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Poukalov KK, Valero MC, Muscato DR, Adams LM, Chun H, Lee YI, Andrade NS, Zeier Z, Sweeney HL, Wang ET. Myospreader improves gene editing in skeletal muscle by myonuclear propagation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2321438121. [PMID: 38687782 PMCID: PMC11087771 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2321438121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Successful CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing in skeletal muscle is dependent on efficient propagation of Cas9 to all myonuclei in the myofiber. However, nuclear-targeted gene therapy cargos are strongly restricted to their myonuclear domain of origin. By screening nuclear localization signals and nuclear export signals, we identify "Myospreader," a combination of short peptide sequences that promotes myonuclear propagation. Appending Myospreader to Cas9 enhances protein stability and myonuclear propagation in myoblasts and myofibers. AAV-delivered Myospreader dCas9 better inhibits transcription of toxic RNA in a myotonic dystrophy mouse model. Furthermore, Myospreader Cas9 achieves higher rates of gene editing in CRISPR reporter and Duchenne muscular dystrophy mouse models. Myospreader reveals design principles relevant to all nuclear-targeted gene therapies and highlights the importance of the spatial dimension in therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiril K. Poukalov
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
- Center for NeuroGenetics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
| | - M. Carmen Valero
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
- Center for NeuroGenetics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
| | - Derek R. Muscato
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
- Center for NeuroGenetics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
| | - Leanne M. Adams
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
- Center for NeuroGenetics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
| | - Heejae Chun
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
- Myology Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
| | - Young il Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
- Myology Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
| | - Nadja S. Andrade
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL33136
| | - Zane Zeier
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL33136
| | - H. Lee Sweeney
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
- Myology Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
| | - Eric T. Wang
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
- Center for NeuroGenetics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
- Myology Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32610
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Poukalov KK, Valero MC, Muscato DR, Adams LM, Chun H, Lee YI, Andrade NS, Zeier Z, Sweeney HL, Wang ET. Myospreader improves gene editing in skeletal muscle by myonuclear propagation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.06.565807. [PMID: 37986992 PMCID: PMC10659306 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.06.565807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Successful CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing in skeletal muscle is dependent on efficient propagation of Cas9 to all myonuclei in the myofiber. However, nuclear-targeted gene therapy cargos are strongly restricted to their myonuclear domain of origin. By screening nuclear localization signals and nuclear export signals, we identify "Myospreader", a combination of short peptide sequences that promotes myonuclear propagation. Appending Myospreader to Cas9 enhances protein stability and myonuclear propagation in myoblasts and myofibers. AAV-delivered Myospreader dCas9 better inhibits transcription of toxic RNA in a myotonic dystrophy mouse model. Furthermore, Myospreader Cas9 achieves higher rates of gene editing in CRISPR reporter and Duchenne muscular dystrophy mouse models. Myospreader reveals design principles relevant to all nuclear-targeted gene therapies and highlights the importance of the spatial dimension in therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiril K. Poukalov
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, University of Florida
- Center for NeuroGenetics, University of Florida
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida
| | - M. Carmen Valero
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, University of Florida
- Center for NeuroGenetics, University of Florida
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida
| | - Derek R. Muscato
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, University of Florida
- Center for NeuroGenetics, University of Florida
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida
| | - Leanne M. Adams
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, University of Florida
- Center for NeuroGenetics, University of Florida
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida
| | - Heejae Chun
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Florida
- Myology Institute, University of Florida
| | - Young il Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Florida
- Myology Institute, University of Florida
| | - Nadja S. Andrade
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami
| | - Zane Zeier
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami
| | - H. Lee Sweeney
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Florida
- Myology Institute, University of Florida
| | - Eric T. Wang
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, University of Florida
- Center for NeuroGenetics, University of Florida
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida
- Myology Institute, University of Florida
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da Silva ES, Naghavi MH. Microtubules and viral infection. Adv Virus Res 2023; 115:87-134. [PMID: 37173066 DOI: 10.1016/bs.aivir.2023.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Microtubules (MTs) form rapidly adaptable, complex intracellular networks of filaments that not only provide structural support, but also form the tracks along which motors traffic macromolecular cargos to specific sub-cellular sites. These dynamic arrays play a central role in regulating various cellular processes including cell shape and motility as well as cell division and polarization. Given their complex organization and functional importance, MT arrays are carefully controlled by many highly specialized proteins that regulate the nucleation of MT filaments at distinct sites, their dynamic growth and stability, and their engagement with other subcellular structures and cargoes destined for transport. This review focuses on recent advances in our understanding of how MTs and their regulatory proteins function, including their active targeting and exploitation, during infection by viruses that utilize a wide variety of replication strategies that occur within different cellular sub-compartments or regions of the cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eveline Santos da Silva
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States; HIV Clinical and Translational Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Department of Infection and Immunity, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Mojgan H Naghavi
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States.
