1
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Tarabichi O, Correa T, Kul E, Phillips S, Darkazanly B, Young SM, Hansen MR. Development and evaluation of helper dependent adenoviral vectors for inner ear gene delivery. Hear Res 2023; 435:108819. [PMID: 37276687 PMCID: PMC10427999 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2023.108819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Viral vector gene therapy is an attractive strategy to treat hearing loss. Since hearing loss is due to a variety of pathogenic signaling cascades in distinct cells, viral vectors that can express large or multiple genes in a cell-type specific manner are needed. Helper-dependent adenoviral vectors (HdAd) are safe viral vectors with a large packaging capacity (-36 kb). Despite the potential of HdAd, its use in the inner ear is largely unexplored. Therefore, to evaluate the utility of HdAd for inner ear gene therapy, we created two HdAd vectors that use distinct cellular receptors for transduction: HdAd Serotype Type 5 (HdAd5), the Coxsackie-Adenovirus Receptor (CAR) and a chimeric HdAd 5/35, the human CD46+ receptor (hCD46). We delivered these vectors through the round window (RW) or scala media in CBA/J, C57Bl6/J and hCD46 transgenic mice. Immunostaining in conjunction with confocal microscopy of cochlear sections revealed that multiple cell types were transduced using HdAd5 and HdAd 5/35 in all mouse models. Delivery of HdAd5 via RW in the C57Bl/6 J or CBA/J cochlea resulted in transduced mesenchymal cells of the peri‑lymphatic lining and modiolar region while scala media delivery resulted in transduction of supporting cells and inner hair cells. Hd5/35 transduction was CD46 dependent and RW delivery of HdAd5/35 in the hCD46 mouse model resulted in a similar transduction pattern as HdAd5 in the peri‑lymphatic lining and modiolar region in the cochlea. Our data indicate that HdAd vectors are promising vectors for use in inner ear gene therapy to treat some causes of hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osama Tarabichi
- Departments of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Tatiana Correa
- Departments of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Emre Kul
- Departments of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Iowa, PBDB 5322, 169 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Stacia Phillips
- Departments of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Iowa, PBDB 5322, 169 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Bahaa Darkazanly
- Departments of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Samuel M Young
- Departments of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Departments of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Iowa, PBDB 5322, 169 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Departments of Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
| | - Marlan R Hansen
- Departments of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Departments of Neurosurgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Departments of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Departments of Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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2
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Haldeman JM, Conway AE, Arlotto ME, Slentz DH, Muoio DM, Becker TC, Newgard CB. Creation of versatile cloning platforms for transgene expression and dCas9-based epigenome editing. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 47:e23. [PMID: 30590691 PMCID: PMC6393299 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky1286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic manipulation via transgene overexpression, RNAi, or Cas9-based methods is central to biomedical research. Unfortunately, use of these tools is often limited by vector options. We have created a modular platform (pMVP) that allows a gene of interest to be studied in the context of an array of promoters, epitope tags, conditional expression modalities, and fluorescent reporters, packaged in 35 custom destination vectors, including adenovirus, lentivirus, PiggyBac transposon, and Sleeping Beauty transposon, in aggregate >108,000 vector permutations. We also used pMVP to build an epigenetic engineering platform, pMAGIC, that packages multiple gRNAs and either Sa-dCas9 or x-dCas9(3.7) fused to one of five epigenetic modifiers. Importantly, via its compatibility with adenoviral vectors, pMAGIC uniquely enables use of dCas9/LSD1 fusions to interrogate enhancers within primary cells. To demonstrate this, we used pMAGIC to target Sa-dCas9/LSD1 and modify the epigenetic status of a conserved enhancer, resulting in altered expression of the homeobox transcription factor PDX1 and its target genes in pancreatic islets and insulinoma cells. In sum, the pMVP and pMAGIC systems empower researchers to rapidly generate purpose-built, customized vectors for manipulation of gene expression, including via targeted epigenetic modification of regulatory elements in a broad range of disease-relevant cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan M Haldeman
- Sarah W. Stedman Nutrition and Metabolism Center, Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27701, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27701, USA
| | - Amanda E Conway
- Epigenetics & Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Michelle E Arlotto
- Sarah W. Stedman Nutrition and Metabolism Center, Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27701, USA
| | - Dorothy H Slentz
- Sarah W. Stedman Nutrition and Metabolism Center, Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27701, USA
| | - Deborah M Muoio
- Sarah W. Stedman Nutrition and Metabolism Center, Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27701, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27701, USA
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27701, USA
| | - Thomas C Becker
