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Chia SPS, Pang JKS, Soh BS. Current RNA strategies in treating cardiovascular diseases. Mol Ther 2024; 32:580-608. [PMID: 38291757 PMCID: PMC10928165 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.01.028] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to impose a significant global health burden, necessitating the exploration of innovative treatment strategies. Ribonucleic acid (RNA)-based therapeutics have emerged as a promising avenue to address the complex molecular mechanisms underlying CVD pathogenesis. We present a comprehensive review of the current state of RNA therapeutics in the context of CVD, focusing on the diverse modalities that bring about transient or permanent modifications by targeting the different stages of the molecular biology central dogma. Considering the immense potential of RNA therapeutics, we have identified common gene targets that could serve as potential interventions for prevalent Mendelian CVD caused by single gene mutations, as well as acquired CVDs developed over time due to various factors. These gene targets offer opportunities to develop RNA-based treatments tailored to specific genetic and molecular pathways, presenting a novel and precise approach to address the complex pathogenesis of both types of cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, we discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with delivery strategies to achieve targeted delivery of RNA therapeutics to the cardiovascular system. This review highlights the immense potential of RNA-based interventions as a novel and precise approach to combat CVD, paving the way for future advancements in cardiovascular therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirley Pei Shan Chia
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore 138673, Singapore; Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117558, Singapore
| | - Jeremy Kah Sheng Pang
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Boon-Seng Soh
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore 138673, Singapore; Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117558, Singapore.
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2
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Vervoorn MT, Amelink JJGJ, Ballan EM, Doevendans PA, Sluijter JPG, Mishra M, Boink GJJ, Bowles DE, van der Kaaij NP. Gene therapy during ex situ heart perfusion: a new frontier in cardiac regenerative medicine? Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1264449. [PMID: 37908499 PMCID: PMC10614057 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1264449] [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: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Ex situ organ preservation by machine perfusion can improve preservation of organs for transplantation. Furthermore, machine perfusion opens up the possibilities for selective immunomodulation, creation of tolerance to ischemia-reperfusion injury and/or correction of a pathogenic genetic defect. The application of gene modifying therapies to treat heart diseases caused by pathogenic mutations during ex situ heart perfusion seems promising, especially given the limitations related to delivery of vectors that were encountered during clinical trials using in vivo cardiac gene therapy. By isolating the heart in a metabolically and immunologically favorable environment and preventing off-target effects and dilution, it is possible to directly control factors that enhance the success rate of cardiac gene therapy. A literature search of PubMed and Embase databases was performed to identify all relevant studies regarding gene therapy during ex situ heart perfusion, aiming to highlight important lessons learned and discuss future clinical prospects of this promising approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mats T. Vervoorn
- Division of Heart & Lungs, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jantijn J. G. J. Amelink
- Division of Heart & Lungs, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Elisa M. Ballan
- Division of Heart & Lungs, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Division Heart & Lungs, Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Netherlands Heart Institute, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Pieter A. Doevendans
- Netherlands Heart Institute, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, Division Heart & Lungs, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Joost P. G. Sluijter
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Division Heart & Lungs, Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Regenerative Medicine Utrecht, Circulatory Health Research Center, University Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Mudit Mishra
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Division Heart & Lungs, Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Gerard J. J. Boink
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Dawn E. Bowles
- Divison of Surgical Sciences, Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Niels P. van der Kaaij
- Division of Heart & Lungs, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
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3
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Kar A, Gupta S, Matilal A, Kumar D, Sarkar S. Nanotherapeutics for the Myocardium: A Potential Alternative for Treating Cardiac Diseases. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2023; 82:180-188. [PMID: 37341530 DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0000000000001444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the foremost cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Current clinical interventions include invasive approaches for progressed conditions and pharmacological assistance for initial stages, which has systemic side effects. Preventive, curative, diagnostic, and theranostic (therapeutic + diagnostic) approaches till date are not very useful in combating the ongoing CVD epidemic, which demands a promising efficient alternative approach. To combat the growing CVD outbreak globally, the ideal strategy is to make the therapeutic intervention least invasive and direct to the heart to reduce the bystander effects on other organs and increase the bioavailability of the therapeutics to the myocardium. The application of nanoscience and nanoparticle-mediated approaches have gained a lot of momentum because of their efficient passive and active myocardium targeting capability owing to their improved specificity and controlled release. This review provides extensive insight into the various types of nanoparticles available for CVDs, their mechanisms of targeting (eg, direct or indirect), and the utmost need for further development of bench-to-bedside cardiac tissue-based nanomedicines. Furthermore, the review aims to summarize the different ideas and methods of nanoparticle-mediated therapeutic approaches to the myocardium till date with present clinical trials and future perspectives. This review also reflects the potential of such nanoparticle-mediated tissue-targeted therapies to contribute to the sustainable development goals of good health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhik Kar
- Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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4
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Soldatov VO, Kubekina MV, Skorkina MY, Belykh AE, Egorova TV, Korokin MV, Pokrovskiy MV, Deykin AV, Angelova PR. Current advances in gene therapy of mitochondrial diseases. J Transl Med 2022; 20:562. [PMID: 36471396 PMCID: PMC9724384 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03685-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial diseases (MD) are a heterogeneous group of multisystem disorders involving metabolic errors. MD are characterized by extremely heterogeneous symptoms, ranging from organ-specific to multisystem dysfunction with different clinical courses. Most primary MD are autosomal recessive but maternal inheritance (from mtDNA), autosomal dominant, and X-linked inheritance is also known. Mitochondria are unique energy-generating cellular organelles designed to survive and contain their own unique genetic coding material, a circular mtDNA fragment of approximately 16,000 base pairs. The mitochondrial genetic system incorporates closely interacting bi-genomic factors encoded by the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. Understanding the dynamics of mitochondrial genetics supporting mitochondrial biogenesis is especially important for the development of strategies for the treatment of rare and difficult-to-diagnose diseases. Gene therapy is one of the methods for correcting mitochondrial disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladislav O. Soldatov
- grid.4886.20000 0001 2192 9124Core Facility Centre, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia ,grid.445984.00000 0001 2224 0652Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Belgorod State National Research University, Belgorod, Russia ,grid.445984.00000 0001 2224 0652Laboratory of Genome Editing for Biomedicine and Animal Health, Belgorod State National Research University, Belgorod, Russia ,grid.465470.4Laboratory of Biophysics of Cell Membranes under Critical State, V.A. Negovsky Scientific Research Institute of General Reanimatology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Marina V. Kubekina
- grid.4886.20000 0001 2192 9124Core Facility Centre, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Marina Yu. Skorkina
