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Zhang H, Zhan Q, Huang B, Wang Y, Wang X. AAV-mediated gene therapy: Advancing cardiovascular disease treatment. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:952755. [PMID: 36061546 PMCID: PMC9437345 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.952755] [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: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy has revolutionized the field of medicine, offering new hope for those with common and rare diseases. For nearly three decades, adeno-associated virus (AAV) has shown significant therapeutic benefits in multiple clinical trials, mainly due to its unique replication defects and non-pathogenicity in humans. In the field of cardiovascular disease (CVD), compared with non-viral vectors, lentiviruses, poxviruses, and adenovirus vectors, AAV possesses several advantages, including high security, low immunogenicity, sustainable and stable exogenous gene expression etc., which makes AAV one of the most promising candidates for the treatment of many genetic disorders and hereditary diseases. In this review, we evaluate the current information on the immune responses, transport pathways, and mechanisms of action associated with AAV-based CVD gene therapies and further explore potential optimization strategies to improve the efficiency of AAV transduction for the improved safety and efficiency of CVD treatment. In conclusion, AAV-mediated gene therapy has great potential for development in the cardiovascular system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huili Zhang
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
- Oncology Department, Zhejiang Xiaoshan HospitaI, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qi Zhan
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Biao Huang
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yigang Wang
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
- Yigang Wang
| | - Xiaoyan Wang
- Oncology Department, Zhejiang Xiaoshan HospitaI, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaoyan Wang
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2
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Mongkolpathumrat P, Nernpermpisooth N, Kijtawornrat A, Pikwong F, Chouyratchakarn W, Yodsheewan R, Unajak S, Kumphune S. Adeno-associated virus 9 vector-mediated cardiac-selective expression of human secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor attenuates myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:976083. [PMID: 36061560 PMCID: PMC9437585 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.976083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Protease enzymes contribute to the initiation of cardiac remodeling and heart failure after myocardial ischemic/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Protease inhibitors attenuate protease activity and limit left ventricular dysfunction and remodeling. Previous studies showed the cardioprotective effect of secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) against I/R injury. However, overexpression of SLPI gene in cardiovascular diseases has only been investigated in an in vitro experiment. Here, cardiac-selective expression of the human secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (hSLPI) gene and its effect on I/R injury were investigated. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) serotype 9 carrying hSLPI under the control of cardiac-selective expression promoter (cardiac troponin, cTn) was intravenously administered to Sprague–Dawley rats for 4 weeks prior to coronary artery ligation. The results showed that myocardial-selective expression of hSLPI significantly reduced infarct size, cardiac troponin I (cTnI), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), and myoglobin levels that all served to improve cardiac function. Moreover, overexpression of hSLPI showed a reduction in inflammatory cytokines, oxidatively modified protein carbonyl (PC) content, ischemia-modified albumin (IMA), and necrosis and cardiac tissue degeneration. In conclusion, this is the first study to demonstrate cardiac-selective gene delivery of hSLPI providing cardioprotection against myocardial I/R injury in an in vivo model.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nitirut Nernpermpisooth
- Integrative Biomedical Research Unit (IBRU), Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic Technology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
| | - Anusak Kijtawornrat
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Faprathan Pikwong
- Biomedical Engineering Institute (BMEI), Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | | | - Rungrueang Yodsheewan
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sasimanas Unajak
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sarawut Kumphune
- Biomedical Engineering Institute (BMEI), Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Integrative Biomedical Research Unit (IBRU), Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
- *Correspondence: Sarawut Kumphune
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3
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Superoxide Radicals in the Execution of Cell Death. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11030501. [PMID: 35326151 PMCID: PMC8944419 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11030501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Superoxide is a primary oxygen radical that is produced when an oxygen molecule receives one electron. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) plays a primary role in the cellular defense against an oxidative insult by ROS. However, the resulting hydrogen peroxide is still reactive and, in the presence of free ferrous iron, may produce hydroxyl radicals and exacerbate diseases. Polyunsaturated fatty acids are the preferred target of hydroxyl radicals. Ferroptosis, a type of necrotic cell death induced by lipid peroxides in the presence of free iron, has attracted considerable interest because of its role in the pathogenesis of many diseases. Radical electrons, namely those released from mitochondrial electron transfer complexes, and those produced by enzymatic reactions, such as lipoxygenases, appear to cause lipid peroxidation. While GPX4 is the most potent anti-ferroptotic enzyme that is known to reduce lipid peroxides to alcohols, other antioxidative enzymes are also indirectly involved in protection against ferroptosis. Moreover, several low molecular weight compounds that include α-tocopherol, ascorbate, and nitric oxide also efficiently neutralize radical electrons, thereby suppressing ferroptosis. The removal of radical electrons in the early stages is of primary importance in protecting against ferroptosis and other diseases that are related to oxidative stress.