- Sarah W. Stedman Nutrition and Metabolism Center, Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27701, USA
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27701, USA
| | - Christopher B Newgard
- Sarah W. Stedman Nutrition and Metabolism Center, Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27701, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27701, USA
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27701, USA
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3
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Human adenovirus type 5 vectors deleted of early region 1 (E1) undergo limited expression of early replicative E2 proteins and DNA replication in non-permissive cells. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0181012. [PMID: 28700677 PMCID: PMC5507307 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0181012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenovirus (Ad) vectors deleted of the early region 1 (E1) are widely used for transgene delivery in preclinical and clinical gene therapy studies. Although proteins encoded within the E1 region are required for efficient virus replication, previous studies have suggested that certain viral or cellular proteins can functionally compensate for E1, leading to expression of the early region 2 (E2)-encoded replicative proteins and subsequent virus replication. We have generated a series of E1-encoding and E1-deficient Ad vectors containing a FLAG-epitope tag on each of the E2-encoded proteins: DNA-binding protein (DBP), terminal protein (TP) and DNA polymerase (Pol). Using these constructs, we show that for the replication-competent virus, the expression level of each E2-encoded protein declines with increasing distance from the E2 promoter, with E2A-encoded DBP expression being ~800-fold higher than E2B-encoded TP. Pol was expressed at extremely low levels in infected cells, and immunoprecipitation from cell lysates was required prior to its detection by immunoblot. We further show that DBP was expressed 200- to 400-fold less efficiently from an E1-deficient virus compared to a replication-competent virus in A549 and HepG2 cells, which was accompanied by a very small increase in genome copy number. For the E1-deficient virus, late gene expression (a marker of virus replication) was only observed at very high multiplicities of infection. These data show that E1-deleted Ad gives rise to limited expression of the E2-encoded genes and replication in infected cells, but highlight the importance of considering viral dose-dependent effects in gene therapy studies.
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4
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McFall ER, Murray LM, Lunde JA, Jasmin BJ, Kothary R, Parks RJ. A reduction in the human adenovirus virion size through use of a shortened fibre protein does not enhance muscle transduction following systemic or localised delivery in mice. Virology 2014; 468-470:444-453. [PMID: 25243333 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2014.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2014] [Revised: 07/28/2014] [Accepted: 08/22/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
We have investigated whether reducing the overall size of adenovirus (Ad), through use of a vector containing a shortened fibre, leads to enhanced distribution and dissemination of the vector. Intravenous or intraperitoneal injection of Ad5SlacZ (12 nm fibre versus the normal Ad5 37 nm fibre) or Ad5SpKlacZ (shortened fibre with polylysine motif in the H-I loop of fibre knob domain) led to similar levels of lacZ expression compared to Ad5LlacZ (native Ad5 fibre) in the liver of treated animals, but did not enhance extravasation into the tibialis anterior muscle. Direct injection of the short-fibre vectors into the tibialis anterior muscle did not result in enhanced spread of the vector through muscle tissue, and led to only sporadic transgene expression in the spinal cord, suggesting that modifying the fibre length or redirecting viral infection to a more common cell surface receptor does not enhance motor neuron uptake or retrograde transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R McFall
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1H 8L6; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lyndsay M Murray
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1H 8L6
| | - John A Lunde
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bernard J Jasmin
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; University of Ottawa Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rashmi Kothary
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1H 8L6; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; University of Ottawa Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robin J Parks
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1H 8L6; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; University of Ottawa Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
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5
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Puppo A, Cesi G, Marrocco E, Piccolo P, Jacca S, Shayakhmetov DM, Parks RJ, Davidson BL, Colloca S, Brunetti-Pierri N, Ng P, Donofrio G, Auricchio A. Retinal transduction profiles by high-capacity viral vectors. Gene Ther 2014; 21:855-65. [PMID: 24989814 PMCID: PMC4193889 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2014.57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2014] [Revised: 04/08/2014] [Accepted: 05/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Retinal gene therapy with adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors is safe and effective in humans. However, the limited cargo capacity of AAV prevents their use for therapy of those inherited retinopathies (IRs) due to mutations in large (>5kb) genes. Viral vectors derived from Adenovirus (Ad), Lentivirus (LV) and Herpesvirus (HV) can package large DNA sequences but do not target efficiently retinal photoreceptors (PRs) where the majority of genes responsible for IRs are expressed. Here, we have evaluated the mouse retinal transduction profiles of vectors derived from 16 different Ad serotypes, 7 LV pseudotypes, and from a bovine HV. Most of the vectors tested transduced efficiently the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). We found that LV-GP64 tends to transduce more PRs than the canonical LV-VSVG albeit this was restricted to a narrow region. We observed more extensive PR transduction with HdAd1, 2 and 5/F35++ than with LV, although none of them outperformed the canonical HdAd5 or matched the extension of PR transduction achieved with AAV2/8.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Puppo
