steven J. Gray
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (S.K.-M.); (V.Z.); (E.L.); (S.J.G.)
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Jagdeep S. Walia
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada; (S.K.); (E.W.)
- Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 2V7, Canada; (P.T.); (Z.C.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Calzoni E, Cesaretti A, Montegiove N, Di Michele A, Emiliani C. Enhanced Stability of Long-Living Immobilized Recombinant β-d- N-Acetyl-Hexosaminidase A on Polylactic Acid (PLA) Films for Potential Biomedical Applications. J Funct Biomater 2021; 12:jfb12020032. [PMID: 34064736 PMCID: PMC8162980 DOI: 10.3390/jfb12020032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
β-d-N-acetyl-hexosaminidase (Hex, EC 3.2.1.52) is an acid hydrolase that catalyzes the cleavage of the β-1,4 bond in N-acetyl-d-galactosamine (Gal-NAc) and N-acetyl-d-glucosamine (Glc-NAc) from the non-reducing end of oligosaccharides and glycoconjugates. It is widely expressed in both the prokaryotic and eukaryotic world, where it performs multiple and important functions. Hex has antifungal activity in plants, is capable of degrading many biological substrates, and can play an important role in the biomedical field for the treatment of Tay-Sachs and Sandhoff diseases. With the aim being able to obtain a device with a stable enzyme, a method of covalent immobilization on polylactic acid (PLA) films was developed for the A isoform of the β-d-N-acetyl-hexosaminidase enzyme (HexA), produced in a recombinant way from Human Embryonic Kidney-293 (HEK-293) cells and suitably purified. An in-depth biochemical characterization of the immobilized enzyme was carried out, evaluating the optimal temperature, thermal stability, pH parameters, and Km value. Moreover, the stability of the enzymatic activity over time was assessed. The results obtained showed an improvement in terms of kinetic parameters and stability to heat for the enzyme following immobilization and the presence of HexA in two distinct immobilized forms, with an unexpected ability for one of them to maintain its functionality for a long period of time (over a year). The stability and functionality of the enzyme in its immobilized form are therefore extremely promising for potential biotechnological and biomedical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Calzoni
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy; (E.C.); (N.M.); (C.E.)
| | - Alessio Cesaretti
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy; (E.C.); (N.M.); (C.E.)
- Center of Excellence on Innovative Nanostructured Materials—CEMIN, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-075-585-7436
| | - Nicolò Montegiove
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy; (E.C.); (N.M.); (C.E.)
| | | | - Carla Emiliani
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy; (E.C.); (N.M.); (C.E.)
- Center of Excellence on Innovative Nanostructured Materials—CEMIN, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Sura R, Hutt J, Morgan S. Opinion on the Use of Animal Models in Nonclinical Safety Assessment: Pros and Cons. Toxicol Pathol 2021; 49:990-995. [PMID: 33827334 DOI: 10.1177/01926233211003498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Nonclinical evaluation of human safety risks for new chemical entities (NCEs) is primarily conducted in conventional healthy animals (CHAs); however, in certain instances, animal models of diseases (AMDs) can play a critical role in the understanding of human health risks. Animal models of diseases may be especially important when there is a need to understand how disease conditions associated with the intended indication might impact risk assessment of NCEs or when CHAs lack the human-specific target of interest (receptor, etc). Although AMDs have potential benefits over CHAs, they also have limitations. Understanding these limitations and optimizing the AMDs of interest should be done prior to proceeding with studies that will guide development of NCE. The purpose of this manuscript is to provide an overview of the major pros and cons of utilization of AMDs in nonclinical safety assessment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Julie Hutt
- Greenfield Pathology Services, Inc., Greenfield, IN, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Therapeutic benefit after intracranial gene therapy delivered during the symptomatic stage in a feline model of Sandhoff disease. Gene Ther 2020; 28:142-154. [PMID: 32884151 PMCID: PMC7925702 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-020-00190-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Sandhoff disease (SD) is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disease caused by defects in the β-subunit of β-N-acetylhexosaminidase (Hex), the enzyme that catabolizes GM2 ganglioside (GM2). Hex deficiency causes neuronal storage of GM2 and related glycoconjugates, resulting in progressive neurodegeneration and death, typically in infancy. No effective treatment exists for human patients. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy led to improved clinical outcome and survival of SD cats treated before the onset of disease symptoms. Most human patients are diagnosed after clinical disease onset, so it is imperative to test AAV gene therapy in symptomatic SD cats to provide a realistic indication of therapeutic benefits that can be expected in humans. In this study, AAVrh8 vectors injected into the thalamus and deep cerebellar nuclei of symptomatic SD cats resulted in widespread central nervous system enzyme distribution, although a substantial burden of storage material remained. Cats treated in the early symptomatic phase showed delayed disease progression and a significant survival increase versus untreated cats. Treatment was less effective when administered later in the disease course, although therapeutic benefit was still possible. Results are encouraging for the treatment of human patients and provide support for the development AAV gene therapy for human SD.
Collapse
|
20
|
Brekk OR, Korecka JA, Crapart CC, Huebecker M, MacBain ZK, Rosenthal SA, Sena-Esteves M, Priestman DA, Platt FM, Isacson O, Hallett PJ. Upregulating β-hexosaminidase activity in rodents prevents α-synuclein lipid associations and protects dopaminergic neurons from α-synuclein-mediated neurotoxicity. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2020; 8:127. [PMID: 32762772 PMCID: PMC7409708 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-020-01004-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Sandhoff disease (SD) is a lysosomal storage disease, caused by loss of β-hexosaminidase (HEX) activity resulting in the accumulation of ganglioside GM2. There are shared features between SD and Parkinson's disease (PD). α-synuclein (aSYN) inclusions, the diagnostic hallmark sign of PD, are frequently found in the brain in SD patients and HEX knockout mice, and HEX activity is reduced in the substantia nigra in PD. In this study, we biochemically demonstrate that HEX deficiency in mice causes formation of high-molecular weight (HMW) aSYN and ubiquitin in the brain. As expected from HEX enzymatic function requirements, overexpression in vivo of HEXA and B combined, but not either of the subunits expressed alone, increased HEX activity as evidenced by histochemical assays. Biochemically, such HEX gene expression resulted in increased conversion of GM2 to its breakdown product GM3. In a neurodegenerative model of overexpression of aSYN in rats, increasing HEX activity by AAV6 gene transfer in the substantia nigra reduced aSYN embedding in lipid compartments and rescued dopaminergic neurons from degeneration. Overall, these data are consistent with a paradigm shift where lipid abnormalities are central to or preceding protein changes typically associated with PD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oeystein R Brekk
- Neuroregeneration Institute, McLean Hospital / Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Joanna A Korecka
- Neuroregeneration Institute, McLean Hospital / Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA, USA
- Current address: Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Cecile C Crapart
- Neuroregeneration Institute, McLean Hospital / Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Mylene Huebecker
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Current address: Institute of Innate Immunity, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Zachary K MacBain
- Neuroregeneration Institute, McLean Hospital / Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Sara Ann Rosenthal
- Neuroregeneration Institute, McLean Hospital / Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Miguel Sena-Esteves
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | | | - Frances M Platt
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ole Isacson
- Neuroregeneration Institute, McLean Hospital / Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA, USA.
