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Schwakopf J, Romero CO, Lopez NN, Millar JC, Vetter ML, Bosco A. Schlemm's canal-selective Tie2/TEK knockdown induces sustained ocular hypertension in adult mice. Exp Eye Res 2024; 248:110114. [PMID: 39368692 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.110114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2024] [Revised: 09/19/2024] [Accepted: 10/01/2024] [Indexed: 10/07/2024]
Abstract
Deficient Angiopoietin-Tie2 signaling is linked to ocular hypertension in glaucoma. Receptor Tie2/TEK expression and signaling at Schlemm's canal (SC) is indispensable for canal integrity and homeostatic regulation of aqueous humor outflow (AHO) and intraocular pressure (IOP), as validated by conditional deletion of Tie2, its ligands (Angpt1, Angpt2 and Angpt3/4) or regulators (Tie1 and PTPRB/VE-PTP). However, these Tie2/TEK knockouts and conditional knockouts are global or endothelial, preventing separation of systemic and ocular vascular defects that impact retinal or renal integrity. To develop a more targeted model of ocular hypertension induced by selective knockdown of Tie2/TEK expressed in SC, we combined the use of viral vectors to target the canal, and two distinct gene-editing strategies to disrupt the Tie2 gene. Adeno-associated virus (AAV2) is known to transduce rodent SC when delivered into the anterior chamber by intracameral injection. First, delivery of Cre recombinase via AAV2.Cre into R26tdTomato/+ reporter mice confirmed preferential and stable transduction in SC endothelium. Next, to disrupt Tie2 expression in SC, we injected AAV2.Cre into homozygous floxed Tie2 (Tie2FL/FL) mice. This led to attenuated Tie2 protein expression along the SC inner wall, decreased SC area and reduced trabecular meshwork (TM) cellularity. Functionally, IOP was significantly and steadily elevated, whereas AHO facility was reduced. In contrast, hemizygous Tie2FL/+ mice responded to AAV2.Cre with inconsistent and low IOP elevation, corroborating the dose-dependency of ocular hypertension on Tie2 expression/activation. In a second model using CRISPR/SaCas9 genome editing, wild-type C57BL/6 J mice injected with AAV2.saCas9-sgTie2 showed similar selective SC transduction and comparable IOP elevation in course and magnitude to that induced by AAV2.Cre in Tie2FL/FL mice. Together, our findings, demonstrate that selective Tie2 knockdown in SC is a targeted strategy that reliably induces chronic ocular hypertension and reproduces glaucomatous damage to the conventional outflow pathway, providing novel models of SC-Tie2 signaling loss valuable for preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joon Schwakopf
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Cesar O Romero
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Navita N Lopez
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - J Cameron Millar
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience and North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Monica L Vetter
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Alejandra Bosco
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA.
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Zhang Y, Han R, Xu S, Shen B, Yu H, Chen J, Yao H, Huang S, Zhong Y. TMCO1 promotes ferroptosis and ECM deposition in glaucomatous trabecular meshwork via ERK1/2 signaling. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1871:167530. [PMID: 39343416 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 09/22/2024] [Accepted: 09/23/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
Glaucoma, a leading cause of global blindness, is marked by irreversible retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) loss, elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition in the trabecular meshwork (TM). Transmembrane and coiled-coil domain protein 1 (TMCO1), implicated in calcium regulation, has potential links to primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent cell death mechanism driven by lipid peroxidation, is also observed in glaucoma. This study investigates the role of TMCO1 in POAG, focusing on its involvement in TM ECM deposition via ferroptosis induction and ERK1/2 phosphorylation inhibition. In both in vivo and in vitro models, we demonstrated that dexamethasone (DEX) stimulation upregulates TMCO1, leading to increased ECM deposition and ferroptosis in human trabecular meshwork cells (HTMCs). Furthermore, treatment with ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1), a ferroptosis inhibitor, significantly reduced ECM deposition and ferroptosis in HTMCs. These findings establish TMCO1 as a critical regulator of ferroptosis and ECM deposition through the ERK/MAPK pathway, positioning it as a promising therapeutic target for glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated Medical School, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 197 Ruijin Er Road, 200025, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruiqi Han
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated Medical School, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 197 Ruijin Er Road, 200025, Shanghai, China
| | - Shushu Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated Medical School, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 197 Ruijin Er Road, 200025, Shanghai, China
| | - Bingqiao Shen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated Medical School, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 197 Ruijin Er Road, 200025, Shanghai, China; Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Huan Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated Medical School, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 197 Ruijin Er Road, 200025, Shanghai, China
| | - Junjue Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated Medical School, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 197 Ruijin Er Road, 200025, Shanghai, China
| | - Huiping Yao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated Medical School, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 197 Ruijin Er Road, 200025, Shanghai, China.
| | - Shouyue Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated Medical School, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 197 Ruijin Er Road, 200025, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yisheng Zhong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated Medical School, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 197 Ruijin Er Road, 200025, Shanghai, China.
