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Ancău M, Tanti GK, Butenschoen VM, Gempt J, Yakushev I, Nekolla S, Mühlau M, Scheunemann C, Heininger S, Löwe B, Löwe E, Baer S, Fischer J, Reiser J, Ayachit SS, Liesche-Starnecker F, Schlegel J, Matiasek K, Schifferer M, Kirschke JS, Misgeld T, Lueth T, Hemmer B. Validating a minipig model of reversible cerebral demyelination using human diagnostic modalities and electron microscopy. EBioMedicine 2024; 100:104982. [PMID: 38306899 PMCID: PMC10850420 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.104982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammatory demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis, are significant sources of morbidity in young adults despite therapeutic advances. Current murine models of remyelination have limited applicability due to the low white matter content of their brains, which restricts the spatial resolution of diagnostic imaging. Large animal models might be more suitable but pose significant technological, ethical and logistical challenges. METHODS We induced targeted cerebral demyelinating lesions by serially repeated injections of lysophosphatidylcholine in the minipig brain. Lesions were amenable to follow-up using the same clinical imaging modalities (3T magnetic resonance imaging, 11C-PIB positron emission tomography) and standard histopathology protocols as for human diagnostics (myelin, glia and neuronal cell markers), as well as electron microscopy (EM), to compare against biopsy data from two patients. FINDINGS We demonstrate controlled, clinically unapparent, reversible and multimodally trackable brain white matter demyelination in a large animal model. De-/remyelination dynamics were slower than reported for rodent models and paralleled by a degree of secondary axonal pathology. Regression modelling of ultrastructural parameters (g-ratio, axon thickness) predicted EM features of cerebral de- and remyelination in human data. INTERPRETATION We validated our minipig model of demyelinating brain diseases by employing human diagnostic tools and comparing it with biopsy data from patients with cerebral demyelination. FUNDING This work was supported by the DFG under Germany's Excellence Strategy within the framework of the Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (EXC 2145 SyNergy, ID 390857198) and TRR 274/1 2020, 408885537 (projects B03 and Z01).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihai Ancău
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany; Institute of Neuronal Cell Biology, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Goutam Kumar Tanti
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Vicki Marie Butenschoen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Germany
| | - Jens Gempt
- Department of Neurosurgery, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Germany; Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Igor Yakushev
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Germany
| | - Stephan Nekolla
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Germany
| | - Mark Mühlau
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Scheunemann
- Institute of Micro Technology and Medical Device Technology, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany; Ergosurg GmbH, Ismaning, Germany
| | - Sebastian Heininger
- Institute of Micro Technology and Medical Device Technology, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany; Ergosurg GmbH, Ismaning, Germany
| | - Benjamin Löwe
- Institute of Micro Technology and Medical Device Technology, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany; Ergosurg GmbH, Ismaning, Germany
| | - Erik Löwe
- Institute of Micro Technology and Medical Device Technology, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany; Ergosurg GmbH, Ismaning, Germany
| | - Silke Baer
- Centre for Preclinical Research, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Johannes Fischer
- Centre for Preclinical Research, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Judith Reiser
- Centre for Preclinical Research, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sai S Ayachit
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Germany
| | - Friederike Liesche-Starnecker
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute of Pathology, Technical University of Munich School of Medicine, Munich, Germany; Medical Faculty, Institute of Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Schlegel
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute of Pathology, Technical University of Munich School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
| | - Kaspar Matiasek
- Clinical and Comparative Neuropathology, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Martina Schifferer
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany
| | - Jan S Kirschke
- Department of Neuroradiology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Misgeld
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany; Institute of Neuronal Cell Biology, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Tim Lueth
- Institute of Micro Technology and Medical Device Technology, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany; Ergosurg GmbH, Ismaning, Germany
| | - Bernhard Hemmer
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany.
