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Jt S, M H, Wam B, Ac B, Sa N. Adenoviral vectors for cardiovascular gene therapy applications: a clinical and industry perspective. J Mol Med (Berl) 2022; 100:875-901. [PMID: 35606652 PMCID: PMC9126699 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-022-02208-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Abstract Despite the development of novel pharmacological treatments, cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality remain high indicating an unmet clinical need. Viral gene therapy enables targeted delivery of therapeutic transgenes and represents an attractive platform for tackling acquired and inherited cardiovascular diseases in the future. Current cardiovascular gene therapy trials in humans mainly focus on improving cardiac angiogenesis and function. Encouragingly, local delivery of therapeutic transgenes utilising first-generation human adenovirus serotype (HAd)-5 is safe in the short term and has shown some efficacy in drug refractory angina pectoris and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Despite this success, systemic delivery of therapeutic HAd-5 vectors targeting cardiovascular tissues and internal organs is limited by negligible gene transfer to target cells, elimination by the immune system, liver sequestration, off-target effects, and episomal degradation. To circumvent these barriers, cardiovascular gene therapy research has focused on determining the safety and efficacy of rare alternative serotypes and/or genetically engineered adenoviral capsid protein-modified vectors following local or systemic delivery. Pre-clinical studies have identified several vectors including HAd-11, HAd-35, and HAd-20–42-42 as promising platforms for local and systemic targeting of vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells. In the past, clinical gene therapy trials were often restricted by limited scale-up capabilities of gene therapy medicinal products (GTMPs) and lack of regulatory guidance. However, significant improvement of industrial GTMP scale-up and purification, development of novel producer cell lines, and issuing of GTMP regulatory guidance by national regulatory health agencies have addressed many of these challenges, creating a more robust framework for future adenoviral-based cardiovascular gene therapy. In addition, this has enabled the mass roll out of adenovirus vector-based COVID-19 vaccines. Key messages First-generation HAd-5 vectors are widely used in cardiovascular gene therapy. HAd-5-based gene therapy was shown to lead to cardiac angiogenesis and improved function. Novel HAd vectors may represent promising transgene carriers for systemic delivery. Novel methods allow industrial scale-up of rare/genetically altered Ad serotypes. National regulatory health agencies have issued guidance on GMP for GTMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Schwartze Jt
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
| | - Havenga M
- Batavia Biosciences B.V., Bioscience Park Leiden, Zernikedreef 16, 2333, CL, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Bakker Wam
- Batavia Biosciences B.V., Bioscience Park Leiden, Zernikedreef 16, 2333, CL, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Bradshaw Ac
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Nicklin Sa
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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2
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Kruglikov IL, Scherer PE. Skin aging as a mechanical phenomenon: The main weak links. NUTRITION AND HEALTHY AGING 2018; 4:291-307. [PMID: 29951590 PMCID: PMC6004930 DOI: 10.3233/nha-170037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
From a mechanical point of view, human skin appears as a layered composite containing the stiff thin cover layer presented by the stratum corneum, below which are the more compliant layers of viable epidermis and dermis and further below the much more compliant adjacent layer of subcutaneous white adipose tissue (sWAT). Upon exposure to a strain, such a multi-layer system demonstrates structural instabilities in its stiffer layers, which in its simplest form is the wrinkling. These instabilities appear hierarchically when the mechanical strain in the skin exceeds some critical values. Their appearance is mainly dependent on the mismatch in mechanical properties between adjacent skin layers or between the skin and sWAT, on the adhesive strength and thickness ratios between the layers, on their bending and tensile stiffness as well as on the value of the stress existing in single layers. Gradual reduction of elastic fibers in aging significantly reduces the skin's ability to bend, prompting an up to 4-fold reduction of its stability against wrinkling, thereby explaining the role of these fibers in skin aging. While chronological and extrinsic aging differently modify these parameters, they lead to the same end result, reducing the critical strain required for the onset of instabilities. Comparing of mechanical properties of the skin presented as a bi-, tri- or tetra-layer structure demonstrates the particular importance of the papillary dermis in skin aging and provides the arguments to consider the undulations on the dermal-epidermal and dermal-sWAT interfaces as the result of mechanical bifurcation, leading to structural instabilities inside of the skin. According to this model, anti-aging strategies should focus not as much on the reinforcement of the dermis, but rather aim to treat the elastic mismatch between different adjacent layers in the skin and sWAT as well as the adhesion between these layers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Philipp E. Scherer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Touchstone Diabetes Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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3
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Chen C, Li R, Ross RS, Manso AM. Integrins and integrin-related proteins in cardiac fibrosis. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2015; 93:162-74. [PMID: 26562414 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2015.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2015] [Revised: 11/07/2015] [Accepted: 11/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis is one of the major components of the healing mechanism following any injury of the heart and as such may contribute to both systolic and diastolic dysfunction in a range of pathophysiologic conditions. Canonically, it can occur as part of the remodeling process that occurs following myocardial infarction or that follows as a response to pressure overload. Integrins are cell surface receptors which act in both cellular adhesion and signaling. Most importantly, in the context of the continuously contracting myocardium, they are recognized as mechanotransducers. They have been implicated in the development of fibrosis in several organs, including the heart. This review will focus on the involvement of integrins and integrin-related proteins, in cardiac fibrosis, outlining the roles of these proteins in the fibrotic responses in specific cardiac pathologies, discuss some of the common end effectors (angiotensin II, transforming growth factor beta 1 and mechanical stress) through which integrins function and finally discuss how manipulation of this set of proteins may lead to new treatments which could prove useful to alter the deleterious effects of cardiac fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Chen
- Department of Medicine, Cardiology, UCSD School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093-0613, USA; Veterans Administration San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA.
