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Ye D, Chukwu C, Yang Y, Hu Z, Chen H. Adeno-associated virus vector delivery to the brain: Technology advancements and clinical applications. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 211:115363. [PMID: 38906479 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors have emerged as a promising tool in the development of gene therapies for various neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. However, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) poses a significant challenge to successfully delivering AAV vectors to the brain. Strategies that can overcome the BBB to improve the AAV delivery efficiency to the brain are essential to successful brain-targeted gene therapy. This review provides an overview of existing strategies employed for AAV delivery to the brain, including direct intraparenchymal injection, intra-cerebral spinal fluid injection, intranasal delivery, and intravenous injection of BBB-permeable AAVs. Focused ultrasound has emerged as a promising technology for the noninvasive and spatially targeted delivery of AAV administered by intravenous injection. This review also summarizes each strategy's current preclinical and clinical applications in treating neurological diseases. Moreover, this review includes a detailed discussion of the recent advances in the emerging focused ultrasound-mediated AAV delivery. Understanding the state-of-the-art of these gene delivery approaches is critical for future technology development to fulfill the great promise of AAV in neurological disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dezhuang Ye
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Chinwendu Chukwu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Yaoheng Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Zhongtao Hu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Hong Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO 63130, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110 USA; Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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2
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Leong LM, Storace DA. Imaging different cell populations in the mouse olfactory bulb using the genetically encoded voltage indicator ArcLight. NEUROPHOTONICS 2024; 11:033402. [PMID: 38288247 PMCID: PMC10823906 DOI: 10.1117/1.nph.11.3.033402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Genetically encoded voltage indicators (GEVIs) are protein-based optical sensors that allow for measurements from genetically defined populations of neurons. Although in vivo imaging in the mammalian brain with early generation GEVIs was difficult due to poor membrane expression and low signal-to-noise ratio, newer and more sensitive GEVIs have begun to make them useful for answering fundamental questions in neuroscience. We discuss principles of imaging using GEVIs and genetically encoded calcium indicators, both useful tools for in vivo imaging of neuronal activity, and review some of the recent mechanistic advances that have led to GEVI improvements. We provide an overview of the mouse olfactory bulb (OB) and discuss recent studies using the GEVI ArcLight to study different cell types within the bulb using both widefield and two-photon microscopy. Specific emphasis is placed on using GEVIs to begin to study the principles of concentration coding in the OB, how to interpret the optical signals from population measurements in the in vivo brain, and future developments that will push the field forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee Min Leong
- Florida State University, Department of Biological Science, Tallahassee, Florida, United States
| | - Douglas A. Storace
- Florida State University, Department of Biological Science, Tallahassee, Florida, United States
- Florida State University, Program in Neuroscience, Tallahassee, Florida, United States
- Florida State University, Institute of Molecular Biophysics, Tallahassee, Florida, United States
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3
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Wang JH, Gessler DJ, Zhan W, Gallagher TL, Gao G. Adeno-associated virus as a delivery vector for gene therapy of human diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:78. [PMID: 38565561 PMCID: PMC10987683 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01780-w] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) has emerged as a pivotal delivery tool in clinical gene therapy owing to its minimal pathogenicity and ability to establish long-term gene expression in different tissues. Recombinant AAV (rAAV) has been engineered for enhanced specificity and developed as a tool for treating various diseases. However, as rAAV is being more widely used as a therapy, the increased demand has created challenges for the existing manufacturing methods. Seven rAAV-based gene therapy products have received regulatory approval, but there continue to be concerns about safely using high-dose viral therapies in humans, including immune responses and adverse effects such as genotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, thrombotic microangiopathy, and neurotoxicity. In this review, we explore AAV biology with an emphasis on current vector engineering strategies and manufacturing technologies. We discuss how rAAVs are being employed in ongoing clinical trials for ocular, neurological, metabolic, hematological, neuromuscular, and cardiovascular diseases as well as cancers. We outline immune responses triggered by rAAV, address associated side effects, and discuss strategies to mitigate these reactions. We hope that discussing recent advancements and current challenges in the field will be a helpful guide for researchers and clinicians navigating the ever-evolving landscape of rAAV-based gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang-Hui Wang
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia
- Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, East Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia
| | - Dominic J Gessler
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Wei Zhan
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Thomas L Gallagher
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Guangping Gao
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
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4
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Ahmed O, Ekumi KM, Nardi FV, Maisumu G, Moussawi K, Lazartigues ED, Liang B, Yakoub AM. Stable, neuron-specific gene expression in the mouse brain. J Biol Eng 2024; 18:8. [PMID: 38229168 DOI: 10.1186/s13036-023-00400-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Gene delivery to, and expression in, the mouse brain is important for understanding gene functions in brain development and disease, or testing gene therapies. Here, we describe an approach to express a transgene in the mouse brain in a cell-type-specific manner. We use stereotaxic injection of a transgene-expressing adeno-associated virus into the mouse brain via the intracerebroventricular route. We demonstrate stable and sustained expression of the transgene in neurons of adult mouse brain, using a reporter gene driven by a neuron-specific promoter. This approach represents a rapid, simple, and cost-effective method for global gene expression in the mouse brain, in a cell-type-specific manner, without major surgical interventions. The described method represents a helpful resource for genetically engineering mice to express a therapeutic gene, for gene therapy studies, or to deliver genetic material for genome editing and developing knockout animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osama Ahmed
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Biomedical Engineering Program, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, USA
| | - Kingsley M Ekumi
- Biomedical Engineering Program, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, USA
| | - Francesco V Nardi
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Biomedical Engineering Program, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, USA
| | - Gulimiheranmu Maisumu
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Biomedical Engineering Program, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, USA
| | - Khaled Moussawi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Eric D Lazartigues
- Cardiovascular Center of Excellence, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Southeast Louisiana Veterans Healthcare System, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Bo Liang
- Biomedical Engineering Program, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, USA
| | - Abraam M Yakoub
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
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5
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Acri DJ, You Y, Tate MD, Karahan H, Martinez P, McCord B, Sharify AD, John S, Kim B, Dabin LC, Philtjens S, Wijeratne HS, McCray TJ, Smith DC, Bissel SJ, Lamb BT, Lasagna-Reeves CA, Kim J. Network analysis identifies strain-dependent response to tau and tau seeding-associated genes. J Exp Med 2023; 220:e20230180. [PMID: 37606887 PMCID: PMC10443211 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20230180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous research demonstrated that genetic heterogeneity is a critical factor in modeling amyloid accumulation and other Alzheimer's disease phenotypes. However, it is unknown what mechanisms underlie these effects of genetic background on modeling tau aggregate-driven pathogenicity. In this study, we induced tau aggregation in wild-derived mice by expressing MAPT. To investigate the effect of genetic background on the action of tau aggregates, we performed RNA sequencing with brains of C57BL/6J, CAST/EiJ, PWK/PhJ, and WSB/EiJ mice (n = 64) and determined core transcriptional signature conserved in all genetic backgrounds and signature unique to wild-derived backgrounds. By measuring tau seeding activity using the cortex, we identified 19 key genes associated with tau seeding and amyloid response. Interestingly, microglial pathways were strongly associated with tau seeding activity in CAST/EiJ and PWK/PhJ backgrounds. Collectively, our study demonstrates that mouse genetic context affects tau-mediated alteration of transcriptome and tau seeding. The gene modules associated with tau seeding provide an important resource to better model tauopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic J. Acri
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana UniversitySchool of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Medical Neuroscience Graduate Program, Indiana UniversitySchool of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Yanwen You
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana UniversitySchool of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiology, Indiana UniversitySchool of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Mason D. Tate
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana UniversitySchool of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Medical Neuroscience Graduate Program, Indiana UniversitySchool of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Hande Karahan
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana UniversitySchool of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana UniversitySchool of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Pablo Martinez
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiology, Indiana UniversitySchool of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Brianne McCord
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana UniversitySchool of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana UniversitySchool of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - A. Daniel Sharify
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana UniversitySchool of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana UniversitySchool of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Sutha John
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana UniversitySchool of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana UniversitySchool of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Byungwook Kim
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana UniversitySchool of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana UniversitySchool of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Luke C. Dabin
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana UniversitySchool of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana UniversitySchool of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Stéphanie Philtjens
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana UniversitySchool of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana UniversitySchool of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - H.R. Sagara Wijeratne
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana UniversitySchool of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana UniversitySchool of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Tyler J. McCray
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana UniversitySchool of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Medical Neuroscience Graduate Program, Indiana UniversitySchool of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Daniel C. Smith
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana UniversitySchool of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Medical Neuroscience Graduate Program, Indiana UniversitySchool of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Stephanie J. Bissel
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana UniversitySchool of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana UniversitySchool of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Bruce T. Lamb
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana UniversitySchool of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana UniversitySchool of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Cristian A. Lasagna-Reeves
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana UniversitySchool of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiology, Indiana UniversitySchool of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Indiana UniversitySchool of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Jungsu Kim
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana UniversitySchool of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana UniversitySchool of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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6
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Nakamura S, Morohoshi K, Inada E, Sato Y, Watanabe S, Saitoh I, Sato M. Recent Advances in In Vivo Somatic Cell Gene Modification in Newborn Pups. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15301. [PMID: 37894981 PMCID: PMC10607593 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Germline manipulation at the zygote stage using the CRISPR/Cas9 system has been extensively employed for creating genetically modified animals and maintaining established lines. However, this approach requires a long and laborious task. Recently, many researchers have attempted to overcome these limitations by generating somatic mutations in the adult stage through tail vein injection or local administration of CRISPR reagents, as a new strategy called "in vivo somatic cell genome editing". This approach does not require manipulation of early embryos or strain maintenance, and it can test the results of genome editing in a short period. The newborn is an ideal stage to perform in vivo somatic cell genome editing because it is immune-privileged, easily accessible, and only a small amount of CRISPR reagents is required to achieve somatic cell genome editing throughout the entire body, owing to its small size. In this review, we summarize in vivo genome engineering strategies that have been successfully demonstrated in newborns. We also report successful in vivo genome editing through the neonatal introduction of genome editing reagents into various sites in newborns (as exemplified by intravenous injection via the facial vein), which will be helpful for creating models for genetic diseases or treating many genetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shingo Nakamura
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, National Defense Medical College Research Institute, Tokorozawa 359-8513, Japan;
| | - Kazunori Morohoshi
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, National Defense Medical College Research Institute, Tokorozawa 359-8513, Japan;
| | - Emi Inada
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan;
| | - Yoko Sato
- Graduate School of Public Health, Shizuoka Graduate University of Public Health, Aoi-ku, Shizuoka 420-0881, Japan;
| | - Satoshi Watanabe
- Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, NARO, Tsukuba 305-0901, Japan;
| | - Issei Saitoh
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Asahi University School of Dentistry, Mizuho 501-0296, Japan;
| | - Masahiro Sato
- Department of Genome Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan;
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7
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Herdt AR, Peng H, Dickson DW, Golde TE, Eckman EA, Lee CW. Brain Targeted AAV1-GALC Gene Therapy Reduces Psychosine and Extends Lifespan in a Mouse Model of Krabbe Disease. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1517. [PMID: 37628569 PMCID: PMC10454254 DOI: 10.3390/genes14081517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Krabbe disease (KD) is a progressive and devasting neurological disorder that leads to the toxic accumulation of psychosine in the white matter of the central nervous system (CNS). The condition is inherited via biallelic, loss-of-function mutations in the galactosylceramidase (GALC) gene. To rescue GALC gene function in the CNS of the twitcher mouse model of KD, an adeno-associated virus serotype 1 vector expressing murine GALC under control of a chicken β-actin promoter (AAV1-GALC) was administered to newborn mice by unilateral intracerebroventricular injection. AAV1-GALC treatment significantly improved body weight gain and survival of the twitcher mice (n = 8) when compared with untreated controls (n = 5). The maximum weight gain after postnatal day 10 was significantly increased from 81% to 217%. The median lifespan was extended from 43 days to 78 days (range: 74-88 days) in the AAV1-GALC-treated group. Widespread expression of GALC protein and alleviation of KD neuropathology were detected in the CNS of the treated mice when examined at the moribund stage. Functionally, elevated levels of psychosine were completely normalized in the forebrain region of the treated mice. In the posterior region, which includes the mid- and the hindbrain, psychosine was reduced by an average of 77% (range: 53-93%) compared to the controls. Notably, psychosine levels in this region were inversely correlated with body weight and lifespan of AAV1-GALC-treated mice, suggesting that the degree of viral transduction of posterior brain regions following ventricular injection determined treatment efficacy on growth and survivability, respectively. Overall, our results suggest that viral vector delivery via the cerebroventricular system can partially correct psychosine accumulation in brain that leads to slower disease progression in KD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimee R. Herdt
- Biomedical Research Institute of New Jersey, Cedar Knolls, NJ 07927, USA (E.A.E.)
