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Wiseman JP, Scarrott JM, Alves-Cruzeiro J, Saffari A, Böger C, Karyka E, Dawes E, Davies AK, Marchi PM, Graves E, Fernandes F, Yang ZL, Coldicott I, Hirst J, Webster CP, Highley JR, Hackett N, Angyal A, Silva TD, Higginbottom A, Shaw PJ, Ferraiuolo L, Ebrahimi-Fakhari D, Azzouz M. Pre-clinical development of AP4B1 gene replacement therapy for hereditary spastic paraplegia type 47. EMBO Mol Med 2024:10.1038/s44321-024-00148-5. [PMID: 39358605 DOI: 10.1038/s44321-024-00148-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 09/17/2024] [Accepted: 09/19/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Spastic paraplegia 47 (SPG47) is a neurological disorder caused by mutations in the adaptor protein complex 4 β1 subunit (AP4B1) gene leading to AP-4 complex deficiency. SPG47 is characterised by progressive spastic paraplegia, global developmental delay, intellectual disability and epilepsy. Gene therapy aimed at restoring functional AP4B1 protein levels is a rational therapeutic strategy to ameliorate the disease phenotype. Here we report that a single delivery of adeno-associated virus serotype 9 expressing hAP4B1 (AAV9/hAP4B1) into the cisterna magna leads to widespread gene transfer and restoration of various hallmarks of disease, including AP-4 cargo (ATG9A) mislocalisation, calbindin-positive spheroids in the deep cerebellar nuclei, anatomical brain defects and motor dysfunction, in an SPG47 mouse model. Furthermore, AAV9/hAP4B1-based gene therapy demonstrated a restoration of plasma neurofilament light (NfL) levels of treated mice. Encouraged by these preclinical proof-of-concept data, we conducted IND-enabling studies, including immunogenicity and GLP non-human primate (NHP) toxicology studies. Importantly, NHP safety and biodistribution study revealed no significant adverse events associated with the therapeutic intervention. These findings provide evidence of both therapeutic efficacy and safety, establishing a robust basis for the pursuit of an IND application for clinical trials targeting SPG47 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica P Wiseman
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Division of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, UK
| | - Joseph M Scarrott
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Division of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Gene Therapy Innovation & Manufacturing Centre (GTIMC), Division of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - João Alves-Cruzeiro
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Division of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Afshin Saffari
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Movement Disorders Program, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Child Neurology and Inherited Metabolic Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Cedric Böger
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Movement Disorders Program, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Evangelia Karyka
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Division of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Gene Therapy Innovation & Manufacturing Centre (GTIMC), Division of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Emily Dawes
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Division of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Alexandra K Davies
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Paolo M Marchi
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Division of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Emily Graves
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Division of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Fiona Fernandes
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Division of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Zih-Liang Yang
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Division of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, UK
| | - Ian Coldicott
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Division of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, UK
| | - Jennifer Hirst
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Christopher P Webster
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Division of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, UK
| | - J Robin Highley
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Division of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Adrienn Angyal
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Thushan de Silva
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Adrian Higginbottom
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Division of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, UK
| | - Pamela J Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Division of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, UK
- Sheffield NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Glossop Road, Sheffield, UK
| | - Laura Ferraiuolo
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Division of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Darius Ebrahimi-Fakhari
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Movement Disorders Program, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mimoun Azzouz
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Division of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, UK.
- Gene Therapy Innovation & Manufacturing Centre (GTIMC), Division of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
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2
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Benatti HR, Anagnostakou V, Taghian T, Hall EF, Nath S, Heilman CB, Beneduce BM, Leporati A, Raskett C, Epshtein M, King R, Gounis MJ, Malek AM, Gray-Edwards HL. A minimally invasive endovascular approach to the cerebellopontine angle cistern enables broad CNS biodistribution of scAAV9-CB-GFP. Mol Ther 2024; 32:3346-3355. [PMID: 39192584 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.08.024] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurological disorders pose a challenge for targeted therapy due to restricted access of therapeutic agents to the central nervous system (CNS). Current methods are limited by procedure-related risks, invasiveness, and insufficient CNS biodistribution. A novel percutaneous transvenous technology, currently in clinical trials for communicating hydrocephalus, offers a minimally invasive approach by providing endovascular access to the cerebrospinal fluid-filled cerebellopontine angle (CPA) cistern. We hypothesized that drug delivery to the CPA cistern could yield widespread CNS distribution. Using an ovine model, we compared the biodistribution of scAAV9-CB-GFP following CPA cistern infusion with previously reported cisterna magna (CM) administration. Targeting both the CPA cistern and CM in sheep, we employed a lumbar spine-inserted microcatheter under fluoroscopy. CPA delivery of AAV9 demonstrated biodistribution and transduction in the cerebral cortices, striatum, thalamus, midbrain, cerebellum, and spinal cord, with minor liver distribution comparable to CM. The favorable safety profile in humans with hydrocephalus suggests that percutaneous endovascular injection into the CPA could offer a clinically safer and minimally invasive delivery system for CNS gene and cell-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hector Ribeiro Benatti
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, UMass Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Vania Anagnostakou
- New England Center for Stroke Research, Department of Radiology, UMass Chan Medical School, 55 N Lake Avenue, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Toloo Taghian
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, UMass Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; New England Center for Stroke Research, Department of Radiology, UMass Chan Medical School, 55 N Lake Avenue, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Erin F Hall
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, UMass Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Sarah Nath
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, UMass Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Carl B Heilman
- Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | | | - Anita Leporati
- New England Center for Stroke Research, Department of Radiology, UMass Chan Medical School, 55 N Lake Avenue, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Christopher Raskett
- New England Center for Stroke Research, Department of Radiology, UMass Chan Medical School, 55 N Lake Avenue, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Mark Epshtein
- New England Center for Stroke Research, Department of Radiology, UMass Chan Medical School, 55 N Lake Avenue, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Robert King
- New England Center for Stroke Research, Department of Radiology, UMass Chan Medical School, 55 N Lake Avenue, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Matthew J Gounis
- New England Center for Stroke Research, Department of Radiology, UMass Chan Medical School, 55 N Lake Avenue, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Adel M Malek
- Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111, USA.
| | - Heather L Gray-Edwards
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, UMass Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; New England Center for Stroke Research, Department of Radiology, UMass Chan Medical School, 55 N Lake Avenue, Worcester, MA 01655, USA.
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Xu L, Yao S, Ding YE, Xie M, Feng D, Sha P, Tan L, Bei F, Yao Y. Designing and optimizing AAV-mediated gene therapy for neurodegenerative diseases: from bench to bedside. J Transl Med 2024; 22:866. [PMID: 39334366 PMCID: PMC11429861 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05661-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs) have emerged as an attractive tool for gene delivery, and demonstrated tremendous promise in gene therapy and gene editing-therapeutic modalities with potential "one-and-done" treatment benefits compared to conventional drugs. Given their tropisms for the central nervous system (CNS) across various species including humans, rAAVs have been extensively investigated in both pre-clinical and clinical studies targeting neurodegenerative disease. However, major challenges remain in the application of rAAVs for CNS gene therapy, such as suboptimal vector design, low CNS transduction efficiency and specificity, and therapy-induced immunotoxicity. Therefore, continuing efforts are being made to optimize the rAAV vectors from their "core" genetic payloads to their "coat" or capsid structure. In this review, we describe current approaches for rAAV vector design tailored for transgene expression in the CNS, summarize the development of CNS-targeting AAV serotypes, and highlight recent advancements in AAV capsid engineering, aimed at generating a new generation of rAAVs with improved CNS tropism. Additionally, we discuss various administration routes for delivering rAAVs to the CNS and provide an overview of AAV-mediated gene therapies currently under investigation in clinical trials for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Xu
- Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Institute of Neuroscience, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shun Yao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Yifan Evan Ding
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mengxiao Xie
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dingqi Feng
- Center of Clinical Laboratory, Dushu Lake Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Pengfei Sha
- Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Institute of Neuroscience, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Lu Tan
- Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Institute of Neuroscience, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fengfeng Bei
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Yizheng Yao
- Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Institute of Neuroscience, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
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Serrano C, Cananzi S, Shen T, Wang LL, Zhang CL. Simple and highly specific targeting of resident microglia with adeno-associated virus. iScience 2024; 27:110706. [PMID: 39297168 PMCID: PMC11407971 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110706] [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: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Microglia, as the immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS), play dynamic roles in both healthy and diseased conditions. The ability to genetically target microglia using viruses is crucial for understanding their functions and advancing microglia-based treatments. We here show that resident microglia can be simply and specifically targeted using adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors containing a 466-bp DNA fragment from the human IBA1 (hIBA1) promoter. This targeting approach is applicable to both resting and reactive microglia. When combining the short hIBA1 promoter with the target sequence of miR124, up to 98% of transduced cells are identified as microglia. Such a simple and highly specific microglia-targeting strategy may be further optimized for research and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Serrano
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Sergio Cananzi
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Tianjin Shen
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Lei-Lei Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Chun-Li Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
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5
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Zhou L, Wang Y, Xu Y, Zhang Y, Zhu C. A comprehensive review of AAV-mediated strategies targeting microglia for therapeutic intervention of neurodegenerative diseases. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:232. [PMID: 39300451 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03232-2] [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: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 09/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases pose a significant health burden globally, with limited treatment options available. Among the various cell types involved in the pathogenesis of these disorders, microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system, play a pivotal role. Dysregulated microglial activation contributes to neuroinflammation and neuronal damage, making them an attractive target for therapeutic intervention. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors have emerged as powerful tools for delivering therapeutic genes to specific cell types in the central nervous system with remarkable precision and safety. In the current review, we discuss the strategies employed to achieve selective transduction of microglia, including the use of cell-specific promoters, engineered capsids, and microRNA (miRNA) strategies. Additionally, we address the challenges and future directions in the development of AAV-based therapies targeting microglia. Overall, AAV-mediated targeting of microglia holds promise as a novel therapeutic approach for neurodegenerative diseases, offering the potential to modify disease progression and improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia Zhou
- Henan Neurodevelopment Engineering Research Center for Children, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450018, China.
| | - Yafeng Wang
- Henan Neurodevelopment Engineering Research Center for Children, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450018, China
| | - Yiran Xu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Institute of Neuroscience and The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Yaodong Zhang
- Henan Neurodevelopment Engineering Research Center for Children, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450018, China
| | - Changlian Zhu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Institute of Neuroscience and The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China.
- Center for Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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Goraltchouk A, Lourie J, Hollander JM, Grace Rosen H, Fujishiro AA, Luppino F, Zou K, Seregin A. Development and characterization of a first-in-class adjustable-dose gene therapy system. Gene 2024; 919:148500. [PMID: 38663689 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148500] [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: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite significant potential, gene therapy has been relegated to the treatment of rare diseases, due in part to an inability to adjust dosage following initial administration. Other significant constraints include cost, specificity, antigenicity, and systemic toxicity of current generation technologies. To overcome these challenges, we developed a first-in-class adjustable-dose gene therapy system, with optimized biocompatibility, localization, durability, and cost. METHODS A lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery system was developed and characterized by dynamic light scattering for size, zeta potential, and polydispersity. Cytocompatibility and transfection efficiency were optimized in vitro using primary human adipocytes and preadipocytes. Durability, immunogenicity, and adjustment of expression were evaluated in C57BL/6 and B6 albino mice using in vivo bioluminescence imaging. Biodistribution was assessed by qPCR and immunohistochemistry; therapeutic protein expression was quantified by ELISA. RESULTS Following LNP optimization, in vitro transfection efficiency of primary human adipocytes reached 81.3 % ± 8.3 % without compromising cytocompatibility. Critical physico-chemical properties of the system (size, zeta potential, polydispersity) remained stable over a broad range of genetic cassette sizes (1,871-6,203 bp). Durable expression was observed in vivo over 6 months, localizing to subcutaneous adipose tissues at the injection site with no detectable transgene in the liver, heart, spleen, or kidney. Gene expression was adjustable using several physical and pharmacological approaches, including cryolipolysis, focused ultrasound, and pharmacologically inducible apoptosis. The ability of transfected adipocytes to express therapeutic transgenes ranging from peptides to antibodies, at potentially clinically relevant levels, was confirmed in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSION We report the development of a novel, low-cost therapeutic platform, designed to enable the replacement of subcutaneously administered protein treatments with a single-injection, adjustable-dose gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Goraltchouk
- Remedium Bio, Inc. 1116 Great Plain Ave, Suite 203, Needham, MA 02492, United States of America
| | - Jared Lourie
- Department of Exercise and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Boston, 100 Morrissey Blvd, Boston, MA 02125, United States of America
| | - Judith M Hollander
- Remedium Bio, Inc. 1116 Great Plain Ave, Suite 203, Needham, MA 02492, United States of America
| | - H Grace Rosen
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, 100 Morrissey Blvd, Boston, MA 02125, United States of America
| | - Atsutaro A Fujishiro
- Department of Exercise and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Boston, 100 Morrissey Blvd, Boston, MA 02125, United States of America
| | - Francesco Luppino
- Remedium Bio, Inc. 1116 Great Plain Ave, Suite 203, Needham, MA 02492, United States of America
| | - Kai Zou
- Department of Exercise and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Boston, 100 Morrissey Blvd, Boston, MA 02125, United States of America
| | - Alexey Seregin
- Remedium Bio, Inc. 1116 Great Plain Ave, Suite 203, Needham, MA 02492, United States of America.
