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Osher E, Anis Y, Singer-Shapiro R, Urshanski N, Unger T, Albeck S, Bogin O, Weisinger G, Kohen F, Valevski A, Fattal-Valevski A, Sagi L, Weitman M, Shenberger Y, Sagiv N, Navon R, Wilchek M, Stern N. Treating late-onset Tay Sachs disease: Brain delivery with a dual trojan horse protein. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2024; 32:101300. [PMID: 39211733 PMCID: PMC11357852 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2024.101300] [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: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Tay-Sachs (TS) disease is a neurodegenerative disease resulting from mutations in the gene encoding the α-subunit (HEXA) of lysosomal β-hexosaminidase A (HexA). We report that (1) recombinant HEXA alone increased HexA activity and decreased GM2 content in human TS glial cells and peripheral mononuclear blood cells; 2) a recombinant chimeric protein composed of HEXA linked to two blood-brain barrier (BBB) entry elements, a transferrin receptor binding sequence and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor, associates with HEXB in vitro; reaches human cultured TS cells lysosomes and mouse brain cells, especially neurons, in vivo; lowers GM2 in cultured human TS cells; lowers whole brain GM2 concentration by approximately 40% within 6 weeks, when injected intravenously (IV) to adult TS-mutant mice mimicking the slow course of late-onset TS; and increases forelimbs grip strength. Hence, a chimeric protein equipped with dual BBB entry elements can transport a large protein such as HEXA to the brain, decrease the accumulation of GM2, and improve muscle strength, thereby providing potential treatment for late-onset TS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Osher
- The Sagol Center for Epigenetics and Institute of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Hypertension, Tel Aviv-Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yossi Anis
- The Sagol Center for Epigenetics and Institute of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Hypertension, Tel Aviv-Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ruth Singer-Shapiro
- The Sagol Center for Epigenetics and Institute of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Hypertension, Tel Aviv-Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Nataly Urshanski
- The Sagol Center for Epigenetics and Institute of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Hypertension, Tel Aviv-Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Tamar Unger
- Department of Structural Proteomics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Shira Albeck
- Department of Structural Proteomics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Oren Bogin
- The Sagol Center for Epigenetics and Institute of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Hypertension, Tel Aviv-Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Gary Weisinger
- The Sagol Center for Epigenetics and Institute of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Hypertension, Tel Aviv-Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Fortune Kohen
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | | | | | - Liora Sagi
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Tel Aviv-Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Michal Weitman
- The Chemistry Department, Bar Ian University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | | | - Nadav Sagiv
- The Sagol Center for Epigenetics and Institute of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Hypertension, Tel Aviv-Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ruth Navon
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics & Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Meir Wilchek
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Naftali Stern
- The Sagol Center for Epigenetics and Institute of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Hypertension, Tel Aviv-Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Shaimardanova AA, Chulpanova DS, Solovyeva VV, Issa SS, Mullagulova AI, Titova AA, Mukhamedshina YO, Timofeeva AV, Aimaletdinov AM, Nigmetzyanov IR, Rizvanov AA. Increasing β-hexosaminidase A activity using genetically modified mesenchymal stem cells. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:212-219. [PMID: 37488869 PMCID: PMC10479847 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.375328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
GM2 gangliosidoses are a group of autosomal-recessive lysosomal storage disorders. These diseases result from a deficiency of lysosomal enzyme β-hexosaminidase A (HexA), which is responsible for GM2 ganglioside degradation. HexA deficiency causes the accumulation of GM2-gangliosides mainly in the nervous system cells, leading to severe progressive neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation. To date, there is no treatment for these diseases. Cell-mediated gene therapy is considered a promising treatment for GM2 gangliosidoses. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of genetically modified mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs-HEXA-HEXB) to restore HexA deficiency in Tay-Sachs disease patient cells, as well as to analyze the functionality and biodistribution of MSCs in vivo. The effectiveness of HexA deficiency cross-correction was shown in mutant MSCs upon interaction with MSCs-HEXA-HEXB. The results also showed that the MSCs-HEXA-HEXB express the functionally active HexA enzyme, detectable in vivo, and intravenous injection of the cells does not cause an immune response in animals. These data suggest that genetically modified mesenchymal stem cells have the potentials to treat GM2 gangliosidoses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daria S. Chulpanova
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
| | - Valeriya V. Solovyeva
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
| | - Shaza S. Issa
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
| | - Aysilu I. Mullagulova
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
| | - Angelina A. Titova
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
| | - Yana O. Mukhamedshina
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
- Department of Histology, Cytology and Embryology, Kazan State Medical University, Kazan, Russia
| | - Anna V. Timofeeva
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
| | | | - Islam R. Nigmetzyanov
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
| | - Albert A. Rizvanov
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
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Argentati C, Morena F, Guidotti G, Soccio M, Lotti N, Martino S. Tight Regulation of Mechanotransducer Proteins Distinguishes the Response of Adult Multipotent Mesenchymal Cells on PBCE-Derivative Polymer Films with Different Hydrophilicity and Stiffness. Cells 2023; 12:1746. [PMID: 37443780 PMCID: PMC10341130 DOI: 10.3390/cells12131746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanotransduction is a molecular process by which cells translate physical stimuli exerted by the external environment into biochemical pathways to orchestrate the cellular shape and function. Even with the advancements in the field, the molecular events leading to the signal cascade are still unclear. The current biotechnology of tissue engineering offers the opportunity to study in vitro the effect of the physical stimuli exerted by biomaterial on stem cells and the mechanotransduction pathway involved in the process. Here, we cultured multipotent human mesenchymal/stromal cells (hMSCs) isolated from bone marrow (hBM-MSCs) and adipose tissue (hASCs) on films of poly(butylene 1,4-cyclohexane dicarboxylate) (PBCE) and a PBCE-based copolymer containing 50 mol% of butylene diglycolate co-units (BDG50), to intentionally tune the surface hydrophilicity and the stiffness (PBCE = 560 Mpa; BDG50 = 94 MPa). We demonstrated the activated distinctive mechanotransduction pathways, resulting in the acquisition of an elongated shape in hBM-MSCs on the BDG50 film and in maintaining the canonical morphology on the PBCE film. Notably, hASCs acquired a new, elongated morphology on both the PBCE and BDG50 films. We found that these events were mainly due to the differences in the expression of Cofilin1, Vimentin, Filamin A, and Talin, which established highly sensitive machinery by which, rather than hASCs, hBM-MSCs distinguished PBCE from BDG50 films.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Argentati
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, Biochemical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Perugia, 06122 Perugia, Italy; (C.A.); (F.M.)