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3
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Xie M, Wang L, Deng Y, Ma K, Yin H, Zhang X, Xiang X, Tang J. Sustained and Efficient Delivery of Antivascular Endothelial Growth Factor by the Adeno-associated Virus for the Treatment of Corneal Neovascularization: An Outlook for Its Clinical Translation. J Ophthalmol 2024; 2024:5487973. [PMID: 39286553 PMCID: PMC11405113 DOI: 10.1155/2024/5487973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Corneal diseases represent 5.1% of all eye defects and are the fourth leading cause of blindness globally. Corneal neovascularization can arise from all conditions of chronic irritation or hypoxia, which disrupts the immune-privileged state of the healthy cornea, increases the risk of rejection after keratoplasty, and leads to opacity. In the past decades, significant progress has been made for neovascular diseases of the retina and choroid, with plenty of drugs getting commercialized. In addition, to overcome the barriers of the short duration and inadequate penetration of conventional formulations of antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), multiple novel drug delivery systems, including adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated transfer have gone through the full process of bench-to-bedside translation. Like retina neovascular diseases, corneal neovascularization also suffers from chronicity and a high risk of recurrence, necessitating sustained and efficient delivery across the epithelial barrier to reach deep layers of the corneal stroma. Among the explored methods, adeno-associated virus-mediated delivery of anti-VEGF to treat corneal neovascularization is the most extensively researched and most promising strategy for clinical translation although currently although, it remains predominantly at the preclinical stage. This review comprehensively examines the necessity, benefits, and risks of applying AAV vectors for anti-VEGF drug delivery in corneal vascularization, including its current progress and challenges in clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengzhen Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology West China Hospital Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology Beijing Tongren Eye Center Beijing Tongren Hospital Capital Medical University Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Key Laboratory, Beijing, China
| | - Lixiang Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology West China Hospital Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yingping Deng
- Department of Ophthalmology West China Hospital Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ke Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology West China Hospital Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Hongbo Yin
- Department of Ophthalmology West China Hospital Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xiaolan Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology West China Hospital Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xingye Xiang
- School of Life Science and Engineering Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302, USA
| | - Jing Tang
- Department of Ophthalmology West China Hospital Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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4
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Huang X, Zhou X, Zhang F, Wang X, Duan X, Liu K. DDX58 variant triggers IFN-β-induced autophagy in trabecular meshwork and influences intraocular pressure. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23651. [PMID: 38752537 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202302265rr] [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: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Singleton-Merten syndrome (SMS) is a rare immunogenetic disorder affecting multiple systems, characterized by dental dysplasia, aortic calcification, glaucoma, skeletal abnormalities, and psoriasis. Glaucoma, a key feature of both classical and atypical SMS, remains poorly understood in terms of its molecular mechanism caused by DDX58 mutation. This study presented a novel DDX58 variant (c.1649A>C [p.Asp550Ala]) in a family with childhood glaucoma. Functional analysis showed that DDX58 variant caused an increase in IFN-stimulated gene expression and high IFN-β-based type-I IFN. As the trabecular meshwork (TM) is responsible for controlling intraocular pressure (IOP), we examine the effect of IFN-β on TM cells. Our study is the first to demonstrate that IFN-β significantly reduced TM cell viability and function by activating autophagy. In addition, anterior chamber injection of IFN-β remarkably increased IOP level in mice, which can be attenuated by treatments with autophagy inhibitor chloroquine. To uncover the specific mechanism underlying IFN-β-induced autophagy in TM cells, we performed microarray analysis in IFN-β-treated and DDX58 p.Asp550Ala TM cells. It showed that RSAD2 is necessary for IFN-β-induced autophagy. Knockdown of RSAD2 by siRNA significantly decreased autophagy flux induced by IFN-β. Our findings suggest that DDX58 mutation leads to the overproduction of IFN-β, which elevates IOP by modulating autophagy through RSAD2 in TM cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinting Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Glaucoma Institute, Changsha Aier Eye Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaobo Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xuanchu Duan
- Glaucoma Institute, Changsha Aier Eye Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ke Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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5
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Patil SV, Kaipa BR, Ranshing S, Sundaresan Y, Millar JC, Nagarajan B, Kiehlbauch C, Zhang Q, Jain A, Searby CC, Scheetz TE, Clark AF, Sheffield VC, Zode GS. Lentiviral mediated delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 reduces intraocular pressure in a mouse model of myocilin glaucoma. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6958. [PMID: 38521856 PMCID: PMC10960846 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57286-6] [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: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Mutations in myocilin (MYOC) are the leading known genetic cause of primary open-angle glaucoma, responsible for about 4% of all cases. Mutations in MYOC cause a gain-of-function phenotype in which mutant myocilin accumulates in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) leading to ER stress and trabecular meshwork (TM) cell death. Therefore, knocking out myocilin at the genome level is an ideal strategy to permanently cure the disease. We have previously utilized CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing successfully to target MYOC using adenovirus 5 (Ad5). However, Ad5 is not a suitable vector for clinical use. Here, we sought to determine the efficacy of adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) and lentiviruses (LVs) to target the TM. First, we examined the TM tropism of single-stranded (ss) and self-complimentary (sc) AAV serotypes as well as LV expressing GFP via intravitreal (IVT) and intracameral (IC) injections. We observed that LV_GFP expression was more specific to the TM injected via the IVT route. IC injections of Trp-mutant scAAV2 showed a prominent expression of GFP in the TM. However, robust GFP expression was also observed in the ciliary body and retina. We next constructed lentiviral particles expressing Cas9 and guide RNA (gRNA) targeting MYOC (crMYOC) and transduction of TM cells stably expressing mutant myocilin with LV_crMYOC significantly reduced myocilin accumulation and its associated chronic ER stress. A single IVT injection of LV_crMYOC in Tg-MYOCY437H mice decreased myocilin accumulation in TM and reduced elevated IOP significantly. Together, our data indicates, LV_crMYOC targets MYOC gene editing in TM and rescues a mouse model of myocilin-associated glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruti V Patil
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Balasankara Reddy Kaipa
- Department of Ophthalmology and Center for Translational Vision Research, University of California, 829 Health Sciences Rd, Irvine, CA, 92617, USA
| | - Sujata Ranshing
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Yogapriya Sundaresan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Center for Translational Vision Research, University of California, 829 Health Sciences Rd, Irvine, CA, 92617, USA
| | - J Cameron Millar
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Bhavani Nagarajan
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Charles Kiehlbauch
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Qihong Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Ankur Jain
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Charles C Searby
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Todd E Scheetz
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Abbot F Clark
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Val C Sheffield
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Gulab S Zode
- Department of Ophthalmology and Center for Translational Vision Research, University of California, 829 Health Sciences Rd, Irvine, CA, 92617, USA.