- grid.445984.00000 0001 2224 0652Department of Biochemistry, Belgorod State National Research University, Belgorod, Russia ,grid.445984.00000 0001 2224 0652Laboratory of Genome Editing for Biomedicine and Animal Health, Belgorod State National Research University, Belgorod, Russia
| | - Andrei E. Belykh
- grid.419305.a0000 0001 1943 2944Dioscuri Centre for Metabolic Diseases, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tatiana V. Egorova
- grid.4886.20000 0001 2192 9124Laboratory of Modeling and Gene Therapy of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Mikhail V. Korokin
- grid.445984.00000 0001 2224 0652Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Belgorod State National Research University, Belgorod, Russia
| | - Mikhail V. Pokrovskiy
- grid.445984.00000 0001 2224 0652Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Belgorod State National Research University, Belgorod, Russia
| | - Alexey V. Deykin
- grid.445984.00000 0001 2224 0652Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Belgorod State National Research University, Belgorod, Russia ,grid.445984.00000 0001 2224 0652Laboratory of Genome Editing for Biomedicine and Animal Health, Belgorod State National Research University, Belgorod, Russia
| | - Plamena R. Angelova
- grid.83440.3b0000000121901201Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
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Kawajiri K, Ihara K, Sasano T. Gene therapy to terminate tachyarrhythmias. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther 2022; 20:431-442. [PMID: 35655364 DOI: 10.1080/14779072.2022.2085686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To date, the treatment option for tachyarrhythmia is classified into drug therapy, catheter ablation, and implantable device therapy. However, the efficacy of the antiarrhythmic drugs is limited. Although the indication of catheter ablation is expanding, several fatal tachyarrhythmias are still refractory to ablation. Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator increases survival, but it is not a curable treatment. Therefore, a novel therapy for tachyarrhythmias refractory to present treatments is desired. Gene therapy is being developed as a promising candidate for this purpose, and basic research and translational research have been accumulated in recent years. AREAS COVERED This paper reviews the current state of gene therapy for arrhythmias, including susceptible arrhythmias, the route of administration to the heart, and the type of vector to use. We also discuss the latest progress in the technology of gene delivery and genome editing. EXPERT OPINION Gene therapy is one of the most promising technologies for arrhythmia treatment. However, additional technological innovation to achieve safe, localized, homogeneous, and long-lasting gene transfer is required for its clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohei Kawajiri
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo 113-8519, Japan
| | - Kensuke Ihara
- Department of Bio-informational Pharmacology, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Sasano
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo 113-8519, Japan
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6
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Sung YL, Wang TW, Lin TT, Lin SF. Optogenetics in cardiology: methodology and future applications. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARRHYTHMIA 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s42444-022-00060-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractOptogenetics is an emerging biological approach with the unique capability of specific targeting due to the precise light control with high spatial and temporal resolution. It uses selected light wavelengths to control and modulate the biological functions of cells, tissues, and organ levels. Optogenetics has been instrumental in different biomedical applications, including neuroscience, diabetes, and mitochondria, based on distinctive optical biomedical effects with light modulation. Nowadays, optogenetics in cardiology is rapidly evolving for the understanding and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Several in vitro and in vivo research for cardiac optogenetics demonstrated visible progress. The optogenetics technique can be applied to address critical cardiovascular problems such as heart failure and arrhythmia. To this end, this paper reviews cardiac electrophysiology and the technical progress about experimental and clinical cardiac optogenetics and provides the background and evolution of cardiac optogenetics. We reviewed the literature to demonstrate the servo type, transfection efficiency, signal recording, and heart disease targets in optogenetic applications. Such literature review would hopefully expedite the progress of optogenetics in cardiology and further expect to translate into the clinical terminal in the future.
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7
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Rodgers BD, Ward CW. Myostatin/Activin Receptor Ligands in Muscle and the Development Status of Attenuating Drugs. Endocr Rev 2022; 43:329-365. [PMID: 34520530 PMCID: PMC8905337 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnab030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Muscle wasting disease indications are among the most debilitating and often deadly noncommunicable disease states. As a comorbidity, muscle wasting is associated with different neuromuscular diseases and myopathies, cancer, heart failure, chronic pulmonary and renal diseases, peripheral neuropathies, inflammatory disorders, and, of course, musculoskeletal injuries. Current treatment strategies are relatively ineffective and can at best only limit the rate of muscle degeneration. This includes nutritional supplementation and appetite stimulants as well as immunosuppressants capable of exacerbating muscle loss. Arguably, the most promising treatments in development attempt to disrupt myostatin and activin receptor signaling because these circulating factors are potent inhibitors of muscle growth and regulators of muscle progenitor cell differentiation. Indeed, several studies demonstrated the clinical potential of "inhibiting the inhibitors," increasing muscle cell protein synthesis, decreasing degradation, enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis, and preserving muscle function. Such changes can prevent muscle wasting in various disease animal models yet many drugs targeting this pathway failed during clinical trials, some from serious treatment-related adverse events and off-target interactions. More often, however, failures resulted from the inability to improve muscle function despite preserving muscle mass. Drugs still in development include antibodies and gene therapeutics, all with different targets and thus, safety, efficacy, and proposed use profiles. Each is unique in design and, if successful, could revolutionize the treatment of both acute and chronic muscle wasting. They could also be used in combination with other developing therapeutics for related muscle pathologies or even metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christopher W Ward
- Department of Orthopedics and Center for Biomedical Engineering and Technology (BioMET), University of Maryland School of Medicine , Baltimore, MD, USA
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8
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Bass-Stringer S, Tai CMK, McMullen JR. IGF1-PI3K-induced physiological cardiac hypertrophy: Implications for new heart failure therapies, biomarkers, and predicting cardiotoxicity. JOURNAL OF SPORT AND HEALTH SCIENCE 2021; 10:637-647. [PMID: 33246162 PMCID: PMC8724616 DOI: 10.1016/j.jshs.2020.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Heart failure represents the end point of a variety of cardiovascular diseases. It is a growing health burden and a leading cause of death worldwide. To date, limited treatment options exist for the treatment of heart failure, but exercise has been well-established as one of the few safe and effective interventions, leading to improved outcomes in patients. However, a lack of patient adherence remains a significant barrier in the implementation of exercise-based therapy for the treatment of heart failure. The insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1)-phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway has been recognized as perhaps the most critical pathway for mediating exercised-induced heart growth and protection. Here, we discuss how modulating activity of the IGF1-PI3K pathway may be a valuable approach for the development of therapies that mimic the protective effects of exercise on the heart. We outline some of the promising approaches being investigated that utilize PI3K-based therapy for the treatment of heart failure. We discuss the implications for cardiac pathology and cardiotoxicity that arise in a setting of reduced PI3K activity. Finally, we discuss the use of animal models of cardiac health and disease, and genetic mice with increased or decreased cardiac PI3K activity for the discovery of novel drug targets and biomarkers of cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Bass-Stringer
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Celeste M K Tai
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Julie R McMullen
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia; Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; Department of Physiology and Department of Medicine Alfred Hospital, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia.
