1
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Coan M, Haefliger S, Ounzain S, Johnson R. Targeting and engineering long non-coding RNAs for cancer therapy. Nat Rev Genet 2024:10.1038/s41576-024-00693-2. [PMID: 38424237 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-024-00693-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
RNA therapeutics (RNATx) aim to treat diseases, including cancer, by targeting or employing RNA molecules for therapeutic purposes. Amongst the most promising targets are long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), which regulate oncogenic molecular networks in a cell type-restricted manner. lncRNAs are distinct from protein-coding genes in important ways that increase their therapeutic potential yet also present hurdles to conventional clinical development. Advances in genome editing, oligonucleotide chemistry, multi-omics and RNA engineering are paving the way for efficient and cost-effective lncRNA-focused drug discovery pipelines. In this Review, we present the emerging field of lncRNA therapeutics for oncology, with emphasis on the unique strengths and challenges of lncRNAs within the broader RNATx framework. We outline the necessary steps for lncRNA therapeutics to deliver effective, durable, tolerable and personalized treatments for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Coan
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Conway Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Simon Haefliger
- Department of Medical Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Rory Johnson
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
- Conway Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
- FutureNeuro, SFI Research Centre for Chronic and Rare Neurological Diseases, Dublin, Ireland.
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2
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Li M, Eltabbal M, Tran HD, Kuhn B. Scn2a insufficiency alters spontaneous neuronal Ca 2+ activity in somatosensory cortex during wakefulness. iScience 2023; 26:108138. [PMID: 37876801 PMCID: PMC10590963 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
SCN2A protein-truncating variants (PTV) can result in neurological disorders such as autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability, but they are less likely to cause epilepsy in comparison to missense variants. While in vitro studies showed PTV reduce action potential firing, consequences at in vivo network level remain elusive. Here, we generated a mouse model of Scn2a insufficiency using antisense oligonucleotides (Scn2a ASO mice), which recapitulated key clinical feature of SCN2A PTV disorders. Simultaneous two-photon Ca2+ imaging and electrocorticography (ECoG) in awake mice showed that spontaneous Ca2+ transients in somatosensory cortical neurons, as well as their pairwise co-activities were generally decreased in Scn2a ASO mice during spontaneous awake state and induced seizure state. The reduction of neuronal activities and paired co-activity are mechanisms associated with motor, social and cognitive deficits observed in our mouse model of severe Scn2a insufficiency, indicating these are likely mechanisms driving SCN2A PTV pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melody Li
- Optical Neuroimaging Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST), 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | - Mohamed Eltabbal
- Optical Neuroimaging Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST), 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | - Hoang-Dai Tran
- Optical Neuroimaging Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST), 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | - Bernd Kuhn
- Optical Neuroimaging Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST), 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
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3
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Trac N, Ashraf A, Giblin J, Prakash S, Mitragotri S, Chung EJ. Spotlight on Genetic Kidney Diseases: A Call for Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine Solutions. ACS NANO 2023; 17:6165-6177. [PMID: 36988207 PMCID: PMC10145694 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c12140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Nanoparticles as drug delivery carriers have benefited diseases, including cancer, since the 1990s, and more recently, their promise to quickly and efficiently be mobilized to fight against global diseases such as in the COVID-19 pandemic have been proven. Despite these success stories, there are limited nanomedicine efforts for chronic kidney diseases (CKDs), which affect 844 million people worldwide and can be linked to a variety of genetic kidney diseases. In this Perspective, we provide a brief overview of the clinical status of genetic kidney diseases, background on kidney physiology and a summary of nanoparticle design that enable kidney access and targeting, and emerging technological strategies that can be applied for genetic kidney diseases, including rare and congenital kidney diseases. Finally, we conclude by discussing gaps in knowledge remaining in both genetic kidney diseases and kidney nanomedicine and collective efforts that are needed to bring together stakeholders from diverse expertise and industries to enable the development of the most relevant drug delivery strategies that can make an impact in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah Trac
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, University of
Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| | - Anisa Ashraf
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, University of
Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| | - Joshua Giblin
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, University of
Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| | - Supriya Prakash
- John
A. Paulson School of Engineering & Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Allston, Massachusetts 02134, United States
- Wyss
Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Samir Mitragotri
- John
A. Paulson School of Engineering & Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Allston, Massachusetts 02134, United States
- Wyss
Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Eun Ji Chung
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, University of
Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
- Division
of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Keck School
of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90033, United States
- Norris
Comprehensive Cancer Center, University
of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90033, United States
- Eli and Edythe
Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Keck
School of Medicine, University of Southern
California, Los Angeles, California 90033, United States
- Division
of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, Department of Surgery,
Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern
