1
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Benasutti H, Maricelli JW, Seto J, Hall J, Halbert C, Wicki J, Heusgen L, Purvis N, Regnier M, Lin DC, Rodgers BD, Chamberlain JS. Efficacy and muscle safety assessment of fukutin-related protein gene therapy. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2023; 30:65-80. [PMID: 37361354 PMCID: PMC10285450 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type R9 (LGMDR9) is a muscle-wasting disease that begins in the hip and shoulder regions of the body. This disease is caused by mutations in fukutin-related protein (FKRP), a glycosyltransferase critical for maintaining muscle cell integrity. Here we investigated potential gene therapies for LGMDR9 containing an FKRP expression construct with untranslated region (UTR) modifications. Initial studies treated an aged dystrophic mouse model (FKRPP448L) with adeno-associated virus vector serotype 6 (AAV6). Grip strength improved in a dose- and time-dependent manner, injected mice exhibited fewer central nuclei and serum creatine kinase levels were 3- and 5-fold lower compared to those in non-injected FKRPP448L mice. Treatment also partially stabilized the respiratory pattern during exercise and improved treadmill running, partially protecting muscle from exercise-induced damage. Western blotting of C2C12 myotubes using a novel rabbit antibody confirmed heightened translation with the UTR modifications. We further explored the question of FKRP toxicity in wild-type mice using high doses of two additional muscle-tropic capsids: AAV9 and AAVMYO1. No toxic effects were detected with either therapeutic agent. These data further support the feasibility of gene therapy to treat LGMDR9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halli Benasutti
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Joseph W. Maricelli
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
- Washington Center for Muscle Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Jane Seto
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Sen. Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - John Hall
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Christine Halbert
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Sen. Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jacqueline Wicki
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lydia Heusgen
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Nicholas Purvis
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Michael Regnier
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - David C. Lin
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience and the Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Buel D. Rodgers
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
- Washington Center for Muscle Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Jeffrey S. Chamberlain
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Sen. Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
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2
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Stephenson AA, Nicolau S, Vetter TA, Dufresne GP, Frair EC, Sarff JE, Wheeler GL, Kelly BJ, White P, Flanigan KM. CRISPR-Cas9 homology-independent targeted integration of exons 1-19 restores full-length dystrophin in mice. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2023; 30:486-499. [PMID: 37706184 PMCID: PMC10495553 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is an X-linked disorder typically caused by out-of-frame mutations in the DMD gene. Most of these are deletions of one or more exons, which can theoretically be corrected through CRISPR-Cas9-mediated knockin. Homology-independent targeted integration is a mechanism for achieving such a knockin without reliance on homology-directed repair pathways, which are inactive in muscle. We designed a system based on insertion into intron 19 of a DNA fragment containing a pre-spliced mega-exon encoding DMD exons 1-19, along with the MHCK7 promoter, and delivered it via a pair of AAV9 vectors in mice carrying a Dmd exon 2 duplication. Maximal efficiency was achieved using a Cas9:donor adeno-associated virus (AAV) ratio of 1:5, with Cas9 under the control of the SPc5-12 promoter. This approach achieved editing of 1.4% of genomes in the heart, leading to 30% correction at the transcript level and restoration of 11% of normal dystrophin levels. Treatment efficacy was lower in skeletal muscles. Sequencing additionally revealed integration of fragmentary and recombined AAV genomes at the target site. These data provide proof of concept for a gene editing system that could restore full-length dystrophin in individuals carrying mutations upstream of intron 19, accounting for approximately 25% of Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony A. Stephenson
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Stefan Nicolau
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Tatyana A. Vetter
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Gabrielle P. Dufresne
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Emma C. Frair
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Jessica E. Sarff
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Gregory L. Wheeler
- The Institute for Genomic Medicine, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Benjamin J. Kelly
- The Institute for Genomic Medicine, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Peter White
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- The Institute for Genomic Medicine, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Kevin M. Flanigan
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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3
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Zhang Y, Ramirez-Martinez A, Chen K, McAnally JR, Cai C, Durbacz MZ, Chemello F, Wang Z, Xu L, Bassel-Duby R, Liu N, Olson EN. Net39 protects muscle nuclei from mechanical stress during the pathogenesis of Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e163333. [PMID: 37395273 PMCID: PMC10313361 DOI: 10.1172/jci163333] [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: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in genes encoding nuclear envelope proteins lead to diseases known as nuclear envelopathies, characterized by skeletal muscle and heart abnormalities, such as Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD). The tissue-specific role of the nuclear envelope in the etiology of these diseases has not been extensively explored. We previously showed that global deletion of the muscle-specific nuclear envelope protein NET39 in mice leads to neonatal lethality due to skeletal muscle dysfunction. To study the potential role of the Net39 gene in adulthood, we generated a muscle-specific conditional knockout (cKO) of Net39 in mice. cKO mice recapitulated key skeletal muscle features of EDMD, including muscle wasting, impaired muscle contractility, abnormal myonuclear morphology, and DNA damage. The loss of Net39 rendered myoblasts hypersensitive to mechanical stretch, resulting in stretch-induced DNA damage. Net39 was downregulated in a mouse model of congenital myopathy, and restoration of Net39 expression through AAV gene delivery extended life span and ameliorated muscle abnormalities. These findings establish NET39 as a direct contributor to the pathogenesis of EDMD that acts by protecting against mechanical stress and DNA damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichi Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biology