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4
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Kok CY, MacLean LM, Ho JC, Lisowski L, Kizana E. Potential Applications for Targeted Gene Therapy to Protect Against Anthracycline Cardiotoxicity: JACC: CardioOncology Primer. JACC CardioOncol 2022; 3:650-662. [PMID: 34988473 PMCID: PMC8702812 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaccao.2021.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthracyclines are associated with risk of significant dose-dependent cardiotoxicity. Conventional heart failure therapies have neither ameliorated declining cardiac function nor addressed the underlying cause. Gene therapy may confer long-term cardioprotection by rendering the heart resistant to anthracyclines after 1 treatment, although the optimal therapeutic target remains to be elucidated. Recombinant adeno-associated virus is now clinically approved for the treatment of lipoprotein lipase deficiency, spinal muscular atrophy, and hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis. High-throughput methods allow selection of recombinant adeno-associated virus capsids that facilitate efficient gene delivery to specific target cells. Vector safety is enhanced by incorporating cardiac-specific promoters into vector design and localizing delivery to reduce off-target risk. Any cardioprotective transgene may bear a degree of risk as they may play as yet unknown roles, which require careful assessment using clinically relevant models. The innovative technologies outlined here make gene therapy a promising proof of principle, with potential further application to nonanthracycline chemotherapeutics. Protection against anthracycline cardiotoxicity may be achieved by gene delivery to the heart. The optimal cardioprotective target gene remains to be identified. Targeted gene expression in human myocytes can now be achieved with advances in AAV vectorology. It is critical to minimize risk of off-target effects which may impede anthracycline oncotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Y Kok
- Centre for Heart Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Westmead Clinical School, the Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lauren M MacLean
- Centre for Heart Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jett C Ho
- Centre for Heart Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Leszek Lisowski
- Military Institute of Medicine, Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Innovative Therapies, Warsaw, Poland.,Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.,Vector and Genome Engineering Facility, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Eddy Kizana
- Centre for Heart Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Westmead Clinical School, the Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Cardiology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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5
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Leifheit-Nestler M, Wagner MA, Richter B, Piepert C, Eitner F, Böckmann I, Vogt I, Grund A, Hille SS, Foinquinos A, Zimmer K, Thum T, Müller OJ, Haffner D. Cardiac Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 Excess Does Not Induce Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Healthy Mice. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:745892. [PMID: 34778257 PMCID: PMC8581397 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.745892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 23 is elevated in chronic kidney disease (CKD) to maintain phosphate homeostasis. FGF23 is associated with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in CKD and induces LVH via klotho-independent FGFR4-mediated activation of calcineurin/nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) signaling in animal models, displaying systemic alterations possibly contributing to heart injury. Whether elevated FGF23 per se causes LVH in healthy animals is unknown. By generating a mouse model with high intra-cardiac Fgf23 synthesis using an adeno-associated virus (AAV) expressing murine Fgf23 (AAV-Fgf23) under the control of the cardiac troponin T promoter, we investigated how cardiac Fgf23 affects cardiac remodeling and function in C57BL/6 wild-type mice. We report that AAV-Fgf23 mice showed increased cardiac-specific Fgf23 mRNA expression and synthesis of full-length intact Fgf23 (iFgf23) protein. Circulating total and iFgf23 levels were significantly elevated in AAV-Fgf23 mice compared to controls with no difference in bone Fgf23 expression, suggesting a cardiac origin. Serum of AAV-Fgf23 mice stimulated hypertrophic growth of neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVM) and induced pro-hypertrophic NFAT target genes in klotho-free culture conditions in vitro. Further analysis revealed that renal Fgfr1/klotho/extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 signaling was activated in AAV-Fgf23 mice, resulting in downregulation of sodium-phosphate cotransporter NaPi2a and NaPi2c and suppression of Cyp27b1, further supporting the bioactivity of cardiac-derived iFgf23. Of interest, no LVH, LV fibrosis, or impaired cardiac function was observed in klotho sufficient AAV-Fgf23 mice. Verified in NRVM, we show that co-stimulation with soluble klotho prevented Fgf23-induced cellular hypertrophy, supporting the hypothesis that high cardiac Fgf23 does not act cardiotoxic in the presence of its physiological cofactor klotho. In conclusion, chronic exposure to elevated cardiac iFgf23 does not induce LVH in healthy mice, suggesting that Fgf23 excess per se does not tackle the heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maren Leifheit-Nestler
- Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver and Metabolic Diseases, Pediatric Research Center, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Miriam A Wagner
- Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver and Metabolic Diseases, Pediatric Research Center, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Beatrice Richter
- Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver and Metabolic Diseases, Pediatric Research Center, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Corinna Piepert
- Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver and Metabolic Diseases, Pediatric Research Center, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Fiona Eitner
- Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver and Metabolic Diseases, Pediatric Research Center, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Ineke Böckmann
- Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver and Metabolic Diseases, Pediatric Research Center, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Isabel Vogt
- Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver and Metabolic Diseases, Pediatric Research Center, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Andrea Grund
- Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver and Metabolic Diseases, Pediatric Research Center, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Susanne S Hille
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Kiel, Kiel, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Kiel, Germany
| | - Ariana Foinquinos
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Karina Zimmer
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Thomas Thum
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany.,National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,REBIRTH Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Oliver J Müller
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Kiel, Kiel, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Kiel, Germany
| | - Dieter Haffner
- Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver and Metabolic Diseases, Pediatric Research Center, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
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6
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De Geest B, Mishra M. Role of Oxidative Stress in Heart Failure: Insights from Gene Transfer Studies. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9111645. [PMID: 34829874 PMCID: PMC8615706 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9111645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Under physiological circumstances, there is an exquisite balance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and ROS degradation, resulting in low steady-state ROS levels. ROS participate in normal cellular function and in cellular homeostasis. Oxidative stress is the state of a transient or a persistent increase of steady-state ROS levels leading to disturbed signaling pathways and oxidative modification of cellular constituents. It is a key pathophysiological player in pathological hypertrophy, pathological remodeling, and the development and progression of heart failure. The heart is the metabolically most active organ and is characterized by the highest content of mitochondria of any tissue. Mitochondria are the main source of ROS in the myocardium. The causal role of oxidative stress in heart failure is highlighted by gene transfer studies of three primary antioxidant enzymes, thioredoxin, and heme oxygenase-1, and is further supported by gene therapy studies directed at correcting oxidative stress linked to metabolic risk factors. Moreover, gene transfer studies have demonstrated that redox-sensitive microRNAs constitute potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of heart failure. In conclusion, gene therapy studies have provided strong corroborative evidence for a key role of oxidative stress in pathological remodeling and in the development of heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart De Geest
- Centre for Molecular and Vascular Biology, Catholic University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-16-372-059
| | - Mudit Mishra
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands;
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7