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Lam P, Zygmunt DA, Ashbrook A, Bennett M, Vetter TA, Martin PT. Dual FKRP/FST gene therapy normalizes ambulation, increases strength, decreases pathology, and amplifies gene expression in LGMDR9 mice. Mol Ther 2024; 32:2604-2623. [PMID: 38910327 PMCID: PMC11405156 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent clinical studies of single gene replacement therapy for neuromuscular disorders have shown they can slow or stop disease progression, but such therapies have had little impact on reversing muscle disease that was already present. To reverse disease in patients with muscular dystrophy, new muscle mass and strength must be rebuilt at the same time that gene replacement prevents subsequent disease. Here, we show that treatment of FKRPP448L mice with a dual FKRP/FST gene therapy packaged into a single adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector can build muscle strength and mass that exceed levels found in wild-type mice and can induce normal ambulation endurance in a 1-h walk test. Dual FKRP/FST therapy also showed more even increases in muscle mass and amplified muscle expression of both genes relative to either single gene therapy alone. These data suggest that treatment with single AAV-bearing dual FKRP/FST gene therapies can overcome loss of ambulation by improving muscle strength at the same time it prevents subsequent muscle damage. This design platform could be used to create therapies for other forms of muscular dystrophy that may improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Lam
- Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Deborah A Zygmunt
- Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Anna Ashbrook
- Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Macey Bennett
- Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Tatyana A Vetter
- Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Paul T Martin
- Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA; Department of Pediatrics, and Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA.
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8
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Roy AJ, Leipprandt JR, Patterson JR, Stoll AC, Kemp CJ, Oula ZTD, Mola T, Batista AR, Sortwell CE, Sena-Esteves M, Neubig RR. AAV9-Mediated Intrastriatal Delivery of GNAO1 Reduces Hyperlocomotion in Gnao1 Heterozygous R209H Mutant Mice. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2024; 390:250-259. [PMID: 38866563 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.124.002117] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the GNAO1 gene, which encodes the abundant brain G-protein Gα o, result in neurologic disorders characterized by developmental delay, epilepsy, and movement abnormalities. There are over 50 mutant alleles associated with GNAO1 disorders; the R209H mutation results in dystonia, choreoathetosis, and developmental delay without seizures. Mice heterozygous for the human mutant allele (Gnao1 +/R209H) exhibit hyperactivity in open field tests but no seizures. We developed self-complementary adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (scAAV9) vectors expressing two splice variants of human GNAO1 Gα o isoforms 1 (GoA, GNAO1.1) and 2 (GoB, GNAO1.2). Bilateral intrastriatal injections of either scAAV9-GNAO1.1 or scAAV9-GNAO1.2 significantly reversed mutation-associated hyperactivity in open field tests. GNAO1 overexpression did not increase seizure susceptibility, a potential side effect of GNAO1 vector treatment. This represents the first report of successful preclinical gene therapy for GNAO1 encephalopathy applied in vivo. Further studies are needed to uncover the molecular mechanism that results in behavior improvements after scAAV9-mediated Gα o expression and to refine the vector design. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: GNAO1 mutations cause a spectrum of developmental, epilepsy, and movement disorders. Here we show that intrastriatal delivery of scAAV9-GNAO1 to express the wild-type Gα o protein reduces the hyperactivity of the Gnao1 +/R209H mouse model, which carries one of the most common movement disorder-associated mutations. This is the first report of a gene therapy for GNAO1 encephalopathy applied in vivo on a patient-allele model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex J Roy
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology (A.J.R., J.R.L., R.R.N.), Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics (A.J.R.), and Nicholas V. Perricone, M.D., Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine (R.R.N.), Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan; Department of Translational Neuroscience (J.R.P., A.C.S., C.J.K., C.E.S.), Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan; Hauenstein Neuroscience Center, Mercy Health Saint Mary's, Grand Rapids, Michigan (C.E.S.); and Horae Gene Therapy Center and The Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research (Z.-T.D.O., T.M., A.R.B., M.S.-E.) and Department of Neurology (Z.-T.D.O., T.M., A.R.B., M.S.-E.), UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Jeffrey R Leipprandt
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology (A.J.R., J.R.L., R.R.N.), Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics (A.J.R.), and Nicholas V. Perricone, M.D., Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine (R.R.N.), Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan; Department of Translational Neuroscience (J.R.P., A.C.S., C.J.K., C.E.S.), Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan; Hauenstein Neuroscience Center, Mercy Health Saint Mary's, Grand Rapids, Michigan (C.E.S.); and Horae Gene Therapy Center and The Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research (Z.-T.D.O., T.M., A.R.B., M.S.-E.) and Department of Neurology (Z.-T.D.O., T.M., A.R.B., M.S.-E.), UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Joseph R Patterson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology (A.J.R., J.R.L., R.R.N.), Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics (A.J.R.), and Nicholas V. Perricone, M.D., Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine (R.R.N.), Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan; Department of Translational Neuroscience (J.R.P., A.C.S., C.J.K., C.E.S.), Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan; Hauenstein Neuroscience Center, Mercy Health Saint Mary's, Grand Rapids, Michigan (C.E.S.); and Horae Gene Therapy Center and The Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research (Z.-T.D.O., T.M., A.R.B., M.S.-E.) and Department of Neurology (Z.-T.D.O., T.M., A.R.B., M.S.-E.), UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Anna C Stoll
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology (A.J.R., J.R.L., R.R.N.), Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics (A.J.R.), and Nicholas V. Perricone, M.D., Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine (R.R.N.), Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan; Department of Translational Neuroscience (J.R.P., A.C.S., C.J.K., C.E.S.), Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan; Hauenstein Neuroscience Center, Mercy Health Saint Mary's, Grand Rapids, Michigan (C.E.S.); and Horae Gene Therapy Center and The Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research (Z.-T.D.O., T.M., A.R.B., M.S.-E.) and Department of Neurology (Z.-T.D.O., T.M., A.R.B., M.S.-E.), UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Christopher J Kemp
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology (A.J.R., J.R.L., R.R.N.), Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics (A.J.R.), and Nicholas V. Perricone, M.D., Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine (R.R.N.), Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan; Department of Translational Neuroscience (J.R.P., A.C.S., C.J.K., C.E.S.), Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan; Hauenstein Neuroscience Center, Mercy Health Saint Mary's, Grand Rapids, Michigan (C.E.S.); and Horae Gene Therapy Center and The Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research (Z.-T.D.O., T.M., A.R.B., M.S.-E.) and Department of Neurology (Z.-T.D.O., T.M., A.R.B., M.S.-E.), UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Zaipo-Tcheisian D Oula
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology (A.J.R., J.R.L., R.R.N.), Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics (A.J.R.), and Nicholas V. Perricone, M.D., Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine (R.R.N.), Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan; Department of Translational Neuroscience (J.R.P., A.C.S., C.J.K., C.E.S.), Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan; Hauenstein Neuroscience Center, Mercy Health Saint Mary's, Grand Rapids, Michigan (C.E.S.); and Horae Gene Therapy Center and The Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research (Z.-T.D.O., T.M., A.R.B., M.S.-E.) and Department of Neurology (Z.-T.D.O., T.M., A.R.B., M.S.-E.), UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Tyler Mola
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology (A.J.R., J.R.L., R.R.N.), Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics (A.J.R.), and Nicholas V. Perricone, M.D., Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine (R.R.N.), Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan; Department of Translational Neuroscience (J.R.P., A.C.S., C.J.K., C.E.S.), Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan; Hauenstein Neuroscience Center, Mercy Health Saint Mary's, Grand Rapids, Michigan (C.E.S.); and Horae Gene Therapy Center and The Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research (Z.-T.D.O., T.M., A.R.B., M.S.-E.) and Department of Neurology (Z.-T.D.O., T.M., A.R.B., M.S.-E.), UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Ana R Batista
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology (A.J.R., J.R.L., R.R.N.), Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics (A.J.R.), and Nicholas V. Perricone, M.D., Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine (R.R.N.), Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan; Department of Translational Neuroscience (J.R.P., A.C.S., C.J.K., C.E.S.), Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan; Hauenstein Neuroscience Center, Mercy Health Saint Mary's, Grand Rapids, Michigan (C.E.S.); and Horae Gene Therapy Center and The Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research (Z.-T.D.O., T.M., A.R.B., M.S.-E.) and Department of Neurology (Z.-T.D.O., T.M., A.R.B., M.S.-E.), UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Caryl E Sortwell
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology (A.J.R., J.R.L., R.R.N.), Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics (A.J.R.), and Nicholas V. Perricone, M.D., Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine (R.R.N.), Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan; Department of Translational Neuroscience (J.R.P., A.C.S., C.J.K., C.E.S.), Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan; Hauenstein Neuroscience Center, Mercy Health Saint Mary's, Grand Rapids, Michigan (C.E.S.); and Horae Gene Therapy Center and The Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research (Z.-T.D.O., T.M., A.R.B., M.S.-E.) and Department of Neurology (Z.-T.D.O., T.M., A.R.B., M.S.-E.), UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Miguel Sena-Esteves
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology (A.J.R., J.R.L., R.R.N.), Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics (A.J.R.), and Nicholas V. Perricone, M.D., Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine (R.R.N.), Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan; Department of Translational Neuroscience (J.R.P., A.C.S., C.J.K., C.E.S.), Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan; Hauenstein Neuroscience Center, Mercy Health Saint Mary's, Grand Rapids, Michigan (C.E.S.); and Horae Gene Therapy Center and The Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research (Z.-T.D.O., T.M., A.R.B., M.S.-E.) and Department of Neurology (Z.-T.D.O., T.M., A.R.B., M.S.-E.), UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Richard R Neubig
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology (A.J.R., J.R.L., R.R.N.), Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics (A.J.R.), and Nicholas V. Perricone, M.D., Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine (R.R.N.), Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan; Department of Translational Neuroscience (J.R.P., A.C.S., C.J.K., C.E.S.), Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan; Hauenstein Neuroscience Center, Mercy Health Saint Mary's, Grand Rapids, Michigan (C.E.S.); and Horae Gene Therapy Center and The Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research (Z.-T.D.O., T.M., A.R.B., M.S.-E.) and Department of Neurology (Z.-T.D.O., T.M., A.R.B., M.S.-E.), UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
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9
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Kuhn NF, Zaleta-Linares I, Nyberg WA, Eyquem J, Krummel MF. Localized in vivo gene editing of murine cancer-associated fibroblasts. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.11.603114. [PMID: 39071432 PMCID: PMC11275728 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.11.603114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Discovering the role of fibroblasts residing in the tumor microenvironment (TME) requires controlled, localized perturbations because fibroblasts play critical roles in regulating immunity and tumor biology at multiple sites. Systemic perturbations can lead to unintended, confounding secondary effects, and methods to locally genetically engineer fibroblasts are lacking. To specifically investigate murine stromal cell perturbations restricted to the TME, we developed an adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based method to target any gene-of-interest in fibroblasts at high efficiency (>80%). As proof of concept, we generated single (sKO) and double gene KOs (dKO) of Osmr, Tgfbr2, and Il1r1 in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and investigated how their cell states and those of other cells of the TME subsequently change in mouse models of melanoma and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Furthermore, we developed an in vivo knockin-knockout (KIKO) strategy to achieve long-term tracking of CAFs with target gene KO via knocked-in reporter gene expression. This validated in vivo gene editing toolbox is fast, affordable, and modular, and thus holds great potential for further exploration of gene function in stromal cells residing in tumors and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas F. Kuhn
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- ImmunoX Initiative, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Itzia Zaleta-Linares
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- ImmunoX Initiative, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - William A. Nyberg
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Justin Eyquem
- ImmunoX Initiative, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Matthew F. Krummel
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- ImmunoX Initiative, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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10
