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Esposito F, Dell'Aquila F, Rhiel M, Auricchio S, Chmielewski KO, Andrieux G, Ferla R, Horrach PS, Padmanabhan A, Di Cunto R, Notaro S, Santeularia ML, Boerries M, Dell'Anno M, Nusco E, Padula A, Nutarelli S, Cornu TI, Sorrentino NC, Piccolo P, Trapani I, Cathomen T, Auricchio A. Safe and effective liver-directed AAV-mediated homology-independent targeted integration in mouse models of inherited diseases. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101619. [PMID: 38897206 PMCID: PMC11293346 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Liver-directed adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector-mediated homology-independent targeted integration (AAV-HITI) by CRISPR-Cas9 at the highly transcribed albumin locus is under investigation to provide sustained transgene expression following neonatal treatment. We show that targeting the 3' end of the albumin locus results in productive integration in about 15% of mouse hepatocytes achieving therapeutic levels of systemic proteins in two mouse models of inherited diseases. We demonstrate that full-length HITI donor DNA is preferentially integrated upon nuclease cleavage and that, despite partial AAV genome integrations in the target locus, no gross chromosomal rearrangements or insertions/deletions at off-target sites are found. In line with this, no evidence of hepatocellular carcinoma is observed within the 1-year follow-up. Finally, AAV-HITI is effective at vector doses considered safe if directly translated to humans providing therapeutic efficacy in the adult liver in addition to newborn. Overall, our data support the development of this liver-directed AAV-based knockin strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Esposito
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Fabio Dell'Aquila
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy; Medical Genetics, Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Manuel Rhiel
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stefano Auricchio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Kay Ole Chmielewski
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; PhD Program, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Geoffroy Andrieux
- Institute of Medical Bioinformatics and Systems Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Rita Ferla
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | | | - Arjun Padmanabhan
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Roberto Di Cunto
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Simone Notaro
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | | | - Melanie Boerries
- Institute of Medical Bioinformatics and Systems Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner site Freiburg, a partnership between DKFZ and Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Edoardo Nusco
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Agnese Padula
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Sofia Nutarelli
- Department of Life Science and Public Health, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Tatjana I Cornu
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nicolina Cristina Sorrentino
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy; Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Pasquale Piccolo
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Ivana Trapani
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy; Medical Genetics, Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Toni Cathomen
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner site Freiburg, a partnership between DKFZ and Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Alberto Auricchio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy; Gene Therapy Joint lab, Dept. of Advanced Biomedical Sciences and Dept. of Translational Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.
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Leach M, Cox C, Wickramasinghe SR, Chwatko M, Bhattacharyya D. Role of Microfiltration Membrane Morphology on Nanoparticle Purification to Enhance Downstream Purification of Viral Vectors. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2024; 7:3932-3941. [PMID: 38822810 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.4c00272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
In the rapidly advancing realms of gene therapy and biotechnology, the efficient purification of viral vectors is pivotal for ensuring the safety and efficacy of gene therapies. This study focuses on optimizing membrane selection for viral vector purification by evaluating key properties, including porosity, thickness, pore structure, and hydrophilicity. Notably, we employed adeno-associated virus (AAV)-sized nanoparticles (20 nm), 200 nm particles, and bovine serum albumin (BSA) to model viral vector harvesting. Experimental data from constant pressure normal flow filtration (NFF) at 1 and 2 bar using four commercial flat sheet membranes revealed distinct fouling behaviors. Symmetric membranes predominantly showed internal and external pore blockage, while asymmetric membranes formed a cake layer on the surface. Hydrophilicity exhibited a positive correlation with recovery, demonstrating an enhanced recovery with increased hydrophilicity. Membranes with higher porosity and interpore connectivity showcased superior throughput, reduced operating time, and increased recovery. Asymmetric polyether sulfone (PES) membranes emerged as the optimal choice, achieving ∼100% recovery of AAV-sized particles, an ∼44% reduction in model cell debris (200 nm particles), an ∼35% decrease in BSA, and the fastest operating time of all membranes tested. This systematic investigation into fouling behaviors and membrane properties not only informs optimal conditions for viral vector recovery but also lays the groundwork for advancing membrane-based strategies in bioprocessing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Leach
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, United States
| | - Catherine Cox
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, United States
| | | | - Malgorzata Chwatko
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, United States
| | - Dibakar Bhattacharyya
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, United States
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3
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Pedrazzoli E, Demozzi M, Visentin E, Ciciani M, Bonuzzi I, Pezzè L, Lucchetta L, Maule G, Amistadi S, Esposito F, Lupo M, Miccio A, Auricchio A, Casini A, Segata N, Cereseto A. CoCas9 is a compact nuclease from the human microbiome for efficient and precise genome editing. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3478. [PMID: 38658578 PMCID: PMC11043407 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47800-9] [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: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The expansion of the CRISPR-Cas toolbox is highly needed to accelerate the development of therapies for genetic diseases. Here, through the interrogation of a massively expanded repository of metagenome-assembled genomes, mostly from human microbiomes, we uncover a large variety (n = 17,173) of type II CRISPR-Cas loci. Among these we identify CoCas9, a strongly active and high-fidelity nuclease with reduced molecular size (1004 amino acids) isolated from an uncultivated Collinsella species. CoCas9 is efficiently co-delivered with its sgRNA through adeno associated viral (AAV) vectors, obtaining efficient in vivo editing in the mouse retina. With this study we uncover a collection of previously uncharacterized Cas9 nucleases, including CoCas9, which enriches the genome editing toolbox.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Pedrazzoli
- Department of Computational, Cellular and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123, Trento, Italy
| | - Michele Demozzi
- Department of Computational, Cellular and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123, Trento, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Visentin
- Department of Computational, Cellular and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123, Trento, Italy
| | - Matteo Ciciani
- Department of Computational, Cellular and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123, Trento, Italy
| | - Ilaria Bonuzzi
- Department of Computational, Cellular and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123, Trento, Italy
| | | | - Lorenzo Lucchetta
- Department of Computational, Cellular and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123, Trento, Italy
| | - Giulia Maule
- Department of Computational, Cellular and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123, Trento, Italy
| | - Simone Amistadi
- Department of Computational, Cellular and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123, Trento, Italy
- Université de Paris, Imagine Institute, Laboratory of chromatin and gene regulation during development, INSERM, UMR 1163, Paris, France
| | - Federica Esposito
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80078, Pozzuoli (NA), Italy
| | - Mariangela Lupo
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80078, Pozzuoli (NA), Italy
| | - Annarita Miccio
- Université de Paris, Imagine Institute, Laboratory of chromatin and gene regulation during development, INSERM, UMR 1163, Paris, France
| | - Alberto Auricchio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80078, Pozzuoli (NA), Italy
- Medical Genetics, Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Nicola Segata
- Department of Computational, Cellular and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123, Trento, Italy.
| | - Anna Cereseto
- Department of Computational, Cellular and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123, Trento, Italy.
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Miyaoka R, Tsunekawa Y, Kurosawa Y, Sasaki T, Onodera A, Sakamoto K, Kakiuchi Y, Wada M, Nitahara-Kasahara Y, Hayashita-Kinoh H, Okada T. Development of a novel purification method for AAV vectors using tangential flow filtration. Biotechnol Bioeng 2023; 120:3311-3321. [PMID: 37584217 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector can efficiently transduce therapeutic genes in various tissue types with less side effects; however, owing to complex multistep processes during manufacture, there have been surges in the pricing of recently approved AAV vector-based gene therapy products. This study aimed to develop a simple and efficient method for high-quality purification of AAV vector via tangential flow filtration (TFF), which is commonly used for concentration and diafiltration of solutions during AAV vector purification. We established a novel purification method using TFF and surfactants. Treatment with two classes of surfactants (anionic and zwitterionic) successfully inhibited the aggregation of residual proteins separated from the AAV vector in the crude product by TFF, obtaining a clearance of 99.5% residual proteins. Infectivity of the AAV vector purified using the new method was confirmed both in vitro and in vivo, and no remarkable inflammation or tissue damage was observed in mouse skeletal muscle after local administration. Overall, our proposed method could be used to establish a platform for the purification of AAV vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rimi Miyaoka
- Division of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Center for Gene and Cell Therapy, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Medical Technology & Material Laboratory, Research and Business Development Division, Asahi Kasei Medical Co., Ltd., Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Yuji Tsunekawa
- Division of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Center for Gene and Cell Therapy, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yae Kurosawa
- Division of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Center for Gene and Cell Therapy, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Chromatography Media Business Division, HOYA Technosurgical Corporation, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takako Sasaki
- Division of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Center for Gene and Cell Therapy, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Azusa Onodera
- Division of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Center for Gene and Cell Therapy, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenji Sakamoto
- Division of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Center for Gene and Cell Therapy, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuko Kakiuchi
- Division of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Center for Gene and Cell Therapy, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mikako Wada
- Division of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Center for Gene and Cell Therapy, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuko Nitahara-Kasahara
- Division of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Center for Gene and Cell Therapy, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiromi Hayashita-Kinoh
- Division of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Center for Gene and Cell Therapy, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Okada
- Division of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Center for Gene and Cell Therapy, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Kilgore R, Minzoni A, Shastry S, Smith W, Barbieri E, Wu Y, LeBarre JP, Chu W, O'Brien J, Menegatti S. The downstream bioprocess toolbox for therapeutic viral vectors. J Chromatogr A 2023; 1709:464337. [PMID: 37722177 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2023.464337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Viral vectors are poised to acquire a prominent position in modern medicine and biotechnology owing to their role as delivery agents for gene therapies, oncolytic agents, vaccine platforms, and a gateway to engineer cell therapies as well as plants and animals for sustainable agriculture. The success of viral vectors will critically depend on the availability of flexible and affordable biomanufacturing strategies that can meet the growing demand by clinics and biotech companies worldwide. In this context, a key role will be played by downstream process technology: while initially adapted from protein purification media, the purification toolbox for viral vectors is currently undergoing a rapid expansion to fit the unique biomolecular characteristics of these products. Innovation efforts are articulated on two fronts, namely (i) the discovery of affinity ligands that target adeno-associated virus, lentivirus, adenovirus, etc.; (ii) the development of adsorbents with innovative morphologies, such as membranes and 3D printed monoliths, that fit the size of viral vectors. Complementing these efforts are the design of novel process layouts that capitalize on novel ligands and adsorbents to ensure high yield and purity of the product while safeguarding its therapeutic efficacy and safety; and a growing panel of analytical methods that monitor the complex array of critical quality attributes of viral vectors and correlate them to the purification strategies. To help explore this complex and evolving environment, this study presents a comprehensive overview of the downstream bioprocess toolbox for viral vectors established in the last decade, and discusses present efforts and future directions contributing to the success of this promising class of biological medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Kilgore
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, United States.
