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Klingler F, Naumann L, Schlossbauer P, Dreyer L, Burkhart M, Handrick R, Junker HD, Hesse F, Neusüß C, Otte K. A novel system for glycosylation engineering by natural and artificial miRNAs. Metab Eng 2023; 77:53-63. [PMID: 36906118 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymben.2023.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
N-linked glycosylation is a crucial post-translational modification of many biopharmaceuticals, including monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), capable of modifying their biological effect in patients and thus considered as a critical quality attribute (CQA). However, expression of desired and consistent glycosylation patterns remains a constant challenge for the biopharmaceutical industry and constitutes the need for tools to engineer glycosylation. Small non-coding microRNAs (miRNAs) are known regulators of entire gene networks and have therefore the potential of being used as tools for modulation of glycosylation pathways and for glycoengineering. Here, we demonstrate that novel identified natural miRNAs are capable of altering N-linked glycosylation patterns on mAbs expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. We established a workflow for a functional high-throughput screening of a complete miRNA mimic library and identified 82 miRNA sequences affecting various moieties including galactosylation, sialylation, and α-1,6 linked core-fucosylation, an important glycan feature influencing antibody-dependent cytotoxicity (ADCC). Subsequent validation shed light on the intra-cellular mode of action and the impact on the cellular fucosylation pathway of miRNAs reducing core-fucosylation. While multiplex approaches increased phenotypic effects on the glycan structure, a synthetic biology approach utilizing rational design of artificial miRNAs further enhanced the potential of miRNAs as novel, versatile and tune-able tools for engineering of N-linked glycosylation pathways and expressed glycosylation patterns towards favourable phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Klingler
- Institute for Applied Biotechnology, University of Applied Sciences Biberach, Hubertus-Liebrecht-Str. 35, 88400, Biberach, Germany.
| | - Lukas Naumann
- Department of Chemistry, Aalen University, Beethovenstraße 1, 73430, Aalen, Germany
| | - Patrick Schlossbauer
- Institute for Applied Biotechnology, University of Applied Sciences Biberach, Hubertus-Liebrecht-Str. 35, 88400, Biberach, Germany
| | - Leonard Dreyer
- Department of Chemistry, Aalen University, Beethovenstraße 1, 73430, Aalen, Germany
| | - Madina Burkhart
- Institute for Applied Biotechnology, University of Applied Sciences Biberach, Hubertus-Liebrecht-Str. 35, 88400, Biberach, Germany
| | - René Handrick
- Institute for Applied Biotechnology, University of Applied Sciences Biberach, Hubertus-Liebrecht-Str. 35, 88400, Biberach, Germany
| | - Hans-Dieter Junker
- Department of Chemistry, Aalen University, Beethovenstraße 1, 73430, Aalen, Germany
| | - Friedemann Hesse
- Institute for Applied Biotechnology, University of Applied Sciences Biberach, Hubertus-Liebrecht-Str. 35, 88400, Biberach, Germany
| | - Christian Neusüß
- Department of Chemistry, Aalen University, Beethovenstraße 1, 73430, Aalen, Germany
| | - Kerstin Otte
- Institute for Applied Biotechnology, University of Applied Sciences Biberach, Hubertus-Liebrecht-Str. 35, 88400, Biberach, Germany
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Fajardo-Serrano A, Rico AJ, Roda E, Honrubia A, Arrieta S, Ariznabarreta G, Chocarro J, Lorenzo-Ramos E, Pejenaute A, Vázquez A, Lanciego JL. Adeno-Associated Viral Vectors as Versatile Tools for Neurological Disorders: Focus on Delivery Routes and Therapeutic Perspectives. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10040746. [PMID: 35453499 PMCID: PMC9025350 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10040746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
It is without doubt that the gene therapy field is currently in the spotlight for the development of new therapeutics targeting unmet medical needs. Thus, considering the gene therapy scenario, neurological diseases in general and neurodegenerative disorders in particular are emerging as the most appealing choices for new therapeutic arrivals intended to slow down, stop, or even revert the natural progressive course that characterizes most of these devastating neurodegenerative processes. Since an extensive coverage of all available literature is not feasible in practical terms, here emphasis was made in providing some advice to beginners in the field with a narrow focus on elucidating the best delivery route available for fulfilling any given AAV-based therapeutic approach. Furthermore, it is worth nothing that the number of ongoing clinical trials is increasing at a breath-taking speed. Accordingly, a landscape view of preclinical and clinical initiatives is also provided here in an attempt to best illustrate what is ongoing in this quickly expanding field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Fajardo-Serrano
- Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Department of Neuroscience, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (A.J.R.); (E.R.); (A.H.); (S.A.); (G.A.); (J.C.); (E.L.-R.); (A.P.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), 23038 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain;
- Correspondence: (A.F.-S.); (J.L.L.)