| | - Francesco Morena
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, Biochemical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Perugia, 06122 Perugia, Italy; (C.A.); (F.M.)
| | - Giulia Guidotti
- Civil, Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering Department, University of Bologna, 40131 Bologna, Italy; (G.G.); (M.S.)
| | - Michelina Soccio
- Civil, Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering Department, University of Bologna, 40131 Bologna, Italy; (G.G.); (M.S.)
- Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research on Advanced Applications in Mechanical Engineering and Materials Technology, CIRI-MAM, University of Bologna, 40136 Bologna, Italy
| | - Nadia Lotti
- Civil, Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering Department, University of Bologna, 40131 Bologna, Italy; (G.G.); (M.S.)
- Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research on Advanced Applications in Mechanical Engineering and Materials Technology, CIRI-MAM, University of Bologna, 40136 Bologna, Italy
| | - Sabata Martino
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, Biochemical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Perugia, 06122 Perugia, Italy; (C.A.); (F.M.)
- CEMIN (Centro di Eccellenza Materiali Innovativi Nanostrutturali per Applicazioni Chimica Fisiche e Biomediche), University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
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Tortorella I, Argentati C, Emiliani C, Morena F, Martino S. Biochemical Pathways of Cellular Mechanosensing/Mechanotransduction and Their Role in Neurodegenerative Diseases Pathogenesis. Cells 2022; 11:3093. [PMID: 36231055 PMCID: PMC9563116 DOI: 10.3390/cells11193093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we shed light on recent advances regarding the characterization of biochemical pathways of cellular mechanosensing and mechanotransduction with particular attention to their role in neurodegenerative disease pathogenesis. While the mechanistic components of these pathways are mostly uncovered today, the crosstalk between mechanical forces and soluble intracellular signaling is still not fully elucidated. Here, we recapitulate the general concepts of mechanobiology and the mechanisms that govern the mechanosensing and mechanotransduction processes, and we examine the crosstalk between mechanical stimuli and intracellular biochemical response, highlighting their effect on cellular organelles' homeostasis and dysfunction. In particular, we discuss the current knowledge about the translation of mechanosignaling into biochemical signaling, focusing on those diseases that encompass metabolic accumulation of mutant proteins and have as primary characteristics the formation of pathological intracellular aggregates, such as Alzheimer's Disease, Huntington's Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Parkinson's Disease. Overall, recent findings elucidate how mechanosensing and mechanotransduction pathways may be crucial to understand the pathogenic mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases and emphasize the importance of these pathways for identifying potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Tortorella
- 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
| | - Carla Emiliani
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06123 Perugia, Italy
- Centro di Eccellenza CEMIN (Materiali Innovativi Nanostrutturali per Applicazioni Chimica Fisiche e Biomediche), University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Francesco Morena
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Sabata Martino
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06123 Perugia, Italy
- Centro di Eccellenza CEMIN (Materiali Innovativi Nanostrutturali per Applicazioni Chimica Fisiche e Biomediche), University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
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Storage of Mutant Human SOD1 in Non-Neural Cells from the Type-1 Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis rat G93A Model Correlated with the Lysosomes' Dysfunction. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9091080. [PMID: 34572266 PMCID: PMC8470315 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9091080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Herein, we explored the impact of the lysosome dysfunction during the progression of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis type-1 (ALS1). We conducted the study in non-neural cells, primary fibroblasts (rFFFs), and bone marrow-mesenchymal stem cells (rBM-MSCs), isolated from the animal model ratG93A for ALS1 at two stages of the disease: Pre-symptomatic-stage (ALS1-PreS) and Terminal-stage (ALS1-EndS). We documented the storage of human mutant Superoxide Dismutase 1, SOD1G93A (SOD1*) in the lysosomes of ALS1-rFFFs and ALS1-rBM-MSCs and demonstrated the hallmarks of the disease in non-neural cells as in ratG93A-ALS1-tissues. We showed that the SOD1* storage is associated with the altered glycohydrolases and proteases levels in tissues and both cell types from ALS1-PreS to ALS1-EndS. Only in ALS1-rFFFs, the lysosomes lost homeostasis, enlarge drastically, and contribute to the cell metabolic damage. Contrariwise, in ALS1-rBM-MSCs, we found a negligible metabolic dysfunction, which makes these cells’ status similar to WT. We addressed this phenomenon to a safety mechanism perhaps associated with an enhanced lysosomal autophagic activity in ALS1-rBM-MSCs compared to ALS1-rFFFs, in which the lysosomal level of LC3-II/LC3I was comparable to that of WT-rFFFs. We suggested that the autophagic machinery could balance the storage of SOD1* aggregates and the lysosomal enzyme dysfunction even in ALS1-EndS-stem cells.
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Argentati C, Tortorella I, Bazzucchi M, Emiliani C, Morena F, Martino S. The Other Side of Alzheimer's Disease: Influence of Metabolic Disorder Features for Novel Diagnostic Biomarkers. J Pers Med 2020; 10:E115. [PMID: 32899957 PMCID: PMC7563360 DOI: 10.3390/jpm10030115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, the amyloid cascade hypothesis is the dominant model to explain Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. By this hypothesis, the inherited genetic form of AD is discriminated from the sporadic form of AD (SAD) that accounts for 85-90% of total patients. The cause of SAD is still unclear, but several studies have shed light on the involvement of environmental factors and multiple susceptibility genes, such as Apolipoprotein E and other genetic risk factors, which are key mediators in different metabolic pathways (e.g., glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, energetic metabolism, and inflammation). Furthermore, growing clinical evidence in AD patients highlighted the presence of affected systemic organs and blood similarly to the brain. Collectively, these findings revise the canonical understating of AD pathogenesis and suggest that AD has metabolic disorder features. This review will focus on AD as a metabolic disorder and highlight the contribution of this novel understanding on the identification of new biomarkers for improving an early AD diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Sabata Martino
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy; (C.A.); (I.T.); (M.B.); (C.E.); (F.M.)