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine
- Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center
| | - Andres Ramirez-Martinez
- Department of Molecular Biology
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine
- Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center
| | - Kenian Chen
- Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, Peter O’Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, and
| | - John R. McAnally
- Department of Molecular Biology
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine
- Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center
| | - Chunyu Cai
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas (UT) Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Mateusz Z. Durbacz
- Department of Molecular Biology
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine
- Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center
| | - Francesco Chemello
- Department of Molecular Biology
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine
- Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center
| | - Zhaoning Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine
- Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center
| | - Lin Xu
- Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, Peter O’Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, and
| | - Rhonda Bassel-Duby
- Department of Molecular Biology
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine
- Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center
| | - Ning Liu
- Department of Molecular Biology
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine
- Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center
| | - Eric N. Olson
- Department of Molecular Biology
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine
- Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center
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4
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Cui M, Atmanli A, Morales MG, Tan W, Chen K, Xiao X, Xu L, Liu N, Bassel-Duby R, Olson EN. Nrf1 promotes heart regeneration and repair by regulating proteostasis and redox balance. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5270. [PMID: 34489413 PMCID: PMC8421386 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25653-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Following injury, cells in regenerative tissues have the ability to regrow. The mechanisms whereby regenerating cells adapt to injury-induced stress conditions and activate the regenerative program remain to be defined. Here, using the mammalian neonatal heart regeneration model, we show that Nrf1, a stress-responsive transcription factor encoded by the Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2 Like 1 (Nfe2l1) gene, is activated in regenerating cardiomyocytes. Genetic deletion of Nrf1 prevented regenerating cardiomyocytes from activating a transcriptional program required for heart regeneration. Conversely, Nrf1 overexpression protected the adult mouse heart from ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Nrf1 also protected human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes from doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity and other cardiotoxins. The protective function of Nrf1 is mediated by a dual stress response mechanism involving activation of the proteasome and redox balance. Our findings reveal that the adaptive stress response mechanism mediated by Nrf1 is required for neonatal heart regeneration and confers cardioprotection in the adult heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Cui
- Department of Molecular Biology, the Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Ayhan Atmanli
- Department of Molecular Biology, the Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Maria Gabriela Morales
- Department of Molecular Biology, the Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Wei Tan
- Department of Molecular Biology, the Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Kenian Chen
- Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, Department of Population & Data Sciences and Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Xue Xiao
- Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, Department of Population & Data Sciences and Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Lin Xu
- Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, Department of Population & Data Sciences and Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Ning Liu
- Department of Molecular Biology, the Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Rhonda Bassel-Duby
- Department of Molecular Biology, the Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Eric N Olson
- Department of Molecular Biology, the Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
- Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
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5
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Abstract
Recent advances in gene editing technologies are enabling the potential correction of devastating monogenic disorders through elimination of underlying genetic mutations. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an especially severe genetic disorder caused by mutations in the gene encoding dystrophin, a membrane-associated protein required for maintenance of muscle structure and function. Patients with DMD succumb to loss of mobility early in life, culminating in premature death from cardiac and respiratory failure. The disease has thus far defied all curative strategies. CRISPR gene editing has provided new opportunities to ameliorate the disease by eliminating DMD mutations and thereby restore dystrophin expression throughout skeletal and cardiac muscle. Proof-of-concept studies in rodents, large mammals, and human cells have validated the potential of this approach, but numerous challenges remain to be addressed, including optimization of gene editing, delivery of gene editing components throughout the musculature, and mitigation of possible immune responses. This paper provides an overview of recent work from our laboratory and others toward the genetic correction of DMD and considers the opportunities and challenges in the path to clinical translation. Lessons learned from these studies will undoubtedly enable further applications of gene editing to numerous other diseases of muscle and other tissues.