California, Los Angeles, California 90033, United States
- Mork
Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
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4
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Kim KS, Koo HY, Bok J. Alternative splicing in shaping the molecular landscape of the cochlea. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1143428. [PMID: 36936679 PMCID: PMC10018040 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1143428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The cochlea is a complex organ comprising diverse cell types with highly specialized morphology and function. Until now, the molecular underpinnings of its specializations have mostly been studied from a transcriptional perspective, but accumulating evidence points to post-transcriptional regulation as a major source of molecular diversity. Alternative splicing is one of the most prevalent and well-characterized post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms. Many molecules important for hearing, such as cadherin 23 or harmonin, undergo alternative splicing to produce functionally distinct isoforms. Some isoforms are expressed specifically in the cochlea, while some show differential expression across the various cochlear cell types and anatomical regions. Clinical phenotypes that arise from mutations affecting specific splice variants testify to the functional relevance of these isoforms. All these clues point to an essential role for alternative splicing in shaping the unique molecular landscape of the cochlea. Although the regulatory mechanisms controlling alternative splicing in the cochlea are poorly characterized, there are animal models with defective splicing regulators that demonstrate the importance of RNA-binding proteins in maintaining cochlear function and cell survival. Recent technological breakthroughs offer exciting prospects for overcoming some of the long-standing hurdles that have complicated the analysis of alternative splicing in the cochlea. Efforts toward this end will help clarify how the remarkable diversity of the cochlear transcriptome is both established and maintained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwan Soo Kim
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hei Yeun Koo
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinwoong Bok
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- *Correspondence: Jinwoong Bok,
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION More than 5% of the world's population have a disabling hearing loss which can be managed by hearing aids or implanted electrical devices. However, outcomes are highly variable, and the sound perceived by recipients is far from perfect. Sparked by the discovery of progenitor cells in the cochlea and rapid progress in drug delivery to the cochlea, biological and pharmaceutical therapies are currently in development to improve the function of the cochlear implant or eliminate the need for it altogether. AREAS COVERED This review highlights progress in emerging regenerative strategies to restore hearing and adjunct therapies to augment the cochlear implant. Novel approaches include the reprogramming of progenitor cells to restore the sensory hair cell population in the cochlea, gene therapy and gene editing to treat hereditary and acquired hearing loss. A detailed review of optogenetics is also presented as a technique that could enable optical stimulation of the spiral ganglion neurons, replacing or complementing electrical stimulation. EXPERT OPINION Increasing evidence of substantial reversal of hearing loss in animal models, alongside rapid advances in delivery strategies to the cochlea and learnings from clinical trials will amalgamate into a biological or pharmaceutical therapy to replace or complement the cochlear implant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Ajay
- Bionics Institute, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,University of Melbourne, Department of Engineering
| | | | - Rachael Richardson
- Bionics Institute, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,University of Melbourne, Medical Bionics Department, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,University of Melbourne, Department of Surgery (Otolaryngology), East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Abstract
Congenital hearing loss is the most common birth defect, estimated to affect 2-3 in every 1000 births. Currently there is no cure for hearing loss. Treatment options are limited to hearing aids for mild and moderate cases, and cochlear implants for severe and profound hearing loss. Here we provide a literature overview of the environmental and genetic causes of congenital hearing loss, common animal models and methods used for hearing research, as well as recent advances towards developing therapies to treat congenital deafness. © 2021 The Authors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine M Renauld
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Martin L Basch
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio.,Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio.,Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio.,Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, University Hospitals, Cleveland, Ohio
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7
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de Joya EM, Colbert BM, Tang PC, Lam BL, Yang J, Blanton SH, Dykxhoorn DM, Liu X. Usher Syndrome in the Inner Ear: Etiologies and Advances in Gene Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:3910. [PMID: 33920085 PMCID: PMC8068832 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22083910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hearing loss is the most common sensory disorder with ~466 million people worldwide affected, representing about 5% of the population. A substantial portion of hearing loss is genetic. Hearing loss can either be non-syndromic, if hearing loss is the only clinical manifestation, or syndromic, if the hearing loss is accompanied by a collage of other clinical manifestations. Usher syndrome is a syndromic form of genetic hearing loss that is accompanied by impaired vision associated with retinitis pigmentosa and, in many cases, vestibular dysfunction. It is the most common cause of deaf-blindness. Currently cochlear implantation or hearing aids are the only treatments for Usher-related hearing loss. However, gene therapy has shown promise in treating Usher-related retinitis pigmentosa. Here we review how the etiologies of Usher-related hearing loss make it a good candidate for gene therapy and discuss how various forms of gene therapy could be applied to Usher-related hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan M. de Joya
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (E.M.J.); (B.M.C.); (P.-C.T.); (S.H.B.)
- Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
| | - Brett M. Colbert
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (E.M.J.); (B.M.C.); (P.-C.T.); (S.H.B.)
- Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Pei-Ciao Tang
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (E.M.J.); (B.M.C.); (P.-C.T.); (S.H.B.)
| | - Byron L. Lam
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
| | - Jun Yang
- John A. Moran Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA;
| | - Susan H. Blanton
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (E.M.J.); (B.M.C.); (P.-C.T.); (S.H.B.)
- Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
| | - Derek M. Dykxhoorn
- Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
| | - Xuezhong Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (E.M.J.); (B.M.C.); (P.-C.T.); (S.H.B.)
- Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
- Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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8
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Herkt M, Thum T. Pharmacokinetics and Proceedings in Clinical Application of Nucleic Acid Therapeutics. Mol Ther 2021; 29:521-539. [PMID: 33188937 PMCID: PMC7854291 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Oligonucleotide therapeutics are a novel promising class of drugs designed to specifically target either coding or non-coding RNA molecules to revolutionize treatment of various diseases. During preclinical development, investigations of the pharmacokinetic characteristics of these oligonucleotide-based drug candidates are essential. Oligonucleotides possess a long history of chemical modifications to enhance their stability and binding affinity, as well as reducing toxicity. Phosphorothioate backbone modifications of oligonucleotides were a hallmark of this development process that greatly enhanced plasma stability and protein binding of these agents. Modifications such as 2'-O-methylation further improved stability, while other modifications of the ribose, such as locked nucleic acid (LNA) modification, significantly increased binding affinity, potency, and tissue half-life. These attributes render oligonucleotide therapeutics able to regulate protein expression in both directions depending on the target RNA. Thus, a growing interest has emerged using these oligonucleotides in the treatment of neurodegenerative and cardiac disorders as well as cancer, since the deregulation of certain coding and non-coding RNAs plays a key role in the development of these diseases. Cutting edge research is being performed in the field of non-coding RNAs, identifying potential therapeutic targets, and developing novel oligonucleotide-based agents that outperform classical drugs. Some of these agents are either in clinical trials showing promising results or are already US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved, with more oligonucleotides being developed for therapeutic purposes. This is the advent of mechanism-based next-generation therapeutics for a wide range of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Herkt
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany.
| | - Thomas Thum
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany; REBIRTH Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute of Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Hannover, Germany.
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9
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Toms M, Pagarkar W, Moosajee M. Usher syndrome: clinical features, molecular genetics and advancing therapeutics. Ther Adv Ophthalmol 2020; 12:2515841420952194. [PMID: 32995707 PMCID: PMC7502997 DOI: 10.1177/2515841420952194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Usher syndrome has three subtypes, each being clinically and genetically heterogeneous characterised by sensorineural hearing loss and retinitis pigmentosa (RP), with or without vestibular dysfunction. It is the most common cause of deaf–blindness worldwide with a prevalence of between 4 and 17 in 100 000. To date, 10 causative genes have been identified for Usher syndrome, with MYO7A accounting for >50% of type 1 and USH2A contributing to approximately 80% of type 2 Usher syndrome. Variants in these genes can also cause non-syndromic RP and deafness. Genotype–phenotype correlations have been described for several of the Usher genes. Hearing loss is managed with hearing aids and cochlear implants, which has made a significant improvement in quality of life for patients. While there is currently no available approved treatment for the RP, various therapeutic strategies are in development or in clinical trials for Usher syndrome, including gene replacement, gene editing, antisense oligonucleotides and small molecule drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Toms
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK; The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Waheeda Pagarkar
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Mariya Moosajee
- Development, Ageing and Disease, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
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10
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Lentz JJ, Pan B, Ponnath A, Tran CM, Nist-Lund C, Galvin A, Goldberg H, Robillard KN, Jodelka FM, Farris HE, Huang J, Chen T, Zhu H, Zhou W, Rigo F, Hastings ML, Géléoc GSG. Direct Delivery of Antisense Oligonucleotides to the Middle and Inner Ear Improves Hearing and Balance in Usher Mice. Mol Ther 2020; 28:2662-2676. [PMID: 32818431 PMCID: PMC7704764 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Usher syndrome is a syndromic form of hereditary hearing impairment that includes sensorineural hearing loss and delayed-onset retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Type 1 Usher syndrome (USH1) is characterized by congenital profound sensorineural hearing impairment and vestibular areflexia, with adolescent-onset RP. Systemic treatment with antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) targeting the human USH1C c.216G>A splicing mutation in a knockin mouse model of USH1 restores hearing and balance. Herein, we explore the effect of delivering ASOs locally to the ear to treat hearing and vestibular dysfunction associated with Usher syndrome. Three localized delivery strategies were investigated in USH1C mice: inner ear injection, trans-tympanic membrane injection, and topical tympanic membrane application. We demonstrate, for the first time, that ASOs delivered directly to the ear correct Ush1c expression in inner ear tissue, improve cochlear hair cell transduction currents, restore vestibular afferent irregularity, spontaneous firing rate, and sensitivity to head rotation, and successfully recover hearing thresholds and balance behaviors in USH1C mice. We conclude that local delivery of ASOs to the middle and inner ear reach hair cells and can rescue both hearing and balance. These results also demonstrate the therapeutic potential of ASOs to treat hearing and balance deficits associated with Usher syndrome and other ear diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer J Lentz
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; Neuroscience Center of Excellence, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
| | - Bifeng Pan
- Department of Otolaryngology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Abhilash Ponnath