| | - Arianna Minzoni
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, United States
| | - Shriarjun Shastry
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, United States; Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center (BTEC), North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, United States
| | - Will Smith
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, United States
| | - Eduardo Barbieri
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, United States
| | - Yuxuan Wu
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, United States
| | - Jacob P LeBarre
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, United States
| | - Wenning Chu
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, United States
| | - Juliana O'Brien
- Department of Chemistry, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, United States
| | - Stefano Menegatti
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, United States; Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center (BTEC), North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, United States; North Carolina Viral Vector Initiative in Research and Learning, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, United States
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6
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Mendiola Pla M, Chiang Y, Roki A, Wang C, Lee FH, Smith MF, Gross RT, Roan JN, Bishawi M, Evans A, Gault LE, Ho S, Glass C, Schroder JN, Lezberg P, Milano CA, Bowles DE. Ex Vivo Gene Delivery to Porcine Cardiac Allografts Using a Myocardial-Enhanced Adeno-Associated Viral Vector. Hum Gene Ther 2023; 34:303-313. [PMID: 36927038 PMCID: PMC10325812 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2022.241] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Transplantation, the gold standard intervention for organ failure, is a clinical field that is ripe for applications of gene therapy. One of the major challenges in applying gene therapy to this field is the need for a method that achieves consistent and robust gene delivery to allografts. Normothermic ex vivo perfusion is a growing organ preservation method and a device for cardiac preservation was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (Organ Care System, OCS™; TransMedics, Inc., Andover, MA); this device maintains donor hearts in a near physiologic state while they are transported from the donor to the recipient. This study describes the administration of recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors (rAAVs) during ex vivo normothermic perfusion for the delivery of transgenes to porcine cardiac allografts. We utilized a myocardial-enhanced AAV3b variant, SASTG, assessing its transduction efficiency in the OCS perfusate relative to other AAV serotypes. We describe the use of normothermic ex vivo perfusion to deliver SASTG carrying the Firefly Luciferase transgene to porcine donor hearts in four heterotopic transplant procedures. Durable and dose-dependent transgene expression was achieved in the allografts in 30 days, with no evidence of off-target transgene expression. This study demonstrates the feasibility and efficiency of delivering genes to a large animal allograft utilizing AAV vectors during ex vivo perfusion. These findings support the idea of gene therapy interventions to enhance transplantation outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Mendiola Pla
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Yuting Chiang
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Columbia University Medical Center, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Antonio Roki
- Division of Surgical Sciences, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Chunbo Wang
- Division of Surgical Sciences, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Franklin H. Lee
- Division of Surgical Sciences, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Matthew F. Smith
- Division of Surgical Sciences, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ryan T. Gross
- Division of Surgical Sciences, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jun-Neng Roan
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Muath Bishawi
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Amy Evans
- Perfusion Services, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Lynden E. Gault
- Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network, Itasca, Illinois, USA
| | - Sam Ho
- Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network, Itasca, Illinois, USA
| | - Carolyn Glass
- Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jacob N. Schroder
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Carmelo A. Milano
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Dawn E. Bowles
- Division of Surgical Sciences, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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7
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Ferla R, Dell’Aquila F, Doria M, Ferraiuolo M, Noto A, Grazioli F, Ammendola V, Testa F, Melillo P, Iodice C, Risca G, Tedesco N, le Brun PR, Surace EM, Simonelli F, Galimberti S, Valsecchi MG, Marteau JB, Veron P, Colloca S, Auricchio A. Efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and safety in the mouse and primate retina of dual AAV vectors for Usher syndrome type 1B. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2023; 28:396-411. [PMID: 36910588 PMCID: PMC9996380 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapy of Usher syndrome type 1B (USH1B) due to mutations in the large Myosin VIIA (MYO7A) gene is limited by the packaging capacity of adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors. To overcome this, we have previously developed dual AAV8 vectors which encode human MYO7A (dual AAV8.MYO7A). Here we show that subretinal administration of 1.37E+9 to 1.37E+10 genome copies of a good-manufacturing-practice-like lot of dual AAV8.MYO7A improves the retinal defects of a mouse model of USH1B. The same lot was used in non-human primates at doses 1.6× and 4.3× the highest dose proposed for the clinical trial which was based on mouse efficacy data. Long-lasting alterations in retinal function and morphology were observed following subretinal administration of dual AAV8.MYO7A at the high dose. These findings were modest and improved over time in the low-dose group, as also observed in other studies involving the use of AAV8 in non-human primates and humans. Biodistribution and shedding studies confirmed the presence of vector DNA mainly in the visual pathway. Accordingly, we detected human MYO7A mRNA expression predominantly in the retina. Overall, these studies pave the way for the clinical translation of subretinal administration of dual AAV vectors in USH1B subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Ferla
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
- AAVantgarde BIO Srl, 20123 Milan, Italy
- Corresponding author: Rita Ferla, Telethon institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy; AAVantgarde BIO Srl, 20123 Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Dell’Aquila
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Monica Doria
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Francesco Testa
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo Melillo
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Carolina Iodice
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Giulia Risca
- Center of Biostatistics for Clinical Epidemiology, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Novella Tedesco
- Genethon, 91000 Evry, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, University Evry 91000, INSERM, Genethon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, 91000 Evry, France
| | - Pierre Romain le Brun
- Genethon, 91000 Evry, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, University Evry 91000, INSERM, Genethon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, 91000 Evry, France
| | - Enrico Maria Surace
- Medical Genetics, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Simonelli
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Galimberti
- Center of Biostatistics for Clinical Epidemiology, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Valsecchi
- Center of Biostatistics for Clinical Epidemiology, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | | | - Philippe Veron
- Genethon, 91000 Evry, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, University Evry 91000, INSERM, Genethon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, 91000 Evry, France
| | | | - Alberto Auricchio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
- AAVantgarde BIO Srl, 20123 Milan, Italy
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, “Federico II” University, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Corresponding author: Alberto Auricchio, Telethon institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy; AAVantgarde BIO Srl, 20123 Milan, Italy.