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Tipatet K, Du Boulay I, Muir H, Davison-Gates L, Ellederová Z, Downes A. Raman spectroscopy of brain and skin tissue in a minipig model of Huntington's disease. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2024; 16:253-261. [PMID: 38108410 DOI: 10.1039/d3ay00970j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
We applied Raman spectroscopy to brain and skin tissues from a minipig model of Huntington's disease. Differences were observed between measured spectra of tissues with and without Huntington's disease, for both brain tissue and skin tissue. There are linked to changes in the chemical composition between tissue types. Using machine learning we correctly classified 96% of test spectra as diseased or wild type, indicating that the test would have a similar accuracy when used as a diagnostic tool for the disease. This suggests the technique has great potential in the rapid and accurate diagnosis of Huntington's and other neurodegenerative diseases in a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Tipatet
- a, Institute for Bioengineering, School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3DW, UK.
| | - Isla Du Boulay
- a, Institute for Bioengineering, School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3DW, UK.
| | - Hamish Muir
- a, Institute for Bioengineering, School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3DW, UK.
| | - Liam Davison-Gates
- a, Institute for Bioengineering, School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3DW, UK.
| | - Zdenka Ellederová
- a, Institute for Bioengineering, School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3DW, UK.
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Rumburská 89, 277 21 Liběchov, UK
| | - Andrew Downes
- a, Institute for Bioengineering, School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3DW, UK.
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Swier VJ, White KA, Johnson TB, Wang X, Han J, Pearce DA, Singh R, Drack AV, Pfeifer W, Rogers CS, Brudvig JJ, Weimer JM. A novel porcine model of CLN3 Batten disease recapitulates clinical phenotypes. Dis Model Mech 2023; 16:dmm050038. [PMID: 37305926 PMCID: PMC10434985 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Mouse models of CLN3 Batten disease, a rare lysosomal storage disorder with no cure, have improved our understanding of CLN3 biology and therapeutics through their ease of use and a consistent display of cellular pathology. However, the translatability of murine models is limited by disparities in anatomy, body size, life span and inconsistent subtle behavior deficits that can be difficult to detect in CLN3 mutant mouse models, thereby limiting their use in preclinical studies. Here, we present a longitudinal characterization of a novel miniswine model of CLN3 disease that recapitulates the most common human pathogenic variant, an exon 7-8 deletion (CLN3Δex7/8). Progressive pathology and neuron loss is observed in various regions of the CLN3Δex7/8 miniswine brain and retina. Additionally, mutant miniswine present with retinal degeneration and motor abnormalities, similar to deficits seen in humans diagnosed with the disease. Taken together, the CLN3Δex7/8 miniswine model shows consistent and progressive Batten disease pathology, and behavioral impairment mirroring clinical presentation, demonstrating its value in studying the role of CLN3 and safety/efficacy of novel disease-modifying therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicki J. Swier
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA
| | - Katherine A. White
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA
| | - Tyler B. Johnson
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA
| | | | - Jimin Han
- Department of Ophthalmology, Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - David A. Pearce
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA
| | - Ruchira Singh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Arlene V. Drack
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Wanda Pfeifer
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | | | - Jon J. Brudvig
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD 57105, USA
| | - Jill M. Weimer
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD 57105, USA
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Sun Y, Tong H, Yang T, Liu L, Li XJ, Li S. Insights into White Matter Defect in Huntington's Disease. Cells 2022; 11:3381. [PMID: 36359783 PMCID: PMC9656068 DOI: 10.3390/cells11213381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal-dominant inherited progressive neurodegenerative disorder. It is caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the Huntingtin gene that is translated to an expanded polyglutamine (PolyQ) repeat in huntingtin protein. HD is characterized by mood swings, involuntary movement, and cognitive decline in the late disease stage. HD patients often die 15-20 years after disease onset. Currently, there is no cure for HD. Due to the striking neuronal loss in HD, most studies focused on the investigation of the predominantly neuronal degeneration in specific brain regions. However, the pathology of the white matter area in the brains of HD patients was also reported by clinical imaging studies, which showed white matter abnormalities even before the clinical onset of HD. Since oligodendrocytes form myelin sheaths around the axons in the brain, white matter lesions are likely attributed to alterations in myelin and oligodendrocyte-associated changes in HD. In this review, we summarized the evidence for white matter, myelin, and oligodendrocytes alterations that were previously observed in HD patients and animal models. We also discussed potential mechanisms for white matter changes and possible treatment to prevent glial dysfunction in HD.