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Wagner HJ, Weber W, Fussenegger M. Synthetic Biology: Emerging Concepts to Design and Advance Adeno-Associated Viral Vectors for Gene Therapy. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:2004018. [PMID: 33977059 PMCID: PMC8097373 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202004018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Three recent approvals and over 100 ongoing clinical trials make adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based vectors the leading gene delivery vehicles in gene therapy. Pharmaceutical companies are investing in this small and nonpathogenic gene shuttle to increase the therapeutic portfolios within the coming years. This prospect of marking a new era in gene therapy has fostered both investigations of the fundamental AAV biology as well as engineering studies to enhance delivery vehicles. Driven by the high clinical potential, a new generation of synthetic-biologically engineered AAV vectors is on the rise. Concepts from synthetic biology enable the control and fine-tuning of vector function at different stages of cellular transduction and gene expression. It is anticipated that the emerging field of synthetic-biologically engineered AAV vectors can shape future gene therapeutic approaches and thus the design of tomorrow's gene delivery vectors. This review describes and discusses the recent trends in capsid and vector genome engineering, with particular emphasis on synthetic-biological approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna J. Wagner
- Department of Biosystems Science and EngineeringETH ZurichMattenstrasse 26Basel4058Switzerland
- Faculty of BiologyUniversity of FreiburgSchänzlestraße 1Freiburg79104Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSSUniversity of FreiburgSchänzlestraße 18Freiburg79104Germany
| | - Wilfried Weber
- Faculty of BiologyUniversity of FreiburgSchänzlestraße 1Freiburg79104Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSSUniversity of FreiburgSchänzlestraße 18Freiburg79104Germany
| | - Martin Fussenegger
- Department of Biosystems Science and EngineeringETH ZurichMattenstrasse 26Basel4058Switzerland
- Faculty of ScienceUniversity of BaselKlingelbergstrasse 50Basel4056Switzerland
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Modifiers of Adeno-Associated Virus-Mediated Gene Expression in Implication for Serotype-Universal Neutralizing Antibody Assay. Hum Gene Ther 2020. [PMID: 32495655 DOI: 10.6039/j.issn.1001-0408.2020.09.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapy is undergoing major expansion into clinical practice, with two treatments currently being granted Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. However, the presence of pre-existing neutralizing antibodies (NAB) is one of the significant hurdles for the clinical application of AAV vectors that significantly limits the patient population, which benefits from the treatment. A reliable diagnostic to evaluate the patient's seropositivity is required to ensure the effectiveness of the AAV-mediated therapeutic. Here, we describe a simple method for the determination of AAV NAB activity based on our finding that Compound C makes HEK293 cell highly permissive for infection by 10 commonly used AAV serotypes.
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Krotova K, Aslanidi G. Modifiers of Adeno-Associated Virus-Mediated Gene Expression in Implication for Serotype-Universal Neutralizing Antibody Assay. Hum Gene Ther 2020; 31:1124-1131. [PMID: 32495655 PMCID: PMC7588322 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2020.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapy is undergoing major expansion into clinical practice, with two treatments currently being granted Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. However, the presence of pre-existing neutralizing antibodies (NAB) is one of the significant hurdles for the clinical application of AAV vectors that significantly limits the patient population, which benefits from the treatment. A reliable diagnostic to evaluate the patient's seropositivity is required to ensure the effectiveness of the AAV-mediated therapeutic. Here, we describe a simple method for the determination of AAV NAB activity based on our finding that Compound C makes HEK293 cell highly permissive for infection by 10 commonly used AAV serotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Krotova
- Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, Minnesota, USA
| | - George Aslanidi
- Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, Minnesota, USA
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Gorovits B, Fiscella M, Havert M, Koren E, Long B, Milton M, Purushothama S. Recommendations for the Development of Cell-Based Anti-Viral Vector Neutralizing Antibody Assays. AAPS JOURNAL 2020; 22:24. [DOI: 10.1208/s12248-019-0403-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Ilan Y. Microtubules: From understanding their dynamics to using them as potential therapeutic targets. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:7923-7937. [PMID: 30536951 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Microtubules (MT) and actin microfilaments are dynamic cytoskeleton components involved in a range of intracellular processes. MTs play a role in cell division, beating of cilia and flagella, and intracellular transport. Over the past decades, much knowledge has been gained regarding MT function and structure, and its role in underlying disease progression. This makes MT potential therapeutic targets for various disorders. Disturbances in MT and their associated proteins are the underlying cause of diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, cancer, and several genetic diseases. Some of the advances in the field of MT research, as well as the potenti G beta gamma, is needed al uses of MT-targeting agents in various conditions have been reviewed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaron Ilan