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7
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Argentati C, Tortorella I, Bazzucchi M, Morena F, Martino S. Harnessing the Potential of Stem Cells for Disease Modeling: Progress and Promises. J Pers Med 2020; 10:E8. [PMID: 32041088 PMCID: PMC7151621 DOI: 10.3390/jpm10010008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Ex vivo cell/tissue-based models are an essential step in the workflow of pathophysiology studies, assay development, disease modeling, drug discovery, and development of personalized therapeutic strategies. For these purposes, both scientific and pharmaceutical research have adopted ex vivo stem cell models because of their better predictive power. As matter of a fact, the advancing in isolation and in vitro expansion protocols for culturing autologous human stem cells, and the standardization of methods for generating patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells has made feasible to generate and investigate human cellular disease models with even greater speed and efficiency. Furthermore, the potential of stem cells on generating more complex systems, such as scaffold-cell models, organoids, or organ-on-a-chip, allowed to overcome the limitations of the two-dimensional culture systems as well as to better mimic tissues structures and functions. Finally, the advent of genome-editing/gene therapy technologies had a great impact on the generation of more proficient stem cell-disease models and on establishing an effective therapeutic treatment. In this review, we discuss important breakthroughs of stem cell-based models highlighting current directions, advantages, and limitations and point out the need to combine experimental biology with computational tools able to describe complex biological systems and deliver results or predictions in the context of personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Argentati
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (C.A.); (I.T.); (M.B.); (F.M.)
| | - Ilaria Tortorella
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (C.A.); (I.T.); (M.B.); (F.M.)
| | - Martina Bazzucchi
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (C.A.); (I.T.); (M.B.); (F.M.)
| | - Francesco Morena
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (C.A.); (I.T.); (M.B.); (F.M.)
| | - Sabata Martino
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (C.A.); (I.T.); (M.B.); (F.M.)
- CEMIN, Center of Excellence on Nanostructured Innovative Materials, Via del Giochetto, 06126 Perugia, Italy
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Novel bicistronic lentiviral vectors correct β-Hexosaminidase deficiency in neural and hematopoietic stem cells and progeny: implications for in vivo and ex vivo gene therapy of GM2 gangliosidosis. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 134:104667. [PMID: 31682993 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.104667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The favorable outcome of in vivo and ex vivo gene therapy approaches in several Lysosomal Storage Diseases suggests that these treatment strategies might equally benefit GM2 gangliosidosis. Tay-Sachs and Sandhoff disease (the main forms of GM2 gangliosidosis) result from mutations in either the HEXA or HEXB genes encoding, respectively, the α- or β-subunits of the lysosomal β-Hexosaminidase enzyme. In physiological conditions, α- and β-subunits combine to generate β-Hexosaminidase A (HexA, αβ) and β-Hexosaminidase B (HexB, ββ). A major impairment to establishing in vivo or ex vivo gene therapy for GM2 gangliosidosis is the need to synthesize the α- and β-subunits at high levels and with the correct stoichiometric ratio, and to safely deliver the therapeutic products to all affected tissues/organs. Here, we report the generation and in vitro validation of novel bicistronic lentiviral vectors (LVs) encoding for both the murine and human codon optimized Hexa and Hexb genes. We show that these LVs drive the safe and coordinate expression of the α- and β-subunits, leading to supranormal levels of β-Hexosaminidase activity with prevalent formation of a functional HexA in SD murine neurons and glia, murine bone marrow-derived hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs), and human SD fibroblasts. The restoration/overexpression of β-Hexosaminidase leads to the reduction of intracellular GM2 ganglioside storage in transduced and in cross-corrected SD murine neural progeny, indicating that the transgenic enzyme is secreted and functional. Importantly, bicistronic LVs safely and efficiently transduce human neurons/glia and CD34+ HSPCs, which are target and effector cells, respectively, in prospective in vivo and ex vivo GT approaches. We anticipate that these bicistronic LVs may overcome the current requirement of two vectors co-delivering the α- or β-subunits genes. Careful assessment of the safety and therapeutic potential of these bicistronic LVs in the SD murine model will pave the way to the clinical development of LV-based gene therapy for GM2 gangliosidosis.
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Argentati C, Morena F, Tortorella I, Bazzucchi M, Porcellati S, Emiliani C, Martino S. Insight into Mechanobiology: How Stem Cells Feel Mechanical Forces and Orchestrate Biological Functions. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E5337. [PMID: 31717803 PMCID: PMC6862138 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20215337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The cross-talk between stem cells and their microenvironment has been shown to have a direct impact on stem cells' decisions about proliferation, growth, migration, and differentiation. It is well known that stem cells, tissues, organs, and whole organisms change their internal architecture and composition in response to external physical stimuli, thanks to cells' ability to sense mechanical signals and elicit selected biological functions. Likewise, stem cells play an active role in governing the composition and the architecture of their microenvironment. Is now being documented that, thanks to this dynamic relationship, stemness identity and stem cell functions are maintained. In this work, we review the current knowledge in mechanobiology on stem cells. We start with the description of theoretical basis of mechanobiology, continue with the effects of mechanical cues on stem cells, development, pathology, and regenerative medicine, and emphasize the contribution in the field of the development of ex-vivo mechanobiology modelling and computational tools, which allow for evaluating the role of forces on stem cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Argentati
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (C.A.); (F.M.); (I.T.); (M.B.); (S.P.); (C.E.)
| | - Francesco Morena
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (C.A.); (F.M.); (I.T.); (M.B.); (S.P.); (C.E.)
| | - Ilaria Tortorella
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (C.A.); (F.M.); (I.T.); (M.B.); (S.P.); (C.E.)
| | - Martina Bazzucchi
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (C.A.); (F.M.); (I.T.); (M.B.); (S.P.); (C.E.)
| | - Serena Porcellati
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (C.A.); (F.M.); (I.T.); (M.B.); (S.P.); (C.E.)
| | - Carla Emiliani
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (C.A.); (F.M.); (I.T.); (M.B.); (S.P.); (C.E.)