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Swier VJ, White KA, Johnson TB, Sieren JC, Johnson HJ, Knoernschild K, Wang X, Rohret FA, Rogers CS, Pearce DA, Brudvig JJ, Weimer JM. A Novel Porcine Model of CLN2 Batten Disease that Recapitulates Patient Phenotypes. Neurotherapeutics 2022; 19:1905-1919. [PMID: 36100791 PMCID: PMC9723024 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-022-01296-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
CLN2 Batten disease is a lysosomal disorder in which pathogenic variants in CLN2 lead to reduced activity in the enzyme tripeptidyl peptidase 1. The disease typically manifests around 2 to 4 years of age with developmental delay, ataxia, seizures, inability to speak and walk, and fatality between 6 and 12 years of age. Multiple Cln2 mouse models exist to better understand the etiology of the disease; however, these models are unable to adequately recapitulate the disease due to differences in anatomy and physiology, limiting their utility for therapeutic testing. Here, we describe a new CLN2R208X/R208X porcine model of CLN2 disease. We present comprehensive characterization showing behavioral, pathological, and visual phenotypes that recapitulate those seen in CLN2 patients. CLN2R208X/R208X miniswine present with gait abnormalities at 6 months of age, ERG waveform declines at 6-9 months, vision loss at 11 months, cognitive declines at 12 months, seizures by 15 months, and early death at 18 months due to failure to thrive. CLN2R208X/R208X miniswine also showed classic storage material accumulation and glial activation in the brain at 6 months, and cortical atrophy at 12 months. Thus, the CLN2R208X/R208X miniswine model is a valuable resource for biomarker discovery and therapeutic development in CLN2 disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicki J Swier
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - Katherine A White
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - Tyler B Johnson
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - Jessica C Sieren
- Department of Radiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Hans J Johnson
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Kevin Knoernschild
- Department of Radiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | | | | | | | - David A Pearce
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - Jon J Brudvig
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - Jill M Weimer
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD, USA.
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Huntingtin Co-Isolates with Small Extracellular Vesicles from Blood Plasma of TgHD and KI-HD Pig Models of Huntington's Disease and Human Blood Plasma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105598. [PMID: 35628406 PMCID: PMC9147436 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Huntington’s disease (HD) is rare incurable hereditary neurodegenerative disorder caused by CAG repeat expansion in the gene coding for the protein huntingtin (HTT). Mutated huntingtin (mHTT) undergoes fragmentation and accumulation, affecting cellular functions and leading to neuronal cell death. Porcine models of HD are used in preclinical testing of currently emerging disease modifying therapies. Such therapies are aimed at reducing mHTT expression, postpone the disease onset, slow down the progression, and point out the need of biomarkers to monitor disease development and therapy efficacy. Recently, extracellular vesicles (EVs), particularly exosomes, gained attention as possible carriers of disease biomarkers. We aimed to characterize HTT and mHTT forms/fragments in blood plasma derived EVs in transgenic (TgHD) and knock-in (KI-HD) porcine models, as well as in HD patients’ plasma. (2) Methods: Small EVs were isolated by ultracentrifugation and HTT forms were visualized by western blotting. (3) Results: The full length 360 kDa HTT co-isolated with EVs from both the pig model and HD patient plasma. In addition, a ~70 kDa mutant HTT fragment was specific for TgHD pigs. Elevated total huntingtin levels in EVs from plasma of HD groups compared to controls were observed in both pig models and HD patients, however only in TgHD were they significant (p = 0.02). (4) Conclusions: Our study represents a valuable initial step towards the characterization of EV content in the search for HD biomarkers.