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8
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Recovery of nisin from culture supernatants of Lactococcus lactis by ultrafiltration: Flux properties and separation efficiency. FOOD AND BIOPRODUCTS PROCESSING 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fbp.2022.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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9
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Carrella S, Di Guida M, Brillante S, Piccolo D, Ciampi L, Guadagnino I, Garcia Piqueras J, Pizzo M, Marrocco E, Molinari M, Petrogiannakis G, Barbato S, Ezhova Y, Auricchio A, Franco B, De Leonibus E, Surace EM, Indrieri A, Banfi S. miR-181a/b downregulation: a mutation-independent therapeutic approach for inherited retinal diseases. EMBO Mol Med 2022; 14:e15941. [PMID: 36194668 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202215941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are a group of diseases whose common landmark is progressive photoreceptor loss. The development of gene-specific therapies for IRDs is hampered by their wide genetic heterogeneity. Mitochondrial dysfunction is proving to constitute one of the key pathogenic events in IRDs; hence, approaches that enhance mitochondrial activities have a promising therapeutic potential for these conditions. We previously reported that miR-181a/b downregulation boosts mitochondrial turnover in models of primary retinal mitochondrial diseases. Here, we show that miR-181a/b silencing has a beneficial effect also in IRDs. In particular, the injection in the subretinal space of an adeno-associated viral vector (AAV) that harbors a miR-181a/b inhibitor (sponge) sequence (AAV2/8-GFP-Sponge-miR-181a/b) improves retinal morphology and visual function both in models of autosomal dominant (RHO-P347S) and of autosomal recessive (rd10) retinitis pigmentosa. Moreover, we demonstrate that miR-181a/b downregulation modulates the level of the mitochondrial fission-related protein Drp1 and rescues the mitochondrial fragmentation in RHO-P347S photoreceptors. Overall, these data support the potential use of miR-181a/b downregulation as an innovative mutation-independent therapeutic strategy for IRDs, which can be effective both to delay disease progression and to aid gene-specific therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Carrella
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy.,Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology Department, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Martina Di Guida
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy.,Medical Genetics, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Brillante
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Davide Piccolo
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Ludovica Ciampi
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Irene Guadagnino
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy.,Medical Genetics, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Jorge Garcia Piqueras
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy.,Medical Genetics, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Mariateresa Pizzo
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Elena Marrocco
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Marta Molinari
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Georgios Petrogiannakis
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy.,Molecular Life Science, Department of Science and Environmental, Biological and Farmaceutical Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Sara Barbato
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Yulia Ezhova
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy.,Molecular Life Science, Department of Science and Environmental, Biological and Farmaceutical Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Alberto Auricchio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy.,Medical Genetics, Department of Advanced Biomedicine, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Brunella Franco
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy.,Medical Genetics, Department of Translational Medical Science, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.,Scuola Superiore Meridionale, School of Advanced Studies, Naples, Italy
| | - Elvira De Leonibus
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy.,Institute of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Maria Surace
- Medical Genetics, Department of Translational Medical Science, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Alessia Indrieri
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy.,Institute for Genetic and Biomedical Research (IRGB), National Research Council (CNR), Milan, Italy
| | - Sandro Banfi
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy.,Medical Genetics, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
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10
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Soria LR, Makris G, D'Alessio AM, De Angelis A, Boffa I, Pravata VM, Rüfenacht V, Attanasio S, Nusco E, Arena P, Ferenbach AT, Paris D, Cuomo P, Motta A, Nitzahn M, Lipshutz GS, Martínez-Pizarro A, Richard E, Desviat LR, Häberle J, van Aalten DMF, Brunetti-Pierri N. O-GlcNAcylation enhances CPS1 catalytic efficiency for ammonia and promotes ureagenesis. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5212. [PMID: 36064721 PMCID: PMC9445089 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32904-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Life-threatening hyperammonemia occurs in both inherited and acquired liver diseases affecting ureagenesis, the main pathway for detoxification of neurotoxic ammonia in mammals. Protein O-GlcNAcylation is a reversible and nutrient-sensitive post-translational modification using as substrate UDP-GlcNAc, the end-product of hexosamine biosynthesis pathway. Here we show that increased liver UDP-GlcNAc during hyperammonemia increases protein O-GlcNAcylation and enhances ureagenesis. Mechanistically, O-GlcNAcylation on specific threonine residues increased the catalytic efficiency for ammonia of carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1 (CPS1), the rate-limiting enzyme in ureagenesis. Pharmacological inhibition of O-GlcNAcase, the enzyme removing O-GlcNAc from proteins, resulted in clinically relevant reductions of systemic ammonia in both genetic (hypomorphic mouse model of propionic acidemia) and acquired (thioacetamide-induced acute liver failure) mouse models of liver diseases. In conclusion, by fine-tuned control of ammonia entry into ureagenesis, hepatic O-GlcNAcylation of CPS1 increases ammonia detoxification and is a novel target for therapy of hyperammonemia in both genetic and acquired diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro R Soria
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Italy.
| | - Georgios Makris
- Division of Metabolism and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Iolanda Boffa
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | | | - Véronique Rüfenacht
- Division of Metabolism and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Edoardo Nusco
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Paola Arena
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | | | - Debora Paris
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Paola Cuomo
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Andrea Motta
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Matthew Nitzahn
- Molecular Biology Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Gerald S Lipshutz
- Molecular Biology Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ainhoa Martínez-Pizarro
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa UAM-CSIC, CIBERER, IdiPaz, Universidad Autónoma, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva Richard
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa UAM-CSIC, CIBERER, IdiPaz, Universidad Autónoma, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lourdes R Desviat
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa UAM-CSIC, CIBERER, IdiPaz, Universidad Autónoma, Madrid, Spain
| | - Johannes Häberle
- Division of Metabolism and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Nicola Brunetti-Pierri
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Italy.
- Department of Translational Medicine, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.
- Scuola Superiore Meridionale (SSM, School of Advanced Studies), Genomics and Experimental Medicine Program, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
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11
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Esposito F, Lyubenova H, Tornabene P, Auricchio S, Iuliano A, Nusco E, Merlin S, Olgasi C, Manni G, Gargaro M, Fallarino F, Follenzi A, Auricchio A. Liver gene therapy with intein-mediated F8 trans-splicing corrects mouse haemophilia A. EMBO Mol Med 2022; 14:e15199. [PMID: 35491676 PMCID: PMC9174883 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202115199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver gene therapy with adeno‐associated viral (AAV) vectors is under clinical investigation for haemophilia A (HemA), the most common inherited X‐linked bleeding disorder. Major limitations are the large size of the F8 transgene, which makes packaging in a single AAV vector a challenge, as well as the development of circulating anti‐F8 antibodies which neutralise F8 activity. Taking advantage of split‐intein‐mediated protein trans‐splicing, we divided the coding sequence of the large and highly secreted F8‐N6 variant in two separate AAV‐intein vectors whose co‐administration to HemA mice results in the expression of therapeutic levels of F8 over time. This occurred without eliciting circulating anti‐F8 antibodies unlike animals treated with the single oversized AAV‐F8 vector under clinical development. Therefore, liver gene therapy with AAV‐F8‐N6 intein should be considered as a potential therapeutic strategy for HemA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Esposito
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | | | | | - Stefano Auricchio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Antonella Iuliano
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Edoardo Nusco
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Simone Merlin
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale "Amedeo Avogadro", Novara, Italy
| | - Cristina Olgasi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale "Amedeo Avogadro", Novara, Italy
| | - Giorgia Manni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Marco Gargaro
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Antonia Follenzi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale "Amedeo Avogadro", Novara, Italy
| | - Alberto Auricchio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy.,Medical Genetics, Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
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12
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Tornabene P, Ferla R, Llado-Santaeularia M, Centrulo M, Dell'Anno M, Esposito F, Marrocco E, Pone E, Minopoli R, Iodice C, Nusco E, Rossi S, Lyubenova H, Manfredi A, Di Filippo L, Iuliano A, Torella A, Piluso G, Musacchia F, Surace EM, Cacchiarelli D, Nigro V, Auricchio A. Therapeutic homology-independent targeted integration in retina and liver. Nat Commun 2022; 13:1963. [PMID: 35414130 PMCID: PMC9005519 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29550-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Challenges to the widespread application of gene therapy with adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors include dominant conditions due to gain-of-function mutations which require allele-specific knockout, as well as long-term transgene expression from proliferating tissues, which is hampered by AAV DNA episomal status. To overcome these challenges, we used CRISPR/Cas9-mediated homology-independent targeted integration (HITI) in retina and liver as paradigmatic target tissues. We show that AAV-HITI targets photoreceptors of both mouse and pig retina, and this results in significant improvements to retinal morphology and function in mice with autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa. In addition, we show that neonatal systemic AAV-HITI delivery achieves stable liver transgene expression and phenotypic improvement in a mouse model of a severe lysosomal storage disease. We also show that HITI applications predominantly result in on-target editing. These results lay the groundwork for the application of AAV-HITI for the treatment of diseases affecting various organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Tornabene
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80078, Pozzuoli, Italy.,Medical Genetics, Department of Translational Medicine, Federico II University, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Rita Ferla
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80078, Pozzuoli, Italy.,Medical Genetics, Department of Translational Medicine, Federico II University, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Miriam Centrulo
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80078, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Margherita Dell'Anno
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80078, Pozzuoli, Italy.,Medical Genetics, Department of Translational Medicine, Federico II University, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Federica Esposito
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80078, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Elena Marrocco
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80078, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Emanuela Pone
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80078, Pozzuoli, Italy.,Medical Genetics, Department of Translational Medicine, Federico II University, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Renato Minopoli
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80078, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Carolina Iodice
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80078, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Edoardo Nusco
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80078, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Settimio Rossi
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Anna Manfredi
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Armenise/Harvard Laboratory of Integrative Genomics, 80078, Pozzuoli, Italy.,Next Generation Diagnostic Srl, 80078, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | | | - Antonella Iuliano
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80078, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Annalaura Torella
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80078, Pozzuoli, Italy.,Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Giulio Piluso
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Enrico Maria Surace
- Medical Genetics, Department of Translational Medicine, Federico II University, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Davide Cacchiarelli
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Armenise/Harvard Laboratory of Integrative Genomics, 80078, Pozzuoli, Italy.,Department of Translational Medicine, Federico II University, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Nigro
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80078, Pozzuoli, Italy.,Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Alberto Auricchio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80078, Pozzuoli, Italy. .,Medical Genetics, Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Federico II University, 80131, Naples, Italy.
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13
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Tornabene P, Trapani I, Centrulo M, Marrocco E, Minopoli R, Lupo M, Iodice C, Gesualdo C, Simonelli F, Surace EM, Auricchio A. Inclusion of a degron reduces levelsof undesired inteins after AAV-mediated protein trans-splicing in the retina. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2021; 23:448-459. [PMID: 34786437 PMCID: PMC8571531 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Split intein-mediated protein trans-splicing expands AAV transfer capacity, thus overcoming the limited AAV cargo. However, non-mammalian inteins persist as trans-splicing by-products, and this could raise safety concerns for AAV intein clinical applications. In this study, we tested the ability of several degrons to selectively decrease levels of inteins after protein trans-splicing and found that a version of E. coli dihydrofolate reductase, which we have shortened to better fit into the AAV vector, is the most effective. We show that subretinal administration of AAV intein armed with this short degron is both safe and effective in a mouse model of Stargardt disease (STGD1), which is the most common form of inherited macular degeneration in humans. This supports the use of optimized AAV intein for gene therapy of both STGD1 and other conditions that require transfer of large genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Tornabene
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | - Ivana Trapani
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
- Medical Genetics, Department of Translational Medicine, Federico II University, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Miriam Centrulo
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | - Elena Marrocco
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | - Renato Minopoli
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | - Mariangela Lupo
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | - Carolina Iodice
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | - Carlo Gesualdo
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Francesca Simonelli
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Enrico M. Surace
- Medical Genetics, Department of Translational Medicine, Federico II University, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Alberto Auricchio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
- Medical Genetics, Department of Advanced Biomedicine, Federico II University, Naples 80131, Italy
- Correspondence: Alberto Auricchio, MD, Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli 80078, Italy; Medical Genetics, Department of Translational Medicine, Federico II University, Naples 80131, Italy.