| | - Penelope J Hallett
- Neuroregeneration Institute, McLean Hospital / Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Lahey HG, Webber CJ, Golebiowski D, Izzo CM, Horn E, Taghian T, Rodriguez P, Batista AR, Ellis LE, Hwang M, Martin DR, Gray-Edwards H, Sena-Esteves M. Pronounced Therapeutic Benefit of a Single Bidirectional AAV Vector Administered Systemically in Sandhoff Mice. Mol Ther 2020; 28:2150-2160. [PMID: 32592687 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The GM2 gangliosidoses, Tay-Sachs disease (TSD) and Sandhoff disease (SD), are fatal lysosomal storage disorders caused by mutations in the HEXA and HEXB genes, respectively. These mutations cause dysfunction of the lysosomal enzyme β-N-acetylhexosaminidase A (HexA) and accumulation of GM2 ganglioside (GM2) with ensuing neurodegeneration, and death by 5 years of age. Until recently, the most successful therapy was achieved by intracranial co-delivery of monocistronic adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors encoding Hex alpha and beta-subunits in animal models of SD. The blood-brain barrier crossing properties of AAV9 enables systemic gene therapy; however, the requirement of co-delivery of two monocistronic AAV vectors to overexpress the heterodimeric HexA protein has prevented the use of this approach. To address this need, we developed multiple AAV constructs encoding simultaneously HEXA and HEXB using AAV9 and AAV-PHP.B and tested their therapeutic efficacy in 4- to 6-week-old SD mice after systemic administration. Survival and biochemical outcomes revealed superiority of the AAV vector design using a bidirectional CBA promoter with equivalent dose-dependent outcomes for both capsids. AAV-treated mice performed normally in tests of motor function, CNS GM2 ganglioside levels were significantly reduced, and survival increased by >4-fold with some animals surviving past 2 years of age.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah G Lahey
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Chelsea J Webber
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Diane Golebiowski
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Cassandra M Izzo
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Erin Horn
- Department of Radiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Toloo Taghian
- Department of Radiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Paola Rodriguez
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Ana Rita Batista
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Lauren E Ellis
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Misako Hwang
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Douglas R Martin
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, AL, USA; Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Pharmacology, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Heather Gray-Edwards
- Department of Radiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Miguel Sena-Esteves
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
In silico analysis of the effects of disease-associated mutations of β-hexosaminidase A in Tay‒Sachs disease. J Genet 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s12041-020-01208-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
|
23
|
A novel gene editing system to treat both Tay-Sachs and Sandhoff diseases. Gene Ther 2020; 27:226-236. [PMID: 31896760 PMCID: PMC7260097 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-019-0120-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The GM2-gangliosidoses are neurological diseases causing premature death, thus developing effective treatment protocols is urgent. GM2-gangliosidoses result from deficiency of a lysosomal enzyme β-hexosaminidase (Hex) and subsequent accumulation of GM2 gangliosides. Genetic changes in HEXA, encoding the Hex α subunit, or HEXB, encoding the Hex β subunit, causes Tay-Sachs disease and Sandhoff disease, respectively. Previous studies have showed that a modified human Hex μ subunit (HEXM) can treat both Tay-Sachs and Sandhoff diseases by forming a homodimer to degrade GM2 gangliosides. To this end, we applied this HEXM subunit in our PS813 gene editing system to treat neonatal Sandhoff mice. Through AAV delivery of the CRISPR system, a promoterless HEXM cDNA will be integrated into the albumin safe harbor locus, and lysosomal enzyme will be expressed and secreted from edited hepatocytes. Four months after the i.v. of AAV vectors, plasma MUGS and MUG activities reached up to 144- and 17-fold of wildtype levels (n=10, p<0.0001), respectively. More importantly, MUGS and MUG activities in the brain also increased significantly compared with untreated Sandhoff mice (p<0.001). Further, HPLC-MS/MS analysis showed that GM2 gangliosides in multiple tissues, except the brain, of treated mice were reduced to normal levels. Rotarod analysis showed that coordination and motor memory of treated mice were improved (p<0.05). Histological analysis of H&E stained tissues showed reduced cellular vacuolation in the brain and liver of treated Sandhoff mice. These results demonstrate the potential of developing a treatment of in vivo genome editing for Tay-Sachs and Sandhoff patients.
Collapse
|
24
|
Taghian T, Marosfoi MG, Puri AS, Cataltepe OI, King RM, Diffie EB, Maguire AS, Martin DR, Fernau D, Batista AR, Kuchel T, Christou C, Perumal R, Chandra S, Gamlin PD, Bertrand SG, Flotte TR, McKenna-Yasek D, Tai PWL, Aronin N, Gounis MJ, Sena-Esteves M, Gray-Edwards HL. A Safe and Reliable Technique for CNS Delivery of AAV Vectors in the Cisterna Magna. Mol Ther 2019; 28:411-421. [PMID: 31813800 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2019.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Global gene delivery to the CNS has therapeutic importance for the treatment of neurological disorders that affect the entire CNS. Due to direct contact with the CNS, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is an attractive route for CNS gene delivery. A safe and effective route to achieve global gene distribution in the CNS is needed, and administration of genes through the cisterna magna (CM) via a suboccipital puncture results in broad distribution in the brain and spinal cord. However, translation of this technique to clinical practice is challenging due to the risk of serious and potentially fatal complications in patients. Herein, we report development of a gene therapy delivery method to the CM through adaptation of an intravascular microcatheter, which can be safely navigated intrathecally under fluoroscopic guidance. We examined the safety, reproducibility, and distribution/transduction of this method in sheep using a self-complementary adeno-associated virus 9 (scAAV9)-GFP vector. This technique was used to treat two Tay-Sachs disease patients (30 months old and 7 months old) with AAV gene therapy. No adverse effects were observed during infusion or post-treatment. This delivery technique is a safe and minimally invasive alternative to direct infusion into the CM, achieving broad distribution of AAV gene transfer to the CNS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Toloo Taghian
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Miklos G Marosfoi
- Department of Radiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Ajit S Puri
- Department of Radiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA; Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Oguz I Cataltepe
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Robert M King
- Department of Radiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Elise B Diffie
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Anne S Maguire
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Douglas R Martin
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, Auburn University, AL 36849, USA
| | - Deborah Fernau
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Ana Rita Batista
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Tim Kuchel
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Gillies Plains, SA 5086, Australia
| | - Chris Christou
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Gillies Plains, SA 5086, Australia
| | - Raj Perumal
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Gillies Plains, SA 5086, Australia
| | | | - Paul D Gamlin
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Stephanie G Bertrand
- Department of Environmental Population Health, Cummings Veterinary School at Tufts University, Grafton, MA 01536, USA
| | - Terence R Flotte
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Diane McKenna-Yasek
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Phillip W L Tai
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Neil Aronin
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Matthew J Gounis
- Department of Radiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Miguel Sena-Esteves
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Heather L Gray-Edwards
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Department of Radiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Niemir N, Rouvière L, Besse A, Vanier MT, Dmytrus J, Marais T, Astord S, Puech JP, Panasyuk G, Cooper JD, Barkats M, Caillaud C. Intravenous administration of scAAV9-Hexb normalizes lifespan and prevents pathology in Sandhoff disease mice. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 27:954-968. [PMID: 29325092 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Sandhoff disease (SD) is a rare inherited disorder caused by a deficiency of β-hexosaminidase activity which is fatal because no effective treatment is available. A mouse model of Hexb deficiency reproduces the key pathognomonic features of SD patients with severe ubiquitous lysosomal dysfunction, GM2 accumulation, neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, culminating in death at 4 months. Here, we show that a single intravenous neonatal administration of a self-complementary adeno-associated virus 9 vector (scAAV9) expressing the Hexb cDNA in SD mice is safe and sufficient to prevent disease development. Importantly, we demonstrate for the first time that this treatment results in a normal lifespan (over 700 days) and normalizes motor function assessed by a battery of behavioral tests, with scAAV9-treated SD mice being indistinguishable from wild-type littermates. Biochemical analyses in multiple tissues showed a significant increase in hexosaminidase A activity, which reached 10-15% of normal levels. AAV9 treatment was sufficient to prevent GM2 and GA2 storage almost completely in the cerebrum (less so in the cerebellum), as well as thalamic reactive gliosis and thalamocortical neuron loss in treated Hexb-/- mice. In summary, this study demonstrated a widespread protective effect throughout the entire CNS after a single intravenous administration of the scAAV9-Hexb vector to neonatal SD mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Niemir
