1
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Chauhan M, Singh K, Chongtham C, A G A, Sharma P. miR-449a Mediated Repression of the Cell Cycle Machinery Prevents Neuronal Apoptosis. J Biol Chem 2024:107698. [PMID: 39173945 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107698] [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: 04/27/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Aberrant activation of the cell cycle of terminally-differentiated neurons results in their apoptosis and is known to contribute to neuronal loss in various neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's Disease. However, the mechanisms that regulate Cell Cycle Related Neuronal Apoptosis (CRNA) are poorly understood. We identified several miRNA that are dysregulated in neurons from a transgenic APP/PS1 mouse model for AD (TgAD). Several of these miRNA are known to and/or are predicted to target cell cycle-related genes. Detailed investigation on miR-449a revealed: a. it promotes neuronal differentiation by suppressing the neuronal cell cycle; b. its expression in cortical neurons was impaired in response to amyloid peptide Aβ42; c. loss of its expression resulted in aberrant activation of the cell cycle leading to apoptosis. miR-449a may prevent CRNA by targeting cyclin D1 and protein phosphatase CDC25A, which are important for G1-S transition. Importantly, the lentiviral mediated delivery of miR-449a in TgAD mouse brain significantly reverted the defects in learning and memory, which are associated with AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Chauhan
- Eukaryotic Gene Expression Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi-110067, India
| | - Komal Singh
- Eukaryotic Gene Expression Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi-110067, India
| | - Chen Chongtham
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi-110067, India
| | - Aneeshkumar A G
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi-110067, India
| | - Pushkar Sharma
- Eukaryotic Gene Expression Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi-110067, India.
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2
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Destro F, Wu W, Srinivasan P, Joseph J, Bal V, Neufeld C, Wolfrum JM, Manalis SR, Sinskey AJ, Springs SL, Barone PW, Braatz RD. The state of technological advancement to address challenges in the manufacture of rAAV gene therapies. Biotechnol Adv 2024; 76:108433. [PMID: 39168354 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2024.108433] [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: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
Current processes for the production of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) are inadequate to meet the surging demand for rAAV-based gene therapies. This article reviews recent advances that hold the potential to address current limitations in rAAV manufacturing. A multidisciplinary perspective on technological progress in rAAV production is presented, underscoring the necessity to move beyond incremental refinements and adopt a holistic strategy to address existing challenges. Since several recent reviews have thoroughly covered advancements in upstream technology, this article provides only a concise overview of these developments before moving to pivotal areas of rAAV manufacturing not well covered in other reviews, including analytical technologies for rapid and high-throughput measurement of rAAV quality attributes, mathematical modeling for platform and process optimization, and downstream approaches to maximize efficiency and rAAV yield. Novel technologies that have the potential to address the current gaps in rAAV manufacturing are highlighted. Implementation challenges and future research directions are critically discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Destro
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Weida Wu
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Prasanna Srinivasan
- Center for Biomedical Innovation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - John Joseph
- Center for Biomedical Innovation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Vivekananda Bal
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Caleb Neufeld
- Center for Biomedical Innovation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jacqueline M Wolfrum
- Center for Biomedical Innovation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Scott R Manalis
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Anthony J Sinskey
- Center for Biomedical Innovation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Stacy L Springs
- Center for Biomedical Innovation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Paul W Barone
- Center for Biomedical Innovation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Richard D Braatz
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA; Center for Biomedical Innovation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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3
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Anjum R, Clarke VRJ, Nagasawa Y, Murakoshi H, Paradis S. Rem2 interacts with CaMKII at synapses and restricts long-term potentiation in hippocampus. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301063. [PMID: 38995900 PMCID: PMC11244776 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Synaptic plasticity, the process whereby neuronal connections are either strengthened or weakened in response to stereotyped forms of stimulation, is widely believed to represent the molecular mechanism that underlies learning and memory. The holoenzyme calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) plays a well-established and critical role in the induction of a variety of forms of synaptic plasticity such as long-term potentiation (LTP), long-term depression (LTD) and depotentiation. Previously, we identified the GTPase Rem2 as a potent, endogenous inhibitor of CaMKII. Here, we report that knock out of Rem2 enhances LTP at the Schaffer collateral to CA1 synapse in hippocampus, consistent with an inhibitory action of Rem2 on CaMKII in vivo. Further, re-expression of WT Rem2 rescues the enhanced LTP observed in slices obtained from Rem2 conditional knock out (cKO) mice, while expression of a mutant Rem2 construct that is unable to inhibit CaMKII in vitro fails to rescue increased LTP. In addition, we demonstrate that CaMKII and Rem2 interact in dendritic spines using a 2pFLIM-FRET approach. Taken together, our data lead us to propose that Rem2 serves as a brake on synaptic potentiation via inhibition of CaMKII activity. Further, the enhanced LTP phenotype we observe in Rem2 cKO slices reveals a previously unknown role for Rem2 in the negative regulation of CaMKII function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabia Anjum
- Department of Biology and Volen Center for Complex Systems, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Vernon R. J. Clarke
- Department of Neuroscience, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Yutaro Nagasawa
- Department of Physiological Sciences, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies; Hayama, Kanagawa, Japan
- Supportive Center for Brain Research, National Institute for Physiological Sciences; Okazaki, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hideji Murakoshi
- Department of Physiological Sciences, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies; Hayama, Kanagawa, Japan
- Supportive Center for Brain Research, National Institute for Physiological Sciences; Okazaki, Aichi, Japan
| | - Suzanne Paradis
- Department of Biology and Volen Center for Complex Systems, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, United States of America
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4
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Nishiumi H, Hirohata K, Fukuhara M, Matsushita A, Tsunaka Y, Rocafort MAV, Maruno T, Torisu T, Uchiyama S. Combined 100 keV Cryo-Electron Microscopy and Image Analysis Methods to Characterize the Wider Adeno-Associated Viral Products. J Pharm Sci 2024; 113:1804-1815. [PMID: 38570072 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2024.03.026] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are effective vectors for gene therapy. However, AAV drug products are inevitably contaminated with empty particles (EP), which lack a genome, owing to limitations of the purification steps. EP contamination can reduce the transduction efficiency and induce immunogenicity. Therefore, it is important to remove EPs and to determine the ratio of full genome-containing AAV particles to empty particles (F/E ratio). However, most of the existing methods fail to reliably evaluate F/E ratios that are greater than 90 %. In this study, we developed two approaches based on the image analysis of cryo-electron micrographs to determine the F/E ratios of various AAV products. Using our developed convolutional neural network (CNN) and morphological analysis, we successfully calculated the F/E ratios of various AAV products and determined the slight differences in the F/E ratios of highly purified AAV products (purity > 95 %). In addition, the F/E ratios calculated by analyzing more than 1000 AAV particles had good correlations with theoretical F/E ratios. Furthermore, the CNN reliably determined the F/E ratio with a smaller number of AAV particles than morphological analysis. Therefore, combining 100 keV cryo-EM with the developed image analysis methods enables the assessment of a wide range of AAV products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruka Nishiumi
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Kiichi Hirohata
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Mitsuko Fukuhara
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; U-medico Inc., 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Aoba Matsushita
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yasuo Tsunaka
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Mark Allen Vergara Rocafort
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Takahiro Maruno
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; U-medico Inc., 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Torisu
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Susumu Uchiyama
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; U-medico Inc., 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
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5
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Marwidi Y, Nguyen HOB, Santos D, Wangzor T, Bhardwaj S, Ernie G, Prawdzik G, Lew G, Shivak D, Trias M, Padilla J, Tran H, Meyer K, Surosky R, Ward AM. A robust and flexible baculovirus-insect cell system for AAV vector production with improved yield, capsid ratios and potency. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2024; 32:101228. [PMID: 38524756 PMCID: PMC10959708 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2024.101228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Manufacturing of adeno-associated viruses (AAV) for gene and cell therapy applications has increased significantly and spurred development of improved mammalian and insect cell-based production systems. We developed a baculovirus-based insect cell production system-the SGMO Helper-with a novel gene architecture and greater flexibility to modulate the expression level and content of individual Rep and Cap proteins. In addition, we incorporated modifications to the AAV6 capsid sequence that improves yield, capsid integrity, and potency. Production of recombinant AAV 6 (rAAV6) using the SGMO Helper had improved yields compared to the Bac-RepCap helper from the Kotin lab. SGMO Helper-derived rAAV6 is resistant to a previously described proteolytic cleavage unique to baculovirus-insect cell production systems and has improved capsid ratios and potency, in vitro and in vivo, compared with rAAV6 produced using Bac-RepCap. Next-generation sequencing sequence analysis demonstrated that the SGMO Helper is stable over six serial passages and rAAV6 capsids contain comparable amounts of non-vector genome DNA as rAAV6 produced using Bac-RepCap. AAV production using the SGMO Helper is scalable using bioreactors and has improved yield, capsid ratio, and in vitro potency. Our studies demonstrate that the SGMO Helper is an improved platform for AAV manufacturing to enable delivery of cutting-edge gene and cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoko Marwidi
- Sangamo Therapeutics, 501 Canal Boulevard, Richmond, CA 94804, USA
| | | | - David Santos
- Sangamo Therapeutics, 501 Canal Boulevard, Richmond, CA 94804, USA
| | - Tenzin Wangzor
- Sangamo Therapeutics, 501 Canal Boulevard, Richmond, CA 94804, USA
| | - Sumita Bhardwaj
- Sangamo Therapeutics, 501 Canal Boulevard, Richmond, CA 94804, USA
| | - Gabriel Ernie
- Sangamo Therapeutics, 501 Canal Boulevard, Richmond, CA 94804, USA
| | - Gregg Prawdzik
- Sangamo Therapeutics, 501 Canal Boulevard, Richmond, CA 94804, USA
| | - Garrett Lew
- Sangamo Therapeutics, 501 Canal Boulevard, Richmond, CA 94804, USA
| | - David Shivak
- Sangamo Therapeutics, 501 Canal Boulevard, Richmond, CA 94804, USA
| | - Michael Trias
- Sangamo Therapeutics, 501 Canal Boulevard, Richmond, CA 94804, USA
| | - Jada Padilla
- Sangamo Therapeutics, 501 Canal Boulevard, Richmond, CA 94804, USA
| | - Hung Tran
- Sangamo Therapeutics, 501 Canal Boulevard, Richmond, CA 94804, USA
| | - Kathleen Meyer
- Sangamo Therapeutics, 501 Canal Boulevard, Richmond, CA 94804, USA
| | - Richard Surosky
- Sangamo Therapeutics, 501 Canal Boulevard, Richmond, CA 94804, USA
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6
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Hunter JE, Molony CM, Bagel JH, O’Donnell P, Vite CH, Chawla S, Poptani H, Wolfe JH. Widespread correction of brain pathology in feline alpha-mannosidosis by dose escalation of intracisternal AAV vector injection. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2024; 32:101272. [PMID: 38946937 PMCID: PMC11214173 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2024.101272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Alpha-mannosidosis is caused by a genetic deficiency of lysosomal alpha-mannosidase, leading to the widespread presence of storage lesions in the brain and other tissues. Enzyme replacement therapy is available but is not approved for treating the CNS, since the enzyme does not penetrate the blood-brain barrier. However, intellectual disability is a major manifestation of the disease; thus, a complimentary treatment is needed. While enzyme replacement therapy into the brain is technically feasible, it requires ports and frequent administration over time that are difficult to manage medically. Infusion of adeno-associated viral vectors into the cerebrospinal fluid is an attractive route for broadly targeting brain cells. We demonstrate here the widespread post-symptomatic correction of the globally distributed storage lesions by infusion of a high dose of AAV1-feline alpha-mannosidase (fMANB) into the CSF via the cisterna magna in the gyrencephalic alpha-mannosidosis cat brain. Significant improvements in clinical parameters occurred, and widespread global correction was documented pre-mortem by non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging. Postmortem analysis demonstrated high levels of MANB activity and reversal of lysosomal storage lesions throughout the brain. Thus, CSF treatment by adeno-associated viral vector gene therapy appears to be a suitable complement to systemic enzyme replacement therapy to potentially treat the whole patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline E. Hunter
- Research Institute of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Caitlyn M. Molony
- W.F. Goodman Center for Comparative Medical Genetics, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jessica H. Bagel
- W.F. Goodman Center for Comparative Medical Genetics, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Patricia O’Donnell
- W.F. Goodman Center for Comparative Medical Genetics, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Charles H. Vite
- W.F. Goodman Center for Comparative Medical Genetics, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Sanjeev Chawla
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | - John H. Wolfe