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Zhu W, Du W, Rameshbabu AP, Armstrong AM, Silver S, Kim Y, Wei W, Shu Y, Liu X, Lewis MA, Steel KP, Chen ZY. Targeted genome editing restores auditory function in adult mice with progressive hearing loss caused by a human microRNA mutation. Sci Transl Med 2024; 16:eadn0689. [PMID: 38985856 PMCID: PMC7616320 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adn0689] [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: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Mutations in microRNA-96 (MIR96) cause autosomal dominant deafness-50 (DFNA50), a form of delayed-onset hearing loss. Genome editing has shown efficacy in hearing recovery through intervention in neonatal mice, yet editing in the adult inner ear is necessary for clinical applications, which has not been done. Here, we developed a genome editing therapy for the MIR96 mutation 14C>A by screening different CRISPR systems and optimizing Cas9 expression and the sgRNA scaffold for efficient and specific mutation editing. AAV delivery of the KKH variant of Staphylococcus aureus Cas9 (SaCas9-KKH) and sgRNA to the cochleae of presymptomatic (3-week-old) and symptomatic (6-week-old) adult Mir9614C>A/+ mutant mice improved hearing long term, with efficacy increased by injection at a younger age. Adult inner ear delivery resulted in transient Cas9 expression without evidence of AAV genomic integration, indicating the good safety profile of our in vivo genome editing strategy. We developed a dual-AAV system, including an AAV-sgmiR96-master carrying sgRNAs against all known human MIR96 mutations. Because mouse and human MIR96 sequences share 100% homology, our approach and sgRNA selection for efficient and specific hair cell editing for long-term hearing recovery lay the foundation for the development of treatment for patients with DFNA50 caused by MIR96 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenliang Zhu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate Program in Speech and Hearing Bioscience and Technology and Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Eaton-Peabody laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA02114, USA
| | - Wan Du
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate Program in Speech and Hearing Bioscience and Technology and Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Eaton-Peabody laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA02114, USA
| | - Arun Prabhu Rameshbabu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate Program in Speech and Hearing Bioscience and Technology and Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Eaton-Peabody laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA02114, USA
| | - Ariel Miura Armstrong
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate Program in Speech and Hearing Bioscience and Technology and Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Eaton-Peabody laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA02114, USA
| | - Stewart Silver
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate Program in Speech and Hearing Bioscience and Technology and Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Eaton-Peabody laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA02114, USA
| | - Yehree Kim
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate Program in Speech and Hearing Bioscience and Technology and Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Eaton-Peabody laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA02114, USA
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate Program in Speech and Hearing Bioscience and Technology and Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Eaton-Peabody laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA02114, USA
| | - Yilai Shu
- ENT Institute and Otorhinolaryngology Department of Eye & ENT hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai200031, China
- Institutes of Biomedical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai200032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai200031, China
| | - Xuezhong Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Morag A. Lewis
- Wolfson Sensory, Pain and Regeneration Centre, King’s College London, LondonWC2R 2LS, UK
| | - Karen P. Steel
- Wolfson Sensory, Pain and Regeneration Centre, King’s College London, LondonWC2R 2LS, UK
| | - Zheng-Yi Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate Program in Speech and Hearing Bioscience and Technology and Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Eaton-Peabody laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA02114, USA
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11
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Konno A, Shinohara Y, Hirai H. Production of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3 Model Mice by Intravenous Injection of AAV-PHP.B Vectors. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7205. [PMID: 39000316 PMCID: PMC11241190 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
We aimed to produce a mouse model of spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) using the mouse blood-brain barrier (BBB)-penetrating adeno-associated virus (AAV)-PHP.B. Four-to-five-week-old C57BL/6 mice received injections of high-dose (2.0 × 1011 vg/mouse) or low-dose (5.0 × 1010 vg/mouse) AAV-PHP.B encoding a SCA3 causative gene containing abnormally long 89 CAG repeats [ATXN3(Q89)] under the control of the ubiquitous chicken β-actin hybrid (CBh) promoter. Control mice received high doses of AAV-PHP.B encoding ATXN3 with non-pathogenic 15 CAG repeats [ATXN3(Q15)] or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) alone. More than half of the mice injected with high doses of AAV-PHP.B encoding ATXN3(Q89) died within 4 weeks after the injection. No mice in other groups died during the 12-week observation period. Mice injected with low doses of AAV-PHP.B encoding ATXN3(Q89) exhibited progressive motor uncoordination starting 4 weeks and a shorter stride in footprint analysis performed at 12 weeks post-AAV injection. Immunohistochemistry showed thinning of the molecular layer and the formation of nuclear inclusions in Purkinje cells from mice injected with low doses of AAV-PHP.B encoding ATXN3(Q89). Moreover, ATXN3(Q89) expression significantly reduced the number of large projection neurons in the cerebellar nuclei to one third of that observed in mice expressing ATXN3(Q15). This AAV-based approach is superior to conventional methods in that the required number of model mice can be created simply by injecting AAV, and the expression levels of the responsible gene can be adjusted by changing the amount of AAV injected. Moreover, this method may be applied to produce SCA3 models in non-human primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayumu Konno
- Department of Neurophysiology & Neural Repair, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi 371-8511, Gunma, Japan
- Viral Vector Core, Gunma University, Initiative for Advanced Research, Maebashi 371-8511, Gunma, Japan
| | - Yoichiro Shinohara
- Department of Neurophysiology & Neural Repair, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi 371-8511, Gunma, Japan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi 371-8511, Gunma, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Hirai
- Department of Neurophysiology & Neural Repair, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi 371-8511, Gunma, Japan
- Viral Vector Core, Gunma University, Initiative for Advanced Research, Maebashi 371-8511, Gunma, Japan
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12
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Fernandes-Pires G, Azevedo MD, Lanzillo M, Roux-Petronelli C, Binz PA, Cudalbu C, Sandi C, Tenenbaum L, Braissant O. Rescue of myocytes and locomotion through AAV2/9-2YF intracisternal gene therapy in a rat model of creatine transporter deficiency. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2024; 32:101251. [PMID: 38745894 PMCID: PMC11091509 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2024.101251] [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: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Creatine deficiency syndromes (CDS), caused by mutations in GATM (AGAT), GAMT, and SLC6A8, mainly affect the central nervous system (CNS). CDS show brain creatine (Cr) deficiency, intellectual disability with severe speech delay, behavioral troubles, epilepsy, and motor dysfunction. AGAT/GAMT-deficient patients lack brain Cr synthesis but express the Cr transporter SLC6A8 at the blood-brain barrier and are thus treatable by oral supplementation of Cr. In contrast, no satisfactory treatment has been identified for Cr transporter deficiency (CTD), the most frequent of CDS. We used our Slc6a8Y389C CTD rat model to develop a new AAV2/9-2YF-driven gene therapy re-establishing the functional Slc6a8 transporter in rat CNS. We show, after intra-cisterna magna AAV2/9-2YF-Slc6a8-FLAG vector injection of postnatal day 11 pups, the transduction of Slc6a8-FLAG in cerebellum, medulla oblongata, and spinal cord as well as a partial recovery of Cr in these brain regions, together with full prevention of locomotion defaults and impairment of myocyte development observed in Slc6a8Y389 C/y male rats. While more work is needed to correct those CTD phenotypes more associated with forebrain structures, this study is the first demonstrating positive effects of an AAV-driven gene therapy on CTD and thus represents a very encouraging approach to treat the so-far untreatable CTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Fernandes-Pires
- Service of Clinical Chemistry, University of Lausanne and Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marcelo Duarte Azevedo
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurotherapies, Clinical Neurosciences Department, University of Lausanne and Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marc Lanzillo
- Service of Clinical Chemistry, University of Lausanne and Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Clothilde Roux-Petronelli
- Service of Clinical Chemistry, University of Lausanne and Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pierre-Alain Binz
- Service of Clinical Chemistry, University of Lausanne and Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Cristina Cudalbu
- Centre d'Imagerie Biomedicale (CIBM), Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Animal Imaging and Technology, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Carmen Sandi
- Brain Mind Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Liliane Tenenbaum
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurotherapies, Clinical Neurosciences Department, University of Lausanne and Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Braissant
- Service of Clinical Chemistry, University of Lausanne and Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
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13
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Wang YC, Mao XT, Sun C, Wang YH, Zheng YZ, Xiong SH, Liu MY, Mao SH, Wang QW, Ma GX, Wu D, Li ZS, Chen JM, Zou WB, Liao Z. Pancreas-directed AAV8 -hSPINK1 gene therapy safely and effectively protects against pancreatitis in mice. Gut 2024; 73:1142-1155. [PMID: 38553043 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2023-330788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Currently, there is no cure for chronic pancreatitis (CP). Germline loss-of-function variants in SPINK1 (encoding trypsin inhibitor) are common in patients with CP and are associated with acute attacks and progression of the disease. This preclinical study was conducted to explore the potential of adeno-associated virus type 8 (AAV8)-mediated overexpression of human SPINK1 (hSPINK1) for pancreatitis therapy in mice. DESIGN A capsid-optimised AAV8-mediated hSPINK1 expression vector (AAV8-hSPINK1) to target the pancreas was constructed. Mice were treated with AAV8-hSPINK1 by intraperitoneal injection. Pancreatic transduction efficiency and safety of AAV8-hSPINK1 were dynamically evaluated in infected mice. The effectiveness of AAV8-hSPINK1 on pancreatitis prevention and treatment was studied in three mouse models (caerulein-induced pancreatitis, pancreatic duct ligation and Spink1 c.194+2T>C mouse models). RESULTS The constructed AAV8-hSPINK1 vector specifically and safely targeted the pancreas, had low organ tropism for the heart, lungs, spleen, liver and kidneys and had a high transduction efficiency (the optimal expression dose was 2×1011 vg/animal). The expression and efficacy of hSPINK1 peaked at 4 weeks after injection and remained at significant level for up to at least 8 weeks. In all three mouse models, a single dose of AAV8-hSPINK1 before disease onset significantly alleviated the severity of pancreatitis, reduced the progression of fibrosis, decreased the levels of apoptosis and autophagy in the pancreas and accelerated the pancreatitis recovery process. CONCLUSION One-time injection of AAV8-hSPINK1 safely targets the pancreas with high transduction efficiency and effectively ameliorates pancreatitis phenotypes in mice. This approach is promising for the prevention and treatment of CP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Chen Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai, China
- National Key Laboratory of Immunity and Inflammation, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Nautical Medicine and Translation of Drugs and Medical Devices, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Tong Mao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Chang Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ya-Hui Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi-Zhou Zheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Si-Huai Xiong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Mu-Yun Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, No. 905 Hospital of PLA Navy Affiliated to Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sheng-Han Mao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi-Wen Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Guo-Xiu Ma
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Di Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhao-Shen Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai, China
- National Key Laboratory of Immunity and Inflammation, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Nautical Medicine and Translation of Drugs and Medical Devices, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian-Min Chen
- Univ Brest, Inserm, EFS, UMR 1078, GGB, Brest, France
| | - Wen-Bin Zou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai, China
- National Key Laboratory of Immunity and Inflammation, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Nautical Medicine and Translation of Drugs and Medical Devices, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhuan Liao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai, China
- National Key Laboratory of Immunity and Inflammation, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Nautical Medicine and Translation of Drugs and Medical Devices, Shanghai, China
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14
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Kurosaki T, Nakamura H, Sasaki H, Kodama Y. Suitable Promoter for DNA Vaccination Using a pDNA Ternary Complex. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:679. [PMID: 38794341 PMCID: PMC11125067 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16050679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study, we evaluated the effect of several promoters on the transfection activity and immune-induction efficiency of a plasmid DNA (pDNA)/polyethylenimine/γ-polyglutamic acid complex (pDNA ternary complex). Model pDNAs encoding firefly luciferase (Luc) were constructed with several promoters, such as simian virus 40 (SV40), eukaryotic elongation factor 1 alpha (EF1), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and chicken beta actin hybrid (CBh) (pSV40-Luc, pEF1-Luc, pCMV-Luc, and pCBh-Luc, respectively). Four types of pDNA ternary complexes, each with approximately 145-nm particle size and -30-mV ζ-potential, were stably constructed. The pDNA ternary complex containing pSV40-Luc showed low gene expression, but the other complexes containing pEF1-Luc, pCMV-Luc, and pCBh-Luc showed high gene expression in DC2.4 cells and spleen after intravenous administration. After immunization using various pDNA encoding ovalbumin (OVA) such as pEF1-OVA, pCMV-OVA, and pCBh-OVA, only the pDNA ternary complex containing pCBh-OVA showed significant anti-OVA immunoglobulin G (IgG) induction. In conclusion, our results showed that the CBh promoter is potentially suitable for use in pDNA ternary complex-based DNA vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoaki Kurosaki
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8588, Japan; (T.K.)
| | - Hiroki Nakamura
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8588, Japan; (T.K.)