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6
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He X, Fu Y, Ma L, Yao Y, Ge S, Yang Z, Fan X. AAV for Gene Therapy in Ocular Diseases: Progress and Prospects. RESEARCH (WASHINGTON, D.C.) 2023; 6:0291. [PMID: 38188726 PMCID: PMC10768554 DOI: 10.34133/research.0291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Owing to the promising therapeutic effect and one-time treatment advantage, gene therapy may completely change the management of eye diseases, especially retinal diseases. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is considered one of the most promising viral gene delivery tools because it can infect various types of tissues and is considered as a relatively safe gene delivery vector. The eye is one of the most popular organs for gene therapy, since its limited volume is suitable for small doses of AAV stably transduction. Recently, an increasing number of clinical trials of AAV-mediated gene therapy are underway. This review summarizes the biological functions of AAV and its application in the treatment of various ocular diseases, as well as the characteristics of different AAV delivery routes in clinical applications. Here, the latest research progresses in AAV-mediated gene editing and silencing strategies to modify that the genetic ocular diseases are systematically outlined, especially by base editing and prime editing. We discuss the progress of AAV in ocular optogenetic therapy. We also summarize the application of AAV-mediated gene therapy in animal models and the difficulties in its clinical transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu He
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People’s Hospital,
Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yidian Fu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People’s Hospital,
Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Liang Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People’s Hospital,
Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yizheng Yao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University; Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease,
The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Shengfang Ge
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People’s Hospital,
Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People’s Hospital,
Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Xianqun Fan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People’s Hospital,
Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
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7
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Patil SV, Kaipa BR, Ranshing S, Sundaresan Y, Millar JC, Nagarajan B, Kiehlbauch C, Zhang Q, Jain A, Searby CC, Scheetz TE, Clark AF, Sheffield VC, Zode GS. Lentiviral mediated delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 reduces intraocular pressure in a mouse model of myocilin glaucoma. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3740880. [PMID: 38196579 PMCID: PMC10775399 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3740880/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Mutations in myocilin (MYOC) are the leading known genetic cause of primary open-angle glaucoma, responsible for about 4% of all cases. Mutations in MYOC cause a gain-of-function phenotype in which mutant myocilin accumulates in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) leading to ER stress and trabecular meshwork (TM) cell death. Therefore, knocking out myocilin at the genome level is an ideal strategy to permanently cure the disease. We have previously utilized CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing successfully to target MYOC using adenovirus 5 (Ad5). However, Ad5 is not a suitable vector for clinical use. Here, we sought to determine the efficacy of adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) and lentiviruses (LVs) to target the TM. First, we examined the TM tropism of single-stranded (ss) and self-complimentary (sc) AAV serotypes as well as LV expressing GFP via intravitreal (IVT) and intracameral (IC) injections. We observed that LV_GFP expression was more specific to the TM injected via the IVT route. IC injections of Trp-mutant scAAV2 showed a prominent expression of GFP in the TM. However, robust GFP expression was also observed in the ciliary body and retina. We next constructed lentiviral particles expressing Cas9 and guide RNA (gRNA) targeting MYOC (crMYOC) and transduction of TM cells stably expressing mutant myocilin with LV_crMYOC significantly reduced myocilin accumulation and its associated chronic ER stress. A single IVT injection of LV_crMYOC in Tg-MYOCY437H mice decreased myocilin accumulation in TM and reduced elevated IOP significantly. Together, our data indicates, LV_crMYOC targets MYOC gene editing in TM and rescues a mouse model of myocilin-associated glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruti V Patil
- University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
| | | | - Sujata Ranshing
- University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Abbot F Clark
- University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
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8
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Xia X, Guo X. Adeno-associated virus vectors for retinal gene therapy in basic research and clinical studies. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1310050. [PMID: 38105897 PMCID: PMC10722277 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1310050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal degenerative diseases, including glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and a broad range of inherited retinal diseases, are leading causes of irreversible vision loss and blindness. Gene therapy is a promising and fast-growing strategy to treat both monogenic and multifactorial retinal disorders. Vectors for gene delivery are crucial for efficient and specific transfer of therapeutic gene(s) into target cells. AAV vectors are ideal for retinal gene therapy due to their inherent advantages in safety, gene expression stability, and amenability for directional engineering. The eye is a highly compartmentalized organ composed of multiple disease-related cell types. To determine a suitable AAV vector for a specific cell type, the route of administration and choice of AAV variant must be considered together. Here, we provide a brief overview of AAV vectors for gene transfer into important ocular cell types, including retinal pigment epithelium cells, photoreceptors, retinal ganglion cells, Müller glial cells, ciliary epithelial cells, trabecular meshwork cells, vascular endothelial cells, and pericytes, via distinct injection methods. By listing suitable AAV vectors in basic research and (pre)clinical studies, we aim to highlight the progress and unmet needs of AAV vectors in retinal gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xinzheng Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Suzhou, China
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9
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Chern KJ, Issac KZ, Gumbs ZD, O'Connor ME, Lawrence MS, Lipinski DM. Tolerability and tropism of recombinant adeno-associated virus vectors in the African green monkey (Chlorocebus sabaeus) anterior chamber. Gene Ther 2023; 30:714-722. [PMID: 37221271 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-023-00407-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
While many studies have investigated the use of recombinant adeno-associated vectors (rAAV) in the posterior chamber for treatment of inherited retinal diseases, fewer studies have looked at rAAV's ability to transduce cells within the anterior chamber. This study focuses on evaluating the tropism and tolerability of three rAAV serotypes-rAAV2/6, rAAV2/9, and rAAV2/2[MAX]-expressing a green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter following intracameral injection in the non-human primate (NHP) African green monkey (Chlorocebus sabaeus) model. Injection of high dose (1 × 1012 vg/eye) rAAV vector resulted in transient inflammation characterized by aqueous flare and cellular infiltrate that resolved without intervention in all serotypes. Post-mortem histology revealed widespread expression of GFP in cells of the trabecular meshwork and iris in high dose rAAV2/6, rAAV2/9, and particularly rAAV2/2[MAX] eyes, indicating that rAAV vectors of these serotypes have broad tropism for cells of the anterior chamber and may facilitate the treatment of blinding disorders, such as glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina J Chern
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Daniel M Lipinski
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
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10