| | - Alberto J. Rico
- Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Department of Neuroscience, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (A.J.R.); (E.R.); (A.H.); (S.A.); (G.A.); (J.C.); (E.L.-R.); (A.P.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), 23038 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain;
| | - Elvira Roda
- Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Department of Neuroscience, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (A.J.R.); (E.R.); (A.H.); (S.A.); (G.A.); (J.C.); (E.L.-R.); (A.P.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), 23038 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain;
| | - Adriana Honrubia
- Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Department of Neuroscience, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (A.J.R.); (E.R.); (A.H.); (S.A.); (G.A.); (J.C.); (E.L.-R.); (A.P.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), 23038 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain;
| | - Sandra Arrieta
- Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Department of Neuroscience, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (A.J.R.); (E.R.); (A.H.); (S.A.); (G.A.); (J.C.); (E.L.-R.); (A.P.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), 23038 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain;
| | - Goiaz Ariznabarreta
- Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Department of Neuroscience, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (A.J.R.); (E.R.); (A.H.); (S.A.); (G.A.); (J.C.); (E.L.-R.); (A.P.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), 23038 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain;
| | - Julia Chocarro
- Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Department of Neuroscience, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (A.J.R.); (E.R.); (A.H.); (S.A.); (G.A.); (J.C.); (E.L.-R.); (A.P.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), 23038 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain;
| | - Elena Lorenzo-Ramos
- Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Department of Neuroscience, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (A.J.R.); (E.R.); (A.H.); (S.A.); (G.A.); (J.C.); (E.L.-R.); (A.P.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), 23038 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain;
| | - Alvaro Pejenaute
- Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Department of Neuroscience, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (A.J.R.); (E.R.); (A.H.); (S.A.); (G.A.); (J.C.); (E.L.-R.); (A.P.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), 23038 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain;
| | - Alfonso Vázquez
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain;
- Department of Neurosurgery, Servicio Navarro de Salud, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - José Luis Lanciego
- Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Department of Neuroscience, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (A.J.R.); (E.R.); (A.H.); (S.A.); (G.A.); (J.C.); (E.L.-R.); (A.P.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), 23038 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain;
- Correspondence: (A.F.-S.); (J.L.L.)
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3
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Keiser MS, Ranum PT, Yrigollen CM, Carrell EM, Smith GR, Muehlmatt AL, Chen YH, Stein JM, Wolf RL, Radaelli E, Lucas TJ, Gonzalez-Alegre P, Davidson BL. Toxicity after AAV delivery of RNAi expression constructs into nonhuman primate brain. Nat Med 2021; 27:1982-1989. [PMID: 34663988 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-021-01522-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) for spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 can prevent and reverse behavioral deficits and neuropathological readouts in mouse models, with safety and benefit lasting over many months. The RNAi trigger, expressed from adeno-associated virus vectors (AAV.miS1), also corrected misregulated microRNAs (miRNA) such as miR150. Subsequently, we showed that the delivery method was scalable, and that AAV.miS1 was safe in short-term pilot nonhuman primate (NHP) studies. To advance the technology to patients, investigational new drug (IND)-enabling studies in NHPs were initiated. After AAV.miS1 delivery to deep cerebellar nuclei, we unexpectedly observed cerebellar toxicity. Both small-RNA-seq and studies using AAVs devoid of miRNAs showed that this was not a result of saturation of the endogenous miRNA processing machinery. RNA-seq together with sequencing of the AAV product showed that, despite limited amounts of cross-packaged material, there was substantial inverted terminal repeat (ITR) promoter activity that correlated with neuropathologies. ITR promoter activity was reduced by altering the miS1 expression context. The surprising contrast between our rodent and NHP findings highlight the need for extended safety studies in multiple species when assessing new therapeutics for human application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan S Keiser
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Paul T Ranum
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Carolyn M Yrigollen
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ellie M Carrell
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Geary R Smith
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Amy L Muehlmatt
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yong Hong Chen
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Joel M Stein
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ronald L Wolf
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Enrico Radaelli