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Prakoso D, Tate M, Blasio M, Ritchie R. Adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector-mediated therapeutics for diabetic cardiomyopathy - current and future perspectives. Clin Sci (Lond) 2021; 135:1369-1387. [PMID: 34076247 PMCID: PMC8187922 DOI: 10.1042/cs20210052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Diabetes increases the prevalence of heart failure by 6-8-fold, independent of other comorbidities such as hypertension and coronary artery disease, a phenomenon termed diabetic cardiomyopathy. Several key signalling pathways have been identified that drive the pathological changes associated with diabetes-induced heart failure. This has led to the development of multiple pharmacological agents that are currently available for clinical use. While fairly effective at delaying disease progression, these treatments do not reverse the cardiac damage associated with diabetes. One potential alternative avenue for targeting diabetes-induced heart failure is the use of adeno-associated viral vector (AAV) gene therapy, which has shown great versatility in a multitude of disease settings. AAV gene therapy has the potential to target specific cells or tissues, has a low host immune response and has the possibility to represent a lifelong cure, not possible with current conventional pharmacotherapies. In this review, we will assess the therapeutic potential of AAV gene therapy as a treatment for diabetic cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darnel Prakoso
- Departments of Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University Parkville Campus, Australia
| | - Mitchel Tate
- Departments of Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University Parkville Campus, Australia
- Diabetes, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Miles J. De Blasio
- Departments of Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University Parkville Campus, Australia
- Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Rebecca H. Ritchie
- Departments of Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University Parkville Campus, Australia
- Diabetes, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
- Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
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8
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Complex Coronary Instent Chronic Total Occlusion Lesions: Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Coronary Stent Lengths. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:8815048. [PMID: 33936387 PMCID: PMC8062172 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8815048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The oxidative stress and inflammation played the key roles in the development of atherosclerotic coronary plaques. However, the relationships between pro/antioxidant, pro/anti-inflammatory status, and complex coronary instent chronic total occlusion lesions were not clear in the elderly patients with very long stent implantations. We tried to evaluate the roles of pro/antioxidant and pro/anti-inflammatory biomarkers in the diagnosis of complex reocclusion lesions in elderly patients after coronary stenting. We evaluated the expression levels of acrolein (ACR), malondialdehyde (MDA), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), superoxide dismutase 3 (SOD3), paraoxonase-1 (PON-1), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) in the elderly patients with very long stent implantations and complex reocclusion lesions. Levels of ACR, MDA, hs-CRP, and TNF-α were remarkably increased (P < 0.001), and levels of SOD3, PON-1, eNOS, and SDF-1α were decreased significantly (P < 0.001) in the elderly patients with very long stents and complex reocclusion lesions. The prooxidant and proinflammatory biomarkers were remarkably increased, as well as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory biomarkers were decreased significantly in the elderly patients with very long stent implantations and complex reocclusion lesions after coronary stenting. In conclusion, these findings indicated that the imbalance between prooxidant/proinflammatory and antioxidant/anti-inflammatory status was associated with complex reocclusion lesions, suggesting that oxidative stress and inflammation played the key roles in progression of complex reocclusion lesions in the elderly patients with very long stent implantations.
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9
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Brun MJ, Song K, Kang B, Lueck C, Chen W, Thatcher K, Gao E, Koch WJ, Lincoln J, Rajan S, Suh J. Constructing and evaluating caspase-activatable adeno-associated virus vector for gene delivery to the injured heart. J Control Release 2020; 328:834-845. [PMID: 33157191 PMCID: PMC7770761 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.10.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Revised: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is a promising vector for gene therapy, but its broad tropism can be detrimental if the transgene being delivered is harmful when expressed ubiquitously in the body, i.e. in non-target tissues. Delivering the transgene of interest to target cells at levels high enough to be therapeutically effective while maintaining safety by minimizing delivery to off-target cells is a prevalent challenge in the field of gene therapy. We have developed a protease activatable vector (provector) platform based on AAV9 that can be injected systemically to deliver therapeutic transgenes site-specifically to diseased cells by responding to extracellular proteases present at the disease site. The provector platform consists of a peptide insertion into the virus capsid which disrupts the virus' ability to bind to cell surface receptors. This peptide contains a blocking motif (aspartic acid residues) flanked on either side by cleavage sequences that are recognized by certain proteases. Exposure to proteases cleaves the peptides off the capsid, activating or "switching ON" the provector. In response to the activation, the provectors regain their ability to bind and transduce cells. Here, we have designed a provector that is activated by cysteine aspartic proteases (caspases), which have roles in inflammation and apoptosis and thus are elevated at sites of diseases such as heart failure, neurodegenerative diseases, and ischemic stroke. This provector demonstrates a 200-fold reduction in transduction ability in the OFF state compared to AAV9, reducing the virus' ability to transduce off-target healthy tissue. Following exposure to and proteolysis by caspase-3, the provector shows a 95-fold increase in transduction compared to the OFF state. The switchable transduction behavior was found to be a direct result of the peptide insertion ablating the ability of the virus to bind to cells. In vivo studies were conducted to characterize the biodistribution, blood circulation time, neutralizing antibody formation, and targeted delivery ability of the caspase-activatable provector in a model of heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell J Brun
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, 6100 Main St., Houston, TX 77005, United States
| | - Kefan Song
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, 6100 Main St., Houston, TX 77005, United States
| | - Byunguk Kang
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, 6100 Main St., Houston, TX 77005, United States
| | - Cooper Lueck
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, 6100 Main St., Houston, TX 77005, United States
| | - Weitong Chen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, 6100 Main St., Houston, TX 77005, United States
| | - Kaitlyn Thatcher
- Pediatric Cardiology, Herma Heart Institute, Children's Wisconsin, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States
| | - Erhe Gao
- Center for Translational Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, 3500 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19140, United States
| | - Walter J Koch
- Center for Translational Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, 3500 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19140, United States
| | - Joy Lincoln
- Pediatric Cardiology, Herma Heart Institute, Children's Wisconsin, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States
| | - Sudarsan Rajan
- Center for Translational Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, 3500 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19140, United States
| | - Junghae Suh
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, 6100 Main St., Houston, TX 77005, United States; Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, 6100 Main St., Houston, TX 77005, United States.
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10
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Yan Z, Spaulding HR. Extracellular superoxide dismutase, a molecular transducer of health benefits of exercise. Redox Biol 2020; 32:101508. [PMID: 32220789 PMCID: PMC7109453 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2020.101508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular superoxide dismutase (EcSOD) is the only extracellular scavenger of superoxide anion (O2.-) with unique binding capacity to cell surface and extracellular matrix through its heparin-binding domain. Enhanced EcSOD activity prevents oxidative stress and damage, which are fundamental in a variety of disease pathologies. In this review we will discuss the findings in humans and animal studies supporting the benefits of EcSOD induced by exercise training in reducing oxidative stress in various tissues. In particularly, we will highlight the importance of skeletal muscle EcSOD, which is induced by endurance exercise and redistributed through the circulation to the peripheral tissues, as a molecular transducer of exercise training to confer protection against oxidative stress and damage in various disease conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Yan
- Center for Skeletal Muscle Research at Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA; Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA.