| | - Ruixia Li
- Department of Medicine, Cardiology, UCSD School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093-0613, USA; Veterans Administration San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA.
| | - Robert S Ross
- Department of Medicine, Cardiology, UCSD School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093-0613, USA; Veterans Administration San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA.
| | - Ana Maria Manso
- Department of Medicine, Cardiology, UCSD School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093-0613, USA; Veterans Administration San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA.
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Li J, Zhang DS, Ye JC, Li CM, Qi M, Liang DD, Xu XR, Xu L, Liu Y, Zhang H, Zhang YY, Deng FF, Feng J, Shi D, Chen JJ, Li L, Chen G, Sun YF, Peng LY, Chen YH. Dynamin-2 mediates heart failure by modulating Ca2+-dependent cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Int J Cardiol 2013; 168:2109-19. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2013.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2012] [Revised: 11/26/2012] [Accepted: 01/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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5
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Li J, Xu L, Ye J, Li X, Zhang D, Liang D, Xu X, Qi M, Li C, Zhang H, Wang J, Liu Y, Zhang Y, Zhou Z, Liang X, Li J, Peng L, Zhu W, Chen YH. Aberrant dynamin 2-dependent Na(+) /H(+) exchanger-1 trafficking contributes to cardiomyocyte apoptosis. J Cell Mol Med 2013; 17:1119-27. [PMID: 23837875 PMCID: PMC4118171 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.12086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2012] [Accepted: 05/13/2013] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Sarcolemmal Na+/H+ exchanger 1 (NHE1) activity is essential for the intracellular pH (pHi) homeostasis in cardiac myocytes. Emerging evidence indicates that sarcolemmal NHE1 dysfunction was closely related to cardiomyocyte death, but it remains unclear whether defective trafficking of NHE1 plays a role in the vital cellular signalling processes. Dynamin (DNM), a large guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase), is best known for its roles in membrane trafficking events. Herein, using co-immunoprecipitation, cell surface biotinylation and confocal microscopy techniques, we investigated the potential regulation on cardiac NHE1 activity by DNM. We identified that DNM2, a cardiac isoform of DNM, directly binds to NHE1. Overexpression of a wild-type DNM2 or a dominant-negative DNM2 mutant with defective GTPase activity in adult rat ventricular myocytes (ARVMs) facilitated or retarded the internalization of sarcolemmal NHE1, whereby reducing or increasing its activity respectively. Importantly, the increased NHE1 activity associated with DNM2 deficiency led to ARVMs apoptosis, as demonstrated by cell viability, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated dUTP nick-end labelling assay, Bcl-1/Bax expression and caspase-3 activity, which were effectively rescued by pharmacological inhibition of NHE1 with zoniporide. Thus, our results demonstrate that disruption of the DNM2-dependent retrograde trafficking of NHE1 contributes to cardiomyocyte apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Li
- Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias of the Ministry of Education of China, East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Institute of Medical Genetics, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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6
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Saliba Y, Mougenot N, Jacquet A, Atassi F, Hatem S, Farès N, Lompré AM. A new method of ultrasonic nonviral gene delivery to the adult myocardium. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2012; 53:801-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2012.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2012] [Revised: 06/27/2012] [Accepted: 07/26/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Expression of coxsackie and adenovirus receptor distinguishes transitional cancer states in therapy-induced cellular senescence. Cell Death Dis 2010; 1:e70. [PMID: 21364674 PMCID: PMC3032339 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2010.47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Therapy-induced cellular senescence describes the phenomenon of cell cycle arrest that can be invoked in cancer cells in response to chemotherapy. Sustained proliferative arrest is often overcome as a contingent of senescent tumor cells can bypass this cell cycle restriction. The mechanism regulating cell cycle re-entry of senescent cancer cells remains poorly understood. This is the first report of the isolation and characterization of two distinct transitional states in chemotherapy-induced senescent cells that share indistinguishable morphological senescence phenotypes and are functionally classified by their ability to escape cell cycle arrest. It has been observed that cell surface expression of coxsackie and adenovirus receptor (CAR) is downregulated in cancer cells treated with chemotherapy. We show the novel use of surface CAR expression and adenoviral transduction to differentiate senescent states and also show in vivo evidence of CAR downregulation in colorectal cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiation. This study suggests that CAR is a candidate biomarker for senescence response to antitumor therapy, and CAR expression can be used to distinguish transitional states in early senescence to study fundamental regulatory events in therapy-induced senescence.