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6
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Chemello F, Chai AC, Li H, Rodriguez-Caycedo C, Sanchez-Ortiz E, Atmanli A, Mireault AA, Liu N, Bassel-Duby R, Olson EN. Precise correction of Duchenne muscular dystrophy exon deletion mutations by base and prime editing. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabg4910. [PMID: 33931459 PMCID: PMC8087404 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abg4910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a fatal muscle disease caused by the lack of dystrophin, which maintains muscle membrane integrity. We used an adenine base editor (ABE) to modify splice donor sites of the dystrophin gene, causing skipping of a common DMD deletion mutation of exon 51 (∆Ex51) in cardiomyocytes derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells, restoring dystrophin expression. Prime editing was also capable of reframing the dystrophin open reading frame in these cardiomyocytes. Intramuscular injection of ∆Ex51 mice with adeno-associated virus serotype-9 encoding ABE components as a split-intein trans-splicing system allowed gene editing and disease correction in vivo. Our findings demonstrate the effectiveness of nucleotide editing for the correction of diverse DMD mutations with minimal modification of the genome, although improved delivery methods will be required before these strategies can be used to sufficiently edit the genome in patients with DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Chemello
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - A C Chai
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - H Li
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - C Rodriguez-Caycedo
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - E Sanchez-Ortiz
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - A Atmanli
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - A A Mireault
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - N Liu
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - R Bassel-Duby
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - E N Olson
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
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7
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Skopenkova VV, Egorova TV, Bardina MV. Muscle-Specific Promoters for Gene Therapy. Acta Naturae 2021; 13:47-58. [PMID: 33959386 PMCID: PMC8084301 DOI: 10.32607/actanaturae.11063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Many genetic diseases that are responsible for muscular disorders have been described to date. Gene replacement therapy is a state-of-the-art strategy used to treat such diseases. In this approach, the functional copy of a gene is delivered to the affected tissues using viral vectors. There is an urgent need for the design of short, regulatory sequences that would drive a high and robust expression of a therapeutic transgene in skeletal muscles, the diaphragm, and the heart, while exhibiting limited activity in non-target tissues. This review focuses on the development and improvement of muscle-specific promoters based on skeletal muscle α-actin, muscle creatine kinase, and desmin genes, as well as other genes expressed in muscles. The current approaches used to engineer synthetic muscle-specific promoters are described. Other elements of the viral vectors that contribute to tissue-specific expression are also discussed. A special feature of this review is the presence of up-to-date information on the clinical and preclinical trials of gene therapy drug candidates that utilize muscle-specific promoters.
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Affiliation(s)
- V. V. Skopenkova
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334 Russia
- Marlin Biotech LLC, Moscow, 121205 Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334 Russia
| | - T. V. Egorova
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334 Russia
- Marlin Biotech LLC, Moscow, 121205 Russia
| | - M. V. Bardina
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334 Russia
- Marlin Biotech LLC, Moscow, 121205 Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334 Russia
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8
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Min YL, Chemello F, Li H, Rodriguez-Caycedo C, Sanchez-Ortiz E, Mireault AA, McAnally JR, Shelton JM, Zhang Y, Bassel-Duby R, Olson EN. Correction of Three Prominent Mutations in Mouse and Human Models of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy by Single-Cut Genome Editing. Mol Ther 2020; 28:2044-2055. [PMID: 32892813 PMCID: PMC7474267 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), one of the most common neuromuscular disorders of children, is caused by the absence of dystrophin protein in striated muscle. Deletions of exons 43, 45, and 52 represent mutational "hotspot" regions in the dystrophin gene. We created three new DMD mouse models harboring deletions of exons 43, 45, and 52 to represent common DMD mutations. To optimize CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing using the single-cut strategy, we identified single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) capable of restoring dystrophin expression by inducing exon skipping and reframing. Intramuscular delivery of AAV9 encoding SpCas9 and selected sgRNAs efficiently restored dystrophin expression in these new mouse models, offering a platform for future studies of dystrophin gene correction therapies. To validate the therapeutic potential of this approach, we identified sgRNAs capable of restoring dystrophin expression by the single-cut strategy in cardiomyocytes derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) with each of these hotspot deletion mutations. We found that the potential effectiveness of individual sgRNAs in correction of DMD mutations cannot be predicted a priori, highlighting the importance of sgRNA design and testing as a prelude for applying gene editing as a therapeutic strategy for DMD.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- CRISPR-Associated Protein 9/genetics
- CRISPR-Associated Protein 9/metabolism
- CRISPR-Cas Systems
- Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/genetics
- Dependovirus/genetics
- Disease Models, Animal
- Dystrophin/metabolism
- Exons
- Gene Deletion
- Gene Editing/methods
- Genetic Therapy/methods
- Humans
- Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells/metabolism
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Muscle, Skeletal/metabolism
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/genetics
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/metabolism
- Myocytes, Cardiac/metabolism
- RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
- RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Li Min
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Francesco Chemello
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Cristina Rodriguez-Caycedo
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Efrain Sanchez-Ortiz
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Alex A Mireault
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - John R McAnally
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - John M Shelton
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Rhonda Bassel-Duby
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Eric N Olson
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
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9
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Rodgers BD, Bishaw Y, Kagel D, Ramos JN, Maricelli JW. Micro-dystrophin Gene Therapy Partially Enhances Exercise Capacity in Older Adult mdx Mice. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2020; 17:122-132. [PMID: 31909085 PMCID: PMC6939027 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2019.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Micro-dystrophin (μDys) gene therapeutics can improve striated muscle structure and function in different animal models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Most studies, however, used young mdx mice that lack a pronounced dystrophic phenotype, short treatment periods, and limited muscle function tests. We, therefore, determined the relative efficacy of two previously described μDys gene therapeutics (rAAV6:μDysH3 and rAAV6:μDys5) in 6-month-old mdx mice using a 6-month treatment regimen and forced exercise. Forelimb and hindlimb grip strength, metabolic rate (VO2 max), running efficiency (energy expenditure), and serum creatine kinase levels similarly improved in mdx mice treated with either vector. Both vectors produced nearly identical dose-responses in all assays. They also partially prevented the degenerative effects of repeated high-intensity exercise on muscle histology, although none of the metrics examined was restored to normal wild-type levels. Moreover, neither vector had any consistent effect on respiration while exercising. These data together suggest that, although μDys gene therapy can improve isolated and systemic muscle function, it may be only partially effective when dystrophinopathies are advanced or when muscle structure is significantly challenged, as with high-intensity exercise. This further suggests that restoring muscle function to near-normal levels will likely require ancillary or combinatorial treatments capable of enhancing muscle strength.