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Frederick A, Sullivan J, Liu L, Adamowicz M, Lukason M, Raymer J, Luo Z, Jin X, Rao KN, O'Riordan C. Engineered Capsids for Efficient Gene Delivery to the Retina and Cornea. Hum Gene Ther 2021; 31:756-774. [PMID: 32578442 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2020.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors represent an ideal vehicle for human gene transfer. One advantage to the AAV vector system is the availability of multiple naturally occurring serotypes that provide selective tropisms for various target cells. Strategies to enhance the properties of the natural AAV isolates have been developed and can be divided into two approaches, rational design or directed evolution. The rational design approach utilizes knowledge of AAV capsids to make targeted changes to the capsid to alter transduction efficiency or specificity, while the directed evolution approach does not require a priori knowledge of capsid structure and includes random mutagenesis, capsid shuffling, or random peptide insertion. In this study, we describe the generation of novel variants for both AAV2 and AAV5 using a rational design approach and knowledge of AAV receptor binding, surface charge, and AAV capsid protein posttranslational modifications. The novel AAV2 and AAV5 variants demonstrate improved transduction properties in both the mouse retina and cornea. The translational fidelity of the novel AAV2 variant was confirmed in the context of the nonhuman primate (NHP) retina, whereas a NHP tissue explant model was established to allow the rapid assessment of translational fidelity between species for the AAV5 variants. The capsid-modified AAV2 and AAV5 variants described in this study have novel attributes that will add to the efficacy and specificity of their potential use in gene therapy for a range of human ocular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Frederick
- Department of Gene Therapy Research, Rare and Neurologic Diseases Therapeutic Area, Sanofi, Framingham, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jennifer Sullivan
- Department of Gene Therapy Research, Rare and Neurologic Diseases Therapeutic Area, Sanofi, Framingham, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lin Liu
- Department of BioAnalytics, Sanofi, Framingham, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Matthew Adamowicz
- Department of Gene Therapy Research, Rare and Neurologic Diseases Therapeutic Area, Sanofi, Framingham, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael Lukason
- Department of Gene Therapy Research, Rare and Neurologic Diseases Therapeutic Area, Sanofi, Framingham, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jasmine Raymer
- Department of Gene Therapy Research, Rare and Neurologic Diseases Therapeutic Area, Sanofi, Framingham, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Zhengyu Luo
- Department of Gene Therapy Research, Rare and Neurologic Diseases Therapeutic Area, Sanofi, Framingham, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Xiaoying Jin
- Department of BioAnalytics, Sanofi, Framingham, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kollu Nageswara Rao
- Department of Gene Therapy Research, Rare and Neurologic Diseases Therapeutic Area, Sanofi, Framingham, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Catherine O'Riordan
- Department of Gene Therapy Research, Rare and Neurologic Diseases Therapeutic Area, Sanofi, Framingham, Massachusetts, USA
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11
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Kowal TJ, Prosseda PP, Ning K, Wang B, Alvarado J, Sendayen BE, Jabbehdari S, Stamer WD, Hu Y, Sun Y. Optogenetic Modulation of Intraocular Pressure in a Glucocorticoid-Induced Ocular Hypertension Mouse Model. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2021; 10:10. [PMID: 34111256 PMCID: PMC8107493 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.10.6.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Steroid-induced glaucoma is a common form of secondary open angle glaucoma characterized by ocular hypertension (elevated intraocular pressure [IOP]) in response to prolonged glucocorticoid exposure. Elevated IOP occurs with increased outflow resistance and altered trabecular meshwork (TM) function. Recently, we used an optogenetic approach in TM to regulate the 5-phosphatase, OCRL, which contributes to regulating PI(4,5)P2 levels. Here, we applied this system with the aim of reversing compromised outflow function in a steroid-induced ocular hypertension mouse model. Methods Elevated IOP was induced by chronic subconjunctival dexamethasone injections in wild-type C57Bl/6j mice. AAV2 viruses containing optogenetic modules of cryptochrome 2 (Cry2)-OCRL-5ptase and CIBN-GFP were injected into the anterior chamber. Four weeks after viral expression and dexamethasone exposure, IOP was measured by tonometer and outflow facility was measured by perfusion apparatus. Human TM cells were treated with dexamethasone, stimulated by light and treated with rhodamine-phalloidin to analyze actin structure. Results Dexamethasone treatment elevated IOP and decreased outflow facility in wild-type mice. Optogenetic constructs were expressed in the TM of mouse eyes. Light stimulation caused CRY2-OCRL-5ptase to translocate to plasma membrane (CIBN-CAAX-GFP) and cilia (CIBN-SSTR3-GFP) in TM cells, which rescued the IOP and outflow facility. In addition, aberrant actin structures formed by dexamethasone treatment were reduced by optogenetic stimulation in human TM cells in culture. Conclusions Subcellular targeting of inositol phosphatases to remove PIP2 represents a promising strategy to reverse defective TM function in steroid-induced ocular hypertension. Translational Relevance Targeted modulation of OCRL may be used to decrease steroid-induced elevated IOP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tia J. Kowal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Philipp P. Prosseda
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Ke Ning
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Biao Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Jorge Alvarado
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Brent E. Sendayen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Sayena Jabbehdari
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - W. Daniel Stamer
- Duke Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Yang Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Yang Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Palo Alto Veterans Administration, Palo Alto, CA, USA
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12
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Komáromy AM, Koehl KL, Park SA. Looking into the future: Gene and cell therapies for glaucoma. Vet Ophthalmol 2021; 24 Suppl 1:16-33. [PMID: 33411993 PMCID: PMC7979454 DOI: 10.1111/vop.12858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Glaucoma is a complex group of optic neuropathies that affects both humans and animals. Intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation is a major risk factor that results in the loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their axons. Currently, lowering IOP by medical and surgical methods is the only approved treatment for primary glaucoma, but there is no cure, and vision loss often progresses despite therapy. Recent technologic advances provide us with a better understanding of disease mechanisms and risk factors; this will permit earlier diagnosis of glaucoma and initiation of therapy sooner and more effectively. Gene and cell therapies are well suited to target these mechanisms specifically with the potential to achieve a lasting therapeutic effect. Much progress has been made in laboratory settings to develop these novel therapies for the eye. Gene and cell therapies have already been translated into clinical application for some inherited retinal dystrophies and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Except for the intravitreal application of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) by encapsulated cell technology for RGC neuroprotection, there has been no other clinical translation of gene and cell therapies for glaucoma so far. Possible application of gene and cell therapies consists of long-term IOP control via increased aqueous humor drainage, including inhibition of fibrosis following filtration surgery, RGC neuroprotection and neuroregeneration, modification of ocular biomechanics for improved IOP tolerance, and inhibition of inflammation and neovascularization to prevent the development of some forms of secondary glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- András M. Komáromy
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Kristin L. Koehl
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Shin Ae Park
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
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13
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Ocular delivery of CRISPR/Cas genome editing components for treatment of eye diseases. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 168:181-195. [PMID: 32603815 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2020.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
A variety of inherited or multifactorial ocular diseases call for novel treatment paradigms. The newly developed genome editing technology, CRISPR, has shown great promise in treating these diseases, but delivery of the CRISPR/Cas components to target ocular tissues and cells requires appropriate use of vectors and routes of administration to ensure safety, efficacy and specificity. Although adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors are thus far the most commonly used tool for ocular gene delivery, sustained expression of CRISPR/Cas components may cause immune reactions and an increased risk of off-target editing. In this review, we summarize the ocular administration routes and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of viral and non-viral vectors for delivery of CRISPR/Cas components to the eye. We review the existing studies of CRISPR/Cas genome editing for ocular diseases and discuss the major challenges of the technology in ocular applications. We also discuss the most recently developed CRISPR tools such as base editing and prime editing which may be used for future ocular applications.