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Christopher M Tran
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Carl Nist-Lund
- Department of Otolaryngology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Alice Galvin
- Department of Otolaryngology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Hannah Goldberg
- Department of Otolaryngology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Katelyn N Robillard
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Francine M Jodelka
- Center for Genetic Diseases, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA
| | - Hamilton E Farris
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; Neuroscience Center of Excellence, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Jun Huang
- Department of Otolaryngology and Communicative Sciences, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | - Tianwen Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology and Communicative Sciences, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | - Hong Zhu
- Department of Otolaryngology and Communicative Sciences, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | - Wu Zhou
- Department of Otolaryngology and Communicative Sciences, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | - Frank Rigo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, CA 92008, USA
| | - Michelle L Hastings
- Center for Genetic Diseases, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA
| | - Gwenaëlle S G Géléoc
- Department of Otolaryngology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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11
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Wei X, Ma W, Gu H, Liu D, Luo W, Bai Y, Wang W, Lui VCH, Yang P, Yuan Z. Transamniotic mesenchymal stem cell therapy for neural tube defects preserves neural function through lesion-specific engraftment and regeneration. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:523. [PMID: 32655141 PMCID: PMC7354991 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-2734-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Neural tube defects (NTDs) lead to prenatal mortality and lifelong morbidity. Currently, surgical closure of NTD lesions results in limited functional recovery. We previously suggested that nerve regeneration was critical for NTD therapy. Here, we report that transamniotic bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) therapy for NTDs during early development may achieve beneficial functional recovery. In our ex vivo rat embryonic NTD model, BMSCs injected into the amniotic cavity spontaneously migrated into the defective neural tissue. Hepatocyte growth factor and its receptor c-MET were found to play critical roles in this NTD lesion-specific migration. Using the in vivo rat fetal NTD model, we further discovered that the engrafted BMSCs specifically differentiated into the cell types of the defective tissue, including skin and different types of neurons in situ. BMSC treatment triggered skin repair in fetuses, leading to a 29.9 ± 5.6% reduction in the skin lesion area. The electrophysiological functional recovery assay revealed a decreased latency and increased motor-evoked potential amplitude in the BMSC-treated fetuses. Based on these positive outcomes, ease of operation, and reduced trauma to the mother and fetus, we propose that transamniotic BMSC administration could be a new effective therapy for NTDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Wei
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Wei Ma
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Hui Gu
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Wenting Luo
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yuzuo Bai
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Weilin Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Vincent Chi Hang Lui
- Department of Surgery, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Peixin Yang
- Departments of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Zhengwei Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
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12
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Wang L, Kempton JB, Jiang H, Jodelka FM, Brigande AM, Dumont RA, Rigo F, Lentz JJ, Hastings ML, Brigande JV. Fetal antisense oligonucleotide therapy for congenital deafness and vestibular dysfunction. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:5065-5080. [PMID: 32249312 PMCID: PMC7229850 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Disabling hearing loss impacts ∼466 million individuals worldwide with 34 million children affected. Gene and pharmacotherapeutic strategies to rescue auditory function in mouse models of human deafness are most effective when administered before hearing onset, after which therapeutic efficacy is significantly diminished or lost. We hypothesize that preemptive correction of a mutation in the fetal inner ear prior to maturation of the sensory epithelium will optimally restore sensory function. We previously demonstrated that transuterine microinjection of a splice-switching antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) into the amniotic cavity immediately surrounding the embryo on embryonic day 13-13.5 (E13-13.5) corrected pre-mRNA splicing in the juvenile Usher syndrome type 1c (Ush1c) mouse mutant. Here, we show that this strategy only marginally rescues hearing and partially rescues vestibular function. To improve therapeutic outcomes, we microinjected ASO directly into the E12.5 inner ear. A single intra-otic dose of ASO corrects harmonin RNA splicing, restores harmonin protein expression in sensory hair cell bundles, prevents hair cell loss, improves hearing sensitivity, and ameliorates vestibular dysfunction. Improvements in auditory and vestibular function were sustained well into adulthood. Our results demonstrate that an ASO pharmacotherapeutic administered to a developing organ system in utero preemptively corrects pre-mRNA splicing to abrogate the disease phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyan Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Oregon Hearing Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - J Beth Kempton
- Department of Otolaryngology, Oregon Hearing Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Han Jiang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Oregon Hearing Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Francine M Jodelka
- Center for Genetic Diseases, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA
| | - Alev M Brigande
- Department of Otolaryngology, Oregon Hearing Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Rachel A Dumont
- Department of Otolaryngology, Oregon Hearing Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Frank Rigo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, CA 92010 USA
| | - Jennifer J Lentz
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Neuroscience Center of Excellence, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Michelle L Hastings
- Center for Genetic Diseases, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA
| | - John V Brigande
- Department of Otolaryngology, Oregon Hearing Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