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Affiliation(s)
- Buel D. Rodgers
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington Center for Muscle Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Yemeserach Bishaw
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington Center for Muscle Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Denali Kagel
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington Center for Muscle Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Julian N. Ramos
- Department of Neurology, Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Joseph W. Maricelli
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington Center for Muscle Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
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10
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Cui M, Wang Z, Chen K, Shah AM, Tan W, Duan L, Sanchez-Ortiz E, Li H, Xu L, Liu N, Bassel-Duby R, Olson EN. Dynamic Transcriptional Responses to Injury of Regenerative and Non-regenerative Cardiomyocytes Revealed by Single-Nucleus RNA Sequencing. Dev Cell 2020; 53:102-116.e8. [PMID: 32220304 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2020.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The adult mammalian heart is incapable of regeneration following injury. In contrast, the neonatal mouse heart can efficiently regenerate during the first week of life. The molecular mechanisms that mediate the regenerative response and its blockade in later life are not understood. Here, by single-nucleus RNA sequencing, we map the dynamic transcriptional landscape of five distinct cardiomyocyte populations in healthy, injured, and regenerating mouse hearts. We identify immature cardiomyocytes that enter the cell cycle following injury and disappear as the heart loses the ability to regenerate. These proliferative neonatal cardiomyocytes display a unique transcriptional program dependent on nuclear transcription factor Y subunit alpha (NFYa) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-like 1 (NFE2L1) transcription factors, which exert proliferative and protective functions, respectively. Cardiac overexpression of these two factors conferred protection against ischemic injury in mature mouse hearts that were otherwise non-regenerative. These findings advance our understanding of the cellular basis of neonatal heart regeneration and reveal a transcriptional landscape for heart repair following injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Cui
- Department of Molecular Biology, The Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine and Sen. Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Zhaoning Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology, The Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine and Sen. Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Kenian Chen
- Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, Department of Population & Data Sciences and Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Akansha M Shah
- Department of Molecular Biology, The Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine and Sen. Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Wei Tan
- Department of Molecular Biology, The Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine and Sen. Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Lauren Duan
- Department of Molecular Biology, The Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine and Sen. Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Efrain Sanchez-Ortiz
- Department of Molecular Biology, The Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine and Sen. Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Molecular Biology, The Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine and Sen. Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Lin Xu
- Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, Department of Population & Data Sciences and Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Ning Liu
- Department of Molecular Biology, The Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine and Sen. Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Rhonda Bassel-Duby
- Department of Molecular Biology, The Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine and Sen. Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Eric N Olson
- Department of Molecular Biology, The Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine and Sen. Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
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11
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Schoger E, Carroll KJ, Iyer LM, McAnally JR, Tan W, Liu N, Noack C, Shomroni O, Salinas G, Groß J, Herzog N, Doroudgar S, Bassel-Duby R, Zimmermann WH, Zelarayán LC. CRISPR-Mediated Activation of Endogenous Gene Expression in the Postnatal Heart. Circ Res 2020; 126:6-24. [PMID: 31730408 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.118.314522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Genome editing by CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)/Cas9 is evolving rapidly. Recently, second-generation CRISPR/Cas9 activation systems based on nuclease inactive dead (d)Cas9 fused to transcriptional transactivation domains were developed for directing specific guide (g)RNAs to regulatory regions of any gene of interest, to enhance transcription. The application of dCas9 to activate cardiomyocyte transcription in targeted genomic loci in vivo has not been demonstrated so far. OBJECTIVE We aimed to develop a mouse model for cardiomyocyte-specific, CRISPR-mediated transcriptional modulation, and to demonstrate its versatility by targeting Mef2d and Klf15 loci (2 well-characterized genes implicated in cardiac hypertrophy and homeostasis) for enhanced transcription. METHODS AND RESULTS A mouse model expressing dCas9 with the VPR transcriptional transactivation domains under the control of the Myh (myosin heavy chain) 6 promoter was generated. These mice innocuously expressed dCas9 exclusively in cardiomyocytes. For initial proof-of-concept, we selected Mef2d, which when overexpressed, led to hypertrophy and heart failure, and Klf15, which is lowly expressed in the neonatal heart. The most effective gRNAs were first identified in fibroblast (C3H/10T1/2) and myoblast (C2C12) cell lines. Using an improved triple gRNA expression system (TRISPR [triple gRNA expression construct]), up to 3 different gRNAs were transduced simultaneously to identify optimal conditions for transcriptional activation. For in vivo delivery of the validated gRNA combinations, we employed systemic administration via adeno-associated virus serotype 9. On gRNA delivery targeting Mef2d expression, we recapitulated the anticipated cardiac hypertrophy phenotype. Using gRNA targeting Klf15, we could enhance its transcription significantly, although Klf15 is physiologically silenced at that time point. We further confirmed specific and robust dCas9VPR on-target effects. CONCLUSIONS The developed mouse model permits enhancement of gene expression by using endogenous regulatory genomic elements. Proof-of-concept in 2 independent genomic loci suggests versatile applications in controlling transcription in cardiomyocytes of the postnatal heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Schoger
- From the Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology (E.S., L.M.I., C.N., W.-H.Z., L.C.Z.), University Medical Center Goettingen, Georg-August University, Germany
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research) Partner Site Goettingen, Germany (E.S., L.M.I., C.N., W.-H.Z., L.C.Z.)