| | - Hannah R Spaulding
- Center for Skeletal Muscle Research at Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
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11
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Fan M, Chen Z, Huang Y, Xia Y, Chen A, Lu D, Wu Y, Zhang N, Zhang P, Li S, Chen J, Zhang Y, Sun A, Zou Y, Hu K, Qian J, Ge J. Overexpression of the histidine triad nucleotide-binding protein 2 protects cardiac function in the adult mice after acute myocardial infarction. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2020; 228:e13439. [PMID: 31900976 DOI: 10.1111/apha.13439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2019] [Revised: 12/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
AIM To explore the role of the histidine triad nucleotide-binding 2 (HINT2) protein in heart failure. METHODS Neonatal mouse ventricle myocytes (NMVMs) and myocardial infarction-induced heart failure mice were used for in vitro or in vivo experiments. Adenovirus (ADV) and adeno-associated virus serum type 9 (AAV9) vectors were used to regulate HINT2 expression. The expression of HINT2 was determined by quantifying the mRNA and protein levels. Cell survival was analysed using the CCK-8 kit and TUNEL staining. Mitochondrial function was determined by the mitochondrial membrane potential and oxygen consumption rates. AAV9-HINT2 was injected 24 h post-myocardial infarction following which transthoracic echocardiography and histological analyses were performed after 4 weeks. Positron emission tomography tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT) and targeted metabolomics analyses were used to explore the metabolic status in vivo. NAD levels were measured using a colorimetric kit. Computer-simulated rigid body molecular docking was performed using AUTODOCK4. Molecule binding kinetics assays were performed using biolayer interferometry. RESULTS HINT2 was down-regulated in NMVMs in hypoxia. ADV-HINT2-induced HINT2 overexpression improved NMVM survival after exposure to hypoxia. Mitochondrial function was preserved in the ADV-HINT2 group under hypoxic conditions. In vivo experiments showed that cardiac function and metabolic status was preserved by HINT2 overexpression. HINT2 overexpression restored mitochondrial NAD levels; this was dependent on nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). Using computer-simulated molecular docking analysis and biolayer interferometry, we observed that HINT2 potentially binds and associates with NMN. CONCLUSION HINT2 overexpression protects cardiac function in adult mice after myocardial infarction by maintaining mitochondrial NAD homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengkang Fan
- Department of Cardiology Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases Shanghai China
- Department of Cardiovascular Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University Jiangsu China
| | - Zhangwei Chen
- Department of Cardiology Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases Shanghai China
| | - Yin Huang
- Department of Geriatric Medicine Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University Jiangsu China
| | - Yan Xia
- Department of Cardiology Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases Shanghai China
| | - Ao Chen
- Department of Cardiology Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases Shanghai China
| | - Danbo Lu
- Department of Cardiology Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases Shanghai China
| | - Yuan Wu
- Department of Cardiology Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases Shanghai China
| | - Ning Zhang
- Department of Cardiology Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases Shanghai China
| | - Peipei Zhang
- Department of Cardiology Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases Shanghai China
| | - Su Li
- Department of Cardiology Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases Shanghai China
| | - Jinxiang Chen
- Department of Cardiology Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases Shanghai China
| | - Yingmei Zhang
- Department of Cardiology Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases Shanghai China
| | - Aijun Sun
- Department of Cardiology Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases Shanghai China
| | - Yunzeng Zou
- Department of Cardiology Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases Shanghai China
| | - Kai Hu
- Department of Cardiology Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases Shanghai China
| | - Juying Qian
- Department of Cardiology Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases Shanghai China
| | - Junbo Ge
- Department of Cardiology Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases Shanghai China
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García‐Olloqui P, Rodriguez‐Madoz JR, Di Scala M, Abizanda G, Vales Á, Olagüe C, Iglesias‐García O, Larequi E, Aguado‐Alvaro LP, Ruiz‐Villalba A, Prosper F, Gonzalez‐Aseguinolaza G, Pelacho B. Effect of heart ischemia and administration route on biodistribution and transduction efficiency of AAV9 vectors. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2019; 14:123-134. [DOI: 10.1002/term.2974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Paula García‐Olloqui
- Regenerative Medicine DepartmentCenter for Applied Medical Research, University of Navarra Pamplona Spain
| | | | - Marianna Di Scala
- Gene Therapy DepartmentFoundation for Applied Medical Research Pamplona Spain
| | - Gloria Abizanda
- Regenerative Medicine DepartmentCenter for Applied Medical Research, University of Navarra Pamplona Spain
| | - África Vales
- Gene Therapy DepartmentFoundation for Applied Medical Research Pamplona Spain
| | - Cristina Olagüe
- Gene Therapy DepartmentFoundation for Applied Medical Research Pamplona Spain
| | - Olalla Iglesias‐García
- Regenerative Medicine DepartmentCenter for Applied Medical Research, University of Navarra Pamplona Spain
| | - Eduardo Larequi
- Regenerative Medicine DepartmentCenter for Applied Medical Research, University of Navarra Pamplona Spain
| | - Laura Pilar Aguado‐Alvaro
- Regenerative Medicine DepartmentCenter for Applied Medical Research, University of Navarra Pamplona Spain
| | - Adrián Ruiz‐Villalba
- Regenerative Medicine DepartmentCenter for Applied Medical Research, University of Navarra Pamplona Spain
| | - Felipe Prosper
- Regenerative Medicine DepartmentCenter for Applied Medical Research, University of Navarra Pamplona Spain
- Hematology and Cell Therapy DepartmentClínica Universidad de Navarra, University of Navarra Pamplona Spain
| | | | - Beatriz Pelacho
- Regenerative Medicine DepartmentCenter for Applied Medical Research, University of Navarra Pamplona Spain
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13
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Telomere Gene Therapy: Polarizing Therapeutic Goals for Treatment of Various Diseases. Cells 2019; 8:cells8050392. [PMID: 31035374 PMCID: PMC6563133 DOI: 10.3390/cells8050392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Modulation of telomerase maintenance by gene therapy must meet two polarizing requirements to achieve different therapeutic outcomes: Anti-aging/regenerative applications require upregulation, while anticancer applications necessitate suppression of various genes integral to telomere maintenance (e.g., telomerase, telomerase RNA components, and shelterin complex). Patients suffering from aging-associated illnesses often exhibit telomere attrition, which promotes chromosomal instability and cellular senescence, thus requiring the transfer of telomere maintenance-related genes to improve patient outcomes. However, reactivation and overexpression of telomerase are observed in 85% of cancer patients; this process is integral to cancer immortality. Thus, telomere-associated genes in the scope of cancer gene therapy must be inactivated or inhibited to induce anticancer effects. These contradicting requirements for achieving different therapeutic outcomes mean that any vector-mediated upregulation of telomere-associated genes must be accompanied by rigorous evaluation of potential oncogenesis. Thus, this review aims to discuss how telomere-associated genes are being targeted or utilized in various gene therapy applications and provides some insight into currently available safety hazard assessments.