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13
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Fetal gene therapy and pharmacotherapy to treat congenital hearing loss and vestibular dysfunction. Hear Res 2020; 394:107931. [PMID: 32173115 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2020.107931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Disabling hearing loss is expected to affect over 900 million people worldwide by 2050. The World Health Organization estimates that the annual economic impact of hearing loss globally is US$ 750 billion. The inability to hear may complicate effective interpersonal communication and negatively impact personal and professional relationships. Recent advances in the genetic diagnosis of inner ear disease have keenly focused attention on strategies to restore hearing and balance in individuals with defined gene mutations. Mouse models of human hearing loss serve as the primary approach to test gene therapies and pharmacotherapies. The goal of this review is to articulate the rationale for fetal gene therapy and pharmacotherapy to treat congenital hearing loss and vestibular dysfunction. The differential onset of hearing in mice and humans suggests that a prenatal window of therapeutic efficacy in humans may be optimal to restore sensory function. Mouse studies demonstrating the utility of early fetal intervention in the inner ear show promise. We focus on the modulation of gene expression through two strategies that have successfully treated deafness in animal models and have had clinical success for other conditions in humans: gene replacement and antisense oligonucleotide-mediated modulation of gene expression. The recent establishment of effective therapies targeting the juvenile and adult mouse provide informative counterexamples where intervention in the maturing and fully functional mouse inner ear may be effective. Distillation of the current literature leads to the conclusion that novel therapeutic strategies to treat genetic deafness and imbalance will soon translate to clinical trials.
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14
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Büning H, Schambach A, Morgan M, Rossi A, Wichova H, Staecker H, Warnecke A, Lenarz T. Challenges and advances in translating gene therapy for hearing disorders. EXPERT REVIEW OF PRECISION MEDICINE AND DRUG DEVELOPMENT 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/23808993.2020.1707077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hildegard Büning
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
- REBIRTH Cluster of Excellence, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Axel Schambach
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- REBIRTH Cluster of Excellence, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael Morgan
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- REBIRTH Cluster of Excellence, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Axel Rossi
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Helena Wichova
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, USA
| | - Hinrich Staecker
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, USA
| | - Athanasia Warnecke
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Hearing4all Cluster of Excellence, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas Lenarz
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Hearing4all Cluster of Excellence, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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15
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Ma Y, Wise AK, Shepherd RK, Richardson RT. New molecular therapies for the treatment of hearing loss. Pharmacol Ther 2019; 200:190-209. [PMID: 31075354 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2019.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
An estimated 466 million people suffer from hearing loss worldwide. Sensorineural hearing loss is characterized by degeneration of key structures of the sensory pathway in the cochlea such as the sensory hair cells, the primary auditory neurons and their synaptic connection to the hair cells - the ribbon synapse. Various strategies to protect or regenerate these sensory cells and structures are the subject of intensive research. Yet despite recent advances in our understandings of the capacity of the cochlea for repair and regeneration there are currently no pharmacological or biological interventions for hearing loss. Current research focusses on localized cochlear drug, gene and cell-based therapies. One of the more promising drug-based therapies is based on neurotrophic factors for the repair of the ribbon synapse after noise exposure, as well as preventing loss of primary auditory neurons and regrowth of the auditory neuron fibers after severe hearing loss. Drug therapy delivery technologies are being employed to address the specific needs of neurotrophin and other therapies for hearing loss that include the need for high doses, long-term delivery, localised or cell-specific targeting and techniques for their safe and efficacious delivery to the cochlea. Novel biomaterials are enabling high payloads of drugs to be administered to the cochlea with subsequent slow-release properties that are proving to be beneficial for treating hearing loss. In parallel, new gene therapy technologies are addressing the need for cell specificity and high efficacy for the treatment of both genetic and acquired hearing loss with promising reports of hearing recovery. Some biomaterials and cell therapies are being used in conjunction with the cochlear implant ensuring therapeutic benefit to the primary neurons during electrical stimulation. This review will introduce the auditory system, hearing loss and the potential for repair and regeneration in the cochlea. Drug delivery to the cochlea will then be reviewed, with a focus on new biomaterials, gene therapy technologies, cell therapy and the use of the cochlear implant as a vehicle for drug delivery. With the current pre-clinical research effort into therapies for hearing loss, including clinical trials for gene therapy, the future for the treatment for hearing loss is looking bright.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutian Ma
- Bionics Institute, East Melbourne, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Australia; University of Melbourne, Department of Chemical Engineering, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew K Wise
- Bionics Institute, East Melbourne, Australia; University of Melbourne, Medical Bionics Department, East Melbourne, Australia; University of Melbourne, Department of Surgery - Otolaryngology, East Melbourne, Australia
| | - Robert K Shepherd
- Bionics Institute, East Melbourne, Australia; University of Melbourne, Medical Bionics Department, East Melbourne, Australia; University of Melbourne, Department of Surgery - Otolaryngology, East Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rachael T Richardson
- Bionics Institute, East Melbourne, Australia; University of Melbourne, Medical Bionics Department, East Melbourne, Australia; University of Melbourne, Department of Surgery - Otolaryngology, East Melbourne, Australia.