| | - Kelli J Carroll
- Department of Molecular Biology and the Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas (K.J.C., J.R.M., W.T., N.L., R.B.-D.)
| | - Lavanya M Iyer
- From the Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology (E.S., L.M.I., C.N., W.-H.Z., L.C.Z.), University Medical Center Goettingen, Georg-August University, Germany
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research) Partner Site Goettingen, Germany (E.S., L.M.I., C.N., W.-H.Z., L.C.Z.)
| | - John R McAnally
- Department of Molecular Biology and the Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas (K.J.C., J.R.M., W.T., N.L., R.B.-D.)
| | - Wei Tan
- Department of Molecular Biology and the Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas (K.J.C., J.R.M., W.T., N.L., R.B.-D.)
| | - Ning Liu
- Department of Molecular Biology and the Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas (K.J.C., J.R.M., W.T., N.L., R.B.-D.)
| | - Claudia Noack
- From the Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology (E.S., L.M.I., C.N., W.-H.Z., L.C.Z.), University Medical Center Goettingen, Georg-August University, Germany
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research) Partner Site Goettingen, Germany (E.S., L.M.I., C.N., W.-H.Z., L.C.Z.)
| | - Orr Shomroni
- NGS-Integrative Genomics (NIG) Institute Human Genetics (O.S., G.S.), University Medical Center Goettingen, Georg-August University, Germany
| | - Gabriela Salinas
- NGS-Integrative Genomics (NIG) Institute Human Genetics (O.S., G.S.), University Medical Center Goettingen, Georg-August University, Germany
| | - Julia Groß
- Department of Internal Medicine III (Cardiology, Angiology, and Pneumology), Heidelberg University Hospital, Germany (J.G., N.H., S.D.)
| | - Nicole Herzog
- Department of Internal Medicine III (Cardiology, Angiology, and Pneumology), Heidelberg University Hospital, Germany (J.G., N.H., S.D.)
| | - Shirin Doroudgar
- Department of Internal Medicine III (Cardiology, Angiology, and Pneumology), Heidelberg University Hospital, Germany (J.G., N.H., S.D.)
| | - Rhonda Bassel-Duby
- Department of Molecular Biology and the Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas (K.J.C., J.R.M., W.T., N.L., R.B.-D.)
| | - Wolfram-H Zimmermann
- From the Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology (E.S., L.M.I., C.N., W.-H.Z., L.C.Z.), University Medical Center Goettingen, Georg-August University, Germany
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research) Partner Site Goettingen, Germany (E.S., L.M.I., C.N., W.-H.Z., L.C.Z.)
| | - Laura C Zelarayán
- From the Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology (E.S., L.M.I., C.N., W.-H.Z., L.C.Z.), University Medical Center Goettingen, Georg-August University, Germany
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research) Partner Site Goettingen, Germany (E.S., L.M.I., C.N., W.-H.Z., L.C.Z.)
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12
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Amoasii L, Li H, Zhang Y, Min YL, Sanchez-Ortiz E, Shelton JM, Long C, Mireault AA, Bhattacharyya S, McAnally JR, Bassel-Duby R, Olson EN. In vivo non-invasive monitoring of dystrophin correction in a new Duchenne muscular dystrophy reporter mouse. Nat Commun 2019; 10:4537. [PMID: 31586095 PMCID: PMC6778191 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12335-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a fatal genetic disorder caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene. To enable the non-invasive analysis of DMD gene correction strategies in vivo, we introduced a luciferase reporter in-frame with the C-terminus of the dystrophin gene in mice. Expression of this reporter mimics endogenous dystrophin expression and DMD mutations that disrupt the dystrophin open reading frame extinguish luciferase expression. We evaluated the correction of the dystrophin reading frame coupled to luciferase in mice lacking exon 50, a common mutational hotspot, after delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing machinery with adeno-associated virus. Bioluminescence monitoring revealed efficient and rapid restoration of dystrophin protein expression in affected skeletal muscles and the heart. Our results provide a sensitive non-invasive means of monitoring dystrophin correction in mouse models of DMD and offer a platform for testing different strategies for amelioration of DMD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonela Amoasii
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Sen. Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, Watertown, MA, 02472, USA
- Exonics Therapeutics, 490 Arsenal Way, Watertown, MA, 02472, USA
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Sen. Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, Watertown, MA, 02472, USA
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Sen. Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, Watertown, MA, 02472, USA
| | - Yi-Li Min
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Sen. Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, Watertown, MA, 02472, USA
- Exonics Therapeutics, 490 Arsenal Way, Watertown, MA, 02472, USA
| | - Efrain Sanchez-Ortiz
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Sen. Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, Watertown, MA, 02472, USA
| | - John M Shelton
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Chengzu Long
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Sen. Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, Watertown, MA, 02472, USA
- Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Alex A Mireault
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Sen. Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, Watertown, MA, 02472, USA
| | - Samadrita Bhattacharyya
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Sen. Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, Watertown, MA, 02472, USA
| | - John R McAnally
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Sen. Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, Watertown, MA, 02472, USA
| | - Rhonda Bassel-Duby
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Sen. Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, Watertown, MA, 02472, USA
| | - Eric N Olson
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Sen. Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, Watertown, MA, 02472, USA.