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14
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Miller PE, Eaton JS. Medical anti-glaucoma therapy: Beyond the drop. Vet Ophthalmol 2020; 24 Suppl 1:2-15. [PMID: 33164328 DOI: 10.1111/vop.12843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Barriers to effective medical therapy are numerous and include difficulties with effective and sustained control of intraocular pressure (IOP) and adherence to prescribed anti-glaucoma drop regimens. In an effort to circumvent these challenges, a number of new anti-glaucoma therapies with sustained effects have emerged. Methods for sustained delivery of prostaglandin analogs are being intensely investigated and many are in human clinical trials. Intracameral devices include the following: Allergan's Durysta™ Bimatoprost SR, Envisia Therapeutics' ENV515 travoprost implant, Glaukos' iDose™ , Ocular Therapeutix's OTX-TIC travoprost implant, and Santen's polycaprolactone implant with PGE2-derivative DE-117. Other prostaglandin-based technologies include Allergan's bimatoprost ring (placed in the conjunctival fornix), Ocular Therapeutics' OTX-TP intracanalicular travoprost implant, subconjunctival latanoprost in a liposomal formulation, and the PGE2 derivative PGN 9856-isopropyl ester that is applied to the periorbital skin. Exciting breakthroughs in gene therapy include using viral vectors to correct defective genes such as MYOC or to modulate gonioimplant fibrosis, CRISPR technology to edit MYOC or to alter aquaporin to reduce aqueous humor production, and siRNA technology to silence specific genes. Stem cell technology can repopulate depleted tissues or, in the case of Neurotech's Renexus® NT-501 intravitreal implant, serve as a living drug delivery device that continuously secretes neurotrophic factors. Other unique approaches involve nanotechnology, nasal sprays that deliver drug directly to the optic nerve and noninvasive alternating current stimulation of surviving cells in the optic nerve. Over time these modalities are likely to challenge the preeminent role that drops currently play in the medical treatment of glaucoma in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul E Miller
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Joshua Seth Eaton
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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15
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Bastola P, Song L, Gilger BC, Hirsch ML. Adeno-Associated Virus Mediated Gene Therapy for Corneal Diseases. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:pharmaceutics12080767. [PMID: 32823625 PMCID: PMC7464341 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12080767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
According to the World Health Organization, corneal diseases are the fourth leading cause of blindness worldwide accounting for 5.1% of all ocular deficiencies. Current therapies for corneal diseases, which include eye drops, oral medications, corrective surgeries, and corneal transplantation are largely inadequate, have undesirable side effects including blindness, and can require life-long applications. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) mediated gene therapy is an optimistic strategy that involves the delivery of genetic material to target human diseases through gene augmentation, gene deletion, and/or gene editing. With two therapies already approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration and 200 ongoing clinical trials, recombinant AAV (rAAV) has emerged as the in vivo viral vector-of-choice to deliver genetic material to target human diseases. Likewise, the relative ease of applications through targeted delivery and its compartmental nature makes the cornea an enticing tissue for AAV mediated gene therapy applications. This current review seeks to summarize the development of AAV gene therapy, highlight preclinical efficacy studies, and discuss potential applications and challenges of this technology for targeting corneal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prabhakar Bastola
- Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (P.B.); (L.S.); (B.C.G.)
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Liujiang Song
- Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (P.B.); (L.S.); (B.C.G.)
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Brian C. Gilger
- Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (P.B.); (L.S.); (B.C.G.)
- Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Matthew L. Hirsch
- Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (P.B.); (L.S.); (B.C.G.)
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-919-966-0696
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16
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Prosseda PP, Alvarado JA, Wang B, Kowal TJ, Ning K, Stamer WD, Hu Y, Sun Y. Optogenetic stimulation of phosphoinositides reveals a critical role of primary cilia in eye pressure regulation. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eaay8699. [PMID: 32494665 PMCID: PMC7190330 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aay8699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Glaucoma is a group of progressive optic neuropathies that cause irreversible vision loss. Although elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is associated with the development and progression of glaucoma, the mechanisms for its regulation are not well understood. Here, we have designed CIBN/CRY2-based optogenetic constructs to study phosphoinositide regulation within distinct subcellular compartments. We show that stimulation of CRY2-OCRL, an inositol 5-phosphatase, increases aqueous humor outflow and lowers IOP in vivo, which is caused by a calcium-dependent actin rearrangement of the trabecular meshwork cells. Phosphoinositide stimulation also rescues defective aqueous outflow and IOP in a Lowe syndrome mouse model but not in IFT88fl/fl mice that lack functional cilia. Thus, our study is the first to use optogenetics to regulate eye pressure and demonstrate that tight regulation of phosphoinositides is critical for aqueous humor homeostasis in both normal and diseased eyes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp P. Prosseda
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 1651 Page Mill Road, Rm 2220, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jorge A. Alvarado
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 1651 Page Mill Road, Rm 2220, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA
| | - Biao Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 1651 Page Mill Road, Rm 2220, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA
| | - Tia J. Kowal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 1651 Page Mill Road, Rm 2220, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA
| | - Ke Ning
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 1651 Page Mill Road, Rm 2220, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA
| | - W. Daniel Stamer
- Duke Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Yang Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 1651 Page Mill Road, Rm 2220, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA
| | - Yang Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 1651 Page Mill Road, Rm 2220, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA
- Palo Alto Veterans Administration, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
- Corresponding author.
