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Rico AJ, Corcho A, Chocarro J, Ariznabarreta G, Roda E, Honrubia A, Arnaiz P, Lanciego JL. Development and characterization of a non-human primate model of disseminated synucleinopathy. Front Neuroanat 2024; 18:1355940. [PMID: 38601798 PMCID: PMC11004326 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2024.1355940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The presence of a widespread cortical synucleinopathy is the main neuropathological hallmark underlying clinical entities such as Parkinson's disease with dementia (PDD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). There currently is a pressing need for the development of non-human primate (NHPs) models of PDD and DLB to further overcome existing limitations in drug discovery. Methods Here we took advantage of a retrogradely-spreading adeno-associated viral vector serotype 9 coding for the alpha-synuclein A53T mutated gene (AAV9-SynA53T) to induce a widespread synucleinopathy of cortical and subcortical territories innervating the putamen. Four weeks post-AAV deliveries animals were sacrificed and a comprehensive biodistribution study was conducted, comprising the quantification of neurons expressing alpha-synuclein, rostrocaudal distribution and their specific location. Results Intraputaminal deliveries of AAV9-SynA53T lead to a disseminated synucleinopathy throughout ipsi- and contralateral cerebral cortices, together with transduced neurons located in the ipsilateral caudal intralaminar nuclei and in the substantia nigra pars compacta (leading to thalamostriatal and nigrostriatal projections, respectively). Cortical afferent systems were found to be the main contributors to putaminal afferents (superior frontal and precentral gyri in particular). Discussion Obtained data extends current models of synucleinopathies in NHPs, providing a reproducible platform enabling the adequate implementation of end-stage preclinical screening of new drugs targeting alpha-synuclein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto J. Rico
- CNS Gene Therapy Department, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed-ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, United States
| | - Almudena Corcho
- CNS Gene Therapy Department, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Julia Chocarro
- CNS Gene Therapy Department, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed-ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, United States
| | - Goiaz Ariznabarreta
- CNS Gene Therapy Department, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed-ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, United States
| | - Elvira Roda
- CNS Gene Therapy Department, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed-ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, United States
| | - Adriana Honrubia
- CNS Gene Therapy Department, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed-ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, United States
| | - Patricia Arnaiz
- CNS Gene Therapy Department, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed-ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, United States
| | - José L. Lanciego
- CNS Gene Therapy Department, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed-ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, United States
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Masilamoni GJ, Kelly H, Swain AJ, Pare JF, Villalba RM, Smith Y. Structural Plasticity of GABAergic Pallidothalamic Terminals in MPTP-Treated Parkinsonian Monkeys: A 3D Electron Microscopic Analysis. eNeuro 2024; 11:ENEURO.0241-23.2024. [PMID: 38514185 PMCID: PMC10957232 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0241-23.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The internal globus pallidus (GPi) is a major source of tonic GABAergic inhibition to the motor thalamus. In parkinsonism, the firing rate of GPi neurons is increased, and their pattern switches from a tonic to a burst mode, two pathophysiological changes associated with increased GABAergic pallidothalamic activity. In this study, we used high-resolution 3D electron microscopy to demonstrate that GPi terminals in the parvocellular ventral anterior nucleus (VApc) and the centromedian nucleus (CM), the two main GPi-recipient motor thalamic nuclei in monkeys, undergo significant morphometric changes in parkinsonian monkeys including (1) increased terminal volume in both nuclei; (2) increased surface area of synapses in both nuclei; (3) increased number of synapses/GPi terminals in the CM, but not VApc; and (4) increased total volume, but not number, of mitochondria/terminals in both nuclei. In contrast to GPi terminals, the ultrastructure of putative GABAergic nonpallidal terminals was not affected. Our results also revealed striking morphological differences in terminal volume, number/area of synapses, and volume/number of mitochondria between GPi terminals in VApc and CM of control monkeys. In conclusion, GABAergic pallidothalamic terminals are endowed with a high level of structural plasticity that may contribute to the development and maintenance of the abnormal increase in pallidal GABAergic outflow to the thalamus in the parkinsonian state. Furthermore, the evidence for ultrastructural differences between GPi terminals in VApc and CM suggests that morphologically distinct pallidothalamic terminals from single pallidal neurons may underlie specific physiological properties of pallidal inputs to VApc and CM in normal and diseased states.