- MidAtlantic Neonatology Associates (MANA), Morristown, NJ 07960, USA
- Atlantic Health System, Morristown, NJ 07960, USA
| | - Hui Peng
- Biomedical Research Institute of New Jersey, Cedar Knolls, NJ 07927, USA (E.A.E.)
- MidAtlantic Neonatology Associates (MANA), Morristown, NJ 07960, USA
- Atlantic Health System, Morristown, NJ 07960, USA
| | - Dennis W. Dickson
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Todd E. Golde
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Department of Neurology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Emory Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Eckman
- Biomedical Research Institute of New Jersey, Cedar Knolls, NJ 07927, USA (E.A.E.)
- MidAtlantic Neonatology Associates (MANA), Morristown, NJ 07960, USA
- Atlantic Health System, Morristown, NJ 07960, USA
| | - Chris W. Lee
- Biomedical Research Institute of New Jersey, Cedar Knolls, NJ 07927, USA (E.A.E.)
- MidAtlantic Neonatology Associates (MANA), Morristown, NJ 07960, USA
- Atlantic Health System, Morristown, NJ 07960, USA
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8
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Acri DJ, You Y, Tate MD, McCord B, Sharify AD, John S, Karahan H, Kim B, Dabin LC, Philtjens S, Wijeratne HS, McCray TJ, Smith DC, Bissel SJ, Lamb BT, Lasagna-Reeves CA, Kim J. Network analysis reveals strain-dependent response to misfolded tau aggregates. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.28.526029. [PMID: 36778440 PMCID: PMC9915505 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.28.526029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Mouse genetic backgrounds have been shown to modulate amyloid accumulation and propagation of tau aggregates. Previous research into these effects has highlighted the importance of studying the impact of genetic heterogeneity on modeling Alzheimer's disease. However, it is unknown what mechanisms underly these effects of genetic background on modeling Alzheimer's disease, specifically tau aggregate-driven pathogenicity. In this study, we induced tau aggregation in wild-derived mice by expressing MAPT (P301L). To investigate the effect of genetic background on the action of tau aggregates, we performed RNA sequencing with brains of 6-month-old C57BL/6J, CAST/EiJ, PWK/PhJ, and WSB/EiJ mice (n=64). We also measured tau seeding activity in the cortex of these mice. We identified three gene signatures: core transcriptional signature, unique signature for each wild-derived genetic background, and tau seeding-associated signature. Our data suggest that microglial response to tau seeds is elevated in CAST/EiJ and PWK/PhJ mice. Together, our study provides the first evidence that mouse genetic context influences the seeding of tau. SUMMARY Seeding of tau predates the phosphorylation and spreading of tau aggregates. Acri and colleagues report transcriptomic responses to tau and elevated tau seeds in wild-derived mice. This paper creates a rich resource by combining genetics, tau biosensor assays, and transcriptomics.
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9
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Heller G, Bradbury AM, Sands MS, Bongarzone ER. Preclinical studies in Krabbe disease: A model for the investigation of novel combination therapies for lysosomal storage diseases. Mol Ther 2023; 31:7-23. [PMID: 36196048 PMCID: PMC9840155 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Krabbe disease (KD) is a lysosomal storage disease (LSD) caused by mutations in the galc gene. There are over 50 monogenetic LSDs, which largely impede the normal development of children and often lead to premature death. At present, there are no cures for LSDs and the available treatments are generally insufficient, short acting, and not without co-morbidities or long-term side effects. The last 30 years have seen significant advances in our understanding of LSD pathology as well as treatment options. Two gene therapy-based clinical trials, NCT04693598 and NCT04771416, for KD were recently started based on those advances. This review will discuss how our knowledge of KD got to where it is today, focusing on preclinical investigations, and how what was discovered may prove beneficial for the treatment of other LSDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Heller
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 808 S. Wood St M/C 512, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Allison M Bradbury
- Center for Gene Therapy, Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA; Abigail Wexner Research Institute Nationwide Children's Hospital Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43205, USA.
| | - Mark S Sands
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue Box 8007, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue Box 8007, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Ernesto R Bongarzone
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 808 S. Wood St M/C 512, Chicago, IL, USA.
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10
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Zaman H, Khan A, Khan K, Toheed S, Abdullah M, Zeeshan HM, Hameed A, Umar M, Shahid M, Malik K, Afzal S. Adeno-Associated Virus-Mediated Gene Therapy. Crit Rev Eukaryot Gene Expr 2023; 33:87-100. [PMID: 37522547 DOI: 10.1615/critreveukaryotgeneexpr.2023048135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Choice of vector is the most critical step in gene therapy. Adeno-associated viruses (AAV); third generation vectors, are getting much attention of scientists to be used as vehicles due to their non-pathogenicity, excellent safety profile, low immune responses, great efficiency to transduce non-dividing cells, large capacity to transfer genetic material and long-term expression of genetic payload. AAVs have multiple serotypes and each serotype shows tropism for a specific cell. Different serotypes are used to target liver, lungs, muscles, retina, heart, CNS, kidneys, etc. Furthermore, AAV based gene therapies have tremendous marketing applications that can be perfectly incorporated in the anticipated sites of the host target genome resulting in life long expression of transgenes. Some therapeutic products use AAV vectors that are used to treat lipoprotein lipase deficiency (LPLD) and it is injected intramuscularly, to treat mutated retinal pigment epithelium RPE65 (RPE65) that is introduced to subretinal space, an intravenous infusion to treat spinal muscular atrophy and rAAV2-CFTR vector is introduced into nasal epithelial cells to treat cystic fibrosis. AAV therapies and other such interdisciplinary methodologies can create the miracles for the generation of precision gene therapies for the treatment of most serious and sometimes fatal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Zaman
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Aakif Khan
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Khalid Khan
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Shazma Toheed
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Abdullah
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | - Abdul Hameed
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Umar
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Shahid
- Division of Molecular Virology and Infectious Diseases, Center of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB), 87-West Canal Bank Road Thokar Niaz Baig, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Kausar Malik
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Samia Afzal
- Center of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB), 87-West Canal Bank Road Thokar Niaz Baig, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
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11
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Kofoed RH, Dibia CL, Noseworthy K, Xhima K, Vacaresse N, Hynynen K, Aubert I. Efficacy of gene delivery to the brain using AAV and ultrasound depends on serotypes and brain areas. J Control Release 2022; 351:667-680. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.09.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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12
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Zhou K, Han J, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Zhu C. Routes of administration for adeno-associated viruses carrying gene therapies for brain diseases. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:988914. [PMID: 36385771 PMCID: PMC9643316 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.988914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy is a powerful tool to treat various central nervous system (CNS) diseases ranging from monogenetic diseases to neurodegenerative disorders. Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) have been widely used as the delivery vehicles for CNS gene therapies due to their safety, CNS tropism, and long-term therapeutic effect. However, several factors, including their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, the efficiency of transduction, their immunotoxicity, loading capacity, the choice of serotype, and peripheral off-target effects should be carefully considered when designing an optimal AAV delivery strategy for a specific disease. In addition, distinct routes of administration may affect the efficiency and safety of AAV-delivered gene therapies. In this review, we summarize different administration routes of gene therapies delivered by AAVs to the brain in mice and rats. Updated knowledge regarding AAV-delivered gene therapies may facilitate the selection from various administration routes for specific disease models in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Zhou
- Henan Neurodevelopment Engineering Research Center for Children, Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Pediatric Neurobehavior, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jinming Han
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yafeng Wang
- Henan Neurodevelopment Engineering Research Center for Children, Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Pediatric Neurobehavior, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yaodong Zhang
- Henan Neurodevelopment Engineering Research Center for Children, Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Pediatric Neurobehavior, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Changlian Zhu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Pediatric Clinical Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Neuroscience, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Centre for Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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13
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Overexpression of Brain- and Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factors Is Neuroprotective in an Animal Model of Acute Hypobaric Hypoxia. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179733. [PMID: 36077134 PMCID: PMC9456324 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, the role of the neurotrophic factors BDNF and GDNF in maintaining the brain’s resistance to the damaging effects of hypoxia and functional recovery of neural networks after exposure to damaging factors are actively studied. The assessment of the effect of an increase in the level of these neurotrophic factors in brain tissues using genetic engineering methods on the resistance of laboratory animals to hypoxia may pave the way for the future clinical use of neurotrophic factors BDNF and GDNF in the treatment of hypoxic damage. This study aimed to evaluate the antihypoxic and neuroprotective properties of BDNF and GDNF expression level increase using adeno-associated viral vectors in modeling hypoxia in vivo. To achieve overexpression of neurotrophic factors in the central nervous system’s cells, viral constructs were injected into the brain ventricles of newborn male C57Bl6 (P0) mice. Acute hypobaric hypoxia was modeled on the 30th day after the injection of viral vectors. Survival, cognitive, and mnestic functions in the late post-hypoxic period were tested. Evaluation of growth and weight characteristics and the neurological status of animals showed that the overexpression of neurotrophic factors does not affect the development of mice. It was found that the use of adeno-associated viral vectors increased the survival rate of male mice under hypoxic conditions. The present study indicates that the neurotrophic factors’ overexpression, induced by the specially developed viral constructs carrying the BDNF and GDNF genes, is a prospective neuroprotection method, increasing the survival rate of animals after hypoxic injury.