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Naples, Italy
| | - G Cesi
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Naples, Italy
| | - E Marrocco
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Naples, Italy
| | - P Piccolo
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Naples, Italy
| | - S Jacca
- Department of Medical Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - D M Shayakhmetov
- Lowance Center for Human Immunology, Departments of Pediatrics and Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - R J Parks
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - B L Davidson
- Departments of Internal Medicine, Neurology and Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | | | | | - P Ng
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - G Donofrio
- Department of Medical Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - A Auricchio
- 1] Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Naples, Italy [2] Medical Genetics, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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6
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Guse K, Suzuki M, Sule G, Bertin TK, Tyynismaa H, Ahola-Erkkilä S, Palmer D, Suomalainen A, Ng P, Cerullo V, Hemminki A, Lee B. Capsid-modified adenoviral vectors for improved muscle-directed gene therapy. Hum Gene Ther 2012; 23:1065-70. [PMID: 22888960 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2012.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle represents an attractive target tissue for adenoviral gene therapy to treat muscle disorders and as a production platform for systemic expression of therapeutic proteins. However, adenovirus serotype 5 vectors do not efficiently transduce adult muscle tissue. Here we evaluated whether capsid modifications on adenoviral vectors could improve transduction in mature murine muscle tissue. First-generation and helper-dependent serotype 5 adenoviral vectors featuring the serotype 3 knob (5/3) showed significantly increased transduction of skeletal muscle after intramuscular injection in adult mice. Furthermore, we showed that full-length dystrophin could be more efficiently transferred to muscles of mdx mice using a 5/3-modified helper-dependent adenoviral vector. In contrast to first-generation vectors, helper-dependent adenoviral vectors mediated stable marker gene expression for at least 1 year after intramuscular injection. In conclusion, 5/3 capsid-modified helper-dependent adenoviral vectors show enhanced transduction in adult murine muscle tissue and mediate long-term gene expression, suggesting the suitability of these vectors for muscle-directed gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kilian Guse
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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7
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Poulin KL, Tong G, Vorobyova O, Pool M, Kothary R, Parks RJ. Use of Cre/loxP recombination to swap cell binding motifs on the adenoviral capsid protein IX. Virology 2011; 420:146-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2011.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2011] [Revised: 08/25/2011] [Accepted: 09/02/2011] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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8
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Matsui H, Sakurai F, Katayama K, Mizuguchi H. [Development of improved adenovirus vectors and transduction into neural cells]. Nihon Yakurigaku Zasshi 2011; 137:70-4. [PMID: 21321454 DOI: 10.1254/fpj.137.70] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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9
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Assembly of helper-dependent adenovirus DNA into chromatin promotes efficient gene expression. J Virol 2011; 85:3950-8. [PMID: 21307207 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01787-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Helper-dependent adenovirus (hdAd) vectors have shown tremendous potential in animal models of human disease in numerous preclinical studies. Expression of a therapeutic transgene can be maintained for several years after a single administration of the hdAd vector. However, despite the long-term persistence of hdAd DNA in the transduced cell, little is known of the fate and structure of hdAd DNA within the host nucleus. In this study, we have characterized the assembly of hdAd DNA into chromatin in tissue culture. Eviction of the Ad DNA-packaging protein VII, histone deposition, and vector-associated gene expression all began within 2 to 6 h of host cell transduction. Inhibition of transcription elongation through the vector DNA template had no effect on the loss of VII, suggesting that transcription was not necessary for removal of the majority of protein VII. Vector DNA assembled into physiologically spaced nucleosomes within 6 h. hdAd vectors incorporated the histone H3 variant H3.3, which was dependent on the histone chaperone HIRA. Knockdown of HIRA reduced hdAd association with histones and reduced expression of the vector-carried transgene by 2- to 3-fold. Our study elucidates an essential role for hdAd DNA chromatinization for optimal vector gene expression.