- Research Institute of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- W.F. Goodman Center for Comparative Medical Genetics, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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7
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Werner MS, Aras S, Morgan AR, Roamer J, Param NJ, Olagbegi K, Lamontagne RJ, Greig JA, Wilson JM. Adeno-associated virus-mediated trastuzumab delivery to the central nervous system for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2+ brain metastasis. Cancer Gene Ther 2024; 31:766-777. [PMID: 38480976 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-024-00751-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Trastuzumab improves overall survival for HER2+ breast cancer, but its short half-life in the cerebrospinal fluid (~2-4 days) and delivery limitations restrict the ability to target HER2+ central nervous system (CNS) disease. We developed an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector expressing a codon-optimized, ubiquitin C (UbC)-promoter-driven trastuzumab sequence (AAV9.UbC.trastuzumab) for intrathecal administration. Transgene expression was evaluated in adult Rag1 knockout mice and rhesus nonhuman primates (NHPs) after a single intracerebroventricular (ICV) or intra-cisterna magna (ICM) AAV9.UbC.trastuzumab injection, respectively, using real-time PCR, ELISA, Western blot, in situ hybridization, single-nucleus RNA sequencing, and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry; antitumor efficacy was evaluated in brain xenografts using HER2+ breast cancer cell lines (BT-474, MDA-MB-453). Transgene expression was detected in brain homogenates of Rag1 knockout mice following a single ICV injection of AAV9.UbC.trastuzumab (1 × 1011 vector genome copies [GC]/mouse) and tumor progression was inhibited in xenograft models of breast-to-brain metastasis. In NHPs, ICM delivery of AAV9.UbC.trastuzumab (3 × 1013 GC/animal) was well tolerated (36-37 days in-life) and resulted in transgene expression in CNS tissues and cerebrospinal fluid at levels sufficient to induce complete tumor remission in MDA-MB-453 brain xenografts. With AAV9's proven clinical safety record, this gene therapy may represent a viable approach for targeting HER2 + CNS malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela S Werner
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Shweta Aras
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Ashleigh R Morgan
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Jillian Roamer
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Nesteene J Param
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Kanyin Olagbegi
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - R Jason Lamontagne
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Jenny A Greig
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - James M Wilson
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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8
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Hordeaux J, Lamontagne RJ, Song C, Buchlis G, Dyer C, Buza EL, Ramezani A, Wielechowski E, Greig JA, Chichester JA, Bell P, Wilson JM. High-dose systemic adeno-associated virus vector administration causes liver and sinusoidal endothelial cell injury. Mol Ther 2024; 32:952-968. [PMID: 38327046 PMCID: PMC11163197 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.02.002] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
We analyzed retrospective data from toxicology studies involving administration of high doses of adeno-associated virus expressing different therapeutic transgenes to 21 cynomolgus and 15 rhesus macaques. We also conducted prospective studies to investigate acute toxicity following high-dose systemic administration of enhanced green fluorescent protein-expressing adeno-associated virus to 10 rhesus macaques. Toxicity was characterized by transaminitis, thrombocytopenia, and alternative complement pathway activation that peaked on post-administration day 3. Although most animals recovered, some developed ascites, generalized edema, hyperbilirubinemia, and/or coagulopathy that prompted unscheduled euthanasia. Study endpoint livers from animals that recovered and from unscheduled necropsies of those that succumbed to toxicity were analyzed via hypothesis-driven histopathology and unbiased single-nucleus RNA sequencing. All liver cell types expressed high transgene transcript levels at early unscheduled timepoints that subsequently decreased. Thrombocytopenia coincided with sinusoidal platelet microthrombi and sinusoidal endothelial injury identified via immunohistology and single-nucleus RNA sequencing. Acute toxicity, sinusoidal injury, and liver platelet sequestration were similarly observed with therapeutic transgenes and enhanced green fluorescent protein at doses ≥1 × 1014 GC/kg, suggesting it was the consequence of high-dose systemic adeno-associated virus administration, not green fluorescent protein toxicity. These findings highlight a potential toxic effect of high-dose intravenous adeno-associated virus on nonhuman primate liver microvasculature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliette Hordeaux
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - R Jason Lamontagne
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Chunjuan Song
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - George Buchlis
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Cecilia Dyer
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Elizabeth L Buza
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ali Ramezani
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Erik Wielechowski
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jenny A Greig
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jessica A Chichester
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Peter Bell
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - James M Wilson
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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9
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Anjum R, Clarke VRJ, Nagasawa Y, Murakoshi H, Paradis S. Rem2 interacts with CaMKII at synapses and restricts long-term potentiation in hippocampus. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.11.584540. [PMID: 38558974 PMCID: PMC10979978 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.11.584540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Synaptic plasticity, the process whereby neuronal connections are either strengthened or weakened in response to stereotyped forms of stimulation, is widely believed to represent the molecular mechanism that underlies learning and memory. The holoenzyme CaMKII plays a well-established and critical role in the induction of a variety of forms of synaptic plasticity such as long-term potentiation (LTP), long-term depression (LTD) and depotentiation. Previously, we identified the GTPase Rem2 as a potent, endogenous inhibitor of CaMKII. Here, we report that knock out of Rem2 enhances LTP at the Schaffer collateral to CA1 synapse in hippocampus, consistent with an inhibitory action of Rem2 on CaMKII in vivo. Further, re-expression of WT Rem2 rescues the enhanced LTP observed in slices obtained from Rem2 conditional knock out (cKO) mice, while expression of a mutant Rem2 construct that is unable to inhibit CaMKII in vitro fails to rescue increased LTP. In addition, we demonstrate that CaMKII and Rem2 interact in dendritic spines using a 2pFLIM-FRET approach. Taken together, our data lead us to propose that Rem2 serves as a brake on runaway synaptic potentiation via inhibition of CaMKII activity. Further, the enhanced LTP phenotype we observe in Rem2 cKO slices reveals a previously unknown role for Rem2 in the negative regulation of CaMKII function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabia Anjum
- Department of Biology and Volen Center for Complex Systems, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02454, United States of America
| | - Vernon R J Clarke
- Department of Neuroscience, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611
| | - Yutaro Nagasawa
- Department of Physiological Sciences, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies; Hayama, Kanagawa 240-0193, Japan
- Supportive Center for Brain Research, National Institute for Physiological Sciences; Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
| | - Hideji Murakoshi
- Department of Physiological Sciences, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies; Hayama, Kanagawa 240-0193, Japan
- Supportive Center for Brain Research, National Institute for Physiological Sciences; Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
| | - Suzanne Paradis
- Department of Biology and Volen Center for Complex Systems, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02454, United States of America
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10
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Kistner A, Chichester JA, Wang L, Calcedo R, Greig JA, Cardwell LN, Wright MC, Couthouis J, Sethi S, McIntosh BE, McKeever K, Wadsworth S, Wilson JM, Kakkis E, Sullivan BA. Prednisolone and rapamycin reduce the plasma cell gene signature and may improve AAV gene therapy in cynomolgus macaques. Gene Ther 2024; 31:128-143. [PMID: 37833563 PMCID: PMC10940161 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-023-00423-z] [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: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector gene therapy is a promising approach to treat rare genetic diseases; however, an ongoing challenge is how to best modulate host immunity to improve transduction efficiency and therapeutic outcomes. This report presents two studies characterizing multiple prophylactic immunosuppression regimens in male cynomolgus macaques receiving an AAVrh10 gene therapy vector expressing human coagulation factor VIII (hFVIII). In study 1, no immunosuppression was compared with prednisolone, rapamycin (or sirolimus), rapamycin and cyclosporin A in combination, and cyclosporin A and azathioprine in combination. Prednisolone alone demonstrated higher mean peripheral blood hFVIII expression; however, this was not sustained upon taper. Anti-capsid and anti-hFVIII antibody responses were robust, and vector genomes and transgene mRNA levels were similar to no immunosuppression at necropsy. Study 2 compared no immunosuppression with prednisolone alone or in combination with rapamycin or methotrexate. The prednisolone/rapamycin group demonstrated an increase in mean hFVIII expression and a mean delay in anti-capsid IgG development until after rapamycin taper. Additionally, a significant reduction in the plasma cell gene signature was observed with prednisolone/rapamycin, suggesting that rapamycin's tolerogenic effects may include plasma cell differentiation blockade. Immunosuppression with prednisolone and rapamycin in combination could improve therapeutic outcomes in AAV vector gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jessica A Chichester
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lili Wang
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Roberto Calcedo
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Affinia Therapeutics, Waltham, MA, USA
| | - Jenny A Greig
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Leah N Cardwell
- Ultragenyx Gene Therapy, Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Samuel Wadsworth
- Ultragenyx Gene Therapy, Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - James M Wilson
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Emil Kakkis
- Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc., Novato, CA, USA
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11
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Park S, Shin S, Lee H, Jang JH, Lee GM. Enhancing the production of adeno-associated virus (AAV)2 and AAV9 with high full capsid ratio in HEK293 cells through design-of-experiment optimization of triple plasmid ratio. Biotechnol J 2024; 19:e2300667. [PMID: 38479987 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202300667] [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: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
The recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors used in gene therapy are usually produced by transfecting three different plasmids (Adenoviral helper plasmid (pHelper), AAV rep/cap plasmids (pRepCap), and Transgene plasmid (pAAV-GOI)) into human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells. However, the high proportion of unwanted empty capsids generated during rAAV production is problematic. To simultaneously enhance the genome titer and full capsid ratio, the ratio of the three plasmids transfected into HEK293 cells was optimized using design-of-experiment (DoE). AAV2 and AAV9, which have different production kinetics, were selected as cell-associated and secreted model AAVs, respectively. In 125 mL Erlenmeyer flasks, the genome titers of rAAV2 and rAAV9 at DoE-optimized plasmid weight ratios (pHelper:pRep2Cap2:pAAV-GOI = 1:3.52:0.50 for rAAV2 and pHelper:pRep2Cap9:pAAV-GOI = 1:1.44:0.27 for rAAV9) were 2.23-fold and 2.26-fold higher than those in the widely used plasmid weight ratio (1:1:1), respectively. In addition, compared with the plasmid ratio of 1:1:1, the relative VP3 band intensities of rAAV2 and rAAV9, which represent the relative empty capsid ratios, were reduced by 26% and 25%, respectively, at the DoE-optimized plasmid ratio. Reduced empty capsid ratios in the DoE-optimized plasmid ratios were also confirmed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Taken together, regardless of the AAV serotype, DoE-aided optimization of the triple plasmid ratio was found to be an efficient means of improving the production of rAAV with a high full capsid ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungje Park
- Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seunghyeon Shin
- Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Haeshin Lee
- Department of Chemistry, KAIST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Hyung Jang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- R&D Center, GluGene Therapeutics Inc., Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyun Min Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
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12
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Walker S, Rose J, Hayes BC, Mulvania T. Generation of Complex Protein Structures by Coinfection with High-Quality Recombinant Baculovirus. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2829:159-173. [PMID: 38951332 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3961-0_10] [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: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
The baculovirus expression vector system (BEVS) is a powerful platform for protein expression in insect cells. A prevalent application is the expression of complex protein structures consisting of multiple, interacting proteins. Coinfection with multiple baculoviruses allows for production of complex structures, facilitating structure-function studies, allowing augmentation of insect cell functionality, and production of clinically relevant products such as virus-like particles (VLPs) and adeno-associated viral vectors (AAV). Successful coinfections require the generation of robust and well-quantified recombinant baculovirus stocks. Virus production through homologous recombination, combined with rigorous quantification of viral titers, allows for synchronous coinfections producing high end-product titers. In this chapter, we describe the streamlined workflow for generation and quantification of high-quality recombinant baculovirus stocks and successful coinfection as defined by a preponderance of dually infected cells in the insect cell culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Walker
- Expression Systems, LLC, an Advancion Company, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Jacqueline Rose
- Expression Systems, LLC, an Advancion Company, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Brooks C Hayes
- Expression Systems, LLC, an Advancion Company, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Thera Mulvania
- Expression Systems, LLC, an Advancion Company, Davis, CA, USA.