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9
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Chingale M, Zhu D, Cheng K, Huang K. Bioengineering Technologies for Cardiac Regenerative Medicine. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:681705. [PMID: 34150737 PMCID: PMC8209515 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.681705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac regenerative medicine faces big challenges such as a lack of adult cardiac stem cells, low turnover of mature cardiomyocytes, and difficulty in therapeutic delivery to the injured heart. The interaction of bioengineering and cardiac regenerative medicine offers innovative solutions to this field. For example, cell reprogramming technology has been applied by both direct and indirect routes to generate patient-specific cardiomyocytes. Various viral and non-viral vectors have been utilized for gene editing to intervene gene expression patterns during the cardiac remodeling process. Cell-derived protein factors, exosomes, and miRNAs have been isolated and delivered through engineered particles to overcome many innate limitations of live cell therapy. Protein decoration, antibody modification, and platelet membranes have been used for targeting and precision medicine. Cardiac patches have been used for transferring therapeutics with better retention and integration. Other technologies such as 3D printing and 3D culture have been used to create replaceable cardiac tissue. In this review, we discuss recent advancements in bioengineering and biotechnologies for cardiac regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mira Chingale
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences and Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Dashuai Zhu
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences and Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States.,Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Ke Cheng
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences and Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States.,Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Ke Huang
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences and Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States.,Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
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10
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Abstract
For therapeutic materials to be successfully delivered to the heart, several barriers need to be overcome, including the anatomical challenges of access, the mechanical force of the blood flow, the endothelial barrier, the cellular barrier and the immune response. Various vectors and delivery methods have been proposed to improve the cardiac-specific uptake of materials to modify gene expression. Viral and non-viral vectors are widely used to deliver genetic materials, but each has its respective advantages and shortcomings. Adeno-associated viruses have emerged as one of the best tools for heart-targeted gene delivery. In addition, extracellular vesicles, including exosomes, which are secreted by most cell types, have gained popularity for drug delivery to several organs, including the heart. Accumulating evidence suggests that extracellular vesicles can carry and transfer functional proteins and genetic materials into target cells and might be an attractive option for heart-targeted delivery. Extracellular vesicles or artificial carriers of non-viral and viral vectors can be bioengineered with immune-evasive and cardiotropic properties. In this Review, we discuss the latest strategies for targeting and delivering therapeutic materials to the heart and how the knowledge of different vectors and delivery methods could successfully translate cardiac gene therapy into the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susmita Sahoo
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Taro Kariya
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kiyotake Ishikawa
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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11
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Stone D, Kenkel EJ, Loprieno MA, Tanaka M, De Silva Feelixge HS, Kumar AJ, Stensland L, Obenza WM, Wangari S, Ahrens CY, Murnane RD, Peterson CW, Kiem HP, Huang ML, Aubert M, Hu SL, Jerome KR. Gene Transfer in Adeno-Associated Virus Seropositive Rhesus Macaques Following Rapamycin Treatment and Subcutaneous Delivery of AAV6, but Not Retargeted AAV6 Vectors. Hum Gene Ther 2020; 32:96-112. [PMID: 32998579 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2020.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors such as AAV6, which shows tropism for primary human CD4+ T cells in vitro, are being explored for delivery of anti-HIV therapeutic modalities in vivo. However, pre-existing immunity and sequestration in nontarget organs can significantly hinder their performance. To overcome these challenges, we investigated whether immunosuppression would allow gene delivery by AAV6 or targeted AAV6 derivatives in seropositive rhesus macaques. Animals were immune suppressed with rapamycin before intravenous (IV) or subcutaneous (SC) delivery of AAV, and we monitored vector biodistribution, gene transfer, and safety. Macaques received phosphate-buffered saline, AAV6 alone, or an equal dose of AAV6 and an AAV6-55.2 vector retargeted to CD4 through a direct ankyrin repeat protein (DARPin). AAV6 and AAV6-55.2 vector genomes were found in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and most organs up to 28 days postadministration, with the highest levels seen in liver, spleen, lymph nodes (LNs), and muscle, suggesting that retargeting did not prevent vector sequestration. Despite vector genome detection, gene expression from AAV6-55.2 was not detected in any tissue. SC injection of AAV6 facilitated efficient gene expression in muscle adjacent to the injection site, plus low-level gene expression in spleen, LNs, and liver, whereas gene expression following IV injection of AAV6 was predominantly seen in the spleen. AAV vectors were well tolerated, although elevated liver enzymes were detected in three of four AAV-treated animals 14 days after rapamycin withdrawal. One SC-injected animal had muscle inflammation proximal to the injection site, plus detectable T cell responses against transgene and AAV6 capsid at study finish. Overall, our data suggest that rapamycin treatment may offer a possible strategy to express anti-HIV therapeutics such as broadly neutralizing antibodies from muscle. This study provides important safety and efficacy data that will aid study design for future anti-HIV gene therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Stone
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Elizabeth J Kenkel
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Michelle A Loprieno
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Motoko Tanaka
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Arjun J Kumar
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Laurence Stensland
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Willimark M Obenza
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Solomon Wangari
- Washington National Primate Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Chul Y Ahrens
- Washington National Primate Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Robert D Murnane
- Washington National Primate Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Christopher W Peterson
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Hans-Peter Kiem
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Meei-Li Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Martine Aubert
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Shiu-Lok Hu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Washington National Primate Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Keith R Jerome
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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12
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Yamada KP, Tharakan S, Ishikawa K. Consideration of clinical translation of cardiac AAV gene therapy. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 6:609-615. [PMID: 32774893 DOI: 10.18609/cgti.2020.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Advancements in conventional cardiac care have significantly reduced mortality from coronary heart disease and acute myocardial infarction. However, the prevalence of heart failure continues to increase in an aging population with profound social and economic consequences. Cardiac gene therapy with adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors is emerging as a potential modality for addressing this desperate clinical need. After showing initial promise in extensive preclinical studies and an early clinical trial, disappointing results of large-scale clinical trial derailed the progress of AAV-mediated cardiac gene therapy. However, it appears that knowledge gained from previous failures coupled with developments in targeted gene delivery have set the stage for a new frontier in cardiac AAV gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly P Yamada
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Serena Tharakan
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kiyotake Ishikawa
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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13
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Adeno-Associated Virus Gene Therapy: Translational Progress and Future Prospects in the Treatment of Heart Failure. Heart Lung Circ 2018; 27:1285-1300. [PMID: 29703647 DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2018.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 03/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Despite advances in treatment over the past decade, heart failure remains a significant public health burden and a leading cause of death in the developed world. Gene therapy provides a promising approach for preventing and reversing cardiac abnormalities, however, clinical application has shown limited success to date. A substantial effort is being invested into the development of recombinant adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) for cardiac gene therapy as AAV gene therapy offers a high safety profile and provides sustained and efficient transgene expression following a once-off administration. Due to the physiological, anatomical and genetic similarities between large animals and humans, preclinical studies using large animal models for AAV gene therapy are crucial stepping stones between the laboratory and the clinic. Many molecular targets selected to treat heart failure using AAV gene therapy have been chosen because of their potential to regulate and restore cardiac contractility. Other genes targeted with AAV are involved with regulating angiogenesis, beta-adrenergic sensitivity, inflammation, physiological signalling and metabolism. While significant progress continues to be made in the field of AAV cardiac gene therapy, challenges remain in overcoming host neutralising antibodies, improving AAV vector cardiac-transduction efficiency and selectivity, and optimising the dose, route and method of delivery.
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Abstract
Silencing of cardiac genes by RNA interference (RNAi) has developed into a powerful new method to treat cardiac diseases. Small interfering (si)RNAs are the inducers of RNAi, but cultured primary cardiomyocytes and heart are highly resistant to siRNA transfection. This can be overcome by delivery of small hairpin (sh)RNAs or artificial microRNA (amiRNAs) by cardiotropic adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors. Here we describe as example of the silencing of a cardiac gene, the generation and cloning of shRNA, and amiRNAs directed against the cardiac protein phospholamban. We further describe the generation of AAV shuttle plasmids with self complementary vector genomes, the production of AAV vectors in roller bottles, and their purification via iodixanol gradient centrifugation and concentration with filter systems. Finally we describe the preparation of primary neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (PNRC), the transduction of PNRC with AAV vectors, and the maintenance of the transduced cell culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Fechner
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Gustav-Meyer-Allee 25, 13355, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Roland Vetter
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jens Kurreck
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Gustav-Meyer-Allee 25, 13355, Berlin, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Poller
- Department of Cardiology & Pneumology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12200, Berlin, Germany
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15
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Teichman SL, Thomson KS, Regnier M. Cardiac Myosin Activation with Gene Therapy Produces Sustained Inotropic Effects and May Treat Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2017; 243:447-464. [PMID: 27590227 DOI: 10.1007/164_2016_31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Chronic inotropic therapy is effective for the treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, but has been limited by adverse long-term safety profiles, development of tolerance, and the need for chronic parenteral administration. A safe and convenient therapeutic agent that produces sustained inotropic effects could improve symptoms, functional capacity, and quality of life. Small amounts of 2-deoxy-adenosine triphosphate (dATP) activate cardiac myosin leading to enhanced contractility in normal and failing heart muscle. Cardiac myosin activation triggers faster myosin crossbridge cycling with greater force generation during each contraction. This paper describes the rationale and results of a translational medicine effort to increase dATP levels using a gene therapy strategy to deliver and upregulate ribonucleotide reductase (R1R2), the enzyme responsible for dATP synthesis, selectively in cardiomyocytes. In small and large animal models of heart failure, a single dose of this gene therapy has led to sustained inotropic effects with a benign safety profile. Further animal studies are appropriate with the goal of testing this agent in patients with heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam L Teichman
- BEAT Biotherapeutics Corp, 1380 112th Ave., NE, Suite 200, Seattle, WA, 98004, USA.