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Abstract
Helper-dependent adenoviral vectors are devoid of all viral coding sequences, possess a large cloning capacity, and can efficiently transduce a wide variety of cell types from various species independent of the cell cycle to mediate long-term transgene expression without chronic toxicity. These non-integrating vectors hold tremendous potential for a variety of gene transfer and gene therapy applications. Here, we review the production technologies, applications, obstacles to clinical translation and their potential resolutions, and the future challenges and unanswered questions regarding this promising gene transfer technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Rosewell
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030 USA
| | - Francesco Vetrini
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030 USA
| | - Philip Ng
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030 USA
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Vetrini F, Ng P. Gene therapy with helper-dependent adenoviral vectors: current advances and future perspectives. Viruses 2010; 2:1886-1917. [PMID: 21994713 PMCID: PMC3186006 DOI: 10.3390/v2091886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2010] [Revised: 08/26/2010] [Accepted: 08/30/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Recombinant Adenoviral vectors represent one of the best gene transfer platforms due to their ability to efficiently transduce a wide range of quiescent and proliferating cell types from various tissues and species. The activation of an adaptive immune response against the transduced cells is one of the major drawbacks of first generation Adenovirus vectors and has been overcome by the latest generation of recombinant Adenovirus, the Helper-Dependent Adenoviral (HDAd) vectors. HDAds have innovative features including the complete absence of viral coding sequences and the ability to mediate high level transgene expression with negligible chronic toxicity. This review summarizes the many aspects of HDAd biology and structure with a major focus on in vivo gene therapy application and with an emphasis on the unsolved issues that these vectors still presents toward clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Philip Ng
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; Tel.: +1 7137984158; E-Mail:
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12
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Retargeting of adenovirus vectors through genetic fusion of a single-chain or single-domain antibody to capsid protein IX. J Virol 2010; 84:10074-86. [PMID: 20631131 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02665-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenovirus (Ad) vectors are the most commonly used system for gene therapy applications, due in part to their ability to infect a wide array of cell types and tissues. However, many therapies would benefit from the ability to target the Ad vector only to specific cells, such as tumor cells for cancer gene therapy. In this study, we investigated the utility of capsid protein IX (pIX) as a platform for the presentation of single-chain variable-fragment antibodies (scFv) and single-domain antibodies (sdAb) for virus retargeting. We show that scFv can be displayed on the capsid through genetic fusion to native pIX but that these molecules fail to retarget the virus, due to improper folding of the scFv. Redirecting expression of the fusion protein to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) results in correct folding of the scFv and allows it to recognize its epitope; however, ER-targeted pIX-scFv was incorporated into the Ad capsid at a very low level which was not sufficient to retarget virus infection. In contrast, a pIX-sdAb construct was efficiently incorporated into the Ad capsid and enhanced virus infection of cells expressing the targeted receptor. Taken together, our data indicate that pIX is an effective platform for presentation of large targeting polypeptides on the surface of the virus capsid, but the nature of the ligand can significantly affect its association with virions.