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8
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Lipskaia L, Ly H, Kawase Y, Hajjar RJ, Lompre AM. Treatment of heart failure by calcium cycling gene therapy. Future Cardiol 2010; 3:413-23. [PMID: 19804232 DOI: 10.2217/14796678.3.4.413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Heart failure is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Western countries. While progress in conventional treatment modalities is making steady and incremental gains to reduce this disease burden, there remains a need to explore new and potentially therapeutic approaches. Gene therapy, for example, was initially envisioned as a treatment strategy for inherited monogenic disorders. It is now apparent that gene therapy has broader potential, which also includes acquired polygenic diseases such as heart failure. Advances in the understanding of the molecular basis of conditions such as these, together with the evolution of increasingly efficient gene transfer technology, has placed congestive heart failure within the reach of gene-based therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Lipskaia
- INSERM U621, Université Pierre et Marie Curie-CHU Pitié-Salpétriêre, Paris, France
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9
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Herpesvirus-mediated delivery of a genetically encoded fluorescent Ca(2+) sensor to canine cardiomyocytes. J Biomed Biotechnol 2009; 2009:361795. [PMID: 19636419 PMCID: PMC2712641 DOI: 10.1155/2009/361795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2009] [Accepted: 05/04/2009] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
We report the development and application of a pseudorabies virus-based system for delivery of troponeon, a fluorescent Ca2+ sensor to adult canine cardiomyocytes. The efficacy of transduction was assessed by calculating the ratio of fluorescently labelled and nonlabelled cells in cell culture. Interaction of the virus vector with electrophysiological properties of cardiomyocytes was evaluated by the analysis of transient outward current (Ito), kinetics of the intracellular Ca2+ transients, and cell shortening. Functionality of transferred troponeon was verified by FRET analysis. We demonstrated that the transfer efficiency of troponeon to cultured adult cardiac myocytes was virtually 100%. We showed that even after four days neither the amplitude nor the kinetics of the Ito current was significantly changed and no major shifts occurred in parameters of [Ca2+]i transients. Furthermore, we demonstrated that infection of cardiomyocytes with the virus did not affect the morphology, viability, and physiological attributes of cells.
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10
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Siddiqui F, Ehrhart EJ, Charles B, Chubb L, Li CY, Zhang X, Larue SM, Avery PR, Dewhirst MW, Ullrich RL. Anti-angiogenic effects of interleukin-12 delivered by a novel hyperthermia induced gene construct. Int J Hyperthermia 2009; 22:587-606. [PMID: 17079216 DOI: 10.1080/02656730600983063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine possessing anti-cancer and anti-angiogenic properties. This study quantitatively assessed the anti-angiogenic effect of IL-12 delivered using an adenoviral vector with murine IL-12 placed under control of a heat shock promoter. This approach limits systemic toxicity by restricting IL-12 delivery locally to the tumour. The kinetics of the downstream cytokines interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and interferon inducible protein-10 (IP-10) and other molecules affecting angiogenesis, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) were also studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS 4T1 tumours were grown in Balb/C mice and the AdhspmIL-12 construct was injected intra-tumourally. The tumours were heated after 24 h using a water bath. At various time points post-heating the tumours were collected and quantitatively assessed for cytokine production and vascularity. RESULTS A significant reduction was seen in the tumour vasculature of the treated group vs. the control group mice. Systemic effects of IL-12 were limited to generalized immunostimulation. No hepatoxicity was noted. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that IL-12 can be effectively delivered using a gene-based approach with a heat shock promoter. This results in quantitatively measurable anti-angiogenesis and general immunostimulation. The complex inter-play of other pro- and anti-angiogenic factors (IFN-gamma, IP-10, VEGF and PAI-1) was also studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzan Siddiqui
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
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11
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Davis J, Westfall MV, Townsend D, Blankinship M, Herron TJ, Guerrero-Serna G, Wang W, Devaney E, Metzger JM. Designing heart performance by gene transfer. Physiol Rev 2008; 88:1567-651. [PMID: 18923190 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00039.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The birth of molecular cardiology can be traced to the development and implementation of high-fidelity genetic approaches for manipulating the heart. Recombinant viral vector-based technology offers a highly effective approach to genetically engineer cardiac muscle in vitro and in vivo. This review highlights discoveries made in cardiac muscle physiology through the use of targeted viral-mediated genetic modification. Here the history of cardiac gene transfer technology and the strengths and limitations of viral and nonviral vectors for gene delivery are reviewed. A comprehensive account is given of the application of gene transfer technology for studying key cardiac muscle targets including Ca(2+) handling, the sarcomere, the cytoskeleton, and signaling molecules and their posttranslational modifications. The primary objective of this review is to provide a thorough analysis of gene transfer studies for understanding cardiac physiology in health and disease. By comparing results obtained from gene transfer with those obtained from transgenesis and biophysical and biochemical methodologies, this review provides a global view of cardiac structure-function with an eye towards future areas of research. The data presented here serve as a basis for discovery of new therapeutic targets for remediation of acquired and inherited cardiac diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Davis