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14
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Ferrari S, Beretta S, Jacob A, Cittaro D, Albano L, Merelli I, Naldini L, Genovese P. BAR-Seq clonal tracking of gene-edited cells. Nat Protoc 2021; 16:2991-3025. [PMID: 34031609 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-021-00529-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Gene editing by engineered nucleases has revolutionized the field of gene therapy by enabling targeted and precise modification of the genome. However, the limited availability of methods for clonal tracking of edited cells has resulted in a paucity of information on the diversity, abundance and behavior of engineered clones. Here we detail the wet laboratory and bioinformatic BAR-Seq pipeline, a strategy for clonal tracking of cells harboring homology-directed targeted integration of a barcoding cassette. We present the BAR-Seq web application, an online, freely available and easy-to-use software that allows performing clonal tracking analyses on raw sequencing data without any computational resources or advanced bioinformatic skills. BAR-Seq can be applied to most editing strategies, and we describe its use to investigate the clonal dynamics of human edited hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells in xenotransplanted hosts. Notably, BAR-Seq may be applied in both basic and translational research contexts to investigate the biology of edited cells and stringently compare editing protocols at a clonal level. Our BAR-Seq pipeline allows library preparation and validation in a few days and clonal analyses of edited cell populations in 1 week.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuele Ferrari
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy. .,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
| | - Stefano Beretta
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Aurelien Jacob
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Milano-Bicocca University, Monza, Italy
| | - Davide Cittaro
- Center for Omics Sciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Luisa Albano
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Ivan Merelli
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,National Research Council, Institute for Biomedical Technologies, Segrate, Italy
| | - Luigi Naldini
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Pietro Genovese
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Gene Therapy Program, Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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15
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Challenging Safety and Efficacy of Retinal Gene Therapies by Retinogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115767. [PMID: 34071252 PMCID: PMC8198227 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene-expression programs modulated by transcription factors (TFs) mediate key developmental events. Here, we show that the synthetic transcriptional repressor (TR; ZF6-DB), designed to treat Rhodopsin-mediated autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (RHO-adRP), does not perturb murine retinal development, while maintaining its ability to block Rho expression transcriptionally. To express ZF6-DB into the developing retina, we pursued two approaches, (i) the retinal delivery (somatic expression) of ZF6-DB by Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector (AAV-ZF6-DB) gene transfer during retinogenesis and (ii) the generation of a transgenic mouse (germ-line transmission, TR-ZF6-DB). Somatic and transgenic expression of ZF6-DB during retinogenesis does not affect retinal function of wild-type mice. The P347S mouse model of RHO-adRP, subretinally injected with AAV-ZF6-DB, or crossed with TR-ZF6-DB or shows retinal morphological and functional recovery. We propose the use of developmental transitions as an effective mode to challenge the safety of retinal gene therapies operating at genome, transcriptional, and transcript levels.
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16
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Patrizi C, Llado M, Benati D, Iodice C, Marrocco E, Guarascio R, Surace EM, Cheetham ME, Auricchio A, Recchia A. Allele-specific editing ameliorates dominant retinitis pigmentosa in a transgenic mouse model. Am J Hum Genet 2021; 108:295-308. [PMID: 33508235 PMCID: PMC7896132 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2021.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of progressive retinal degenerations of mostly monogenic inheritance, which cause blindness in about 1:3,500 individuals worldwide. Heterozygous variants in the rhodopsin (RHO) gene are the most common cause of autosomal dominant RP (adRP). Among these, missense variants at C-terminal proline 347, such as p.Pro347Ser, cause severe adRP recurrently in European affected individuals. Here, for the first time, we use CRISPR/Cas9 to selectively target the p.Pro347Ser variant while preserving the wild-type RHO allele in vitro and in a mouse model of adRP. Detailed in vitro, genomic, and biochemical characterization of the rhodopsin C-terminal editing demonstrates a safe downregulation of p.Pro347Ser expression leading to partial recovery of photoreceptor function in a transgenic mouse model treated with adeno-associated viral vectors. This study supports the safety and efficacy of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated allele-specific editing and paves the way for a permanent and precise correction of heterozygous variants in dominantly inherited retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa Patrizi
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Manel Llado
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Daniela Benati
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Carolina Iodice
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Elena Marrocco
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
| | | | - Enrico M Surace
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy; Medical Genetics, Department of Translational Medicine, Federico II University, 80125 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Alberto Auricchio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy; Medical Genetics, Department of Advanced Biomedicine, Federico II University, 80125 Naples, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Recchia
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy.
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17
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Croci S, Carriero ML, Capitani K, Daga S, Donati F, Papa FT, Frullanti E, Lopergolo D, Lamacchia V, Tita R, Giliberti A, Benetti E, Niccheri F, Furini S, Lo Rizzo C, Conticello SG, Renieri A, Meloni I. AAV-mediated FOXG1 gene editing in human Rett primary cells. Eur J Hum Genet 2020; 28:1446-1458. [PMID: 32541681 PMCID: PMC7608362 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-020-0652-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Variations in the Forkhead Box G1 (FOXG1) gene cause FOXG1 syndrome spectrum, including the congenital variant of Rett syndrome, characterized by early onset of regression, Rett-like and jerky movements, and cortical visual impairment. Due to the largely unknown pathophysiological mechanisms downstream the impairment of this transcriptional regulator, a specific treatment is not yet available. Since both haploinsufficiency and hyper-expression of FOXG1 cause diseases in humans, we reasoned that adding a gene under nonnative regulatory sequences would be a risky strategy as opposed to a genome editing approach where the mutated gene is reversed into wild-type. Here, we demonstrate that an adeno-associated viruses (AAVs)-coupled CRISPR/Cas9 system is able to target and correct FOXG1 variants in patient-derived fibroblasts, induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) and iPSC-derived neurons. Variant-specific single-guide RNAs (sgRNAs) and donor DNAs have been selected and cloned together with a mCherry/EGFP reporter system. Specific sgRNA recognition sequences were inserted upstream and downstream Cas9 CDS to allow self-cleavage and inactivation. We demonstrated that AAV serotypes vary in transduction efficiency depending on the target cell type, the best being AAV9 in fibroblasts and iPSC-derived neurons, and AAV2 in iPSCs. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) of mCherry+/EGFP+ transfected cells demonstrated that the mutated alleles were repaired with high efficiency (20–35% reversion) and precision both in terms of allelic discrimination and off-target activity. The genome editing strategy tested in this study has proven to precisely repair FOXG1 and delivery through an AAV9-based system represents a step forward toward the development of a therapy for Rett syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Katia Capitani
- Medical Genetics, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.,Molecular Mechanisms of Oncogenesis, ISPRO Core Research Laboratory (CRL), Firenze, Italy
| | - Sergio Daga
- Medical Genetics, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Francesco Donati
- Medical Genetics, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.,Molecular Mechanisms of Oncogenesis, ISPRO Core Research Laboratory (CRL), Firenze, Italy
| | | | | | - Diego Lopergolo
- Medical Genetics, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.,Genetica Medica, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
| | - Vittoria Lamacchia
- Medical Genetics, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.,Genetica Medica, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
| | - Rossella Tita
- Genetica Medica, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Elisa Benetti
- Medical Genetics, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.,Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Francesca Niccheri
- Molecular Mechanisms of Oncogenesis, ISPRO Core Research Laboratory (CRL), Firenze, Italy
| | - Simone Furini
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Caterina Lo Rizzo
- Genetica Medica, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Alessandra Renieri
- Medical Genetics, University of Siena, Siena, Italy. .,Genetica Medica, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy.