| | - Hitoshi Sasaki
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan;
| | - Yukinobu Kodama
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Nagasaki University Hospital, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
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15
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Krause F, Schmidtke K, de Vasconcelos MF, Schmidt D, Cansiz B, Theisen F, Mark MD, Rybarski MO. A shedding analysis after AAV8 CNS injection revealed fragmented viral DNA without evidence of functional AAV particles in mice. Gene Ther 2024; 31:345-351. [PMID: 38467879 PMCID: PMC11090812 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-024-00447-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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Adeno-associated viruses (AAV) are commonly used in the scientific field due to their diverse application range. However, AAV shedding, the release of virions from the host organism, can impact the safety of AAV-based approaches. An increasing number of authorities require the characterization of vector shedding in clinical trials. Recently, shedding of transduced laboratory animals has also gained attention regarding the necessary disposal measures of their waste products. However, no explicit international regulations for AAV-shedding waste exist. Generating insights into shedding dynamics becomes increasingly relevant to help authorities develop adequate regulations. To date, knowledge of AAV vector shedding in mice is very limited. Moreover, confirmation of functional shed AAV particles in mice is missing. Therefore, we examined feces, urine, and saliva of mice after CNS injection with AAV2/8. It revealed the presence of viral DNA fragments via qPCR for up to 4 days after injection. To examine AAV functionality we performed nested PCR and could not detect full-length viral genomes in any but two collected feces samples. Furthermore, a functional infection assay did not reveal evidence of intact AAV particles. Our findings are supposed to contribute murine shedding data as a foundation to help establish still lacking adequate biosafety regulations in the context of AAV shedding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Krause
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, ND7/31, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitaetsstr. 150, D-44780, Bochum, Germany
| | - Katja Schmidtke
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, ND7/31, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitaetsstr. 150, D-44780, Bochum, Germany
| | - Mailton Franca de Vasconcelos
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, ND7/31, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitaetsstr. 150, D-44780, Bochum, Germany
| | - David Schmidt
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, ND7/31, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitaetsstr. 150, D-44780, Bochum, Germany
| | - Beyza Cansiz
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, ND7/31, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitaetsstr. 150, D-44780, Bochum, Germany
| | - Franziska Theisen
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, ND7/31, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitaetsstr. 150, D-44780, Bochum, Germany
| | - Melanie D Mark
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, ND7/31, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitaetsstr. 150, D-44780, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Max O Rybarski
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, ND7/31, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitaetsstr. 150, D-44780, Bochum, Germany
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16
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Lee HHC, Latzer IT, Bertoldi M, Gao G, Pearl PL, Sahin M, Rotenberg A. Gene replacement therapies for inherited disorders of neurotransmission: Current progress in succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency. J Inherit Metab Dis 2024; 47:476-493. [PMID: 38581234 PMCID: PMC11096052 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Neurodevelopment is a highly organized and complex process involving lasting and often irreversible changes in the central nervous system. Inherited disorders of neurotransmission (IDNT) are a group of genetic disorders where neurotransmission is primarily affected, resulting in abnormal brain development from early life, manifest as neurodevelopmental disorders and other chronic conditions. In principle, IDNT (particularly those of monogenic causes) are amenable to gene replacement therapy via precise genetic correction. However, practical challenges for gene replacement therapy remain major hurdles for its translation from bench to bedside. We discuss key considerations for the development of gene replacement therapies for IDNT. As an example, we describe our ongoing work on gene replacement therapy for succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency, a GABA catabolic disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry HC Lee
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Itay Tokatly Latzer
- Division of Epilepsy & Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Tel-Aviv University Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Mariarita Bertoldi
- Dept. of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Guangping Gao
- The Horae Gene Therapy Center, UMass Medical School, MA 01605, USA
| | - Phillip L Pearl
- Division of Epilepsy & Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Mustafa Sahin
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Alexander Rotenberg
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Division of Epilepsy & Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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17
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Sevigny J, Uspenskaya O, Heckman LD, Wong LC, Hatch DA, Tewari A, Vandenberghe R, Irwin DJ, Saracino D, Le Ber I, Ahmed R, Rohrer JD, Boxer AL, Boland S, Sheehan P, Brandes A, Burstein SR, Shykind BM, Kamalakaran S, Daniels CW, David Litwack E, Mahoney E, Velaga J, McNamara I, Sondergaard P, Sajjad SA, Kobayashi YM, Abeliovich A, Hefti F. Progranulin AAV gene therapy for frontotemporal dementia: translational studies and phase 1/2 trial interim results. Nat Med 2024; 30:1406-1415. [PMID: 38745011 PMCID: PMC11108785 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-024-02973-0] [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: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
GRN mutations cause progranulin haploinsufficiency, which eventually leads to frontotemporal dementia (FTD-GRN). PR006 is an investigational gene therapy delivering the granulin gene (GRN) using an adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (AAV9) vector. In non-clinical studies, PR006 transduced neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells of patients with FTD-GRN, resulted in progranulin expression and improvement of lipofuscin, lysosomal and neuroinflammation pathologies in Grn-knockout mice, and was well tolerated except for minimal, asymptomatic dorsal root ganglionopathy in non-human primates. We initiated a first-in-human phase 1/2 open-label trial. Here we report results of a pre-specified interim analysis triggered with the last treated patient of the low-dose cohort (n = 6) reaching the 12-month follow-up timepoint. We also include preliminary data from the mid-dose cohort (n = 7). Primary endpoints were safety, immunogenicity and change in progranulin levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood. Secondary endpoints were Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) plus National Alzheimer's Disease Coordinating Center (NACC) Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration (FTLD) rating scale and levels of neurofilament light chain (NfL). One-time administration of PR006 into the cisterna magna was generally safe and well tolerated. All patients developed treatment-emergent anti-AAV9 antibodies in the CSF, but none developed anti-progranulin antibodies. CSF pleocytosis was the most common PR006-related adverse event. Twelve serious adverse events occurred, mostly unrelated to PR006. Deep vein thrombosis developed in three patients. There was one death (unrelated) occurring 18 months after treatment. CSF progranulin increased after PR006 treatment in all patients; blood progranulin increased in most patients but only transiently. NfL levels transiently increased after PR006 treatment, likely reflecting dorsal root ganglia toxicity. Progression rates, based on the CDR scale, were within the broad ranges reported for patients with FTD. These data provide preliminary insights into the safety and bioactivity of PR006. Longer follow-up and additional studies are needed to confirm the safety and potential efficacy of PR006. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04408625 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Sevigny
- Prevail Therapeutics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Olga Uspenskaya
- Prevail Therapeutics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company, New York, NY, USA
| | - Laura Dean Heckman
- Prevail Therapeutics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company, New York, NY, USA
| | - Li Chin Wong
- Prevail Therapeutics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company, New York, NY, USA
| | - Daniel A Hatch
- Prevail Therapeutics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ambika Tewari
- Prevail Therapeutics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rik Vandenberghe
- Neurology Service, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium and Laboratory for Cognitive Neurology, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - David J Irwin
- Department of Neurology, Penn Frontotemporal Degeneration Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Dario Saracino
- Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute - Institut du Cerveau, ICM, Inserm, CNRS UMR 7225 APHP - Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Le Ber
- Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute - Institut du Cerveau, ICM, Inserm, CNRS UMR 7225 APHP - Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Rebekah Ahmed
- Department of Neurology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jonathan D Rohrer
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Dementia Research Center, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Adam L Boxer
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sebastian Boland
- Prevail Therapeutics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company, New York, NY, USA
| | - Patricia Sheehan
- Prevail Therapeutics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alissa Brandes
- Prevail Therapeutics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company, New York, NY, USA
| | - Suzanne R Burstein
- Prevail Therapeutics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company, New York, NY, USA
| | - Benjamin M Shykind
- Prevail Therapeutics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sitharthan Kamalakaran
- Prevail Therapeutics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company, New York, NY, USA
| | - Carter W Daniels
- Prevail Therapeutics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company, New York, NY, USA
| | - E David Litwack
- Prevail Therapeutics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company, New York, NY, USA
| | - Erin Mahoney
- Prevail Therapeutics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jenny Velaga
- Prevail Therapeutics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ilan McNamara
- Prevail Therapeutics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company, New York, NY, USA
| | - Patricia Sondergaard
- Prevail Therapeutics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company, New York, NY, USA
| | - Syed A Sajjad
- Prevail Therapeutics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yvonne M Kobayashi
- Prevail Therapeutics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company, New York, NY, USA
| | - Asa Abeliovich
- Prevail Therapeutics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company, New York, NY, USA
| | - Franz Hefti
- Prevail Therapeutics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company, New York, NY, USA
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18
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Böck D, Revers IM, Bomhof ASJ, Hillen AEJ, Boeijink C, Kissling L, Egli S, Moreno-Mateos MA, van der Knaap MS, van Til NP, Schwank G. In vivo base editing of a pathogenic Eif2b5 variant improves vanishing white matter phenotypes in mice. Mol Ther 2024; 32:1328-1343. [PMID: 38454603 PMCID: PMC11081866 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Vanishing white matter (VWM) is a fatal leukodystrophy caused by recessive mutations in subunits of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2B. Currently, there are no effective therapies for VWM. Here, we assessed the potential of adenine base editing to correct human pathogenic VWM variants in mouse models. Using adeno-associated viral vectors, we delivered intein-split adenine base editors into the cerebral ventricles of newborn VWM mice, resulting in 45.9% ± 5.9% correction of the Eif2b5R191H variant in the cortex. Treatment slightly increased mature astrocyte populations and partially recovered the integrated stress response (ISR) in female VWM animals. This led to notable improvements in bodyweight and grip strength in females; however, locomotor disabilities were not rescued. Further molecular analyses suggest that more precise editing (i.e., lower rates of bystander editing) as well as more efficient delivery of the base editors to deep brain regions and oligodendrocytes would have been required for a broader phenotypic rescue. Our study emphasizes the potential, but also identifies limitations, of current in vivo base-editing approaches for the treatment of VWM or other leukodystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desirée Böck
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ilma M Revers
- Department of Child Neurology, Amsterdam Leukodystrophy Center, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Amsterdam Neuroscience, Cellular & Molecular Mechanisms, 1105AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anastasia S J Bomhof
- Department of Child Neurology, Amsterdam Leukodystrophy Center, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Amsterdam Neuroscience, Cellular & Molecular Mechanisms, 1105AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anne E J Hillen
- Department of Child Neurology, Amsterdam Leukodystrophy Center, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Amsterdam Neuroscience, Cellular & Molecular Mechanisms, 1105AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Claire Boeijink
- Department of Child Neurology, Amsterdam Leukodystrophy Center, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Amsterdam Neuroscience, Cellular & Molecular Mechanisms, 1105AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lucas Kissling
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sabina Egli
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Miguel A Moreno-Mateos
- Andalusian Center for Developmental Biology (CABD), Pablo de Olavide University/CSIC/Junta de Andalucía, 41013 Seville, Spain; Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemical Engineering, Pablo de Olavide University, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Marjo S van der Knaap
- Department of Child Neurology, Amsterdam Leukodystrophy Center, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Amsterdam Neuroscience, Cellular & Molecular Mechanisms, 1105AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Niek P van Til
- Department of Child Neurology, Amsterdam Leukodystrophy Center, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Amsterdam Neuroscience, Cellular & Molecular Mechanisms, 1105AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Gerald Schwank
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
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19
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Hu SW, Lv J, Wang Z, Tang H, Wang H, Wang F, Wang D, Zhang J, Zhang L, Cao Q, Chen Y, Gao Z, Han Y, Wang W, Li GL, Shu Y, Li H. Engineering of the AAV-Compatible Hair Cell-Specific Small-Size Myo15 Promoter for Gene Therapy in the Inner Ear. RESEARCH (WASHINGTON, D.C.) 2024; 7:0341. [PMID: 38665848 PMCID: PMC11045262 DOI: 10.34133/research.0341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene therapy is widely applied to treat numerous hereditary diseases in animal models and humans. The specific expression of AAV-delivered transgenes driven by cell type-specific promoters should further increase the safety of gene therapy. However, current methods for screening cell type-specific promoters are labor-intensive and time-consuming. Herein, we designed a "multiple vectors in one AAV" strategy for promoter construction in vivo. Through this strategy, we truncated a native promoter for Myo15 expression in hair cells (HCs) in the inner ear, from 1,611 bp down to 1,157 bp, and further down to 956 bp. Under the control of these 2 promoters, green fluorescent protein packaged in AAV-PHP.eB was exclusively expressed in the HCs. The transcription initiation ability of the 2 promoters was further verified by intein-mediated otoferlin recombination in a dual-AAV therapeutic system. Driven by these 2 promoters, human otoferlin was selectively expressed in HCs, resulting in the restoration of hearing in treated Otof -/- mice for at least 52 weeks. In summary, we developed an efficient screening strategy for cell type-specific promoter engineering and created 2 truncated Myo15 promoters that not only restored hereditary deafness in animal models but also show great potential for treating human patients in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao Wei Hu
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Institute of Biomedical Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine (Fudan University), Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jun Lv
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Institute of Biomedical Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine (Fudan University), Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zijing Wang
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Institute of Biomedical Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine (Fudan University), Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Honghai Tang
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Institute of Biomedical Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine (Fudan University), Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Hui Wang
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Institute of Biomedical Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine (Fudan University), Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Fang Wang
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Institute of Biomedical Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine (Fudan University), Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Daqi Wang
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Institute of Biomedical Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine (Fudan University), Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Institute of Biomedical Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine (Fudan University), Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Longlong Zhang
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Institute of Biomedical Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine (Fudan University), Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Qi Cao
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Institute of Biomedical Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine (Fudan University), Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yuxin Chen
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Institute of Biomedical Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine (Fudan University), Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ziwen Gao
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Institute of Biomedical Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine (Fudan University), Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yu Han
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Institute of Biomedical Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine (Fudan University), Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Wuqing Wang
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Institute of Biomedical Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine (Fudan University), Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Geng-lin Li
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Institute of Biomedical Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine (Fudan University), Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yilai Shu
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Institute of Biomedical Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine (Fudan University), Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Huawei Li
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Institute of Biomedical Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine (Fudan University), Shanghai, 200032, China
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20
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Henriques C, Lopes MM, Silva AC, Lobo DD, Badin RA, Hantraye P, Pereira de Almeida L, Nobre RJ. Viral-based animal models in polyglutamine disorders. Brain 2024; 147:1166-1189. [PMID: 38284949 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awae012] [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: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Polyglutamine disorders are a complex group of incurable neurodegenerative disorders caused by an abnormal expansion in the trinucleotide cytosine-adenine-guanine tract of the affected gene. To better understand these disorders, our dependence on animal models persists, primarily relying on transgenic models. In an effort to complement and deepen our knowledge, researchers have also developed animal models of polyglutamine disorders employing viral vectors. Viral vectors have been extensively used to deliver genes to the brain, not only for therapeutic purposes but also for the development of animal models, given their remarkable flexibility. In a time- and cost-effective manner, it is possible to use different transgenes, at varying doses, in diverse targeted tissues, at different ages, and in different species, to recreate polyglutamine pathology. This paper aims to showcase the utility of viral vectors in disease modelling, share essential considerations for developing animal models with viral vectors, and provide a comprehensive review of existing viral-based animal models for polyglutamine disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Henriques
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Gene and Stem Cell Therapies for the Brain Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- ViraVector-Viral Vector for Gene Transfer Core Facility, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Miguel M Lopes
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Gene and Stem Cell Therapies for the Brain Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- ViraVector-Viral Vector for Gene Transfer Core Facility, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (III), University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana C Silva
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Gene and Stem Cell Therapies for the Brain Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- ViraVector-Viral Vector for Gene Transfer Core Facility, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (III), University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Diana D Lobo
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Gene and Stem Cell Therapies for the Brain Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- ViraVector-Viral Vector for Gene Transfer Core Facility, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (III), University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Romina Aron Badin
- CEA, DRF, Institute of Biology François Jacob, Molecular Imaging Research Center (MIRCen), 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- CNRS, CEA, Paris-Sud University, Université Paris-Saclay, Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory (UMR9199), 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Philippe Hantraye