| | | | - Michael Regnier
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Center for Cardiovascular Biology, Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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16
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Tarantal AF, Lee CCI, Martinez ML, Asokan A, Samulski R. Systemic and Persistent Muscle Gene Expression in Rhesus Monkeys with a Liver De-Targeted Adeno-Associated Virus Vector. Hum Gene Ther 2017; 28:385-391. [PMID: 28125921 PMCID: PMC5444483 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2016.130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2016] [Accepted: 01/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The liver is a major off-target organ in gene therapy approaches for cardiac and musculoskeletal disorders. Intravenous administration of most of the naturally occurring adeno-associated virus (AAV) strains invariably results in vector genome sequestration within the liver. In the current study, we compared the muscle tropism and transduction efficiency of a liver de-targeted AAV variant to AAV9 following systemic administration in newborn rhesus monkeys. In vivo bioluminescence imaging was performed to monitor transgene expression (firefly luciferase) post administration. Results indicated comparable and sustained levels of systemic firefly luciferase gene expression in skeletal muscle over a period of two years. Quantitation of vector biodistribution in harvested tissues post-administration revealed widespread recovery of vector genomes delivered by AAV9 but markedly decreased levels in major systemic organs from the AAV variant. These studies validate the translational potential and safety of liver de-targeted AAV strains for gene therapy of muscle-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice F. Tarantal
- Center for Fetal Monkey Gene Transfer for Heart, Lung, and Blood Diseases, California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, California
- Departments of Pediatrics, University of California, Davis, California
- Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis, California
| | - C. Chang I. Lee
- Center for Fetal Monkey Gene Transfer for Heart, Lung, and Blood Diseases, California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, California
- Departments of Pediatrics, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Michele L. Martinez
- Center for Fetal Monkey Gene Transfer for Heart, Lung, and Blood Diseases, California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Aravind Asokan
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - R.Jude Samulski
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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17
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Raso A, Dirkx E. Cardiac regenerative medicine: At the crossroad of microRNA function and biotechnology. Noncoding RNA Res 2017; 2:27-37. [PMID: 30159418 PMCID: PMC6096413 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2017.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Revised: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an urgent need to develop new therapeutic strategies to stimulate cardiac repair after damage, such as myocardial infarction. Already for more than a century scientist are intrigued by studying the regenerative capacity of the heart. While moving away from the old classification of the heart as a post-mitotic organ, and being inspired by the stem cell research in other scientific fields, mainly three different strategies arose in order to develop regenerative medicine, namely; the use of cardiac stem cells, reprogramming of fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes or direct stimulation of endogenous cardiomyocyte proliferation. MicroRNAs, known to play a role in orchestrating cell fate processes such as proliferation, differentiation and reprogramming, gained a lot of attention in this context the latest years. Indeed, several research groups have independently demonstrated that microRNA-based therapy shows promising results to induce heart tissue regeneration and improve cardiac pump function after myocardial injury. Nowadays, a whole new biotechnology field has been unveiled to investigate the possibilities for efficient, safe and specific delivery of microRNAs towards the heart.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ellen Dirkx
- Department of Cardiology, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Disease, Maastricht University, 6229ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
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18
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Translation of Cardiac Myosin Activation with 2-deoxy-ATP to Treat Heart Failure via an Experimental Ribonucleotide Reductase-Based Gene Therapy. JACC Basic Transl Sci 2016; 1:666-679. [PMID: 28553667 PMCID: PMC5444879 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacbts.2016.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Despite recent advances, chronic heart failure remains a significant and growing unmet medical need, reaching epidemic proportions carrying substantial morbidity, mortality, and costs. A safe and convenient therapeutic agent that produces sustained inotropic effects could ameliorate symptoms and improve functional capacity and quality of life. The authors discovered that small amounts of 2-deoxy-ATP (dATP) activate cardiac myosin leading to enhanced contractility in normal and failing heart muscle. Cardiac myosin activation triggers faster myosin cross-bridge cycling with greater force generation during each contraction. They describe the rationale and results of a translational medicine effort to increase dATP levels using a gene therapy strategy that up-regulates ribonucleotide reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme for dATP synthesis, selectively in cardiomyocytes. In small and large animal models of heart failure, a single dose of this gene therapy has led to sustained inotropic effects with no toxicity or safety concerns identified to date. Further animal studies are being conducted with the goal of testing this agent in patients with heart failure.