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18
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Goodwin MS, Croft CL, Futch HS, Ryu D, Ceballos-Diaz C, Liu X, Paterno G, Mejia C, Deng D, Menezes K, Londono L, Arjona K, Parianos M, Truong V, Rostonics E, Hernandez A, Boye SL, Boye SE, Levites Y, Cruz PE, Golde TE. Utilizing minimally purified secreted rAAV for rapid and cost-effective manipulation of gene expression in the CNS. Mol Neurodegener 2020; 15:15. [PMID: 32122372 PMCID: PMC7053119 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-020-00361-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) is widely used in the neuroscience field to manipulate gene expression in the nervous system. However, a limitation to the use of rAAV vectors is the time and expense needed to produce them. To overcome this limitation, we evaluated whether unpurified rAAV vectors secreted into the media following scalable PEI transfection of HEK293T cells can be used in lieu of purified rAAV. METHODS We packaged rAAV2-EGFP vectors in 30 different wild-type and mutant capsids and subsequently collected the media containing secreted rAAV. Genomic titers of each rAAV vector were assessed and the ability of each unpurified virus to transduce primary mixed neuroglial cultures (PNGCs), organotypic brain slice cultures (BSCs) and the mouse brain was evaluated. RESULTS There was ~ 40-fold wide variance in the average genomic titers of the rAAV2-EGFP vector packaged in the 30 different capsids, ranging from a low ~ 4.7 × 1010 vector genomes (vg)/mL for rAAV2/5-EGFP to a high of ~ 2.0 × 1012 vg/mL for a capsid mutant of rAAV2/8-EGFP. In PNGC studies, we observed a wide range of transduction efficiency among the 30 capsids evaluated, with the rAAV2/6-EGFP vector demonstrating the highest overall transduction efficiency. In BSC studies, we observed robust transduction by wild-type capsid vectors rAAV2/6, 2/8 and 2/9, and by capsid mutants of rAAV2/1, 2/6, and 2/8. In the in vivo somatic brain transgenesis (SBT) studies, we found that intra-cerebroventricular injection of media containing unpurified rAAV2-EGFP vectors packaged with select mutant capsids resulted in abundant EGFP positive neurons and astrocytes in the hippocampus and forebrain of non-transgenic mice. We demonstrate that unpurified rAAV can express transgenes at equivalent levels to lysate-purified rAAV both in vitro and in vivo. We also show that unpurified rAAV is sufficient to drive tau pathology in BSC and neuroinflammation in vivo, recapitulating previous studies using purified rAAV. CONCLUSIONS Unpurified rAAV vectors secreted into the media can efficiently transduce brain cells in vitro and in vivo, providing a cost-effective way to manipulate gene expression. The use of unpurified virus will greatly reduce costs of exploratory studies and further increase the utility of rAAV vectors for standard laboratory use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marshall S. Goodwin
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida USA
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida USA
| | - Cara L. Croft
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida USA
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida USA
| | - Hunter S. Futch
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida USA
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida USA
| | - Daniel Ryu
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida USA
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida USA
| | - Carolina Ceballos-Diaz
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida USA
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida USA
| | - Xuefei Liu
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida USA
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida USA
| | - Giavanna Paterno
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida USA
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida USA
| | - Catalina Mejia
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida USA
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida USA
| | - Doris Deng
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida USA
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida USA
| | - Kimberly Menezes
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida USA
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida USA
| | - Laura Londono
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida USA
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida USA
| | - Kefren Arjona
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida USA
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida USA
| | - Mary Parianos
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida USA
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida USA
| | - Van Truong
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida USA
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida USA
| | - Eva Rostonics
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida USA
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida USA
| | - Amanda Hernandez
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida USA
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida USA
| | - Sanford L. Boye
- Department of Pediatrics and the Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida USA
| | - Shannon E. Boye
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida USA
| | - Yona Levites
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida USA
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida USA
- McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida USA
| | - Pedro E. Cruz
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida USA
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida USA
| | - Todd E. Golde
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida USA
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida USA
- McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida USA
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19
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Raikwar SP, Thangavel R, Dubova I, Selvakumar GP, Ahmed ME, Kempuraj D, Zaheer SA, Iyer SS, Zaheer A. Targeted Gene Editing of Glia Maturation Factor in Microglia: a Novel Alzheimer's Disease Therapeutic Target. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 56:378-393. [PMID: 29704201 PMCID: PMC6344368 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-1068-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating, progressive neurodegenerative disorder that leads to severe cognitive impairment in elderly patients. Chronic neuroinflammation plays an important role in the AD pathogenesis. Glia maturation factor (GMF), a proinflammatory molecule discovered in our laboratory, is significantly upregulated in various regions of AD brains. We have previously reported that GMF is predominantly expressed in the reactive glial cells surrounding the amyloid plaques (APs) in the mouse and human AD brain. Microglia are the major source of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines including GMF. Recently clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) based genome editing has been recognized to study the functions of genes that are implicated in various diseases. Here, we investigated if CRISPR-Cas9-mediated GMF gene editing leads to inhibition of GMF expression and suppression of microglial activation. Confocal microscopy of murine BV2 microglial cell line transduced with an adeno-associated virus (AAV) coexpressing Staphylococcus aureus (Sa) Cas9 and a GMF-specific guide RNA (GMF-sgRNA) revealed few cells expressing SaCas9 while lacking GMF expression, thereby confirming successful GMF gene editing. To further improve GMF gene editing efficiency, we developed lentiviral vectors (LVs) expressing either Streptococcus pyogenes (Sp) Cas9 or GMF-sgRNAs. BV2 cells cotransduced with LVs expressing SpCas9 and GMF-sgRNAs revealed reduced GMF expression and the presence of indels in the exons 2 and 3 of the GMF coding sequence. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment of GMF-edited cells led to reduced microglial activation as shown by reduced p38 MAPK phosphorylation. We believe that targeted in vivo GMF gene editing has a significant potential for developing a unique and novel AD therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudhanshu P Raikwar
- Department of Neurology, Center for Translational Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, M741A Medical Science Building, 1 Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veteran's Hospital, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Ramasamy Thangavel
- Department of Neurology, Center for Translational Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, M741A Medical Science Building, 1 Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veteran's Hospital, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Iuliia Dubova
- Department of Neurology, Center for Translational Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, M741A Medical Science Building, 1 Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Govindhasamy Pushpavathi Selvakumar
- Department of Neurology, Center for Translational Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, M741A Medical Science Building, 1 Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veteran's Hospital, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Mohammad Ejaz Ahmed
- Department of Neurology, Center for Translational Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, M741A Medical Science Building, 1 Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veteran's Hospital, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Duraisamy Kempuraj
- Department of Neurology, Center for Translational Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, M741A Medical Science Building, 1 Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veteran's Hospital, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Smita A Zaheer
- Department of Neurology, Center for Translational Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, M741A Medical Science Building, 1 Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Shankar S Iyer
- Department of Neurology, Center for Translational Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, M741A Medical Science Building, 1 Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veteran's Hospital, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Asgar Zaheer
- Department of Neurology, Center for Translational Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, M741A Medical Science Building, 1 Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veteran's Hospital, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Columbia, MO, USA.
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20
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Maddalena A, Dell'Aquila F, Giovannelli P, Tiberi P, Wanderlingh LG, Montefusco S, Tornabene P, Iodice C, Visconte F, Carissimo A, Medina DL, Castoria G, Auricchio A. High-Throughput Screening Identifies Kinase Inhibitors That Increase Dual Adeno-Associated Viral Vector Transduction In Vitro and in Mouse Retina. Hum Gene Ther 2018; 29:886-901. [PMID: 29641320 PMCID: PMC6098407 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2017.220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal gene therapy based on adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors is safe and efficient in humans. The low intrinsic DNA transfer capacity of AAV has been expanded by dual vectors where a large expression cassette is split in two halves independently packaged in two AAV vectors. Dual AAV transduction efficiency, however, is greatly reduced compared to that obtained with a single vector. As AAV intracellular trafficking and processing are negatively affected by phosphorylation, this study set to identify kinase inhibitors that can increase dual AAV vector transduction. By high-throughput screening of a kinase inhibitors library, three compounds were identified that increase AAV transduction in vitro, one of which has a higher effect on dual than on single AAV vectors. Importantly, the transduction enhancement is exerted on various AAV serotypes and is not transgene dependent. As kinase inhibitors are promiscuous, siRNA-mediated silencing of targeted kinases was performed, and AURKA and B, PLK1, and PTK2 were among those involved in the increase of AAV transduction levels. The study shows that kinase inhibitor administration reduces AAV serotype 2 (AAV2) capsid phosphorylation and increases the activity of DNA-repair pathways involved in AAV DNA processing. Importantly, the kinase inhibitor PF-00562271 improves dual AAV8 transduction in photoreceptors following sub-retinal delivery in mice. The study identifies kinase inhibitors that increase dual and single AAV transduction by modulating AAV entry and post-entry steps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Maddalena
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Fabio Dell'Aquila
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Pia Giovannelli
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Tiberi
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | | | - Sandro Montefusco
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | | | - Carolina Iodice
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | | | - Annamaria Carissimo
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
- Institute for Applied Mathematics “Mauro Picone,” National Research Council, Naples, Italy
| | - Diego Luis Medina
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Gabriella Castoria
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Alberto Auricchio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
- Medical Genetics, Department of Advanced Biomedicine, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
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21
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Kleven MD, Gomes MM, Wortham AM, Enns CA, Kahl CA. Ultrafiltered recombinant AAV8 vector can be safely administered in vivo and efficiently transduces liver. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0194728. [PMID: 29621273 PMCID: PMC5886455 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0194728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral vectors are extensively purified for use in biomedical research, in order to separate biologically active virus particles and to eliminate production related impurities that are assumed to be detrimental to the host. For recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors this is typically accomplished using density gradient-based methods, which are tedious and require specialized ultracentrifugation equipment. In order to streamline the preparation of rAAV vectors for pilot and small animal studies, we recently devised a simple ultrafiltration approach that permits rapid virus concentration and partial removal of production-related impurities. Here we show that systemic administration of such rapidly prepared (RP) rAAV8 vectors in mice is safe and efficiently transduces the liver. Across a range of doses, delivery of RP rAAV8-CMV-eGFP vector induced enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) expression in liver that was comparable to that obtained from a conventional iodixanol gradient-purified (IP) vector. Surprisingly, no liver inflammation or systemic cytokine induction was detected in RP rAAV injected animals, revealing that residual impurities in the viral vector preparation are not deleterious to the host. Together, these data demonstrate that partially purified rAAV vector can be safely and effectively administered in vivo. The speed and versatility of the RP method and lack of need for cumbersome density gradients or expensive ultracentrifuge equipment will enable more widespread use of RP prepared rAAV vectors, such as for pilot liver gene transfer studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D. Kleven
- Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Michelle M. Gomes
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Aaron M. Wortham
- Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Caroline A. Enns
- Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Christoph A. Kahl
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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22
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Huang D, Liu B, Huang K, Huang K. Enoyl coenzyme A hydratase 1 protects against high-fat-diet-induced hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018. [PMID: 29526751 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.03.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Metabolic disorders, including obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), metabolic syndrome and diabetes, are complex and progressive diseases. Enoyl coenzyme A hydratase 1 (Ech1) is an enzyme that participates in mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation; however, little is known regarding the significance of Ech1 in the pathogenesis of metabolic disorders. Here, we report that high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced and genetic obesity could increase Ech1 expression in mouse liver. The overexpression of Ech1 using adeno-associated virus (AAV2/8) ameliorated HFD-induced liver lipid accumulation and accompanying liver injury. Additionally, Ech1 overexpression resulted in improved dyslipidemia and insulin resistance in HFD-fed mice. Further, the studies revealed that Ech1 could directly inhibit lipogenesis gene expressions and attenuate the insulin pathway induced by an HFD. Together, our results demonstrate that Ech1 protects against HFD-induced hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance and that its inhibitory effects on lipogenesis and insulin signaling may partly explain its role in metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Huang
- Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Clinic Center of Human Gene Research, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Baoqing Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kai Huang
- Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Clinic Center of Human Gene Research, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Kun Huang
- Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Clinic Center of Human Gene Research, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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23
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Abstract
Stargardt disease (STGD1), due to mutations in the large ABCA4 gene, is the most common inherited macular degeneration in humans. Attempts at developing gene therapy approaches for treatment of STGD1 are currently ongoing. Among all the vectors available for gene therapy of inherited retinal diseases, those based on adeno-associated viruses (AAV) are the most promising given the efficacy shown in various animal models and their excellent safety profile in humans, as confirmed in many ongoing clinical trials. However, one of the main obstacles for the use of AAV is their limited effective packaging capacity of about 5 kb. Taking advantage of the AAV genome's ability to concatemerize , others and we have recently developed dual AAV vectors to overcome this limit. We tested dual AAV vectors for ABCA4 delivery, and found that they transduce efficiently both mouse and pig photoreceptors , and rescue the Abca4-/- mouse retinal phenotype, indicating their potential for gene therapy of STGD1. This chapter details how we designed dual AAV vectors for the delivery of the ABCA4 gene and describes the techniques that can be explored to evaluate dual AAV transduction efficiency in vitro and in the retina, and their efficacy in the mouse model of STGD1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Trapani
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy.