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13
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Yost SA, Firlar E, Glenn JD, Carroll HB, Foltz S, Giles AR, Egley JM, Firnberg E, Cho S, Nguyen T, Henry WM, Janczura KJ, Bruder J, Liu Y, Danos O, Karumuthil-Melethil S, Pannem S, Yost V, Engelson Y, Kaelber JT, Dimant H, Smith JB, Mercer AC. Characterization and biodistribution of under-employed gene therapy vector AAV7. J Virol 2023; 97:e0116323. [PMID: 37843374 PMCID: PMC10688378 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01163-23] [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: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The use of adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) as gene delivery vectors has vast potential for the treatment of many severe human diseases. Over one hundred naturally existing AAV capsid variants have been described and classified into phylogenetic clades based on their sequences. AAV8, AAV9, AAVrh.10, and other intensively studied capsids have been propelled into pre-clinical and clinical use, and more recently, marketed products; however, less-studied capsids may also have desirable properties (e.g., potency differences, tissue tropism, reduced immunogenicity, etc.) that have yet to be thoroughly described. These data will help build a broader structure-function knowledge base in the field, present capsid engineering opportunities, and enable the use of novel capsids with unique properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha A. Yost
- Research and Early Development, REGENXBIO Inc., Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Emre Firlar
- Institute of Quantitative Biomedicine and Rutgers CryoEM & Nanoimaging Facility, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Justin D. Glenn
- Research and Early Development, REGENXBIO Inc., Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Hayley B. Carroll
- Research and Early Development, REGENXBIO Inc., Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Steven Foltz
- Research and Early Development, REGENXBIO Inc., Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - April R. Giles
- Research and Early Development, REGENXBIO Inc., Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Jenny M. Egley
- Research and Early Development, REGENXBIO Inc., Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Elad Firnberg
- Research and Early Development, REGENXBIO Inc., Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Sungyeon Cho
- Research and Early Development, REGENXBIO Inc., Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Trang Nguyen
- Research and Early Development, REGENXBIO Inc., Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - William M. Henry
- Research and Early Development, REGENXBIO Inc., Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Joseph Bruder
- Research and Early Development, REGENXBIO Inc., Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Ye Liu
- Research and Early Development, REGENXBIO Inc., Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Olivier Danos
- Research and Early Development, REGENXBIO Inc., Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Jason T. Kaelber
- Institute of Quantitative Biomedicine and Rutgers CryoEM & Nanoimaging Facility, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Hemi Dimant
- Invicro LLC, Needham, Massachusetts, USA
- Emit Imaging, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jared B. Smith
- Research and Early Development, REGENXBIO Inc., Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Andrew C. Mercer
- Research and Early Development, REGENXBIO Inc., Rockville, Maryland, USA
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14
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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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15
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Vaden SL, Kendall AR, Foster JD, New HL, Eagleson JS, May JL, Traas AM, Wilson MJ, McIntyre BH, Hinderer CJ, Olenick LK, Wilson JM. Adeno-associated virus-vectored erythropoietin gene therapy for anemia in cats with chronic kidney disease. J Vet Intern Med 2023; 37:2200-2210. [PMID: 37847024 PMCID: PMC10658539 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16900] [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: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD)-associated anemia in cats is needed. SB-001 is an adeno-associated virus-vectored (AAV)-based gene therapeutic agent that is administered intramuscularly, causing the expression of feline erythropoietin. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVE We hypothesized that SB-001 injection would lead to a sustained increase in PCV in cats with CKD-associated anemia. ANIMALS Twenty-three cats with International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) Stage 2 to 4 CKD-associated anemia were enrolled at 4 veterinary clinics. METHODS In a prospective clinical trial, cats were treated with 1 of 3 regimens of SB-001 (Lo 1.2 × 109 genome copies [GCs] on Day 0; Lo ± Hi [supplemental 2nd dose of 3.65 × 109 GC on Day 42]; Hi 3.65 × 109 GC IM on Day 0) and followed for 70 days. RESULTS A response to SB-001 at any time between Day 28 and Day 70 was seen in 86% (95% confidence interval 65, 97%) of all cats. There was a significant (P < .003) increase in PCV from Day 0 to Day 28 (mean increase 6 ± 6 percentage points [pp]; n = 21), Day 42 (8 ± 9 pp; n = 21), Day 56 (10 ± 11 pp; n = 17), and Day 70 (13 ± 14 pp, n = 14). Twelve cats were hypertensive at baseline, 4 of which developed encephalopathy during the study. An additional 6 cats became hypertensive during the study. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Results of this study suggest that SB-001 therapy represents a suitable single injection treatment that can address nonregenerative anemia in cats with CKD. It was generally well tolerated; however, hypertension and encephalopathy developed in some cats as previously described in association with erythropoiesis-stimulating agent therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelly L. Vaden
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary MedicineNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNorth Carolina27607USA
| | - Allison R. Kendall
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary MedicineNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNorth Carolina27607USA
| | | | - Heidi L. New
- VCA Sacramento Veterinary Referral CenterSacramentoCalifornia95287USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Christian J. Hinderer
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvania19104USA
| | | | - James M. Wilson
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvania19104USA
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16
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Rosenberg JB, Fung EK, Dyke JP, De BP, Lou H, Kelly JM, Reejhsinghani L, Ricart Arbona RJ, Sondhi D, Kaminsky SM, Cartier N, Hinderer C, Hordeaux J, Wilson JM, Ballon DJ, Crystal RG. Positron Emission Tomography Quantitative Assessment of Off-Target Whole-Body Biodistribution of I-124-Labeled Adeno-Associated Virus Capsids Administered to Cerebral Spinal Fluid. Hum Gene Ther 2023; 34:1095-1106. [PMID: 37624734 PMCID: PMC10659018 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2023.060] [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: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Based on studies in experimental animals demonstrating that administration of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors to the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is an effective route to transfer genes to the nervous system, there are increasing number of clinical trials using the CSF route to treat nervous system disorders. With the knowledge that the CSF turns over four to five times daily, and evidence in experimental animals that at least some of CSF administered AAV vectors are distributed to systemic organs, we asked: with AAV administration to the CSF, what fraction of the total dose remains in the nervous system and what fraction goes off target and is delivered systemically? To quantify the biodistribution of AAV capsids immediately after administration, we covalently labeled AAV capsids with iodine 124 (I-124), a cyclotron generated positron emitter, enabling quantitative positron emission tomography scanning of capsid distribution for up to 96 h after AAV vector administration. We assessed the biodistribution to nonhuman primates of I-124-labeled capsids from different AAV clades, including 9 (clade F), rh.10 (E), PHP.eB (F), hu68 (F), and rh91(A). The analysis demonstrated that 60-90% of AAV vectors administered to the CSF through either the intracisternal or intrathecal (lumbar) routes distributed systemically to major organs. These observations have potentially significant clinical implications regarding accuracy of AAV vector dosing to the nervous system, evoking systemic immunity at levels similar to that with systemic administration, and potential toxicity of genes designed to treat nervous system disorders being expressed in non-nervous system organs. Based on these data, individuals in clinical trials using AAV vectors administered to the CSF should be monitored for systemic as well as nervous system adverse events and CNS dosing considerations should account for a significant AAV systemic distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Edward K. Fung
- Department of Radiology, Citigroup Biomedical Imaging Center; Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jonathan P. Dyke
- Department of Radiology, Citigroup Biomedical Imaging Center; Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | | | | | - James M. Kelly
- Department of Radiology, Citigroup Biomedical Imaging Center; Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Layla Reejhsinghani
- Department of Radiology, Citigroup Biomedical Imaging Center; Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Rodolfo J. Ricart Arbona
- Center for Comparative Medicine and Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | | | | | - Nathalie Cartier
- Neurogencell INSERM U1127 Paris Brain Institute, Paris Sorbonne University, Paris, France; and
| | - Christian Hinderer
- Gene Therapy Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Juliette Hordeaux
- Gene Therapy Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - James M. Wilson
- Gene Therapy Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Douglas J. Ballon
- Department of Genetic Medicine
- Department of Radiology, Citigroup Biomedical Imaging Center; Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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17
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Rojsajjakul T, Hordeaux JJ, Choudhury GR, Hinderer CJ, Mesaros C, Wilson JM, Blair IA. Quantification of human mature frataxin protein expression in nonhuman primate hearts after gene therapy. Commun Biol 2023; 6:1093. [PMID: 37891254 PMCID: PMC10611776 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05472-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Deficiency in human mature frataxin (hFXN-M) protein is responsible for the devastating neurodegenerative and cardiodegenerative disease of Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA). It results primarily through epigenetic silencing of the FXN gene by GAA triplet repeats on intron 1 of both alleles. GAA repeat lengths are most commonly between 600 and 1200 but can reach 1700. A subset of approximately 3% of FRDA patients have GAA repeats on one allele and a mutation on the other. FRDA patients die most commonly in their 30s from heart disease. Therefore, increasing expression of heart hFXN-M using gene therapy offers a way to prevent early mortality in FRDA. We used rhesus macaque monkeys to test the pharmacology of an adeno-associated virus (AAV)hu68.CB7.hFXN therapy. The advantage of using non-human primates for hFXN-M gene therapy studies is that hFXN-M and monkey FXN-M (mFXN-M) are 98.5% identical, which limits potential immunologic side-effects. However, this presented a formidable bioanalytical challenge in quantification of proteins with almost identical sequences. This could be overcome by the development of a species-specific quantitative mass spectrometry-based method, which has revealed for the first time, robust transgene-specific human protein expression in monkey heart tissue. The dose response is non-linear resulting in a ten-fold increase in monkey heart hFXN-M protein expression with only a three-fold increase in dose of the vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teerapat Rojsajjakul
- Penn/CHOP Friedreich's Ataxia Center of Excellence and Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Juliette J Hordeaux
- Gene Therapy Program, Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Gourav R Choudhury
- Gene Therapy Program, Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Christian J Hinderer
- Gene Therapy Program, Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Clementina Mesaros
- Penn/CHOP Friedreich's Ataxia Center of Excellence and Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - James M Wilson
- Gene Therapy Program, Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Ian A Blair
- Penn/CHOP Friedreich's Ataxia Center of Excellence and Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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18
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Agetsuma M, Sato I, Tanaka YR, Carrillo-Reid L, Kasai A, Noritake A, Arai Y, Yoshitomo M, Inagaki T, Yukawa H, Hashimoto H, Nabekura J, Nagai T. Activity-dependent organization of prefrontal hub-networks for associative learning and signal transformation. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5996. [PMID: 37803014 PMCID: PMC10558457 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41547-5] [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: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Associative learning is crucial for adapting to environmental changes. Interactions among neuronal populations involving the dorso-medial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC) are proposed to regulate associative learning, but how these neuronal populations store and process information about the association remains unclear. Here we developed a pipeline for longitudinal two-photon imaging and computational dissection of neural population activities in male mouse dmPFC during fear-conditioning procedures, enabling us to detect learning-dependent changes in the dmPFC network topology. Using regularized regression methods and graphical modeling, we found that fear conditioning drove dmPFC reorganization to generate a neuronal ensemble encoding conditioned responses (CR) characterized by enhanced internal coactivity, functional connectivity, and association with conditioned stimuli (CS). Importantly, neurons strongly responding to unconditioned stimuli during conditioning subsequently became hubs of this novel associative network for the CS-to-CR transformation. Altogether, we demonstrate learning-dependent dynamic modulation of population coding structured on the activity-dependent formation of the hub network within the dmPFC.
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Grants
- MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
- This study was supported by the Japan Science and Technology Agency, PRESTO (to M.A.), JSPS KAKENHI Grant (grant number JP18K06536, JP18H05144, JP20H05076, JP21H02801, JP22H05081, JP22H05519 to M.A.; JP20H03357, JP20H05073, JP21K18563 to Y.R.T.; JP20H05065, JP22H05080 to A.K.; JP22H05081 to A.N.), JSPS Bilateral Program (JPJSBP1-20199901 to M.A.), AMED (grant number JP19dm0207086 to M.A.; JP21dm0207117 to H.H.), the grant of Joint Research by the National Institutes of Natural Sciences (NINS program No 01112008 and 01112106 to M.A.), and grants from Brain Science Foundation and Shimadzu Foundation to M.A. and the Takeda Science Foundation to A.K. and H.H. Authors declare that they have no competing interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masakazu Agetsuma
- Division of Homeostatic Development, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, 38 Nishigohnaka Myodaiji-cho, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8585, Japan.
- Japan Science and Technology Agency, PRESTO, 4-1-8 Honcho, Kawaguchi, Saitama, 332-0012, Japan.
- SANKEN (The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research), Osaka University, Mihogaoka 8-1, Ibaraki, Osaka, 567-0047, Japan.
- Division of Molecular Design, Research Center for Systems Immunology, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.
- Quantum Regenerative and Biomedical Engineering Team, Institute for Quantum Life Science, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST), Anagawa 4-9-1, Chiba Inage-ku, Chiba, 263-8555, Japan.