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13
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Mechanistic basis of neonatal heart regeneration revealed by transcriptome and histone modification profiling. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:18455-18465. [PMID: 31451669 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1905824116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The adult mammalian heart has limited capacity for regeneration following injury, whereas the neonatal heart can readily regenerate within a short period after birth. To uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying neonatal heart regeneration, we compared the transcriptomes and epigenomes of regenerative and nonregenerative mouse hearts over a 7-d time period following myocardial infarction injury. By integrating gene expression profiles with histone marks associated with active or repressed chromatin, we identified transcriptional programs underlying neonatal heart regeneration, and the blockade to regeneration in later life. Our results reveal a unique immune response in regenerative hearts and a retained embryonic cardiogenic gene program that is active during neonatal heart regeneration. Among the unique immune factors and embryonic genes associated with cardiac regeneration, we identified Ccl24, which encodes a cytokine, and Igf2bp3, which encodes an RNA-binding protein, as previously unrecognized regulators of cardiomyocyte proliferation. Our data provide insights into the molecular basis of neonatal heart regeneration and identify genes that can be modulated to promote heart regeneration.
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14
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Min YL, Li H, Rodriguez-Caycedo C, Mireault AA, Huang J, Shelton JM, McAnally JR, Amoasii L, Mammen PPA, Bassel-Duby R, Olson EN. CRISPR-Cas9 corrects Duchenne muscular dystrophy exon 44 deletion mutations in mice and human cells. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2019; 5:eaav4324. [PMID: 30854433 PMCID: PMC6402849 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aav4324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in the dystrophin gene cause Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), which is characterized by lethal degeneration of cardiac and skeletal muscles. Mutations that delete exon 44 of the dystrophin gene represent one of the most common causes of DMD and can be corrected in ~12% of patients by editing surrounding exons, which restores the dystrophin open reading frame. Here, we present a simple and efficient strategy for correction of exon 44 deletion mutations by CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing in cardiomyocytes obtained from patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells and in a new mouse model harboring the same deletion mutation. Using AAV9 encoding Cas9 and single guide RNAs, we also demonstrate the importance of the dosages of these gene editing components for optimal gene correction in vivo. Our findings represent a significant step toward possible clinical application of gene editing for correction of DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Li Min
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Sen. Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Sen. Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Cristina Rodriguez-Caycedo
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Sen. Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Alex A. Mireault
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Sen. Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Jian Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - John M. Shelton
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - John R. McAnally
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Sen. Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Leonela Amoasii
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Sen. Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Exonics Therapeutics, 490 Arsenal Way, Watertown, MA 02472, USA
| | - Pradeep P. A. Mammen
- Sen. Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Rhonda Bassel-Duby
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Sen. Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Eric N. Olson
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Sen. Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
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15
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Ramos JN, Hollinger K, Bengtsson NE, Allen JM, Hauschka SD, Chamberlain JS. Development of Novel Micro-dystrophins with Enhanced Functionality. Mol Ther 2019; 27:623-635. [PMID: 30718090 PMCID: PMC6403485 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2019.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Revised: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene therapies using adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors have advanced into clinical trials for several diseases, including Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). A limitation of AAV is the carrying capacity (∼5 kb) available for genes and regulatory cassettes (RCs). These size constraints are problematic for the 2.2-Mb dystrophin gene. We previously designed a variety of miniaturized micro-dystrophins (μDys) that displayed significant, albeit incomplete, function in striated muscles. To develop μDys proteins with improved performance, we explored structural modifications of the dystrophin central rod domain. Eight μDys variants were studied that carried unique combinations of between four and six of the 24 spectrin-like repeats present in the full-length protein, as well as various hinge domains. Expression of μDys was regulated by a strong but compact muscle-restricted RC (CK8e) or by the ubiquitously active cytomegalovirus (CMV) RC. Vectors were evaluated by intramuscular injection and systemic delivery to dystrophic mdx4cv mice, followed by analysis of skeletal muscle pathophysiology. Two μDys designs were identified that led to increased force generation compared with previous μDys while also localizing neuronal nitric oxide synthase to the sarcolemma. An AAV vector expressing the smaller of these (μDys5) from the CK8e RC is currently being evaluated in a DMD clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian N Ramos
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Katrin Hollinger
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Niclas E Bengtsson
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - James M Allen
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Stephen D Hauschka
- Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Chamberlain
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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16