- INSERM U1151, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, Paris 75014, France.,Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Laura Rouvière
- INSERM U1151, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, Paris 75014, France.,Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Aurore Besse
- Centre of Research in Myology, Institut de Myologie, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC University Paris 06, Inserm UMRS974, GH Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris 75013, France
| | - Marie T Vanier
- INSERM U820, Université de Lyon, Faculté de Médecine Lyon-Est, Lyon 69372, France
| | - Jasmin Dmytrus
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, London SE5 9RX, UK
| | - Thibaut Marais
- Centre of Research in Myology, Institut de Myologie, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC University Paris 06, Inserm UMRS974, GH Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris 75013, France
| | - Stéphanie Astord
- Centre of Research in Myology, Institut de Myologie, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC University Paris 06, Inserm UMRS974, GH Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris 75013, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Puech
- Service de Biochimie, Métabolomique et Protéomique, Hôpital Universitaire Necker-Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris 75015, France
| | - Ganna Panasyuk
- INSERM U1151, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, Paris 75014, France.,Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Jonathan D Cooper
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, London SE5 9RX, UK.,Department of Pediatrics, Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Martine Barkats
- Centre of Research in Myology, Institut de Myologie, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC University Paris 06, Inserm UMRS974, GH Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris 75013, France
| | - Catherine Caillaud
- INSERM U1151, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, Paris 75014, France.,Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.,Service de Biochimie, Métabolomique et Protéomique, Hôpital Universitaire Necker-Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris 75015, France
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Solovyeva VV, Shaimardanova AA, Chulpanova DS, Kitaeva KV, Chakrabarti L, Rizvanov AA. New Approaches to Tay-Sachs Disease Therapy. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1663. [PMID: 30524313 PMCID: PMC6256099 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Tay-Sachs disease belongs to the group of autosomal-recessive lysosomal storage metabolic disorders. This disease is caused by β-hexosaminidase A (HexA) enzyme deficiency due to various mutations in α-subunit gene of this enzyme, resulting in GM2 ganglioside accumulation predominantly in lysosomes of nerve cells. Tay-Sachs disease is characterized by acute neurodegeneration preceded by activated microglia expansion, macrophage and astrocyte activation along with inflammatory mediator production. In most cases, the disease manifests itself during infancy, the “infantile form,” which characterizes the most severe disorders of the nervous system. The juvenile form, the symptoms of which appear in adolescence, and the most rare form with late onset of symptoms in adulthood are also described. The typical features of Tay-Sachs disease are muscle weakness, ataxia, speech, and mental disorders. Clinical symptom severity depends on residual HexA enzymatic activity associated with some mutations. Currently, Tay-Sachs disease treatment is based on symptom relief and, in case of the late-onset form, on the delay of progression. There are also clinical reports of substrate reduction therapy using miglustat and bone marrow or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. At the development stage there are methods of Tay-Sachs disease gene therapy using adeno- or adeno-associated viruses as vectors for the delivery of cDNA encoding α and β HexA subunit genes. Effectiveness of this approach is evaluated in α or β HexA subunit defective model mice or Jacob sheep, in which Tay-Sachs disease arises spontaneously and is characterized by the same pathological features as in humans. This review discusses the possibilities of new therapeutic strategies in Tay-Sachs disease therapy aimed at preventing neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valeriya V Solovyeva
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
| | - Alisa A Shaimardanova
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
| | - Daria S Chulpanova
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
| | - Kristina V Kitaeva
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
| | - Lisa Chakrabarti
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Albert A Rizvanov
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Efficacy of a Bicistronic Vector for Correction of Sandhoff Disease in a Mouse Model. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2018; 12:47-57. [PMID: 30534578 PMCID: PMC6279944 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2018.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
GM2 gangliosidoses are a family of severe neurodegenerative disorders resulting from a deficiency in the β-hexosaminidase A enzyme. These disorders include Tay-Sachs disease and Sandhoff disease, caused by mutations in the HEXA gene and HEXB gene, respectively. The HEXA and HEXB genes are required to produce the α and β subunits of the β-hexosaminidase A enzyme, respectively. Using a Sandhoff disease mouse model, we tested for the first time the potential of a comparatively lower dose (2.04 × 1013 vg/kg) of systemically delivered single-stranded adeno-associated virus 9 expressing both human HEXB and human HEXA cDNA under the control of a single promoter with a P2A-linked bicistronic vector design to correct the neurological phenotype. A bicistronic design allows maximal overexpression and secretion of the Hex A enzyme. Neonatal mice were injected with either this ssAAV9-HexB-P2A-HexA vector or a vehicle solution via the superficial temporal vein. An increase in survival of 56% compared with vehicle-injected controls and biochemical analysis of the brain tissue and serum revealed an increase in enzyme activity and a decrease in brain GM2 ganglioside buildup. This is a proof-of-concept study showing the “correction efficacy” of a bicistronic AAV9 vector delivered intravenously for GM2 gangliosidoses. Further studies with higher doses are warranted.
Collapse
|
28
|
Cachón-González MB, Zaccariotto E, Cox TM. Genetics and Therapies for GM2 Gangliosidosis. Curr Gene Ther 2018; 18:68-89. [PMID: 29618308 PMCID: PMC6040173 DOI: 10.2174/1566523218666180404162622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Revised: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Tay-Sachs disease, caused by impaired β-N-acetylhexosaminidase activity, was the first GM2 gangliosidosis to be studied and one of the most severe and earliest lysosomal diseases to be described. The condition, associated with the pathological build-up of GM2 ganglioside, has acquired almost iconic status and serves as a paradigm in the study of lysosomal storage diseases. Inherited as a classical autosomal recessive disorder, this global disease of the nervous system induces developmental arrest with regression of attained milestones; neurodegeneration progresses rapidly to cause premature death in young children. There is no effective treatment beyond palliative care, and while the genetic basis of GM2 gangliosidosis is well established, the molecular and cellular events, from diseasecausing mutations and glycosphingolipid storage to disease manifestations, remain to be fully delineated. Several therapeutic approaches have been attempted in patients, including enzymatic augmentation, bone marrow transplantation, enzyme enhancement, and substrate reduction therapy. Hitherto, none of these stratagems has materially altered the course of the disease. Authentic animal models of GM2 gangliodidosis have facilitated in-depth evaluation of innovative applications such as gene transfer, which in contrast to other interventions, shows great promise. This review outlines current knowledge pertaining the pathobiology as well as potential innovative treatments for the GM2 gangliosidoses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Eva Zaccariotto
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Arrests the Progression of Neurodegenerative Disease in Late-Onset Tay-Sachs Disease. JIMD Rep 2017; 41:17-23. [PMID: 29214523 DOI: 10.1007/8904_2017_76] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Revised: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Tay-Sachs disease is a rare metabolic disease caused by a deficiency of hexosaminidase A that leads to accumulation of GM2 gangliosides predominantly in neural tissue. Late-onset Tay-Sachs disease variant is associated with a higher level of residual HexA activity. Treatment options are limited, and there are a few described cases who have undergone haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) with variable outcome.We describe a case of a 23-year-old male patient who presented with a long-standing tremor since 7 years of age. He had gait ataxia, a speech stammer and swallowing problems. His condition had had a static course apart from his tremor that had been gradually deteriorating. Because of the deterioration in his neurological function, the patient had an uneventful, matched-sibling donor bone marrow transplant at the age of 15 years. Eight years post-HSCT, at the age of 23, he retains full donor engraftment, and his white cell beta-HexA of 191 nmol/mg/h is comparable to normal controls (in-assay control = 187). He continues to experience some intentional tremor that is tolerable for daily life and nonprogressive since HSCT. CONCLUSION HSCT is a potential treatment option which might arrest neurodegeneration in patients with LOTS.