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14
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Agnew-Svoboda W, Ubina T, Figueroa Z, Wong YC, Vizcarra EA, Roebini B, Wilson EH, Fiacco TA, Riccomagno MM. A genetic tool for the longitudinal study of a subset of post-inflammatory reactive astrocytes. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2022; 2:100276. [PMID: 36046623 PMCID: PMC9421582 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2022.100276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes are vital support cells that ensure proper brain function. In brain disease, astrocytes reprogram into a reactive state that alters many of their cellular roles. A long-standing question in the field is whether downregulation of reactive astrocyte (RA) markers during resolution of inflammation is because these astrocytes revert back to a non-reactive state or die and are replaced. This has proven difficult to answer mainly because existing genetic tools cannot distinguish between healthy versus RAs. Here we describe the generation of an inducible genetic tool that can be used to specifically target and label a subset of RAs. Longitudinal analysis of an acute inflammation model using this tool revealed that the previously observed downregulation of RA markers after inflammation is likely due to changes in gene expression and not because of cell death. Our findings suggest that cellular changes associated with astrogliosis after acute inflammation are largely reversible.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Agnew-Svoboda
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Teresa Ubina
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Zoe Figueroa
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Yiu-Cheung Wong
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Edward A. Vizcarra
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Bryan Roebini
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Emma H. Wilson
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Todd A. Fiacco
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Martin M. Riccomagno
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
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15
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Hunter JE, Molony CM, Bagel JH, O’Donnell PA, Kaler SG, Wolfe JH. Transduction characteristics of alternative adeno-associated virus serotypes in the cat brain by intracisternal delivery. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2022; 26:384-393. [PMID: 36034772 PMCID: PMC9391516 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2022.07.007] [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: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Multiple studies have examined the transduction characteristics of different AAV serotypes in the mouse brain, where they can exhibit significantly different patterns of transduction. The pattern of transduction also varies with the route of administration. Much less information exists for the transduction characteristics in large-brained animals. Large animal models have brains that are closer in size and organization to the human brain, such as being gyrencephalic compared to the lissencephalic rodent brains, pathway organization, and certain electrophysiologic properties. Large animal models are used as translational intermediates to develop gene therapies to treat human diseases. Various AAV serotypes and routes of delivery have been used to study the correction of pathology in the brain in lysosomal storage diseases. In this study, we evaluated the ability of selected AAV serotypes to transduce cells in the cat brain when delivered into the cerebrospinal fluid via the cisterna magna. We previously showed that AAV1 transduced significantly greater numbers of cells than AAV9 in the cat brain by this route. In the present study, we evaluated serotypes closely related to AAVs 1 and 9 (AAVs 6, AS, hu32) that may mediate more extensive transduction, as well as AAVs 4 and 5, which primarily transduce choroid plexus epithelial (CPE) and ependymal lining cells in the rodent brain. The related serotypes tended to have similar patterns of transduction but were divergent in some specific brain structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline E. Hunter
- Research Institute of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, 502-G Abramson Research Center, 3615 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Caitlyn M. Molony
- W.F. Goodman Center for Comparative Medical Genetics, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jessica H. Bagel
- W.F. Goodman Center for Comparative Medical Genetics, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Patricia A. O’Donnell
- W.F. Goodman Center for Comparative Medical Genetics, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Stephen G. Kaler
- Section on Translational Neuroscience, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - John H. Wolfe
- Research Institute of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, 502-G Abramson Research Center, 3615 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA,W.F. Goodman Center for Comparative Medical Genetics, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA,Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA,Corresponding author John H. Wolfe, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, 502-G Abramson Research Center, 3615 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4399, USA.
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16
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Braun CJ, Adames AC, Saur D, Rad R. Tutorial: design and execution of CRISPR in vivo screens. Nat Protoc 2022; 17:1903-1925. [PMID: 35840661 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-022-00700-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Here we provide a detailed tutorial on CRISPR in vivo screening. Using the mouse as the model organism, we introduce a range of CRISPR tools and applications, delineate general considerations for 'transplantation-based' or 'direct in vivo' screening design, and provide details on technical execution, sequencing readouts, computational analyses and data interpretation. In vivo screens face unique pitfalls and limitations, such as delivery issues or library bottlenecking, which must be counteracted to avoid screening failure or flawed conclusions. A broad variety of in vivo phenotypes can be interrogated such as organ development, hematopoietic lineage decision and evolutionary licensing in oncogenesis. We describe experimental strategies to address various biological questions and provide an outlook on emerging CRISPR applications, such as genetic interaction screening. These technological advances create potent new opportunities to dissect the molecular underpinnings of complex organismal phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian J Braun
- Department of Pediatrics, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany. .,Institute of Molecular Oncology and Functional Genomics, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany. .,Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Andrés Carbonell Adames
- Department of Pediatrics, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Dieter Saur
- Institute of Experimental Cancer Therapy, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Department of Medicine II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Roland Rad
- Institute of Molecular Oncology and Functional Genomics, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany. .,Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany. .,Department of Medicine II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany. .,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
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17
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Jang A, Lehtinen MK. Experimental approaches for manipulating choroid plexus epithelial cells. Fluids Barriers CNS 2022; 19:36. [PMID: 35619113 PMCID: PMC9134666 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-022-00330-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Choroid plexus (ChP) epithelial cells are crucial for the function of the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB) in the developing and mature brain. The ChP is considered the primary source and regulator of CSF, secreting many important factors that nourish the brain. It also performs CSF clearance functions including removing Amyloid beta and potassium. As such, the ChP is a promising target for gene and drug therapy for neurodevelopmental and neurological disorders in the central nervous system (CNS). This review describes the current successful and emerging experimental approaches for targeting ChP epithelial cells. We highlight methodological strategies to specifically target these cells for gain or loss of function in vivo. We cover both genetic models and viral gene delivery systems. Additionally, several lines of reporters to access the ChP epithelia are reviewed. Finally, we discuss exciting new approaches, such as chemical activation and transplantation of engineered ChP epithelial cells. We elaborate on fundamental functions of the ChP in secretion and clearance and outline experimental approaches paving the way to clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahram Jang
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Maria K Lehtinen
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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18
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Flotte TR, Cataltepe O, Puri A, Batista AR, Moser R, McKenna-Yasek D, Douthwright C, Gernoux G, Blackwood M, Mueller C, Tai PWL, Jiang X, Bateman S, Spanakis SG, Parzych J, Keeler AM, Abayazeed A, Rohatgi S, Gibson L, Finberg R, Barton BA, Vardar Z, Shazeeb MS, Gounis M, Tifft CJ, Eichler FS, Brown RH, Martin DR, Gray-Edwards HL, Sena-Esteves M. AAV gene therapy for Tay-Sachs disease. Nat Med 2022; 28:251-259. [PMID: 35145305 PMCID: PMC10786171 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-021-01664-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Tay-Sachs disease (TSD) is an inherited neurological disorder caused by deficiency of hexosaminidase A (HexA). Here, we describe an adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy expanded-access trial in two patients with infantile TSD (IND 18225) with safety as the primary endpoint and no secondary endpoints. Patient TSD-001 was treated at 30 months with an equimolar mix of AAVrh8-HEXA and AAVrh8-HEXB administered intrathecally (i.t.), with 75% of the total dose (1 × 1014 vector genomes (vg)) in the cisterna magna and 25% at the thoracolumbar junction. Patient TSD-002 was treated at 7 months by combined bilateral thalamic (1.5 × 1012 vg per thalamus) and i.t. infusion (3.9 × 1013 vg). Both patients were immunosuppressed. Injection procedures were well tolerated, with no vector-related adverse events (AEs) to date. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) HexA activity increased from baseline and remained stable in both patients. TSD-002 showed disease stabilization by 3 months after injection with ongoing myelination, a temporary deviation from the natural history of infantile TSD, but disease progression was evident at 6 months after treatment. TSD-001 remains seizure-free at 5 years of age on the same anticonvulsant therapy as before therapy. TSD-002 developed anticonvulsant-responsive seizures at 2 years of age. This study provides early safety and proof-of-concept data in humans for treatment of patients with TSD by AAV gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terence R Flotte
- Department of Pediatrics, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
- Horae Gene Therapy Center and The Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
| | - Oguz Cataltepe
- Department of Pediatrics, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Ajit Puri
- Department of Radiology, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Ana Rita Batista
- Horae Gene Therapy Center and The Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Richard Moser
- Department of Neurosurgery, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Gwladys Gernoux
- Department of Pediatrics, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Horae Gene Therapy Center and The Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Meghan Blackwood
- Department of Pediatrics, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Horae Gene Therapy Center and The Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Christian Mueller
- Department of Pediatrics, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Horae Gene Therapy Center and The Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Phillip W L Tai
- Horae Gene Therapy Center and The Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Xuntian Jiang
- Department of Medicine and Cardiovascular Division, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Scot Bateman
- Department of Pediatrics, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Spiro G Spanakis
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Julia Parzych
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Allison M Keeler
- Department of Pediatrics, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Horae Gene Therapy Center and The Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Aly Abayazeed
- Department of Radiology, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Saurabh Rohatgi
- Department of Radiology, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Laura Gibson
- Department of Pediatrics, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Robert Finberg
- Department of Internal Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Bruce A Barton
- Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Zeynep Vardar
- Department of Radiology, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | | | - Matthew Gounis