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Affiliation(s)
- G J Masilamoni
- Emory National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, Georgia 30322
- Udall Center of Excellence for Parkinson's Disease, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322
| | - H Kelly
- Emory National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, Georgia 30322
- Udall Center of Excellence for Parkinson's Disease, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322
| | - A J Swain
- Emory National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, Georgia 30322
- Udall Center of Excellence for Parkinson's Disease, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322
| | - J F Pare
- Emory National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, Georgia 30322
- Udall Center of Excellence for Parkinson's Disease, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322
| | - R M Villalba
- Emory National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, Georgia 30322
- Udall Center of Excellence for Parkinson's Disease, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322
| | - Y Smith
- Emory National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, Georgia 30322
- Udall Center of Excellence for Parkinson's Disease, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322
- Department of Neurology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322
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3
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Zheng YJ, Dilbeck MD, Economides JR, Horton JC. Permanent transduction of retinal ganglion cells by rAAV2-retro. Exp Eye Res 2024; 240:109793. [PMID: 38246331 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is widely used as a vector for delivery of gene therapy. Long term therapeutic benefit depends on perpetual expression of the wild-type gene after transduction of host cells by AAV. To address this issue in a mass population of identified single cells, 4 rats received an injection of a 1:1 mixture of rAAV2-retro-hSyn-EGFP and rAAV2-retro-hSyn-mCherry into each superior colliculus. After the virus was transported retrogradely to both retinas, serial fundus imaging was performed at days 14, 45, 211, and 375 to visualize individual fluorescent ganglion cells. The location of each cell was plotted to compare labeling at each time point. In 12/16 comparisons, 97% or more of the cells identified in the initial baseline fundus image were still labeled at day 375. In 4 cases the percentage was lower, but in these cases the apparent reduction in the number of labeled cells at day 375 was attributable to the lower quality of follow-up fundus images, rather than true loss of transgene expression. These data indicate that retinal ganglion cells transduced by rAAV2-retro are transduced permanently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yicen J Zheng
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Ophthalmology University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Mikayla D Dilbeck
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Ophthalmology University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - John R Economides
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Ophthalmology University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Jonathan C Horton
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Ophthalmology University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
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Chen Y, Wang J, Liu J, Lin J, Lin Y, Nie J, Yue Q, Deng C, Qi X, Li Y, Dai J, Lu Z. A Novel Retrograde AAV Variant for Functional Manipulation of Cortical Projection Neurons in Mice and Monkeys. Neurosci Bull 2024; 40:90-102. [PMID: 37432585 PMCID: PMC10774509 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-023-01091-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Retrograde adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are capable of infecting the axons of projection neurons and serve as a powerful tool for the anatomical and functional characterization of neural networks. However, few retrograde AAV capsids have been shown to offer access to cortical projection neurons across different species and enable the manipulation of neural function in non-human primates (NHPs). Here, we report the development of a novel retrograde AAV capsid, AAV-DJ8R, which efficiently labeled cortical projection neurons after local administration into the striatum of mice and macaques. In addition, intrastriatally injected AAV-DJ8R mediated opsin expression in the mouse motor cortex and induced robust behavioral alterations. Moreover, AAV-DJ8R markedly increased motor cortical neuron firing upon optogenetic light stimulation after viral delivery into the macaque putamen. These data demonstrate the usefulness of AAV-DJ8R as an efficient retrograde tracer for cortical projection neurons in rodents and NHPs and indicate its suitability for use in conducting functional interrogations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yefei Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, 518027, China
- Shenzhen Technological Research Center for Primate Translational Medicine, Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Neural Development, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Jingyi Wang
- Shenzhen Technological Research Center for Primate Translational Medicine, Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Neural Development, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, 518027, China
- Shenzhen Technological Research Center for Primate Translational Medicine, Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Neural Development, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Jianbang Lin
- Shenzhen Technological Research Center for Primate Translational Medicine, Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Neural Development, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yunping Lin
- Shenzhen Technological Research Center for Primate Translational Medicine, Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Neural Development, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Jinyao Nie
- Shenzhen Technological Research Center for Primate Translational Medicine, Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Neural Development, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Qi Yue
- Shenzhen Technological Research Center for Primate Translational Medicine, Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Neural Development, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Chunshan Deng
- Shenzhen Technological Research Center for Primate Translational Medicine, Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Neural Development, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Xiaofei Qi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, 518027, China.