- CEA, DRF, Institute of Biology François Jacob, Molecular Imaging Research Center (MIRCen), 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- CNRS, CEA, Paris-Sud University, Université Paris-Saclay, Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory (UMR9199), 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Luís Pereira de Almeida
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Gene and Stem Cell Therapies for the Brain Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- ViraVector-Viral Vector for Gene Transfer Core Facility, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rui Jorge Nobre
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Gene and Stem Cell Therapies for the Brain Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapy Group, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- ViraVector-Viral Vector for Gene Transfer Core Facility, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (III), University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
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21
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Wang JH, Gessler DJ, Zhan W, Gallagher TL, Gao G. Adeno-associated virus as a delivery vector for gene therapy of human diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:78. [PMID: 38565561 PMCID: PMC10987683 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01780-w] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) has emerged as a pivotal delivery tool in clinical gene therapy owing to its minimal pathogenicity and ability to establish long-term gene expression in different tissues. Recombinant AAV (rAAV) has been engineered for enhanced specificity and developed as a tool for treating various diseases. However, as rAAV is being more widely used as a therapy, the increased demand has created challenges for the existing manufacturing methods. Seven rAAV-based gene therapy products have received regulatory approval, but there continue to be concerns about safely using high-dose viral therapies in humans, including immune responses and adverse effects such as genotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, thrombotic microangiopathy, and neurotoxicity. In this review, we explore AAV biology with an emphasis on current vector engineering strategies and manufacturing technologies. We discuss how rAAVs are being employed in ongoing clinical trials for ocular, neurological, metabolic, hematological, neuromuscular, and cardiovascular diseases as well as cancers. We outline immune responses triggered by rAAV, address associated side effects, and discuss strategies to mitigate these reactions. We hope that discussing recent advancements and current challenges in the field will be a helpful guide for researchers and clinicians navigating the ever-evolving landscape of rAAV-based gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang-Hui Wang
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia
- Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, East Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia
| | - Dominic J Gessler
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Wei Zhan
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Thomas L Gallagher
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Guangping Gao
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
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22
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Maturana CJ, Engel EA. Persistent transgene expression in peripheral tissues one year post intravenous and intramuscular administration of AAV vectors containing the alphaherpesvirus latency-associated promoter 2. FRONTIERS IN VIROLOGY (LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 4:1379991. [PMID: 38665693 PMCID: PMC11044866 DOI: 10.3389/fviro.2024.1379991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Significant progress has been made in enhancing recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) for clinical investigation. Despite its versatility as a gene delivery platform, the inherent packaging constraint of 4.7 kb imposes restrictions on the range of diseases it can address. In this context, we present findings of an exceptionally compact and long-term promoter that facilitates the expression of larger genes compared to conventional promoters. This compact promoter originated from the genome of the alphaherpesvirus pseudorabies virus, latency-associated promoter 2 (LAP2, 404 bp). Promoter driving an mCherry reporter was packaged into single strand (ss) AAV8 and AAV9 vectors and injected into adult C57BL/6 mice at a dose of 5 × 1011 vg/mouse by single intravenous or intramuscular administration. An ssAAV8 and ssAAV9 vector with elongation factor-1α promoter (EF1α, 1264 bp) was injected side-by-side for comparison. After 400 days, we sacrificed the mice and examined mCherry expression in liver, kidney, heart, lung, spleen, pancreas, skeletal muscle, and brain. We found that LAP2 exhibited robust transgene expression across a wide range of cells and tissues comparable to the larger EF1α, which is currently recognized as a rather potent and ubiquitous promoter. The AAV8-LAP2 and AAV9-LAP2 constructs displayed strong transduction and transcription in liver, kidney, and skeletal muscle on both route of administration. However, no expression was detected in the heart, lung, spleen, pancreas, and brain. The outcomes of our investigation propose the viability of LAP2 for gene therapy applications demanding the expression of large or multiple therapeutic genes following a single viralvector administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carola J. Maturana
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States
| | - Esteban A. Engel
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States
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23
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Braun M, Lange C, Schatz P, Long B, Stanta J, Gorovits B, Tarcsa E, Jawa V, Yang TY, Lembke W, Miller N, McBlane F, Christodoulou L, Yuill D, Milton M. Preexisting antibody assays for gene therapy: Considerations on patient selection cutoffs and companion diagnostic requirements. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2024; 32:101217. [PMID: 38496304 PMCID: PMC10944107 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2024.101217] [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] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors are the leading delivery vehicle used for in vivo gene therapies. Anti-AAV antibodies (AAV Abs) can interact with the viral capsid component of an AAV-based gene therapy (GT). Therefore, patients with preexisting AAV Abs (seropositive patients) are often excluded from GT trials to prevent treatment of patients who are unlikely to benefit1 or may have a higher risk for adverse events outweighing treatment benefits. On the contrary, unnecessary exclusion of patients with high unmet medical need should be avoided. Instead, a risk-benefit assessment that weighs the potential risks due to seropositivity vs. severity of disease and available treatment options, should drive the decision if patient selection is required. Assays for patient selection must be validated according to their intended use following national regulations/standards for diagnostic assays in appropriate laboratories. In this review, we summarize the current process of patient selection, including assay cutoff criteria and related assay validation approaches. We further provide considerations on regulatory requirements for the development of in vitro diagnostic tests supporting market authorization of a corresponding GT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Braun
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals R&D, 13342 Berlin, Germany
| | - Claudia Lange
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals R&D, 13342 Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Brian Long
- BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc, Novato, CA, USA
| | | | - Boris Gorovits
- Sana Biotechnology, 100 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Edit Tarcsa
- Abbvie Bioresearch Center, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Vibha Jawa
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Lawrence Township, NJ 08648, USA
| | | | - Wibke Lembke
- Integrated Biologix GmbH, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Miller
- Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc, Novato, CA 94949, USA
| | | | | | - Daisy Yuill
- AstraZeneca, 1 Francis Crick Avenue, CB2 0AA Cambridge, UK
| | - Mark Milton
- Lake Boon Pharmaceutical Consulting, LLC, Hudson, MA 01749, USA
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24
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Nouraein S, Lee S, Saenz VA, Del Mundo HC, Yiu J, Szablowski JO. Acoustically targeted noninvasive gene therapy in large brain volumes. Gene Ther 2024; 31:85-94. [PMID: 37696982 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-023-00421-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Focused Ultrasound Blood-Brain Barrier Opening (FUS-BBBO) can deliver adeno-associated viral vectors (AAVs) to treat genetic disorders of the brain. However, such disorders often affect large brain regions. Moreover, the applicability of FUS-BBBO in the treatment of brain-wide genetic disorders has not yet been evaluated. Herein, we evaluated the transduction efficiency and safety of opening up to 105 sites simultaneously. Increasing the number of targeted sites increased gene delivery efficiency at each site. We achieved transduction of up to 60% of brain cells with comparable efficiency in the majority of the brain regions. Furthermore, gene delivery with FUS-BBBO was safe even when all 105 sites were targeted simultaneously without negative effects on animal weight or neuronal loss. To evaluate the application of multi-site FUS-BBBO for gene therapy, we used it for gene editing using the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated 9 (Cas9) system and found effective gene editing, but also a loss of neurons at the targeted sites. Overall, this study provides a brain-wide map of transduction efficiency, shows the synergistic effect of multi-site targeting on transduction efficiency, and is the first example of large brain volume gene editing after noninvasive gene delivery with FUS-BBBO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirin Nouraein
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Rice Neuroengineering Initiative, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Synthetic, Systems, and Physical Biology Program, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
| | - Sangsin Lee
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Rice Neuroengineering Initiative, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Vidal A Saenz
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | | | - Joycelyn Yiu
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Jerzy O Szablowski
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Rice Neuroengineering Initiative, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Synthetic, Systems, and Physical Biology Program, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77005, USA.
- Applied Physics Program, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77005, USA.
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25
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Hassan S, Hsu Y, Thompson JM, Kalmanek E, VandeLune JA, Stanley S, Drack AV. The dose-response relationship of subretinal gene therapy with rAAV2tYF-CB-h RS1 in a mouse model of X-linked retinoschisis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1304819. [PMID: 38414621 PMCID: PMC10898246 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1304819] [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: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS), due to loss-of-function mutations in the retinoschisin (RS1) gene, is characterized by a modest to severe decrease in visual acuity. Clinical trials for XLRS utilizing intravitreal (IVT) gene therapy showed ocular inflammation. We conducted a subretinal dose-response preclinical study using rAAV2tYF-CB-hRS1 utilizing the Rs1 knockout (Rs1-KO) mouse to investigate short- and long-term retinal rescue after subretinal gene delivery. Methods Rs1-KO mice were subretinally injected with 2 μL of rAAV2tYF-CB-hRS1 vector with 8E9 viral genomes (vg)/eye, 8E8 vg/eye, 8E7 vg/eye, or sham injection, and compared to untreated eyes. Reconstitution of human RS1 protein was detected using western blotting. Analysis of retinal function by electroretinography (ERG) and structural analysis by optical coherence tomography (OCT) were performed at 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, and 12 months post injection (MPI). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to evaluate cone rescue on the cellular level. Functional vision was evaluated using a visually guided swim assay (VGSA). Results Western blotting analysis showed human RS1 protein expression in a dose-dependent manner. Quantification of western blotting showed that the RS1 protein expression in mice treated with the 8E8 vg dose was near the wild-type (WT) expression levels. ERG demonstrated dose-dependent effects: At 1 MPI the 8E8 vg dose treated eyes had higher light-adapted (LA) ERG amplitudes in 3.0 flash and 5 Hz flicker compared to untreated (p < 0.0001) and sham-treated eyes (p < 0.0001) which persisted until the 12 MPI endpoint, consistent with improved cone function. ERG b-wave amplitudes were higher in response to dark-adapted (DA) 0.01 dim flash and 3.0 standard combined response (SCR) compared to sham-treated (p < 0.01) and untreated eyes (p < 0.001) which persisted until 3 MPI, suggesting short-term improvement of the rod photoreceptors. All injections, including sham-treated, resulted in a cyst severity score of 1 (no cavities), with significant reductions compared to untreated eyes up to 3 MPI (p < 0.05). The high and low dose groups showed inconsistent ERG improvements, despite reduced cyst severity, emphasizing the dose-dependent nature of gene augmentation's efficacy and the tenuous connection between cyst reduction and ERG improvement. IHC data showed a significant cone rescue in eyes treated with the 8E8 vg dose compared to sham-treated and untreated eyes. VGSA showed better functional vision in 8E8 vg dose treated mice. Eyes treated with the highest dose showed occasional localized degeneration in the outer nuclear layer. Conclusion Our data suggest that a dose of 8E8 vg/eye subretinally improves retinal function and structure in the Rs1-KO mouse. It improves cone function, rod function, and reduces cyst severity. Sham treatment resolves schisis cysts, but 8E8 vg/eye is needed for optimal retinal electrical function rescue. These findings offer a promising path for clinical translation to human trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salma Hassan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Institute for Vision Research, and Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Biomedical Science-Cell and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Ying Hsu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Institute for Vision Research, and Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Jacob M Thompson
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Institute for Vision Research, and Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Emily Kalmanek
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Institute for Vision Research, and Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Joel A VandeLune
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Institute for Vision Research, and Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Sarah Stanley
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Institute for Vision Research, and Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Arlene V Drack
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Institute for Vision Research, and Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Biomedical Science-Cell and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
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26
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Baines O, Sha R, Kalla M, Holmes AP, Efimov IR, Pavlovic D, O’Shea C. Optical mapping and optogenetics in cardiac electrophysiology research and therapy: a state-of-the-art review. Europace 2024; 26:euae017. [PMID: 38227822 PMCID: PMC10847904 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euae017] [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: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
State-of-the-art innovations in optical cardiac electrophysiology are significantly enhancing cardiac research. A potential leap into patient care is now on the horizon. Optical mapping, using fluorescent probes and high-speed cameras, offers detailed insights into cardiac activity and arrhythmias by analysing electrical signals, calcium dynamics, and metabolism. Optogenetics utilizes light-sensitive ion channels and pumps to realize contactless, cell-selective cardiac actuation for modelling arrhythmia, restoring sinus rhythm, and probing complex cell-cell interactions. The merging of optogenetics and optical mapping techniques for 'all-optical' electrophysiology marks a significant step forward. This combination allows for the contactless actuation and sensing of cardiac electrophysiology, offering unprecedented spatial-temporal resolution and control. Recent studies have performed all-optical imaging ex vivo and achieved reliable optogenetic pacing in vivo, narrowing the gap for clinical use. Progress in optical electrophysiology continues at pace. Advances in motion tracking methods are removing the necessity of motion uncoupling, a key limitation of optical mapping. Innovations in optoelectronics, including miniaturized, biocompatible illumination and circuitry, are enabling the creation of implantable cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators with optoelectrical closed-loop systems. Computational modelling and machine learning are emerging as pivotal tools in enhancing optical techniques, offering new avenues for analysing complex data and optimizing therapeutic strategies. However, key challenges remain including opsin delivery, real-time data processing, longevity, and chronic effects of optoelectronic devices. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in optical mapping and optogenetics and outlines the promising future of optics in reshaping cardiac electrophysiology and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Baines
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Science, University of Birmingham, Edgbastion, Wolfson Drive, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Rina Sha
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Science, University of Birmingham, Edgbastion, Wolfson Drive, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Manish Kalla
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Science, University of Birmingham, Edgbastion, Wolfson Drive, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Andrew P Holmes
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Science, University of Birmingham, Edgbastion, Wolfson Drive, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Igor R Efimov
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Davor Pavlovic
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Science, University of Birmingham, Edgbastion, Wolfson Drive, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Christopher O’Shea
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Science, University of Birmingham, Edgbastion, Wolfson Drive, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
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27
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Davis JR, Banskota S, Levy JM, Newby GA, Wang X, Anzalone AV, Nelson AT, Chen PJ, Hennes AD, An M, Roh H, Randolph PB, Musunuru K, Liu DR. Efficient prime editing in mouse brain, liver and heart with dual AAVs. Nat Biotechnol 2024; 42:253-264. [PMID: 37142705 PMCID: PMC10869272 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-023-01758-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Realizing the promise of prime editing for the study and treatment of genetic disorders requires efficient methods for delivering prime editors (PEs) in vivo. Here we describe the identification of bottlenecks limiting adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated prime editing in vivo and the development of AAV-PE vectors with increased PE expression, prime editing guide RNA stability and modulation of DNA repair. The resulting dual-AAV systems, v1em and v3em PE-AAV, enable therapeutically relevant prime editing in mouse brain (up to 42% efficiency in cortex), liver (up to 46%) and heart (up to 11%). We apply these systems to install putative protective mutations in vivo for Alzheimer's disease in astrocytes and for coronary artery disease in hepatocytes. In vivo prime editing with v3em PE-AAV caused no detectable off-target effects or significant changes in liver enzymes or histology. Optimized PE-AAV systems support the highest unenriched levels of in vivo prime editing reported to date, facilitating the study and potential treatment of diseases with a genetic component.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessie R Davis
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Samagya Banskota
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jonathan M Levy
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Gregory A Newby
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Xiao Wang
- Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Andrew V Anzalone
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Andrew T Nelson
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Peter J Chen
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Andrew D Hennes
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Meirui An
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Heejin Roh
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Peyton B Randolph
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Kiran Musunuru
- Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - David R Liu
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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28
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Ingusci S, Hall BL, Goins WF, Cohen JB, Glorioso JC. Viral vectors for gene delivery to the central nervous system. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2024; 205:59-81. [PMID: 39341663 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-90120-8.00001-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
Brain diseases with a known or suspected genetic basis represent an important frontier for advanced therapeutics. The central nervous system (CNS) is an intricate network in which diverse cell types with multiple functions communicate via complex signaling pathways, making therapeutic intervention in brain-related diseases challenging. Nevertheless, as more information on the molecular genetics of brain-related diseases becomes available, genetic intervention using gene therapeutic strategies should become more feasible. There remain, however, several significant hurdles to overcome that relate to (i) the development of appropriate gene vectors and (ii) methods to achieve local or broad vector delivery. Clearly, gene delivery tools must be engineered for distribution to the correct cell type in a specific brain region and to accomplish therapeutic transgene expression at an appropriate level and duration. They also must avoid all toxicity, including the induction of inflammatory responses. Over the last 40 years, various types of viral vectors have been developed as tools to introduce therapeutic genes into the brain, primarily targeting neurons. This review describes the most prominent vector systems currently approaching clinical application for CNS disorders and highlights both remaining challenges as well as improvements in vector designs that achieve greater safety, defined tropism, and therapeutic gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selene Ingusci
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Bonnie L Hall
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - William F Goins
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Justus B Cohen
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Joseph C Glorioso
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.