- CEMIN, Center of Excellence on Nanostructured Innovative Materials, Via del Giochetto, 06126 Perugia, Italy
| | - Sabata Martino
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (C.A.); (F.M.); (I.T.); (M.B.); (S.P.); (C.E.)
- CEMIN, Center of Excellence on Nanostructured Innovative Materials, Via del Giochetto, 06126 Perugia, Italy
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10
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Integrated Computational Analysis Highlights unique miRNA Signatures in the Subventricular Zone and Striatum of GM2 Gangliosidosis Animal Models. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20133179. [PMID: 31261761 PMCID: PMC6651736 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20133179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This work explores for the first time the potential contribution of microRNAs (miRNAs) to the pathophysiology of the GM2 gangliosidosis, a group of Lysosomal Storage Diseases. In spite of the genetic origin of GM2 gangliosidosis, the cascade of events leading from the gene/protein defects to the cell dysfunction and death is not fully elucidated. At present, there is no cure for patients. Taking advantage of the animal models of two forms of GM2 gangliosidosis, Tay-Sachs (TSD) and Sandhoff (SD) diseases, we performed a microRNA screening in the brain subventricular zone (SVZ) and striatum (STR), which feature the neurogenesis and neurodegeneration states, respectively, in adult mutant mice. We found abnormal expression of a panel of miRNAs involved in lipid metabolism, CNS development and homeostasis, and neuropathological processes, highlighting region- and disease-specific profiles of miRNA expression. Moreover, by using a computational analysis approach, we identified a unique disease- (SD or TSD) and brain region-specific (SVZ vs. STR) miRNAs signatures of predicted networks potentially related to the pathogenesis of the diseases. These results may contribute to the understanding of GM2 gangliosidosis pathophysiology, with the aim of developing effective treatments.
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Calzoni E, Cesaretti A, Polchi A, Di Michele A, Tancini B, Emiliani C. Biocompatible Polymer Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery Applications in Cancer and Neurodegenerative Disorder Therapies. J Funct Biomater 2019; 10:jfb10010004. [PMID: 30626094 PMCID: PMC6463038 DOI: 10.3390/jfb10010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 208] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Polymer nanoparticles (NPs) represent one of the most innovative non-invasive approaches for drug delivery applications. NPs main objective is to convey the therapeutic molecule be they drugs, proteins, or nucleic acids directly into the target organ or tissue. Many polymers are used for the synthesis of NPs and among the currently most employed materials several biocompatible synthetic polymers, namely polylactic acid (PLA), poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA), and polyethylene glycol (PEG), can be cited. These molecules are made of simple monomers which are naturally present in the body and therefore easily excreted without being toxic. The present review addresses the different approaches that are most commonly adopted to synthetize biocompatible NPs to date, as well as the experimental strategies designed to load them with therapeutic agents. In fact, drugs may be internalized in the NPs or physically dispersed therein. In this paper the various types of biodegradable polymer NPs will be discussed with emphasis on their applications in drug delivery. Close attention will be devoted to the treatment of cancer, where both active and passive targeting is used to enhance efficacy and reduce systemic toxicity, and to diseases affecting the central nervous system, inasmuch as NPs can be modified to target specific cells or cross membrane barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Calzoni
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Section, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
- Centro di Eccellenza su Materiali Innovativi Nanostrutturati (CEMIN), University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Alessio Cesaretti
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Section, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
- Centro di Eccellenza su Materiali Innovativi Nanostrutturati (CEMIN), University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Alice Polchi
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Section, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
- Centro di Eccellenza su Materiali Innovativi Nanostrutturati (CEMIN), University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Di Michele
- Department of Physics and Geology, University of Perugia, via Pascoli, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Brunella Tancini
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Section, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
- Centro di Eccellenza su Materiali Innovativi Nanostrutturati (CEMIN), University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Carla Emiliani
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Section, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
- Centro di Eccellenza su Materiali Innovativi Nanostrutturati (CEMIN), University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
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12
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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.
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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
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Recent Advances in Nanocomposites Based on Aliphatic Polyesters: Design, Synthesis, and Applications in Regenerative Medicine. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/app8091452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In the last decade, biopolymer matrices reinforced with nanofillers have attracted great research efforts thanks to the synergistic characteristics derived from the combination of these two components. In this framework, this review focuses on the fundamental principles and recent progress in the field of aliphatic polyester-based nanocomposites for regenerative medicine applications. Traditional and emerging polymer nanocomposites are described in terms of polymer matrix properties and synthesis methods, used nanofillers, and nanocomposite processing and properties. Special attention has been paid to the most recent nanocomposite systems developed by combining alternative copolymerization strategies with specific nanoparticles. Thermal, electrical, biodegradation, and surface properties have been illustrated and correlated with the nanoparticle kind, content, and shape. Finally, cell-polymer (nanocomposite) interactions have been described by reviewing analysis methodologies such as primary and stem cell viability, adhesion, morphology, and differentiation processes.