- Department of Radiology, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Cynthia J Tifft
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Florian S Eichler
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Robert H Brown
- Horae Gene Therapy Center and The Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Douglas R Martin
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Heather L Gray-Edwards
- Horae Gene Therapy Center and The Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Department of Radiology, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Miguel Sena-Esteves
- Horae Gene Therapy Center and The Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
- Department of Neurology, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
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19
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von Jonquieres G, Rae CD, Housley GD. Emerging Concepts in Vector Development for Glial Gene Therapy: Implications for Leukodystrophies. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:661857. [PMID: 34239416 PMCID: PMC8258421 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.661857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Central Nervous System (CNS) homeostasis and function rely on intercellular synchronization of metabolic pathways. Developmental and neurochemical imbalances arising from mutations are frequently associated with devastating and often intractable neurological dysfunction. In the absence of pharmacological treatment options, but with knowledge of the genetic cause underlying the pathophysiology, gene therapy holds promise for disease control. Consideration of leukodystrophies provide a case in point; we review cell type – specific expression pattern of the disease – causing genes and reflect on genetic and cellular treatment approaches including ex vivo hematopoietic stem cell gene therapies and in vivo approaches using adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors. We link recent advances in vectorology to glial targeting directed towards gene therapies for specific leukodystrophies and related developmental or neurometabolic disorders affecting the CNS white matter and frame strategies for therapy development in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georg von Jonquieres
- Translational Neuroscience Facility, Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Caroline D Rae
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Gary D Housley
- Translational Neuroscience Facility, Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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20
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Korneyenkov MA, Zamyatnin AA. Next Step in Gene Delivery: Modern Approaches and Further Perspectives of AAV Tropism Modification. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13050750. [PMID: 34069541 PMCID: PMC8160765 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13050750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Today, adeno-associated virus (AAV) is an extremely popular choice for gene therapy delivery. The safety profile and simplicity of the genome organization are the decisive advantages which allow us to claim that AAV is currently among the most promising vectors. Several drugs based on AAV have been approved in the USA and Europe, but AAV serotypes’ unspecific tissue tropism is still a serious limitation. In recent decades, several techniques have been developed to overcome this barrier, such as the rational design, directed evolution and chemical conjugation of targeting molecules with a capsid. Today, all of the abovementioned approaches confer the possibility to produce AAV capsids with tailored tropism, but recent data indicate that a better understanding of AAV biology and the growth of structural data may theoretically constitute a rational approach to most effectively produce highly selective and targeted AAV capsids. However, while we are still far from this goal, other approaches are still in play, despite their drawbacks and limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxim A. Korneyenkov
- Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Andrey A. Zamyatnin
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Biotechnology, Sirius University of Science and Technology, 1 Olympic Ave, 354340 Sochi, Russia
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119992 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-495-622-9843
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21
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Massaro G, Geard AF, Liu W, Coombe-Tennant O, Waddington SN, Baruteau J, Gissen P, Rahim AA. Gene Therapy for Lysosomal Storage Disorders: Ongoing Studies and Clinical Development. Biomolecules 2021; 11:611. [PMID: 33924076 PMCID: PMC8074255 DOI: 10.3390/biom11040611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Rare monogenic disorders such as lysosomal diseases have been at the forefront in the development of novel treatments where therapeutic options are either limited or unavailable. The increasing number of successful pre-clinical and clinical studies in the last decade demonstrates that gene therapy represents a feasible option to address the unmet medical need of these patients. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of the field, reviewing the most used viral gene delivery vectors in the context of lysosomal storage disorders, a selection of relevant pre-clinical studies and ongoing clinical trials within recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Massaro
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London WC1N 1AX, UK; (A.F.G.); (W.L.); (O.C.-T.); (A.A.R.)
| | - Amy F. Geard
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London WC1N 1AX, UK; (A.F.G.); (W.L.); (O.C.-T.); (A.A.R.)
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa;
| | - Wenfei Liu
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London WC1N 1AX, UK; (A.F.G.); (W.L.); (O.C.-T.); (A.A.R.)
| | - Oliver Coombe-Tennant
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London WC1N 1AX, UK; (A.F.G.); (W.L.); (O.C.-T.); (A.A.R.)
| | - Simon N. Waddington
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa;
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, EGA Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, London WC1E 6HX, UK
| | - Julien Baruteau
- Metabolic Medicine Department, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 1EH, UK;
- Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, National Institute of Health Research, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK;
| | - Paul Gissen
- Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, National Institute of Health Research, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK;
| | - Ahad A. Rahim
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London WC1N 1AX, UK; (A.F.G.); (W.L.); (O.C.-T.); (A.A.R.)
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22
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Hu S, Yang T, Wang Y. Widespread labeling and genomic editing of the fetal central nervous system by in utero CRISPR AAV9-PHP.eB administration. Development 2021; 148:dev.195586. [PMID: 33334860 PMCID: PMC7847274 DOI: 10.1242/dev.195586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Efficient genetic manipulation in the developing central nervous system is crucial for investigating mechanisms of neurodevelopmental disorders and the development of promising therapeutics. Common approaches including transgenic mice and in utero electroporation, although powerful in many aspects, have their own limitations. In this study, we delivered vectors based on the AAV9.PHP.eB pseudo-type to the fetal mouse brain, and achieved widespread and extensive transduction of neural cells. When AAV9.PHP.eB-coding gRNA targeting PogZ or Depdc5 was delivered to Cas9 transgenic mice, widespread gene knockout was also achieved at the whole brain level. Our studies provide a useful platform for studying brain development and devising genetic intervention for severe developmental diseases. Summary:In utero CRISPR AAV9-PHP.eB provides a powerful platform to efficiently manipulate gene expression in the developing CNS to investigate mechanisms of neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuntong Hu
- Department of Neurology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China.,Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Tao Yang
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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23
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Bobo TA, Samowitz PN, Robinson MI, Fu H. Targeting the Root Cause of Mucopolysaccharidosis IIIA with a New scAAV9 Gene Replacement Vector. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2020; 19:474-485. [PMID: 33313335 PMCID: PMC7704409 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2020.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
No treatment is available to address the unmet needs of mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) IIIA patients. Targeting the root cause, we developed a new self-complementary adeno-associated virus 9 (scAAV9) vector to deliver the human N-sulfoglucosamine sulfohydrolase (hSGSH) gene driven by a miniature cytomegalovirus (mCMV) promoter. In pre-clinical studies, the vector was tested at varying doses by a single intravenous (i.v.) infusion into MPS IIIA mice at different ages. The vector treatments resulted in rapid and long-term expression of functional recombinant SGSH (rSGSH) enzyme and elimination of lysosomal storage pathology throughout the CNS and periphery in all tested animals. Importantly, MPS IIIA mice treated with the vector at up to 6 months of age showed significantly improved behavior performance in a hidden task in the Morris water maze, as well as extended lifespan, with most of the animals surviving within the normal range, indicating that the vector treatment can prevent and reverse MPS IIIA disease progression. Notably, 2.5 × 1012 vector genomes (vg)/kg was functionally effective. Furthermore, the vector treatment did not lead to detectable systemic toxicity or adverse events in MPS IIIA mice. These data demonstrate the development of a safe and effective new gene therapy product for treating MPS IIIA, which further support the extended clinical relevance of platform recombinant AAV9 (rAAV9 gene delivery for treating broad neurogenetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tierra A Bobo
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Division of Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Preston N Samowitz
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Michael I Robinson
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Haiyan Fu
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Division of Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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24
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Neutral Lipid Cacostasis Contributes to Disease Pathogenesis in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. J Neurosci 2020; 40:9137-9147. [PMID: 33051352 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1388-20.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neuromuscular disease characterized by motor neuron (MN) death. Lipid dysregulation manifests during disease; however, it is unclear whether lipid homeostasis is adversely affected in the in the spinal cord gray matter (GM), and if so, whether it is because of an aberrant increase in lipid synthesis. Moreover, it is unknown whether lipid dysregulation contributes to MN death. Here, we show that cholesterol ester (CE) and triacylglycerol levels are elevated several-fold in the spinal cord GM of male sporadic ALS patients. Interestingly, HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol synthesis, was reduced in the spinal cord GM of ALS patients. Increased cytosolic phospholipase A2 activity and lyso-phosphatidylcholine (Lyso-PC) levels in ALS patients suggest that CE accumulation was driven by acyl group transfer from PC to cholesterol. Notably, Lyso-PC, a byproduct of CE synthesis, was toxic to human MNs in vitro Elevations in CE, triacylglycerol, and Lyso-PC were also found in the spinal cord of SOD1G93A mice, a model of ALS. Similar to ALS patients, a compensatory downregulation of cholesterol synthesis occurred in the spinal cord of SOD1G93A mice; levels of sterol regulatory element binding protein 2, a transcriptional regulator of cholesterol synthesis, progressively declined. Remarkably, overexpressing sterol regulatory element binding protein 2 in the spinal cord of normal mice to model CE accumulation led to ALS-like lipid pathology, MN death, astrogliosis, paralysis, and reduced survival. Thus, spinal cord lipid dysregulation in ALS likely contributes to neurodegeneration and developing therapies to restore lipid homeostasis may lead to a treatment for ALS.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Neurons that control muscular function progressively degenerate in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Lipid dysregulation is a feature of ALS; however, it is unclear whether disrupted lipid homeostasis (i.e., lipid cacostasis) occurs proximal to degenerating neurons in the spinal cord, what causes it, and whether it contributes to neurodegeneration. Here we show that lipid cacostasis occurs in the spinal cord gray matter of ALS patients. Lipid accumulation was not associated with an aberrant increase in synthesis or reduced hydrolysis, as enzymatic and transcriptional regulators of lipid synthesis were downregulated during disease. Last, we demonstrated that genetic induction of lipid cacostasis in the CNS of normal mice was associated with ALS-like lipid pathology, astrogliosis, neurodegeneration, and clinical features of ALS.