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA
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12
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Ly HQ, Kawase Y, Hajjar RJ. Advances in gene-based therapy for heart failure. J Cardiovasc Transl Res 2008; 1:127-36. [PMID: 20559907 DOI: 10.1007/s12265-008-9022-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2008] [Accepted: 03/17/2008] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Heart failure is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in western countries. While progress in current treatment modalities is making steady and incremental gains to reduce this disease burden, there remains a need to explore novel therapeutic strategies. Clinicians and researchers alike have thus looked towards novel adjunctive therapeutic strategies, including gene-based therapy for congestive heart failure (CHF). Advances in the understanding of the molecular basis of CHF, combined to the evolution of increasingly efficient gene transfer technology, have placed congestive heart failure within reach of gene-based therapy. This review will discuss issues related to gene vector systems, gene delivery strategies, and gene targets for intervention in the setting of CHF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung Q Ly
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, One Gustave L. Levy Place, P.O. Box 1030, New York, NY 10029, USA
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13
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Poller W, Suckau L, Pinkert S, Fechner H. RNA Interference and MicroRNA Modulation for the Treatment of Cardiac Disorders. RNA TECHNOLOGIES IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE AND RESEARCH 2008. [PMCID: PMC7121055 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-540-78709-9_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The current status and challenges of RNA interference (RNAi) and microRNA modulation strategies for the treatment of myocardial disorders are discussed and related to the classical gene therapeutic approaches of the past decade. Section 2 summarizes the key issues of current vector technologies which determine if they may be suitable for clinical translation of experimental RNAi or microRNA therapeutic protocols. We then present and discuss examples dealing with the potential of cardiac RNAi therapy. First, an approach to block a key early step in the pathogenesis of a virus-induced cardiomyopathy by RNAi targeting of a cellular receptor for cardiopathogenic viruses (Section 3). Second, an approach to improve cardiac function by RNAi targeting of late pathway of heart failure pathogenesis common to myocardial disorders of multiple etiologies. This strategy is directed at myocardial Ca2+ homeostasis which is disturbed in heart failure due to coronary heart disease, heart valve dysfunction, cardiac inflammation, or genetic defects (Section 4). Whereas the first type of strategies (directed at early pathogenesis) need to be tailor-made for each different type of pathomechanism, the second type (targeting late common pathways) has a much broader range of application. This advantage of the second type of approaches is of key importance since enormous efforts need to be undertaken before any regulatory RNA therapy enters the stage of possible clinical translation. If then the number of patients eligible for this protocol is large, the actual transformation of the experimental therapy into a new therapeutic option of clinical importance is far more likely to occur.
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Miura Y, Yoshida K, Nishimoto T, Hatanaka K, Ohnami S, Asaka M, Douglas JT, Curiel DT, Yoshida T, Aoki K. Direct selection of targeted adenovirus vectors by random peptide display on the fiber knob. Gene Ther 2007; 14:1448-60. [PMID: 17700705 DOI: 10.1038/sj.gt.3303007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Targeting of gene transfer at the level of cell entry is one of the most attractive challenges in vector development. However, attempts to redirect adenovirus vectors to alternative receptors by engineering the capsid-coding region have shown limited success because proper targeting ligand-receptor systems on the cells of interest are generally unknown. Systematic approaches to generate adenovirus vectors targeting any given cell type need to be developed to achieve this goal. Here, we constructed an adenovirus library that was generated by a Cre-lox-mediated in vitro recombination between an adenoviral fiber-modified plasmid library and genomic DNA to display random peptides on a fiber knob. As proof of concept, we screened the adenovirus display library on a glioma cell line and observed selection of several particular peptide sequences. The targeted vector carrying the most frequently isolated peptide significantly enhanced gene transduction in the glioma cell line but not in many other cell lines. Because the insertion of a pre-selected peptide into a fiber knob often fails to generate an adenovirus vector, the selection of targeting peptides is highly useful in the context of the adenoviral capsid. This vector-screening system can facilitate the development of a targeted adenovirus vector for a variety of applications in medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Miura
- Genetics Division, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
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15
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Abstract
Heart failure is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in contemporary societies. Although progress in conventional treatment modalities is making steady and incremental gains to reduce this disease burden, there remains a need to explore new and potentially therapeutic approaches. Gene therapy, for example, was initially envisioned as a treatment strategy for inherited monogenic disorders. It is now apparent that gene therapy has broader potential that also includes acquired polygenic diseases, such as heart failure. Advances in the understanding of the molecular basis of conditions such as these, together with the evolution of increasingly efficient gene transfer technology, has placed congestive heart failure within reach of gene-based therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung Ly