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14
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Morena F, Argentati C, Trotta R, Crispoltoni L, Stabile A, Pistilli A, di Baldassarre A, Calafiore R, Montanucci P, Basta G, Pedrinolla A, Smania N, Venturelli M, Schena F, Naro F, Emiliani C, Rende M, Martino S. A Comparison of Lysosomal Enzymes Expression Levels in Peripheral Blood of Mild- and Severe-Alzheimer's Disease and MCI Patients: Implications for Regenerative Medicine Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18081806. [PMID: 28825628 PMCID: PMC5578193 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18081806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Revised: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The association of lysosomal dysfunction and neurodegeneration has been documented in several neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Herein, we investigate the association of lysosomal enzymes with AD at different stages of progression of the disease (mild and severe) or with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We conducted a screening of two classes of lysosomal enzymes: glycohydrolases (β-Hexosaminidase, β-Galctosidase, β-Galactosylcerebrosidase, β-Glucuronidase) and proteases (Cathepsins S, D, B, L) in peripheral blood samples (blood plasma and PBMCs) from mild AD, severe AD, MCI and healthy control subjects. We confirmed the lysosomal dysfunction in severe AD patients and added new findings enhancing the association of abnormal levels of specific lysosomal enzymes with the mild AD or severe AD, and highlighting the difference of AD from MCI. Herein, we showed for the first time the specific alteration of β-Galctosidase (Gal), β-Galactosylcerebrosidase (GALC) in MCI patients. It is notable that in above peripheral biological samples the lysosomes are more sensitive to AD cellular metabolic alteration when compared to levels of Aβ-peptide or Tau proteins, similar in both AD groups analyzed. Collectively, our findings support the role of lysosomal enzymes as potential peripheral molecules that vary with the progression of AD, and make them useful for monitoring regenerative medicine approaches for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Morena
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Unit, University of Perugia, Perugia 06123, Italy.
| | - Chiara Argentati
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Unit, University of Perugia, Perugia 06123, Italy.
| | - Rosa Trotta
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Unit, University of Perugia, Perugia 06123, Italy.
| | - Lucia Crispoltoni
- Department of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, Section of Human, Clinical and Forensic Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06132, Italy.
| | - Anna Stabile
- Department of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, Section of Human, Clinical and Forensic Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06132, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Pistilli
- Department of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, Section of Human, Clinical and Forensic Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06132, Italy.
| | - Angela di Baldassarre
- Department of Aging Medical Science, University of G. d'Annunzio, Chieti e Pescara, Chieti 66100, Italy.
| | - Riccardo Calafiore
- Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiovascular, Endocrine and Metabolic Clinical Physiology and Laboratory for Endocrine Cell Transplants and Bio-hybrid Organs, University of Perugia, Perugia 06132, Italy.
| | - Pia Montanucci
- Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiovascular, Endocrine and Metabolic Clinical Physiology and Laboratory for Endocrine Cell Transplants and Bio-hybrid Organs, University of Perugia, Perugia 06132, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Basta
- Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiovascular, Endocrine and Metabolic Clinical Physiology and Laboratory for Endocrine Cell Transplants and Bio-hybrid Organs, University of Perugia, Perugia 06132, Italy.
| | - Anna Pedrinolla
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy.
| | - Nicola Smania
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy.
| | - Massimo Venturelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy.
| | - Federico Schena
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy.
| | - Fabio Naro
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Roma, Roma 06100, Italy.
| | - Carla Emiliani
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Unit, University of Perugia, Perugia 06123, Italy.
| | - Mario Rende
- Department of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, Section of Human, Clinical and Forensic Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06132, Italy.
| | - Sabata Martino
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Unit, University of Perugia, Perugia 06123, Italy.
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15
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Christensen CL, Choy FYM. A Prospective Treatment Option for Lysosomal Storage Diseases: CRISPR/Cas9 Gene Editing Technology for Mutation Correction in Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. Diseases 2017; 5:E6. [PMID: 28933359 PMCID: PMC5456334 DOI: 10.3390/diseases5010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Revised: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ease of design, relatively low cost and a multitude of gene-altering capabilities have all led to the adoption of the sophisticated and yet simple gene editing system: clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9). The CRISPR/Cas9 system holds promise for the correction of deleterious mutations by taking advantage of the homology directed repair pathway and by supplying a correction template to the affected patient's cells. Currently, this technique is being applied in vitro in human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to correct a variety of severe genetic diseases, but has not as of yet been used in iPSCs derived from patients affected with a lysosomal storage disease (LSD). If adopted into clinical practice, corrected iPSCs derived from cells that originate from the patient themselves could be used for therapeutic amelioration of LSD symptoms without the risks associated with allogeneic stem cell transplantation. CRISPR/Cas9 editing in a patient's cells would overcome the costly, lifelong process associated with currently available treatment methods, including enzyme replacement and substrate reduction therapies. In this review, the overall utility of the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technique for treatment of genetic diseases, the potential for the treatment of LSDs and methods currently employed to increase the efficiency of this re-engineered biological system will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe L Christensen
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biomedical Research, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Rd., Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada.
| | - Francis Y M Choy
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biomedical Research, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Rd., Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada.