Collapse
|
30
|
Platt FM. Emptying the stores: lysosomal diseases and therapeutic strategies. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2017; 17:133-150. [PMID: 29147032 DOI: 10.1038/nrd.2017.214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) - designated as 'orphan' diseases - are inborn errors of metabolism caused by defects in genes that encode proteins involved in various aspects of lysosomal homeostasis. For many years, LSDs were viewed as unattractive targets for the development of therapies owing to their low prevalence. However, the development and success of the first commercial biologic therapy for an LSD - enzyme replacement therapy for type 1 Gaucher disease - coupled with regulatory incentives rapidly catalysed commercial interest in therapeutically targeting LSDs. Despite ongoing challenges, various therapeutic strategies for LSDs now exist, with many agents approved, undergoing clinical trials or in preclinical development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frances M Platt
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Seyrantepe V, Demir SA, Timur ZK, Von Gerichten J, Marsching C, Erdemli E, Oztas E, Takahashi K, Yamaguchi K, Ates N, Dönmez Demir B, Dalkara T, Erich K, Hopf C, Sandhoff R, Miyagi T. Murine Sialidase Neu3 facilitates GM2 degradation and bypass in mouse model of Tay-Sachs disease. Exp Neurol 2017; 299:26-41. [PMID: 28974375 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2017.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Tay-Sachs disease is a severe lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in Hexa, the gene that encodes for the α subunit of lysosomal β-hexosaminidase A (HEXA), which converts GM2 to GM3 ganglioside. Unexpectedly, Hexa-/- mice have a normal lifespan and show no obvious neurological impairment until at least one year of age. These mice catabolize stored GM2 ganglioside using sialidase(s) to remove sialic acid and form the glycolipid GA2, which is further processed by β-hexosaminidase B. Therefore, the presence of the sialidase (s) allows the consequences of the Hexa defect to be bypassed. To determine if the sialidase NEU3 contributes to GM2 ganglioside degradation, we generated a mouse model with combined deficiencies of HEXA and NEU3. The Hexa-/-Neu3-/- mice were healthy at birth, but died at 1.5 to 4.5months of age. Thin-layer chromatography and mass spectrometric analysis of the brains of Hexa-/-Neu3-/- mice revealed the abnormal accumulation of GM2 ganglioside. Histological and immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated cytoplasmic vacuolation in the neurons. Electron microscopic examination of the brain, kidneys and testes revealed pleomorphic inclusions of many small vesicles and complex lamellar structures. The Hexa-/-Neu3-/- mice exhibited progressive neurodegeneration with neuronal loss, Purkinje cell depletion, and astrogliosis. Slow movement, ataxia, and tremors were the prominent neurological abnormalities observed in these mice. Furthermore, radiographs revealed abnormalities in the skeletal bones of the Hexa-/-Neu3-/- mice. Thus, the Hexa-/-Neu3-/- mice mimic the neuropathological and clinical abnormalities of the classical early-onset Tay-Sachs patients, and provide a suitable model for the future pre-clinical testing of potential treatments for this condition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Volkan Seyrantepe
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, 35430 Izmir, Turkey.
| | - Secil Akyildiz Demir
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, 35430 Izmir, Turkey
| | - Zehra Kevser Timur
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, 35430 Izmir, Turkey
| | - Johanna Von Gerichten
- Lipid Pathobiochemistry Group (G131) German Cancer Research Center, INF 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christian Marsching
- Lipid Pathobiochemistry Group (G131) German Cancer Research Center, INF 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Center for Applied Research in Applied Biomedical Mass Spectrometry (ABIMAS), Mannheim, Germany; Institute of Medical Technology (IMT) of Heidelberg University and Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, Paul-Wittsach-Str.10, 68163 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Esra Erdemli
- Departments of Histology and Embryology, Ankara University, Medical School, 06100, Sihhiye, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Emin Oztas
- Departments of Histology and Embryology, GATA Medical School, 06100 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Kohta Takahashi
- Cell Recognition Study, Tohoku Pharmaceutical University, Sendai, Japan
| | | | - Nurselin Ates
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, 35430 Izmir, Turkey
| | - Buket Dönmez Demir
- Institutes of Neurological Science and Psychiatry, University of Hacettepe, 06100 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Turgay Dalkara
- Institutes of Neurological Science and Psychiatry, University of Hacettepe, 06100 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Katrin Erich
- Center for Applied Research in Applied Biomedical Mass Spectrometry (ABIMAS), Mannheim, Germany; Institute of Medical Technology (IMT) of Heidelberg University and Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, Paul-Wittsach-Str.10, 68163 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Carsten Hopf
- Center for Applied Research in Applied Biomedical Mass Spectrometry (ABIMAS), Mannheim, Germany; Institute of Medical Technology (IMT) of Heidelberg University and Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, Paul-Wittsach-Str.10, 68163 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Roger Sandhoff
- Lipid Pathobiochemistry Group (G131) German Cancer Research Center, INF 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Taeko Miyagi
- Miyagi Cancer Center Research Institute, Natori, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Gray-Edwards HL, Randle AN, Maitland SA, Benatti HR, Hubbard SM, Canning PF, Vogel MB, Brunson BL, Hwang M, Ellis LE, Bradbury AM, Gentry AS, Taylor AR, Wooldridge AA, Wilhite DR, Winter RL, Whitlock BK, Johnson JA, Holland M, Salibi N, Beyers RJ, Sartin JL, Denney TS, Cox NR, Sena-Esteves M, Martin DR. Adeno-Associated Virus Gene Therapy in a Sheep Model of Tay-Sachs Disease. Hum Gene Ther 2017; 29:312-326. [PMID: 28922945 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2017.163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Tay-Sachs disease (TSD) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder caused by a deficiency of the enzyme hexosaminidase A (HexA). TSD also occurs in sheep, the only experimental model of TSD that has clinical signs of disease. The natural history of sheep TSD was characterized using serial neurological evaluations, 7 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging, echocardiograms, electrodiagnostics, and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers. Intracranial gene therapy was also tested using AAVrh8 monocistronic vectors encoding the α-subunit of Hex (TSD α) or a mixture of two vectors encoding both the α and β subunits separately (TSD α + β) injected at high (1.3 × 1013 vector genomes) or low (4.2 × 1012 vector genomes) dose. Delay of symptom onset and/or reduction of acquired symptoms were noted in all adeno-associated virus-treated sheep. Postmortem evaluation showed superior HexA and vector genome distribution in the brain of TSD α + β sheep compared to TSD α sheep, but spinal cord distribution was low in all groups. Isozyme analysis showed superior HexA formation after treatment with both vectors (TSD α + β), and ganglioside clearance was most widespread in the TSD α + β high-dose sheep. Microglial activation and proliferation in TSD sheep-most prominent in the cerebrum-were attenuated after gene therapy. This report demonstrates therapeutic efficacy for TSD in the sheep brain, which is on the same order of magnitude as a child's brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heather L Gray-Edwards
- 1 Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
| | - Ashley N Randle
- 1 Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
| | - Stacy A Maitland
- 2 Department of Neurology and Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Hector R Benatti
- 1 Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
| | - Spencer M Hubbard
- 1 Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
| | - Peter F Canning
- 1 Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
| | - Matthew B Vogel
- 1 Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
| | - Brandon L Brunson
- 3 Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
| | - Misako Hwang
- 1 Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
| | - Lauren E Ellis
- 1 Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
| | - Allison M Bradbury
- 1 Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama.,3 Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
| | - Atoska S Gentry
- 1 Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
| | - Amanda R Taylor
- 4 Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
| | - Anne A Wooldridge
- 4 Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
| | - Dewey R Wilhite
- 3 Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
| | - Randolph L Winter
- 4 Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
| | - Brian K Whitlock
- 5 Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee , Knoxville, Tennessee
| | - Jacob A Johnson
- 4 Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
| | - Merilee Holland
- 4 Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
| | - Nouha Salibi
- 6 MR R&D Siemens Healthcare, Malvern, Pennsylvania
| | - Ronald J Beyers
- 7 Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