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Valadão KMG, Luizeti BO, Yamaguchi MU, Issy AC, Bernuci MP. Nanotechnology in Improving the Treatment of Huntington’s Disease: a Systematic Review. Neurotox Res 2022; 40:636-645. [DOI: 10.1007/s12640-021-00468-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Schulze-Krebs A, Canneva F, Stemick J, Plank AC, Harrer J, Bates GP, Aeschlimann D, Steffan JS, von Hörsten S. Transglutaminase 6 Is Colocalized and Interacts with Mutant Huntingtin in Huntington Disease Rodent Animal Models. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:8914. [PMID: 34445621 PMCID: PMC8396294 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian transglutaminases (TGs) catalyze calcium-dependent irreversible posttranslational modifications of proteins and their enzymatic activities contribute to the pathogenesis of several human neurodegenerative diseases. Although different transglutaminases are found in many different tissues, the TG6 isoform is mostly expressed in the CNS. The present study was embarked on/undertaken to investigate expression, distribution and activity of transglutaminases in Huntington disease transgenic rodent models, with a focus on analyzing the involvement of TG6 in the age- and genotype-specific pathological features relating to disease progression in HD transgenic mice and a tgHD transgenic rat model using biochemical, histological and functional assays. Our results demonstrate the physical interaction between TG6 and (mutant) huntingtin by co-immunoprecipitation analysis and the contribution of its enzymatic activity for the total aggregate load in SH-SY5Y cells. In addition, we identify that TG6 expression and activity are especially abundant in the olfactory tubercle and piriform cortex, the regions displaying the highest amount of mHTT aggregates in transgenic rodent models of HD. Furthermore, mHTT aggregates were colocalized within TG6-positive cells. These findings point towards a role of TG6 in disease pathogenesis via mHTT aggregate formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Schulze-Krebs
- Experimental Therapy, Preclinical Experimental Center, University Hospital Erlangen (UKEr), Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (F.C.); (A.-C.P.); (J.H.); (S.v.H.)
| | - Fabio Canneva
- Experimental Therapy, Preclinical Experimental Center, University Hospital Erlangen (UKEr), Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (F.C.); (A.-C.P.); (J.H.); (S.v.H.)
| | - Judith Stemick
- Department of Molecular Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen (UKEr), Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany;
| | - Anne-Christine Plank
- Experimental Therapy, Preclinical Experimental Center, University Hospital Erlangen (UKEr), Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (F.C.); (A.-C.P.); (J.H.); (S.v.H.)
| | - Julia Harrer
- Experimental Therapy, Preclinical Experimental Center, University Hospital Erlangen (UKEr), Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (F.C.); (A.-C.P.); (J.H.); (S.v.H.)
| | - Gillian P. Bates
- Huntington’s Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK;
| | - Daniel Aeschlimann
- Matrix Biology and Tissue Repair Research Unit, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, School of Dentistry, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XY, UK;
| | - Joan S. Steffan
- Institute of Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA;
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Stephan von Hörsten
- Experimental Therapy, Preclinical Experimental Center, University Hospital Erlangen (UKEr), Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (F.C.); (A.-C.P.); (J.H.); (S.v.H.)
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Vallès A, Evers MM, Stam A, Sogorb-Gonzalez M, Brouwers C, Vendrell-Tornero C, Acar-Broekmans S, Paerels L, Klima J, Bohuslavova B, Pintauro R, Fodale V, Bresciani A, Liscak R, Urgosik D, Starek Z, Crha M, Blits B, Petry H, Ellederova Z, Motlik J, van Deventer S, Konstantinova P. Widespread and sustained target engagement in Huntington's disease minipigs upon intrastriatal microRNA-based gene therapy. Sci Transl Med 2021; 13:13/588/eabb8920. [PMID: 33827977 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abb8920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Huntingtin (HTT)-lowering therapies hold promise to slow down neurodegeneration in Huntington's disease (HD). Here, we assessed the translatability and long-term durability of recombinant adeno-associated viral vector serotype 5 expressing a microRNA targeting human HTT (rAAV5-miHTT) administered by magnetic resonance imaging-guided convention-enhanced delivery in transgenic HD minipigs. rAAV5-miHTT (1.2 × 1013 vector genome (VG) copies per brain) was successfully administered into the striatum (bilaterally in caudate and putamen), using age-matched untreated animals as controls. Widespread brain biodistribution of vector DNA was observed, with the highest concentration in target (striatal) regions, thalamus, and cortical regions. Vector DNA presence and transgene expression were similar at 6 and 12 months after administration. Expression of miHTT strongly correlated with vector DNA, with a corresponding reduction of mutant HTT (mHTT) protein of more than 75% in injected areas, and 30 to 50% lowering in distal regions. Translational pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic measures in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were largely in line with the effects observed in the brain. CSF miHTT expression was detected up to 12 months, with CSF mHTT protein lowering of 25 to 30% at 6 and 12 months after dosing. This study demonstrates widespread biodistribution, strong and durable efficiency of rAAV5-miHTT in disease-relevant regions in a large brain, and the potential of using CSF analysis to determine vector expression and efficacy in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Vallès
- Department of Research and Development, uniQure biopharma B.V., Paasheuvelweg 25a, 1105 BP Amsterdam, Netherlands.