| | - Issei Sato
- Department of Computer Science, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro R Tanaka
- Brain Science Institute, Tamagawa University, 6-1-1 Tamagawagakuen, Machida, Tokyo, 194-8610, Japan
| | - Luis Carrillo-Reid
- Instituto de Neurobiologia, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Boulevard Juriquilla 3001, Juriquilla, Queretaro, CP, 76230, Mexico
| | - Atsushi Kasai
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Yamadaoka 1-6, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Atsushi Noritake
- Division of Behavioral Development, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, 38 Nishigohnaka Myodaiji-cho, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8585, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Arai
- SANKEN (The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research), Osaka University, Mihogaoka 8-1, Ibaraki, Osaka, 567-0047, Japan
| | - Miki Yoshitomo
- Division of Homeostatic Development, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, 38 Nishigohnaka Myodaiji-cho, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8585, Japan
| | - Takashi Inagaki
- Division of Homeostatic Development, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, 38 Nishigohnaka Myodaiji-cho, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8585, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Yukawa
- Quantum Regenerative and Biomedical Engineering Team, Institute for Quantum Life Science, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST), Anagawa 4-9-1, Chiba Inage-ku, Chiba, 263-8555, Japan
- Institute of Nano-Life-Systems, Institutes of Innovation for Future Society Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, 464-8603, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Hashimoto
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Yamadaoka 1-6, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University, and University of Fukui, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
- Division of Bioscience, Institute for Datability Science, Osaka University, 1-8 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
- Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Junichi Nabekura
- Division of Homeostatic Development, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, 38 Nishigohnaka Myodaiji-cho, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8585, Japan
| | - Takeharu Nagai
- SANKEN (The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research), Osaka University, Mihogaoka 8-1, Ibaraki, Osaka, 567-0047, Japan
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19
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Leon-Astudillo C, Trivedi PD, Sun RC, Gentry MS, Fuller DD, Byrne BJ, Corti M. Current avenues of gene therapy in Pompe disease. Curr Opin Neurol 2023; 36:464-473. [PMID: 37639402 PMCID: PMC10911405 DOI: 10.1097/wco.0000000000001187] [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] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Pompe disease is a rare, inherited, devastating condition that causes progressive weakness, cardiomyopathy and neuromotor disease due to the accumulation of glycogen in striated and smooth muscle, as well as neurons. While enzyme replacement therapy has dramatically changed the outcome of patients with the disease, this strategy has several limitations. Gene therapy in Pompe disease constitutes an attractive approach due to the multisystem aspects of the disease and need to address the central nervous system manifestations. This review highlights the recent work in this field, including methods, progress, shortcomings, and future directions. RECENT FINDINGS Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) and lentiviral vectors (LV) are well studied platforms for gene therapy in Pompe disease. These products can be further adapted for safe and efficient administration with concomitant immunosuppression, with the modification of specific receptors or codon optimization. rAAV has been studied in multiple clinical trials demonstrating safety and tolerability. SUMMARY Gene therapy for the treatment of patients with Pompe disease is feasible and offers an opportunity to fully correct the principal pathology leading to cellular glycogen accumulation. Further work is needed to overcome the limitations related to vector production, immunologic reactions and redosing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Leon-Astudillo
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Prasad D Trivedi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Ramon C Sun
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville FL, United States
- Lafora Epilepsy Cure Initiative, United States
| | - Matthew S Gentry
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville FL, United States
- Lafora Epilepsy Cure Initiative, United States
| | | | - Barry J Byrne
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Manuela Corti
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States
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20
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Troxell B, Jaslow SL, Tsai IW, Sullivan C, Draper BE, Jarrold MF, Lindsey K, Blue L. Partial genome content within rAAVs impacts performance in a cell assay-dependent manner. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2023; 30:288-302. [PMID: 37583716 PMCID: PMC10423999 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs) deliver DNA to numerous cell types. However, packaging of partial genomes into the rAAV capsid is of concern. Although empty rAAV capsids are studied, there is little information regarding the impact of partial DNA content on rAAV performance in controlled studies. To address this, we tested vectors containing varying levels of partial, self-complementary EGFP genomes. Density gradient cesium chloride ultracentrifugation was used to isolate three distinct rAAV populations: (1) a lighter fraction, (2) a moderate fraction, and (3) a heavy fraction. Alkaline gels, Illumina Mi-Seq, size exclusion chromatography with multi-angle light scattering (SEC-MALS), and charge detection mass spectrometry (CD-MS) were used to characterize the genome of each population and ddPCR to quantify residual DNA molecules. Live-cell imaging and EGFP ELISA assays demonstrated reduced expression following transduction with the light fraction compared with the moderate and heavy fractions. However, PCR-based assays showed that the light density delivered EGFP DNA to cells as efficiently as the moderate and heavy fractions. Mi-Seq data revealed an underrepresentation of the promoter region for EGFP, suggesting that expression of EGFP was reduced because of lack of regulatory control. This work demonstrates that rAAVs containing partial genomes contribute to the DNA signal but have reduced vector performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Troxell
- StrideBio Analytical Development and Quality Control, 5 Laboratory Drive, Suite 1200, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
- AjaxBio, LLC, Holly Springs, NC 27540, USA
| | - Sarah L. Jaslow
- StrideBio Analytical Development and Quality Control, 5 Laboratory Drive, Suite 1200, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - I-Wei Tsai
- StrideBio Analytical Development and Quality Control, 5 Laboratory Drive, Suite 1200, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Chelsea Sullivan
- StrideBio Analytical Development and Quality Control, 5 Laboratory Drive, Suite 1200, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Benjamin E. Draper
- Megadalton Solutions, Inc., 3750 E. Bluebird Ln., Bloomington, IN 47401, USA
| | - Martin F. Jarrold
- Chemistry Department, Indiana University, 800 E. Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Kate Lindsey
- StrideBio Analytical Development and Quality Control, 5 Laboratory Drive, Suite 1200, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Levi Blue
- StrideBio Analytical Development and Quality Control, 5 Laboratory Drive, Suite 1200, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
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21
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Fu Q, Polanco A, Lee YS, Yoon S. Critical challenges and advances in recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) biomanufacturing. Biotechnol Bioeng 2023; 120:2601-2621. [PMID: 37126355 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapy is a promising therapeutic approach for genetic and acquired diseases nowadays. Among DNA delivery vectors, recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) is one of the most effective and safest vectors used in commercial drugs and clinical trials. However, the current yield of rAAV biomanufacturing lags behind the necessary dosages for clinical and commercial use, which embodies a concentrated reflection of low productivity of rAAV from host cells, difficult scalability of the rAAV-producing bioprocess, and high levels of impurities materialized during production. Those issues directly impact the price of gene therapy medicine in the market, limiting most patients' access to gene therapy. In this context, the current practices and several critical challenges associated with rAAV gene therapy bioprocesses are reviewed, followed by a discussion of recent advances in rAAV-mediated gene therapy and other therapeutic biological fields that could improve biomanufacturing if these advances are integrated effectively into the current systems. This review aims to provide the current state-of-the-art technology and perspectives to enhance the productivity of rAAV while reducing impurities during production of rAAV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Fu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology, The University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ashli Polanco
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yong Suk Lee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Seongkyu Yoon
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
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22
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Katz MG, Hadas Y, Vincek A, Freage-Kahn L, Shtraizent N, Madjarov JM, Pastuszko P, Eliyahu E. Acid ceramidase gene therapy ameliorates pulmonary arterial hypertension with right heart dysfunction. Respir Res 2023; 24:197. [PMID: 37568148 PMCID: PMC10416391 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-023-02487-2] [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: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Up-regulation of ceramides in pulmonary hypertension (PH), contributing to perturbations in sphingolipid homeostasis and the transition of cells to a senescence state. We assessed the safety, feasibility, and efficiency of acid ceramidase gene transfer in a rodent PH model. METHODS A model of PH was established by the combination of left pneumonectomy and injection of Sugen toxin. Magnetic resonance imaging and right heart catheterization confirmed development of PH. Animals were subjected to intratracheal administration of synthetic adeno-associated viral vector (Anc80L65) carrying the acid ceramidase (Anc80L65.AC), an empty capsid vector, or saline. Therapeutic efficacy was evaluated 8 weeks after gene delivery. RESULTS Hemodynamic assessment 4 weeks after PH model the development demonstrated an increase in the mean pulmonary artery pressure to 30.4 ± 2.13 mmHg versus 10.4 ± 1.65 mmHg in sham (p < 0.001), which was consistent with the definition of PH. We documented a significant increase in pulmonary vascular resistance in the saline-treated (6.79 ± 0.85 mm Hg) and empty capsid (6.94 ± 0.47 mm Hg) groups, but not in animals receiving Anc80L65.AC (4.44 ± 0.71 mm Hg, p < 0.001). Morphometric analysis demonstrated an increase in medial wall thickness in control groups in comparison to those treated with acid ceramidase. After acid ceramidase gene delivery, a significant decrease of pro-inflammatory factors, interleukins, and senescence markers was observed. CONCLUSION Gene delivery of acid ceramidase provided tropism to pulmonary tissue and ameliorated vascular remodeling with right ventricular dysfunction in pulmonary hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael G Katz
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1470 Madison Ave, P.O. Box 1030, New York, NY, 10029-6574, USA
- Department of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yoav Hadas
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1470 Madison Ave, P.O. Box 1030, New York, NY, 10029-6574, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Adam Vincek
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1470 Madison Ave, P.O. Box 1030, New York, NY, 10029-6574, USA
| | | | | | - Jeko M Madjarov
- Atrium Health Sanger Heart and Vascular Institute, Charlotte, NC, USA
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Peter Pastuszko
- Department of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Efrat Eliyahu
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1470 Madison Ave, P.O. Box 1030, New York, NY, 10029-6574, USA.
- Icahn Genomics Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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23
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Zhang ZY, Harischandra DS, Wang R, Ghaisas S, Zhao JY, McMonagle TP, Zhu G, Lacuarta KD, Song J, Trojanowski JQ, Xu H, Lee VMY, Yang X. TRIM11 protects against tauopathies and is down-regulated in Alzheimer's disease. Science 2023; 381:eadd6696. [PMID: 37499037 DOI: 10.1126/science.add6696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Aggregation of tau into filamentous inclusions underlies Alzheimer's disease (AD) and numerous other neurodegenerative tauopathies. The pathogenesis of tauopathies remains unclear, which impedes the development of disease-modifying treatments. Here, by systematically analyzing human tripartite motif (TRIM) proteins, we identified a few TRIMs that could potently inhibit tau aggregation. Among them, TRIM11 was markedly down-regulated in AD brains. TRIM11 promoted the proteasomal degradation of mutant tau as well as superfluous normal tau. It also enhanced tau solubility by acting as both a molecular chaperone to prevent tau misfolding and a disaggregase to dissolve preformed tau fibrils. TRIM11 maintained the connectivity and viability of neurons. Intracranial delivery of TRIM11 through adeno-associated viruses ameliorated pathology, neuroinflammation, and cognitive impairments in multiple animal models of tauopathies. These results suggest that TRIM11 down-regulation contributes to the pathogenesis of tauopathies and that restoring TRIM11 expression may represent an effective therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Yang Zhang
- Department of Cancer Biology and Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Dilshan S Harischandra
- Department of Cancer Biology and Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ruifang Wang
- Department of Cancer Biology and Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Shivani Ghaisas
- Department of Cancer Biology and Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Janet Y Zhao
- Department of Cancer Biology and Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Thomas P McMonagle
- Department of Cancer Biology and Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Guixin Zhu
- Department of Cancer Biology and Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kenzo D Lacuarta
- Department of Cancer Biology and Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jianing Song
- Department of Cancer Biology and Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - John Q Trojanowski
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging, and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Hong Xu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging, and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Virginia M-Y Lee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging, and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Xiaolu Yang
- Department of Cancer Biology and Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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24
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Martino RA, Wang Q, Xu H, Hu G, Bell P, Arroyo EJ, Sims JJ, Wilson JM. Vector Affinity and Receptor Distribution Define Tissue-Specific Targeting in an Engineered AAV Capsid. J Virol 2023; 97:e0017423. [PMID: 37199615 PMCID: PMC10308920 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00174-23] [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: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Unbiased in vivo selections of diverse capsid libraries can yield engineered capsids that overcome gene therapy delivery challenges like traversing the blood-brain barrier (BBB), but little is known about the parameters of capsid-receptor interactions that govern their improved activity. This hampers broader efforts in precision capsid engineering and is a practical impediment to ensuring the translatability of capsid properties between preclinical animal models and human clinical trials. In this work, we utilize the adeno-associated virus (AAV)-PHP.B-Ly6a model system to better understand the targeted delivery and BBB penetration properties of AAV vectors. This model offers a defined capsid-receptor pair that can be used to systematically define relationships between target receptor affinity and in vivo activity of engineered AAV vectors. Here, we report a high-throughput method for quantifying capsid-receptor affinity and demonstrate that direct binding assays can be used to organize a vector library into families with varied affinity for their target receptor. Our data indicate that efficient central nervous system transduction requires high levels of target receptor expression at the BBB, but it is not a requirement for receptor expression to be limited to the target tissue. We observed that enhanced receptor affinity leads to reduced transduction of off-target tissues but can negatively impact on-target cellular transduction and penetration of endothelial barriers. Together, this work provides a set of tools for defining vector-receptor affinities and demonstrates how receptor expression and affinity interact to impact the performance of engineered AAV vectors in targeting the central nervous system. IMPORTANCE Novel methods for measuring adeno-associated virus (AAV)-receptor affinities, especially in relation to vector performance in vivo, would be useful to capsid engineers as they develop AAV vectors for gene therapy applications and characterize their interactions with native or engineered receptors. Here, we use the AAV-PHP.B-Ly6a model system to assess the impact of receptor affinity on the systemic delivery and endothelial penetration properties of AAV-PHP.B vectors. We discuss how receptor affinity analysis can be used to isolate vectors with optimized properties, improve the interpretation of library selections, and ultimately translate vector activities between preclinical animal models and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Alexander Martino
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Qiang Wang
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Hao Xu
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Gui Hu
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Peter Bell
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Edgardo J. Arroyo
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Joshua J. Sims
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - James M. Wilson
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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25
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Blair I, Rojsajjakul T, Hordeaux J, Chaudhary G, Hinderer C, Mesaros C, Wilson J. Quantification of human mature frataxin protein expression in nonhuman primate hearts after gene therapy. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3121549. [PMID: 37461697 PMCID: PMC10350221 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3121549/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Deficiency in human mature frataxin (hFXN-M) protein is responsible for the devastating neurodegenerative and cardiodegenerative disease of Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA). It results primarily by epigenetic silencing the FXN gene due to up to 1400 GAA triplet repeats in intron 1 of both alleles of the gene; a subset of approximately 3% of FRDA patients have a mutation on one allele. FRDA patients die most commonly in their 30s from heart disease. Therefore, increasing expression of heart hFXN-M using gene therapy offers a way to prevent early mortality in FRDA. We used rhesus macaque monkeys to test the pharmacology of an adeno-associated virus (AAV)hu68.CB7.hFXN therapy. The advantage of using non-human primates for hFXN-M gene therapy studies is that hFXN-M and monkey FXN-M (mFXN-M) are 98.5% identical, which limits potential immunologic side-effects. However, this presented a formidable bioanalytical challenge in quantification of proteins with almost identical sequences. This was overcome by development of a species-specific quantitative mass spectrometry-based method, which revealed for the first time, robust transgene-specific human protein expression in monkey heart tissue. The dose response was non-linear resulting in a ten-fold increase in monkey heart hFXN-M protein expression with only a three-fold increase in dose of the vector.