| | - James L Sartin
- 3 Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
| | - Thomas S Denney
- 7 Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
| | - Nancy R Cox
- 1 Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama.,8 Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
| | - Miguel Sena-Esteves
- 2 Department of Neurology and Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Douglas R Martin
- 1 Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama.,3 Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Osmon KJL, Woodley E, Thompson P, Ong K, Karumuthil-Melethil S, Keimel JG, Mark BL, Mahuran D, Gray SJ, Walia JS. Systemic Gene Transfer of a Hexosaminidase Variant Using an scAAV9.47 Vector Corrects GM2 Gangliosidosis in Sandhoff Mice. Hum Gene Ther 2017; 27:497-508. [PMID: 27199088 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2016.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
GM2 gangliosidosis is a group of neurodegenerative diseases caused by β-hexosaminidase A (HexA) enzyme deficiency. There is currently no cure. HexA is composed of two similar, nonidentical subunits, α and β, which must interact with the GM2 activator protein (GM2AP), a substrate-specific cofactor, to hydrolyze GM2 ganglioside. Mutations in either subunit or the activator can result in the accumulation of GM2 ganglioside within neurons throughout the central nervous system. The resulting neuronal cell death induces the primary symptoms of the disease: motor impairment, seizures, and sensory impairments. This study assesses the long-term effects of gene transfer in a Sandhoff (β-subunit knockout) mouse model. The study utilized a modified human β-hexosaminidase α-subunit (μ-subunit) that contains critical sequences from the β-subunit that enables formation of a stable homodimer (HexM) and interaction with GM2AP to hydrolyze GM2 ganglioside. We investigated a self-complementary adeno-associated viral (scAAV) vector expressing HexM, through intravenous injections of the neonatal mice. We monitored one cohort for 8 weeks and another cohort long-term for survival benefit, behavioral, biochemical, and molecular analyses. Untreated Sandhoff disease (SD) control mice reached a humane endpoint at approximately 15 weeks, whereas treated mice had a median survival age of 40 weeks, an approximate 2.5-fold survival advantage. On behavioral tests, the treated mice outperformed their knockout age-matched controls and perform similarly to the heterozygous controls. Through the enzymatic and GM2 ganglioside analyses, we observed a significant decrease in the GM2 ganglioside level, even though the enzyme levels were not significantly increased. Molecular analyses revealed a global distribution of the vector between brain and spinal cord regions. In conclusion, the neonatal delivery of a novel viral vector expressing the human HexM enzyme is effective in ameliorating the SD mouse phenotype for long-term. Our data could have implications not only for treatment of SD but also for Tay-Sachs disease (α-subunit deficiency) and similar brain disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karlaina J L Osmon
- 1 Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University , Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Evan Woodley
- 2 Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University , Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Patrick Thompson
- 3 Medical Genetics/Departments of Pediatrics, Queen's University , Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Katalina Ong
- 3 Medical Genetics/Departments of Pediatrics, Queen's University , Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - John G Keimel
- 5 New Hope Research Foundation , North Oaks, Minnesota
| | - Brian L Mark
- 6 Department of Microbiology, University of Manitoba , Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Don Mahuran
- 7 Genetics and Genome Biology, SickKids, Toronto, Ontario, Canada .,8 Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Toronto , Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Steven J Gray
- 4 Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina , Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,9 Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina , Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Jagdeep S Walia
- 1 Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University , Kingston, Ontario, Canada .,2 Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University , Kingston, Ontario, Canada .,3 Medical Genetics/Departments of Pediatrics, Queen's University , Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Karumuthil-Melethil S, Nagabhushan Kalburgi S, Thompson P, Tropak M, Kaytor MD, Keimel JG, Mark BL, Mahuran D, Walia JS, Gray SJ. Novel Vector Design and Hexosaminidase Variant Enabling Self-Complementary Adeno-Associated Virus for the Treatment of Tay-Sachs Disease. Hum Gene Ther 2017; 27:509-21. [PMID: 27197548 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2016.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
GM2 gangliosidosis is a family of three genetic neurodegenerative disorders caused by the accumulation of GM2 ganglioside (GM2) in neuronal tissue. Two of these are due to the deficiency of the heterodimeric (α-β), "A" isoenzyme of lysosomal β-hexosaminidase (HexA). Mutations in the α-subunit (encoded by HEXA) lead to Tay-Sachs disease (TSD), whereas mutations in the β-subunit (encoded by HEXB) lead to Sandhoff disease (SD). The third form results from a deficiency of the GM2 activator protein (GM2AP), a substrate-specific cofactor for HexA. In their infantile, acute forms, these diseases rapidly progress with mental and psychomotor deterioration resulting in death by approximately 4 years of age. After gene transfer that overexpresses one of the deficient subunits, the amount of HexA heterodimer formed would empirically be limited by the availability of the other endogenous Hex subunit. The present study used a new variant of the human HexA α-subunit, μ, incorporating critical sequences from the β-subunit that produce a stable homodimer (HexM) and promote functional interactions with the GM2AP- GM2 complex. We report the design of a compact adeno-associated viral (AAV) genome using a synthetic promoter-intron combination to allow self-complementary (sc) packaging of the HEXM gene. Also, a previously published capsid mutant, AAV9.47, was used to deliver the gene to brain and spinal cord while having restricted biodistribution to the liver. The novel capsid and cassette design combination was characterized in vivo in TSD mice for its ability to efficiently transduce cells in the central nervous system when delivered intravenously in both adult and neonatal mice. This study demonstrates that the modified HexM is capable of degrading long-standing GM2 storage in mice, and it further demonstrates the potential of this novel scAAV vector design to facilitate widespread distribution of the HEXM gene or potentially other similar-sized genes to the nervous system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Patrick Thompson
- 2 Medical Genetics/Departments of Pediatrics, Queen's University , Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael Tropak
- 3 Genetics and Genome Biology, SickKids, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - John G Keimel
- 4 New Hope Research Foundation , North Oaks, Minnesota
| | - Brian L Mark
- 5 Department of Microbiology, University of Manitoba , Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Don Mahuran
- 3 Genetics and Genome Biology, SickKids, Toronto, Ontario, Canada .,6 Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jagdeep S Walia
- 2 Medical Genetics/Departments of Pediatrics, Queen's University , Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Steven J Gray
- 1 Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,7 Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Choudhury SR, Hudry E, Maguire CA, Sena-Esteves M, Breakefield XO, Grandi P. Viral vectors for therapy of neurologic diseases. Neuropharmacology 2017; 120:63-80. [PMID: 26905292 PMCID: PMC5929167 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Revised: 02/07/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Neurological disorders - disorders of the brain, spine and associated nerves - are a leading contributor to global disease burden with a shockingly large associated economic cost. Various treatment approaches - pharmaceutical medication, device-based therapy, physiotherapy, surgical intervention, among others - have been explored to alleviate the resulting extent of human suffering. In recent years, gene therapy using viral vectors - encoding a therapeutic gene or inhibitory RNA into a "gutted" viral capsid and supplying it to the nervous system - has emerged as a clinically viable option for therapy of brain disorders. In this Review, we provide an overview of the current state and advances in the field of viral vector-mediated gene therapy for neurological disorders. Vector tools and delivery methods have evolved considerably over recent years, with the goal of providing greater and safer genetic access to the central nervous system. Better etiological understanding of brain disorders has concurrently led to identification of improved therapeutic targets. We focus on the vector technology, as well as preclinical and clinical progress made thus far for brain cancer and various neurodegenerative and neurometabolic disorders, and point out the challenges and limitations that accompany this new medical modality. Finally, we explore the directions that neurological gene therapy is likely to evolve towards in the future. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled "Beyond small molecules for neurological disorders".