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24
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Maddalena A, Tornabene P, Tiberi P, Minopoli R, Manfredi A, Mutarelli M, Rossi S, Simonelli F, Naggert JK, Cacchiarelli D, Auricchio A. Triple Vectors Expand AAV Transfer Capacity in the Retina. Mol Ther 2017; 26:524-541. [PMID: 29292161 PMCID: PMC5835116 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2017.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2017] [Revised: 11/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal gene transfer with adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors holds great promise for the treatment of inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs). One limit of AAV is its transfer capacity of about 5 kb, which can be expanded to about 9 kb, using dual AAV vectors. This strategy would still not suffice for treatment of IRDs such as Usher syndrome type 1D or Alström syndrome type I (ALMS) due to mutations in CDH23 or ALMS1, respectively. To overcome this limitation, we generated triple AAV vectors, with a maximal transfer capacity of about 14 kb. Transcriptomic analysis following triple AAV transduction showed the expected full-length products along a number of aberrant transcripts. However, only the full-length transcripts are efficiently translated in vivo. We additionally showed that approximately 4% of mouse photoreceptors are transduced by triple AAV vectors and showed correct localization of recombinant ALMS1. The low-photoreceptor transduction levels might justify the modest and transient improvement we observe in the retina of a mouse model of ALMS. However, the levels of transduction mediated by triple AAV vectors in pig retina reached 40% of those observed with single vectors, and this bodes well for further improving the efficiency of triple AAV vectors in the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Maddalena
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | - Patrizia Tornabene
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | - Paola Tiberi
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | - Renato Minopoli
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | - Anna Manfredi
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli 80078, Italy; Armenise/Harvard Laboratory of Integrative Genomics, TIGEM, Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | | | - Settimio Rossi
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Second University of Naples, Naples 80121, Italy
| | - Francesca Simonelli
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Second University of Naples, Naples 80121, Italy
| | | | - Davide Cacchiarelli
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli 80078, Italy; Armenise/Harvard Laboratory of Integrative Genomics, TIGEM, Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | - Alberto Auricchio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli 80078, Italy; Medical Genetics, Department of Advanced Biomedicine, Federico II University, Naples 80131, Italy.
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25
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Gatto F, Rossi B, Tarallo A, Polishchuk E, Polishchuk R, Carrella A, Nusco E, Alvino FG, Iacobellis F, De Leonibus E, Auricchio A, Diez-Roux G, Ballabio A, Parenti G. AAV-mediated transcription factor EB (TFEB) gene delivery ameliorates muscle pathology and function in the murine model of Pompe Disease. Sci Rep 2017; 7:15089. [PMID: 29118420 PMCID: PMC5678083 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-15352-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Pompe disease (PD) is a metabolic myopathy due to acid alpha-glucosidase deficiency and characterized by extensive glycogen storage and impaired autophagy. We previously showed that modulation of autophagy and lysosomal exocytosis by overexpression of the transcription factor EB (TFEB) gene was effective in improving muscle pathology in PD mice injected intramuscularly with an AAV-TFEB vector. Here we have evaluated the effects of TFEB systemic delivery on muscle pathology and on functional performance, a primary measure of efficacy in a disorder like PD. We treated 1-month-old PD mice with an AAV2.9-MCK-TFEB vector. An animal cohort was analyzed at 3 months for muscle and heart pathology. A second cohort was followed at different timepoints for functional analysis. In muscles from TFEB-treated mice we observed reduced PAS staining and improved ultrastructure, with reduced number and increased translucency of lysosomes, while total glycogen content remained unchanged. We also observed statistically significant improvements in rotarod performance in treated animals compared to AAV2.9-MCK-eGFP-treated mice at 5 and 8 months. Cardiac echography showed significant reduction in left-ventricular diameters. These results show that TFEB overexpression and modulation of autophagy result in improvements of muscle pathology and of functional performance in the PD murine model, with delayed disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Gatto
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Barbara Rossi
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Edoardo Nusco
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | | | | | - Elvira De Leonibus
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Italy.,Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Alberto Auricchio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Italy.,Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Ballabio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Italy.,Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.,Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Giancarlo Parenti
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Italy. .,Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.
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26
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Enhanced liver gene transfer and evasion of preexisting humoral immunity with exosome-enveloped AAV vectors. Blood Adv 2017; 1:2019-2031. [PMID: 29296848 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2017010181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Results from clinical trials of liver gene transfer for hemophilia demonstrate the potential of the adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector platform. However, to achieve therapeutic transgene expression, in some cases high vector doses are required, which are associated with a higher risk of triggering anti-capsid cytotoxic T-cell responses. Additionally, anti-AAV preexisting immunity can prevent liver transduction even at low neutralizing antibody (NAb) titers. Here, we describe the use of exosome-associated AAV (exo-AAV) vectors as a robust liver gene delivery system that allows the therapeutic vector dose to be decreased while protecting from preexisting humoral immunity to the capsid. The in vivo efficiency of liver targeting of standard AAV8 or AAV5 and exo-AAV8 or exo-AAV5 vectors expressing human coagulation factor IX (hF.IX) was evaluated. A significant enhancement of transduction efficiency was observed, and in hemophilia B mice treated with 4 × 1010 vector genomes per kilogram of exo-AAV8 vectors, a staggering ∼1 log increase in hF.IX transgene expression was observed, leading to superior correction of clotting time. Enhanced liver expression was also associated with an increase in the frequency of regulatory T cells in lymph nodes. The efficiency of exo- and standard AAV8 vectors in evading preexisting NAbs to the capsid was then evaluated in a passive immunization mouse model and in human sera. Exo-AAV8 gene delivery allowed for efficient transduction even in the presence of moderate NAb titers, thus potentially extending the proportion of subjects eligible for liver gene transfer. Exo-AAV vectors therefore represent a platform to improve the safety and efficacy of liver-directed gene transfer.