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17
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Tan J, Zhang X, Li D, Liu G, Wang Y, Zhang D, Wang X, Tian W, Dong X, Zhou L, Zhu X, Liu X, Fan N. scAAV2-Mediated C3 Transferase Gene Therapy in a Rat Model with Retinal Ischemia/Reperfusion Injuries. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2020; 17:894-903. [PMID: 32382585 PMCID: PMC7200613 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2020.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Glaucoma is characterized by retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death and axonal loss. Therefore, neuroprotection is important in treating glaucoma. In this study, we explored whether exoenzyme C3 transferase (C3)-based gene therapy could protect retinas in an ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury rat model. Self-complementary adeno-associated virus 2 (scAAV2) vectors encoding either C3 protein (scAAV2-C3) or enhanced green fluorescence protein (scAAV2-EGFP) were intravitreally delivered into both eyes of rats, and I/R models (acute ocular hypertension) were made in one eye of each rat at day 7 after the injection. The rats were divided into six groups: scAAV2-C3, scAAV2-C3 with I/R, scAAV2-EGFP, scAAV2-EGFP with I/R, blank control, and blank control with I/R. TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling), immunohistochemistry of cleaved caspase-3, NeuN and Brn-3a, and H&E staining were used to detect apoptotic cells and other changes in the retina. The results showed that scAAV2-C3 significantly reduced the number of apoptotic RGCs and decreased cell loss in the ganglion cell layer after I/R injury, and the I/R-injured retinas treated with scAAV2-C3 were the thickest in all I/R groups. These results suggest that scAAV2-mediated C3 gene therapy is able to protect the rat retina from I/R injury and has potential in the treatment of glaucoma in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junkai Tan
- Xiamen Eye Center, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361006, China
| | - Xiaoguang Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China.,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, School of Optometry, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Danli Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, School of Optometry, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Guo Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, School of Optometry, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Yun Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, School of Optometry, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Daren Zhang
- Xiamen Eye Center, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361006, China
| | - Xizhen Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, School of Optometry, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Wenhong Tian
- Beijing FivePlus Molecular Medicine Institute Co., Ltd., Beijing 102600, China
| | - Xiaoyan Dong
- Beijing FivePlus Molecular Medicine Institute Co., Ltd., Beijing 102600, China
| | - Liang Zhou
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610212, China
| | - Xianjun Zhu
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China.,Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610212, China
| | - Xuyang Liu
- Xiamen Eye Center, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361006, China.,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, School of Optometry, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Ning Fan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, School of Optometry, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518000, China
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18
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Preparation and Administration of Adeno-associated Virus Vectors for Corneal Gene Delivery. Methods Mol Biol 2020; 2145:77-102. [PMID: 32542602 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0599-8_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Gene delivery approaches using adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors are currently the preferred method for human gene therapy applications and have demonstrated success in clinical trials for a diverse set of diseases including retinal blindness. To date, no clinical trials using AAV gene therapy in the anterior eye have been initiated; however, corneal gene delivery appears to be an attractive approach for treating both corneal and ocular surface diseases. Multiple preclinical studies by our lab and others have demonstrated efficient AAV vector-mediated gene delivery to the cornea for immunomodulation, anti-vascularization, and enzyme supplementation. Interestingly, the route of AAV vector administration and nuances such as administered volume influence vector tropism and transduction efficiency. In this chapter, a detailed protocol for AAV vector production and specific approaches for AAV-mediated gene transfer to the cornea via subconjunctival and intrastromal injections are described.
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19
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Crabtree E, Song L, Llanga T, Bower JJ, Cullen M, Salmon JH, Hirsch ML, Gilger BC. AAV-mediated expression of HLA-G1/5 reduces severity of experimental autoimmune uveitis. Sci Rep 2019; 9:19864. [PMID: 31882729 PMCID: PMC6934797 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-56462-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-infectious uveitis (NIU) is an intractable, recurrent, and painful disease that is a common cause of vision loss. Available treatments of NIU, such as the use of topical corticosteroids, are non-specific and have serious side effects which limits them to short-term use; however, NIU requires long-term treatment to prevent vision loss. Therefore, a single dose therapeutic that mediates long-term immunosuppression with minimal side effects is desirable. In order to develop an effective long-term therapy for NIU, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy approach was used to exploit a natural immune tolerance mechanism induced by the human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G). To mimic the prevention of NIU, naïve Lewis rats received a single intravitreal injection of AAV particles harboring codon-optimized cDNAs encoding HLA-G1 and HLA-G5 isoforms one week prior to the induction of experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU). AAV-mediated expression of the HLA-G-1 and -5 transgenes in the targeted ocular tissues following a single intravitreal injection of AAV-HLA-G1/5 significantly decreased clinical and histopathological inflammation scores compared to untreated EAU eyes (p < 0.04). Thus, localized ocular gene delivery of AAV-HLA-G1/5 may reduce the off-target risks and establish a long-term immunosuppressive effect that would serve as an effective and novel therapeutic strategy for NIU, with the potential for applications to additional ocular immune-mediated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Crabtree
- College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Liujiang Song
- Department of Pediatrics, Hunan Normal University Medical College, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Telmo Llanga
- Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jacquelyn J Bower
- Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Megan Cullen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Jacklyn H Salmon
- College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Matthew L Hirsch
- Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Brian C Gilger
- College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.