- Cardiology Division, Cardiovascular Research Center, the Cardiology Laboratory of Integrative Physiology, Imaging at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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16
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Nishimura S, Nagai S, Sata M, Katoh M, Yamashita H, Saeki Y, Nagai R, Sugiura S. Expression of Green Fluorescent Protein Impairs the Force-Generating Ability of Isolated Rat Ventricular Cardiomyocytes. Mol Cell Biochem 2006; 286:59-65. [PMID: 16532258 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-005-9090-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2005] [Accepted: 11/23/2005] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Green fluorescent protein (GFP) is widely used as a biologically inert expression marker for studying the effects of transgene expression in heart tissue, but its influence on the contractile function of cardiomyocytes has not yet been fully evaluated. We measured the contractile function of isolated rat ventricular myocytes before and after infection with a recombinant adenovirus expressing GFP (Adv-GFP). Myocytes infected with a non-transgene-containing adenovirus (Adv-Null) or uninfected myocytes (UI) served as controls. Using a carbon-fiber-based force-length measurement system for single cardiomyocytes, we evaluated the contractile function over a wide range of loading conditions including the shortening fraction (%FS) and maximal shortening velocity (Vmax) under the unloaded condition, and isometric force. At 24 hours after infection, nearly 80% of the Adv-GFP-infected myocytes expressed GFP. We found that the %FS and Vmax did not differ among the three groups, however, the isometric force showed a mild, but significant, decrease only in Adv-GFP myocytes (Adv-GFP: 29.1 +/- 4.0 mN/mm2; Adv-Null: 42.8 +/- 6.2 mN/mm2; UI: 47.1 +/- 4.8 mN/mm2; p = 0.03). An evaluation of the contractile function of isolated cardiomyocytes under high load conditions revealed impaired isometric contractility by GFP expression. Adv-GFP expression may not be an ideal control for specific gene expression experiments in myocardial tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Nishimura
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Hongo 7-3-1, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
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Pelletier A, Joly E, Prentki M, Coderre L. Adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase participate in the stimulation of glucose uptake by dinitrophenol in adult cardiomyocytes. Endocrinology 2005; 146:2285-94. [PMID: 15677757 DOI: 10.1210/en.2004-1565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
During metabolic stress, such as ischemia or hypoxia, glucose becomes the principal energy source for the heart. It has been shown that increased cardiac glucose uptake during metabolic stress has a protective effect on cell survival and heart function. Despite its physiological importance, only limited data are available on the molecular mechanisms regulating glucose uptake under these conditions. We used 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP), an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation, as a model to mimic hypoxia and gain insight into the signaling pathway underlying metabolic stress-induced glucose uptake in primary cultures of rat adult cardiomyocytes. The results demonstrate that 0.1 mM DNP induces 2.2- and 9-fold increases in AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and p38 MAPK phosphorylation, respectively. This is associated with a 2.3-fold increase in glucose uptake in these cells. To further delineate the role of AMPK in the regulation of glucose uptake, we used two complementary approaches: pharmacological inhibition of the enzyme with adenine 9-beta-D arabinofuranoside and adenoviral infection with a dominant-negative AMPK (DN-AMPK) mutant. Our results show that overexpression of DN-AMPK completely suppressed DNP-mediated phosphorylation of acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase, a downstream target of AMPK. Inhibition of AMPK with either 9-beta-D arabinofuranoside or DN-AMPK also abolished DNP-mediated p38 MAPK phosphorylation. Importantly, AMPK inhibition only partially decreased DNP-stimulated glucose uptake in cardiomyocytes. Inhibition of p38 MAPK with the pharmacological agent PD169316 also partially reduced (70%) glucose uptake in response to DNP. In conclusion, our results indicate that p38 MAPK acts downstream of AMPK in cardiomyocytes and that activation of the AMPK/p38 MAPK signaling cascade is essential for maximal stimulation of glucose uptake in response to DNP in adult cardiomyocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amélie Pelletier
- Montreal Diabetes Research Centre, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal and the Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada H2W 1T7
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18
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Suzuki G, Lee TC, Fallavollita JA, Canty JM. Adenoviral gene transfer of FGF-5 to hibernating myocardium improves function and stimulates myocytes to hypertrophy and reenter the cell cycle. Circ Res 2005; 96:767-75. [PMID: 15761196 DOI: 10.1161/01.res.0000162099.01268.d1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) have diverse actions on the myocardium but the importance of stimulating angiogenesis versus direct effects of FGFs on cardiac myocytes is unclear. We used intracoronary injection of a replication-deficient adenoviral construct overexpressing FGF-5 (AdvFGF-5) to improve flow and function in swine with hibernating myocardium. Two-weeks after AdvFGF-5 (n=8), wall-thickening increased from 2.4+/-0.04 to 4.7+/-0.7 mm in hibernating LAD regions (P<0.05) whereas remote wall-thickening was unchanged (6.7+/-0.4 to 5.8+/-0.5 mm). This was associated with small increases in resting flow to dysfunctional myocardium, but flow during adenosine was unchanged (LAD 1.45+/-0.27 versus 1.46+/-0.23 mL/min per g and remote 4.84+/-0.23 versus 4.71+/-0.47 mL/min per g, P=NS). Unexpectedly, animals receiving AdvFGF-5 demonstrated a 29% increase in LV mass over the 2-week period (P<0.05 versus untreated animals with hibernating myocardium and normal shams). Histological analysis confirmed profound myocyte cellular hypertrophy in AdvFGF-5 treated myocardium (19.9+/-0.32 versus 15.2+/-0.92 microm in untreated, P<0.001). Myocytes in the proliferative phase of the cell cycle (Ki-67 staining) increased 7-fold after AdvFGF-5 (2,904+/-405 versus 409+/-233 per 10(6) myocyte nuclei in untreated, P<0.05). Myocyte nuclei in the mitotic phase (phosphorylated histone H3 staining) also increased after AdvFGF-5 (127+/-24 versus 35+/-13 per 10(6) myocyte nuclei in untreated, P<0.05). Thus, rather than angiogenesis, stimulation of hypertrophy and reentry of a small number of myocytes into the mitotic phase of the cell cycle are responsible for the effects of AdvFGF-5 on function. Although additional mechanisms may contribute to the improvement in wall-thickening, overexpression of AdvFGF-5 may afford a way to restore function in hibernating myocardium and ameliorate heart failure in chronic ischemic cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gen Suzuki