| | - Melvin M Evers
- Department of Research and Development, uniQure biopharma B.V., Paasheuvelweg 25a, 1105 BP Amsterdam, Netherlands.
| | - Anouk Stam
- Department of Research and Development, uniQure biopharma B.V., Paasheuvelweg 25a, 1105 BP Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marina Sogorb-Gonzalez
- Department of Research and Development, uniQure biopharma B.V., Paasheuvelweg 25a, 1105 BP Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Cynthia Brouwers
- Department of Research and Development, uniQure biopharma B.V., Paasheuvelweg 25a, 1105 BP Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Carlos Vendrell-Tornero
- Department of Research and Development, uniQure biopharma B.V., Paasheuvelweg 25a, 1105 BP Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Seyda Acar-Broekmans
- Department of Research and Development, uniQure biopharma B.V., Paasheuvelweg 25a, 1105 BP Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Lieke Paerels
- Department of Research and Development, uniQure biopharma B.V., Paasheuvelweg 25a, 1105 BP Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jiri Klima
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Rumburská 89, 277 21 Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Bozena Bohuslavova
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Rumburská 89, 277 21 Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Roberta Pintauro
- Department of Translational Biology, IRBM Science Park S.p.A., Via Pontina km 30,600, 00071 Pomezia, Italy
| | - Valentina Fodale
- Department of Translational Biology, IRBM Science Park S.p.A., Via Pontina km 30,600, 00071 Pomezia, Italy
| | - Alberto Bresciani
- Department of Translational Biology, IRBM Science Park S.p.A., Via Pontina km 30,600, 00071 Pomezia, Italy
| | - Roman Liscak
- Department of Stereotactic Radioneurosurgery, Na Homolce Hospital, Roentgenova 37/2, 150 30, Prague 5, Czech Republic
| | - Dusan Urgosik
- Department of Stereotactic Radioneurosurgery, Na Homolce Hospital, Roentgenova 37/2, 150 30, Prague 5, Czech Republic
| | - Zdenek Starek
- Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology, St. Anne's University Hospital, Pekařská 53, 656 91 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Crha
- Small Animal Clinic, Veterinary and Pharmaceutical University, Palackého třída 1946/1, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Bas Blits
- Department of Research and Development, uniQure biopharma B.V., Paasheuvelweg 25a, 1105 BP Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Harald Petry
- Department of Research and Development, uniQure biopharma B.V., Paasheuvelweg 25a, 1105 BP Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Zdenka Ellederova
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Rumburská 89, 277 21 Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Motlik
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Rumburská 89, 277 21 Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Sander van Deventer
- Department of Research and Development, uniQure biopharma B.V., Paasheuvelweg 25a, 1105 BP Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Pavlina Konstantinova
- Department of Research and Development, uniQure biopharma B.V., Paasheuvelweg 25a, 1105 BP Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Maxeiner J, Sharma R, Amrhein C, Gervais F, Duda M, Ward J, Mikkelsen LF, Forster R, Malewicz M, Krishnan J. Genomics Integrated Systems Transgenesis (GENISYST) for gain-of-function disease modelling in Göttingen Minipigs. J Pharmacol Toxicol Methods 2021; 108:106956. [PMID: 33609731 DOI: 10.1016/j.vascn.2021.106956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Göttingen Minipigs show several anatomical, physiological, and pathogenetical similarities to humans and serve an important role in translational studies for example as large animal models of disease. In recent years, the number of transgenic Göttingen Minipigs models has increased, as advanced genetic techniques simplify the generation of animals with precisely tailored modifications. These modifications are designed