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Airavaara M, Saarma M. Viral and nonviral approaches. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2024; 205:83-97. [PMID: 39341664 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-90120-8.00008-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases pose a substantial unmet medical need, and no disease-modifying treatments exist. Neurotrophic factors have been studied for decades as a therapy to slow down or stop the progression of these diseases. In this chapter, we focus on Parkinson disease, the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, and on studies carried out with neurotrophic factors. We explore the routes of administration, how the invasive intracranial administration is the challenge, and different ways to deliver the therapeutic proteins, for example, gene therapy and protein therapy. This therapy concept has been developed to mostly work on the restoration of the lost nigrostriatal dopaminergic neuronal connectivity in the brain. However, in recent years, the center of attention of neurotrophic factors has been on maintaining proteostasis and dissolving and preventing protein inclusions called Lewy bodies. We describe the most studied neurotrophic factor families and compare different preclinical experiments that have been carried out. We also analyze several clinical trials and describe their challenges and breakthroughs and discuss the prospects and challenges of neurotrophic support as a therapy for neurodegenerative diseases. In this chapter, we discuss why they still do and why it is essential to continue to work with this area of neurorestorative research around neurotrophic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikko Airavaara
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Neuroscience Center, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Mart Saarma
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Chowdhury EA, Ahuja M, Wu S, Liu S, Huang HW, Kumar M, Sunkara KS, Ghobrial A, Chandran J, Jamier T, Perkinton M, Meno-Tetang G, Shah DK. Pharmacokinetics of AAV9 Mediated Trastuzumab Expression in Rat Brain Following Systemic and Local Administration. J Pharm Sci 2024; 113:131-140. [PMID: 37659717 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2023.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Recombinant adeno-associated viruses(rAAVs) are an attractive tool to ensure long-term expression monoclonal antibody(mAb) in the central nervous system(CNS). It is still unclear whether systemic injection or local CNS administration of AAV9 is more beneficial for the exposure of the expressed mAb in the brain. Hence, we compared the biodistribution and transgene expression following AAV9-Trastuzumab administration through different routes. METHODS AND RESULT In-house generated AAV9-Trastuzumab vectors were administered at 5E+11 Vgs/rat through intravenous(IV), intracerebroventricular(ICV), intra-cisterna magna(ICM) and intrastriatal(IST) routes. Vector and trastuzumab blood/plasma concentrations were assessed at different time points up to the terminal time point of 21 days. Different brain regions in addition to the spinal cord, cerebrospinal fluid(CSF) and interstitial fluid(ISF), were also analyzed at the terminal time point. Our results show that vector biodistribution and Trastuzumab expression in the brain could the ranked as follows: IST>ICM>ICV>IV. Rapid clearance of vector was observed after administration via the ICM and ICV routes. The ICV route produced similar expression levels across different brain regions, while the ICM route had better expression in the hindbrain and spinal cord region. The IST route had higher expression in the forebrain region compared to the hindbrain region. A sharp decline in trastuzumab plasma concentration was observed across all routes of administration due to anti-trastuzumab antibody response. CONCLUSION In this study we have characterized vector biodistribution and transgene mAb expression after AAV9 vector administration through different routes in rats. IST and ICM represent the best administration routes to deliver antibody genes to the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekram Ahmed Chowdhury
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo, USA
| | - Manuj Ahuja
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo, USA
| | - Shengjia Wu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo, USA
| | - Shufang Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo, USA
| | - Hsien Wei Huang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo, USA
| | - Mokshada Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo, USA
| | - Kiran Sai Sunkara
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo, USA
| | - Avanobe Ghobrial
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo, USA
| | - Jayanth Chandran
- Biologic Therapeutics, Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Tanguy Jamier
- Neuroscience, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Guy Meno-Tetang
- Neuroscience, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Dhaval K Shah
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo, USA.
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31
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Pathak S, Singh V, Kumar N, Jayandharan GR. Inducible caspase 9-mediated suicide gene therapy using AAV6 vectors in a murine model of breast cancer. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2023; 31:101166. [PMID: 38149057 PMCID: PMC10750187 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.101166] [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: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Breast carcinoma has one of the highest incidence rates (11.7%), with significant clinical heterogeneity. Although conventional chemotherapy and surgical resection are the current standard of care, the resistance and recurrence, after these interventions, necessitate alternate therapeutic approaches. Cancer gene therapy for breast cancer with the suicide gene is an attractive option due to their directed delivery into the tumor. In this study, we have developed a novel treatment strategy against breast cancer with recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) serotype 6 vectors carrying a suicide gene, inducible Caspase 9 (iCasp9). Upon treatment with AAV6-iCasp9 vectors and the chemical inducer of dimerizer, AP20187, the viability of murine breast cancer cells (4T1) was significantly reduced to ∼40%-60% (mock control 100%). Following intratumoral delivery of AAV6-iCasp9 vectors in an orthotopic breast cancer mouse model, we observed a significant increase in iCasp9 transgene expression and a significant reduction in tumor growth rate. At the molecular level, immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated subsequent activation of the effector caspase 3 and cellular death. These data highlight the potential of AAV6-iCasp9-based suicide gene therapy for aggressive breast cancer in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhajit Pathak
- Laurus Center for Gene Therapy, Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering and Mehta Family Center for Engineering in Medicine and Gangwal School of Medical Sciences and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 208016, India
| | - Vijayata Singh
- Laurus Center for Gene Therapy, Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering and Mehta Family Center for Engineering in Medicine and Gangwal School of Medical Sciences and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 208016, India
| | - Narendra Kumar
- Laurus Center for Gene Therapy, Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering and Mehta Family Center for Engineering in Medicine and Gangwal School of Medical Sciences and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 208016, India
| | - Giridhara R. Jayandharan
- Laurus Center for Gene Therapy, Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering and Mehta Family Center for Engineering in Medicine and Gangwal School of Medical Sciences and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 208016, India
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Wang X, Wang X, Li Y, A S, Qiu B, Bushmalyova A, He Z, Wang W, Lara-Sáez I. CRISPR-Cas9-based non-viral gene editing therapy for topical treatment of recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2023; 31:101134. [PMID: 38027067 PMCID: PMC10630779 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.101134] [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: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is an autosomal monogenic skin disease caused by mutations in COL7A1 gene and lack of functional type VII collagen (C7). Currently, there is no cure for RDEB, and most of the gene therapies under development have been designed as ex vivo strategies because of the shortage of efficient and safe carriers for gene delivery. Herein, we designed, synthesized, and screened a new group of highly branched poly(β amino ester)s (HPAEs) as non-viral carriers for the delivery of plasmids encoding dual single-guide RNA (sgRNA)-guided CRISPR-Cas9 machinery to delete COL7A1 exon 80 containing the c.6527dupC mutation. The selected HPAEs (named PTTA-DATOD) showed robust transfection efficiency, comparable with or surpassing that of leading commercial gene transfection reagents such as Lipofectamine 3000, Xfect, and jetPEI, while maintaining negligible cytotoxicity. Furthermore, CRISPR-Cas9 plasmids delivered by PTTA-DATOD achieved efficient targeted deletion and restored bulk C7 production in RDEB patient keratinocyte polyclones. The non-viral CRISPR-Cas9-based COL7A1 exon deletion approach developed here has great potential to be used as a topical treatment for RDEB patients with mutations in COL7A1 exon 80. Besides, this therapeutic strategy can easily be adapted for mutations in other COL7A1 exons, other epidermolysis bullosa subtypes, and other genetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianqing Wang
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Xi Wang
- Research and Clinical Translation Center of Gene Medicine and Tissue Engineering, School of Public Health, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan 232001, China
| | - Yinghao Li
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sigen A
- Research and Clinical Translation Center of Gene Medicine and Tissue Engineering, School of Public Health, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan 232001, China
| | - Bei Qiu
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Albina Bushmalyova
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Zhonglei He
- Research and Clinical Translation Center of Gene Medicine and Tissue Engineering, School of Public Health, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan 232001, China
| | - Wenxin Wang
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
- Research and Clinical Translation Center of Gene Medicine and Tissue Engineering, School of Public Health, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan 232001, China
| | - Irene Lara-Sáez
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
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Serrano C, Cananzi S, Shen T, Wang LL, Zhang CL. Simple and Highly Specific Targeting of Resident Microglia with Adeno-Associated Virus. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.12.571321. [PMID: 38168285 PMCID: PMC10760038 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.12.571321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Microglia, as the immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS), play dynamic roles in both health and diseased conditions. The ability to genetically target microglia using viruses is crucial for understanding their functions and advancing microglia-based treatments. We here show that resident microglia can be simply and specifically targeted using adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors containing a 466-bp DNA fragment from the human IBA1 (hIBA1) promoter. This targeting approach is applicable to both resting and reactive microglia. When combining the short hIBA1 promoter with the target sequence of miR124, up to 95% of transduced cells are identified as microglia. Such a simple and highly specific microglia-targeting strategy may be further optimized for research and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Serrano
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Sergio Cananzi
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Tianjin Shen
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Lei-Lei Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Chun-Li Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
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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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Wang J, Lin J, Chen Y, Liu J, Zheng Q, Deng M, Wang R, Zhang Y, Feng S, Xu Z, Ye W, Hu Y, Duan J, Lin Y, Dai J, Chen Y, Li Y, Luo T, Chen Q, Lu Z. An ultra-compact promoter drives widespread neuronal expression in mouse and monkey brains. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113348. [PMID: 37910509 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Promoters are essential tools for basic and translational neuroscience research. An ideal promoter should possess the shortest possible DNA sequence with cell-type selectivity. However, whether ultra-compact promoters can offer neuron-specific expression is unclear. Here, we report the development of an extremely short promoter that enables selective gene expression in neurons, but not glial cells, in the brain. The promoter sequence originates from the human CALM1 gene and is only 120 bp in size. The CALM1 promoter (pCALM1) embedded in an adeno-associated virus (AAV) genome directed broad reporter expression in excitatory and inhibitory neurons in mouse and monkey brains. Moreover, pCALM1, when inserted into an all-in-one AAV vector expressing SpCas9 and sgRNA, drives constitutive and conditional in vivo gene editing in neurons and elicits functional alterations. These data demonstrate the ability of pCALM1 to conduct restricted neuronal gene expression, illustrating the feasibility of ultra-miniature promoters for targeting brain-cell subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518034, China; Shenzhen Technological Research Center for Primate Translational Medicine, Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Neural Development, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jianbang Lin
- Shenzhen Technological Research Center for Primate Translational Medicine, Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Neural Development, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yefei Chen
- Shenzhen Technological Research Center for Primate Translational Medicine, Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Neural Development, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Shenzhen Technological Research Center for Primate Translational Medicine, Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Neural Development, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen 518027, China
| | - Qiongping Zheng
- Shenzhen Technological Research Center for Primate Translational Medicine, Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Neural Development, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Mao Deng
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan 528400, China
| | - Ruiqi Wang
- Shenzhen Technological Research Center for Primate Translational Medicine, Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Neural Development, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yujing Zhang
- Shenzhen Technological Research Center for Primate Translational Medicine, Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Neural Development, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Shijing Feng
- Shenzhen Technological Research Center for Primate Translational Medicine, Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Neural Development, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Zhenyan Xu
- Shenzhen Technological Research Center for Primate Translational Medicine, Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Neural Development, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Weiyi Ye
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan 528400, China
| | - Yu Hu
- Shenzhen Technological Research Center for Primate Translational Medicine, Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Neural Development, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Jiamei Duan
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan 528400, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yunping Lin
- Shenzhen Technological Research Center for Primate Translational Medicine, Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Neural Development, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ji Dai
- Shenzhen Technological Research Center for Primate Translational Medicine, Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Neural Development, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Shenzhen Technological Research Center for Primate Translational Medicine, Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Neural Development, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yuantao Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen 518027, China; Biomedical Research Institute, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Tao Luo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518034, China
| | - Qian Chen
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan 528400, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Zhonghua Lu
- Shenzhen Technological Research Center for Primate Translational Medicine, Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Neural Development, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; Biomedical Imaging Science and System Key Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.