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13
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Abstract
Replication-defective adenovirus (Ad) vectors can vary considerably in genome length, but whether this affects virion stability has not been investigated. Helper-dependent Ad vectors with a genome size of approximately 30 kb were 100-fold more sensitive to heat inactivation than their parental helper virus (>36 kb), and increasing the genome size of the vector significantly improved heat stability. A similar relationship between genome size and stability existed for Ad with early region 1 deleted. Loss of infectivity was due to release of vertex proteins, followed by disintegration of the capsid. Thus, not only does the viral DNA encode all of the heritable information essential for virus replication, it also plays a critical role in maintaining capsid strength and integrity.
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14
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Alba R, Bosch A, Chillon M. Gutless adenovirus: last-generation adenovirus for gene therapy. Gene Ther 2006; 12 Suppl 1:S18-27. [PMID: 16231052 DOI: 10.1038/sj.gt.3302612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 188] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Last-generation adenovirus vectors, also called helper-dependent or gutless adenovirus, are very attractive for gene therapy because the associated in vivo immune response is highly reduced compared to first- and second-generation adenovirus vectors, while maintaining high transduction efficiency and tropism. Nowadays, gutless adenovirus is administered in different organs, such as the liver, muscle or the central nervous system achieving high-level and long-term transgene expression in rodents and primates. However, as devoid of all viral coding regions, gutless vectors require viral proteins supplied in trans by a helper virus. To remove contamination by a helper virus from the final preparation, different systems based on the excision of the helper-packaging signal have been generated. Among them, Cre-loxP system is mostly used, although contamination levels still are 0.1-1% too high to be used in clinical trials. Recently developed strategies to avoid/reduce helper contamination were reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Alba
- Gene Therapy Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy (CBATEG), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
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15
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Gonçalves MAFV, Holkers M, Cudré-Mauroux C, van Nierop GP, Knaän-Shanzer S, van der Velde I, Valerio D, de Vries AAF. Transduction of myogenic cells by retargeted dual high-capacity hybrid viral vectors: robust dystrophin synthesis in duchenne muscular dystrophy muscle cells. Mol Ther 2006; 13:976-86. [PMID: 16443396 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2005.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2005] [Revised: 10/25/2005] [Accepted: 11/13/2005] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene (DMD), making it amenable to gene- or cell-based therapies. Another possible treatment entails the combination of both principles by transplantation of autologous myogenic cells after their genetic complementation. This approach requires efficient and stable transduction of these cells with recombinant DMD. Recently, we generated a dual high-capacity (hc) adenovirus (Ad)-adeno-associated virus (AAV) hybrid vector (HV) that can deliver two full-length dystrophin-encoding modules into target cells. We showed that HV transduction of human cells containing AAV Rep proteins leads to the insertion of foreign DNA into the AAVS1 locus. Here, we improved HV entry into muscle cells from DMD patients. After having verified that these cells barely express the coxsackie B virus and Ad receptor (CAR), which constitutes the attachment molecule for Ad serotype 5 (Ad5) fibers, we equipped dual hcAd/AAV HV particles with Ad serotype 50 fiber domains to achieve CAR-independent uptake. These retargeted vectors complemented much more efficiently the genetic defect of dystrophin-defective myoblasts and myotubes than their isogenic counterparts with conventional Ad5 fibers. Importantly, the accumulation of beta-dystroglycan along the membranes of vector-treated DMD myotubes indicated proper assembly of dystrophin-associated glycoprotein complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel A F V Gonçalves
- Gene Therapy Section, Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Wassenaarseweg 72, 2333 AL Leiden, The Netherlands.