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25
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Chen W, Hu Y, Ju D. Gene therapy for neurodegenerative disorders: advances, insights and prospects. Acta Pharm Sin B 2020; 10:1347-1359. [PMID: 32963936 PMCID: PMC7488363 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2020.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 11/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy is rapidly emerging as a powerful therapeutic strategy for a wide range of neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD) and Huntington's disease (HD). Some early clinical trials have failed to achieve satisfactory therapeutic effects. Efforts to enhance effectiveness are now concentrating on three major fields: identification of new vectors, novel therapeutic targets, and reliable of delivery routes for transgenes. These approaches are being assessed closely in preclinical and clinical trials, which may ultimately provide powerful treatments for patients. Here, we discuss advances and challenges of gene therapy for neurodegenerative disorders, highlighting promising technologies, targets, and future prospects.
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Key Words
- AADC, aromatic-l-amino-acid
- AAVs, adeno-associated viruses
- AD, Alzheimer's disease
- ARSA, arylsulfatase A
- ASOs, antisense oligonucleotides
- ASPA, aspartoacylase
- Adeno-associated viruses
- Adv, adenovirus
- BBB, blood–brain barrier
- BCSFB, blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier
- BRB, blood–retina barrier
- Bip, glucose regulated protein 78
- CHOP, CCAAT/enhancer binding homologous protein
- CLN6, ceroidlipofuscinosis neuronal protein 6
- CNS, central nervous system
- CSF, cerebrospinal fluid
- Central nervous system
- Delivery routes
- ER, endoplasmic reticulum
- FDA, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- GAA, lysosomal acid α-glucosidase
- GAD, glutamic acid decarboxylase
- GDNF, glial derived neurotrophic factor
- Gene therapy
- HD, Huntington's disease
- HSPGs, heparin sulfate proteoglycans
- HTT, mutant huntingtin
- IDS, iduronate 2-sulfatase
- LVs, retrovirus/lentivirus
- Lamp2a, lysosomal-associated membrane protein 2a
- NGF, nerve growth factor
- Neurodegenerative disorders
- PD, Parkinson's disease
- PGRN, Progranulin
- PINK1, putative kinase 1
- PTEN, phosphatase and tensin homolog
- RGCs, retinal ganglion cells
- RNAi, RNA interference
- RPE, retinal pigmented epithelial
- SGSH, lysosomal heparan-N-sulfamidase gene
- SMN, survival motor neuron
- SOD, superoxide dismutase
- SUMF, sulfatase-modifying factor
- TFEB, transcription factor EB
- TPP1, tripeptidyl peptidase 1
- TREM2, triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2
- UPR, unfolded protein response
- ZFPs, zinc finger proteins
- mTOR, mammalian target of rapamycin
- siRNA, small interfering RNA
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Chen
- Department of Biological Medicines, Fudan University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai 201203, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Yang Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Dianwen Ju
- Department of Biological Medicines, Fudan University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai 201203, China
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26
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Deyts C, Clutter M, Pierce N, Chakrabarty P, Ladd TB, Goddi A, Rosario AM, Cruz P, Vetrivel K, Wagner SL, Thinakaran G, Golde TE, Parent AT. APP-Mediated Signaling Prevents Memory Decline in Alzheimer's Disease Mouse Model. Cell Rep 2020; 27:1345-1355.e6. [PMID: 31042463 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.03.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Revised: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyloid precursor protein (APP) and its metabolites play key roles in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathophysiology. Whereas short amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides derived from APP are pathogenic, the APP holoprotein serves multiple purposes in the nervous system through its cell adhesion and receptor-like properties. Our studies focused on the signaling mediated by the APP cytoplasmic tail. We investigated whether sustained APP signaling during brain development might favor neuronal plasticity and memory process through a direct interaction with the heterotrimeric G-protein subunit GαS (stimulatory G-protein alpha subunit). Our results reveal that APP possesses autonomous regulatory capacity within its intracellular domain that promotes APP cell surface residence, precludes Aβ production, facilitates axodendritic development, and preserves cellular substrates of memory. Altogether, these events contribute to strengthening cognitive functions and are sufficient to modify the course of AD pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole Deyts
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, 924 East 57th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Mary Clutter
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, 924 East 57th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Nicholas Pierce
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, 924 East 57th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Paramita Chakrabarty
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, and McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Thomas B Ladd
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, and McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Anna Goddi
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, 924 East 57th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Awilda M Rosario
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, and McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Pedro Cruz
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, and McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Kulandaivelu Vetrivel
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, 924 East 57th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Steven L Wagner
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA 92161, USA
| | - Gopal Thinakaran
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, 924 East 57th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Todd E Golde
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, and McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Angèle T Parent
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, 924 East 57th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
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27
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Jackson KL, Viel C, Clarke J, Bu J, Chan M, Wang B, Shihabuddin LS, Sardi SP. Viral delivery of a microRNA to Gba to the mouse central nervous system models neuronopathic Gaucher disease. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 130:104513. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.104513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
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28
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Hudry E, Vandenberghe LH. Therapeutic AAV Gene Transfer to the Nervous System: A Clinical Reality. Neuron 2019; 101:839-862. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2019.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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29
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Hunter JE, Gurda BL, Yoon SY, Castle MJ, Wolfe JH. In Situ Hybridization for Detection of AAV-Mediated Gene Expression. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1950:107-122. [PMID: 30783970 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9139-6_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Techniques to localize vector transgenes in cells and tissues are essential in order to fully characterize gene therapy outcomes. In situ hybridization (ISH) uses synthesized complementary RNA or DNA nucleotide probes to localize and detect sequences of interest in fixed cells, tissue sections, or whole tissue mounts. Variations in techniques include adding labels to probes, such as fluorophores, which can allow for the simultaneous visualization of multiple targets. Here we provide the steps necessary to: (1) label probes for colorimetric visualization and (2) perform ISH on OCT cryo-preserved fixed frozen tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline E Hunter
- Research Institute of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Brittney L Gurda
- Research Institute of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sea Young Yoon
- Research Institute of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- W.F. Goodman Center for Comparative Medical Genetics, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Michael J Castle
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - John H Wolfe
- Research Institute of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- W.F. Goodman Center for Comparative Medical Genetics, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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30
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Fu H, Zaraspe K, Murakami N, Meadows AS, Pineda RJ, McCarty DM, Muenzer J. Targeting Root Cause by Systemic scAAV9-h IDS Gene Delivery: Functional Correction and Reversal of Severe MPS II in Mice. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2018; 10:327-340. [PMID: 30191159 PMCID: PMC6125796 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2018.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
No treatment is available to address the neurological need and reversibility of MPS II. We developed a scAAV9-hIDS vector to deliver the human iduronate-2-sulfatase gene and test it in mouse model. We treated MPS II mice at different disease stages with an intravenous injection of scAAV9-mCMV-hIDS at different doses. The treatments led to rapid and persistent restoration of IDS activity and the reduction of glycosaminoglycans (GAG) throughout the CNS and somatic tissues in all cohorts. Importantly, the vector treatment at up to age 6 months improved behavior performance in the Morris water maze and normalized the survival. Notably, vector treatment at age 9 months also resulted in persistent rIDS expression and GAG clearance in MPS II mice, and the majority of these animals survived within the normal range of lifespan. Notably, the vector delivery did not result in any observable adverse events or detectable systemic toxicity in any treated animal groups. We believe that we have developed a safe and effective gene therapy for treating MPS II, which led to recent IND approval for a phase 1/2 clinical trial in MPS II patients, further supporting the extended potential of the demonstrated systemic rAAV9 gene delivery platform for broad disease targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Fu
- Center for Gene Therapy, Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Kim Zaraspe
- Center for Gene Therapy, Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Naoko Murakami
- Center for Gene Therapy, Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Aaron S Meadows
- Center for Gene Therapy, Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Ricardo J Pineda
- Center for Gene Therapy, Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Douglas M McCarty
- Center for Gene Therapy, Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Joseph Muenzer
- Division of Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
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31
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Deverman BE, Ravina BM, Bankiewicz KS, Paul SM, Sah DWY. Gene therapy for neurological disorders: progress and prospects. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2018; 17:641-659. [DOI: 10.1038/nrd.2018.110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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32
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Attenuation of the Niemann-Pick type C2 disease phenotype by intracisternal administration of an AAVrh.10 vector expressing Npc2. Exp Neurol 2018; 306:22-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2018.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Revised: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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33