| | - Yuantao Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, 518027, China
- Biomedical Research Institute, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, China
| | - Ji Dai
- Shenzhen Technological Research Center for Primate Translational Medicine, Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Neural Development, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Zhonghua Lu
- Shenzhen Technological Research Center for Primate Translational Medicine, Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Neural Development, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
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Martel AC, Galvan A. Connectivity of the corticostriatal and thalamostriatal systems in normal and parkinsonian states: An update. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 174:105878. [PMID: 36183947 PMCID: PMC9976706 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The striatum receives abundant glutamatergic afferents from the cortex and thalamus. These inputs play a major role in the functions of the striatal neurons in normal conditions, and are significantly altered in pathological states, such as Parkinson's disease. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the connectivity of the corticostriatal and thalamostriatal pathways, with emphasis on the most recent advances in the field. We also discuss novel findings regarding structural changes in cortico- and thalamostriatal connections that occur in these connections as a consequence of striatal loss of dopamine in parkinsonism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Caroline Martel
- Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA; Udall Center of Excellence for Parkinson's Disease Research, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Adriana Galvan
- Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA; Udall Center of Excellence for Parkinson's Disease Research, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA; Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Fujimoto A, Elorette C, Fredericks JM, Fujimoto SH, Fleysher L, Rudebeck PH, Russ BE. Resting-State fMRI-Based Screening of Deschloroclozapine in Rhesus Macaques Predicts Dosage-Dependent Behavioral Effects. J Neurosci 2022; 42:5705-5716. [PMID: 35701162 PMCID: PMC9302458 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0325-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemogenetic techniques, such as designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs), enable transient, reversible, and minimally invasive manipulation of neural activity in vivo Their development in nonhuman primates is essential for uncovering neural circuits contributing to cognitive functions and their translation to humans. One key issue that has delayed the development of chemogenetic techniques in primates is the lack of an accessible drug-screening method. Here, we use resting-state fMRI, a noninvasive neuroimaging tool, to assess the impact of deschloroclozapine (DCZ) on brainwide resting-state functional connectivity in 7 rhesus macaques (6 males and 1 female) without DREADDs. We found that systemic administration of 0.1 mg/kg DCZ did not alter the resting-state functional connectivity. Conversely, 0.3 mg/kg of DCZ was associated with a prominent increase in functional connectivity that was mainly confined to the connections of frontal regions. Additional behavioral tests confirmed a negligible impact of 0.1 mg/kg DCZ on socio-emotional behaviors as well as on reaction time in a probabilistic learning task; 0.3 mg/kg DCZ did, however, slow responses in the probabilistic learning task, suggesting attentional or motivational deficits associated with hyperconnectivity in fronto-temporo-parietal networks. Our study highlights both the excellent selectivity of DCZ as a DREADD actuator, and the side effects of its excess dosage. The results demonstrate the translational value of resting-state fMRI as a drug-screening tool to accelerate the development of chemogenetics in primates.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Chemogenetics, such as designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs), can afford control over neural activity with unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution. Accelerating the translation of chemogenetic neuromodulation from rodents to primates requires an approach to screen novel DREADD actuators in vivo Here, we assessed brainwide activity in response to a DREADD actuator deschloroclozapine (DCZ) using resting-state fMRI in macaque monkeys. We demonstrated that low-dose DCZ (0.1 mg/kg) did not change whole-brain functional connectivity or affective behaviors, while a higher dose (0.3 mg/kg) altered frontal functional connectivity and slowed response in a learning task. Our study highlights the excellent selectivity of DCZ at proper dosing, and demonstrates the utility of resting-state fMRI to screen novel chemogenetic actuators in primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Fujimoto
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029
| | - Catherine Elorette
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029
| | - J Megan Fredericks
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029
| | - Satoka H Fujimoto
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029
| | - Lazar Fleysher
- BioMedical Engineering and Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029
| | - Peter H Rudebeck
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029
| | - Brian E Russ
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029
- Center for Biomedical Imaging and Neuromodulation, Nathan Kline Institute, Orangeburg, New York 10962
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University at Langone, New York, New York 10016