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Oakley RH, Cruz-Topete D, He B, Foley JF, Myers PH, Xu X, Gomez-Sanchez CE, Chambon P, Willis MS, Cidlowski JA. Cardiomyocyte glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors directly and antagonistically regulate heart disease in mice. Sci Signal 2019; 12:12/577/eaau9685. [PMID: 30992401 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aau9685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Stress is increasingly associated with heart dysfunction and is linked to higher mortality rates in patients with cardiometabolic disease. Glucocorticoids are primary stress hormones that regulate homeostasis through two nuclear receptors, the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), both of which are present in cardiomyocytes. To examine the specific and coordinated roles that these receptors play in mediating the direct effects of stress on the heart, we generated mice with cardiomyocyte-specific deletion of GR (cardioGRKO), MR (cardioMRKO), or both GR and MR (cardioGRMRdKO). The cardioGRKO mice spontaneously developed cardiac hypertrophy and left ventricular systolic dysfunction and died prematurely from heart failure. In contrast, the cardioMRKO mice exhibited normal heart morphology and function. Despite the presence of myocardial stress, the cardioGRMRdKO mice were resistant to the cardiac remodeling, left ventricular dysfunction, and early death observed in the cardioGRKO mice. Gene expression analysis revealed the loss of gene changes associated with impaired Ca2+ handling, increased oxidative stress, and enhanced cell death and the presence of gene changes that limited the hypertrophic response and promoted cardiomyocyte survival in the double knockout hearts. Reexpression of MR in cardioGRMRdKO hearts reversed many of the cardioprotective gene changes and resulted in cardiac failure. These findings reveal a critical role for balanced cardiomyocyte GR and MR stress signaling in cardiovascular health. Therapies that shift stress signaling in the heart to favor more GR and less MR activity may provide an improved approach for treating heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert H Oakley
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, NIEHS, NIH, DHHS, 111 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Diana Cruz-Topete
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, NIEHS, NIH, DHHS, 111 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Bo He
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, NIEHS, NIH, DHHS, 111 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Julie F Foley
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology Branch, NIEHS, NIH, DHHS, 111 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Page H Myers
- Comparative Medicine Branch, NIEHS, NIH, DHHS, 111 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Xiaojiang Xu
- Laboratory of Integrative Bioinformatics, NIEHS, NIH, DHHS, 111 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Celso E Gomez-Sanchez
- Endocrinology Division, G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | - Pierre Chambon
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, CNRS UMR7104, Inserm U964, Université de Strasbourg, Collège de France, Illkirch 67404, France
| | - Monte S Willis
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, McAllister Heart Institute, UNC, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - John A Cidlowski
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, NIEHS, NIH, DHHS, 111 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
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15
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Ma X, Mani K, Liu H, Kovacs A, Murphy JT, Foroughi L, French BA, Weinheimer CJ, Kraja A, Benjamin IJ, Hill JA, Javaheri A, Diwan A. Transcription Factor EB Activation Rescues Advanced αB-Crystallin Mutation-Induced Cardiomyopathy by Normalizing Desmin Localization. J Am Heart Assoc 2019; 8:e010866. [PMID: 30773991 PMCID: PMC6405666 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.118.010866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Background Mutations in αB-crystallin result in proteotoxic cardiomyopathy with desmin mislocalization to protein aggregates. Intermittent fasting ( IF ) is a novel approach to activate transcription factor EB (TFEB), a master regulator of the autophagy-lysosomal pathway, in the myocardium. We tested whether TFEB activation can be harnessed to treat advanced proteotoxic cardiomyopathy. Methods and Results Mice overexpressing the R120G mutant of αB-crystallin in cardiomyocytes ( Myh6-Cry ABR 120G) were subjected to IF or ad-lib feeding, or transduced with adeno-associated virus- TFEB or adeno-associated virus-green fluorescent protein after development of advanced proteotoxic cardiomyopathy. Adeno-associated virus-short hairpin RNA-mediated knockdown of TFEB and HSPB 8 was performed simultaneously with IF . Myh6-Cry ABR 120G mice demonstrated impaired autophagic flux, reduced lysosome abundance, and mammalian target of rapamycin activation in the myocardium. IF resulted in mammalian target of rapamycin inhibition and nuclear translocation of TFEB with restored lysosome abundance and autophagic flux; and reduced aggregates with normalized desmin localization. IF also attenuated left ventricular dilation and myocardial hypertrophy, increased percentage fractional shortening, and increased survival. Adeno-associated virus- TFEB transduction was sufficient to rescue cardiomyopathic manifestations, and resulted in reduced aggregates and normalized desmin localization in Myh6-Cry ABR 120G mice. Cry ABR 120G-expressing hearts demonstrated increased interaction of desmin with αB-crystallin and reduced interaction with chaperone protein, HSPB 8, compared with wild type, which was reversed by both IF and TFEB transduction. TFEB stimulated autophagic flux to remove protein aggregates and transcriptionally upregulated HSPB 8, to restore normal desmin localization in Cry ABR 120G-expressing cardiomyocytes. Short hairpin RNA-mediated knockdown of TFEB and HSPB 8 abrogated IF effects, in vivo. Conclusions IF and TFEB activation are clinically relevant therapeutic strategies to rescue advanced R120G αB-crystallin mutant-induced cardiomyopathy by normalizing desmin localization via autophagy-dependent and autophagy-independent mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiucui Ma
- Center for Cardiovascular Research and Division of CardiologyDepartment of Internal MedicineWashington University School of MedicineSt LouisMO
- Medical ServiceJohn Cochran Veterans Affairs Medical CenterSt LouisMO
| | - Kartik Mani
- Center for Cardiovascular Research and Division of CardiologyDepartment of Internal MedicineWashington University School of MedicineSt LouisMO
- Medical ServiceJohn Cochran Veterans Affairs Medical CenterSt LouisMO
| | - Haiyan Liu
- Center for Cardiovascular Research and Division of CardiologyDepartment of Internal MedicineWashington University School of MedicineSt LouisMO
- Medical ServiceJohn Cochran Veterans Affairs Medical CenterSt LouisMO
| | - Attila Kovacs
- Center for Cardiovascular Research and Division of CardiologyDepartment of Internal MedicineWashington University School of MedicineSt LouisMO
| | - John T. Murphy
- Center for Cardiovascular Research and Division of CardiologyDepartment of Internal MedicineWashington University School of MedicineSt LouisMO
- Medical ServiceJohn Cochran Veterans Affairs Medical CenterSt LouisMO
| | - Layla Foroughi
- Center for Cardiovascular Research and Division of CardiologyDepartment of Internal MedicineWashington University School of MedicineSt LouisMO