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sourav R Choudhury
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
| | - Eloise Hudry
- Alzheimer's Disease Research Unit, Harvard Medical School & Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA.
| | - Casey A Maguire
- Department of Neurology and Center for Molecular Imaging Research, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and NeuroDiscovery Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - Miguel Sena-Esteves
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
| | - Xandra O Breakefield
- Department of Neurology and Center for Molecular Imaging Research, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and NeuroDiscovery Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - Paola Grandi
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Emerging therapies for neuropathic lysosomal storage disorders. Prog Neurobiol 2017; 152:166-180. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2016.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2015] [Revised: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
|
37
|
Lecommandeur E, Baker D, Cox TM, Nicholls AW, Griffin JL. Alterations in endo-lysosomal function induce similar hepatic lipid profiles in rodent models of drug-induced phospholipidosis and Sandhoff disease. J Lipid Res 2017; 58:1306-1314. [PMID: 28377426 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.m073395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Revised: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug-induced phospholipidosis (DIPL) is characterized by an increase in the phospholipid content of the cell and the accumulation of drugs and lipids inside the lysosomes of affected tissues, including in the liver. Although of uncertain pathological significance for patients, the condition remains a major impediment for the clinical development of new drugs. Human Sandhoff disease (SD) is caused by inherited defects of the β subunit of lysosomal β-hexosaminidases (Hex) A and B, leading to a large array of symptoms, including neurodegeneration and ultimately death by the age of 4 in its most common form. The substrates of Hex A and B, gangliosides GM2 and GA2, accumulate inside the lysosomes of the CNS and in peripheral organs. Given that both DIPL and SD are associated with lysosomes and lipid metabolism in general, we measured the hepatic lipid profiles in rodent models of these two conditions using untargeted LC/MS to examine potential commonalities. Both model systems shared a number of perturbed lipid pathways, notably those involving metabolism of cholesteryl esters, lysophosphatidylcholines, bis(monoacylglycero)phosphates, and ceramides. We report here profound alterations in lipid metabolism in the SD liver. In addition, DIPL induced a wide range of lipid changes not previously observed in the liver, highlighting similarities with those detected in the model of SD and raising concerns that these lipid changes may be associated with underlying pathology associated with lysosomal storage disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuelle Lecommandeur
- Department of Biochemistry, Cambridge Systems Biology Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Timothy M Cox
- Department of Medicine, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Julian L Griffin
- Department of Biochemistry, Cambridge Systems Biology Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Golebiowski D, van der Bom IMJ, Kwon CS, Miller AD, Petrosky K, Bradbury AM, Maitland S, Kühn AL, Bishop N, Curran E, Silva N, GuhaSarkar D, Westmoreland SV, Martin DR, Gounis MJ, Asaad WF, Sena-Esteves M. Direct Intracranial Injection of AAVrh8 Encoding Monkey β-N-Acetylhexosaminidase Causes Neurotoxicity in the Primate Brain. Hum Gene Ther 2017; 28:510-522. [PMID: 28132521 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2016.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
GM2 gangliosidoses, including Tay-Sachs disease and Sandhoff disease, are lysosomal storage disorders caused by deficiencies in β-N-acetylhexosaminidase (Hex). Patients are afflicted primarily with progressive central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction. Studies in mice, cats, and sheep have indicated safety and widespread distribution of Hex in the CNS after intracranial vector infusion of AAVrh8 vectors encoding species-specific Hex α- or β-subunits at a 1:1 ratio. Here, a safety study was conducted in cynomolgus macaques (cm), modeling previous animal studies, with bilateral infusion in the thalamus as well as in left lateral ventricle of AAVrh8 vectors encoding cm Hex α- and β-subunits. Three doses (3.2 × 1012 vg [n = 3]; 3.2 × 1011 vg [n = 2]; or 1.1 × 1011 vg [n = 2]) were tested, with controls infused with vehicle (n = 1) or transgene empty AAVrh8 vector at the highest dose (n = 2). Most monkeys receiving AAVrh8-cmHexα/β developed dyskinesias, ataxia, and loss of dexterity, with higher dose animals eventually becoming apathetic. Time to onset of symptoms was dose dependent, with the highest-dose cohort producing symptoms within a month of infusion. One monkey in the lowest-dose cohort was behaviorally asymptomatic but had magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities in the thalami. Histopathology was similar in all monkeys injected with AAVrh8-cmHexα/β, showing severe white and gray matter necrosis along the injection track, reactive vasculature, and the presence of neurons with granular eosinophilic material. Lesions were minimal to absent in both control cohorts. Despite cellular loss, a dramatic increase in Hex activity was measured in the thalamus, and none of the animals presented with antibody titers against Hex. The high overexpression of Hex protein is likely to blame for this negative outcome, and this study demonstrates the variations in safety profiles of AAVrh8-Hexα/β intracranial injection among different species, despite encoding for self-proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diane Golebiowski
- 1 Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts.,2 Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Imramsjah M J van der Bom
- 3 Department of Radiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts.,4 New England Center for Stroke Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Churl-Su Kwon
- 5 Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital , Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Andrew D Miller
- 6 New England Primate Research Center, Harvard Medical School , Southborough, Massachusetts
| | - Keiko Petrosky
- 6 New England Primate Research Center, Harvard Medical School , Southborough, Massachusetts
| | - Allison M Bradbury
- 7 Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University , Alabama.,8 Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University , Alabama
| | - Stacy Maitland
- 1 Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts.,2 Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Anna Luisa Kühn
- 3 Department of Radiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts.,4 New England Center for Stroke Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Nina Bishop
- 9 Department of Animal Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Elizabeth Curran
- 6 New England Primate Research Center, Harvard Medical School , Southborough, Massachusetts
| | - Nilsa Silva
- 6 New England Primate Research Center, Harvard Medical School , Southborough, Massachusetts
| | - Dwijit GuhaSarkar
- 1 Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts.,2 Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Susan V Westmoreland
- 6 New England Primate Research Center, Harvard Medical School , Southborough, Massachusetts
| | - Douglas R Martin
- 7 Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University , Alabama.,8 Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University , Alabama
| | - Matthew J Gounis
- 3 Department of Radiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts.,4 New England Center for Stroke Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Wael F Asaad
- 10 Department of Neurosurgery, Alpert Medical School, Brown University , Providence, Rhode Island.,11 Brown Institute for Brain Science, Brown University , Providence, Rhode Island.,12 Rhode Island Hospital , Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Miguel Sena-Esteves
- 1 Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts.,2 Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester, Massachusetts
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Lawson CA, Martin DR. Animal models of GM2 gangliosidosis: utility and limitations. APPLICATION OF CLINICAL GENETICS 2016; 9:111-20. [PMID: 27499644 PMCID: PMC4959762 DOI: 10.2147/tacg.s85354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
GM2 gangliosidosis, a subset of lysosomal storage disorders, is caused by a deficiency of the glycohydrolase, β-N-acetylhexosaminidase, and includes the closely related Tay–Sachs and Sandhoff diseases. The enzyme deficiency prevents the normal, stepwise degradation of ganglioside, which accumulates unchecked within the cellular lysosome, particularly in neurons. As a result, individuals with GM2 gangliosidosis experience progressive neurological diseases including motor deficits, progressive weakness and hypotonia, decreased responsiveness, vision deterioration, and seizures. Mice and cats are well-established animal models for Sandhoff disease, whereas Jacob sheep are the only known laboratory animal model of Tay–Sachs disease to exhibit clinical symptoms. Since the human diseases are relatively rare, animal models are indispensable tools for further study of pathogenesis and for development of potential treatments. Though no effective treatments for gangliosidoses currently exist, animal models have been used to test promising experimental therapies. Herein, the utility and limitations of gangliosidosis animal models and how they have contributed to the development of potential new treatments are described.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Douglas R Martin
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center; Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, AL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Regier DS, Proia RL, D’Azzo A, Tifft CJ. The GM1 and GM2 Gangliosidoses: Natural History and Progress toward Therapy. PEDIATRIC ENDOCRINOLOGY REVIEWS : PER 2016; 13 Suppl 1:663-673. [PMID: 27491214 PMCID: PMC8186028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The gangliosidoses are lysosomal storage disorders caused by accumulation of GM1 or GM2 gangliosides. GM1 gangliosidosis has both central nervous system and systemic findings; while, GM2 gangliosidosis is restricted primarily to the central nervous system. Both disorders have autosomal recessive modes of inheritance and a continuum of clinical presentations from a severe infantile form to a milder, chronic adult form. Both are devastating diseases without cure or specific treatment however, with the use of supportive aggressive medical management, the lifespan and quality of life has been extended for both diseases. Naturally occurring and engineered animal models that mimic the human diseases have enhanced our understanding of the pathogenesis of disease progression. Some models have shown significant improvement in symptoms and lifespan with enzyme replacement, substrate reduction, and anti-inflammatory treatments alone or in combination. More recently gene therapy has shown impressive results in large and small animal models. Treatment with FDA-approved glucose analogs to reduce the amount of ganglioside substrate is used as off-label treatments for some patients. Therapies also under clinical development include small molecule chaperones and gene therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Debra S. Regier
- Genetics and Metabolism, Children’s National Medical Center, Washington, DC
| | - Richard L. Proia
- Genetics of Development and Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Alessandra D’Azzo
- Department of Genetics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis TN
| | - Cynthia J. Tifft
- Medical Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Construction of a hybrid β-hexosaminidase subunit capable of forming stable homodimers that hydrolyze GM2 ganglioside in vivo. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2016; 3:15057. [PMID: 26966698 PMCID: PMC4774620 DOI: 10.1038/mtm.2015.57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Accepted: 12/17/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Tay-Sachs or Sandhoff disease result from mutations in either the evolutionarily related HEXA or HEXB genes encoding respectively, the α- or β-subunits of β-hexosaminidase A (HexA). Of the three Hex isozymes, only HexA can interact with its cofactor, the GM2 activator protein (GM2AP), and hydrolyze GM2 ganglioside. A major impediment to establishing gene or enzyme replacement therapy based on HexA is the need to synthesize both subunits. Thus, we combined the critical features of both α- and β-subunits into a single hybrid µ-subunit that contains the α-subunit active site, the stable β-subunit interface and unique areas in each subunit needed to interact with GM2AP. To facilitate intracellular analysis and the purification of the µ-homodimer (HexM), CRISPR-based genome editing was used to disrupt the HEXA and HEXB genes in a Human Embryonic Kidney 293 cell line stably expressing the µ-subunit. In association with GM2AP, HexM was shown to hydrolyze a fluorescent GM2 ganglioside derivative both in cellulo and in vitro. Gene transfer studies in both Tay-Sachs and Sandhoff mouse models demonstrated that HexM expression reduced brain GM2 ganglioside levels.