- VA WNY Health Care System and the Department of Medicine and the Center for Research in Cardiovascular Medicine at the University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
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19
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Abstract
Heart failure remains a leading cause of worldwide morbidity and mortality. Despite recent advances in treatment and our increasing knowledge of pathophysiology and the molecular derangements involved in the failing heart, our ability to affect the underlying cardiac disease processes is limited. In recent years, there has been considerable interest in myocardial gene transfer as both an investigational and potential therapeutic modality. Ultimately, the goal of any such strategy is to reprogramme failing cardiac myocytes and correct the aberrant molecular events causing heart failure. So far, viral vectors have been utilised with success more frequently than any other method of gene delivery in animal models. Studies in animal models and in failing human cardiomyocytes in culture targeting specific molecular pathways, including the beta-adrenergic receptor cascade and the myocyte intracellular calcium handling system, have shown encouraging results and offer hope that gene manipulation may provide novel adjunctive therapeutic modalities for human heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob N Schroder
- Center for Translational Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
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20
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Emanueli C, Salis MB, Van Linthout S, Meloni M, Desortes E, Silvestre JS, Clergue M, Figueroa CD, Gadau S, Condorelli G, Madeddu P. Akt/Protein Kinase B and Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Mediate Muscular Neovascularization Induced by Tissue Kallikrein Gene Transfer. Circulation 2004; 110:1638-44. [PMID: 15364809 DOI: 10.1161/01.cir.0000142051.36244.83] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background—
Angiogenesis gene therapy with human tissue kallikrein (hTK) has shown promise for ischemic disease. The present study was undertaken to (1) assess an optimal gene transfer modality, (2) clarify hTK angiogenic pathways, and (3) discount possible side effects.
Methods and Results—
The hTK gene was transferred to murine adductors by increasing doses of an adenovirus (Ad.hTK). Heterologous protein production was evaluated by ELISA and immunohistochemistry. Structural and functional characteristics of hTK-induced neovascularization were assessed. Muscular endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A mRNA and protein content were evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. The ability of hTK to phosphorylate-activate Akt/protein kinase B (Akt-B) and VEGF receptor 2 (VEGF-R2) was also determined. Implication of the aforementioned mechanisms in Ad.hTK-induced neovascularization was challenged by blocking Akt-B with a dominant-negative Akt construct; NOS with
N
G
-nitro-
l
-arginine methyl ester; and VEGF-A with neutralizing antibody, VEGF-R2 antagonist, or Ad carrying soluble VEGF-R1 gene. We found that 10
7
PFU Ad.hTK led to peak increases in capillary and arteriole density. Newly developed arterioles persisted for up to 8 weeks. Ad.hTK did not change microvascular permeability. Ad.hTK upregulated eNOS mRNA and protein and activated Akt-B through Ser-473 phosphorylation. Inhibitory studies documented that these biochemical events were instrumental to Ad.hTK-induced neovascularization. In contrast, Ad.hTK neither affected VEGF-A and VEGF-R2 levels nor increased VEGF-R2 phosphorylation. Consistently, Ad.hTK-induced neovascularization was not disturbed by any of the different approaches used to block VEGF-A.
Conclusions—
Our findings provide new information on the pathway involved in hTK-induced neoangiogenesis and represent an advancement toward clinical applications with Ad.hTK.
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MESH Headings
- Adenoviridae/genetics
- Animals
- Blotting, Western
- Cell Division
- Endothelial Cells/cytology
- Endothelium, Vascular/cytology
- Enzyme Induction/drug effects
- Exudates and Transudates
- Genes, Dominant
- Genetic Vectors/pharmacology
- Humans
- Mice
- Microcirculation
- Muscle, Skeletal/blood supply
- Muscle, Skeletal/metabolism
- NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester/pharmacology
- Neovascularization, Physiologic/drug effects
- Neovascularization, Physiologic/genetics
- Nitric Oxide Synthase/biosynthesis
- Nitric Oxide Synthase/genetics
- Nitric Oxide Synthase/physiology
- Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II
- Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III
- Phosphorylation
- Phosphoserine/analysis
- Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Protein Processing, Post-Translational
- Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/physiology
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins/physiology
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt
- RNA, Messenger/biosynthesis
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- Tissue Kallikreins/genetics
- Tissue Kallikreins/physiology
- Transduction, Genetic
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/antagonists & inhibitors
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2/analysis
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Affiliation(s)
- Costanza Emanueli
- Experimental Medicine and Gene Therapy Section, INBB, Alghero, Italy.