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26
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Dominic KL, Choi J, Holmes JB, Singh M, Majcher MJ, Stelzer JE. The contribution of N-terminal truncated cMyBPC to in vivo cardiac function. J Gen Physiol 2023; 155:e202213318. [PMID: 37067542 PMCID: PMC10114924 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.202213318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac myosin binding protein C (cMyBPC) is an 11-domain sarcomeric protein (C0-C10) integral to cardiac muscle regulation. In vitro studies have demonstrated potential functional roles for regions beyond the N-terminus. However, the in vivo contributions of these domains are mostly unknown. Therefore, we examined the in vivo consequences of expression of N-terminal truncated cMyBPC (C3C10). Neonatal cMyBPC-/- mice were injected with AAV9-full length (FL), C3C10 cMyBPC, or saline, and echocardiography was performed 6 wk after injection. We then isolated skinned myocardium from virus-treated hearts and performed mechanical experiments. Our results show that expression of C3C10 cMyBPC in cMyBPC-/- mice resulted in a 28% increase in systolic ejection fraction compared to saline-injected cMyBPC-/- mice and a 25% decrease in left ventricle mass-to-body weight ratio. However, unlike expression of FL cMyBPC, there was no prolongation of ejection time compared to saline-injected mice. In vitro mechanical experiments demonstrated that functional improvements in cMyBPC-/- mice expressing C3C10 were primarily due to a 35% reduction in the rate of cross-bridge recruitment at submaximal Ca2+ concentrations when compared to hearts from saline-injected cMyBPC-/- mice. However, unlike the expression of FL cMyBPC, there was no change in the rate of cross-bridge detachment when compared to saline-injected mice. Our data demonstrate that regions of cMyBPC beyond the N-terminus are important for in vivo cardiac function, and have divergent effects on cross-bridge behavior. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms of cMyBPC region-specific function could allow for development of targeted approaches to manipulate specific aspects of cardiac contractile function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine L. Dominic
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Joohee Choi
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Joshua B. Holmes
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Mandeep Singh
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Michael J. Majcher
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Julian E. Stelzer
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
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27
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Whiteley Z, Massaro G, Gkogkos G, Gavriilidis A, Waddington SN, Rahim AA, Craig DQM. Microfluidic production of nanogels as alternative triple transfection reagents for the manufacture of adeno-associated virus vectors. NANOSCALE 2023; 15:5865-5876. [PMID: 36866741 DOI: 10.1039/d2nr06401d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Adeno-associated viral vectors (AAVs) have proved a mainstay in gene therapy, owing to their remarkable transduction efficiency and safety profile. Their production, however, remains challenging in terms of yield, the cost-effectiveness of manufacturing procedures and large-scale production. In this work, we present nanogels produced by microfluidics as a novel alternative to standard transfection reagents such as polyethylenimine-MAX (PEI-MAX) for the production of AAV vectors with comparable yields. Nanogels were formed at pDNA weight ratios of 1 : 1 : 2 and 1 : 1 : 3, of pAAV cis-plasmid, pDG9 capsid trans-plasmid and pHGTI helper plasmid respectively, where vector yields at a small scale showed no significant difference to those of PEI-MAX. Weight ratios of 1 : 1 : 2 showed overall higher titers than 1 : 1 : 3, where nanogels with nitrogen/phosphate ratios of 5 and 10 produced yields of ≈8.8 × 108 vg mL-1 and ≈8.1 × 108 vg mL-1 respectively compared to ≈1.1 × 109 vg mL-1 for PEI-MAX. In larger scale production, optimised nanogels produced AAV at a titer of ≈7.4 × 1011 vg mL-1, showing no statistical difference from that of PEI-MAX at ≈1.2 × 1012 vg mL-1, indicating that equivalent titers can be achieved with easy-to-implement microfluidic technology at comparably lower costs than traditional reagents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe Whiteley
- Department of Pharmaceutics, UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London, WC1N 1AX, UK.
| | - Giulia Massaro
- Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London, WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Georgios Gkogkos
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University College London, Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7JE, UK
| | - Asterios Gavriilidis
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University College London, Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7JE, UK
| | - Simon N Waddington
- Institute for Women's Health, University College London, 84-84 Chenies Mews, London, WC1E 6HU, UK
- MRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ahad A Rahim
- Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London, WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Duncan Q M Craig
- Department of Pharmaceutics, UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London, WC1N 1AX, UK.
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28
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Su J, She K, Song L, Jin X, Li R, Zhao Q, Xiao J, Chen D, Cheng H, Lu F, Wei Y, Yang Y. In vivo base editing rescues photoreceptors in a mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 31:596-609. [PMID: 36910709 PMCID: PMC9996133 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of retinal diseases that cause the progressive death of retinal photoreceptor cells and eventually blindness. Mutations in the β-domain of the phosphodiesterase 6 (Pde6b) gene are the most identified causes of autosomal recessive RP. Clinically, there is no effective treatment so far that can stop the progression of RP and restore the vision. Here, we report a base editing approach in which adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated adenine base editor (ABE) delivering to postmitotic photoreceptors was conducted to correct the Pde6b mutation in a retinal degeneration 10 (rd10) mouse model of RP. Subretinal delivery of AAV8-ABE corrected Pde6b mutation with averaging up to 20.79% efficiency at the DNA level and 54.97% efficiency at the cDNA level without bystanders, restored PDE6B expression, preserved photoreceptors, and rescued visual function. RNA-seq revealed the preservation of genes associated with phototransduction and photoreceptor survival. Our data have demonstrated that base editing is a potential gene therapy that could provide durable protection against RP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Su
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Kaiqin She
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Li Song
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiu Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ruiting Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qinyu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jianlu Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Danian Chen
- Research Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hui Cheng
- Institute of Rare Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Fang Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuquan Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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29
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Florea M, Nicolaou F, Pacouret S, Zinn EM, Sanmiguel J, Andres-Mateos E, Unzu C, Wagers AJ, Vandenberghe LH. High-efficiency purification of divergent AAV serotypes using AAVX affinity chromatography. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2023; 28:146-159. [PMID: 36654797 PMCID: PMC9823220 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2022.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The adeno-associated viral vector (AAV) provides a safe and efficient gene therapy platform with several approved products that have marked therapeutic impact for patients. However, a major bottleneck in the development and commercialization of AAV remains the efficiency, cost, and scalability of AAV production. Chromatographic methods have the potential to allow purification at increased scales and lower cost but often require optimization specific to each serotype. Here, we demonstrate that the POROS CaptureSelect AAVX affinity resin efficiently captures a panel of 15 divergent AAV serotypes, including the commonly used AAV2, AAV8, AAV9, PHP.B, and Anc80. We also find that AAVX resin can be regenerated repeatedly without loss of efficiency or carry-over contamination. While AAV preps purified with AAVX showed a higher fraction of empty capsids than preps purified using iodixanol ultracentrifugation, the potency of the AAVX purified vectors was comparable with that of iodixanol purified vectors both in vitro and in vivo. Finally, optimization of the purification protocol resulted in a process with an overall efficiency of 65%-80% across all scales and AAV serotypes tested. These data establish AAVX affinity chromatography as a versatile and efficient method for purification of a broad range of AAV serotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Florea
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute and Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Ph.D. Program in Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Division of Medical Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Fotini Nicolaou
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute and Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Simon Pacouret
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute and Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eric M. Zinn
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute and Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Julio Sanmiguel
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute and Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eva Andres-Mateos
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute and Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Carmen Unzu
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute and Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amy J. Wagers
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Paul F. Glenn Center for the Biology of Aging, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Section on Islet Cell and Regenerative Biology, Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Luk H. Vandenberghe
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute and Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA, USA
- Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
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30
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Su J, Jin X, She K, Liu Y, Song L, Zhao Q, Xiao J, Li R, Deng H, Lu F, Yang Y. In vivo adenine base editing corrects newborn murine model of Hurler syndrome. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2023; 4:6. [PMID: 36813914 PMCID: PMC9947215 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-023-00120-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I) is a severe disease caused by loss-of-function mutation variants in the α-L-iduronidase (Idua) gene. In vivo genome editing represents a promising strategy to correct Idua mutations, and has the potential to permanently restore IDUA function over the lifespan of patients. Here, we used adenine base editing to directly convert A > G (TAG>TGG) in a newborn murine model harboring the Idua-W392X mutation, which recapitulates the human condition and is analogous to the highly prevalent human W402X mutation. We engineered a split-intein dual-adeno-associated virus 9 (AAV9) adenine base editor to circumvent the package size limit of AAV vectors. Intravenous injection of the AAV9-base editor system into MPS IH newborn mice led to sustained enzyme expression sufficient for correction of metabolic disease (GAGs substrate accumulation) and prevention of neurobehavioral deficits. We observed a reversion of the W392X mutation in 22.46 ± 6.74% of hepatocytes, 11.18 ± 5.25% of heart and 0.34 ± 0.12% of brain, along with decreased GAGs storage in peripheral organs (liver, spleen, lung and kidney). Collectively, these data showed the promise of a base editing approach to precisely correct a common genetic cause of MPS I in vivo and could be broadly applicable to the treatment of a wide array of monogenic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Su
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Ke-yuan Road 4, No. 1, Gao-peng Street, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan China
| | - Xiu Jin
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Ke-yuan Road 4, No. 1, Gao-peng Street, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan China
| | - Kaiqin She
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Ke-yuan Road 4, No. 1, Gao-peng Street, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan China ,grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan China
| | - Yi Liu
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Ke-yuan Road 4, No. 1, Gao-peng Street, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan China
| | - Li Song
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Ke-yuan Road 4, No. 1, Gao-peng Street, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan China
| | - Qinyu Zhao
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Ke-yuan Road 4, No. 1, Gao-peng Street, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan China
| | - Jianlu Xiao
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Ke-yuan Road 4, No. 1, Gao-peng Street, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan China
| | - Ruiting Li
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Ke-yuan Road 4, No. 1, Gao-peng Street, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan China
| | - Hongxin Deng
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Ke-yuan Road 4, No. 1, Gao-peng Street, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan China
| | - Fang Lu
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan China
| | - Yang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Ke-yuan Road 4, No. 1, Gao-peng Street, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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31
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She K, Liu Y, Zhao Q, Jin X, Yang Y, Su J, Li R, Song L, Xiao J, Yao S, Lu F, Wei Y, Yang Y. Dual-AAV split prime editor corrects the mutation and phenotype in mice with inherited retinal degeneration. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:57. [PMID: 36740702 PMCID: PMC9899767 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01234-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The prime editor (PE) can edit genomes with almost any intended changes, including all 12 possible types of base substitutions, small insertions and deletions, and their combinations, without the requirement for double strand breaks or exogenous donor templates. PE demonstrates the possibility of correcting a variety of disease-causing mutations and might expand the therapeutic application of gene editing. In this study, PE was optimized based on a dual-adeno-associated virus (AAV) split-intein system in vitro by screening different split sites and split inteins. We found that splitting PE before amino acid 1105(Ser) of SpCas9 with Rma intein resulted in the highest on-target editing. The orientations of pegRNA and nicking sgRNA in the AAV vector were further optimized. To test the in vivo performance of the optimized dual-AAV split-PE3, it was delivered by subretinal injection in rd12 mice with inherited retinal disease Leber congenital amaurosis. The prime editors corrected the pathogenic mutation with up to 16% efficiency in a precise way, with no detectable off-target edits, restored RPE65 expression, rescued retinal and visual function, and preserved photoceptors. Our findings establish a framework for the preclinical development of PE and motivate further testing of PE for the treatment of inherited retinal diseases caused by various mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiqin She
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qinyu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiu Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yiliu Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jing Su
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ruiting Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Li Song
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jianlu Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Shaohua Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Fang Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| | - Yuquan Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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32
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Reichart D, Newby GA, Wakimoto H, Lun M, Gorham JM, Curran JJ, Raguram A, DeLaughter DM, Conner DA, Marsiglia JDC, Kohli S, Chmatal L, Page DC, Zabaleta N, Vandenberghe L, Liu DR, Seidman JG, Seidman C. Efficient in vivo genome editing prevents hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in mice. Nat Med 2023; 29:412-421. [PMID: 36797483 PMCID: PMC9941048 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-022-02190-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Dominant missense pathogenic variants in cardiac myosin heavy chain cause hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a currently incurable disorder that increases risk for stroke, heart failure and sudden cardiac death. In this study, we assessed two different genetic therapies-an adenine base editor (ABE8e) and a potent Cas9 nuclease delivered by AAV9-to prevent disease in mice carrying the heterozygous HCM pathogenic variant myosin R403Q. One dose of dual-AAV9 vectors, each carrying one half of RNA-guided ABE8e, corrected the pathogenic variant in ≥70% of ventricular cardiomyocytes and maintained durable, normal cardiac structure and function. An additional dose provided more editing in the atria but also increased bystander editing. AAV9 delivery of RNA-guided Cas9 nuclease effectively inactivated the pathogenic allele, albeit with dose-dependent toxicities, necessitating a narrow therapeutic window to maintain health. These preclinical studies demonstrate considerable potential for single-dose genetic therapies to correct or silence pathogenic variants and prevent the development of HCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Reichart
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine I, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Gregory A Newby
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Hiroko Wakimoto
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mingyue Lun
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joshua M Gorham
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Justin J Curran
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aditya Raguram
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Daniel M DeLaughter
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - David A Conner
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Sajeev Kohli
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | | | - David C Page
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Nerea Zabaleta
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA
- Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Luk Vandenberghe
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA
- Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - David R Liu
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | | | - Christine Seidman
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA.
- Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
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33
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Lim JA, Kishnani PS, Sun B. Suppression of pullulanase-induced cytotoxic T cell response with a dual promoter in GSD IIIa mice. JCI Insight 2022; 7:152970. [PMID: 36264632 PMCID: PMC9746900 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.152970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Glycogen debranching enzyme deficiency in glycogen storage disease type III (GSD III) results in excessive glycogen accumulation in multiple tissues, primarily the liver, heart, and skeletal muscle. We recently reported that an adeno-associated virus vector expressing a bacterial debranching enzyme (pullulanase) driven by the ubiquitous CMV enhancer/chicken β-actin (CB) promoter cleared glycogen in major affected tissues of infant GSD IIIa mice. In this study, we developed a potentially novel dual promoter consisting of a liver-specific promoter (LSP) and the CB promoter for gene therapy in adult GSD IIIa mice. Ten-week treatment with an adeno-associated virus vector containing the LSP-CB dual promoter in adult GSD IIIa mice significantly increased pullulanase expression and reduced glycogen contents in the liver, heart, and skeletal muscle, accompanied by the reversal of liver fibrosis, improved muscle function, and a significant decrease in plasma biomarkers alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and creatine kinase. Compared with the CB promoter, the dual promoter effectively decreased pullulanase-induced cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses and enabled persistent therapeutic gene expression in adult GSD IIIa mice. Future studies are needed to determine the long-term durability of dual promoter-mediated expression of pullulanase in adult GSD IIIa mice and in large animal models.