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Timothy J Lucas
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Pedro Gonzalez-Alegre
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Beverly L Davidson
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA. .,Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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4
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Gonzalez-Alegre P. Recent advances in molecular therapies for neurological disease: triplet repeat disorders. Hum Mol Genet 2020; 28:R80-R87. [PMID: 31227833 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddz138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Triplet repeat diseases (TRDs) are caused by pathogenic expansions of trinucleotide sequence repeats within coding and non-coding regions of different genes. They are typically progressive, very disabling and frequently involve the nervous system. Currently available symptomatic therapies provide modest benefit at best. The development of interventions that interfere with the natural history of these diseases is a priority. A common pathogenic process shared by most TRDs is the presence of toxicity from the messenger RNA or protein encoded by the gene harboring the abnormal expansion. Strategies to interfere with the expression of these genes using different molecular approaches are being pursued and have reached the clinical stage. This review will summarize the significant progress made in this field in the last few years, focusing on three main areas: the discovery of biomarkers of disease progression and target engagement, advances in preclinical studies for the polyglutamine ataxias and the initial clinical application in myotonic dystrophy type 1 and Huntington's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Gonzalez-Alegre
- Department of Neurology, the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.,Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapy, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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5
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Tan M, Takahashi N, Fujii S, Sakurai K, Kusamori K, Takahashi Y, Takakura Y, Nishikawa M. Analysis of Tertiary Structural Features of Branched DNA Nanostructures with Partially Common Sequences Using Small-Angle X-ray Scattering. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2019; 3:308-314. [DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.9b00829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Tan
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Drug Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, 46-29, Yoshidashimoadachi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Natsuki Takahashi
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Drug Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, 46-29, Yoshidashimoadachi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Shota Fujii
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Kitakyushu, 1-1 Hibikino, Wakamatsu-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 808-0135, Japan
| | - Kazuo Sakurai
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Kitakyushu, 1-1 Hibikino, Wakamatsu-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 808-0135, Japan
- Structural Materials Science Laboratory SPring-8 Center, RIKEN Harima Institute Research, 1-1-1 Kouto, Sayo-cho, Sayo, Hyogo 679-5148, Japan
| | - Kosuke Kusamori
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan
| | - Yuki Takahashi
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Drug Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, 46-29, Yoshidashimoadachi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Yoshinobu Takakura
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Drug Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, 46-29, Yoshidashimoadachi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Makiya Nishikawa
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Drug Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, 46-29, Yoshidashimoadachi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan
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Stanek LM, Bu J, Shihabuddin LS. Astrocyte transduction is required for rescue of behavioral phenotypes in the YAC128 mouse model with AAV-RNAi mediated HTT lowering therapeutics. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 129:29-37. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
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7
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Cheng C, Spengler RM, Keiser MS, Monteys AM, Rieders JM, Ramachandran S, Davidson BL. The long non-coding RNA NEAT1 is elevated in polyglutamine repeat expansion diseases and protects from disease gene-dependent toxicities. Hum Mol Genet 2018; 27:4303-4314. [PMID: 30239724 PMCID: PMC6276831 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Revised: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyglutamine (polyQ) repeat diseases are a class of neurodegenerative disorders caused by CAG-repeat expansion. There are diverse cellular mechanisms behind the pathogenesis of polyQ disorders, including transcriptional dysregulation. Interestingly, we find that levels of the long isoform of nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (Neat1L) are elevated in the brains of mouse models of spinocerebellar ataxia types 1, 2, 7 and Huntington's disease (HD). Neat1L was also elevated in differentiated striatal neurons derived from HD knock-in mice and in HD patient brains. The elevation was mutant Huntingtin (mHTT) dependent, as knockdown of mHTT in vitro and in vivo restored Neat1L to normal levels. In additional