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Bicchi I, Emiliani C, Vescovi A, Martino S. The Big Bluff of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Diagnosis: The Role of Neurodegenerative Disease Mimics. NEURODEGENER DIS 2015; 15:313-21. [PMID: 26227992 DOI: 10.1159/000435917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2014] [Accepted: 06/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases include a significant number of pathologies affecting the nervous system. Generally, the primary cause of each disease is specific; however, recently, it was shown that they may be correlated at molecular level. This aspect, together with the exhibition of similar symptoms, renders the diagnosis of these disorders difficult. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is one of these pathologies. Herein, we report several cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis misdiagnosed as a consequence of features that are common to several neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's, Huntington's and Alzheimer's disease, spinal muscular atrophy, progressive bulbar palsy, spastic paraplegia and frontotemporal dementia, and mostly with the lysosomal storage disorder GM2 gangliosidosis. Overall reports highlight that the differential diagnosis for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis should include correlated mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Bicchi
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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17
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Yokoyama T, Nakamura S, Horiuchi E, Ishiyama M, Kawashima R, Nakamura K, Hasegawa K, Yagishita S. Late onset GM2gangliosidosis presenting with motor neuron disease: An autopsy case. Neuropathology 2013; 34:304-8. [DOI: 10.1111/neup.12088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2013] [Accepted: 11/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Teruo Yokoyama
- Department of Neurology; Sagamihara National Hospital; Kanagawa Japan
| | - Seigo Nakamura
- Department of Neurology; Sagamihara National Hospital; Kanagawa Japan
| | - Emiko Horiuchi
- Department of Neurology; Sagamihara National Hospital; Kanagawa Japan
| | - Miyako Ishiyama
- Division of Pathology; Kanagawa Rehabilitation Center; Kanagawa Japan
| | - Rei Kawashima
- Department of Biochemistry; Kitasato University Graduate School of Medical Sciences; Kanagawa Japan
| | - Kazuo Nakamura
- Molecular Medical Biology; Kitasato University Graduate School of Medical Sciences; Kanagawa Japan
| | - Kazuko Hasegawa
- Department of Neurology; Sagamihara National Hospital; Kanagawa Japan
| | - Saburo Yagishita
- Division of Pathology; Kanagawa Rehabilitation Center; Kanagawa Japan
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18
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Tiribuzi R, D'Angelo F, Berardi AC, Martino S, Orlacchio A. Knock-down of HEXA and HEXB genes correlate with the absence of the immunostimulatory function of HSC-derived dendritic cells. Cell Biochem Funct 2011; 30:61-8. [PMID: 21997228 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.1819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2011] [Revised: 08/02/2011] [Accepted: 09/20/2011] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
In an attempt to investigate whether the genetic defect in the HEXA and HEXB genes (which causes the absence of the lysosomal β-N-acetyl-hexosaminidase), are related to the wide inflammation in GM2 gangliosidoses (Tay-Sachs and Sandhoff disease), we have chosen the dendritic cells (DCs) as a study model. Using the RNA interference approach, we generated an in vitro model of HEXs knock-down immunogenic DCs (i-DCs) from CD34(+)-haemopoietic stem cells (CD34(+)-HSCs), thus mimicking the Tay-Sachs (HEXA-/-) and Sandhoff (HEXB-/-) cells. We showed that the absence of β-N-acetyl-hexosaminidase activity does not alter the differentiation of i-DCs from HSCs, but it is critical for the activation of CD4(+)T cells because knock-down of HEXA or HEXB gene causes a loss of function of i-DCs. Notably, the silencing of the HEXA gene had a stronger immune inhibitory effect, thereby indicating a major involvement of β-N-acetyl-hexosaminidase A isoenzyme within this mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Tiribuzi
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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19
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MicroRNA implications across neurodevelopment and neuropathology. J Biomed Biotechnol 2009; 2009:654346. [PMID: 19841678 PMCID: PMC2762243 DOI: 10.1155/2009/654346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2009] [Revised: 05/11/2009] [Accepted: 07/20/2009] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have rapidly emerged as biologically important mediators of posttranscriptional and epigenetic regulation in both plants and animals. miRNAs function through a variety of mechanisms including mRNA degradation and translational repression; additionally, miRNAs may guide gene expression by serving as transcription factors. miRNAs are highly expressed in human brain. Tissue and cell type-specific enrichments of certain miRNAs within the nervous system argue for a biological significance during neurodevelopmental stages. On the other hand, a large number of studies have reported links between alterations of miRNA homeostasis and pathologic conditions such as cancer, heart diseases, and neurodegeneration. Thus, profiles of distinct or aberrant miRNA signatures have most recently surged as one of the most fascinating interests in current biology. Here, the most recent insights into the involvement of miRNAs in the biology of the nervous system and the occurrence of neuropathological disorders are reviewed and discussed.
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20
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Occurrence of an anomalous endocytic compartment in fibroblasts from Sandhoff disease patients. Mol Cell Biochem 2009; 335:273-82. [DOI: 10.1007/s11010-009-0277-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2009] [Accepted: 09/16/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Martino S, Tiribuzi R, Tortori A, Conti D, Visigalli I, Lattanzi A, Biffi A, Gritti A, Orlacchio A. Specific Determination of β-Galactocerebrosidase Activity via Competitive Inhibition of β-Galactosidase. Clin Chem 2009; 55:541-8. [DOI: 10.1373/clinchem.2008.115873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background: The determination of cellular β-galactocerebrosidase activity is an established procedure to diagnose Krabbe disease and monitor the efficacy of gene/stem cell-based therapeutic approaches aimed at restoring defective enzymatic activity in patients or disease models. Current biochemical assays for β-galactocerebrosidase show high specificity but generally require large protein amounts from scanty sources such as hematopoietic or neural stem cells. We developed a novel assay based on the hypothesis that specific measurements of β-galactocerebrosidase activity can be performed following complete inhibition of β-galactosidase activity.
Methods: We performed the assay using 2–7.5 μg of sample proteins with the artificial fluorogenic substrate 4-methylumbelliferone-β-galactopyranoside (1.5 mmol/L) resuspended in 0.1/0.2 mol/L citrate/phosphate buffer, pH 4.0, and AgNO3. Reactions were incubated for 30 min at 37 °C. Fluorescence of liberated 4-methylumbelliferone was measured on a spectrofluorometer (λex 360 nm, λem 446 nm).
Results: AgNO3 was a competitive inhibitor of β-galactosidase [inhibition constant (Ki) = 0.12 μmol/L] and completely inhibited β-galactosidase activity when used at a concentration of 11 μmol/L. Under this condition, the β-galactocerebrosidase activity was preserved and could be specifically and accurately measured. The assay can detect β-galactocerebrosidase activity in as little as 2 μg cell protein extract or 7.5 μg tissue. Assay validation was performed using (a) brain tissues from wild-type and twitcher mice and (b) murine GALC−/− hematopoietic stem cells and neural precursor cells transduced by GALC-lentiviral vectors.