to replicate genetic alterations responsible for human disease. In addition to serving as valuable large animal disease models, transgenic Göttingen Minipigs are also considered promising donors for xenotransplantation. Current technologies for generation of transgenic minipigs demand a long development and production time of typically 2-3 years. To overcome this limitation and expand the use of Göttingen Minipigs for disease modelling and drug testing, we developed the GENISYST (Genomics Integrated Systems Transgenesis) technology platform for rapid and efficient generation of minipigs based transgenic disease models. As proof of concept, we report the successful generation of transgenic minipigs expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) in multiple disease-relevant tissues including liver, heart, kidney, lungs, and the central nervous system (CNS). Our data demonstrates the feasibility, efficiency, and utility of GENISYST for rapid one-step generation of transgenic minipigs for human disease modelling in drug discovery and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Maxeiner
- Genome Biologics, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Rahul Sharma
- Genome Biologics, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Institute of Cardiovascular Regeneration, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Carolin Amrhein
- Genome Biologics, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | | - Maria Duda
- Genome Biologics, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jonathan Ward
- Genome Biologics, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | | - Roy Forster
- Citoxlab France, BP563, 27000 Evreux, France.
| | - Michal Malewicz
- Genome Biologics, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Jaya Krishnan
- Genome Biologics, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Institute of Cardiovascular Regeneration, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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11
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Csobonyeiova M, Polak S, Danisovic L. Recent Overview of the Use of iPSCs Huntington's Disease Modeling and Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21062239. [PMID: 32213859 PMCID: PMC7139425 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21062239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington’s disease (HD) is an inherited, autosomal dominant, degenerative disease characterized by involuntary movements, cognitive decline, and behavioral impairment ending in death. HD is caused by an expansion in the number of CAG repeats in the huntingtin gene on chromosome 4. To date, no effective therapy for preventing the onset or progression of the disease has been found, and many symptoms do not respond to pharmacologic treatment. However, recent results of pre-clinical trials suggest a beneficial effect of stem-cell-based therapy. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) represent an unlimited cell source and are the most suitable among the various types of autologous stem cells due to their patient specificity and ability to differentiate into a variety of cell types both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the cultivation of iPSC-derived neural cells offers the possibility of studying the etiopathology of neurodegenerative diseases, such as HD. Moreover, differentiated neural cells can organize into three-dimensional (3D) organoids, mimicking the complex architecture of the brain. In this article, we present a comprehensive review of recent HD models, the methods for differentiating HD–iPSCs into the desired neural cell types, and the progress in gene editing techniques leading toward stem-cell-based therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Csobonyeiova
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Sasinkova 4, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia; (M.C.); (S.P.)
| | - Stefan Polak
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Sasinkova 4, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia; (M.C.); (S.P.)