studies, we found that Neat1L is repressed by methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) by RNA-protein interaction but not by occupancy of MeCP2 at its promoter. We also found that NEAT1L overexpression protects from mHTT-induced cytotoxicity, while reducing it enhanced mHTT-dependent toxicity. Gene set enrichment analysis of previously published RNA sequencing data from mouse embryonic fibroblasts and cells derived from HD patients shows that loss of NEAT1L impairs multiple cellular functions, including pathways involved in cell proliferation and development. Intriguingly, the genes dysregulated in HD human brain samples overlap with pathways affected by a reduction in NEAT1, confirming the correlation of NEAT1L and HD-induced perturbations. Cumulatively, the role of NEAT1L in polyQ disease model systems and human tissues suggests that it may play a protective role in CAG-repeat expansion diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congsheng Cheng
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ryan M Spengler
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Megan S Keiser
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alejandro Mas Monteys
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Julianne M Rieders
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Shyam Ramachandran
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Beverly L Davidson
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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8
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Evers MM, Miniarikova J, Juhas S, Vallès A, Bohuslavova B, Juhasova J, Skalnikova HK, Vodicka P, Valekova I, Brouwers C, Blits B, Lubelski J, Kovarova H, Ellederova Z, van Deventer SJ, Petry H, Motlik J, Konstantinova P. AAV5-miHTT Gene Therapy Demonstrates Broad Distribution and Strong Human Mutant Huntingtin Lowering in a Huntington's Disease Minipig Model. Mol Ther 2018; 26:2163-2177. [PMID: 30007561 PMCID: PMC6127509 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2018.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Revised: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington’s disease (HD) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder caused by a CAG trinucleotide repeat expansion in the huntingtin gene. Previously, we showed strong huntingtin reduction and prevention of neuronal dysfunction in HD rodents using an engineered microRNA targeting human huntingtin, delivered via adeno-associated virus (AAV) serotype 5 vector with a transgene encoding an engineered miRNA against HTT mRNA (AAV5-miHTT). One of the challenges of rodents as a model of neurodegenerative diseases is their relatively small brain, making successful translation to the HD patient difficult. This is particularly relevant for gene therapy approaches, where distribution achieved upon local administration into the parenchyma is likely dependent on brain size and structure. Here, we aimed to demonstrate the translation of huntingtin-lowering gene therapy to a large-animal brain. We investigated the feasibility, efficacy, and tolerability of one-time intracranial administration of AAV5-miHTT in the transgenic HD (tgHD) minipig model. We detected widespread dose-dependent distribution of AAV5-miHTT throughout the tgHD minipig brain that correlated with the engineered microRNA expression. Both human mutant huntingtin mRNA and protein were significantly reduced in all brain regions transduced by AAV5-miHTT. The combination of widespread vector distribution and extensive huntingtin lowering observed with AAV5-miHTT supports the translation of a huntingtin-lowering gene therapy for HD from preclinical studies into the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melvin M Evers
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Jana Miniarikova
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Stefan Juhas
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Astrid Vallès
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Jana Juhasova
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Libechov, Czech Republic
| | | | - Petr Vodicka
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Ivona Valekova
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Cynthia Brouwers
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Bas Blits
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jacek Lubelski
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Hana Kovarova
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Zdenka Ellederova
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Sander J van Deventer
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Harald Petry
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jan Motlik
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Pavlina Konstantinova
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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9