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Katz MG, Hadas Y, Bailey RA, Fazal S, Vincek A, Madjarova SJ, Shtraizent N, Vandenberghe LH, Eliyahu E. Efficient cardiac gene transfer and early-onset expression of a synthetic adeno-associated viral vector, Anc80L65, after intramyocardial administration. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2022; 164:e429-e443. [PMID: 34985414 PMCID: PMC8733395 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2021.05.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Gene therapy is a promising approach in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated that adeno-associated viral vectors are the most attractive vehicles for gene transfer. However, preexisting immunity, delayed gene expression, and postinfection immune response limit the success of this technology. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of the first synthetic adeno-associated viral lineage clone, Anc80L65, for cardiac gene therapy. METHODS By combining 2 different reporter approaches by fluorescence with green fluorescent protein and bioluminescence (Firefly luciferase), we compared transduction efficiency of Anc80L65 and adeno-associated virus, serotype 9 in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes ex vivo and rat hearts in vivo after intramyocardial and intracoronary administration. RESULTS In cardiomyocytes, Anc80L65 provided a green fluorescent protein expression of 28.9% (36.4 ± 3.34 cells/field) at 24 hours and approximately 100% on day 7. In contrast, adeno-associated virus, serotype 9 green fluorescent protein provided minimal green fluorescent protein expression of 5.64% at 24 hours and 11.8% on day 7. After intramyocardial injection, vector expression peaked on day 7 with Anc80L65; however, with adeno-associated virus, serotype 9 the peak expression was during week 6. Administration of Anc80L65 demonstrated significantly more efficient expression of reporter gene than after adeno-associated virus, serotype 9 at 6 weeks (6.81 ± 0.64 log10 gc/100 ng DNA vs 6.49 ± 0.28 log10 gc/100 ng DNA, P < .05). These results were consistent with the amount of genome copy per cell observed in the heart. CONCLUSIONS Anc80L65 vector allows fast and robust gene transduction compared with adeno-associated virus, serotype 9 vector in cardiac gene therapy. Anc80L65 did not adversely affect cardiac function and caused no inflammatory response or toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael G Katz
- Department of Cardiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY.
| | - Yoav Hadas
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn Institute for Genomics and Multiscale Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Rasheed A Bailey
- Department of Cardiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Shahood Fazal
- Department of Cardiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Adam Vincek
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn Institute for Genomics and Multiscale Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | | | | | - Luk H Vandenberghe
- Grousbeck Center of Gene Therapy, Ocular Genomics Institute, Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, Mass; Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass; The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Mass
| | - Efrat Eliyahu
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn Institute for Genomics and Multiscale Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY; Icahn School for Data Science and Genomic Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
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35
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He X, Zhang Z, Xue J, Wang Y, Zhang S, Wei J, Zhang C, Wang J, Urip BA, Ngan CC, Sun J, Li Y, Lu Z, Zhao H, Pei D, Li CK, Feng B. Low-dose AAV-CRISPR-mediated liver-specific knock-in restored hemostasis in neonatal hemophilia B mice with subtle antibody response. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7275. [PMID: 36434000 PMCID: PMC9700734 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34898-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
AAV-delivered CRISPR/Cas9 (AAV-CRISPR) has shown promising potentials in preclinical models to efficiently insert therapeutic gene sequences in somatic tissues. However, the AAV input doses required were prohibitively high and posed serious risk of toxicity. Here, we performed AAV-CRISPR mediated homology-independent knock-in at a new target site in mAlb 3'UTR and demonstrated that single dose of AAVs enabled long-term integration and expression of hF9 transgene in both adult and neonatal hemophilia B mice (mF9 -/-), yielding high levels of circulating human Factor IX (hFIX) and stable hemostasis restoration during entire 48-week observation period. Furthermore, we achieved hemostasis correction with a significantly lower AAV dose (2 × 109 vg/neonate and 1 × 1010 vg/adult mouse) through liver-specific gene knock-in using hyperactive hF9R338L variant. The plasma antibodies against Cas9 and AAV in the neonatal mice receiving low-dose AAV-CRISPR were negligible, which lent support to the development of AAV-CRISPR mediated somatic knock-in for treating inherited diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangjun He
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482School of Biomedical Sciences, MOE Key Lab, Faculty of Medicine; Institute for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (iTERM), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zhenjie Zhang
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482School of Biomedical Sciences, MOE Key Lab, Faculty of Medicine; Institute for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (iTERM), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Junyi Xue
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482School of Biomedical Sciences, MOE Key Lab, Faculty of Medicine; Institute for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (iTERM), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yaofeng Wang
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong SAR, China ,grid.9227.e0000000119573309Guangzhou Institute of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530 China
| | - Siqi Zhang
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482School of Biomedical Sciences, MOE Key Lab, Faculty of Medicine; Institute for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (iTERM), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Junkang Wei
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482School of Biomedical Sciences, MOE Key Lab, Faculty of Medicine; Institute for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (iTERM), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chenzi Zhang
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482School of Biomedical Sciences, MOE Key Lab, Faculty of Medicine; Institute for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (iTERM), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China ,grid.9227.e0000000119573309Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jue Wang
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482School of Biomedical Sciences, MOE Key Lab, Faculty of Medicine; Institute for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (iTERM), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Brian Anugerah Urip
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482School of Biomedical Sciences, MOE Key Lab, Faculty of Medicine; Institute for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (iTERM), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chun Christopher Ngan
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482School of Biomedical Sciences, MOE Key Lab, Faculty of Medicine; Institute for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (iTERM), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China ,grid.9227.e0000000119573309Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Junjiang Sun
- grid.410711.20000 0001 1034 1720Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Yuefeng Li
- Guangdong Landau Biotechnology Co.Ltd, Guangzhou, 510555 China
| | - Zhiqian Lu
- grid.412528.80000 0004 1798 5117Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, 200233 China
| | - Hui Zhao
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482School of Biomedical Sciences, MOE Key Lab, Faculty of Medicine; Institute for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (iTERM), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China ,grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518000 China
| | - Duanqing Pei
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong SAR, China ,grid.494629.40000 0004 8008 9315Laboratory of Cell Fate Control, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, 310024 China
| | - Chi-Kong Li
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482Department of Pediatrics, Hong Kong Children’s Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Bo Feng
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482School of Biomedical Sciences, MOE Key Lab, Faculty of Medicine; Institute for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (iTERM), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China ,grid.9227.e0000000119573309Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong SAR, China ,grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518000 China
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36
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Zinn E, Unzu C, Schmit PF, Turunen HT, Zabaleta N, Sanmiguel J, Fieldsend A, Bhatt U, Diop C, Merkel E, Gurrala R, Peacker B, Rios C, Messemer K, Santos J, Estelien R, Andres-Mateos E, Wagers AJ, Tipper C, Vandenberghe LH. Ancestral library identifies conserved reprogrammable liver motif on AAV capsid. Cell Rep Med 2022; 3:100803. [PMID: 36327973 PMCID: PMC9729830 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2022.100803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy is emerging as a modality in 21st-century medicine. Adeno-associated viral (AAV) gene transfer is a leading technology to achieve efficient and durable expression of a therapeutic transgene. However, the structural complexity of the capsid has constrained efforts to engineer the particle toward improved clinical safety and efficacy. Here, we generate a curated library of barcoded AAVs with mutations across a variety of functionally relevant motifs. We then screen this library in vitro and in vivo in mice and nonhuman primates, enabling a broad, multiparametric assessment of every vector within the library. Among the results, we note a single residue that modulates liver transduction across all interrogated models while preserving transduction in heart and skeletal muscles. Moreover, we find that this mutation can be grafted into AAV9 and leads to profound liver detargeting while retaining muscle transduction-a finding potentially relevant to preventing hepatoxicities seen in clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Zinn
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA; Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Carmen Unzu
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA; Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Pauline F Schmit
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA; Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Heikki T Turunen
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA; Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Nerea Zabaleta
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA; Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Julio Sanmiguel
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA; Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Allegra Fieldsend
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA; Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Urja Bhatt
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA; Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Cheikh Diop
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA; Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Erin Merkel
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA; Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Rakesh Gurrala
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA; Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Bryan Peacker
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Paul F. Glenn Center for the Biology of Aging, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Christopher Rios
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Paul F. Glenn Center for the Biology of Aging, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kathleen Messemer
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Paul F. Glenn Center for the Biology of Aging, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jennifer Santos
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA; Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Reynette Estelien
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA; Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Eva Andres-Mateos
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA; Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Amy J Wagers
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Paul F. Glenn Center for the Biology of Aging, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Christopher Tipper
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA; Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Luk H Vandenberghe
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA; Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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37
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Burr AM, Zuckerman PC, Castillo AB, Partridge NC, Parekkadan B. Bioactive, full-length parathyroid hormone delivered using an adeno-associated viral vector. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2022; 247:1885-1897. [PMID: 35666091 PMCID: PMC9742744 DOI: 10.1177/15353702221097087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Delivering the parathyroid hormone (PTH) gene has been attempted preclinically in a handful of studies, but delivering full-length PTH (1-84) using adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors has not. Given the difficulty in achieving therapeutic levels of secreted proteins using gene therapy, this study seeks to determine the feasibility of doing so with PTH. An AAV vector was used to deliver human PTH driven by a strong promoter. We demonstrate the ability to secrete full-length PTH from various cell types in vitro. PTH secretion from hepatocytes was measured over time and a fluorescent marker was used to compare the secretion rate of PTH in various cell types. Potency was measured by the ability of PTH to act on the PTH receptors of osteosarcoma cells and induced proliferation. PTH showed potency in vitro by inducing proliferation in two osteosarcoma cell lines. In vivo, AAV was administered systemically in immunocompromised mice which received xenografts of osteosarcoma cells. Animals that received the highest dose of AAV-PTH had higher liver and plasma concentrations of PTH. All dosing groups achieved measurable plasma concentrations of human PTH that were above the normal range. The high-dose group also had significantly larger tumors compared to control groups on the final day of the study. The tumors also showed dose-dependent differences in morphology. When looking at endocrine signaling and endogenous bone turnover, we observed a significant difference in tibial growth plate width in animals that received the high-dose AAV as well as dose-dependent changes in blood biomarkers related to PTH. This proof-of-concept study shows promise for further exploration of an AAV gene therapy to deliver full-length PTH for hypoparathyroidism. Additional investigation will determine efficacy in a disease model, but data shown establish bioactivity in well-established models of osteosarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra M Burr
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Pamela Cabahug Zuckerman
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, NYU Langone Health, New York University, New York, NY 10016, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, New York, NY 11201, USA.,Rehabilitation Research and Development, Veterans Affairs New York Harbor Healthcare System, New York, NY 11209, USA
| | - Alesha B Castillo
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, NYU Langone Health, New York University, New York, NY 10016, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, New York, NY 11201, USA.,Rehabilitation Research and Development, Veterans Affairs New York Harbor Healthcare System, New York, NY 11209, USA
| | - Nicola C Partridge
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY 10010, USA
| | - Biju Parekkadan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
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38
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Lu YC, Tsai YH, Chan YH, Hu CJ, Huang CY, Xiao R, Hsu CJ, Vandenberghe LH, Wu CC, Cheng YF. Gene therapy with a synthetic adeno-associated viral vector improves audiovestibular phenotypes in Pjvk-mutant mice. JCI Insight 2022; 7:e152941. [PMID: 36278489 PMCID: PMC9714786 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.152941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Recessive PJVK mutations that cause a deficiency of pejvakin, a protein expressed in both sensory hair cells and first-order neurons of the inner ear, are an important cause of hereditary hearing impairment. Patients with PJVK mutations garner limited benefits from cochlear implantation; thus, alternative biological therapies may be required to address this clinical difficulty. The synthetic adeno-associated viral vector Anc80L65, with its wide tropism and high transduction efficiency in various inner ear cells, may provide a solution. We delivered the PJVK transgene to the inner ear of Pjvk mutant mice using the synthetic Anc80L65 vector. We observed robust exogenous pejvakin expression in the hair cells and neurons of the cochlea and vestibular organs. Subsequent morphologic and audiologic studies demonstrated significant restoration of spiral ganglion neuron density and hair cells in the cochlea, along with partial recovery of sensorineural hearing impairment. In addition, we observed a recovery of vestibular ganglion neurons and balance function to WT levels. Our study demonstrates the utility of Anc80L65-mediated gene delivery in Pjvk mutant mice and provides insights into the potential of gene therapy for PJVK-related inner ear deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Chang Lu
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Otolaryngology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsiu Tsai
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Brain Science, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Huei Chan
- Department of Otolaryngology, Taichung Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Ju Hu
- Department of Otolaryngology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Program in Speech and Hearing Biosciences and Technology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Chun-Ying Huang
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ru Xiao
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute and Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Chuan-Jen Hsu
- Department of Otolaryngology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Otolaryngology, Taichung Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Luk H. Vandenberghe
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute and Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Chen-Chi Wu
- Department of Otolaryngology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University Hospital Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Fu Cheng
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Brain Science, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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39
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Horiuchi M, Hinderer CJ, Greig JA, Dyer C, Buza EL, Bell P, Chichester JA, Hayashi PM, Yan H, Goode T, Wilson JM. Intravenous immunoglobulin prevents peripheral liver transduction of intrathecally delivered AAV vectors. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2022; 27:272-280. [PMID: 36320416 PMCID: PMC9593247 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2022.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy using neurotropic adeno-associated virus vectors represents an emerging solution for genetic disorders affecting the central nervous system. The first approved central nervous system-targeting adeno-associated virus gene therapy, Zolgensma®, for treating spinal muscular atrophy is administered intravenously at high doses that cause liver-associated adverse events in 20%–30% of patients. Intrathecal routes of vector administration, such as the intra-cisterna magna route, provide efficient gene transduction to central nervous system cells while reducing off-target liver transduction. However, significant levels of liver transduction often occur upon intra-cisterna magna vector delivery in preclinical studies. Using vectors expressing monoclonal antibody transgenes, we examined whether passive transfer of adeno-associated virus-neutralizing antibodies as intravenous immunoglobulin before intrathecal adeno-associated virus delivery improved the safety of viral gene therapy targeting the central nervous system in mice and nonhuman primates. We used intracerebroventricular and intra-cisterna magna routes for vector administration to mice and nonhuman primates, respectively, and evaluated transgene expression and vector genome distribution. Our data indicate that pretreatment with intravenous immunoglobulin significantly reduced gene transduction to the liver and other peripheral organs but not to the central nervous system in both species. With further refinement, this method may improve the safety of adeno-associated virus-based, central nervous system-targeting gene therapies in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Horiuchi
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Christian J. Hinderer
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jenny A. Greig
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Cecilia Dyer
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Elizabeth L. Buza
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Peter Bell
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jessica A. Chichester
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Peter M. Hayashi
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Hanying Yan
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Tamara Goode
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - James M. Wilson
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA,Corresponding author James M. Wilson, Gene Therapy Program, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 125 South 31st Street, Suite 1200, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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40
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Wu F, Sambamurti K, Sha S. Current Advances in Adeno-Associated Virus-Mediated Gene Therapy to Prevent Acquired Hearing Loss. J Assoc Res Otolaryngol 2022; 23:569-578. [PMID: 36002664 PMCID: PMC9613825 DOI: 10.1007/s10162-022-00866-y] [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: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are viral vectors that offer an excellent platform for gene therapy due to their safety profile, persistent gene expression in non-dividing cells, target cell specificity, lack of pathogenicity, and low immunogenicity. Recently, gene therapy for genetic hearing loss with AAV transduction has shown promise in animal models. However, AAV transduction for gene silencing or expression to prevent or manage acquired hearing loss is limited. This review provides an overview of AAV as a leading gene delivery vector for treating genetic hearing loss in animal models. We highlight the advantages and shortcomings of AAV for investigating the mechanisms and preventing acquired hearing loss. We predict that AAV-mediated gene manipulation will be able to prevent acquired hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Wu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Walton Research Building, Room 403-E, 39 Sabin Street, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kumar Sambamurti
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Suhua Sha
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Walton Research Building, Room 403-E, 39 Sabin Street, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA.