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19
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Matkar PN, Leong-Poi H, Singh KK. Cardiac gene therapy: are we there yet? Gene Ther 2016; 23:635-48. [DOI: 10.1038/gt.2016.43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Revised: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 04/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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20
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Su W, Kang J, Sopher B, Gillespie J, Aloi MS, Odom GL, Hopkins S, Case A, Wang DB, Chamberlain JS, Garden GA. Recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vectors mediate efficient gene transduction in cultured neonatal and adult microglia. J Neurochem 2016; 136 Suppl 1:49-62. [PMID: 25708596 PMCID: PMC4547919 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Revised: 02/13/2015] [Accepted: 02/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Microglia are a specialized population of myeloid cells that mediate CNS innate immune responses. Efforts to identify the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate microglia behaviors have been hampered by the lack of effective tools for manipulating gene expression. Cultured microglia are refractory to most chemical and electrical transfection methods, yielding little or no gene delivery and causing toxicity and/or inflammatory activation. Recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAVs) vectors are non-enveloped, single-stranded DNA vectors commonly used to transduce many primary cell types and tissues. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility and efficiency of utilizing rAAV serotype 2 (rAAV2) to modulate gene expression in cultured microglia. rAAV2 yields high transduction and causes minimal toxicity or inflammatory response in both neonatal and adult microglia. To demonstrate that rAAV transduction can induce functional protein expression, we used rAAV2 expressing Cre recombinase to successfully excise a LoxP-flanked miR155 gene in cultured microglia. We further evaluated rAAV serotypes 5, 6, 8, and 9, and observed that all efficiently transduced cultured microglia to varying degrees of success and caused little or no alteration in inflammatory gene expression. These results provide strong encouragement for the application of rAAV-mediated gene expression in microglia for mechanistic and therapeutic purposes. Neonatal microglia are functionally distinct from adult microglia, although the majority of in vitro studies utilize rodent neonatal microglia cultures because of difficulties of culturing adult cells. In addition, cultured microglia are refractory to most methods for modifying gene expression. Here, we developed a novel protocol for culturing adult microglia and evaluated the feasibility and efficiency of utilizing Recombinant Adeno-Associated Virus (rAAV) to modulate gene expression in cultured microglia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Su
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - John Kang
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Bryce Sopher
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - James Gillespie
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Macarena S. Aloi
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Guy L. Odom
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Stephanie Hopkins
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Amanda Case
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - David B. Wang
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Gwenn A. Garden
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Center on Human Development and Disability
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21
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Li S, Ling C, Zhong L, Li M, Su Q, He R, Tang Q, Greiner DL, Shultz LD, Brehm MA, Flotte TR, Mueller C, Srivastava A, Gao G. Efficient and Targeted Transduction of Nonhuman Primate Liver With Systemically Delivered Optimized AAV3B Vectors. Mol Ther 2015; 23:1867-76. [PMID: 26403887 PMCID: PMC4700112 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2015.174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated virus serotype 3B (rAAV3B) can transduce cultured human liver cancer cells and primary human hepatocytes efficiently. Serine (S)- and threonine (T)-directed capsid modifications further augment its transduction efficiency. Systemically delivered capsid-optimized rAAV3B vectors can specifically target cancer cells in a human liver cancer xenograft model, suggesting their potential use for human liver-directed gene therapy. Here, we compared transduction efficiencies of AAV3B and AAV8 vectors in cultured primary human hepatocytes and cancer cells as well as in human and mouse hepatocytes in a human liver xenograft NSG-PiZ mouse model. We also examined the safety and transduction efficacy of wild-type (WT) and capsid-optimized rAAV3B in the livers of nonhuman primates (NHPs). Intravenously delivered S663V+T492V (ST)-modified self-complementary (sc) AAV3B-EGFP vectors led to liver-targeted robust enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP) expression in NHPs without apparent hepatotoxicity. Intravenous injections of both WT and ST-modified rAAV3B.ST-rhCG vectors also generated stable super-physiological levels of rhesus chorionic gonadotropin (rhCG) in NHPs. The vector genome predominantly targeted the liver. Clinical chemistry and histopathology examinations showed no apparent vector-related toxicity. Our studies should be important and informative for clinical development of optimized AAV3B vectors for human liver-directed gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoyong Li
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiology Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Chen Ling
- Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Li Zhong
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
- Viral Vector Core, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mengxin Li
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiology Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Qin Su
- Viral Vector Core, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ran He
- Viral Vector Core, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Qiushi Tang
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dale L Greiner
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Michael A Brehm
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Terence R Flotte
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Christian Mueller
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Arun Srivastava
- Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Guangping Gao
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiology Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
- Viral Vector Core, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
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22
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Grimm D, Zolotukhin S. E Pluribus Unum: 50 Years of Research, Millions of Viruses, and One Goal--Tailored Acceleration of AAV Evolution. Mol Ther 2015; 23:1819-31. [PMID: 26388463 PMCID: PMC4700111 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2015.173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2015] [Accepted: 09/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Fifty years ago, a Science paper by Atchison et al. reported a newly discovered virus that would soon become known as adeno-associated virus (AAV) and that would subsequently emerge as one of the most versatile and most auspicious vectors for human gene therapy. A large part of its attraction stems from the ease with which the viral capsid can be engineered for particle retargeting to cell types of choice, evasion from neutralizing antibodies or other desirable properties. Particularly powerful and in the focus of the current review are high-throughput methods aimed at expanding the repertoire of AAV vectors by means of directed molecular evolution, such as random mutagenesis, DNA family shuffling, in silico reconstruction of ancestral capsids, or peptide display. Here, unlike the wealth of prior reviews on this topic, we especially emphasize and critically discuss the practical aspects of the different procedures that affect the ultimate outcome, including diversification protocols, combinatorial library complexity, and selection strategies. Our overall aim is to provide general guidance that should help users at any level, from novice to expert, to safely navigate through the rugged space of directed AAV evolution while avoiding the pitfalls that are associated with these challenging but promising technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk Grimm
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Cluster of Excellence CellNetworks, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sergei Zolotukhin
- Division of Cell and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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23
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Kolwicz SC, Odom GL, Nowakowski SG, Moussavi-Harami F, Chen X, Reinecke H, Hauschka SD, Murry CE, Mahairas GG, Regnier M. AAV6-mediated Cardiac-specific Overexpression of Ribonucleotide Reductase Enhances Myocardial Contractility. Mol Ther 2015; 24:240-250. [PMID: 26388461 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2015.176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 09/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Impaired systolic function, resulting from acute injury or congenital defects, leads to cardiac complications and heart failure. Current therapies slow disease progression but do not rescue cardiac function. We previously reported that elevating the cellular 2 deoxy-ATP (dATP) pool in transgenic mice via increased expression of ribonucleotide reductase (RNR), the enzyme that catalyzes deoxy-nucleotide production, increases myosin-actin interaction and enhances cardiac muscle contractility. For the current studies, we initially injected wild-type mice retro-orbitally with a mixture of adeno-associated virus serotype-6 (rAAV6) containing a miniaturized cardiac-specific regulatory cassette (cTnT(455)) composed of enhancer and promotor portions of the human cardiac troponin T gene (TNNT2) ligated to rat cDNAs encoding either the Rrm1 or Rrm2 subunit. Subsequent studies optimized the system by creating a tandem human RRM1-RRM2 cDNA with a P2A self-cleaving peptide site between the subunits. Both rat and human Rrm1/Rrm2 cDNAs resulted in RNR enzyme overexpression exclusively in the heart and led to a significant elevation of left ventricular (LV) function in normal mice and infarcted rats, measured by echocardiography or isolated heart perfusions, without adverse cardiac remodeling. Our study suggests that increasing RNR levels via rAAV-mediated cardiac-specific expression provide a novel gene therapy approach to potentially enhance cardiac systolic function in animal models and patients with heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen C Kolwicz
- Mitochondria and Metabolism Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Guy L Odom
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sarah G Nowakowski
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Farid Moussavi-Harami
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Xiaolan Chen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Hans Reinecke
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Stephen D Hauschka
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Charles E Murry
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA; Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA; Center for Cardiovascular Biology, Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Michael Regnier
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA; Center for Cardiovascular Biology, Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.