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Nanjappa R, Dilbeck MD, Economides JR, Horton JC. Fundus imaging of retinal ganglion cells transduced by retrograde transport of rAAV2-retro. Exp Eye Res 2022; 219:109084. [PMID: 35460667 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Access of adeno-associated virus (AAV) to ganglion cells following intravitreal injection for gene therapy is impeded by the internal limiting membrane of the retina. As an alternative, one could transduce ganglion cells via retrograde transport after virus injection into a retinal target nucleus. It is unknown if recombinant AAV2-retro (rAAV2-retro), a variant of AAV2 developed specifically for retrograde transport, is capable of transducing retinal ganglion cells. To address this issue, equal volumes of rAAV2-retro-hSyn-EGFP and rAAV2-retro-hSyn-mCherry were mixed in a micropipette and injected into the rat superior colliculus. The time-course of viral transduction was tracked by performing serial in vivo fundus imaging. Cells that were labeled by the fluorophores within the first week remained consistent in distribution and relative signal strength on follow-up imaging. Most transduced cells were double-labeled, but some were labeled by only EGFP or mCherry. Fundus images were later aligned with retinal wholemounts. Ganglion cells in the wholemounts matched precisely the cells imaged by fundus photography. As seen in the fundus images, ganglion cells in wholemounts were sometimes labeled by only EGFP or mCherry. Overall, there was detectable label in 32-41% of ganglion cells. Analysis of the number of cells labeled by 0, 1, or 2 fluorophores, based on Poisson statistics, yielded an average of 0.66 virions transducing each ganglion cell. Although this represents a low number relative to the quantity of virus injected into the superior colliculus, the ganglion cells showed sustained and robust fluorescent labeling. In the primate, injection of rAAV2-retro into the lateral geniculate nucleus might provide a viable approach for the transduction of ganglion cells, bypassing the obstacles that have prevented effective gene delivery via intravitreal injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakesh Nanjappa
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Mikayla D Dilbeck
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - John R Economides
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Jonathan C Horton
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
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8
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Applications of chemogenetics in non-human primates. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2022; 64:102204. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2022.102204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Heffernan KS, Rahman K, Smith Y, Galvan A. Characterization of the GfaABC1D Promoter to Selectively Target Astrocytes in the Rhesus Macaque Brain. J Neurosci Methods 2022; 372:109530. [PMID: 35202614 PMCID: PMC8940704 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2022.109530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The study of astrocytic functions in non-human primates (NHPs) has been hampered by the lack of genetic tools to selectively target astrocytes. Viral vectors with selective and efficient transduction of astrocytes could be a potent tool to express marker proteins, modulators, or sensors in NHP astrocytes, but the availability of thoroughly characterized astrocytic selective promoter sequences to use in these species remains extremely limited. NEW METHOD We describe the specificity and efficiency of an astrocyte-specific promoter, GfaABC1D in the brain of the rhesus macaque, with emphasis in basal ganglia regions. AAV5-pZac2.1-GfaABC1D-tdTomato was locally injected into the globus pallidus external segment (GPe) and putamen. The extent, efficiency, and specificity of transduction was analyzed with immunohistochemistry at the light and electron microscope levels. RESULTS The GfaABC1D promoter directed the expression of tdTomato in an astrocyte-specific manner in directly or indirectly targeted regions (including both segments of the globus pallidus, putamen, subthalamic nucleus and cortex). COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS Due to its small size, the GfaABC1D promoter is advantageous over other previously used glial fibrillary acidic protein-based promoter sequences, facilitating its use to drive expression of various transgenes in adeno-associated viruses (AAV) or other viral vectors. CONCLUSION GfaABC1D is an efficient promoter that selectively targets astrocytes in the monkey basal ganglia and expands the viral vector toolbox to study astrocytic functions in non-human primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate S Heffernan
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurological Disorders, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kazi Rahman
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurological Disorders, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Yoland Smith
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurological Disorders, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA; Udall Center of Excellence for Parkinson's Disease Research, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA; Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Adriana Galvan
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurological Disorders, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA; Udall Center of Excellence for Parkinson's Disease Research, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA; Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Adeno-Associated Viral Vectors as Versatile Tools for Parkinson's Research, Both for Disease Modeling Purposes and for Therapeutic Uses. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126389. [PMID: 34203739 PMCID: PMC8232322 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
It is without any doubt that precision medicine therapeutic strategies targeting neurodegenerative disorders are currently witnessing the spectacular rise of newly designed approaches based on the use of viral vectors as Trojan horses for the controlled release of a given genetic payload. Among the different types of viral vectors, adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) rank as the ones most commonly used for the purposes of either disease modeling or for therapeutic strategies. Here, we reviewed the current literature dealing with the use of AAVs within the field of Parkinson’s disease with the aim to provide neuroscientists with the advice and background required when facing a choice on which AAV might be best suited for addressing a given experimental challenge. Accordingly, here we will be summarizing some insights on different AAV serotypes, and which would be the most appropriate AAV delivery route. Next, the use of AAVs for modeling synucleinopathies is highlighted, providing potential readers with a landscape view of ongoing pre-clinical and clinical initiatives pushing forward AAV-based therapeutic approaches for Parkinson’s disease and related synucleinopathies.
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