- Department of Medicine, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
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A Conserved Leucine Zipper Motif in Gammaherpesvirus ORF52 Is Critical for Distinct Microtubule Rearrangements. J Virol 2017; 91:JVI.00304-17. [PMID: 28615210 PMCID: PMC5553167 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00304-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Productive viral infection often depends on the manipulation of the cytoskeleton. Herpesviruses, including rhesus monkey rhadinovirus (RRV) and its close homolog, the oncogenic human gammaherpesvirus Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus/human herpesvirus 8 (KSHV/HHV8), exploit microtubule (MT)-based retrograde transport to deliver their genomes to the nucleus. Subsequently, during the lytic phase of the life cycle, the maturing viral particles undergo orchestrated translocation to specialized regions within the cytoplasm, leading to tegumentation, secondary envelopment, and then egress. As a result, we hypothesized that RRV might induce changes in the cytoskeleton at both early and late stages of infection. Using confocal imaging, we found that RRV infection led to the thickening and acetylation of MTs emanating from the MT-organizing center (MTOC) shortly after viral entry and more pronounced and diffuse MT reorganization during peak stages of lytic gene expression and virion production. We subsequently identified open reading frame 52 (ORF52), a multifunctional and abundant tegument protein, as being the only virally encoded component responsible for these cytoskeletal changes. Mutational and modeling analyses indicated that an evolutionarily conserved, truncated leucine zipper motif near the N terminus as well as a strictly conserved arginine residue toward the C terminus of ORF52 play critical roles in its ability to rearrange the architecture of the MT cytoskeleton. Taken together, our findings combined with data from previous studies describing diverse roles for ORF52 suggest that it likely binds to different cellular components, thereby allowing context-dependent modulation of function. IMPORTANCE A thorough understanding of the processes governing viral infection includes knowledge of how viruses manipulate their intracellular milieu, including the cytoskeleton. Altering the dynamics of actin or MT polymerization, for example, is a common strategy employed by viruses to ensure efficient entry, maturation, and egress as well as the avoidance of antiviral defenses through the sequestration of key cellular factors. We found that infection with RRV, a homolog of the human pathogen KSHV, led to perinuclear wrapping by acetylated MT bundles and identified ORF52 as the viral protein underlying these changes. Remarkably, incoming virions were able to supply sufficient ORF52 to induce MT thickening and acetylation near the MTOC, potentially aiding in the delivery viral genomes to the nucleus. Although the function of MT alterations during late stages of infection requires further study, ORF52 shares functional and structural similarities with alphaherpesvirus VP22, underscoring the evolutionary importance of MT cytoskeletal manipulations for this virus family.
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Abstract
Microtubules (MTs) form a rapidly adaptable network of filaments that radiate throughout the cell. These dynamic arrays facilitate a wide range of cellular processes, including the capture, transport, and spatial organization of cargos and organelles, as well as changes in cell shape, polarity, and motility. Nucleating from MT-organizing centers, including but by no means limited to the centrosome, MTs undergo rapid transitions through phases of growth, pause, and catastrophe, continuously exploring and adapting to the intracellular environment. Subsets of MTs can become stabilized in response to environmental cues, acquiring distinguishing posttranslational modifications and performing discrete functions as specialized tracks for cargo trafficking. The dynamic behavior and organization of the MT array is regulated by MT-associated proteins (MAPs), which include a subset of highly specialized plus-end-tracking proteins (+TIPs) that respond to signaling cues to alter MT behavior. As pathogenic cargos, viruses require MTs to transport to and from their intracellular sites of replication. While interactions with and functions for MT motor proteins are well characterized and extensively reviewed for many viruses, this review focuses on MT filaments themselves. Changes in the spatial organization and dynamics of the MT array, mediated by virus- or host-induced changes to MT regulatory proteins, not only play a central role in the intracellular transport of virus particles but also regulate a wider range of processes critical to the outcome of infection.
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