- Medical ServiceJohn Cochran Veterans Affairs Medical CenterSt LouisMO
| | - Brent A. French
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVA
| | - Carla J. Weinheimer
- Center for Cardiovascular Research and Division of CardiologyDepartment of Internal MedicineWashington University School of MedicineSt LouisMO
| | - Aldi Kraja
- Center for Cardiovascular Research and Division of CardiologyDepartment of Internal MedicineWashington University School of MedicineSt LouisMO
| | - Ivor J. Benjamin
- Department of Internal MedicineMedical College of WisconsinMilwaukeeWI
| | - Joseph A. Hill
- Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTX
| | - Ali Javaheri
- Center for Cardiovascular Research and Division of CardiologyDepartment of Internal MedicineWashington University School of MedicineSt LouisMO
| | - Abhinav Diwan
- Center for Cardiovascular Research and Division of CardiologyDepartment of Internal MedicineWashington University School of MedicineSt LouisMO
- Medical ServiceJohn Cochran Veterans Affairs Medical CenterSt LouisMO
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16
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Asico LD, Cuevas S, Ma X, Jose PA, Armando I, Konkalmatt PR. Nephron segment-specific gene expression using AAV vectors. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 497:19-24. [PMID: 29407172 PMCID: PMC5893140 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.01.169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
AAV9 vector provides efficient gene transfer in all segments of the renal nephron, with minimum expression in non-renal cells, when administered retrogradely via the ureter. It is important to restrict the transgene expression to the desired cell type within the kidney, so that the physiological endpoints represent the function of the transgene expressed in that specific cell type within kidney. We hypothesized that segment-specific gene expression within the kidney can be accomplished using the highly efficient AAV9 vectors carrying the promoters of genes that are expressed exclusively in the desired segment of the nephron in combination with administration by retrograde infusion into the kidney via the ureter. We constructed AAV vectors carrying eGFP under the control of: kidney-specific cadherin (KSPC) gene promoter for expression in the entire nephron; Na+/glucose co-transporter (SGLT2) gene promoter for expression in the S1 and S2 segments of the proximal tubule; sodium, potassium, 2 chloride co-transporter (NKCC2) gene promoter for expression in the thick ascending limb of Henle's loop (TALH); E-cadherin (ECAD) gene promoter for expression in the collecting duct (CD); and cytomegalovirus (CMV) early promoter that provides expression in most of the mammalian cells, as control. We tested the specificity of the promoter constructs in vitro for cell type-specific expression in mouse kidney cells in primary culture, followed by retrograde infusion of the AAV vectors via the ureter in the mouse. Our data show that AAV9 vector, in combination with the segment-specific promoters administered by retrograde infusion via the ureter, provides renal nephron segment-specific gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laureano D Asico
- Department of Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Santiago Cuevas
- Department of Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Xiaobo Ma
- Department of Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Pedro A Jose
- Department of Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Ines Armando
- Department of Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Prasad R Konkalmatt
- Department of Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
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17
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Sun F, Li X, Duan WQ, Tian W, Gao M, Yang J, Wu XY, Huang D, Xia W, Han YN, Wang JX, Liu YX, Dong CJ, Zhao D, Ban T, Chu WF. Transforming Growth Factor-β Receptor III is a Potential Regulator of Ischemia-Induced Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis. J Am Heart Assoc 2017; 6:JAHA.116.005357. [PMID: 28559372 PMCID: PMC5669164 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.116.005357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Myocardial infarction (MI) is often accompanied by cardiomyocyte apoptosis, which decreases heart function and leads to an increased risk of heart failure. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of transforming growth factor‐β receptor III (TGFβR3) on cardiomyocyte apoptosis during MI. Methods and Results An MI mouse model was established by left anterior descending coronary artery ligation. Cell viability, apoptosis, TGFβR3, and mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling were assessed by methylthiazolyldiphenyl‐tetrazolium bromide assay, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick end labeling assay, immunofluorescence, electron microscopy, and Western blotting. Our results demonstrated that TGFβR3 expression in the border region of the heart was dynamically changed during MI. After stimulation with H2O2, TGFβR3 overexpression in cardiomyocytes led to increased cell apoptosis and activation of p38 signaling, whereas TGFβR3 knockdown had the opposite effect. ERK1/2 and JNK1/2 signaling was not altered by TGFβR3 modulation, and p38 inhibitor (SB203580) reduced the effect of TGFβR3 on apoptosis, suggesting that p38 has a nonredundant function in activating apoptosis. Consistent with the in vitro observations, cardiac TGFβR3 transgenic mice showed augmented cardiomyocyte apoptosis, enlarged infarct size, increased injury, and enhanced p38 signaling upon MI. Conversely, cardiac loss of function of TGFβR3 by adeno‐associated viral vector serotype 9–TGFβR3 short hairpin RNA attenuated the effects of MI in mice. Conclusions TGFβR3 promotes apoptosis of cardiomyocytes via a p38 pathway–associated mechanism, and loss of TGFβR3 reduces MI injury, which suggests that TGFβR3 may serve as a novel therapeutic target for MI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Sun
- Department of Pharmacology (the State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Pharmacology (the State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Wen-Qi Duan
- Department of Pharmacology (the State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Wei Tian
- Department of Pharmacology (the State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Ming Gao
- Department of Pharmacology (the State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jia Yang
- Department of Pharmacology (the State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xia-Yang Wu
- Department of Pharmacology (the State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Di Huang
- Department of Pharmacology (the State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Wei Xia
- Department of Pharmacology (the State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yan-Na Han
- Department of Pharmacology (the State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jia-Xin Wang
- Department of Pharmacology (the State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yan-Xin Liu
- Department of Pharmacology (the State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Chang-Jiang Dong
- Department of Pharmacology (the State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Dan Zhao
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy (Key Laboratories of Education Ministry for Myocardial Ischemia Mechanism and Treatment), The 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Tao Ban
- Department of Pharmacology (the State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Wen-Feng Chu