Conclusions: The procedure is straightforward, rapid, and reproducible. Within a clinical context, our method unequivocally discriminated cells from healthy subjects and Krabbe patients and is therefore suitable for diagnostic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabata Martino
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Scienze Biochimiche, Sezione di Biochimica e Biologia Molecolare, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- S. Martino and R. Tiribuzi contributed equally to this work
| | - Roberto Tiribuzi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Scienze Biochimiche, Sezione di Biochimica e Biologia Molecolare, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- S. Martino and R. Tiribuzi contributed equally to this work
| | - Andrea Tortori
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Scienze Biochimiche, Sezione di Biochimica e Biologia Molecolare, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Daniele Conti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Scienze Biochimiche, Sezione di Biochimica e Biologia Molecolare, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, Milano, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Angela Gritti
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, Milano, Italy
| | - Aldo Orlacchio
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Scienze Biochimiche, Sezione di Biochimica e Biologia Molecolare, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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22
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Martino S, di Girolamo I, Cavazzin C, Tiribuzi R, Galli R, Rivaroli A, Valsecchi M, Sandhoff K, Sonnino S, Vescovi A, Gritti A, Orlacchio A. Neural precursor cell cultures from GM2 gangliosidosis animal models recapitulate the biochemical and molecular hallmarks of the brain pathology. J Neurochem 2009; 109:135-47. [PMID: 19166507 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2009.05919.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In this work we showed that genotype-related patterns of hexosaminidase activity, isoenzyme composition, gene expression and ganglioside metabolism observed during embryonic and postnatal brain development are recapitulated during the progressive stages of neural precursor cell (NPC) differentiation to mature glia and neurons in vitro. Further, by comparing NPCs and their differentiated progeny established from Tay-Sachs (TS) and Sandhoff (SD) animal models with the wild-type counterparts, we studied the events linking the accumulation of undegraded substrates to hexosaminidase activity. We showed that similarly to what observed in brain tissues in TS NPCs and progeny, the stored GM2 was partially converted by sialidase to GA2, which can be then degraded in the lysosomes to its components. The latter can be used in a salvage pathway for the formation of GM3. Interestingly, results obtained from ganglioside feeding assays and from measurement of lysosomal sialidase activity suggest that a similar pathway might work also in the SD model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabata Martino
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Scienze Biochimiche, Sezione di Biochimica e Biologia Molecolare, Università di Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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Orlacchio A, Bernardi G, Orlacchio A, Martino S. Patented therapeutic RNAi strategies for neurodegenerative diseases of the CNS. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2008. [DOI: 10.1517/13543776.18.10.1161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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Shen JS, Meng XL, Maeda H, Ohashi T, Eto Y. Widespread gene transduction to the central nervous system by adenovirus in utero: implication for prenatal gene therapy to brain involvement of lysosomal storage disease. J Gene Med 2005; 6:1206-15. [PMID: 15459963 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In some lysosomal storage diseases, considerable alterations of the central nervous system (CNS) occur prior to birth and neurodegeneration progresses rapidly soon after birth causing early death in patients. No effective treatment is available after birth. Treatment may need to be initiated before birth to prevent the onset or progression of neurological changes and thereby irreversible brain damage. The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of brain-directed prenatal gene therapy for lysosomal storage diseases. METHODS Recombinant adenovirus encoding the lacZ gene was injected into the lateral ventricles of mouse embryos and the pattern of gene transduction to the CNS was investigated. In the therapeutic experiment, adenovirus expressing beta-glucuronidase was injected into the cerebral ventricles of the embryos of mucopolysaccharidosis VII mice and the therapeutic effects on the brain were evaluated. RESULTS Injection of adenoviral vectors to the cerebral ventricles of mouse embryos led to widespread gene transduction throughout the brain and the spinal cord and transgene expression persisted over 10 months in those surviving the procedure. The prenatal transduction of the therapeutic gene to the brain of the mucopolysaccharidosis VII mouse efficiently prevented lysosomal storage in most brain cells before birth until 4 months after birth. CONCLUSIONS Brain-directed in utero gene therapy through an intra-ventricular route would be an effective strategy to treat some lysosomal storage diseases with early and severe CNS alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Song Shen
- Department of Gene Therapy, Institute of DNA Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Minato-Ku, Tokyo 105-8461, Japan
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Martino S, Marconi P, Tancini B, Dolcetta D, De Angelis MGC, Montanucci P, Bregola G, Sandhoff K, Bordignon C, Emiliani C, Manservigi R, Orlacchio A. A direct gene transfer strategy via brain internal capsule reverses the biochemical defect in Tay-Sachs disease. Hum Mol Genet 2005; 14:2113-23. [PMID: 15961412 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddi216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapy for neurodegenerative lysosomal Tay-Sachs (TS) disease requires active hexosaminidase (Hex) A production in the central nervous system and an efficient therapeutic approach that can act faster than human disease progression. We combined the efficacy of a non-replicating Herpes simplex vector encoding for the Hex A alpha-subunit (HSV-T0alphaHex) and the anatomic structure of the brain internal capsule to distribute the missing enzyme optimally. With this gene transfer strategy, for the first time, we re-established the Hex A activity and totally removed the GM2 ganglioside storage in both injected and controlateral hemispheres, in the cerebellum and spinal cord of TS animal model in the span of one month's treatment. In our studies, no adverse effects were observed due to the viral vector, injection site or gene expression and on the basis of these results, we feel confident that the same approach could be applied to similar diseases involving an enzyme defect.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Martino
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Scienze Biochimiche, Sezione di Biochimica e Biologia Molecolare University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06126 Perugia, Italy