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Bedbrook CN, Deverman BE, Gradinaru V. Viral Strategies for Targeting the Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems. Annu Rev Neurosci 2018; 41:323-348. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-neuro-080317-062048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Recombinant viruses allow for targeted transgene expression in specific cell populations throughout the nervous system. The adeno-associated virus (AAV) is among the most commonly used viruses for neuroscience research. Recombinant AAVs (rAAVs) are highly versatile and can package most cargo composed of desired genes within the capsid's ∼5-kb carrying capacity. Numerous regulatory elements and intersectional strategies have been validated in rAAVs to enable cell type–specific expression. rAAVs can be delivered to specific neuronal populations or globally throughout the animal. The AAV capsids have natural cell type or tissue tropism and trafficking that can be modified for increased specificity. Here, we describe recently engineered AAV capsids and associated cargo that have extended the utility of AAVs in targeting molecularly defined neurons throughout the nervous system, which will further facilitate neuronal circuit interrogation and discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire N. Bedbrook
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, USA
| | - Benjamin E. Deverman
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, USA
| | - Viviana Gradinaru
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, USA
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34
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Hammond SL, Leek AN, Richman EH, Tjalkens RB. Cellular selectivity of AAV serotypes for gene delivery in neurons and astrocytes by neonatal intracerebroventricular injection. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0188830. [PMID: 29244806 PMCID: PMC5731760 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0188830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The non-pathogenic parvovirus, adeno-associated virus (AAV), is an efficient vector for transgene expression in vivo and shows promise for treatment of brain disorders in clinical trials. Currently, there are more than 100 AAV serotypes identified that differ in the binding capacity of capsid proteins to specific cell surface receptors that can transduce different cell types and brain regions in the CNS. In the current study, multiple AAV serotypes expressing a GFP reporter (AAV1, AAV2/1, AAVDJ, AAV8, AAVDJ8, AAV9, AAVDJ9) were screened for their infectivity in both primary murine astrocyte and neuronal cell cultures. AAV2/1, AAVDJ8 and AAV9 were selected for further investigation of their tropism throughout different brain regions and cell types. Each AAV was administered to P0-neonatal mice via intracerebroventricular injections (ICV). Brains were then systematically analyzed for GFP expression at 3 or 6 weeks post-infection in various regions, including the olfactory bulb, striatum, cortex, hippocampus, substantia nigra (SN) and cerebellum. Cell counting data revealed that AAV2/1 infections were more prevalent in the cortical layers but penetrated to the midbrain less than AAVDJ8 and AAV9. Additionally, there were differences in the persistence of viral transgene expression amongst the three serotypes examined in vivo at 3 and 6 weeks post-infection. Because AAV-mediated transgene expression is of interest in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's Disease, we examined the SN with microscopy techniques, such as CLARITY tissue transmutation, to identify AAV serotypes that resulted in optimal transgene expression in either astrocytes or dopaminergic neurons. AAVDJ8 displayed more tropism in astrocytes compared to AAV9 in the SN region. We conclude that ICV injection results in lasting expression of virally encoded transgene when using AAV vectors and that specific AAV serotypes are required to selectively deliver transgenes of interest to different brain regions in both astrocytes and neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean L. Hammond
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States of America
| | - Ashley N. Leek
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States of America
| | - Evan H. Richman
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States of America
| | - Ronald B. Tjalkens
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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35
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Nishiyama J, Mikuni T, Yasuda R. Virus-Mediated Genome Editing via Homology-Directed Repair in Mitotic and Postmitotic Cells in Mammalian Brain. Neuron 2017; 96:755-768.e5. [PMID: 29056297 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2017.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Revised: 08/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Precise genome editing via homology-directed repair (HDR) in targeted cells, particularly in vivo, provides an invaluable tool for biomedical research. However, HDR has been considered to be largely restricted to dividing cells, making it challenging to apply the technique in postmitotic neurons. Here we show that precise genome editing via HDR is possible in mature postmitotic neurons as well as mitotic cells in mice brain by combining CRISPR-Cas9-mediated DNA cleavage and the efficient delivery of donor template with adeno-associated virus (AAV). Using this strategy, we achieved efficient tagging of endogenous proteins in primary and organotypic cultures in vitro and developing, adult, aged, and pathological brains in vivo. Thus, AAV- and CRISPR-Cas9-mediated HDR will be broadly useful for precise genome editing in basic and translational neuroscience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Nishiyama
- Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Takayasu Mikuni
- Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA; Japan Science and Technology Agency, PRESTO, Kawaguchi, Saitama 332-0012, Japan.
| | - Ryohei Yasuda
- Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA.
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36
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Wu D, Faria AV, Younes L, Mori S, Brown T, Johnson H, Paulsen JS, Ross CA, Miller MI. Mapping the order and pattern of brain structural MRI changes using change-point analysis in premanifest Huntington's disease. Hum Brain Mapp 2017; 38:5035-5050. [PMID: 28657159 PMCID: PMC5766002 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.23713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Revised: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder that progressively affects motor, cognitive, and emotional functions. Structural MRI studies have demonstrated brain atrophy beginning many years prior to clinical onset ("premanifest" period), but the order and pattern of brain structural changes have not been fully characterized. In this study, we investigated brain regional volumes and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) measurements in premanifest HD, and we aim to determine (1) the extent of MRI changes in a large number of structures across the brain by atlas-based analysis, and (2) the initiation points of structural MRI changes in these brain regions. We adopted a novel multivariate linear regression model to detect the inflection points at which the MRI changes begin (namely, "change-points"), with respect to the CAG-age product (CAP, an indicator of extent of exposure to the effects of CAG repeat expansion). We used approximately 300 T1-weighted and DTI data from premanifest HD and control subjects in the PREDICT-HD study, with atlas-based whole brain segmentation and change-point analysis. The results indicated a distinct topology of structural MRI changes: the change-points of the volumetric measurements suggested a central-to-peripheral pattern of atrophy from the striatum to the deep white matter; and the change points of DTI measurements indicated the earliest changes in mean diffusivity in the deep white matter and posterior white matter. While interpretation needs to be cautious given the cross-sectional nature of the data, these findings suggest a spatial and temporal pattern of spread of structural changes within the HD brain. Hum Brain Mapp 38:5035-5050, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wu
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological ScienceJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMaryland
| | - Andreia V. Faria
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological ScienceJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMaryland
| | - Laurent Younes
- Center for Imaging Science, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMaryland
- Institute for Computational Medicine, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMaryland
- Department of Applied Mathematics and StatisticsJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMaryland
| | - Susumu Mori
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological ScienceJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMaryland
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger InstituteBaltimoreMaryland
| | - Timothy Brown
- Center for Imaging Science, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMaryland
| | - Hans Johnson
- Department of Electrical and Computer EngineeringUniversity of IowaIowa CityIowa
| | - Jane S. Paulsen
- Departments of Psychiatry, Neurology, Psychology and NeurosciencesUniversity of IowaIowa CityIowa
| | - Christopher A. Ross
- Division of Neurobiology, Departments of Psychiatry, Neurology, Neuroscience and Pharmacology, and Program in Cellular and Molecular MedicineJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMaryland
| | - Michael I. Miller
- Center for Imaging Science, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMaryland
- Institute for Computational Medicine, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMaryland
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMaryland
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Delenclos M, Faroqi AH, Yue M, Kurti A, Castanedes-Casey M, Rousseau L, Phillips V, Dickson DW, Fryer JD, McLean PJ. Neonatal AAV delivery of alpha-synuclein induces pathology in the adult mouse brain. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2017. [PMID: 28645308 PMCID: PMC5481919 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-017-0455-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormal accumulation of alpha-synuclein (αsyn) is a pathological hallmark of Lewy body related disorders such as Parkinson's disease and Dementia with Lewy body disease. During the past two decades, a myriad of animal models have been developed to mimic pathological features of synucleinopathies by over-expressing human αsyn. Although different strategies have been used, most models have little or no reliable and predictive phenotype. Novel animal models are a valuable tool for understanding neuronal pathology and to facilitate development of new therapeutics for these diseases. Here, we report the development and characterization of a novel model in which mice rapidly express wild-type αsyn via somatic brain transgenesis mediated by adeno-associated virus (AAV). At 1, 3, and 6 months of age following intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection, mice were subjected to a battery of behavioral tests followed by pathological analyses of the brains. Remarkably, significant levels of αsyn expression are detected throughout the brain as early as 1 month old, including olfactory bulb, hippocampus, thalamic regions and midbrain. Immunostaining with a phospho-αsyn (pS129) specific antibody reveals abundant pS129 expression in specific regions. Also, pathologic αsyn is detected using the disease specific antibody 5G4. However, this model did not recapitulate behavioral phenotypes characteristic of rodent models of synucleinopathies. In fact no deficits in motor function or cognition were observed at 3 or 6 months of age. Taken together, these findings show that transduction of neonatal mouse with AAV-αsyn can successfully lead to rapid, whole brain transduction of wild-type human αsyn, but increased levels of wildtype αsyn do not induce behavior changes at an early time point (6 months), despite pathological changes in several neurons populations as early as 1 month.