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16
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Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) have shown potential as therapeutic molecules for the treatment of inner ear dysfunction. The peripheral sensory organs responsible for both hearing and equilibrium are housed within the inner ear. Hearing loss and vestibular balance problems affect a large portion of the population and limited treatment options exist. Targeting ASOs to the inner ear as a therapeutic strategy has unique pharmacokinetic and drug delivery opportunities and challenges. Here, we review ASO technology, delivery, disease targets, and other key considerations for development of this therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L Hastings
- Center for Genetic Diseases, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Science and Medicine, North Chicago, IL, 60064, USA.
| | - Timothy A Jones
- Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 304 Barkley Memorial Center, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA
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17
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Wang L, Kempton JB, Brigande JV. Gene Therapy in Mouse Models of Deafness and Balance Dysfunction. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:300. [PMID: 30210291 PMCID: PMC6123355 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic strategies to restore hearing and balance in mouse models of inner ear disease aim to rescue sensory function by gene replacement, augmentation, knock down or knock out. Modalities to achieve therapeutic effects have utilized virus-mediated transfer of wild type genes and small interfering ribonucleic acids; systemic and focal administration of antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) and designer small molecules; and lipid-mediated transfer of Cas 9 ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes. This work has established that gene or drug administration to the structurally and functionally immature, early neonatal mouse inner ear prior to hearing onset is a prerequisite for the most robust therapeutic responses. These observations may have significant implications for translating mouse inner ear gene therapies to patients. The human fetus hears by gestational week 19, suggesting that a corollary window of therapeutic efficacy closes early in the second trimester of pregnancy. We hypothesize that fetal therapeutics deployed prior to hearing onset may be the most effective approach to preemptively manage genetic mutations that cause deafness and vestibular dysfunction. We assert that gene therapy studies in higher vertebrate model systems with fetal hearing onset and a comparable acoustic range and sensitivity to that of humans are an essential step to safely and effectively translate murine gene therapies to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyan Wang
- Oregon Hearing Research Center, Department of Otolaryngology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - J Beth Kempton
- Oregon Hearing Research Center, Department of Otolaryngology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - John V Brigande
- Oregon Hearing Research Center, Department of Otolaryngology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
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18
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Abstract
Drug delivery to the inner ear is an ideal method to treat a wide variety of otologic conditions. A broad range of potential applications is just beginning to be explored. New approaches combine principles of inner ear pharmacokinetics with emerging technologies of drug delivery including novel delivery systems, drug-device combinations, and new categories of drugs. Strategies include cell-specific targeting, manipulation of gene expression, local activation following systemic delivery, and use of stem cells, viral vectors, and gene editing systems. Translation of these therapies to the clinic remains challenging given the potential risks of intracochlear and intralabyrinthine trauma, our limited understanding of the etiologies of particular inner ear disorders, and paucity of accurate diagnostic tools at the cellular level. This review provides an overview of future methods, delivery systems, disease targets, and clinical considerations required for translation to clinical medicine.
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20
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Ponnath A, Depreux FF, Jodelka FM, Rigo F, Farris HE, Hastings ML, Lentz JJ. Rescue of Outer Hair Cells with Antisense Oligonucleotides in Usher Mice Is Dependent on Age of Treatment. J Assoc Res Otolaryngol 2018; 19:1-16. [PMID: 29027038 PMCID: PMC5783922 DOI: 10.1007/s10162-017-0640-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The absence of functional outer hair cells is a component of several forms of hereditary hearing impairment, including Usher syndrome, the most common cause of concurrent hearing and vision loss. Antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) treatment of mice with the human Usher mutation, Ush1c c.216G>A, corrects gene expression and significantly improves hearing, as measured by auditory-evoked brainstem responses (ABRs), as well as inner and outer hair cell (IHC and OHC) bundle morphology. However, it is not clear whether the improvement in hearing achieved by ASO treatment involves the functional rescue of outer hair cells. Here, we show that Ush1c c.216AA mice lack OHC function as evidenced by the absence of distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) in response to low-, mid-, and high-frequency tone pairs. This OHC deficit is rescued by treatment with an ASO that corrects expression of Ush1c c.216G>A. Interestingly, although rescue of inner hairs cells, as measured by ABR, is achieved by ASO treatment as late as 7 days after birth, rescue of outer hair cells, measured by DPOAE, requires treatment before post-natal day 5. These results suggest that ASO-mediated rescue of both IHC and OHC function is age dependent and that the treatment window is different for the different cell types. The timing of treatment for congenital hearing disorders is of critical importance for the development of drugs such ASO-29 for hearing rescue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhilash Ponnath
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 2020 Gravier Street, 8th Floor, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Frederic F Depreux
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, 3333 Green Bay Rd, North Chicago, IL, 60064, USA
| | - Francine M Jodelka
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, 3333 Green Bay Rd, North Chicago, IL, 60064, USA
| | - Frank Rigo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA, 92010, USA
| | - Hamilton E Farris
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 2020 Gravier Street, 8th Floor, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 1901 Perdido Street, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology and Biocommunications, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 533 Bolivar Street, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Michelle L Hastings
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, 3333 Green Bay Rd, North Chicago, IL, 60064, USA.