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Cheng W, Huang J, Fu XQ, Tian WY, Zeng PM, Li Y, Luo ZG. Intrathecal delivery of AAV-NDNF ameliorates disease progression of ALS mice. Mol Ther 2023; 31:3277-3289. [PMID: 37766430 PMCID: PMC10638056 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.09.018] [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: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a uniformly lethal neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive deterioration of motor neurons and neuromuscular denervation. Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated delivery of trophic factors is being considered as a potential disease-modifying therapeutic avenue. Here we show a marked effect of AAV-mediated over-expression of neuron-derived neurotrophic factor (NDNF) on SOD1G93A ALS model mice. First, we adopt AAV-PHP.eB capsid to enable widespread expression of target proteins in the brain and spinal cord when delivered intrathecally. Then we tested the effects of AAV-NDNF on SOD1G93A mice at different stages of disease. Interestingly, AAV-NDNF markedly improved motor performance and alleviated weight loss when delivered at early post-symptomatic stage. Injection in the middle post-symptomatic stages still improved the locomotion ability, although it did not alleviate the loss of body weight. Injection in the late stage also extended the life span of SOD1G93A mice. Furthermore, NDNF expression promoted the survival of spinal motoneurons, reduced abnormal protein aggregation, and preserved the innervated neuromuscular functions. We further analyzed the signaling pathways of NDNF expression and found that it activates cell survival and growth-associated mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway and downregulates apoptosis-related pathways. Thus, intrathecally AAV-NDNF delivery has provided a potential strategy for the treatment of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Cheng
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; Institute of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jing Huang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Xiu-Qing Fu
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Wei-Ya Tian
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Peng-Ming Zeng
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yang Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Zhen-Ge Luo
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China.
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37
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Madigan V, Zhang F, Dahlman JE. Drug delivery systems for CRISPR-based genome editors. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:875-894. [PMID: 37723222 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00762-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR-based drugs can theoretically manipulate any genetic target. In practice, however, these drugs must enter the desired cell without eliciting an unwanted immune response, so a delivery system is often required. Here, we review drug delivery systems for CRISPR-based genome editors, focusing on adeno-associated viruses and lipid nanoparticles. After describing how these systems are engineered and their subsequent characterization in preclinical animal models, we highlight data from recent clinical trials. Preclinical targeting mediated by polymers, proteins, including virus-like particles, and other vehicles that may deliver CRISPR systems in the future is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Madigan
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Feng Zhang
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - James E Dahlman
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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38
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Zhu W, Du W, Rameshbabu AP, Armstrong AM, Silver S, Kim Y, Wei W, Shu Y, Liu X, Lewis MA, Steel KP, Chen ZY. Targeted genome editing restores auditory function in adult mice with progressive hearing loss caused by a human microRNA mutation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.26.564008. [PMID: 37961137 PMCID: PMC10634841 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.26.564008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in microRNA-96 ( MIR96 ) cause dominant delayed onset hearing loss DFNA50 without treatment. Genome editing has shown efficacy in hearing recovery by intervention in neonatal mice, yet editing in the adult inner ear is necessary for clinical applications. Here, we developed an editing therapy for a C>A point mutation in the seed region of the Mir96 gene, Mir96 14C>A associated with hearing loss by screening gRNAs for genome editors and optimizing Cas9 and sgRNA scaffold for efficient and specific mutation editing in vitro. By AAV delivery in pre-symptomatic (3-week-old) and symptomatic (6-week-old) adult Mir96 14C>A mutant mice, hair cell on-target editing significantly improved hearing long-term, with an efficacy inversely correlated with injection age. We achieved transient Cas9 expression without the evidence of AAV genomic integration to significantly reduce the safety concerns associated with editing. We developed an AAV-sgmiR96-master system capable of targeting all known human MIR96 mutations. As mouse and human MIR96 sequences share 100% homology, our approach and sgRNA selection for efficient and specific hair cell editing for long-term hearing recovery lays the foundation for future treatment of DFNA50 caused by MIR96 mutations.
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Allen D, Knop O, Itkowitz B, Kalter N, Rosenberg M, Iancu O, Beider K, Lee YN, Nagler A, Somech R, Hendel A. CRISPR-Cas9 engineering of the RAG2 locus via complete coding sequence replacement for therapeutic applications. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6771. [PMID: 37891182 PMCID: PMC10611791 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42036-5] [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: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
RAG2-SCID is a primary immunodeficiency caused by mutations in Recombination-activating gene 2 (RAG2), a gene intimately involved in the process of lymphocyte maturation and function. ex-vivo manipulation of a patient's own hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) using CRISPR-Cas9/rAAV6 gene editing could provide a therapeutic alternative to the only current treatment, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Here we show an innovative RAG2 correction strategy that replaces the entire endogenous coding sequence (CDS) for the purpose of preserving the critical endogenous spatiotemporal gene regulation and locus architecture. Expression of the corrective transgene leads to successful development into CD3+TCRαβ+ and CD3+TCRγδ+ T cells and promotes the establishment of highly diverse TRB and TRG repertoires in an in-vitro T-cell differentiation platform. Thus, our proof-of-concept study holds promise for safer gene therapy techniques of tightly regulated genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Allen
- Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Orli Knop
- Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Bryan Itkowitz
- Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Nechama Kalter
- Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Michael Rosenberg
- Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Ortal Iancu
- Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Katia Beider
- The Division of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Ramat Gan, 5266202, Israel
| | - Yu Nee Lee
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Pediatric Department A and the Immunology Service, Jeffrey Modell Foundation Center, Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, 5266202, Israel
| | - Arnon Nagler
- The Division of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Ramat Gan, 5266202, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Raz Somech
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Pediatric Department A and the Immunology Service, Jeffrey Modell Foundation Center, Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, 5266202, Israel
| | - Ayal Hendel
- Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel.
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40
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Zeballos C MA, Moore HJ, Smith TJ, Powell JE, Ahsan NS, Zhang S, Gaj T. Mitigating a TDP-43 proteinopathy by targeting ataxin-2 using RNA-targeting CRISPR effector proteins. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6492. [PMID: 37838698 PMCID: PMC10576788 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42147-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The TDP-43 proteinopathies, which include amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia, are a devastating group of neurodegenerative disorders that are characterized by the mislocalization and aggregation of TDP-43. Here we demonstrate that RNA-targeting CRISPR effector proteins, a programmable class of gene silencing agents that includes the Cas13 family of enzymes and Cas7-11, can be used to mitigate TDP-43 pathology when programmed to target ataxin-2, a modifier of TDP-43-associated toxicity. In addition to inhibiting the aggregation and transit of TDP-43 to stress granules, we find that the in vivo delivery of an ataxin-2-targeting Cas13 system to a mouse model of TDP-43 proteinopathy improved functional deficits, extended survival, and reduced the severity of neuropathological hallmarks. Further, we benchmark RNA-targeting CRISPR platforms against ataxin-2 and find that high-fidelity forms of Cas13 possess improved transcriptome-wide specificity compared to Cas7-11 and a first-generation effector. Our results demonstrate the potential of CRISPR technology for TDP-43 proteinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Alejandra Zeballos C
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Hayden J Moore
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Tyler J Smith
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Jackson E Powell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Najah S Ahsan
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Sijia Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Thomas Gaj
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
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41
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Li L, Vasan L, Kartono B, Clifford K, Attarpour A, Sharma R, Mandrozos M, Kim A, Zhao W, Belotserkovsky A, Verkuyl C, Schmitt-Ulms G. Advances in Recombinant Adeno-Associated Virus Vectors for Neurodegenerative Diseases. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2725. [PMID: 37893099 PMCID: PMC10603849 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors are gene therapy delivery tools that offer a promising platform for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Keeping up with developments in this fast-moving area of research is a challenge. This review was thus written with the intention to introduce this field of study to those who are new to it and direct others who are struggling to stay abreast of the literature towards notable recent studies. In ten sections, we briefly highlight early milestones within this field and its first clinical success stories. We showcase current clinical trials, which focus on gene replacement, gene augmentation, or gene suppression strategies. Next, we discuss ongoing efforts to improve the tropism of rAAV vectors for brain applications and introduce pre-clinical research directed toward harnessing rAAV vectors for gene editing applications. Subsequently, we present common genetic elements coded by the single-stranded DNA of rAAV vectors, their so-called payloads. Our focus is on recent advances that are bound to increase treatment efficacies. As needed, we included studies outside the neurodegenerative disease field that showcased improved pre-clinical designs of all-in-one rAAV vectors for gene editing applications. Finally, we discuss risks associated with off-target effects and inadvertent immunogenicity that these technologies harbor as well as the mitigation strategies available to date to make their application safer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leyao Li
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
| | - Lakshmy Vasan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Bryan Kartono
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Kevan Clifford
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), 250 College St., Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Ahmadreza Attarpour
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, 101 College St., Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Raghav Sharma
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Matthew Mandrozos
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Ain Kim
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Wenda Zhao
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Ari Belotserkovsky
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Claire Verkuyl
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Gerold Schmitt-Ulms
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
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42
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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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Carrell EM, Chen YH, Ranum PT, Coffin SL, Singh LN, Tecedor L, Keiser MS, Hudry E, Hyman BT, Davidson BL. VWA3A-derived ependyma promoter drives increased therapeutic protein secretion into the CSF. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 33:296-304. [PMID: 37547292 PMCID: PMC10400871 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors (rAAVs) are a promising strategy to treat neurodegenerative diseases because of their ability to infect non-dividing cells and confer long-term transgene expression. Despite an ever-growing library of capsid variants, widespread delivery of AAVs in the adult central nervous system remains a challenge. We have previously demonstrated successful distribution of secreted proteins by infection of the ependyma, a layer of post-mitotic epithelial cells lining the ventricles of the brain and central column of the spinal cord, and subsequent protein delivery via the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Here we define a functional ependyma promoter to enhance expression from this cell type. Using RNA sequencing on human autopsy samples, we identified disease- and age-independent ependyma gene signatures. Associated promoters were cloned and screened as libraries in mouse and rhesus macaque to reveal cross-species function of a human DNA-derived von Willebrand factor domain containing 3A (VWA3A) promoter. When tested in mice, our VWA3A promoter drove strong, ependyma-localized expression of eGFP and increased secreted ApoE protein levels in the CSF by 2-12× over the ubiquitous iCAG promoter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellie M. Carrell
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Yong Hong Chen
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Paul T. Ranum
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Stephanie L. Coffin
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Larry N. Singh
- Center for Mitochondrial and Epigenomic Medicine, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Luis Tecedor
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Megan S. Keiser
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Eloise Hudry
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Bradley T. Hyman
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Massachusetts Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Beverly L. Davidson
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Stavropoulos F, Georgiou E, Schiza N, Bell S, Baloh RH, Kleopa KA, Sargiannidou I. Mitofusin 1 overexpression rescues the abnormal mitochondrial dynamics caused by the Mitofusin 2 K357T mutation in vitro. J Peripher Nerv Syst 2023; 28:329-340. [PMID: 37220142 DOI: 10.1111/jns.12564] [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: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Mitofusin 1 (MFN1) and MFN2 are outer mitochondrial membrane fusogenic proteins regulating mitochondrial network morphology. MFN2 mutations cause Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 2A (CMT2A), an axonal neuropathy characterized by mitochondrial fusion defects, which in the case of a GTPase domain mutant, were rescued following wild-type MFN1/2 (MFN1/2WT ) overexpression. In this study, we compared the therapeutic efficiency between MFN1WT and MFN2WT overexpression in correcting mitochondrial defects induced by the novel MFN2K357T mutation located in the highly conserved R3 region. METHODS Constructs expressing either MFN2K357T , MFN2WT , or MFN1WT under the ubiquitous chicken β-actin hybrid (CBh) promoter were generated. Flag or myc tag was used for their detection. Differentiated SH-SY5Y cells were single transfected with MFN1WT , MFN2WT , or MFN2K357T , as well as double transfected with MFN2K357T /MFN2WT or MFN2K357T /MFN1WT . RESULTS SH-SY5Y cells transfected with MFN2K357T exhibited severe perinuclear mitochondrial clustering with axon-like processes devoid of mitochondria. Single transfection with MFN1WT resulted in a more interconnected mitochondrial network than transfection with MFN2WT , accompanied by mitochondrial clusters. Double transfection of MFN2K357T with either MFN1WT or MFN2WT resolved the mutant-induced mitochondrial clusters and led to detectable mitochondria throughout the axon-like processes. MFN1WT showed higher efficacy than MFN2WT in rescuing these defects. INTERPRETATION These results further demonstrate the higher potential of MFN1WT over MFN2WT overexpression to rescue CMT2A-induced mitochondrial network abnormalities due to mutations outside the GTPase domain. This higher phenotypic rescue conferred by MFN1WT , possibly due to its higher mitochondrial fusogenic ability, may be applied to different CMT2A cases regardless of the MFN2 mutation type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippos Stavropoulos
- Department of Neuroscience, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Elena Georgiou
- Department of Neuroscience, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Natasa Schiza
- Department of Neuroscience, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Shaughn Bell
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Robert H Baloh
- Global Head of Neuroscience, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kleopas A Kleopa
- Department of Neuroscience, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Center for Neuromuscular Disorders and Center for Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Irene Sargiannidou
- Department of Neuroscience, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
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45
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Zeballos C MA, Moore HJ, Smith TJ, Powell JE, Ahsan NS, Zhang S, Gaj T. Mitigating a TDP-43 proteinopathy by targeting ataxin-2 using RNA-targeting CRISPR effector proteins. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.07.536072. [PMID: 37066174 PMCID: PMC10104115 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.07.536072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
The TDP-43 proteinopathies, which include amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia, are a devastating group of neurodegenerative disorders that are characterized by the mislocalization and aggregation of TDP-43. Here we demonstrate that RNA-targeting CRISPR effector proteins, a programmable class of gene silencing agents that includes the Cas13 family of enzymes and Cas7-11, can be used to mitigate TDP-43 pathology when programmed to target ataxin-2, a modifier of TDP-43-associated toxicity. In addition to inhibiting the aggregation and transit of TDP-43 to stress granules, we find that the in vivo delivery of an ataxin-2-targeting Cas13 system to a mouse model of TDP-43 proteinopathy improved functional deficits, extended survival, and reduced the severity of neuropathological hallmarks. Further, we benchmark RNA-targeting CRISPR platforms against ataxin-2 and find that high-fidelity forms of Cas13 possess improved transcriptome-wide specificity compared to Cas7-11 and a first-generation effector. Our results demonstrate the potential of CRISPR technology for TDP-43 proteinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Alejandra Zeballos C
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Hayden J. Moore
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Tyler J. Smith
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Jackson E. Powell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Najah S. Ahsan
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Sijia Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Thomas Gaj
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
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46
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Wu Y, Wan X, Zhao D, Chen X, Wang Y, Tang X, Li J, Li S, Sun X, Bi C, Zhang X. AAV-mediated base-editing therapy ameliorates the disease phenotypes in a mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4923. [PMID: 37582961 PMCID: PMC10427680 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40655-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Base editing technology is an ideal solution for treating pathogenic single-nucleotide variations (SNVs). No gene editing therapy has yet been approved for eye diseases, such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Here, we show, in the rd10 mouse model, which carries an SNV identified as an RP-causing mutation in human patients, that subretinal delivery of an optimized dual adeno-associated virus system containing the adenine base editor corrects the pathogenic SNV in the neuroretina with up to 49% efficiency. Light microscopy showed that a thick and robust outer nuclear layer (photoreceptors) was preserved in the treated area compared with the thin, degenerated outer nuclear layer without treatment. Substantial electroretinogram signals were detected in treated rd10 eyes, whereas control treated eyes showed minimal signals. The water maze experiment showed that the treatment substantially improved vision-guided behavior. Together, we construct and validate a translational therapeutic solution for the treatment of RP in humans. Our findings might accelerate the development of base-editing based gene therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yidong Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoling Wan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai, China.