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21
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Michele DE, Szatkowski ML, Albayya FP, Metzger JM. Parvalbumin gene delivery improves diastolic function in the aged myocardium in vivo. Mol Ther 2004; 10:399-403. [PMID: 15294186 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2004.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2003] [Accepted: 05/07/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal relaxation of the heart, termed diastolic dysfunction, is a significant and growing problem that is a major cause of heart failure in the aged population. The potential of gene transfer of parvalbumin (Parv), a cytoplasmic calcium-binding protein, to improve diastolic function in the aged myocardium in vivo was evaluated. Despite evidence for an early developmental influence on the efficiency of Ad5 striated muscle transduction, results show that Ad5 gene transfer efficiency to adult cardiac myocytes in vitro is identical in young and old rats, suggesting that the basic processes of adenovirus binding and internalization are unaffected by aging. In contrast, Ad5-mediated Parv gene transfer to the myocardium in vivo is reduced in old rats compared to young rats. Nonetheless, Parv gene transfer and expression in vivo were sufficient to improve tau, a load-independent indicator of diastolic function, assessed using catheter-based micromanometry in the aged myocardium. These results suggest that expression of the calcium buffer Parv may represent an effective approach to functional correction of the failing heart in the aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel E Michele
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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22
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Huq F, Lebeche D, Iyer V, Liao R, Hajjar RJ. Gene Transfer of Parvalbumin Improves Diastolic Dysfunction in Senescent Myocytes. Circulation 2004; 109:2780-5. [PMID: 15173024 DOI: 10.1161/01.cir.0000131764.62242.96] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Impaired relaxation is a cardinal feature of senescent myocardial dysfunction. Recently, adenoviral gene transfer of parvalbumin, a small calcium-buffering protein found exclusively in skeletal muscle and neurons, has been shown to improve cardiomyocyte relaxation in disease models of diastolic dysfunction. The goal of this study was to investigate whether parvalbumin gene transfer could reverse diastolic dysfunction in senescent cardiomyocytes. METHODS AND RESULTS Myocytes were isolated from senescent (26 months) and adult (6 months) F344/BN hybrid rats and were infected with Ad.Parv.GFP (where GFP is green fluorescent protein) or Ad.betagal.GFP at a multiplicity of infection of 250 for 48 hours. Uninfected senescent and adult myocytes served as controls. After stimulation at a frequency of 0.5 Hz, intracellular calcium transients and myocyte contractility were measured using dual excitation spectrofluorometry and video-edge detection system (Ionoptix). Parvalbumin significantly improved relaxation parameters in senescent myocytes: Both the rate of calcium transient decay and the rate of myocyte relengthening were dramatically increased in senescent cardiac myocytes transduced with parvalbumin compared with nontransduced and GFP-expressing controls, with no effect on myocyte shortening. CONCLUSIONS Parvalbumin expression corrects impaired relaxation in aging myocytes. Given that abnormalities of myocyte relaxation underlie diastolic dysfunction in a large proportion of elderly patients with heart failure, gene transfer of parvalbumin may thus be a novel approach to target diastolic dysfunction in senescent myocardium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fawzia Huq
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Mass 02129, USA
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23
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Ma H, Sumbilla CM, Farrance IKG, Klein MG, Inesi G. Cell-specific expression of SERCA, the exogenous Ca2+transport ATPase, in cardiac myocytes. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2004; 286:C556-64. [PMID: 14592812 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00328.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We evaluated various constructs to obtain cell-specific expression of the sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) gene in cardiac myocytes after cDNA transfer by means of transfections or infections with adenovirus vectors. Expression of exogenous enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and SERCA genes was studied in cultured chicken embryo and neonatal rat cardiac myocytes, skeletal and smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts, and hepatocytes. Whereas the cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter yielded high levels of protein expression in all cells studied, cardiac troponin T (cTnT) promoter segments demonstrated high specificity for cardiac myocytes. Their efficiency for protein expression was lower than that of the CMV promoter, but higher than that of cardiac myosin light chain or β-myosin heavy chain promoter segments. A double virus system for Cre-dependent expression under control of the CMV promoter and Cre expression under control of a cardiac-specific promoter yielded high protein levels in cardiac myocytes, but only partial cell specificity due to significant Cre expression in hepatocytes. Specific intracellular targeting of gene products was demonstrated in situ by specific immunostaining of exogenous SERCA1 and endogenous SERCA2 and comparative fluorescence microscopy. The -374 cTnT promoter segment was the most advantageous of the promoters studied, producing cell-specific SERCA expression and a definite increase over endogenous Ca2+-ATPase activity as well as faster removal of cytosolic calcium after membrane excitation. We conclude that analysis of promoter efficiency and cell specificity is of definite advantage when cell-specific expression of exogenous SERCA is wanted in cardiac myocytes after cDNA delivery to mixed cell populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailun Ma
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201-1503, USA
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24
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Work LM, Nicklin SA, Brain NJR, Dishart KL, Von Seggern DJ, Hallek M, Büning H, Baker AH. Development of Efficient Viral Vectors Selective for Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells. Mol Ther 2004; 9:198-208. [PMID: 14759804 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2003.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2003] [Accepted: 11/14/2003] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) is integral to the pathogenesis of neointimal formation associated with late vein graft failure, in-stent restenosis, and transplant arteriopathy. Viral vectors transduce SMC with low efficiency and hence, there is a need for improvement. We aimed to enhance the efficiency and selectivity of gene delivery to human SMC. Targeting ligands were identified using phage display on primary human saphenous vein SMC with linear and cyclic libraries. Two linear peptides, EYHHYNK (EYH) and GETRAPL (GET), were incorporated into the HI loop of adenovirus (Ad) fibers and the capsid protein of adeno-associated virus-2 (AAV-2). Exposure of human venous SMC to EYH-modified (but not the GET-modified) Ad vector resulted in a significant increase in transgene expression levels at short, clinically relevant exposure times. Similarly, the EYH-modified AAV vector resulted in enhanced gene transfer to human venous SMC but not endothelial cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The EYH-modified AAV vector also enhanced (up to 70-fold) gene delivery to primary human arterial SMC. Hence, incorporation of EYH into Ad and AAV capsids resulted in a significant and selective enhancement in transduction of SMC and has implications for improving local gene delivery to the vasculature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorraine M Work
- Division of Cardiovascular & Medical Sciences, Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G11 6NT, UK
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25
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Simons M, Ware JA. Therapeutic angiogenesis in cardiovascular disease. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2004; 2:863-71. [PMID: 14668807 DOI: 10.1038/nrd1226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 233] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Simons
- Angiogenesis Research Center and Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Dartmouth Medical School, Lebanon, New Hampshire 03756, USA.