| | - Lubos Danisovic
- Institute of Medical Biology, Genetics and Clinical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Sasinkova 4, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Regenmed Ltd., Medena 29, 811 01 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +421-2-59357215
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van Putten M, Hmeljak J, Aartsma-Rus A, Dowling JJ. Moving neuromuscular disorders research forward: from novel models to clinical studies. Dis Model Mech 2020; 13:dmm044370. [PMID: 32224497 PMCID: PMC7055363 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.044370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuromuscular disorders (NMDs) encompass a diverse group of genetic diseases characterized by loss of muscle functionality. Despite extensive efforts to develop therapies, no curative treatment exists for any of the NMDs. For multiple disorders, however, therapeutic strategies are currently being tested in clinical settings, and the first successful treatments have now entered clinical practice (e.g. spinraza for spinal muscular atrophy). Successful clinical translation depends on the quality and translatability of preclinical findings and on the predictive value of the experimental models used in their initial development. This Special Issue of Disease Models & Mechanisms has a particular focus on translational research for NMDs. The collection includes original research focusing on advances in the development of novel in vitro and in vivo models, broader understanding of disease pathology and progression, and approaches to modify the disease course in these models. We also present a series of special articles and reviews that highlight our understanding of cellular mechanisms, biomarkers to tract disease pathology, the diversity of mouse models for NMDs, the importance of high-quality preclinical studies and data validation, and the pitfalls of successfully moving a potential therapeutic strategy to the clinic. In this Editorial, we summarize the highlights of these articles and place their findings in the broader context of the NMD research field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maaike van Putten
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Julija Hmeljak
- Disease Models & Mechanisms, The Company of Biologists, Bidder Building, Station Road, Histon, Cambridge CB24 9LF, UK
| | - Annemieke Aartsma-Rus
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - James J Dowling
- Program for Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning (PGCRL), Bay St., 14th Floor, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
- Departments of Paediatrics and Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
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13
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Baxa M, Levinska B, Skrivankova M, Pokorny M, Juhasova J, Klima J, Klempir J, Motlı K J, Juhas S, Ellederova Z. Longitudinal study revealing motor, cognitive and behavioral decline in a transgenic minipig model of Huntington's disease. Dis Model Mech 2019; 13:dmm.041293. [PMID: 31704691 PMCID: PMC6918771 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.041293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited devastating neurodegenerative disease with no known cure to date. Several therapeutic treatments for HD are in development, but their safety, tolerability and efficacy need to be tested before translation to bedside. The monogenetic nature of this disorder has enabled the generation of transgenic animal models carrying a mutant huntingtin (mHTT) gene causing HD. A large animal model reflecting disease progression in humans would be beneficial for testing the potential therapeutic approaches. Progression of the motor, cognitive and behavioral phenotype was monitored in transgenic Huntington's disease minipigs (TgHD) expressing the N-terminal part of human mHTT. New tests were established to investigate physical activity by telemetry, and to explore the stress-induced behavioral and cognitive changes in minipigs. The longitudinal study revealed significant differences between 6- to 8-year-old TgHD animals and their wild-type (WT) controls in a majority of the tests. The telemetric study showed increased physical activity of 4.6- to 6.5-year-old TgHD boars compared to their WT counterparts during the lunch period as well as in the afternoon. Our phenotypic study indicates progression in adult TgHD minipigs and therefore this model could be suitable for longstanding preclinical studies of HD. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper. Summary: The transgenic minipig model of Huntington's disease demonstrates a slow-progressing motor, cognitive and behavioral phenotype with later onset in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Baxa
- Laboratory of Cell Regeneration and Plasticity, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, 277 21 Libechov, Czech Republic.,Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Bozena Levinska
- Laboratory of Cell Regeneration and Plasticity, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, 277 21 Libechov, Czech Republic.,Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Monika Skrivankova
- Laboratory of Cell Regeneration and Plasticity, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, 277 21 Libechov, Czech Republic.,Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Matous Pokorny
- Laboratory of Cell Regeneration and Plasticity, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, 277 21 Libechov, Czech Republic.,Department of Circuit Theory, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, 166 27 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Juhasova
- Laboratory of Cell Regeneration and Plasticity, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, 277 21 Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Klima
- Laboratory of Cell Regeneration and Plasticity, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, 277 21 Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Klempir
- Laboratory of Cell Regeneration and Plasticity, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, 277 21 Libechov, Czech Republic.,Department of Neurology and Centre of Clinical Neuroscience, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and General University Hospital in Prague, 128 21 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Motlı K
- Laboratory of Cell Regeneration and Plasticity, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, 277 21 Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Stefan Juhas
- Laboratory of Cell Regeneration and Plasticity, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, 277 21 Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Zdenka Ellederova
- Laboratory of Cell Regeneration and Plasticity, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, 277 21 Libechov, Czech Republic
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