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Miniarikova J, Evers MM, Konstantinova P. Translation of MicroRNA-Based Huntingtin-Lowering Therapies from Preclinical Studies to the Clinic. Mol Ther 2018; 26:947-962. [PMID: 29503201 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2018.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Revised: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The single mutation underlying the fatal neuropathology of Huntington's disease (HD) is a CAG triplet expansion in exon 1 of the huntingtin (HTT) gene, which gives rise to a toxic mutant HTT protein. There have been a number of not yet successful therapeutic advances in the treatment of HD. The current excitement in the HD field is due to the recent development of therapies targeting the culprit of HD either at the DNA or RNA level to reduce the overall mutant HTT protein. In this review, we briefly describe short-term and long-term HTT-lowering strategies targeting HTT transcripts. One of the most advanced HTT-lowering strategies is a microRNA (miRNA)-based gene therapy delivered by a single administration of an adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector to the HD patient. We outline the outcome measures for the miRNA-based HTT-lowering therapy in the context of preclinical evaluation in HD animal and cell models. We highlight the strengths and ongoing queries of the HTT-lowering gene therapy as an HD intervention with a potential disease-modifying effect. This review provides a perspective on the fast-developing HTT-lowering therapies for HD and their translation to the clinic based on existing knowledge in preclinical models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Miniarikova
- Department of Research and Development, uniQure, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Melvin M Evers
- Department of Research and Development, uniQure, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Pfister EL, Chase KO, Sun H, Kennington LA, Conroy F, Johnson E, Miller R, Borel F, Aronin N, Mueller C. Safe and Efficient Silencing with a Pol II, but Not a Pol lII, Promoter Expressing an Artificial miRNA Targeting Human Huntingtin. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2017; 7:324-334. [PMID: 28624208 PMCID: PMC5424568 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2017.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2016] [Revised: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Huntington's disease is a devastating, incurable neurodegenerative disease affecting up to 12 per 100,000 patients worldwide. The disease is caused by a mutation in the Huntingtin (Htt) gene. There is interest in reducing mutant Huntingtin by targeting it at the mRNA level, but the maximum tolerable dose and long-term effects of such a treatment are unknown. Using a self-complementary AAV9 vector, we delivered a mir-155-based artificial miRNA under the control of the chicken β-actin or human U6 promoter. In mouse brain, the artificial miRNA reduced the human huntingtin mRNA by 50%. The U6, but not the CβA promoter, produced the artificial miRNA at supraphysiologic levels. Embedding the antisense strand in a U6-mir-30 scaffold reduced expression of the antisense strand but increased the sense strand. In mice treated with scAAV9-U6-mir-155-HTT or scAAV9-CβA-mir-155-HTT, activated microglia were present around the injection site 1 month post-injection. Six months post-injection, mice treated with scAAV9-CβA-mir-155-HTT were indistinguishable from controls. Those that received scAAV9-U6-mir-155-HTT showed behavioral abnormalities and striatal damage. In conclusion, miRNA backbone and promoter can be used together to modulate expression levels and strand selection of artificial miRNAs, and in brain, the CβA promoter can provide an effective and safe dose of a human huntingtin miRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edith L Pfister
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Kathryn O Chase
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Huaming Sun
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Lori A Kennington
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Faith Conroy
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Emily Johnson
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Rachael Miller
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Florie Borel
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Neil Aronin
- Department of Medicine and RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
| | - Christian Mueller
- Department of Pediatrics and Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
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Keiser MS, Monteys AM, Corbau R, Gonzalez-Alegre P, Davidson BL. RNAi prevents and reverses phenotypes induced by mutant human ataxin-1. Ann Neurol 2016; 80:754-765. [PMID: 27686464 PMCID: PMC5115960 DOI: 10.1002/ana.24789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2016] [Revised: 09/18/2016] [Accepted: 09/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 is an autosomal dominant fatal neurodegenerative disease caused by a polyglutamine expansion in the coding region of ATXN1. We showed previously that partial suppression of mutant ataxin-1 (ATXN1) expression, using virally expressed RNAi triggers, could prevent disease symptoms in a transgenic mouse model and a knockin mouse model of the disease, using a single dose of virus. Here, we set out to test whether RNAi triggers targeting ATXN1 could not only prevent, but also reverse disease readouts when delivered after symptom onset. METHODS We administered recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) expressing miS1, an artificial miRNA targeting human ATXN1 mRNA (rAAV.miS1), to a mouse model of spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1; B05 mice). Viruses were delivered prior to or after symptom onset at multiple doses. Control B05 mice were treated with rAAVs expressing a control artificial miRNA, or with saline. Animal behavior, molecular phenotypes, neuropathology, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy were done on all groups, and data were compared to wild-type littermates. RESULTS We found that SCA1 phenotypes could be reversed by partial suppression of human mutant ATXN1 mRNA by rAAV.miS1 when delivered after symptom onset. We also identified the therapeutic range of rAAV.miS1 that could prevent or reverse disease readouts. INTERPRETATION SCA1 disease may be reversible by RNAi therapy, and the doses required for advancing this therapy to humans are delineated. Ann Neurol 2016;80:754-765.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan S Keiser