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Winner LK, Beard H, Hassiotis S, Lau AA, Luck AJ, Hopwood JJ, Hemsley KM. A Preclinical Study Evaluating AAVrh10-Based Gene Therapy for Sanfilippo Syndrome. Hum Gene Ther 2016; 27:363-75. [PMID: 26975339 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2015.170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIA (MPS IIIA) is predominantly a disorder of the central nervous system, caused by a deficiency of sulfamidase (SGSH) with subsequent storage of heparan sulfate-derived oligosaccharides. No widely available therapy exists, and for this reason, a mouse model has been utilized to carry out a preclinical assessment of the benefit of intraparenchymal administration of a gene vector (AAVrh10-SGSH-IRES-SUMF1) into presymptomatic MPS IIIA mice. The outcome has been assessed with time, measuring primary and secondary storage material, neuroinflammation, and intracellular inclusions, all of which appear as the disease progresses. The vector resulted in predominantly ipsilateral distribution of SGSH, with substantially less detected in the contralateral hemisphere. Vector-derived SGSH enzyme improved heparan sulfate catabolism, reduced microglial activation, and, after a time delay, ameliorated GM3 ganglioside accumulation and halted ubiquitin-positive lesion formation in regions local to, or connected by projections to, the injection site. Improvements were not observed in regions of the brain distant from, or lacking connections with, the injection site. Intraparenchymal gene vector administration therefore has therapeutic potential provided that multiple brain regions are targeted with vector, in order to achieve widespread enzyme distribution and correction of disease pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leanne K Winner
- Lysosomal Diseases Research Unit, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) , Adelaide, Australia
| | - Helen Beard
- Lysosomal Diseases Research Unit, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) , Adelaide, Australia
| | - Sofia Hassiotis
- Lysosomal Diseases Research Unit, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) , Adelaide, Australia
| | - Adeline A Lau
- Lysosomal Diseases Research Unit, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) , Adelaide, Australia
| | - Amanda J Luck
- Lysosomal Diseases Research Unit, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) , Adelaide, Australia
| | - John J Hopwood
- Lysosomal Diseases Research Unit, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) , Adelaide, Australia
| | - Kim M Hemsley
- Lysosomal Diseases Research Unit, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) , Adelaide, Australia
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Jackson KL, Dayton RD, Deverman BE, Klein RL. Better Targeting, Better Efficiency for Wide-Scale Neuronal Transduction with the Synapsin Promoter and AAV-PHP.B. Front Mol Neurosci 2016; 9:116. [PMID: 27867348 PMCID: PMC5095393 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2016.00116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Widespread genetic modification of cells in the central nervous system (CNS) with a viral vector has become possible and increasingly more efficient. We previously applied an AAV9 vector with the cytomegalovirus/chicken beta-actin (CBA) hybrid promoter and achieved wide-scale CNS transduction in neonatal and adult rats. However, this method transduces a variety of tissues in addition to the CNS. Thus we studied intravenous AAV9 gene transfer with a synapsin promoter to better target the neurons. We noted in systematic comparisons that the synapsin promoter drives lower level expression than does the CBA promoter. The engineered adeno-associated virus (AAV)-PHP.B serotype was compared with AAV9, and AAV-PHP.B did enhance the efficiency of expression. Combining the synapsin promoter with AAV-PHP.B could therefore be advantageous in terms of combining two refinements of targeting and efficiency. Wide-scale expression was used to model a disease with widespread pathology. Vectors encoding the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)-related protein transactive response DNA-binding protein, 43 kDa (TDP-43) with the synapsin promoter and AAV-PHP.B were used for efficient CNS-targeted TDP-43 expression. Intracerebroventricular injections were also explored to limit TDP-43 expression to the CNS. The neuron-selective promoter and the AAV-PHP.B enhanced gene transfer and ALS disease modeling in adult rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasey L Jackson
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Neuroscience, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Robert D Dayton
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Neuroscience, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Benjamin E Deverman
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Ronald L Klein
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Neuroscience, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport, LA, USA
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Tung JK, Berglund K, Gross RE. Optogenetic Approaches for Controlling Seizure Activity. Brain Stimul 2016; 9:801-810. [PMID: 27496002 PMCID: PMC5143193 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2016.06.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2016] [Revised: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 06/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Optogenetics, a technique that utilizes light-sensitive ion channels or pumps to activate or inhibit neurons, has allowed scientists unprecedented precision and control for manipulating neuronal activity. With the clinical need to develop more precise and effective therapies for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, these tools have recently been explored as a novel treatment for halting seizure activity in various animal models. In this review, we provide a detailed and current summary of these optogenetic approaches and provide a perspective on their future clinical application as a potential neuromodulatory therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack K Tung
- Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA; Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Ken Berglund
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Robert E Gross
- Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA; Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University, Atlanta, GA.
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41
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Kawasaki H, Kosugi I, Sakao-Suzuki M, Meguro S, Tsutsui Y, Iwashita T. Intracerebroventricular and Intravascular Injection of Viral Particles and Fluorescent Microbeads into the Neonatal Brain. J Vis Exp 2016. [PMID: 27501398 DOI: 10.3791/54164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In the study on the pathogenesis of viral encephalitis, the infection method is critical. The first of the two main infectious routes to the brain is the hematogenous route, which involves infection of the endothelial cells and pericytes of the brain. The second is the intracerebroventricular (ICV) route. Once within the central nervous system (CNS), viruses may spread to the subarachnoid space, meninges, and choroid plexus via the cerebrospinal fluid. In experimental models, the earliest stages of CNS viral distribution are not well characterized, and it is unclear whether only certain cells are initially infected. Here, we have analyzed the distribution of cytomegalovirus (CMV) particles during the acute phase of infection, termed primary viremia, following ICV or intravascular (IV) injection into the neonatal mouse brain. In the ICV injection model, 5 µl of murine CMV (MCMV) or fluorescent microbeads were injected into the lateral ventricle at the midpoint between the ear and eye using a 10-µl syringe with a 27 G needle. In the IV injection model, a 1-ml syringe with a 35 G needle was used. A transilluminator was used to visualize the superficial temporal (facial) vein of the neonatal mouse. We infused 50 µl of MCMV or fluorescent microbeads into the superficial temporal vein. Brains were harvested at different time points post-injection. MCMV genomes were detected using the in situ hybridization method. Fluorescent microbeads or green fluorescent protein expressing recombinant MCMV particles were observed by fluorescent microscopy. These techniques can be applied to many other pathogens to investigate the pathogenesis of encephalitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideya Kawasaki
- Department of Regenerative & Infectious Pathology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine;
| | - Isao Kosugi
- Department of Regenerative & Infectious Pathology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine
| | | | - Shiori Meguro
- Department of Regenerative & Infectious Pathology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine
| | | | - Toshihide Iwashita
- Department of Regenerative & Infectious Pathology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine
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Hocquemiller M, Giersch L, Audrain M, Parker S, Cartier N. Adeno-Associated Virus-Based Gene Therapy for CNS Diseases. Hum Gene Ther 2016; 27:478-96. [PMID: 27267688 PMCID: PMC4960479 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2016.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 193] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy is at the cusp of a revolution for treating a large spectrum of CNS disorders by providing a durable therapeutic protein via a single administration. Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene transfer is of particular interest as a therapeutic tool because of its safety profile and efficiency in transducing a wide range of cell types. The purpose of this review is to describe the most notable advancements in preclinical and clinical research on AAV-based CNS gene therapy and to discuss prospects for future development based on a new generation of vectors and delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mickael Audrain
- Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
- INSERM UMR1169, Université Paris-Sud,Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France
- CEA, DSV, IBM, MIRCen, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | | | - Nathalie Cartier
- INSERM UMR1169, Université Paris-Sud,Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France
- CEA, DSV, IBM, MIRCen, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
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43
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Tomatsu S, Azario I, Sawamoto K, Pievani AS, Biondi A, Serafini M. Neonatal cellular and gene therapies for mucopolysaccharidoses: the earlier the better? J Inherit Metab Dis 2016; 39:189-202. [PMID: 26578156 PMCID: PMC4754332 DOI: 10.1007/s10545-015-9900-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Revised: 10/21/2015] [Accepted: 10/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs) are a group of lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs). The increasing interest in newborn screening procedures for LSDs underlines the need for alternative cellular and gene therapy approaches to be developed during the perinatal period, supporting the treatment of MPS patients before the onset of clinical signs and symptoms. The rationale for considering these early therapies results from the clinical experience in the treatment of MPSs and other genetic disorders. The normal or gene-corrected hematopoiesis transplanted in patients can produce the missing protein at levels sufficient to improve and/or halt the disease-related abnormalities. However, these current therapies are only partially successful, probably due to the limited efficacy of the protein provided through the hematopoiesis. An alternative explanation is that the time at which the cellular or gene therapy procedures are performed could be too late to prevent pre-existing or progressive organ damage. Considering these aspects, in the last several years, novel cellular and gene therapy approaches have been tested in different animal models at birth, a highly early stage, showing that precocious treatment is critical to prevent long-term pathological consequences. This review provides insights into the state-of-art accomplishments made with neonatal cellular and gene-based therapies and the major barriers that need to be overcome before they can be implemented in the medical community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunji Tomatsu
- Department of Biomedical Research, Alfred I. duPont Institute Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, USA.
- Skeletal Dysplasia Lab, Department of Biomedical Research, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, 1600 Rockland Rd., Wilmington, DE, 19899-0269, USA.
| | - Isabella Azario
- Dulbecco Telethon Institute at Centro Ricerca M. Tettamanti, Department of Paediatrics, University of Milano-Bicocca, San Gerardo Hospital, via Pergolesi, 33, 20900, Monza, MB, Italy
| | - Kazuki Sawamoto
- Department of Biomedical Research, Alfred I. duPont Institute Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - Alice Silvia Pievani
- Dulbecco Telethon Institute at Centro Ricerca M. Tettamanti, Department of Paediatrics, University of Milano-Bicocca, San Gerardo Hospital, via Pergolesi, 33, 20900, Monza, MB, Italy
| | - Andrea Biondi
- Centro Ricerca M. Tettamanti, Department of Paediatrics, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Pergolesi, 33, Monza, 20900, Italy
| | - Marta Serafini
- Dulbecco Telethon Institute at Centro Ricerca M. Tettamanti, Department of Paediatrics, University of Milano-Bicocca, San Gerardo Hospital, via Pergolesi, 33, 20900, Monza, MB, Italy.