- Department of Pharmacology (the State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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18
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Wadley GD, Laker RC, McConell GK, Wlodek ME. Endurance training in early life results in long-term programming of heart mass in rats. Physiol Rep 2016; 4:4/4/e12720. [PMID: 26893473 PMCID: PMC4759045 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.12720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Being born small for gestational age increases the risk of developing adult cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. This study aimed to examine if early‐life exercise could increase heart mass in the adult hearts from growth restricted rats. Bilateral uterine vessel ligation to induce uteroplacental insufficiency and fetal growth restriction in the offspring (Restricted) or sham surgery (Control) was performed on day 18 of gestation in WKY rats. A separate group of sham litters had litter size reduced to five pups at birth (Reduced litter), which restricted postnatal growth. Male offspring remained sedentary or underwent treadmill running from 5 to 9 weeks (early exercise) or 20 to 24 weeks of age (later exercise). Remarkably, in Control, Restricted, and Reduced litter groups, early exercise increased (P < 0.05) absolute and relative (to body mass) heart mass in adulthood. This was despite the animals being sedentary for ~4 months after exercise. Later exercise also increased adult absolute and relative heart mass (P < 0.05). Blood pressure was not significantly altered between groups or by early or later exercise. Phosphorylation of Akt Ser473 in adulthood was increased in the early exercise groups but not the later exercise groups. Microarray gene analysis and validation by real‐time PCR did not reveal any long‐term effects of early exercise on the expression of any individual genes. In summary, early exercise programs the heart for increased mass into adulthood, perhaps by an upregulation of protein synthesis based on greater phosphorylation of Akt Ser473.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenn D Wadley
- Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rhianna C Laker
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Glenn K McConell
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia Institute of Sport, Exercise and Active Living, Victoria University, Victoria, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mary E Wlodek
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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19
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Konkalmatt PR, Asico LD, Zhang Y, Yang Y, Drachenberg C, Zheng X, Han F, Jose PA, Armando I. Renal rescue of dopamine D2 receptor function reverses renal injury and high blood pressure. JCI Insight 2016; 1. [PMID: 27358912 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.85888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) deficiency increases renal inflammation and blood pressure in mice. We show here that long-term renal-selective silencing of Drd2 using siRNA increases renal expression of proinflammatory and profibrotic factors and blood pressure in mice. To determine the effects of renal-selective rescue of Drd2 expression in mice, the renal expression of DRD2 was first silenced using siRNA and 14 days later rescued by retrograde renal infusion of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector with DRD2. Renal Drd2 siRNA treatment decreased the renal expression of DRD2 protein by 55%, and DRD2 AAV treatment increased the renal expression of DRD2 protein by 7.5- to 10-fold. Renal-selective DRD2 rescue reduced the expression of proinflammatory factors and kidney injury, preserved renal function, and normalized systolic and diastolic blood pressure. These results demonstrate that the deleterious effects of renal-selective Drd2 silencing on renal function and blood pressure were rescued by renal-selective overexpression of DRD2. Moreover, the deleterious effects of 45-minute bilateral ischemia/reperfusion on renal function and blood pressure in mice were ameliorated by a renal-selective increase in DRD2 expression by the retrograde ureteral infusion of DRD2 AAV immediately after the induction of ischemia/reperfusion injury. Thus, 14 days after ischemia/reperfusion injury, the renal expression of profibrotic factors, serum creatinine, and blood pressure were lower in mice infused with DRD2 AAV than in those infused with control AAV. These results indicate an important role of renal DRD2 in limiting renal injury and preserving normal renal function and blood pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasad R Konkalmatt
- Department of Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA, and Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Laureano D Asico
- Department of Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA, and Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Yanrong Zhang
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Yu Yang
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Cinthia Drachenberg
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Xiaoxu Zheng
- Department of Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA, and Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Fei Han
- Kidney Disease Center, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Pedro A Jose
- Department of Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA, and Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Department of Physiology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA, and University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ines Armando
- Department of Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA, and Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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20
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Systemic injection of AAV9 carrying a periostin promoter targets gene expression to a myofibroblast-like lineage in mouse hearts after reperfused myocardial infarction. Gene Ther 2016; 23:469-78. [PMID: 26926804 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2016.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2015] [Revised: 01/15/2016] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) has been used to direct gene transfer to a variety of tissues, including heart, liver, skeletal muscle, brain, kidney and lung, but it has not previously been shown to effectively target fibroblasts in vivo, including cardiac fibroblasts. We constructed expression cassettes using a modified periostin promoter to drive gene expression in a cardiac myofibroblast-like lineage, with only occasional spillover into cardiomyocyte-like cells. We compared AAV serotypes 6 and 9 and found robust gene expression when the vectors were delivered by systemic injection after myocardial infarction (MI), with little expression in healthy, non-infarcted mice. AAV9 provided expression in a greater number of cells than AAV6, with reporter gene expression visible in the cardiac infarct and border zones from 5 to 62 days post MI, as assessed by luciferase and Cre-activated green fluorescent protein expression. Although common myofibroblast markers were expressed in low abundance, most of the targeted cells expressed myosin IIb, an embryonic form of smooth muscle myosin heavy chain that has previously been associated with myofibroblasts after reperfused MI. This study is the first to demonstrate AAV-mediated expression in a potentially novel myofibroblast-like lineage in mouse hearts post MI and may open new avenues of gene therapy to treat patients surviving MI.