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20
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Tan J, Wang X, Cai S, He F, Zhang D, Li D, Zhu X, Zhou L, Fan N, Liu X. C3 Transferase-Expressing scAAV2 Transduces Ocular Anterior Segment Tissues and Lowers Intraocular Pressure in Mouse and Monkey. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2019; 17:143-155. [PMID: 31909087 PMCID: PMC6938898 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2019.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Glaucoma is a lifelong disease with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) as the main risk factor, and reduction of IOP remains the major treatment for this disease. However, current IOP-lowering therapies are far from being satisfactory. We have demonstrated that the lentivirus-mediated exoenzyme C3 transferase (C3) expression in rat and monkey eyes induced relatively long-term IOP reduction. We now show that intracameral injection of self-complementary AAV2 containing a C3 gene into mouse and monkey eyes resulted in morphological changes in trabecular meshwork and IOP reduction. The vector-transduced corneal endothelium and the C3 transgene expression, not vector itself, induced corneal edema as a result of actin-associated endothelial barrier disruption. There was a positive (quadratic) correlation between measured IOP and grade of corneal edema. This is the first report of using an AAV to transduce the trabecular meshwork of monkeys with a gene capable of altering cellular structure and physiology, indicating a potential gene therapy for glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junkai Tan
- Xiamen Eye Center, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xizhen Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Suping Cai
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Fen He
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Daren Zhang
- Xiamen Eye Center, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Dongkan Li
- Xiamen Eye Center, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xianjun Zhu
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Liang Zhou
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ning Fan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xuyang Liu
- Xiamen Eye Center, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
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21
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Rodriguez-Estevez L, Asokan P, Borrás T. Transduction optimization of AAV vectors for human gene therapy of glaucoma and their reversed cell entry characteristics. Gene Ther 2019; 27:127-142. [PMID: 31611639 PMCID: PMC7153980 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-019-0105-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2018] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The trabecular meshwork (TM) of the eye is responsible for maintaining physiological intraocular pressure (IOP). Dysfunction of this tissue results in elevated IOP, subsequent optic nerve damage and glaucoma, the world’s leading cause of irreversible blindness. IOP regulation by delivering candidate TM genes would offer an enormous clinical advantage to the current daily-drops/surgery treatment. Initially, we showed that a double-stranded AAV2 (scAAV2) transduced the human TM very efficiently, while its single-stranded form (ssAAV2) did not. Here, we quantified transduction and entry of single- and double-strand serotypes 1, 2.5, 5, 6, 8, and 9 in primary, single individual-derived human TM cells (HTM). scAAV2 exhibited highest transduction in all individuals, distantly followed by scAAV2.5, scAAV6, and scAAV5. Transduction of scAAV1, scAAV8, and scAAV9 was negligible. None of the ssAAV serotypes transduced, but their cell entries were significantly higher than those of their corresponding scAAV. Tyrosine scAAV2 capsid mutants increased transduction in HTM cultured cells and all TM-outflow layers of perfused postmortem human eyes. These studies provide the first serotype optimization for gene therapy of glaucoma in humans. They further reveal biological differences between the AAV forms in HTM cells, whose understanding could contribute to the development of gene therapy of glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Rodriguez-Estevez
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Priyadarsini Asokan
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Teresa Borrás
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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22
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Lee SH, Sim KS, Kim CY, Park TK. Transduction Pattern of AAVs in the Trabecular Meshwork and Anterior-Segment Structures in a Rat Model of Ocular Hypertension. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2019; 14:197-205. [PMID: 31406700 PMCID: PMC6685643 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2019.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are the vector of choice for gene therapy in the eye, and self-complementary AAVs (scAAVs), which do not require second-strand DNA synthesis, can be transduced into cells of the trabecular meshwork (TM). The scAAV transduction patterns in the anterior segment of normotensive eyes have been investigated previously, but those in ocular hypertensive (OHT) eyes have not. We assessed the transduction efficiencies of AAV serotypes 2, 5, and 8 in the anterior-segment structures of the eyes of Sprague-Dawley rats with OHT by circumlimbal suturing, followed 3 days later by intracameral injection of scAAV serotype 2 (scAAV2), scAAV5, or scAAV8 packaged with EGFP. The transduction of scAAV2 and scAAV5 in the TM of OHT rats was markedly enhanced after 1 month, and transduction of scAAV5 was more efficient than that of scAAV2; transduction of scAAV8 into the TM did not occur. The transduction of scAAV2, scAAV5, and scAAV8 was enhanced in the ciliary body, iris, and corneal endothelium of the OHT eyes for 3 months. The expression levels of receptors for scAAV2 and scAAV5 were significantly increased in the OHT compared with control eyes. The results demonstrated that scAAV2 and scAAV5 target the ciliary body and TM in OHT eyes, and that the OHT-related changes in anterior-segment structures enhance scAAV transduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Hyung Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan 31151, Republic of Korea.,Department of Ophthalmology, Soonchunhyang University Hospital Bucheon, Bucheon 14584, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyeong Sun Sim
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan 31151, Republic of Korea.,Department of Ophthalmology, Soonchunhyang University Hospital Bucheon, Bucheon 14584, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Yun Kim
- Institute of Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University, College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Tae Kwann Park
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan 31151, Republic of Korea.,Department of Ophthalmology, Soonchunhyang University Hospital Bucheon, Bucheon 14584, Republic of Korea
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23
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Komáromy AM, Bras D, Esson DW, Fellman RL, Grozdanic SD, Kagemann L, Miller PE, Moroi SE, Plummer CE, Sapienza JS, Storey ES, Teixeira LB, Toris CB, Webb TR. The future of canine glaucoma therapy. Vet Ophthalmol 2019; 22:726-740. [PMID: 31106969 PMCID: PMC6744300 DOI: 10.1111/vop.12678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Revised: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Canine glaucoma is a group of disorders that are generally associated with increased intraocular pressure (IOP) resulting in a characteristic optic neuropathy. Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss in dogs and may be either primary or secondary. Despite the growing spectrum of medical and surgical therapies, there is no cure, and many affected dogs go blind. Often eyes are enucleated because of painfully high, uncontrollable IOP. While progressive vision loss due to primary glaucoma is considered preventable in some humans, this is mostly not true for dogs. There is an urgent need for more effective, affordable treatment options. Because newly developed glaucoma medications are emerging at a very slow rate and may not be effective in dogs, work toward improving surgical options may be the most rewarding approach in the near term. This Viewpoint Article summarizes the discussions and recommended research strategies of both a Think Tank and a Consortium focused on the development of more effective therapies for canine glaucoma; both were organized and funded by the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists Vision for Animals Foundation (ACVO-VAF). The recommendations consist of (a) better understanding of disease mechanisms, (b) early glaucoma diagnosis and disease staging, (c) optimization of IOP-lowering medical treatment, (d) new surgical therapies to control IOP, and (e) novel treatment strategies, such as gene and stem cell therapies, neuroprotection, and neuroregeneration. In order to address these needs, increases in research funding specifically focused on canine glaucoma are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- András M Komáromy
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Dineli Bras
- Centro de Especialistas Veterinarios de Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | | | | | | | - Larry Kagemann
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland.,New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York.,Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Paul E Miller
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Sayoko E Moroi
- Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Caryn E Plummer
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | | | - Eric S Storey
- South Atlanta Veterinary Emergency & Specialty, Fayetteville, Georgia
| | - Leandro B Teixeira
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Carol B Toris
- Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Terah R Webb
- MedVet Medical & Cancer Centers for Pets, Worthington, Ohio
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24
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O'Callaghan J, Campbell M, Humphries P. Intracameral Delivery of AAV to Corneal Endothelium for Expression of Secretory Proteins. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1950:263-270. [PMID: 30783979 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9139-6_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
AAV9 drives gene expression in a highly selective manner within the corneal endothelium of mice following intracameral inoculation into the anterior chamber of the eye. In principle, this allows genes encoding protein constituents of the secretome (representing up to 20% of the human proteome) to be delivered directly into the aqueous humor. From here the secreted protein moves with the natural flow of the aqueous humor via a pressure gradient and is directed toward the outflow tissues. Such a delivery can be employed to modulate outflow facility and intraocular pressure through interactions at the trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal. We provide a protocol for the delivery of AAV to the corneal endothelium, using a CMV-driven eGFP reporter gene as a marker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey O'Callaghan
- Ocular Genetics Unit, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, University of Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Matthew Campbell
- Neurovascular Genetics Laboratory, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, University of Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Peter Humphries
- Ocular Genetics Unit, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, University of Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
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25
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Serotype survey of AAV gene delivery via subconjunctival injection in mice. Gene Ther 2018; 25:402-414. [PMID: 30072815 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-018-0035-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Revised: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
AAV gene therapy approaches in the posterior eye resulted in the first FDA-approved gene therapy-based drug. However, application of AAV vectorology to the anterior eye has yet to enter even a Phase I trial. Furthermore, the simple and safe subconjunctival injection has been relatively unexplored in regard to AAV vector transduction. To determine the utility of this route for the treatment of various ocular disorders, a survey of gene delivery via natural AAV serotypes was performed and correlated to reported cellular attachment factors. AAV serotypes packaged with a self-complementary reporter were administered via subconjunctival injection to WT mice. Subconjunctival injection of AAV vectors was without incidence; however, vector shedding in tears was noted weeks following administration. AAV transduction was serotype dependent in anterior segment tissues including the eye lid, conjunctiva, and cornea, as well as the periocular tissues including muscle. Transgene product in the cornea was highest for AAV6 and AAV8, however, their corneal restriction was remarkably different; AAV6 appeared restricted to the endothelium layer while AAV8 efficiently transduced the stromal layer. Reported AAV cellular receptors were not well correlated to vector transduction; although, in some cases they were conserved among mouse and human ocular tissues. Subconjunctival administration of particular AAV serotypes may be a simple and safe targeted gene delivery route for ocular surface, muscular, corneal, and optic nerve diseases.