Collapse
|
42
|
Mucopolysaccharidosis IIIB confers enhanced neonatal intracranial transduction by AAV8 but not by 5, 9 or rh10. Gene Ther 2015; 23:263-71. [PMID: 26674264 PMCID: PMC4777635 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2015.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Revised: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 11/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Sanfilippo syndrome type B (mucopolysaccharidosis IIIB, MPS IIIB) is a lysosomal storage disease resulting from deficiency of N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAGLU) activity. To determine the possible therapeutic utility of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) in early gene therapy-based interventions, we performed a comprehensive assessment of transduction and biodistribution profiles of four central nervous system (CNS) administered rAAV serotypes, -5, -8, -9 and -rh10. To simulate optimal earliest treatment of the disease, each rAAV serotype was injected into the CNS of neonatal MPS IIIB and control animals. We observed marked differences in biodistribution and transduction profiles between the serotypes and this differed in MPS IIIB compared with healthy control mice. Overall, in control mice, all serotypes performed comparably, although some differences were observed in certain focal areas. In MPS IIIB mice, AAV8 was more efficient than AAV5, -9 and -rh10 for gene delivery to most structures analyzed, including the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and thalamus. Noteworthy, the pattern of biodistribution within the CNS varied by serotype and genotype. Interestingly, AAV8 also produced the highest green fluorescent protein intensity levels compared with any other serotype and demonstrated improved transduction in NAGLU compared with control brains. Importantly, we also show leakage of AAV8, -9 and -rh10, but not AAV5, from CNS parenchyma to systemic organs. Overall, our data suggest that AAV8 represents the best therapeutic gene transfer vector for early intervention in MPS IIIB.
Collapse
|
43
|
Rockwell HE, McCurdy VJ, Eaton SC, Wilson DU, Johnson AK, Randle AN, Bradbury AM, Gray-Edwards HL, Baker HJ, Hudson JA, Cox NR, Sena-Esteves M, Seyfried TN, Martin DR. AAV-mediated gene delivery in a feline model of Sandhoff disease corrects lysosomal storage in the central nervous system. ASN Neuro 2015; 7:7/2/1759091415569908. [PMID: 25873306 PMCID: PMC4720176 DOI: 10.1177/1759091415569908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Sandhoff disease (SD) is an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disease caused by a mutation in the gene for the β-subunit of β-N-acetylhexosaminidase (Hex), resulting in the inability to catabolize ganglioside GM2 within the lysosomes. SD presents with an accumulation of GM2 and its asialo derivative GA2, primarily in the central nervous system. Myelin-enriched glycolipids, cerebrosides and sulfatides, are also decreased in SD corresponding with dysmyelination. At present, no treatment exists for SD. Previous studies have shown the therapeutic benefit of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector-mediated gene therapy in the treatment of SD in murine and feline models. In this study, we treated presymptomatic SD cats with AAVrh8 vectors expressing feline Hex in the thalamus combined with intracerebroventricular (Thal/ICV) injections. Treated animals showed clearly improved neurologic function and quality of life, manifested in part by prevention or attenuation of whole-body tremors characteristic of untreated animals. Hex activity was significantly elevated, whereas storage of GM2 and GA2 was significantly decreased in tissue samples taken from the cortex, cerebellum, thalamus, and cervical spinal cord. Treatment also increased levels of myelin-enriched cerebrosides and sulfatides in the cortex and thalamus. This study demonstrates the therapeutic potential of AAV for feline SD and suggests a similar potential for human SD patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Victoria J McCurdy
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, AL, USA Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, AL, USA
| | - Samuel C Eaton
- Boston College Biology Department, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA
| | - Diane U Wilson
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, AL, USA Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, AL, USA
| | - Aime K Johnson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, AL, USA
| | - Ashley N Randle
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, AL, USA
| | - Allison M Bradbury
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, AL, USA Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, AL, USA
| | - Heather L Gray-Edwards
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, AL, USA
| | - Henry J Baker
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, AL, USA Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, AL, USA
| | - Judith A Hudson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, AL, USA
| | - Nancy R Cox
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, AL, USA Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, AL, USA
| | - Miguel Sena-Esteves
- Department of Neurology and Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | | | - Douglas R Martin
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, AL, USA Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, AL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Golebiowski D, Bradbury AM, Kwon CS, van der Bom IMJ, Stoica L, Johnson AK, Wilson DU, Gray-Edwards HL, Hudson JA, Johnson JA, Randle AN, Whitlock BK, Sartin JL, Kühn AL, Gounis M, Asaad W, Martin DR, Sena-Esteves M. AAV Gene Therapy Strategies for Lysosomal Storage Disorders with Central Nervous System Involvement. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-2306-9_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
|
45
|
Long-term correction of Sandhoff disease following intravenous delivery of rAAV9 to mouse neonates. Mol Ther 2014; 23:414-22. [PMID: 25515709 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2014.240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2014] [Accepted: 12/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
G(M2) gangliosidoses are severe neurodegenerative disorders resulting from a deficiency in β-hexosaminidase A activity and lacking effective therapies. Using a Sandhoff disease (SD) mouse model (Hexb(-/-)) of the G(M2) gangliosidoses, we tested the potential of systemically delivered adeno-associated virus 9 (AAV9) expressing Hexb cDNA to correct the neurological phenotype. Neonatal or adult SD and normal mice were intravenously injected with AAV9-HexB or -LacZ and monitored for serum β-hexosaminidase activity, motor function, and survival. Brain G(M2) ganglioside, β-hexosaminidase activity, and inflammation were assessed at experimental week 43, or an earlier humane end point. SD mice injected with AAV9-LacZ died by 17 weeks of age, whereas all neonatal AAV9-HexB-treated SD mice survived until 43 weeks (P < 0.0001) with only three exhibiting neurological dysfunction. SD mice treated as adults with AAV9-HexB died between 17 and 35 weeks. Neonatal SD-HexB-treated mice had a significant increase in brain β-hexosaminidase activity, and a reduction in G(M2) ganglioside storage and neuroinflammation compared to adult SD-HexB- and SD-LacZ-treated groups. However, at 43 weeks, 8 of 10 neonatal-HexB injected control and SD mice exhibited liver or lung tumors. This study demonstrates the potential for long-term correction of SD and other G(M2) gangliosidoses through early rAAV9 based systemic gene therapy.