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Bär C, Bernardes de Jesus B, Serrano R, Tejera A, Ayuso E, Jimenez V, Formentini I, Bobadilla M, Mizrahi J, de Martino A, Gomez G, Pisano D, Mulero F, Wollert KC, Bosch F, Blasco MA. Telomerase expression confers cardioprotection in the adult mouse heart after acute myocardial infarction. Nat Commun 2014; 5:5863. [PMID: 25519492 PMCID: PMC4871230 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms6863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2014] [Accepted: 11/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronary heart disease is one of the main causes of death in the developed world, and treatment success remains modest, with high mortality rates within 1 year after myocardial infarction (MI). Thus, new therapeutic targets and effective treatments are necessary. Short telomeres are risk factors for age-associated diseases, including heart disease. Here we address the potential of telomerase (Tert) activation in prevention of heart failure after MI in adult mice. We use adeno-associated viruses for cardiac-specific Tert expression. We find that upon MI, hearts expressing Tert show attenuated cardiac dilation, improved ventricular function and smaller infarct scars concomitant with increased mouse survival by 17% compared with controls. Furthermore, Tert treatment results in elongated telomeres, increased numbers of Ki67 and pH3-positive cardiomyocytes and a gene expression switch towards a regeneration signature of neonatal mice. Our work suggests telomerase activation could be a therapeutic strategy to prevent heart failure after MI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Bär
- Telomeres and Telomerase Group, Molecular Oncology Program, Spanish National Cancer Centre (CNIO), Melchor Fernández Almagro 3, E-28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Bruno Bernardes de Jesus
- Telomeres and Telomerase Group, Molecular Oncology Program, Spanish National Cancer Centre (CNIO), Melchor Fernández Almagro 3, E-28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa Serrano
- Telomeres and Telomerase Group, Molecular Oncology Program, Spanish National Cancer Centre (CNIO), Melchor Fernández Almagro 3, E-28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Agueda Tejera
- Telomeres and Telomerase Group, Molecular Oncology Program, Spanish National Cancer Centre (CNIO), Melchor Fernández Almagro 3, E-28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Eduard Ayuso
- Centre of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy (CBATEG), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona, E-08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Veronica Jimenez
- Centre of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy (CBATEG), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona, E-08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Ivan Formentini
- Cardiovascular and Metabolism Disease Therapy Area, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maria Bobadilla
- Cardiovascular and Metabolism Disease Therapy Area, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jacques Mizrahi
- Cardiovascular and Metabolism Disease Therapy Area, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alba de Martino
- Histopathology Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Melchor Fernández Almagro 3, E-28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gonzalo Gomez
- Bioinformatics Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Melchor Fernández Almagro 3, E-28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - David Pisano
- Bioinformatics Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Melchor Fernández Almagro 3, E-28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisca Mulero
- Molecular Imaging Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Melchor Fernández Almagro 3, E-28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Kai C Wollert
- Molekulare und Translationale Kardiologie, Hans-Borst-Zentrum fuür Herzund Stammzellforschung, Klinik fuür Kardiologie und Angiologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Carl-Neuberg-Strasse 1, D-30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Fatima Bosch
- Centre of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy (CBATEG), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona, E-08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Maria A Blasco
- Telomeres and Telomerase Group, Molecular Oncology Program, Spanish National Cancer Centre (CNIO), Melchor Fernández Almagro 3, E-28029 Madrid, Spain
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The role of Nrf2-mediated pathway in cardiac remodeling and heart failure. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2014; 2014:260429. [PMID: 25101151 PMCID: PMC4102082 DOI: 10.1155/2014/260429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2014] [Revised: 04/12/2014] [Accepted: 04/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Heart failure (HF) is frequently the consequence of sustained, abnormal neurohormonal, and mechanical stress and remains a leading cause of death worldwide. The key pathophysiological process leading to HF is cardiac remodeling, a term referring to maladaptation to cardiac stress at the molecular, cellular, tissue, and organ levels. HF and many of the conditions that predispose one to HF are associated with oxidative stress. Increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the heart can directly lead to increased necrosis and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes which subsequently induce cardiac remodeling and dysfunction. Nuclear factor-erythroid-2- (NF-E2-) related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor that controls the basal and inducible expression of a battery of antioxidant genes and other cytoprotective phase II detoxifying enzymes that are ubiquitously expressed in the cardiovascular system. Emerging evidence has revealed that Nrf2 and its target genes are critical regulators of cardiovascular homeostasis via the suppression of oxidative stress, which is the key player in the development and progression of HF. The purpose of this review is to summarize evidence that activation of Nrf2 enhances endogenous antioxidant defenses and counteracts oxidative stress-associated cardiac remodeling and HF.
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Wang D, Zhong L, Nahid MA, Gao G. The potential of adeno-associated viral vectors for gene delivery to muscle tissue. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2014; 11:345-364. [PMID: 24386892 PMCID: PMC4098646 DOI: 10.1517/17425247.2014.871258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Muscle-directed gene therapy is rapidly gaining attention primarily because muscle is an easily accessible target tissue and is also associated with various severe genetic disorders. Localized and systemic delivery of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors of several serotypes results in very efficient transduction of skeletal and cardiac muscles, which has been achieved in both small and large animals, as well as in humans. Muscle is the target tissue in gene therapy for many muscular dystrophy diseases, and may also be exploited as a biofactory to produce secretory factors for systemic disorders. Current limitations of using rAAVs for muscle gene transfer include vector size restriction, potential safety concerns such as off-target toxicity and the immunological barrier composing of pre-existing neutralizing antibodies and CD8(+) T-cell response against AAV capsid in humans. AREAS COVERED In this article, we will discuss basic AAV vector biology and its application in muscle-directed gene delivery, as well as potential strategies to overcome the aforementioned limitations of rAAV for further clinical application. EXPERT OPINION Delivering therapeutic genes to large muscle mass in humans is arguably the most urgent unmet demand in treating diseases affecting muscle tissues throughout the whole body. Muscle-directed, rAAV-mediated gene transfer for expressing antibodies is a promising strategy to combat deadly infectious diseases. Developing strategies to circumvent the immune response following rAAV administration in humans will facilitate clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wang
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Gene Therapy Center, 368 Plantation Street, AS6-2049, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Department of Microbiology and Physiology Systems, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Li Zhong
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Gene Therapy Center, 368 Plantation Street, AS6-2049, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - M Abu Nahid
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Gene Therapy Center, 368 Plantation Street, AS6-2049, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Department of Microbiology and Physiology Systems, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Guangping Gao
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Gene Therapy Center, 368 Plantation Street, AS6-2049, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Department of Microbiology and Physiology Systems, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Sichuan University, West China Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
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