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41
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Brunetti-Pierri N, Ferla R, Ginocchio VM, Rossi A, Fecarotta S, Romano R, Parenti G, Yildiz Y, Zancan S, Pecorella V, Dell'Anno M, Graziano M, Alliegro M, Andria G, Santamaria F, Brunetti-Pierri R, Simonelli F, Nigro V, Vargas M, Servillo G, Borgia F, Soscia E, Gargaro M, Funghini S, Tedesco N, Le Brun PR, Rupar CA, Prasad C, O'Callaghan M, Mitchell JJ, Danos O, Marteau JB, Galimberti S, Valsecchi MG, Veron P, Mingozzi F, Fallarino F, la Marca G, Sivri HS, Auricchio A. Liver-Directed Adeno-Associated Virus-Mediated Gene Therapy for Mucopolysaccharidosis Type VI. NEJM EVIDENCE 2022; 1:EVIDoa2200052. [PMID: 38319253 DOI: 10.1056/evidoa2200052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Mucopolysaccharidosis type VI (MPS VI) is an inherited multisystem lysosomal disorder due to arylsulfatase B (ARSB) deficiency that leads to widespread accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (GAG), which are excreted in increased amounts in urine. MPS VI is characterized by progressive dysostosis multiplex, connective tissue and cardiac involvement, and hepatosplenomegaly. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) is available but requires life-long and costly intravenous infusions; moreover, it has limited efficacy on diseased skeleton and cardiac valves, compromised pulmonary function, and corneal opacities. METHODS: We enrolled nine patients with MPS VI 4 years of age or older in a phase 1/2 open-label gene therapy study. After ERT was interrupted, patients each received a single intravenous infusion of an adeno-associated viral vector serotype 8 expressing ARSB. Participants were sequentially enrolled in one of three dose cohorts: low (three patients), intermediate (two patients), or high (four patients). The primary outcome was safety; biochemical and clinical end points were secondary outcomes. RESULTS: The infusions occurred without severe adverse events attributable to the vector, meeting the prespecified end point. Participants in the low and intermediate dose cohorts displayed stable serum ARSB of approximately 20% of the mean healthy value but returned to ERT by 14 months after gene therapy because of increased urinary GAG. Participants in the high-dose cohort had sustained serum ARSB of 30% to 100% of the mean healthy value and a modest urinary GAG increase that did not reach a concentration at which ERT reintroduction was needed. In the high-dose group, there was no clinical deterioration for up to 2 years after gene therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Liver-directed gene therapy for participants with MPS VI did not have a dose-limiting side-effect and adverse event profile; high-dose treatment resulted in ARSB expression over at least 24 months with preliminary evidence of disease stabilization. (Funded by the Telethon Foundation ETS, the European Commission Seventh Framework Programme, and the Isaac Foundation; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03173521; EudraCT number, 2016-002328-10.)
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Brunetti-Pierri
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy
| | - Rita Ferla
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy
| | - Virginia Maria Ginocchio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rossi
- Department of Translational Medicine, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Fecarotta
- Dipartimento ad Attivitá Integrata Materno Infantile, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberta Romano
- Department of Translational Medicine, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Parenti
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy
| | - Yilmaz Yildiz
- Division of Pediatric Metabolism, Ihsan Dogramaci Children's Hospital, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | | | - Margherita Dell'Anno
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy
| | - Mafalda Graziano
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Generoso Andria
- Department of Translational Medicine, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Raffaella Brunetti-Pierri
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Simonelli
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Nigro
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
- Department of Precision Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Vargas
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Servillo
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Borgia
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Divisions of Cardiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy
| | - Ernesto Soscia
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, National Research Council, Napoli, Italy
| | - Marco Gargaro
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Silvia Funghini
- Newborn Screening, Clinical Chemistry and Pharmacology Laboratory, Meyer Children's University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Novella Tedesco
- Genethon, Evry, France
- Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951 of Université Paris-Saclay, University Evry, INSERM, Evry, France
| | - Pierre Romain Le Brun
- Genethon, Evry, France
- Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951 of Université Paris-Saclay, University Evry, INSERM, Evry, France
| | - Charles A Rupar
- London Health Science Centre, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chitra Prasad
- London Health Science Centre, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mar O'Callaghan
- Servicio de Neurología, Unidad de Enfermedades Metabólicas, Clínica Rett, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - John J Mitchell
- Division of Medical Genetics, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | | | - Stefania Galimberti
- Bicocca Bioinformatics Biostatistics and Bioimaging B4 Center, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Valsecchi
- Bicocca Bioinformatics Biostatistics and Bioimaging B4 Center, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Philippe Veron
- Genethon, Evry, France
- Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951 of Université Paris-Saclay, University Evry, INSERM, Evry, France
| | | | | | - Giancarlo la Marca
- Newborn Screening, Clinical Chemistry and Pharmacology Laboratory, Meyer Children's University Hospital, Florence, Italy
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - H Serap Sivri
- Division of Pediatric Metabolism, Ihsan Dogramaci Children's Hospital, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Alberto Auricchio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy
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42
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Khoja S, Lambert J, Nitzahn M, Eliav A, Zhang Y, Tamboline M, Le CT, Nasser E, Li Y, Patel P, Zhuravka I, Lueptow LM, Tkachyova I, Xu S, Nissim I, Schulze A, Lipshutz GS. Gene therapy for guanidinoacetate methyltransferase deficiency restores cerebral and myocardial creatine while resolving behavioral abnormalities. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2022; 25:278-296. [PMID: 35505663 PMCID: PMC9051621 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2022.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Creatine deficiency disorders are inborn errors of creatine metabolism, an energy homeostasis molecule. One of these, guanidinoacetate N-methyltransferase (GAMT) deficiency, has clinical characteristics that include features of autism, self-mutilation, intellectual disability, and seizures, with approximately 40% having a disorder of movement; failure to thrive can also be a component. Along with low creatine levels, guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) toxicity has been implicated in the pathophysiology of the disorder. Present-day therapy with oral creatine to control GAA lacks efficacy; seizures can persist. Dietary management and pharmacological ornithine treatment are challenging. Using an AAV-based gene therapy approach to express human codon-optimized GAMT in hepatocytes, in situ hybridization, and immunostaining, we demonstrated pan-hepatic GAMT expression. Serial collection of blood demonstrated a marked early and sustained reduction of GAA with normalization of plasma creatine; urinary GAA levels also markedly declined. The terminal time point demonstrated marked improvement in cerebral and myocardial creatine levels. In conjunction with the biochemical findings, treated mice gained weight to nearly match their wild-type littermates, while behavioral studies demonstrated resolution of abnormalities; PET-CT imaging demonstrated improvement in brain metabolism. In conclusion, a gene therapy approach can result in long-term normalization of GAA with increased creatine in guanidinoacetate N-methyltransferase deficiency and at the same time resolves the behavioral phenotype in a murine model of the disorder. These findings have important implications for the development of a new therapy for this abnormality of creatine metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suhail Khoja
- Department of Surgery, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90025, USA
| | - Jenna Lambert
- Department of Surgery, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90025, USA
| | - Matthew Nitzahn
- Molecular Biology Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90025, USA
| | - Adam Eliav
- Department of Surgery, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90025, USA
| | - YuChen Zhang
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90025, USA
| | - Mikayla Tamboline
- Crump Institute for Molecular Imaging, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90025, USA.,Departments of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, Universtiy of California, Los Angeles, CA 90025, USA
| | - Colleen T Le
- Department of Surgery, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90025, USA
| | - Eram Nasser
- Department of Surgery, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90025, USA
| | - Yunfeng Li
- Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90025, USA
| | - Puja Patel
- Department of Surgery, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90025, USA
| | - Irina Zhuravka
- Behavioral Testing Core, Department of Psychology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90025, USA
| | - Lindsay M Lueptow
- Behavioral Testing Core, Department of Psychology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90025, USA
| | - Ilona Tkachyova
- Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Shili Xu
- Crump Institute for Molecular Imaging, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90025, USA.,Departments of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, Universtiy of California, Los Angeles, CA 90025, USA.,Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center at UCLA, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90025, USA
| | - Itzhak Nissim
- Division of Metabolism and Human Genetics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perlman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Andreas Schulze
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada.,Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Gerald S Lipshutz
- Department of Surgery, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90025, USA.,Molecular Biology Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90025, USA.,Semel Institute for Neuroscience, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90025, USA.,Departments of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, Universtiy of California, Los Angeles, CA 90025, USA.,Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90025, USA
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43
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Shupe J, Zhang A, Odenwelder DC, Dobrowsky T. Gene therapy: challenges in cell culture scale-up. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2022; 75:102721. [DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2022.102721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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44
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Hui Y, Zheng X, Zhang H, Li F, Yu G, Li J, Zhang J, Gong X, Guo G. Strategies for Targeting Neural Circuits: How to Manipulate Neurons Using Virus Vehicles. Front Neural Circuits 2022; 16:882366. [PMID: 35571271 PMCID: PMC9099413 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2022.882366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral strategies are the leading methods for mapping neural circuits. Viral vehicles combined with genetic tools provide the possibility to visualize entire functional neural networks and monitor and manipulate neural circuit functions by high-resolution cell type- and projection-specific targeting. Optogenetics and chemogenetics drive brain research forward by exploring causal relationships among different brain regions. Viral strategies offer a fresh perspective for the analysis of the structure-function relationship of the neural circuitry. In this review, we summarize current and emerging viral strategies for targeting neural circuits and focus on adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Hui
- Department of Anatomy, Neuroscience Laboratory for Cognitive and Developmental Disorders, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuefeng Zheng
- Department of Anatomy, Neuroscience Laboratory for Cognitive and Developmental Disorders, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou
| | - Huijie Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, Neuroscience Laboratory for Cognitive and Developmental Disorders, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fang Li
- Department of Anatomy, Neuroscience Laboratory for Cognitive and Developmental Disorders, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou
| | - Guangyin Yu
- Department of Anatomy, Neuroscience Laboratory for Cognitive and Developmental Disorders, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou
| | - Jiong Li
- Department of Anatomy, Neuroscience Laboratory for Cognitive and Developmental Disorders, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou
| | - Jifeng Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, Neuroscience Laboratory for Cognitive and Developmental Disorders, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou
- Jifeng Zhang,
| | - Xiaobing Gong
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Xiaobing Gong,
| | - Guoqing Guo
- Department of Anatomy, Neuroscience Laboratory for Cognitive and Developmental Disorders, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou
- *Correspondence: Guoqing Guo,
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45
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Doh C, Dominic KL, Swanberg CE, Bharambe N, Willard BB, Li L, Ramachandran R, Stelzer JE. Identification of Phosphorylation and Other Post-Translational Modifications in the Central C4C5 Domains of Murine Cardiac Myosin Binding Protein C. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:14189-14202. [PMID: 35573219 PMCID: PMC9089392 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c00799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac myosin binding protein C (cMyBPC) is a critical multidomain protein that modulates myosin cross bridge behavior and cardiac contractility. cMyBPC is principally regulated by phosphorylation of the residues within the M-domain of its N-terminus. However, not much is known about the phosphorylation or other post-translational modification (PTM) landscape of the central C4C5 domains. In this study, the presence of phosphorylation outside the M-domain was confirmed in vivo using mouse models expressing cMyBPC with nonphosphorylatable serine (S) to alanine substitutions. Purified recombinant mouse C4C5 domain constructs were incubated with 13 different kinases, and samples from the 6 strongest kinases were chosen for mass spectrometry analysis. A total of 26 unique phosphorylated peptides were found, representing 13 different phosphorylation sites including 10 novel sites. Parallel reaction monitoring and subsequent mutagenesis experiments revealed that the S690 site (UniProtKB O70468) was the predominant target of PKA and PKG1. We also report 6 acetylation and 7 ubiquitination sites not previously described in the literature. These PTMs demonstrate the possibility of additional layers of regulation and potential importance of the central domains of cMyBPC in cardiac health and disease. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD031262.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang
Yoon Doh
- Department
of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
| | - Katherine L. Dominic
- Department
of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
| | - Caitlin E. Swanberg
- Department
of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
| | - Nikhil Bharambe
- Department
of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
| | - Belinda B. Willard
- Proteomics
and Metabolomics Laboratory, Lerner Research Institute, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, United States
| | - Ling Li
- Proteomics