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16
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Chakkalakal JV, Thompson J, Parks RJ, Jasmin BJ. Molecular, cellular, and pharmacological therapies for Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophies. FASEB J 2005; 19:880-91. [PMID: 15923398 DOI: 10.1096/fj.04-1956rev] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Although the molecular defect causing Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy (DMD/BMD) was identified nearly 20 years ago, the development of effective therapeutic strategies has nonetheless remained a daunting challenge. Over the years, a variety of different approaches have been explored in an effort to compensate for the lack of the DMD gene product called dystrophin. This review not only presents some of the most promising molecular, cellular, and pharmacological strategies but also highlights some issues that need to be addressed before considering their implementation. Specifically, we describe current strategies being developed to exogenously deliver healthy copies of the dystrophin gene to dystrophic muscles. We present the findings of several studies that have focused on repairing the mutant dystrophin gene using various approaches. We include a discussion of cell-based therapies that capitalize on the use of myoblast or stem cell transfer. Finally, we summarize the results of several studies that may eventually lead to the development of appropriate drug-based therapies. In this context, we review our current knowledge of the mechanisms regulating expression of utrophin, the autosomal homologue of dystrophin. Given the complexity associated with the dystrophic phenotype, it appears likely that a combinatorial approach involving different therapeutic strategies will be necessary for the appropriate management and eventual treatment of this devastating neuromuscular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe V Chakkalakal
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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17
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Parks RJ. Adenovirus protein IX: a new look at an old protein. Mol Ther 2005; 11:19-25. [PMID: 15585402 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2004.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2004] [Revised: 09/21/2004] [Accepted: 09/22/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The success of gene therapy depends in part on our understanding of the biology of gene therapy vectors. This knowledge must be used to improve the function, safety, and versatility of the vector system. For decades, we have known which viral proteins are involved in formation of the adenovirus (Ad) capsid, but we are still learning how these proteins can be altered or manipulated to improve vector function. The Ad protein IX (pIX) was originally identified as a minor component of the Ad capsid, but was not essential for virion formation. However, more recent studies have suggested that pIX may have multiple roles in the Ad life cycle, including acting as a transcriptional activator and reorganizing nuclear proteins to provide an environment more conducive to virus replication. In gene therapy studies, removal of pIX from the Ad vector backbone was used to increase the cloning capacity of E1-deleted Ad vectors and to develop a new method for preparing helper-dependent Ad vectors. pIX has also been at the center of numerous attempts to eliminate the problem of replication-competent Ad in Ad vector preparations. Finally, pIX represents a versatile platform for the presentation of polypeptides on the surface of the viral capsid, including ligands for virus retargeting and fluorescent proteins for visualizing the virus in vitro and in vivo. Thus, the importance and uses of this "minor" capsid protein have changed significantly over the past few years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin J Parks
- Molecular Medicine Program, Ottawa Health Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1H 8L6.
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Meulenbroek RA, Sargent KL, Lunde J, Jasmin BJ, Parks RJ. Use of adenovirus protein IX (pIX) to display large polypeptides on the virion--generation of fluorescent virus through the incorporation of pIX-GFP. Mol Ther 2004; 9:617-24. [PMID: 15093192 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2004.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2003] [Accepted: 01/20/2004] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The adenovirus (Ad) protein IX (pIX) is a minor component of the Ad capsid and associates with the hexons that make up the facets of the icosahedron. In this study, we investigated whether a large protein tag could be fused to pIX without compromising the Ad vector itself. As proof-of-principle, we generated a pIX-green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion protein. We show that a virus encoding the pIX-GFP can be generated and that pIX-GFP fusion protein was incorporated into the Ad capsid as efficiently as native pIX. In tissue culture, translocation of Ad/pIX-GFP from the outside of the cell to the nucleus could be followed using fluorescence microscopy, and the timing of migration to the nucleus was similar to that previously reported for Ad. We also could track the virus after injection into the tibialis anterior muscle of mice. Shortly after injection, the majority of the Ad/pIX-GFP accumulated in pockets adjacent to the muscle fibers, with some migration of the virus between fibers. Our ability to attach GFP to the Ad virion, through fusion to pIX, provides a valuable tool for virus tracking in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, our data indicate that pIX can be used as a platform to anchor proteins to the Ad capsid, such as large ligands for cell-type-specific targeting of the vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Meulenbroek
- Molecular Medicine Program, Ottawa Health Research Institute, Room, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
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