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44
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Daude N, Lee I, Kim TK, Janus C, Glaves JP, Gapeshina H, Yang J, Sykes BD, Carlson GA, Hood LE, Westaway D. A Common Phenotype Polymorphism in Mammalian Brains Defined by Concomitant Production of Prolactin and Growth Hormone. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0149410. [PMID: 26894278 PMCID: PMC4760942 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0149410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Pituitary Prolactin (PRL) and Growth Hormone (GH) are separately controlled and sub-serve different purposes. Surprisingly, we demonstrate that extra-pituitary expression in the adult mammalian central nervous system (CNS) is coordinated at mRNA and protein levels. However this was not a uniform effect within populations, such that wide inter-individual variation was superimposed on coordinate PRL/GH expression. Up to 44% of individuals in healthy cohorts of mice and rats showed protein levels above the norm and coordinated expression of PRL and GH transcripts above baseline occurred in the amygdala, frontal lobe and hippocampus of 10% of human subjects. High levels of PRL and GH present in post mortem tissue were often presaged by altered responses in fear conditioning and stress induced hyperthermia behavioral tests. Our data define a common phenotype polymorphism in healthy mammalian brains, and, given the pleiotropic effects known for circulating PRL and GH, further consequences of coordinated CNS over-expression may await discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Daude
- Center for Prions and Protein Folding Diseases, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Inyoul Lee
- Institute for Systems Biology, 401 Terry Ave North, Seattle, WA, 98109, United States of America
| | - Taek-Kyun Kim
- Institute for Systems Biology, 401 Terry Ave North, Seattle, WA, 98109, United States of America
| | - Christopher Janus
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, United States of America
| | - John Paul Glaves
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Hristina Gapeshina
- Center for Prions and Protein Folding Diseases, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Jing Yang
- Center for Prions and Protein Folding Diseases, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Brian D. Sykes
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - George A. Carlson
- Mclaughlin Research Institute, 1520 23rd Street South, Great Falls, MT, 59405, United States of America
| | - Leroy E. Hood
- Institute for Systems Biology, 401 Terry Ave North, Seattle, WA, 98109, United States of America
| | - David Westaway
- Center for Prions and Protein Folding Diseases, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Mclaughlin Research Institute, 1520 23rd Street South, Great Falls, MT, 59405, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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45
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Castle MJ, Turunen HT, Vandenberghe LH, Wolfe JH. Controlling AAV Tropism in the Nervous System with Natural and Engineered Capsids. Methods Mol Biol 2016; 1382:133-49. [PMID: 26611584 PMCID: PMC4993104 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-3271-9_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
More than one hundred naturally occurring variants of adeno-associated virus (AAV) have been identified, and this library has been further expanded by an array of techniques for modification of the viral capsid. AAV capsid variants possess unique antigenic profiles and demonstrate distinct cellular tropisms driven by differences in receptor binding. AAV capsids can be chemically modified to alter tropism, can be produced as hybrid vectors that combine the properties of multiple serotypes, and can carry peptide insertions that introduce novel receptor-binding activity. Furthermore, directed evolution of shuffled genome libraries can identify engineered variants with unique properties, and rational modification of the viral capsid can alter tropism, reduce blockage by neutralizing antibodies, or enhance transduction efficiency. This large number of AAV variants and engineered capsids provides a varied toolkit for gene delivery to the CNS and retina, with specialized vectors available for many applications, but selecting a capsid variant from the array of available vectors can be difficult. This chapter describes the unique properties of a range of AAV variants and engineered capsids, and provides a guide for selecting the appropriate vector for specific applications in the CNS and retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Castle
- Research Institute of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 502-G Abramson Pediatric Research Building, 3615 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Heikki T Turunen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Luk H Vandenberghe
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - John H Wolfe
- Research Institute of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 502-G Abramson Pediatric Research Building, 3615 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- W.F. Goodman Center for Comparative Medical Genetics, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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Kim JY, Grunke SD, Jankowsky JL. Widespread Neuronal Transduction of the Rodent CNS via Neonatal Viral Injection. Methods Mol Biol 2016; 1382:239-50. [PMID: 26611591 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-3271-9_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The rapid pace of neuroscience research demands equally efficient and flexible methods for genetically manipulating and visualizing selected neurons within the rodent brain. The use of viral vectors for gene delivery saves the time and cost of traditional germline transgenesis and offers the versatility of readily available reagents that can be easily customized to meet individual experimental needs. Here, we present a protocol for widespread neuronal transduction based on intraventricular viral injection of the neonatal mouse brain. Injections can be done either free-hand or assisted by a stereotaxic device to produce lifelong expression of virally delivered transgenes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Yoen Kim
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Stacy D Grunke
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Joanna L Jankowsky
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA. .,Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Huffington Center on Aging, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
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47
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Mucopolysaccharidosis IIIB confers enhanced neonatal intracranial transduction by AAV8 but not by 5, 9 or rh10. Gene Ther 2015; 23:263-71. [PMID: 26674264 PMCID: PMC4777635 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2015.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Revised: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 11/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Sanfilippo syndrome type B (mucopolysaccharidosis IIIB, MPS IIIB) is a lysosomal storage disease resulting from deficiency of N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAGLU) activity. To determine the possible therapeutic utility of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) in early gene therapy-based interventions, we performed a comprehensive assessment of transduction and biodistribution profiles of four central nervous system (CNS) administered rAAV serotypes, -5, -8, -9 and -rh10. To simulate optimal earliest treatment of the disease, each rAAV serotype was injected into the CNS of neonatal MPS IIIB and control animals. We observed marked differences in biodistribution and transduction profiles between the serotypes and this differed in MPS IIIB compared with healthy control mice. Overall, in control mice, all serotypes performed comparably, although some differences were observed in certain focal areas. In MPS IIIB mice, AAV8 was more efficient than AAV5, -9 and -rh10 for gene delivery to most structures analyzed, including the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and thalamus. Noteworthy, the pattern of biodistribution within the CNS varied by serotype and genotype. Interestingly, AAV8 also produced the highest green fluorescent protein intensity levels compared with any other serotype and demonstrated improved transduction in NAGLU compared with control brains. Importantly, we also show leakage of AAV8, -9 and -rh10, but not AAV5, from CNS parenchyma to systemic organs. Overall, our data suggest that AAV8 represents the best therapeutic gene transfer vector for early intervention in MPS IIIB.
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48
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Burkhart A, Thomsen LB, Thomsen MS, Lichota J, Fazakas C, Krizbai I, Moos T. Transfection of brain capillary endothelial cells in primary culture with defined blood-brain barrier properties. Fluids Barriers CNS 2015; 12:19. [PMID: 26246240 PMCID: PMC4527128 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-015-0015-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2015] [Accepted: 07/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Primary brain capillary endothelial cells (BCECs) are a promising tool to study the blood–brain barrier (BBB) in vitro, as they maintain many important characteristics of the BBB in vivo, especially when co-cultured with pericytes and/or astrocytes. A novel strategy for drug delivery to the brain is to transform BCECs into protein factories by genetic modifications leading to secretion of otherwise BBB impermeable proteins into the central nervous system. However, a huge challenge underlying this strategy is to enable transfection of non-mitotic BCECs, taking a non-viral approach. We therefore aimed to study transfection in primary, non-mitotic BCECs cultured with defined BBB properties without disrupting the cells’ integrity. Methods Primary cultures of BCECs, pericytes and astrocytes were generated from rat brains and used in three different in vitro BBB experimental arrangements, which were characterised based on a their expression of tight junction proteins and other BBB specific proteins, high trans-endothelial electrical resistance (TEER), and low passive permeability to radiolabeled mannitol. Recombinant gene expression and protein synthesis were examined in primary BCECs. The BCECs were transfected using a commercially available transfection agent Turbofect™ to express the red fluorescent protein HcRed1-C1. The BCECs were transfected at different time points to monitor transfection in relation to mitotic or non-mitotic cells, as indicated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis after 5-and 6-carboxylfluorescein diacetate succinidyl ester incorporation. Results The cell cultures exhibited important BBB characteristics judged from their expression of BBB specific proteins, high TEER values, and low passive permeability. Among the three in vitro BBB models, co-culturing with BCECs and astrocytes was well suited for the transfection studies. Transfection was independent of cell division and with equal efficacy between the mitotic and non-mitotic BCECs. Importantly, transfection of BCECs exhibiting BBB characteristics did not alter the integrity of the BCECs cell layer. Conclusions The data clearly indicate that non-viral gene therapy of BCECs is possible in primary culture conditions with an intact BBB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette Burkhart
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Biomedicine Group, Aalborg University, Frederik Bajers Vej 3B, 1.216, 9220, Aalborg East, Denmark.
| | - Louiza Bohn Thomsen
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Biomedicine Group, Aalborg University, Frederik Bajers Vej 3B, 1.216, 9220, Aalborg East, Denmark.
| | - Maj Schneider Thomsen
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Biomedicine Group, Aalborg University, Frederik Bajers Vej 3B, 1.216, 9220, Aalborg East, Denmark.
| | - Jacek Lichota
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Biomedicine Group, Aalborg University, Frederik Bajers Vej 3B, 1.216, 9220, Aalborg East, Denmark.
| | - Csilla Fazakas
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary.
| | - István Krizbai
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Torben Moos
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Biomedicine Group, Aalborg University, Frederik Bajers Vej 3B, 1.216, 9220, Aalborg East, Denmark.
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Cytomegalovirus Initiates Infection Selectively from High-Level β1 Integrin–Expressing Cells in the Brain. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2015; 185:1304-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2015.01.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2014] [Revised: 12/09/2014] [Accepted: 01/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Griffin TA, Anderson HC, Wolfe JH. Ex vivo gene therapy using patient iPSC-derived NSCs reverses pathology in the brain of a homologous mouse model. Stem Cell Reports 2015; 4:835-46. [PMID: 25866157 PMCID: PMC4437470 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2015.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2014] [Revised: 02/25/2015] [Accepted: 02/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural stem cell (NSC) transplantation is a promising strategy for delivering therapeutic proteins in the brain. We evaluated a complete process of ex vivo gene therapy using human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived NSC transplants in a well-characterized mouse model of a human lysosomal storage disease, Sly disease. Human Sly disease fibroblasts were reprogrammed into iPSCs, differentiated into a stable and expandable population of NSCs, genetically corrected with a transposon vector, and assessed for engraftment in NOD/SCID mice. Following neonatal intraventricular transplantation, the NSCs engraft along the rostrocaudal axis of the CNS primarily within white matter tracts and survive for at least 4 months. Genetically corrected iPSC-NSCs transplanted post-symptomatically into the striatum of adult Sly disease mice reversed neuropathology in a zone surrounding the grafts, while control mock-corrected grafts did not. The results demonstrate the potential for ex vivo gene therapy in the brain using human NSCs from autologous, non-neural tissues. Sly disease patient fibroblasts converted to iPSCs yield transplantable NSCs A PiggyBac transposon-based approach corrects the lysosomal enzyme deficiency Widespread migration of transplanted NSCs occurs in neonates, but not in adults Reversal of microglial pathology in a zone surrounding corrected grafts
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Affiliation(s)
- Tagan A Griffin
- Research Institute of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Hayley C Anderson
- Research Institute of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - John H Wolfe
- Research Institute of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; W.F. Goodman Center for Comparative Medical Genetics, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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