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Alejandro Mas Monteys
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Romuald Corbau
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA.,Spark Therapeutics, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Pedro Gonzalez-Alegre
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA.,Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Beverly L Davidson
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
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12
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Design, Characterization, and Lead Selection of Therapeutic miRNAs Targeting Huntingtin for Development of Gene Therapy for Huntington's Disease. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2016; 5:e297. [PMID: 27003755 PMCID: PMC5014463 DOI: 10.1038/mtna.2016.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2015] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by accumulation of CAG expansions in the huntingtin (HTT) gene. Hence, decreasing the expression of mutated HTT (mtHTT) is the most upstream approach for treatment of HD. We have developed HTT gene-silencing approaches based on expression cassette-optimized artificial miRNAs (miHTTs). In the first approach, total silencing of wild-type and mtHTT was achieved by targeting exon 1. In the second approach, allele-specific silencing was induced by targeting the heterozygous single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs362331 in exon 50 or rs362307 in exon 67 linked to mtHTT. The miHTT expression cassette was optimized by embedding anti-HTT target sequences in ten pri-miRNA scaffolds and their HTT knockdown efficacy, allele selectivity, passenger strand activity, and processing patterns were analyzed in vitro. Furthermore, three scaffolds expressing miH12 targeting exon 1 were incorporated in an adeno-associated viral serotype 5 (AAV5) vector and their HTT knock-down efficiency and pre-miHTT processing were compared in the humanized transgenic Hu128/21 HD mouse model. Our data demonstrate strong allele-selective silencing of mtHTT by miSNP50 targeting rs362331 and total HTT silencing by miH12 both in vitro and in vivo. Ultimately, we show that HTT knock-down efficiency and guide strand processing can be enhanced by using different cellular pri-miRNA scaffolds.
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13
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Zhao Y, Alexandrov PN, Lukiw WJ. Anti-microRNAs as Novel Therapeutic Agents in the Clinical Management of Alzheimer's Disease. Front Neurosci 2016; 10:59. [PMID: 26941600 PMCID: PMC4766517 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2016.00059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2015] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Overview- One hundred and ten years since its first description Alzheimer's disease (AD) still retains its prominent status: (i) as the industrialized world's number one cause of age-related intellectual impairment and cognitive decline; (ii) as this country's most rapidly expanding socioeconomic and healthcare concern; and (iii) as an insidious, progressive and lethal neurological disorder of the human central nervous system (CNS) for which there is currently no adequate treatment or cure (Alzheimer, 1991; Alzheimer et al., 1991, 1995) [https://www.alz.org/facts/downloads/facts_figures_2015.pdf (2015)]. The concept of small non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) as being involved in the etiopathogenesis of AD and age-related human neurodegenerative disease was first proposed about 25 years ago, however it was not until 2007 that specific microRNA (miRNA) abundance, speciation and localization to the hippocampal CA1 region (an anatomical area of the human CNS specifically targeted by the AD process) was shown to strongly associate with AD-type change when compared to age-matched controls (Lukiw et al., 1992; Lukiw, 2007; Schipper et al., 2007; Cogswell et al., 2008; Guerreiro et al., 2012). Currently about 400 reports address the potential link between disruptions in miRNA signaling and the development of various features associated with AD neuropathology (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=micro+RNA+alzheimer's+disease). In this “Perspectives” paper we will highlight some of the most recent literature on anti-miRNA (AM; antagomir) therapeutic strategies and some very recent technological advances in the analysis and characterization of defective miRNA signaling pathways in AD compared to neurologically normal age-matched controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhai Zhao
- LSU Neuroscience Center, Louisiana State University Health Science CenterNew Orleans, LA, USA; Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Louisiana State University Health Science CenterNew Orleans, LA, USA
| | | | - Walter J Lukiw
- LSU Neuroscience Center, Louisiana State University Health Science CenterNew Orleans, LA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, LSU Neuroscience Center, Louisiana State University Health Science CenterNew Orleans, LA, USA; Department Neurology, LSU Neuroscience Center, Louisiana State University Health Science CenterNew Orleans, LA, USA