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24
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Rincon MY, VandenDriessche T, Chuah MK. Gene therapy for cardiovascular disease: advances in vector development, targeting, and delivery for clinical translation. Cardiovasc Res 2015; 108:4-20. [PMID: 26239654 PMCID: PMC4571836 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvv205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2015] [Accepted: 07/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy is a promising modality for the treatment of inherited and acquired cardiovascular diseases. The identification of the molecular pathways involved in the pathophysiology of heart failure and other associated cardiac diseases led to encouraging preclinical gene therapy studies in small and large animal models. However, the initial clinical results yielded only modest or no improvement in clinical endpoints. The presence of neutralizing antibodies and cellular immune responses directed against the viral vector and/or the gene-modified cells, the insufficient gene expression levels, and the limited gene transduction efficiencies accounted for the overall limited clinical improvements. Nevertheless, further improvements of the gene delivery technology and a better understanding of the underlying biology fostered renewed interest in gene therapy for heart failure. In particular, improved vectors based on emerging cardiotropic serotypes of the adeno-associated viral vector (AAV) are particularly well suited to coax expression of therapeutic genes in the heart. This led to new clinical trials based on the delivery of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase protein (SERCA2a). Though the first clinical results were encouraging, a recent Phase IIb trial did not confirm the beneficial clinical outcomes that were initially reported. New approaches based on S100A1 and adenylate cyclase 6 are also being considered for clinical applications. Emerging paradigms based on the use of miRNA regulation or CRISPR/Cas9-based genome engineering open new therapeutic perspectives for treating cardiovascular diseases by gene therapy. Nevertheless, the continuous improvement of cardiac gene delivery is needed to allow the use of safer and more effective vector doses, ultimately bringing gene therapy for heart failure one step closer to reality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melvin Y Rincon
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Free University of Brussels (VUB), Building D, room D306, Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels, Belgium Centro de Investigaciones, Fundacion Cardiovascular de Colombia, Floridablanca, Colombia
| | - Thierry VandenDriessche
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Free University of Brussels (VUB), Building D, room D306, Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels, Belgium Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marinee K Chuah
- Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Free University of Brussels (VUB), Building D, room D306, Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels, Belgium Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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25
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Moulay G, Ohtani T, Ogut O, Guenzel A, Behfar A, Zakeri R, Haines P, Storlie J, Bowen L, Pham L, Kaye D, Sandhu G, O'Connor M, Russell S, Redfield M. Cardiac AAV9 Gene Delivery Strategies in Adult Canines: Assessment by Long-term Serial SPECT Imaging of Sodium Iodide Symporter Expression. Mol Ther 2015; 23:1211-1221. [PMID: 25915925 PMCID: PMC4817780 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2015.78] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2014] [Accepted: 04/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Heart failure is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, and cardiac gene delivery has the potential to provide novel therapeutic approaches. Adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (AAV9) transduces the rodent heart efficiently, but cardiotropism, immune tolerance, and optimal delivery strategies in large animals are unclear. In this study, an AAV9 vector encoding canine sodium iodide symporter (NIS) was administered to adult immunocompetent dogs via epicardial injection, coronary infusion without and with cardiac recirculation, or endocardial injection via a novel catheter with curved needle and both end- and side-holes. As NIS mediates cellular uptake of clinical radioisotopes, expression was tracked by single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) imaging in addition to Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Direct epicardial or endocardial injection resulted in strong cardiac expression, whereas expression after intracoronary infusion or cardiac recirculation was undetectable. A threshold myocardial injection dose that provides robust nonimmunogenic expression was identified. The extent of transmural myocardial expression was greater with the novel catheter versus straight end-hole needle delivery. Furthermore, the authors demonstrate that cardiac NIS reporter gene expression and duration can be quantified using serial noninvasive SPECT imaging up to 1 year after vector administration. These data are relevant to efforts to develop cardiac gene delivery as heart failure therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Philip Haines
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | | | - Linh Pham
- Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - David Kaye
- Baker Heart Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
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26
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Abstract
Gene therapy to treat electrical dysfunction of the heart is an appealing strategy because of the limited therapeutic options available to manage the most-severe cardiac arrhythmias, such as ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and asystole. However, cardiac genetic manipulation is challenging, given the complex mechanisms underlying arrhythmias. Nevertheless, the growing understanding of the molecular basis of these diseases, and the development of sophisticated vectors and delivery strategies, are providing researchers with adequate means to target specific genes and pathways involved in disorders of heart rhythm. Data from preclinical studies have demonstrated that gene therapy can be successfully used to modify the arrhythmogenic substrate and prevent life-threatening arrhythmias. Therefore, gene therapy might plausibly become a treatment option for patients with difficult-to-manage acquired arrhythmias and for those with inherited arrhythmias. In this Review, we summarize the preclinical studies into gene therapy for acquired and inherited arrhythmias of the atria or ventricles. We also provide an overview of the technical advances in the design of constructs and viral vectors to increase the efficiency and safety of gene therapy and to improve selective delivery to target organs.
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27
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Klimas A, Entcheva E. Toward microendoscopy-inspired cardiac optogenetics in vivo: technical overview and perspective. JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL OPTICS 2014; 19:080701. [PMID: 25117076 PMCID: PMC4161000 DOI: 10.1117/1.jbo.19.8.080701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2014] [Accepted: 07/17/2014] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The ability to perform precise, spatially localized actuation and measurements of electrical activity in the heart is crucial in understanding cardiac electrophysiology and devising new therapeutic solutions for control of cardiac arrhythmias. Current cardiac imaging techniques (i.e. optical mapping) employ voltage- or calcium-sensitive fluorescent dyes to visualize the electrical signal propagation through cardiac syncytium in vitro or in situ with very high-spatiotemporal resolution. The extension of optogenetics into the cardiac field, where cardiac tissue is genetically altered to express light-sensitive ion channels allowing electrical activity to be elicited or suppressed in a precise cell-specific way, has opened the possibility for all-optical interrogation of cardiac electrophysiology. In vivo application of cardiac optogenetics faces multiple challenges and necessitates suitable optical systems employing fiber optics to actuate and sense electrical signals. In this technical perspective, we present a compendium of clinically relevant access routes to different parts of the cardiac electrical conduction system based on currently employed catheter imaging systems and determine the quantitative size constraints for endoscopic cardiac optogenetics. We discuss the relevant technical advancements in microendoscopy, cardiac imaging, and optogenetics and outline the strategies for combining them to create a portable, miniaturized fiber-based system for all-optical interrogation of cardiac electrophysiology in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Klimas
- Stony Brook University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook, New York 11794, United States
| | - Emilia Entcheva
- Stony Brook University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook, New York 11794, United States
- Stony Brook University, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Stony Brook, New York 11794, United States
- Stony Brook University, Institute for Molecular Cardiology, Stony Brook, New York 11794, United States
- Address all correspondence to: Emilia Entcheva, E-mail:
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Zacchigna S, Zentilin L, Giacca M. Adeno-associated virus vectors as therapeutic and investigational tools in the cardiovascular system. Circ Res 2014; 114:1827-46. [PMID: 24855205 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.114.302331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The use of vectors based on the small parvovirus adeno-associated virus has gained significant momentum during the past decade. Their high efficiency of transduction of postmitotic tissues in vivo, such as heart, brain, and retina, renders these vectors extremely attractive for several gene therapy applications affecting these organs. Besides functional correction of different monogenic diseases, the possibility to drive efficient and persistent transgene expression in the heart offers the possibility to develop innovative therapies for prevalent conditions, such as ischemic cardiomyopathy and heart failure. Therapeutic genes are not only restricted to protein-coding complementary DNAs but also include short hairpin RNAs and microRNA genes, thus broadening the spectrum of possible applications. In addition, several spontaneous or engineered variants in the virus capsid have recently improved vector efficiency and expanded their tropism. Apart from their therapeutic potential, adeno-associated virus vectors also represent outstanding investigational tools to explore the function of individual genes or gene combinations in vivo, thus providing information that is conceptually similar to that obtained from genetically modified animals. Finally, their single-stranded DNA genome can drive homology-directed gene repair at high efficiency. Here, we review the main molecular characteristics of adeno-associated virus vectors, with a particular view to their applications in the cardiovascular field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Zacchigna
- From the Molecular Medicine Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste, Italy (S.Z., L.Z., M.G.); and Department of Medical, Surgical, and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy (S.Z., M.G.)
| | - Lorena Zentilin
- From the Molecular Medicine Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste, Italy (S.Z., L.Z., M.G.); and Department of Medical, Surgical, and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy (S.Z., M.G.)
| | - Mauro Giacca
- From the Molecular Medicine Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste, Italy (S.Z., L.Z., M.G.); and Department of Medical, Surgical, and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy (S.Z., M.G.).