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Duchêne BL, Cherif K, Iyombe-Engembe JP, Guyon A, Rousseau J, Ouellet DL, Barbeau X, Lague P, Tremblay JP. CRISPR-Induced Deletion with SaCas9 Restores Dystrophin Expression in Dystrophic Models In Vitro and In Vivo. Mol Ther 2018; 26:2604-2616. [PMID: 30195724 PMCID: PMC6224775 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2018.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a severe hereditary disease affecting 1 in 3,500 boys, mainly results from the deletion of exon(s), leading to a reading frameshift of the DMD gene that abrogates dystrophin protein synthesis. Pairs of sgRNAs for the Cas9 of Staphylococcus aureus were meticulously chosen to restore a normal reading frame and also produce a dystrophin protein with normally phased spectrin-like repeats (SLRs), which is not usually obtained by skipping or by deletion of complete exons. This can, however, be obtained in rare instances where the exon and intron borders of the beginning and the end of the complete deletion (patient deletion plus CRISPR-induced deletion) are at similar positions in the SLR. We used pairs of sgRNAs targeting exons 47 and 58, and a normal reading frame was restored in myoblasts derived from muscle biopsies of 4 DMD patients with different exon deletions. Restoration of the DMD reading frame and restoration of dystrophin expression were also obtained in vivo in the heart of the del52hDMD/mdx. Our results provide a proof of principle that SaCas9 could be used to edit the human DMD gene and could be considered for further development of a therapy for DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin L Duchêne
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Neurosciences Axis, Québec City, QC, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, Department of Molecular Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Khadija Cherif
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Neurosciences Axis, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Jean-Paul Iyombe-Engembe
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Neurosciences Axis, Québec City, QC, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, Department of Molecular Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Antoine Guyon
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Neurosciences Axis, Québec City, QC, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, Department of Molecular Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Joel Rousseau
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Neurosciences Axis, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Dominique L Ouellet
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Neurosciences Axis, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Xavier Barbeau
- Proteo and IBIS, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Laval University, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Patrick Lague
- Proteo and IBIS, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Laval University, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Jacques P Tremblay
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Neurosciences Axis, Québec City, QC, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, Department of Molecular Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada.
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17
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Amoasii L, Long C, Li H, Mireault AA, Shelton JM, Sanchez-Ortiz E, McAnally JR, Bhattacharyya S, Schmidt F, Grimm D, Hauschka SD, Bassel-Duby R, Olson EN. Single-cut genome editing restores dystrophin expression in a new mouse model of muscular dystrophy. Sci Transl Med 2017; 9:eaan8081. [PMID: 29187645 PMCID: PMC5749406 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aan8081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe, progressive muscle disease caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene. The majority of DMD mutations are deletions that prematurely terminate the dystrophin protein. Deletions of exon 50 of the dystrophin gene are among the most common single exon deletions causing DMD. Such mutations can be corrected by skipping exon 51, thereby restoring the dystrophin reading frame. Using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated 9 (CRISPR/Cas9), we generated a DMD mouse model by deleting exon 50. These ΔEx50 mice displayed severe muscle dysfunction, which was corrected by systemic delivery of adeno-associated virus encoding CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing components. We optimized the method for dystrophin reading frame correction using a single guide RNA that created reframing mutations and allowed skipping of exon 51. In conjunction with muscle-specific expression of Cas9, this approach restored up to 90% of dystrophin protein expression throughout skeletal muscles and the heart of ΔEx50 mice. This method of permanently bypassing DMD mutations using a single cut in genomic DNA represents a step toward clinical correction of DMD mutations and potentially those of other neuromuscular disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonela Amoasii
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Chengzu Long
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Alex A Mireault
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - John M Shelton
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Efrain Sanchez-Ortiz
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - John R McAnally
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Samadrita Bhattacharyya
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Florian Schmidt
- Heidelberg University Hospital, Center for Infectious Diseases, Virology, Cluster of Excellence Cell Networks, DZIF partner, BioQuant Center, Heidelberg D-69120, Germany
| | - Dirk Grimm
- Heidelberg University Hospital, Center for Infectious Diseases, Virology, Cluster of Excellence Cell Networks, DZIF partner, BioQuant Center, Heidelberg D-69120, Germany
| | - Stephen D Hauschka
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Rhonda Bassel-Duby
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Eric N Olson
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
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18
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Extensive phenotypic characterization of a new transgenic mouse reveals pleiotropic perturbations in physiology due to mesenchymal hGH minigene expression. Sci Rep 2017; 7:2397. [PMID: 28546545 PMCID: PMC5445072 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-02581-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 04/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The human growth hormone (hGH) minigene used for transgene stabilization in mice has been recently identified to be locally expressed in the tissues where transgenes are active and associated with phenotypic alterations. Here we extend these findings by analyzing the effect of the hGH minigene in TgC6hp55 transgenic mice which express the human TNFR1 under the control of the mesenchymal cell-specific CollagenVI promoter. These mice displayed a fully penetrant phenotype characterized by growth enhancement accompanied by perturbations in metabolic, skeletal, histological and other physiological parameters. Notably, this phenotype was independent of TNF-TNFR1 signaling since the genetic ablation of either Tnf or Tradd did not rescue the phenotype. Further analyses showed that the hGH minigene was expressed in several tissues, also leading to increased hGH protein levels in the serum. Pharmacological blockade of GH signaling prevented the development of the phenotype. Our results indicate that the unplanned expression of the hGH minigene in CollagenVI expressing mesenchymal cells can lead through local and/or systemic mechanisms to enhanced somatic growth followed by a plethora of primary and/or secondary effects such as hyperphagia, hypermetabolism, disturbed glucose homeostasis, altered hematological parameters, increased bone formation and lipid accumulation in metabolically critical tissues.