| | - Jennifer J Lentz
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 2020 Gravier Street, 8th Floor, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA.
- Department of Otolaryngology and Biocommunications, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 533 Bolivar Street, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA.
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21
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Vijayakumar S, Depreux FF, Jodelka FM, Lentz JJ, Rigo F, Jones TA, Hastings ML. Rescue of peripheral vestibular function in Usher syndrome mice using a splice-switching antisense oligonucleotide. Hum Mol Genet 2018. [PMID: 28633508 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddx234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Usher syndrome type 1C (USH1C/harmonin) is associated with profound retinal, auditory and vestibular dysfunction. We have previously reported on an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO-29) that dramatically improves auditory function and balance behavior in mice homozygous for the harmonin mutation Ush1c c.216G > A following a single systemic administration. The findings were suggestive of improved vestibular function; however, no direct vestibular assessment was made. Here, we measured vestibular sensory evoked potentials (VsEPs) to directly assess vestibular function in Usher mice. We report that VsEPs are absent or abnormal in Usher mice, indicating profound loss of vestibular function. Strikingly, Usher mice receiving ASO-29 treatment have normal or elevated vestibular response thresholds when treated during a critical period between postnatal day 1 and 5, respectively. In contrast, treatment of mice with ASO-29 treatment at P15 was minimally effective at rescuing vestibular function. Interestingly, ASO-29 treatment at P1, P5 or P15 resulted in sufficient vestibular recovery to support normal balance behaviors, suggesting a therapeutic benefit to balance with ASO-29 treatment at P15 despite the profound vestibular functional deficits that persist with treatment at this later time. These findings provide the first direct evidence of an effective treatment of peripheral vestibular function in a mouse model of USH1C and reveal the potential for using antisense technology to treat vestibular dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarath Vijayakumar
- Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 304 Barkley Memorial Center, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
| | - Frederic F Depreux
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA
| | - Francine M Jodelka
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA
| | - Jennifer J Lentz
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Neuroscience Center of Excellence, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Frank Rigo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Timothy A Jones
- Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 304 Barkley Memorial Center, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
| | - Michelle L Hastings
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA
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Antisense oligonucleotide therapy rescues disruptions in organization of exploratory movements associated with Usher syndrome type 1C in mice. Behav Brain Res 2017; 338:76-87. [PMID: 29037661 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Revised: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Usher syndrome, Type 1C (USH1C) is an autosomal recessive inherited disorder in which a mutation in the gene encoding harmonin is associated with multi-sensory deficits (i.e., auditory, vestibular, and visual). USH1C (Usher) mice, engineered with a human USH1C mutation, exhibit these multi-sensory deficits by circling behavior and lack of response to sound. Administration of an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapeutic that corrects expression of the mutated USH1C gene, has been shown to increase harmonin levels, reduce circling behavior, and improve vestibular and auditory function. The current study evaluates the organization of exploratory movements to assess spatial organization in Usher mice and determine the efficacy of ASO therapy in attenuating any such deficits. Usher and heterozygous mice received the therapeutic ASO, ASO-29, or a control, non-specific ASO treatment at postnatal day five. Organization of exploratory movements was assessed under dark and light conditions at two and six-months of age. Disruptions in exploratory movement organization observed in control-treated Usher mice were consistent with impaired use of self-movement and environmental cues. In general, ASO-29 treatment rescued organization of exploratory movements at two and six-month testing points. These observations are consistent with ASO-29 rescuing processing of multiple sources of information and demonstrate the potential of ASO therapies to ameliorate topographical disorientation associated with other genetic disorders.