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Keiser MS, Kordower JH, Gonzalez-Alegre P, Davidson BL. Broad distribution of ataxin 1 silencing in rhesus cerebella for spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 therapy. Brain 2015; 138:3555-66. [PMID: 26490326 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awv292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2015] [Accepted: 08/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 is one of nine polyglutamine expansion diseases and is characterized by cerebellar ataxia and neuronal degeneration in the cerebellum and brainstem. Currently, there are no effective therapies for this disease. Previously, we have shown that RNA interference mediated silencing of ATXN1 mRNA provides therapeutic benefit in mouse models of the disease. Adeno-associated viral delivery of an engineered microRNA targeting ATXN1 to the cerebella of well-established mouse models improved motor phenotypes, neuropathy, and transcriptional changes. Here, we test the translatability of this approach in adult rhesus cerebella. Nine adult male and three adult female rhesus macaque were unilaterally injected with our therapeutic vector, a recombinant adeno-associated virus type 1 (rAAV1) expressing our RNAi trigger (miS1) and co-expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (rAAV1.miS1eGFP) into the deep cerebellar nuclei using magnetic resonance imaging guided techniques combined with a Stealth Navigation system (Medtronics Inc.). Transduction was evident in the deep cerebellar nuclei, cerebellar Purkinje cells, the brainstem and the ventral lateral thalamus. Reduction of endogenous ATXN1 messenger RNA levels were ≥30% in the deep cerebellar nuclei, the cerebellar cortex, inferior olive, and thalamus relative to the uninjected hemisphere. There were no clinical complications, and quantitative and qualitative analyses suggest that this therapeutic intervention strategy and subsequent reduction of ATXN1 is well tolerated. Collectively the data illustrate the biodistribution and tolerability of rAAV1.miS1eGFP administration to the adult rhesus cerebellum and are supportive of clinical application for spinocerebellar ataxia type 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan S Keiser
- 1 The Raymond G Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jeffrey H Kordower
- 2 Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Beverly L Davidson
- 4 The Raymond G Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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15
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Lv Z, Li C, Zhang P, Wang Z, Zhang W, Jin CH. MiR-200 modulates coelomocytes antibacterial activities and LPS priming via targeting Tollip in Apostichopus japonicus. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 45:431-436. [PMID: 25910848 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2015.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2015] [Revised: 03/12/2015] [Accepted: 04/14/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
In order to explore the potential roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways, we identified Toll interacting protein as a putative target of miR-200 in Apostichopus japonicus coelomocytes by RNA-seq screening (denoted as AjTollip). The positive expression profiles of miR-200 and AjTollip were detected in both LPS exposure primary coelomocytes and Vibrio splendidus challenge sea cucumber. Co-infection miR-200 mimics significantly elevated the expression of AjTollip and its down-stream molecules. In contrast, miR-200 inhibitor significantly repressed the expression of these TLR-pathway members. More importantly, miR-200 displayed not only to enhance coelomocytes antibacterial activities, but to suppress LPS priming in vitro. Overall, all these results will enhance our understanding on miR-200 regulatory roles in anti-bacterial process in sea cucumber.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhimeng Lv
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province 315211, PR China
| | - Chenghua Li
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province 315211, PR China.
| | - Pengjuan Zhang
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province 315211, PR China
| | - Zhenhui Wang
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province 315211, PR China
| | - Weiwei Zhang
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province 315211, PR China
| | - Chun-Hua Jin
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province 315211, PR China
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Artificial miRNAs Targeting Mutant Huntingtin Show Preferential Silencing In Vitro and In Vivo. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2015; 4:e234. [PMID: 25849618 DOI: 10.1038/mtna.2015.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Accepted: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a dominantly inherited neurodegenerative disease caused by CAG repeat expansion in exon 1 of huntingtin (HTT). Studies in mouse models of HD with a regulated mutant transgene show that continuous mutant allele expression is required for behavioral and pathological signs; when mutant HTT expression declined, neuronal degeneration improved. To date, it is unknown whether neural cells in the adult human brain can tolerate reduction in both normal and mutant alleles. Thus, it may be important to develop allele-specific silencing approaches. Several siRNA sequences targeting the CAG expanded motif or prevalent single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in linkage disequilibrium with the mutant allele have been designed and their selectivity demonstrated in vitro. However, it is unknown whether these allele-specific siRNAs will retain their specificity when expressed from artificial RNAi platforms. Here, we designed CAG- and SNP- targeting artificial miRNAs and demonstrate that some, but not all, retained their selectivity in vitro using an allele-specific reporter system and in vivo in a transgenic mouse model developed to express normal and mutant human HTT alleles.
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