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Robert MA, Chahal PS, Audy A, Kamen A, Gilbert R, Gaillet B. Manufacturing of recombinant adeno-associated viruses using mammalian expression platforms. Biotechnol J 2017; 12. [DOI: 10.1002/biot.201600193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2016] [Revised: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marc-André Robert
- Département de génie chimique; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
- National Research Council Canada; Montréal QC Canada
| | | | - Alexandre Audy
- Département de génie chimique; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
- National Research Council Canada; Montréal QC Canada
| | - Amine Kamen
- Department of Bioengineering; McGill University; Montréal QC Canada
| | | | - Bruno Gaillet
- Département de génie chimique; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
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28
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Medina DL, Settembre C, Ballabio A. Methods to Monitor and Manipulate TFEB Activity During Autophagy. Methods Enzymol 2016; 588:61-78. [PMID: 28237119 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2016.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Macroautophagy is a catabolic process deputed to the turnover of intracellular components. Recent studies have revealed that transcriptional regulation is a major mechanism controlling autophagy. Currently, more than 20 transcription factors have been shown to modulate cellular autophagy levels. Among them, the transcription factor EB (TFEB) appears to have the broadest proautophagy role, given its capacity to control the biogenesis of lysosomes and autophagosomes, the two main organelles required for the autophagy pathway. TFEB has attracted major attention owing to its ability to enhance cellular clearance of pathogenic substrates in a variety of animal models of disease, such as lysosomal storage disorders, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, α1-antitrypsin, obesity as well as others, suggesting that the TFEB pathway represents an extraordinary possibility for future development of innovative therapies. Importantly, the subcellular localization and activity of TFEB are regulated by its phosphorylation status, suggesting that TFEB activity can be pharmacologically targeted. Given the growing list of common and rare diseases in which manipulation of autophagy may be beneficial, in this chapter we describe a set of validated protocols developed to modulate and analyze TFEB-mediated enhancement of autophagy both in vitro and in vivo conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- D L Medina
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
| | - C Settembre
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy; Dulbecco Telethon Institute (DTI), Naples, Italy; Medical Genetics, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - A Ballabio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy; Medical Genetics, Federico II University, Naples, Italy; Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, United States.
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29
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Powers AD, Piras BA, Clark RK, Lockey TD, Meagher MM. Development and Optimization of AAV hFIX Particles by Transient Transfection in an iCELLis®Fixed-Bed Bioreactor. Hum Gene Ther Methods 2016; 27:112-21. [DOI: 10.1089/hgtb.2016.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alicia D. Powers
- Department of Therapeutics Production & Quality, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Bryan A. Piras
- Department of Therapeutics Production & Quality, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Robert K. Clark
- Department of Therapeutics Production & Quality, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Timothy D. Lockey
- Department of Therapeutics Production & Quality, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Michael M. Meagher
- Department of Therapeutics Production & Quality, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
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30
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Botta S, Marrocco E, de Prisco N, Curion F, Renda M, Sofia M, Lupo M, Carissimo A, Bacci ML, Gesualdo C, Rossi S, Simonelli F, Surace EM. Rhodopsin targeted transcriptional silencing by DNA-binding. eLife 2016; 5:e12242. [PMID: 26974343 PMCID: PMC4805542 DOI: 10.7554/elife.12242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) operate by the combined activity of their DNA-binding domains (DBDs) and effector domains (EDs) enabling the coordination of gene expression on a genomic scale. Here we show that in vivo delivery of an engineered DNA-binding protein uncoupled from the repressor domain can produce efficient and gene-specific transcriptional silencing. To interfere with RHODOPSIN (RHO) gain-of-function mutations we engineered the ZF6-DNA-binding protein (ZF6-DB) that targets 20 base pairs (bp) of a RHOcis-regulatory element (CRE) and demonstrate Rho specific transcriptional silencing upon adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector-mediated expression in photoreceptors. The data show that the 20 bp-long genomic DNA sequence is necessary for RHO expression and that photoreceptor delivery of the corresponding cognate synthetic trans-acting factor ZF6-DB without the intrinsic transcriptional repression properties of the canonical ED blocks Rho expression with negligible genome-wide transcript perturbations. The data support DNA-binding-mediated silencing as a novel mode to treat gain-of-function mutations. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.12242.001 Proteins called transcription factors bind to sections of DNA known as regulatory elements to activate or deactivate nearby genes. In animals, transcription factors typically have two sections: a “DNA-binding domain” that attaches to DNA, and an “effector domain” that is responsible for interacting with other proteins to regulate the gene’s expression. Rhodopsin is a gene that encodes the instructions needed to make a light-sensitive protein in the eyes of humans and other animals. Botta et al. have now used this gene as an example to investigate whether proteins that contain a DNA-binding domain – but not an effector domain – can repress gene expression. The experiments show that only a small section of the regulatory elements in the human Rhodopsin gene is actually required for the gene to be expressed. Botta et al. designed an artificial protein – referred to as ZF6-DB – that is able to bind to this section of DNA. The binding of ZF6-DB to this short DNA section was sufficient to switch off a Rhodopsin gene in living pig cells, and, unlike conventional transcription factors, seemed to have minimal impact other genes. Next, Botta et al. used a virus to insert both the gene that encodes ZF6-DB and a normal copy of Rhodopsin into pigs. In these animals, ZF6-DB switched off the existing copy of Rhodopsin, but not the inserted copy so the cells produced a working form of the light-sensitive protein. Further experiments were carried out in mice that have both a faulty version and a normal copy of the Rhodopsin gene. ZF6-DB switched off the faulty Rhodopsin gene, which allowed the normal Rhodopsin gene to work without any interference from the faulty copy. Mutations in Rhodopsin can cause an eye disease that leads to severe loss of vision in humans. These new findings could now guide future efforts to develop treatments for people with this condition. It will also be important to investigate how ZF6-DB binds to the regulatory elements in the Rhodopsin gene and whether a similar strategy could be used to alter the expression of other genes. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.12242.002
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elena Marrocco
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Fabiola Curion
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Napoli, Italy
| | - Mario Renda
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Napoli, Italy
| | - Martina Sofia
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Napoli, Italy
| | | | | | - Maria Laura Bacci
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Carlo Gesualdo
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Eye Clinic, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Settimio Rossi
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Eye Clinic, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Simonelli
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Eye Clinic, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Enrico Maria Surace
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Napoli, Italy.,Department of Translational Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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31
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Sorrentino NC, Maffia V, Strollo S, Cacace V, Romagnoli N, Manfredi A, Ventrella D, Dondi F, Barone F, Giunti M, Graham AR, Huang Y, Kalled SL, Auricchio A, Bacci ML, Surace EM, Fraldi A. A Comprehensive Map of CNS Transduction by Eight Recombinant Adeno-associated Virus Serotypes Upon Cerebrospinal Fluid Administration in Pigs. Mol Ther 2015; 24:276-286. [PMID: 26639405 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2015.212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Accepted: 11/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebrospinal fluid administration of recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vectors has been demonstrated to be effective in delivering therapeutic genes to the central nervous system (CNS) in different disease animal models. However, a quantitative and qualitative analysis of transduction patterns of the most promising rAAV serotypes for brain targeting in large animal models is missing. Here, we characterize distribution, transduction efficiency, and cellular targeting of rAAV serotypes 1, 2, 5, 7, 9, rh.10, rh.39, and rh.43 delivered into the cisterna magna of wild-type pigs. rAAV9 showed the highest transduction efficiency and the widest distribution capability among the vectors tested. Moreover, rAAV9 robustly transduced both glia and neurons, including the motor neurons of the spinal cord. Relevant cell transduction specificity of the glia was observed after rAAV1 and rAAV7 delivery. rAAV7 also displayed a specific tropism to Purkinje cells. Evaluation of biochemical and hematological markers suggested that all rAAV serotypes tested were well tolerated. This study provides a comprehensive CNS transduction map in a useful preclinical large animal model enabling the selection of potentially clinically transferable rAAV serotypes based on disease specificity. Therefore, our data are instrumental for the clinical evaluation of these rAAV vectors in human neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Veronica Maffia
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Naples, Italy
| | - Sandra Strollo
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Cacace
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Naples, Italy
| | - Noemi Romagnoli
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Anna Manfredi
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Naples, Italy
| | - Domenico Ventrella
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Dondi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Barone
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Massimo Giunti
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Anne-Renee Graham
- Shire, Discovery Biology and Translational Research, Lexington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yan Huang
- Shire, Discovery Biology and Translational Research, Lexington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Susan L Kalled
- Shire, Discovery Biology and Translational Research, Lexington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alberto Auricchio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Naples, Italy; Medical Genetics, Department of Translational Medicine, "FEDERICO II" University, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Laura Bacci
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Enrico Maria Surace
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Naples, Italy; Medical Genetics, Department of Translational Medicine, "FEDERICO II" University, Naples, Italy.