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23
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Liu J, Bhadra M, Sinnakannu JR, Yue WL, Tan CW, Rigo F, Ong ST, Roca X. Overcoming imatinib resistance conferred by the BIM deletion polymorphism in chronic myeloid leukemia with splice-switching antisense oligonucleotides. Oncotarget 2017; 8:77567-77585. [PMID: 29100409 PMCID: PMC5652800 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.20658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Many tyrosine kinase-driven cancers, including chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), are characterized by high response rates to specific tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) like imatinib. In East Asians, primary imatinib resistance is caused by a deletion polymorphism in Intron 2 of the BIM gene, whose product is required for TKI-induced apoptosis. The deletion biases BIM splicing from exon 4 to exon 3, generating splice isoforms lacking the exon 4-encoded pro-apoptotic BH3 domain, which impairs the ability of TKIs to induce apoptosis. We sought to identify splice-switching antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) that block exon 3 but enhance exon 4 splicing, and thereby resensitize BIM deletion-containing cancers to imatinib. First, we mapped multiple cis-acting splicing elements around BIM exon 3 by minigene mutations, and found an exonic splicing enhancer acting via SRSF1. Second, by a systematic ASO walk, we isolated ASOs that corrected the aberrant BIM splicing. Eight of 67 ASOs increased exon 4 levels in BIM deletion-containing cells, and restored imatinib-induced apoptosis and TKI sensitivity. This proof-of-principle study proves that resistant CML cells by BIM deletion polymorphism can be resensitized to imatinib via splice-switching BIM ASOs. Future optimizations might yield a therapeutic ASO as precision-medicine adjuvant treatment for BIM-polymorphism-associated TKI-resistant CML and other cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Liu
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Malini Bhadra
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | | | - Wan Lin Yue
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.,CN Yang Scholars Programme, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Cheryl Weiqi Tan
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Frank Rigo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, California, USA
| | - S Tiong Ong
- Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Signature Research Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.,Department of Haematology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore.,Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Xavier Roca
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
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24
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Mittal R, Nguyen D, Patel AP, Debs LH, Mittal J, Yan D, Eshraghi AA, Van De Water TR, Liu XZ. Recent Advancements in the Regeneration of Auditory Hair Cells and Hearing Restoration. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:236. [PMID: 28824370 PMCID: PMC5534485 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurosensory responses of hearing and balance are mediated by receptors in specialized neuroepithelial sensory cells. Any disruption of the biochemical and molecular pathways that facilitate these responses can result in severe deficits, including hearing loss and vestibular dysfunction. Hearing is affected by both environmental and genetic factors, with impairment of auditory function being the most common neurosensory disorder affecting 1 in 500 newborns, as well as having an impact on the majority of elderly population. Damage to auditory sensory cells is not reversible, and if sufficient damage and cell death have taken place, the resultant deficit may lead to permanent deafness. Cochlear implants are considered to be one of the most successful and consistent treatments for deaf patients, but only offer limited recovery at the expense of loss of residual hearing. Recently there has been an increased interest in the auditory research community to explore the regeneration of mammalian auditory hair cells and restoration of their function. In this review article, we examine a variety of recent therapies, including genetic, stem cell and molecular therapies as well as discussing progress being made in genome editing strategies as applied to the restoration of hearing function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Mittal
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of MedicineMiami, FL, United States
| | - Desiree Nguyen
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of MedicineMiami, FL, United States
| | - Amit P. Patel
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of MedicineMiami, FL, United States
| | - Luca H. Debs
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of MedicineMiami, FL, United States
| | - Jeenu Mittal
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of MedicineMiami, FL, United States
| | - Denise Yan
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of MedicineMiami, FL, United States
| | - Adrien A. Eshraghi
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of MedicineMiami, FL, United States
| | - Thomas R. Van De Water
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of MedicineMiami, FL, United States
| | - Xue Z. Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of MedicineMiami, FL, United States
- Department of Otolaryngology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangsha, China
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Gene therapy restores auditory and vestibular function in a mouse model of Usher syndrome type 1c. Nat Biotechnol 2017; 35:264-272. [PMID: 28165476 PMCID: PMC5340578 DOI: 10.1038/nbt.3801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Because there are currently no biological treatments for deafness, we sought to advance gene therapy approaches to treat genetic deafness. We reasoned that gene delivery systems that target auditory and vestibular sensory cells with high efficiency would be required to restore complex auditory and balance function. We focused on Usher Syndrome, a devastating genetic disorder that causes blindness, balance disorders and profound deafness, and used a knock-in mouse model, Ush1c c.216G>A, which carries a cryptic splice site mutation found in French-Acadian patients with Usher Syndrome type IC (USH1C). Following delivery of wild-type Ush1c into the inner ears of neonatal Ush1c c.216G>A mice, we find recovery of gene and protein expression, restoration of sensory cell function, rescue of complex auditory function and recovery of hearing and balance behavior to near wild-type levels. The data represent unprecedented recovery of inner ear function and suggest that biological therapies to treat deafness may be suitable for translation to humans with genetic inner ear disorders.
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