and Metabolomics Laboratory, Lerner Research Institute, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, United States
| | - Rajesh Ramachandran
- Department
of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
| | - Julian E. Stelzer
- Department
of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
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46
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Maciorowski D, Diop C, Bhatt U, Estelien R, Li D, Chauhan R, Vandenberghe LH, Zabaleta N. Immunogenicity of an AAV-Based COVID-19 Vaccine in Murine Models of Obesity and Aging. Viruses 2022; 14:820. [PMID: 35458550 PMCID: PMC9026898 DOI: 10.3390/v14040820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has had a disastrous impact on global health. Although some vaccine candidates have been effective in combating SARS-CoV-2, logistical, economical, and sociological aspects still limit vaccine access globally. Recently, we reported on two room-temperature stable AAV-based COVID-19 vaccines that induced potent and protective immunogenicity following a single injection in murine and primate models. Obesity and old age are associated with increased mortality in COVID-19, as well as reduced immunogenicity and efficacy of vaccines. Here, we investigated the effectiveness of the AAVCOVID vaccine candidates in murine models of obesity and aging. Results demonstrate that obesity did not significantly alter the immunogenicity of either vaccine candidate. In aged mice, vaccine immunogenicity was impaired. These results suggest that AAV-based vaccines may have limitations in older populations and may be equally applicable in obese and non-obese populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawid Maciorowski
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (D.M.); (C.D.); (U.B.); (R.E.); (D.L.); (R.C.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ocular Genomics Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Cheikh Diop
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (D.M.); (C.D.); (U.B.); (R.E.); (D.L.); (R.C.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ocular Genomics Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Urja Bhatt
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (D.M.); (C.D.); (U.B.); (R.E.); (D.L.); (R.C.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ocular Genomics Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Reynette Estelien
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (D.M.); (C.D.); (U.B.); (R.E.); (D.L.); (R.C.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ocular Genomics Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Dan Li
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (D.M.); (C.D.); (U.B.); (R.E.); (D.L.); (R.C.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ocular Genomics Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Ruchi Chauhan
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (D.M.); (C.D.); (U.B.); (R.E.); (D.L.); (R.C.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ocular Genomics Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Luk H. Vandenberghe
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (D.M.); (C.D.); (U.B.); (R.E.); (D.L.); (R.C.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ocular Genomics Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Nerea Zabaleta
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (D.M.); (C.D.); (U.B.); (R.E.); (D.L.); (R.C.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ocular Genomics Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
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47
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Genç B, Jara JH, Sanchez SS, Lagrimas AKB, Gözütok Ö, Koçak N, Zhu Y, Hande Özdinler P. Upper motor neurons are a target for gene therapy and UCHL1 is necessary and sufficient to improve cellular integrity of diseased upper motor neurons. Gene Ther 2022; 29:178-192. [PMID: 34853443 PMCID: PMC9018479 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-021-00303-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
There are no effective cures for upper motor neuron (UMN) diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), primary lateral sclerosis, and hereditary spastic paraplegia. Here, we show UMN loss occurs independent of spinal motor neuron degeneration and that UMNs are indeed effective cellular targets for gene therapy, which offers a potential solution especially for UMN disease patients. UCHL1 (ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase-L1) is a deubiquitinating enzyme crucial for maintaining free ubiquitin levels. Corticospinal motor neurons (CSMN, a.k.a UMNs in mice) show early, selective, and profound degeneration in Uchl1nm3419 (UCHL1-/-) mice, which lack all UCHL1 function. When UCHL1 activity is ablated only from spinal motor neurons, CSMN remained intact. However, restoring UCHL1 specifically in CSMN of UCHL1-/- mice via directed gene delivery was sufficient to improve CSMN integrity to the healthy control levels. In addition, when UCHL1 gene was delivered selectively to CSMN that are diseased due to misfolded SOD1 toxicity and TDP-43 pathology via AAV-mediated retrograde transduction, the disease causing misfolded SOD1 and mutant human TDP-43 were reduced in hSOD1G93A and prpTDP-43A315T models, respectively. Diseased CSMN retained their neuronal integrity and cytoarchitectural stability in two different mouse models that represent two distinct causes of neurodegeneration in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barış Genç
- Davee Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurological Sciences, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Javier H Jara
- Davee Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurological Sciences, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Santana S Sanchez
- Davee Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurological Sciences, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Amiko K B Lagrimas
- Davee Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurological Sciences, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Öge Gözütok
- Davee Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurological Sciences, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Nuran Koçak
- Davee Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurological Sciences, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Yongling Zhu
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Physiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - P Hande Özdinler
- Davee Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurological Sciences, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
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48
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Hordeaux J, Jeffrey BA, Jian J, Choudhury GR, Michalson K, Mitchell TW, Buza EL, Chichester J, Dyer C, Bagel J, Vite CH, Bradbury AM, Wilson JM. Efficacy and Safety of a Krabbe Disease Gene Therapy. Hum Gene Ther 2022; 33:499-517. [PMID: 35333110 PMCID: PMC9142772 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2021.245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Krabbe disease is a lysosomal storage disease caused by mutations in the gene that encodes galactosylceramidase, in which galactosylsphingosine (psychosine) accumulation drives demyelination in the central and peripheral nervous systems, ultimately progressing to death in early childhood. Gene therapy, alone or in combination with transplant, has been developed for almost two decades in mouse models, with increasing therapeutic benefit paralleling the improvement of next-generation adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors. This effort has recently shown remarkable efficacy in the canine model of the disease by two different groups that used either systemic or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) administration of AAVrh10 or AAV9. Building on our experience developing CSF-delivered, AAV-based drug products for a variety of neurodegenerative disorders, we conducted efficacy, pharmacology, and safety studies of AAVhu68 delivered to the CSF in two relevant natural Krabbe animal models, and in nonhuman primates. In newborn Twitcher mice, the highest dose (1 × 1011 genome copies [GC]) of AAVhu68.hGALC injected into the lateral ventricle led to a median survival of 130 days compared to 40.5 days in vehicle-treated mice. When this dose was administered intravenously, the median survival was 49 days. A single intracisterna magna injection of AAVhu68.cGALC at 3 × 1013 GC into presymptomatic Krabbe dogs increased survival for up to 85 weeks compared to 12 weeks in controls. It prevented psychosine accumulation in the CSF, preserved peripheral nerve myelination, ambulation, and decreased brain neuroinflammation and demyelination, although some regions remained abnormal. In a Good Laboratory Practice-compliant toxicology study, we administered the clinical candidate into the cisterna magna of 18 juvenile rhesus macaques at 3 doses that displayed efficacy in mice. We observed no dose-limiting toxicity and sporadic minimal degeneration of dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons. Our studies demonstrate the efficacy, scalability, and safety of a single cisterna magna AAVhu68 administration to treat Krabbe disease. ClinicalTrials.Gov ID: NCT04771416.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliette Hordeaux
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Brianne A Jeffrey
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jinlong Jian
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Gourav R Choudhury
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kristofer Michalson
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Thomas W Mitchell
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Elizabeth L Buza
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jessica Chichester
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Cecilia Dyer
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jessica Bagel
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Charles H Vite
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Allison M Bradbury
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - James M Wilson
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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49
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Trivedi PD, Yu C, Chaudhuri P, Johnson EJ, Caton T, Adamson L, Byrne BJ, Paulk NK, Clément N. Comparison of highly pure rAAV9 vector stocks produced in suspension by PEI transfection or HSV infection reveals striking quantitative and qualitative differences. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2022; 24:154-170. [PMID: 35071688 PMCID: PMC8760416 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Recent clinical successes have propelled recombinant adeno-associated virus vectors (rAAV) to the center stage for human gene therapy applications. However, the exploding demand for high titers of highly pure rAAV vectors for clinical applications and market needs remains hindered by challenges met at the manufacturing stage. The production of rAAV by transfection in suspension cells remains one of the most commonly used production platforms. In this study, we describe our optimized protocol to produce rAAV by polyethyleneimine (PEI)-mediated transfection in suspension HEK293 cells, along with a side-by-side comparison to our high-performing system using the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Further, we detail a new, robust, and highly efficient downstream purification protocol compatible with both transfection and infection-based harvests that generated rAAV9 stocks of high purity. Our in-depth comparison revealed quantitative, qualitative, and biological differences between PEI-mediated transfection and HSV infection. The HSV production system yielded to higher rAAV vector titers, higher specific yields, and a higher percentage of full capsids than transfection. Furthermore, HSV-produced stocks had a significantly lower concentration of residual host cell proteins and helper DNA impurities, but contained detectable levels of HSV DNA. Importantly, the potency of PEI-produced and HSV-produced rAAV stocks were identical. Analyses of AAV Rep and Cap expression levels and replication showed that HSV-mediated production led to a lower expression of Rep and Cap, but increased levels of AAV genome replication. Our methodology enables high-yield, high purity rAAV production and a biological framework to improve transfection quality and yields by mimicking HSV-induced biological outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasad D Trivedi
- Department of Pediatrics, Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Chenghui Yu
- Department of Pediatrics, Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.,State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Payel Chaudhuri
- Department of Pediatrics, Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Evan J Johnson
- Department of Pediatrics, Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Tina Caton
- Department of Pediatrics, Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Laura Adamson
- Department of Pediatrics, Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Barry J Byrne
- Department of Pediatrics, Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Nicole K Paulk
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Nathalie Clément
- Department of Pediatrics, Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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She K, Su J, Wang Q, Liu Y, Zhong X, Jin X, Zhao Q, Xiao J, Li R, Deng H, Lu F, Yang Y, Wei Y. Delivery of nVEGFi using AAV8 for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2022; 24:210-221. [PMID: 35141350 PMCID: PMC8800040 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2022.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is the standard therapy for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). However, anti-VEGF agents used in the clinic require repeated injections, causing adverse effects. Gene therapy could provide sustained anti-VEGF levels after a single injection, thereby drastically decreasing the treatment burden and improving visual outcomes. In this study, we developed a novel VEGF Trap, nVEGFi, containing domains 1 and 2 of VEGFR1 and domain 3 of VEGFR2 fused to the Fc portion of human IgG. The nVEGFi had a higher expression level than aflibercept under the same expression cassettes of adeno-associated virus (AAV)8 in vitro and in vivo. nVEGFi was found to be noninferior to aflibercept in binding and blocking VEGF in vitro. AAV8-mediated expression of nVEGFi was maintained for at least 12 weeks by subretinal delivery in C57BL/6J mice. In a mouse laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) model, 4 × 108 genome copies of AAV8-nVEGFi exhibited a significantly increased reduction in the CNV area compared with AAV8-aflibercept (78.1% vs. 63.9%, p < 0.05), while causing no structural or functional changes to the retina. In conclusion, this preclinical study showed that subretinal injection of AAV8-nVEGFi was long lasting, well tolerated, and effective for nAMD treatment, supporting future translation to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiqin She
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.37, Guoxue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, No. 1, Ke-yuan Road 4, Gao-peng Street, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Jing Su
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, No. 1, Ke-yuan Road 4, Gao-peng Street, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Qingnan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, No. 1, Ke-yuan Road 4, Gao-peng Street, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, No. 1, Ke-yuan Road 4, Gao-peng Street, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Xiaomei Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, No. 1, Ke-yuan Road 4, Gao-peng Street, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Xiu Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, No. 1, Ke-yuan Road 4, Gao-peng Street, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Qinyu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, No. 1, Ke-yuan Road 4, Gao-peng Street, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Jianlu Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, No. 1, Ke-yuan Road 4, Gao-peng Street, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Ruiting Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, No. 1, Ke-yuan Road 4, Gao-peng Street, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Hongxin Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, No. 1, Ke-yuan Road 4, Gao-peng Street, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Fang Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.37, Guoxue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, No. 1, Ke-yuan Road 4, Gao-peng Street, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yuquan Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, No. 1, Ke-yuan Road 4, Gao-peng Street, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
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