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32
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Trapani I, Toriello E, de Simone S, Colella P, Iodice C, Polishchuk EV, Sommella A, Colecchi L, Rossi S, Simonelli F, Giunti M, Bacci ML, Polishchuk RS, Auricchio A. Improved dual AAV vectors with reduced expression of truncated proteins are safe and effective in the retina of a mouse model of Stargardt disease. Hum Mol Genet 2015; 24:6811-25. [PMID: 26420842 PMCID: PMC4634381 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddv386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Stargardt disease (STGD1) due to mutations in the large ABCA4 gene is the most common inherited macular degeneration in humans. We have shown that dual adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors effectively transfer ABCA4 to the retina of Abca4-/- mice. However, they express both lower levels of transgene compared with a single AAV and truncated proteins. To increase productive dual AAV concatemerization, which would overcome these limitations, we have explored the use of either various regions of homology or heterologous inverted terminal repeats (ITR). In addition, we tested the ability of various degradation signals to decrease the expression of truncated proteins. We found the highest levels of transgene expression using regions of homology based on either alkaline phosphatase or the F1 phage (AK). The use of heterologous ITR does not decrease the levels of truncated proteins relative to full-length ABCA4 and impairs AAV vector production. Conversely, the inclusion of the CL1 degradation signal results in the selective degradation of truncated proteins from the 5'-half without affecting full-length protein production. Therefore, we developed dual AAV hybrid ABCA4 vectors including homologous ITR2, the photoreceptor-specific G protein-coupled receptor kinase 1 promoter, the AK region of homology and the CL1 degradation signal. We show that upon subretinal administration these vectors are both safe in pigs and effective in Abca4-/- mice. Our data support the use of improved dual AAV vectors for gene therapy of STGD1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Trapani
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | | | - Sonia de Simone
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | - Pasqualina Colella
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | - Carolina Iodice
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | - Elena V Polishchuk
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | - Andrea Sommella
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | - Linda Colecchi
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | - Settimio Rossi
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Second University of Naples, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Simonelli
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Second University of Naples, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Massimo Giunti
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna 40064, Italy and
| | - Maria L Bacci
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna 40064, Italy and
| | - Roman S Polishchuk
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | - Alberto Auricchio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli 80078, Italy, Medical Genetics, Department of Translational Medicine, Federico II University, Naples 80131, Italy
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33
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Simple downstream process based on detergent treatment improves yield and in vivo transduction efficacy of adeno-associated virus vectors. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2015. [PMID: 26207258 PMCID: PMC4502676 DOI: 10.1038/mtm.2015.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAV) are promising candidates for gene therapy approaches. The last two decades were particularly fruitful in terms of processes applied in the production and purification of this type of gene transfer vectors. This rapid technological evolution led to better yields and higher levels of vector purity. Recently, some reports showed that rAAV produced by transient tri-transfection method in adherent human embryonic kidney 293 cells can be harvested directly from supernatant, leading to easier and faster purification compared to classical virus extraction from cell pellets. Here, we compare these approaches with new vector recovery method using small quantity of detergent at the initial clarification step to treat the whole transfected cell culture. Coupled with tangential flow filtration and iodixanol-based isopycnic density gradient, this new method significantly increases rAAV yields and conserves high vector purity. Moreover, this approach leads to the reduction of the total process duration. Finally, the vectors maintain their functionality, showing unexpected higher in vitro and in vivo transduction efficacies. This new development in rAAV downstream process once more demonstrates the great capacity of these vectors to easily accommodate to large panel of methods, able to furthermore ameliorate their safety, functionality, and scalability.
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34
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Gabriel N, Samuel R, Jayandharan GR. Targeted delivery of AAV-transduced mesenchymal stromal cells to hepatic tissue forex vivogene therapy. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2015; 11:1354-1364. [DOI: 10.1002/term.2034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2015] [Revised: 03/02/2015] [Accepted: 04/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nishanth Gabriel
- Department of Haematology; Christian Medical College; Vellore Tamil Nadu India
| | - Rekha Samuel
- Centre for Stem Cell Research; Christian Medical College; Vellore Tamil Nadu India
| | - Giridhara R. Jayandharan
- Department of Haematology; Christian Medical College; Vellore Tamil Nadu India
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering; Indian Institute of Technology; Kanpur Uttar Pradesh India
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35
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Qu W, Wang M, Wu Y, Xu R. Scalable downstream strategies for purification of recombinant adeno- associated virus vectors in light of the properties. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2015; 16:684-95. [PMID: 25941887 PMCID: PMC5388796 DOI: 10.2174/1389201016666150505122228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2014] [Revised: 12/30/2014] [Accepted: 04/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vector is one of the promising delivery tools for gene therapy. Currently, hundreds of clinical trials are performed but the major barrier for clinical application is the absence of any ideal large scale production technique to obtain sufficient and highly pure rAAV vector. The large scale production technique includes upstream and downstream processing. The upstream processing is a vector package step and the downstream processing is a vector purification step. For large scale downstream processing, the scientists need to recover rAAV from dozens of liters of cell lysate or medium, and a variety of purification strategies have been developed but not comprehensively compared till now. Consequently, this review will evaluate the scalable downstream purification strategies systematically, especially those based on the physicochemical properties of AAV virus, and attempt to find better scalable downstream strategies for rAAV vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mingxi Wang
- Yunleung Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics, School of Medicine and Institute of Molecular Medicine, Huaqiao University, Quanzhou 362021, China.
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36
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Doerfler PA, Byrne BJ, Clément N. Copackaging of multiple adeno-associated viral vectors in a single production step. Hum Gene Ther Methods 2014; 25:269-76. [PMID: 25143183 PMCID: PMC4346231 DOI: 10.1089/hgtb.2014.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2014] [Accepted: 08/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Limiting factors in large preclinical and clinical studies utilizing adeno-associated virus (AAV) for gene therapy are focused on the restrictive packaging capacity, the overall yields, and the versatility of the production methods for single AAV vector production. Furthermore, applications where multiple vectors are needed to provide long expression cassettes, whether because of long cDNA sequences or the need of different regulatory elements, require that each vector be packaged and characterized separately, directly affecting labor and cost associated with such manufacturing strategies. To overcome these limitations, we propose a novel method of vector production that allows for the packaging of multiple expression cassettes in a single transfection step. Here we combined two expression cassettes in predetermined ratios before transfection and empirically demonstrate that the output vector recapitulates the predicted ratios. Titration by quantitative polymerase chain reaction of AAV vector genome copies using shared or unique genetic elements allowed for delineation of the individual vector contribution to the total preparation that showed the predicted differential packaging outcomes. By copackaging green fluorescent protein (GFP) and mCherry constructs, we demonstrate that both vector genome and infectious titers reiterated the ratios utilized to produce the constructs by transfection. Copackaged therapeutic constructs that only differ in transcriptional elements produced a heterogeneous vector population of both constructs in the predefined ratios. This study shows feasibility and reproducibility of a method that allows for two constructs, differing in either transgene or transcription elements, to be efficiently copackaged and characterized simultaneously, reducing cost of manufacturing and release testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip A Doerfler
- Powell Gene Therapy Center, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida , Gainesville, FL 32610
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37
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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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Naturally enveloped AAV vectors for shielding neutralizing antibodies and robust gene delivery in vivo. Biomaterials 2014; 35:7598-609. [PMID: 24917028 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2014.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2014] [Accepted: 05/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Recently adeno-associated virus (AAV) became the first clinically approved gene therapy product in the western world. To develop AAV for future clinical application in a widespread patient base, particularly in therapies which require intravenous (i.v.) administration of vector, the virus must be able to evade pre-existing antibodies to the wild type virus. Here we demonstrate that in mice, AAV vectors associated with extracellular vesicles (EVs) can evade human anti-AAV neutralizing antibodies. We observed different antibody evasion and gene transfer abilities with populations of EVs isolated by different centrifugal forces. EV-associated AAV vector (ev-AAV) was up to 136-fold more resistant over a range of neutralizing antibody concentrations relative to standard AAV vector in vitro. Importantly in mice, at a concentration of passively transferred human antibodies which decreased i.v. administered standard AAV transduction of brain by 80%, transduction of ev-AAV transduction was not reduced and was 4000-fold higher. Finally, we show that expressing a brain targeting peptide on the EV surface allowed significant enhancement of transduction compared to untargeted ev-AAV. Using ev-AAV represents an effective, clinically relevant approach to evade human neutralizing anti-AAV antibodies after systemic administration of vector.
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39
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Efficient gene delivery to the cone-enriched pig retina by dual AAV vectors. Gene Ther 2014; 21:450-6. [DOI: 10.1038/gt.2014.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2013] [Revised: 12/27/2013] [Accepted: 01/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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40
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Trapani I, Colella P, Sommella A, Iodice C, Cesi G, de Simone S, Marrocco E, Rossi S, Giunti M, Palfi A, Farrar GJ, Polishchuk R, Auricchio A. Effective delivery of large genes to the retina by dual AAV vectors. EMBO Mol Med 2014; 6:194-211. [PMID: 24150896 PMCID: PMC3927955 DOI: 10.1002/emmm.201302948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2013] [Revised: 10/10/2013] [Accepted: 10/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal gene therapy with adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors is safe and effective in humans. However, AAV's limited cargo capacity prevents its application to therapies of inherited retinal diseases due to mutations of genes over 5 kb, like Stargardt's disease (STGD) and Usher syndrome type IB (USH1B). Previous methods based on 'forced' packaging of large genes into AAV capsids may not be easily translated to the clinic due to the generation of genomes of heterogeneous size which raise safety concerns. Taking advantage of AAV's ability to concatemerize, we generated dual AAV vectors which reconstitute a large gene by either splicing (trans-splicing), homologous recombination (overlapping), or a combination of the two (hybrid). We found that dual trans-splicing and hybrid vectors transduce efficiently mouse and pig photoreceptors to levels that, albeit lower than those achieved with a single AAV, resulted in significant improvement of the retinal phenotype of mouse models of STGD and USH1B. Thus, dual AAV trans-splicing or hybrid vectors are an attractive strategy for gene therapy of retinal diseases that require delivery of large genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Trapani
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM)Naples, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Sommella
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM)Naples, Italy
| | - Carolina Iodice
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM)Naples, Italy
| | - Giulia Cesi
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM)Naples, Italy
| | - Sonia de Simone
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM)Naples, Italy
| | - Elena Marrocco
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM)Naples, Italy
| | - Settimio Rossi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second University of NaplesNaples, Italy
| | - Massimo Giunti
- Department of Veterinary Morphophysiology and Animal Production, University of BolognaBologna, Italy
| | - Arpad Palfi
- The School of Genetics & Microbiology, Trinity College DublinDublin, Ireland
| | - Gwyneth J Farrar
- The School of Genetics & Microbiology, Trinity College DublinDublin, Ireland
| | - Roman Polishchuk
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM)Naples, Italy
| | - Alberto Auricchio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM)Naples, Italy
- Medical Genetics, Department of Translational Medicine, Federico II UniversityNaples, Italy
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