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Katz MG, Fargnoli AS, Williams RD, Bridges CR. Gene therapy delivery systems for enhancing viral and nonviral vectors for cardiac diseases: current concepts and future applications. Hum Gene Ther 2014; 24:914-27. [PMID: 24164239 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2013.2517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy is one of the most promising fields for developing new treatments for the advanced stages of ischemic and monogenetic, particularly autosomal or X-linked recessive, cardiomyopathies. The remarkable ongoing efforts in advancing various targets have largely been inspired by the results that have been achieved in several notable gene therapy trials, such as the hemophilia B and Leber's congenital amaurosis. Rate-limiting problems preventing successful clinical application in the cardiac disease area, however, are primarily attributable to inefficient gene transfer, host responses, and the lack of sustainable therapeutic transgene expression. It is arguable that these problems are directly correlated with the choice of vector, dose level, and associated cardiac delivery approach as a whole treatment system. Essentially, a delicate balance exists in maximizing gene transfer required for efficacy while remaining within safety limits. Therefore, the development of safe, effective, and clinically applicable gene delivery techniques for selected nonviral and viral vectors will certainly be invaluable in obtaining future regulatory approvals. The choice of gene transfer vector, dose level, and the delivery system are likely to be critical determinants of therapeutic efficacy. It is here that the interactions between vector uptake and trafficking, delivery route means, and the host's physical limits must be considered synergistically for a successful treatment course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael G Katz
- Sanger Heart and Vascular Institute , Cannon Research Center, Carolinas HealthCare System, Charlotte, NC 28203
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Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an inherited, progressive muscle wasting disorder caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene. An increasing variety of approaches are moving towards clinical testing that all aim to restore dystrophin production and to enhance or preserve muscle mass. Gene therapy methods are being developed to replace the defective dystrophin gene or induce dystrophin production from mutant genes. Stem cell approaches are being developed to replace lost muscle cells while also bringing in new dystrophin genes. This review summarizes recent progress in the field with an emphasis on clinical applications.
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Wang D, Zhong L, Nahid MA, Gao G. The potential of adeno-associated viral vectors for gene delivery to muscle tissue. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2014; 11:345-364. [PMID: 24386892 PMCID: PMC4098646 DOI: 10.1517/17425247.2014.871258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Muscle-directed gene therapy is rapidly gaining attention primarily because muscle is an easily accessible target tissue and is also associated with various severe genetic disorders. Localized and systemic delivery of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors of several serotypes results in very efficient transduction of skeletal and cardiac muscles, which has been achieved in both small and large animals, as well as in humans. Muscle is the target tissue in gene therapy for many muscular dystrophy diseases, and may also be exploited as a biofactory to produce secretory factors for systemic disorders. Current limitations of using rAAVs for muscle gene transfer include vector size restriction, potential safety concerns such as off-target toxicity and the immunological barrier composing of pre-existing neutralizing antibodies and CD8(+) T-cell response against AAV capsid in humans. AREAS COVERED In this article, we will discuss basic AAV vector biology and its application in muscle-directed gene delivery, as well as potential strategies to overcome the aforementioned limitations of rAAV for further clinical application. EXPERT OPINION Delivering therapeutic genes to large muscle mass in humans is arguably the most urgent unmet demand in treating diseases affecting muscle tissues throughout the whole body. Muscle-directed, rAAV-mediated gene transfer for expressing antibodies is a promising strategy to combat deadly infectious diseases. Developing strategies to circumvent the immune response following rAAV administration in humans will facilitate clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wang
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Gene Therapy Center, 368 Plantation Street, AS6-2049, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Department of Microbiology and Physiology Systems, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Li Zhong
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Gene Therapy Center, 368 Plantation Street, AS6-2049, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - M Abu Nahid
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Gene Therapy Center, 368 Plantation Street, AS6-2049, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Department of Microbiology and Physiology Systems, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Guangping Gao
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Gene Therapy Center, 368 Plantation Street, AS6-2049, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Department of Microbiology and Physiology Systems, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Sichuan University, West China Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
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Asokan A, Samulski RJ. An emerging adeno-associated viral vector pipeline for cardiac gene therapy. Hum Gene Ther 2013; 24:906-13. [PMID: 24164238 PMCID: PMC3815036 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2013.2515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The naturally occurring adeno-associated virus (AAV) isolates display diverse tissue tropisms in different hosts. Robust cardiac transduction in particular has been reported for certain AAV strains. Successful applications of these AAV strains in preclinical and clinical settings with a focus on treating cardiovascular disease continue to be reported. At the same time, these studies have highlighted challenges such as cross-species variability in AAV tropism, transduction efficiency, and immunity. Continued progress in our understanding of AAV capsid structure and biology has provided the rationale for designing improved vectors that can possibly address these concerns. The current report provides an overview of cardiotropic AAV, existing gaps in our knowledge, and newly engineered AAV strains that are viable candidates for the cardiac gene therapy clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aravind Asokan
- Gene Therapy Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
- Department of Genetics, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
| | - R. Jude Samulski
- Gene Therapy Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
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Gruntman AM, Bish LT, Mueller C, Sweeney HL, Flotte TR, Gao G. Gene transfer in skeletal and cardiac muscle using recombinant adeno-associated virus. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; Chapter 14:Unit 14D.3. [PMID: 23408131 DOI: 10.1002/9780471729259.mc14d03s28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is a DNA virus with a small (∼4.7 kb) single-stranded genome. It is a naturally replication-defective parvovirus of the dependovirus group. Recombinant AAV (rAAV), for use as a gene transfer vector, is created by replacing the viral rep and cap genes with the transgene of interest along with promoter and polyadenylation sequences. Only the viral inverted terminal repeats (ITRs) are required in cis for replication and packaging during production. The ITRs are also necessary and sufficient for vector genome processing and persistence during transduction. The tissue tropism of the rAAV vector is determined by the AAV capsid. In this unit we will discuss several methods to deliver rAAV in order to transduce cardiac and/or skeletal muscle, including intravenous delivery, intramuscular delivery, isolated limb infusion, intrapericardial injection in neonatal mice, and left ventricular wall injection in adult rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisha M Gruntman
- Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester Massachusetts, USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a severe neuromuscular disorder for which there is currently no cure. Years of research have come to fruition during the past 18 months with publications on clinical trials for several gene therapy approaches for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. This review covers the present status of these approaches. RECENT FINDINGS The exon skipping approach is most advanced in the process of clinical application. Encouraging results have been obtained in two systemic clinical trials and further optimization has increased delivery to the heart in animal models. Limitations of the approach are the mutation-specificity and the anticipated requirement for lifelong treatment. Gene therapy by means of gene transfer holds the promise of more long-lasting effects. Results of a first, early-stage gene therapy trial, using viral vectors to deliver a minidystrophin gene, were reported. Animal studies suggest that it may be possible to overcome the main challenges currently facing gene therapy (immunogenicity of the vector and systemic body-wide delivery). SUMMARY Significant steps have been made in the development of gene therapy approaches for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. These approaches aim to slow down disease progression, requiring robust outcome measures to assess efficacy.