Collapse
|
46
|
Widespread correction of central nervous system disease after intracranial gene therapy in a feline model of Sandhoff disease. Gene Ther 2014; 22:181-9. [PMID: 25474439 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2014.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2014] [Revised: 10/07/2014] [Accepted: 10/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Sandhoff disease (SD) is caused by deficiency of N-acetyl-β-hexosaminidase (Hex) resulting in pathological accumulation of GM2 ganglioside in lysosomes of the central nervous system (CNS) and progressive neurodegeneration. Currently, there is no treatment for SD, which often results in death by the age of five years. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy achieved global CNS Hex restoration and widespread normalization of storage in the SD mouse model. Using a similar treatment approach, we sought to translate the outcome in mice to the feline SD model as an important step toward human clinical trials. Sixteen weeks after four intracranial injections of AAVrh8 vectors, Hex activity was restored to above normal levels throughout the entire CNS and in cerebrospinal fluid, despite a humoral immune response to the vector. In accordance with significant normalization of a secondary lysosomal biomarker, ganglioside storage was substantially improved, but not completely cleared. At the study endpoint, 5-month-old AAV-treated SD cats had preserved neurological function and gait compared with untreated animals (humane endpoint, 4.4±0.6 months) demonstrating clinical benefit from AAV treatment. Translation of widespread biochemical disease correction from the mouse to the feline SD model provides optimism for treatment of the larger human CNS with minimal modification of approach.
Collapse
|
47
|
Biomarkers for disease progression and AAV therapeutic efficacy in feline Sandhoff disease. Exp Neurol 2014; 263:102-12. [PMID: 25284324 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2014.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2014] [Revised: 09/23/2014] [Accepted: 09/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The GM2 gangliosidoses, Tay-Sachs disease (TSD) and Sandhoff disease (SD), are progressive neurodegenerative disorders that are caused by a mutation in the enzyme β-N-acetylhexosaminidase (Hex). Due to the recent emergence of novel experimental treatments, biomarker development has become particularly relevant in GM2 gangliosidosis as an objective means to measure therapeutic efficacy. Here we describe blood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and electrodiagnostic methods for evaluating disease progression in the feline SD model and application of these approaches to assess AAV-mediated gene therapy. SD cats were treated by intracranial injections of the thalami combined with either the deep cerebellar nuclei or a single lateral ventricle using AAVrh8 vectors encoding feline Hex. Significantly altered in untreated SD cats, blood and CSF based biomarkers were largely normalized after AAV gene therapy. Also reduced after treatment were expansion of the lysosomal compartment in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and elevated activity of secondary lysosomal enzymes. MRI changes characteristic of the gangliosidoses were documented in SD cats and normalized after AAV gene therapy. The minimally invasive biomarkers reported herein should be useful to assess disease progression of untreated SD patients and those in future clinical trials.
Collapse
|
48
|
Platt FM. Sphingolipid lysosomal storage disorders. Nature 2014; 510:68-75. [PMID: 24899306 DOI: 10.1038/nature13476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 226] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2014] [Accepted: 03/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Lysosomal storage diseases are inborn errors of metabolism, the hallmark of which is the accumulation, or storage, of macromolecules in the late endocytic system. They are monogenic disorders that occur at a collective frequency of 1 in 5,000 live births and are caused by inherited defects in genes that mainly encode lysosomal proteins, most commonly lysosomal enzymes. A subgroup of these diseases involves the lysosomal storage of glycosphingolipids. Through our understanding of the genetics, biochemistry and, more recently, cellular aspects of sphingolipid storage disorders, we have gained insights into fundamental aspects of cell biology that would otherwise have remained opaque. In addition, study of these disorders has led to significant progress in the development of therapies, several of which are now in routine clinical use. Emerging mechanistic links with more common diseases suggest we need to rethink our current concept of disease boundaries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frances M Platt
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Abstract
The lysosomal storage disorders are a clinically heterogeneous group of inborn errors of metabolism, associated with the accumulation of incompletely degraded macromolecules within several cellular sites. Affected individuals present with a broad range of clinical problems, including hepatosplenomegaly and skeletal dysplasia. Onset of symptoms may range from birth to adulthood. Most are associated with neurologic features. Later-onset forms are often misdiagnosed as symptoms, which might include psychiatric manifestations, are slowly progressive, and may precede other neurologic or systemic features. Symptomatic care, which remains the mainstay for most subtypes, can lead to significant improvement in quality of life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gregory M Pastores
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine, NYU at Rivergate, 403 East 34th Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10016, USA; Neurogenetics Laboratory, New York University School of Medicine, NYU at Rivergate, 403 East 34th Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10016, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
McCurdy VJ, Johnson AK, Gray-Edwards H, Randle AN, Brunson BL, Morrison NE, Salibi N, Johnson JA, Hwang M, Beyers RJ, Leroy SG, Maitland S, Denney TS, Cox NR, Baker HJ, Sena-Esteves M, Martin DR. Sustained normalization of neurological disease after intracranial gene therapy in a feline model. Sci Transl Med 2014; 6:231ra48. [PMID: 24718858 PMCID: PMC4412602 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.3007733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Progressive debilitating neurological defects characterize feline G(M1) gangliosidosis, a lysosomal storage disease caused by deficiency of lysosomal β-galactosidase. No effective therapy exists for affected children, who often die before age 5 years. An adeno-associated viral vector carrying the therapeutic gene was injected bilaterally into two brain targets (thalamus and deep cerebellar nuclei) of a feline model of G(M1) gangliosidosis. Gene therapy normalized β-galactosidase activity and storage throughout the brain and spinal cord. The mean survival of 12 treated G(M1) animals was >38 months, compared to 8 months for untreated animals. Seven of the eight treated animals remaining alive demonstrated normalization of disease, with abrogation of many symptoms including gait deficits and postural imbalance. Sustained correction of the G(M1) gangliosidosis disease phenotype after limited intracranial targeting by gene therapy in a large animal model suggests that this approach may be useful for treating the human version of this lysosomal storage disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria J. McCurdy
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Alabama, USA
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Alabama, USA
| | - Aime K. Johnson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Auburn College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Alabama, USA
| | - Heather Gray-Edwards
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Alabama, USA
| | - Ashley N. Randle
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Alabama, USA
| | - Brandon L. Brunson
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Alabama, USA
| | - Nancy E. Morrison
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Alabama, USA
| | - Nouha Salibi
- Siemens Healthcare, MR R&D, Malvern, Pennsylvania, USA
- Auburn University MRI Research Center, Auburn University, Alabama, USA
| | - Jacob A. Johnson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Auburn College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Alabama, USA
| | - Misako Hwang
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Alabama, USA
| | - Ronald J. Beyers
- Auburn University MRI Research Center, Auburn University, Alabama, USA
| | - Stanley G. Leroy
- Department of Neurology and Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Stacy Maitland
- Department of Neurology and Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Thomas S. Denney
- Auburn University MRI Research Center, Auburn University, Alabama, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Auburn University, Alabama, USA
| | - Nancy R. Cox
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Alabama, USA
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Alabama, USA
| | - Henry J. Baker
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Alabama, USA
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Alabama, USA
| | - Miguel Sena-Esteves
- Department of Neurology and Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Douglas R. Martin
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Alabama, USA
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Alabama, USA
| |
Collapse
|