| | - Dongdong Zhao
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, China
- National Technology Innovation Center of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin, China
| | - Xuxu Chen
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, China
- National Technology Innovation Center of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin, China
| | - Yujie Wang
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, China
- National Technology Innovation Center of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin, China
| | - Xinxin Tang
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, China
- National Technology Innovation Center of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin, China
| | - Ju Li
- College of Life Science, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, China
| | - Siwei Li
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, China
- National Technology Innovation Center of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaodong Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai, China.
| | - Changhao Bi
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, China.
- National Technology Innovation Center of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin, China.
| | - Xueli Zhang
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, China.
- National Technology Innovation Center of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin, China.
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47
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Feng T, Minevich G, Liu P, Qin HX, Wozniak G, Pham J, Pham K, Korgaonkar A, Kurnellas M, Defranoux NA, Long H, Mitra A, Hu F. AAV- GRN partially corrects motor deficits and ALS/FTLD-related pathology in Tmem106b-/-Grn-/- mice. iScience 2023; 26:107247. [PMID: 37519899 PMCID: PMC10371829 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Loss of function of progranulin (PGRN), encoded by the granulin (GRN) gene, is implicated in several neurodegenerative diseases. Several therapeutics to boost PGRN levels are currently in clinical trials. However, it is difficult to test the efficacy of PGRN-enhancing drugs in mouse models due to the mild phenotypes of Grn-/- mice. Recently, mice deficient in both PGRN and TMEM106B were shown to develop severe motor deficits and pathology. Here, we show that intracerebral ventricle injection of PGRN-expressing AAV1/9 viruses partially rescues motor deficits, neuronal loss, glial activation, and lysosomal abnormalities in Tmem106b-/-Grn-/- mice. Widespread expression of PGRN is detected in both the brain and spinal cord for both AAV subtypes. However, AAV9 but not AAV1-mediated expression of PGRN results in high levels of PGRN in the serum. Together, these data support using the Tmem106b-/-Grn-/- mouse strain as a robust mouse model to determine the efficacy of PGRN-elevating therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuancheng Feng
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | | | - Pengan Liu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Henry Xin Qin
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | | | - Jenny Pham
- Alector Inc, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Khanh Pham
- Alector Inc, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | | | | | | | - Hua Long
- Alector Inc, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | | | - Fenghua Hu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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48
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Karan BM, Little K, Augustine J, Stitt AW, Curtis TM. Aldehyde Dehydrogenase and Aldo-Keto Reductase Enzymes: Basic Concepts and Emerging Roles in Diabetic Retinopathy. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1466. [PMID: 37508004 PMCID: PMC10376360 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12071466] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a complication of diabetes mellitus that can lead to vision loss and blindness. It is driven by various biochemical processes and molecular mechanisms, including lipid peroxidation and disrupted aldehyde metabolism, which contributes to retinal tissue damage and the progression of the disease. The elimination and processing of aldehydes in the retina rely on the crucial role played by aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) and aldo-keto reductase (AKR) enzymes. This review article investigates the impact of oxidative stress, lipid-derived aldehydes, and advanced lipoxidation end products (ALEs) on the advancement of DR. It also provides an overview of the ALDH and AKR enzymes expressed in the retina, emphasizing their growing importance in DR. Understanding the relationship between aldehyde metabolism and DR could guide innovative therapeutic strategies to protect the retina and preserve vision in diabetic patients. This review, therefore, also explores various approaches, such as gene therapy and pharmacological compounds that have the potential to augment the expression and activity of ALDH and AKR enzymes, underscoring their potential as effective treatment options for DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burak Mugdat Karan
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, UK
| | - Karis Little
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, UK
| | - Josy Augustine
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, UK
| | - Alan W Stitt
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, UK
| | - Tim M Curtis
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, UK
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49
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Duran-Aniotz C, Poblete N, Rivera-Krstulovic C, Ardiles ÁO, Díaz-Hung ML, Tamburini G, Sabusap CMP, Gerakis Y, Cabral-Miranda F, Diaz J, Fuentealba M, Arriagada D, Muñoz E, Espinoza S, Martinez G, Quiroz G, Sardi P, Medinas DB, Contreras D, Piña R, Lourenco MV, Ribeiro FC, Ferreira ST, Rozas C, Morales B, Plate L, Gonzalez-Billault C, Palacios AG, Hetz C. The unfolded protein response transcription factor XBP1s ameliorates Alzheimer's disease by improving synaptic function and proteostasis. Mol Ther 2023; 31:2240-2256. [PMID: 37016577 PMCID: PMC10362463 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Alteration in the buffering capacity of the proteostasis network is an emerging feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD), highlighting the occurrence of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. The unfolded protein response (UPR) is the main adaptive pathway to cope with protein folding stress at the ER. Inositol-requiring enzyme-1 (IRE1) operates as a central ER stress sensor, enabling the establishment of adaptive and repair programs through the control of the expression of the transcription factor X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1). To artificially enforce the adaptive capacity of the UPR in the AD brain, we developed strategies to express the active form of XBP1 in the brain. Overexpression of XBP1 in the nervous system using transgenic mice reduced the load of amyloid deposits and preserved synaptic and cognitive function. Moreover, local delivery of XBP1 into the hippocampus of an 5xFAD mice using adeno-associated vectors improved different AD features. XBP1 expression corrected a large proportion of the proteomic alterations observed in the AD model, restoring the levels of several synaptic proteins and factors involved in actin cytoskeleton regulation and axonal growth. Our results illustrate the therapeutic potential of targeting UPR-dependent gene expression programs as a strategy to ameliorate AD features and sustain synaptic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Duran-Aniotz
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute (BNI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile; FONDAP Center for Geroscience, Brain Health, and Metabolism (GERO), Santiago, Chile; Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile; Latin American Institute for Brain Health (BrainLat), Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, Santiago, Chile; Center for Social and Cognitive Neuroscience (CSCN), School of Psychology, Universidad Adolfo Ibanez, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Natalia Poblete
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute (BNI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile; FONDAP Center for Geroscience, Brain Health, and Metabolism (GERO), Santiago, Chile; Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Catalina Rivera-Krstulovic
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute (BNI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile; FONDAP Center for Geroscience, Brain Health, and Metabolism (GERO), Santiago, Chile; Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Álvaro O Ardiles
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Mei Li Díaz-Hung
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute (BNI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile; FONDAP Center for Geroscience, Brain Health, and Metabolism (GERO), Santiago, Chile; Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Giovanni Tamburini
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute (BNI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile; FONDAP Center for Geroscience, Brain Health, and Metabolism (GERO), Santiago, Chile; Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Carleen Mae P Sabusap
- Department of Chemistry and Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Yannis Gerakis
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute (BNI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile; FONDAP Center for Geroscience, Brain Health, and Metabolism (GERO), Santiago, Chile; Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Felipe Cabral-Miranda
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute (BNI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile; FONDAP Center for Geroscience, Brain Health, and Metabolism (GERO), Santiago, Chile; Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile; Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Javier Diaz
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute (BNI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile; FONDAP Center for Geroscience, Brain Health, and Metabolism (GERO), Santiago, Chile; Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Matias Fuentealba
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute (BNI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile; FONDAP Center for Geroscience, Brain Health, and Metabolism (GERO), Santiago, Chile; Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Diego Arriagada
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute (BNI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile; FONDAP Center for Geroscience, Brain Health, and Metabolism (GERO), Santiago, Chile; Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ernesto Muñoz
- FONDAP Center for Geroscience, Brain Health, and Metabolism (GERO), Santiago, Chile; Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Sandra Espinoza
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute (BNI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile; FONDAP Center for Geroscience, Brain Health, and Metabolism (GERO), Santiago, Chile; Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gabriela Martinez
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute (BNI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile; FONDAP Center for Geroscience, Brain Health, and Metabolism (GERO), Santiago, Chile; Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gabriel Quiroz
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute (BNI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile; FONDAP Center for Geroscience, Brain Health, and Metabolism (GERO), Santiago, Chile; Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pablo Sardi
- Rare and Neurological Diseases Therapeutic Area, Sanofi, Framingham, MA, USA
| | - Danilo B Medinas
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute (BNI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile; FONDAP Center for Geroscience, Brain Health, and Metabolism (GERO), Santiago, Chile; Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Darwin Contreras
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Biology, Faculty of Chemistry and Biology, University of Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ricardo Piña
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Biology, Faculty of Chemistry and Biology, University of Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Mychael V Lourenco
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Felipe C Ribeiro
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Sergio T Ferreira
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; D'Or Institute for Research and Education, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Carlos Rozas
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Biology, Faculty of Chemistry and Biology, University of Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Bernardo Morales
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Biology, Faculty of Chemistry and Biology, University of Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Lars Plate
- Department of Chemistry and Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Christian Gonzalez-Billault
- FONDAP Center for Geroscience, Brain Health, and Metabolism (GERO), Santiago, Chile; Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Adrian G Palacios
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Claudio Hetz
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute (BNI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile; FONDAP Center for Geroscience, Brain Health, and Metabolism (GERO), Santiago, Chile; Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile; Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA 94945, USA.
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50
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Chai S, Wakefield L, Norgard M, Li B, Enicks D, Marks DL, Grompe M. Strong ubiquitous micro-promoters for recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2023; 29:504-512. [PMID: 37287749 PMCID: PMC10241652 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Significant progress has been made in developing recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) for clinical gene therapy. While rAAV is a versatile gene delivery platform, its packaging limit of 4.7 kb limits the diseases it can target. Here, we report two unusually small promoters that enable the expression of larger transgenes than standard promoters. These micro-promoters are only 84 (MP-84) and 135 bp (MP-135) in size but have activity in most cells and tissues comparable to the CAG promoter, the strongest ubiquitous promoter to date. MP-84- and MP-135-based rAAV constructs displayed robust activity in cultured cells from the three different germ-layer lineages. In addition, reporter gene expression was documented in human primary hepatocytes and pancreatic islets and in multiple mouse tissues in vivo, including brain and skeletal muscle. MP-84 and MP-135 will enable the therapeutic expression of transgenes currently too large for rAAV vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunghee Chai
- Papé Family Pediatric Research Institute, Oregon Stem Cell Center, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Leslie Wakefield
- Papé Family Pediatric Research Institute, Oregon Stem Cell Center, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Mason Norgard
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Bin Li
- Papé Family Pediatric Research Institute, Oregon Stem Cell Center, Portland, OR, USA
| | - David Enicks
- Papé Family Pediatric Research Institute, Oregon Stem Cell Center, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Daniel L. Marks
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Markus Grompe
- Papé Family Pediatric Research Institute, Oregon Stem Cell Center, Portland, OR, USA
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