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26
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Rajagopalan S, Mohler ER, Lederman RJ, Mendelsohn FO, Saucedo JF, Goldman CK, Blebea J, Macko J, Kessler PD, Rasmussen HS, Annex BH. Regional Angiogenesis With Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Peripheral Arterial Disease. Circulation 2003; 108:1933-8. [PMID: 14504183 DOI: 10.1161/01.cir.0000093398.16124.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 397] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Background—
“Therapeutic angiogenesis” seeks to improve perfusion by the growth of new blood vessels. The Regional Angiogenesis with Vascular Endothelial growth factor (RAVE) trial is the first major randomized study of adenoviral vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene transfer for the treatment of peripheral artery disease (PAD).
Methods and Results—
This phase 2, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was designed to test the efficacy and safety of intramuscular delivery of AdVEGF121, a replication-deficient adenovirus encoding the 121-amino-acid isoform of vascular endothelial growth factor, to the lower extremities of subjects with unilateral PAD. In all, 105 subjects with unilateral exercise-limiting intermittent claudication during 2 qualifying treadmill tests, with peak walking time (PWT) between 1 to 10 minutes, were stratified on the basis of diabetic status and randomized to low-dose (4×10
9
PU) AdVEGF121, high-dose (4×10
10
PU) AdVEGF121, or placebo, administered as 20 intramuscular injections to the index leg in a single session. The primary efficacy end point, change in PWT (ΔPWT) at 12 weeks, did not differ between the placebo (1.8±3.2 minutes), low-dose (1.6±1.9 minutes), and high-dose (1.5±3.1 minutes) groups. Secondary measures, including ΔPWT, ankle-brachial index, claudication onset time, and quality-of-life measures (SF-36 and Walking Impairment Questionnaire), were also similar among groups at 12 and 26 weeks. AdVEGF121 administration was associated with increased peripheral edema.
Conclusions—
A single unilateral intramuscular administration of AdVEGF121 was not associated with improved exercise performance or quality of life in this study. This study does not support local delivery of single-dose VEGF
121
as a treatment strategy in patients with unilateral PAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay Rajagopalan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Vascular Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, USA.
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27
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Ebelt H, Braun T. Optimized, highly efficient transfer of foreign genes into newborn mouse hearts in vivo. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2003; 310:1111-6. [PMID: 14559230 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2003.09.131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Expression of foreign genes in vivo is a standard method to disclose functions of specific genes and to alter physiological conditions in distinct cell types and tissues. Virus-mediated gene transfer has proved to be a valuable tool for directed gene expression in vivo complementary to transgenic approaches. However, several problems associated with routes of application, endurance of gene expression, and efficiency of infections still have to be solved. We have optimized a gene transfer protocol into hearts of newborn mice to achieve widespread long-lasting expression using adenoviral vectors. Intrathoracic injection of high-titer adenoviral preparations (10(8)pfu) led to expression of foreign genes in >71+/-8% of all heart cells for >50 days after infection without any morphological signs of cardiac malfunction, inflammation, or immune response. This approach might be adapted to long-term cellular studies in vivo since 5 months after infection up to 20% of all cardiac cells still expressed virally encoded genes. Successful and efficient expression of other gene of interest can be easily controlled by co-injection of low titers of a reporter vector encoding EGFP (10(6)pfu).
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Affiliation(s)
- Henning Ebelt
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University of Halle-Wittenberg, Hollystrasse 1, 06097 Halle, Germany
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28
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Sumbilla C, Ma H, Seth M, Inesi G. Dependence of exogenous SERCA gene expression on coxsackie adenovirus receptor levels in neonatal and adult cardiac myocytes. Arch Biochem Biophys 2003; 415:178-83. [PMID: 12831840 DOI: 10.1016/s0003-9861(03)00258-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
We demonstrate that the efficiency of adenovirus-assisted exogenous Ca(2+) ATPase (SERCA) and reporter (EGFP) gene expression is much higher in primary cultures of myocytes from neonatal rat hearts, than in primary cultures of myocytes from adult rat hearts. In this respect, the neonatal myocytes behave similarly to the established COS-1 cell line. This difference is related to the level of coxsackie adenovirus receptor (CAR) that affects cell penetration and expression level of exogenous genes, and explains variations in the observed consequences of exposure to adenovirus vector carrying SERCA cDNA. Awareness of these differences should be highly advantageous in complementary studies of exogenous gene expression in neonatal and adult myocytes. It should also be advantageous in evaluating conditions yielding optimal ratios of functional benefits over possible toxic effects upon exogenous SERCA gene delivery to cardiac muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlota Sumbilla
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 108 N Greene Street, Baltimore, MD 21201-1503, USA
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