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Arfi A, Bourgoin C, Basso L, Emiliani C, Tancini B, Chigorno V, Li YT, Orlacchio A, Poenaru L, Sonnino S, Caillaud C. Bicistronic lentiviral vector corrects beta-hexosaminidase deficiency in transduced and cross-corrected human Sandhoff fibroblasts. Neurobiol Dis 2005; 20:583-93. [PMID: 15953731 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2005.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2005] [Revised: 04/12/2005] [Accepted: 04/28/2005] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Sandhoff disease is an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disease characterized by a GM2 ganglioside intralysosomal accumulation. It is due to mutations in the beta-hexosaminidases beta-chain gene, resulting in a beta-hexosaminidases A (alphabeta) and B (betabeta) deficiency. Mono and bicistronic lentiviral vectors containing the HEXA or/and HEXB cDNAs were constructed and tested on human Sandhoff fibroblasts. The bicistronic SIV.ASB vector enabled a massive restoration of beta-hexosaminidases activity on synthetic substrates and a 20% correction on the GM2 natural substrate. Metabolic labeling experiments showed a large reduction of ganglioside accumulation in SIV.ASB transduced cells, demonstrating a correct recombinant enzyme targeting to the lysosomes. Moreover, enzymes secreted by transduced Sandhoff fibroblasts were endocytosed in deficient cells via the mannose 6-phosphate pathway, allowing GM2 metabolism restoration in cross-corrected cells. Therefore, our bicistronic lentivector supplying both alpha- and beta-subunits of beta-hexosaminidases may provide a potential therapeutic tool for the treatment of Sandhoff disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Arfi
- Laboratoire de Génétique, Institut Cochin (Université René Descartes Paris 5, INSERM U567, CNRS UMR 8104), 24 rue du faubourg St-Jacques, 75014 Paris, France
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Martino S, Consiglio A, Cavalieri C, Tiribuzi R, Costanzi E, Severini GM, Emiliani C, Bordignon C, Orlacchio A. Expression and purification of a human, soluble Arylsulfatase A for Metachromatic Leukodystrophy enzyme replacement therapy. J Biotechnol 2005; 117:243-51. [PMID: 15862354 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2005.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2004] [Revised: 01/26/2005] [Accepted: 01/29/2005] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The production of active Arylsulfatase A is a key step in the development of enzyme replacement therapy for Metachromatic Leukodystrophy. To obtain large amounts of purified Arylsulfatase A for therapeutic use, we combined a retroviral expression system with a versatile and rapid purification protocol that can easily and reliably be adapted to high-throughput applications. The purification method consists of an initial ion-exchange DEAE-cellulose chromatography step followed by immuno-affinity purification using a polyclonal antibody against a 29-mer peptide of the Arylsulfatase A sequence. Immuno-adsorbed protein was eluted with a combination of acidic pH and an optimal concentration of the 29-mer peptide. This protocol reproducibly yielded approximately 100 microg of >99% pure human Arylsulfatase A, corresponding to 152 mU of enzyme activity, per liter of culture medium with properties similar to those of human non-recombinant protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabata Martino
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche e Biotecnologie Molecolari, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, Italy
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Abstract
Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) is a lysosomal storage disease that is caused by a deficiency of arylsulfatase A (ASA). The deficiency results in the intralysosomal accumulation of the acidic sphingolipid 3-O-sulfogalactosyl-ceramide (sulfatide). Patients suffer from progressive demyelination and die from multiple neurological deficits. Curative treatment is not available. ASA bears mannose 6-phosphate residues which function as recognition markers in endosome/lysosome-specific targeting pathways. The endocytic targeting route can be exploited to deliver exogenous ASA to the lysosomes of ASA-deficient cells. ASA knockout mice, which develop a disorder related to MLD, have therefore been treated by ex vivo and in vivo gene therapy. Following transplantation of bone marrow cells overexpressing ASA from a retroviral vector, donor-type cells secrete ASA, which is endocytosed by recipient cells. The enzyme transfer results in the metabolic cross-correction of recipient cells and the improvement of biochemical, histological and clinical parameters. For the transfer of the ASA cDNA to non-dividing cells, adenovirus, adeno-associated virus and lentivirus vectors have been constructed. Such vectors might be particularly advantageous for direct ASA gene delivery to the brain, which is the main site of disease in MLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Matzner
- Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität, Institut für Physiologische Chemie, Nussallee 11, D-53115 Bonn, Germany.
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Kyrkanides S, Miller JH, Federoff HJ. Systemic FIV vector administration: transduction of CNS immune cells and Purkinje neurons. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2003; 119:1-9. [PMID: 14597224 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbrainres.2003.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The systemic effects of gene therapy have been previously described in a variety of peripheral organs following intravenous administration or intraperitoneal inoculation of viral vectors, as well as in the brain following intracranial administration. However, limited information is available on the ability of viral vectors to cross the blood-brain barrier and infect cells located within the central nervous system (CNS). We employed a VSV-G pseudotyped FIV(lacZ) vector capable of transducing dividing, growth-arrested, as well as post-mitotic cells with the reporter gene lacZ. Adult mice were injected intraperitoneally with FIV(lacZ), and the expression of beta-galactosidase was studied 5 weeks following treatment in the brain, liver, spleen and kidney by X-gal histochemistry and immunocytochemistry. Interestingly, relatively low doses of FIV(lacZ) administered intraperitoneally lead to beta-galactosidase detection in the brain and cerebellum. The identity of these cells was confirmed by double immunofluorescence, and included CD31-, CD3- and CD11b-positive cells. Fluorescent microspheres co-injected with FIV(lacZ) virus were identified within mononuclear cells in the brain parenchyma, suggesting infiltration of peripheral immune cells in the CNS. Cerebellar Purkinje neurons were also transduced in all adult-injected mice. Our observations indicate that relatively low doses of FIV(lacZ) administered intraperitoneally resulted in the transduction of immune cells in the brain, as well as a specific subset of cerebellar neurons.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antigens, Surface/immunology
- Blood-Brain Barrier/virology
- Brain/cytology
- Brain/immunology
- Brain/virology
- Chemotaxis, Leukocyte/genetics
- Cyclooxygenase 2
- Genes, Reporter/genetics
- Genetic Therapy/methods
- Genetic Vectors/genetics
- Genetic Vectors/metabolism
- Immunodeficiency Virus, Feline/genetics
- Injections, Intraperitoneal
- Isoenzymes/metabolism
- Lac Operon/genetics
- Leukocytes, Mononuclear/cytology
- Leukocytes, Mononuclear/metabolism
- Leukocytes, Mononuclear/virology
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases/metabolism
- Purkinje Cells/cytology
- Purkinje Cells/metabolism
- Purkinje Cells/virology
- Transduction, Genetic/methods
- Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1/metabolism
- beta-Galactosidase/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanos Kyrkanides
- Department of Dentistry, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.
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