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Chen B, Tao Z, Zhao Y, Chen H, Yong Y, Liu X, Wang H, Wu Z, Yang Z, Yuan L. Catheter-based intramyocardial delivery (NavX) of adenovirus achieves safe and accurate gene transfer in pigs. PLoS One 2013; 8:e53007. [PMID: 23301013 PMCID: PMC3536803 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0053007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2012] [Accepted: 11/26/2012] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is one of the major angiogenic factors being studied for the treatment of ischemic heart diseases. Our previous study demonstrated adenovirus-HGF was effective in myocardial ischemia models. The first clinical safety study showed a positive effect in patients with severe and diffused triple coronary disease. METHODS 12 Pigs were randomized (1:1) to receive HGF, which was administered as five injections into the infarcted myocardium, or saline (control group). The injections were guided by EnSite NavX left ventricular electroanatomical mapping. RESULTS The catheter-based injections caused no pericardial effusion, malignant arrhythmia or death. During mapping and injection, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine and creatine kinase-MB levels have no significant increase as compared to those before and after the injection in HGF group(P>0.05). HGF group has high HGF expression with Western blot, less myocardial infarct sizes by electroanatomical mapping (HGF group versus after saline group, 5.28 ± 0.55 cm(2) versus 9.06 ± 1.06 cm(2), P<0.01), better cardiac function with Gated-Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography compared with those in saline group. Histological, strongly increased lectin-positive microvessels and microvessel density were found in the myocardial ischemic regions in HGF group. CONCLUSION Intramyocardial injection guided by NavX system provides a method of feasible and safe percutaneous gene transfer to myocardial infarct regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Chen
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, The People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhengxian Tao
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, The People’s Republic of China
| | - Yingming Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, The People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongwu Chen
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, The People’s Republic of China
| | - Yonghong Yong
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, The People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiang Liu
- Department of Technological Development, MicroPort Medical (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Shanghai, The People’s Republic of China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Experimental Hematology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine of China, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, The People’s Republic of China
| | - Zuze Wu
- Department of Experimental Hematology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine of China, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, The People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhijian Yang
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, The People’s Republic of China
| | - Li Yuan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, The People’s Republic of China
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Assessment of a passive immunity mouse model to quantitatively analyze the impact of neutralizing antibodies on adeno-associated virus-mediated gene transfer. J Immunol Methods 2012; 387:114-20. [PMID: 23063691 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2012.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2012] [Revised: 10/04/2012] [Accepted: 10/05/2012] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are common infective agents of primates. As such, healthy primates carry a large pool of AAV-specific neutralizing antibodies (NAbs), which inhibit AAV-mediated gene transfer therapeutic strategies. Thus, a clinical method to screen patient candidates for AAV-specific NAbs prior to treatment, especially with the frequently used AAV8 capsid component, will facilitate individualized treatment design and enhance therapeutic efficacy. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy and sensitivity of a passive immunity mouse model to quantitatively assess anti-AAV8 NAb titers, as compared to an in vitro immunoassay. The passive transfer model was established in C57BL/6 mice by tail vein injection of pre-defined sera from 23 male rhesus monkeys. The mice were then administered low dose (3e10 GC/mouse) self-complementary (sc) AAV8. The in vitro NAb assay indicated that 69.57% of the rhesus donors had pre-existing anti-AAV8 NAb. The in vivo NAb assay, however, was better able to detect low NAb titer (≤ 1:5), which can mediate neutralization in vivo. Indeed, 17 rhesus donors (74.0%) had pre-existing anti-AAV8 neutralization by in vivo NAb assay. Our findings indicated that the in vivo NAb assay is superior to the in vitro assay for detecting low NAb titers.
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Piacentino III V, Milano CA, Bolanos M, Schroder J, Messina E, Cockrell AS, Jones E, Krol A, Bursac N, Mao L, Devi GR, Samulski RJ, Bowles DE. X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein-mediated attenuation of apoptosis, using a novel cardiac-enhanced adeno-associated viral vector. Hum Gene Ther 2012; 23:635-46. [PMID: 22339372 PMCID: PMC3392616 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2011.186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2011] [Accepted: 02/09/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful amelioration of cardiac dysfunction and heart failure through gene therapy approaches will require a transgene effective at attenuating myocardial injury, and subsequent remodeling, using an efficient and safe delivery vehicle. Our laboratory has established a well-curated, high-quality repository of human myocardial tissues that we use as a discovery engine to identify putative therapeutic transgene targets, as well as to better understand the molecular basis of human heart failure. By using this rare resource we were able to examine age- and sex-matched left ventricular samples from (1) end-stage failing human hearts and (2) nonfailing human hearts and were able to identify the X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) as a novel target for treating cardiac dysfunction. We demonstrate that XIAP is diminished in failing human hearts, indicating that this potent inhibitor of apoptosis may be central in protecting the human heart from cellular injury culminating in heart failure. Efforts to ameliorate heart failure through delivery of XIAP compelled the design of a novel adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector, termed SASTG, that achieves highly efficient transduction in mouse heart and in cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. Increased XIAP expression achieved with the SASTG vector inhibits caspase-3/7 activity in neonatal cardiomyocytes after induction of apoptosis through three common cardiac stresses: protein kinase C-γ inhibition, hypoxia, or β-adrenergic receptor agonist. These studies demonstrate the potential benefit of XIAP to correct heart failure after highly efficient delivery to the heart with the rationally designed SASTG AAV vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentino Piacentino III
- Cardiothoracic Division, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Carmelo A. Milano
- Cardiothoracic Division, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Michael Bolanos
- Cardiothoracic Division, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Jacob Schroder
- Cardiothoracic Division, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Emily Messina
- Cardiothoracic Division, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Adam S. Cockrell
- Carolina Vaccine Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Edward Jones
- Cardiothoracic Division, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Ava Krol
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Nenad Bursac
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Lan Mao
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Gayathri R. Devi
- Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
- Division of Surgical Sciences, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - R. Jude Samulski
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Dawn E. Bowles
- Division of Surgical Sciences, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
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Abstract
Congestive heart failure accounts for half a million deaths per year in the United States. Despite its place among the leading causes of morbidity, pharmacological and mechanic remedies have only been able to slow the progression of the disease. Today's science has yet to provide a cure, and there are few therapeutic modalities available for patients with advanced heart failure. There is a critical need to explore new therapeutic approaches in heart failure, and gene therapy has emerged as a viable alternative. Recent advances in understanding of the molecular basis of myocardial dysfunction, together with the evolution of increasingly efficient gene transfer technology, have placed heart failure within reach of gene-based therapy. The recent successful and safe completion of a phase 2 trial targeting the sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase pump (SERCA2a), along with the start of more recent phase 1 trials, opens a new era for gene therapy for the treatment of heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Tilemann
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, NY 10029, USA
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Asokan A, Schaffer DV, Jude Samulski R. The AAV vector toolkit: poised at the clinical crossroads. Mol Ther 2012; 20:699-708. [PMID: 22273577 PMCID: PMC3321598 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2011.287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 322] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2011] [Accepted: 12/02/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of naturally occurring adeno-associated virus (AAV) isolates in different animal species and the generation of engineered AAV strains using molecular genetics tools have yielded a versatile AAV vector toolkit. Promising results in preclinical animal models of human disease spurred the much awaited transition toward clinical application, and early successes in phase I/II clinical trials for a broad spectrum of genetic diseases have recently been reported. As the gene therapy community forges ahead with cautious optimism, both preclinical and clinical studies using first generation AAV vectors have highlighted potential challenges. These include cross-species variation in vector tissue tropism and gene transfer efficiency, pre-existing humoral immunity to AAV capsids and vector dose-dependent toxicity in patients. A battery of second generation AAV vectors, engineered through rational and combinatorial approaches to address the aforementioned concerns, are now available. This review will provide an overview of preclinical studies with the ever-expanding AAV vector portfolio in large animal models and an update on new lead AAV vector candidates poised for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aravind Asokan
- Gene Therapy Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Genetics, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - David V Schaffer
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
- The Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - R Jude Samulski
- Gene Therapy Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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