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19
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Higuti E, Cecchi CR, Oliveira NAJ, Lima ER, Vieira DP, Aagaard L, Jensen TG, Jorge AAL, Bartolini P, Peroni CN. Partial correction of the dwarf phenotype by non-viral transfer of the growth hormone gene in mice: Treatment age is critical. Growth Horm IGF Res 2016; 26:1-7. [PMID: 26774398 DOI: 10.1016/j.ghir.2015.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2015] [Revised: 10/16/2015] [Accepted: 12/01/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Non-viral transfer of the growth hormone gene to different muscles of immunodeficient dwarf (lit/scid) mice is under study with the objective of improving phenotypic correction via this particular gene therapy approach. Plasmid DNA was administered into the exposed quadriceps or non-exposed tibialis cranialis muscle of lit/scid mice followed by electroporation, monitoring several growth parameters. In a 6-month bioassay, 50μg DNA were injected three times into the quadriceps muscle of 80-day old mice. A 50% weight increase, with a catch-up growth of 21%, together with a 16% increase for nose-to-tail and tail lengths (catch-up=19-21%) and a 24-28% increase for femur length (catch-up=53-60%), were obtained. mIGF1 serum levels were ~7-fold higher than the basal levels for untreated mice, but still ~2-fold lower than in non-dwarf scid mice. Since treatment age was found to be particularly important in a second bioassay utilizing 40-day old mice, these pubertal mice were compared in a third bioassay with adult (80-day old) mice, all treated twice with 50μg DNA injected into each tibialis cranialis muscle, via a less invasive approach. mIGF1 concentrations at the same level as co-aged scid mice were obtained 15days after administration in pubertal mice. Catch-up growth, based on femur length (77%), nose-to-tail (36%) and tail length (39%) increases was 40 to 95% higher than those obtained upon treating adult mice. These data pave the way for the development of more effective pre-clinical assays in pubertal dwarf mice for the treatment of GH deficiency via plasmid-DNA muscular administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliza Higuti
- Biotechnology Center, Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares (IPEN-CNEN), Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Cláudia R Cecchi
- Biotechnology Center, Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares (IPEN-CNEN), Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Nélio A J Oliveira
- Biotechnology Center, Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares (IPEN-CNEN), Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Lillehei Heart Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Eliana R Lima
- Biotechnology Center, Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares (IPEN-CNEN), Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Daniel P Vieira
- Biotechnology Center, Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares (IPEN-CNEN), Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Lars Aagaard
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Thomas G Jensen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Alexander A L Jorge
- Genetic-Endocrinology Unit (LIM25), Endocrinology Department, University of São Paulo School of Medicine (FMUSP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Paolo Bartolini
- Biotechnology Center, Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares (IPEN-CNEN), Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Cibele N Peroni
- Biotechnology Center, Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares (IPEN-CNEN), Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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20
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Bengtsson NE, Seto JT, Hall JK, Chamberlain JS, Odom GL. Progress and prospects of gene therapy clinical trials for the muscular dystrophies. Hum Mol Genet 2015; 25:R9-17. [PMID: 26450518 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddv420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical trials represent a critical avenue for new treatment development, where early phases (I, I/II) are designed to test safety and effectiveness of new therapeutics or diagnostic indicators. A number of recent advances have spurred renewed optimism toward initiating clinical trials and developing refined therapies for the muscular dystrophies (MD's) and other myogenic disorders. MD's encompass a heterogeneous group of degenerative disorders often characterized by progressive muscle weakness and fragility. Many of these diseases result from mutations in genes encoding proteins of the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex (DGC). The most common and severe form among children is Duchenne muscular dystrophy, caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene, with an average life expectancy around 25 years of age. Another group of MD's referred to as the limb-girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMDs) can affect boys or girls, with different types caused by mutations in different genes. Mutation of the α-sarcoglycan gene, also a DGC component, causes LGMD2D and represents the most common form of LGMD. Early preclinical and clinical trial findings support the feasibility of gene therapy via recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors as a viable treatment approach for many MDs. In this mini-review, we present an overview of recent progress in clinical gene therapy trials of the MD's and touch upon promising preclinical advances.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jeffrey S Chamberlain
- Department of Neurology and Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195-7350, USA
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