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26
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Aktas Z, Rao H, Slauson SR, Gabelt BT, Larsen IV, Sheridan RTC, Herrnberger L, Tamm ER, Kaufman PL, Brandt CR. Proteasome Inhibition Increases the Efficiency of Lentiviral Vector-Mediated Transduction of Trabecular Meshwork. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2018; 59:298-310. [PMID: 29340644 PMCID: PMC5961099 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.17-22074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To determine if proteasome inhibition using MG132 increased the efficiency of FIV vector–mediated transduction in human trabecular meshwork (TM)-1 cells and monkey organ-cultured anterior segments (MOCAS). Methods TM-1 cells were pretreated for 1 hour with 0.5% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO; vehicle control) or 5 to 50 μM MG132 and transduced with FIV.GFP (green fluorescent protein)– or FIV.mCherry-expressing vector at a multiplicity of transduction (MOT) of 20. At 24 hours, cells were fixed and stained with antibodies for GFP, and positive cells were counted, manually or by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). Cells transduced with FIV.GFP particles alone were used as controls. The effect of 20 μM MG132 treatment on high- and low-dose (2 × 107 and 0.8 × 107 transducing units [TU], respectively) FIV.GFP transduction with or without MG132 was also evaluated in MOCAS using fluorescence microscopy. Vector genome equivalents in cells and tissues were quantified by quantitative (q)PCR on DNA. Results In the MG132 treatment groups, there was a significant dose-dependent increase in the percentage of transduced cells at all concentrations tested. Vector genome equivalents were also increased in TM-1 cells treated with MG132. Increased FIV.GFP expression in the TM was also observed in MOCAS treated with 20 μM MG132 and the high dose of vector. Vector genome equivalents were also significantly increased in the MOCAS tissues. Increased transduction was not seen with the low dose of virus. Conclusions Proteasome inhibition increased the transduction efficiency of FIV particles in TM-1 cells and MOCAS and may be a useful adjunct for delivery of therapeutic genes to the TM by lentiviral vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeynep Aktas
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology, Gazi University Medical Faculty, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Hongyu Rao
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Sarah R Slauson
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
| | - B'Ann T Gabelt
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Inna V Larsen
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Rachael T C Sheridan
- UW Carbone Cancer Center Flow Cytometry Laboratory, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Leonie Herrnberger
- Institute of Human Anatomy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Ernst R Tamm
- Institute of Human Anatomy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Paul L Kaufman
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States.,McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Curtis R Brandt
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States.,McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
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27
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Wiley LA, Burnight ER, Kaalberg EE, Jiao C, Riker MJ, Halder JA, Luse MA, Han IC, Russell SR, Sohn EH, Stone EM, Tucker BA, Mullins RF. Assessment of Adeno-Associated Virus Serotype Tropism in Human Retinal Explants. Hum Gene Ther 2018; 29:424-436. [PMID: 29160116 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2017.179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in the discovery of the causes of monogenic retinal disorders, combined with technologies for the delivery of DNA to the retina, offer enormous opportunities for the treatment of previously untreatable blinding diseases. However, for gene augmentation to be most effective, vectors that have the correct cell-type specificity are needed. While animal models are very useful, they often exhibit differences in retinal cell surface receptors compared to the human retina. This study evaluated the use of an ex vivo organotypic explant system to test the transduction efficiency and tropism of seven different adeno-associated virus type 2 (AAV2) serotypes in the human retina and retinal pigment epithelium-choroid-AAV2/1, AAV2/2, AAV2/4, AAV2/5, AAV2/6, AAV2/8, and AAV2/9-all driving expression of GFP under control of the cytomegalovirus promoter. After 7 days in culture, it was found that AAV2/4 and AAV2/5 were particularly efficient at transducing photoreceptor cells and that AAV2/5 was highly specific to the outer nuclear layer, whereas AAV2/8 displayed consistently low transduction of photoreceptors. To validate the authenticity of the organotypic culture system, the transduction of the same set of AAVs was also compared in a pig model, in which sub-retinal injections in vivo were compared to cultured and transduced organotypic cultures ex vivo. This study shows how different AAV serotypes behave in the human retina and provides insight for further investigation of each of these serotypes for gene augmentation-based treatment of inherited retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke A Wiley
- 1 Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa , Iowa City, Iowa.,2 Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa , Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Erin R Burnight
- 1 Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa , Iowa City, Iowa.,2 Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa , Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Emily E Kaalberg
- 1 Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa , Iowa City, Iowa.,2 Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa , Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Chunhua Jiao
- 1 Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa , Iowa City, Iowa.,2 Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa , Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Megan J Riker
- 1 Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa , Iowa City, Iowa.,2 Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa , Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Jennifer A Halder
- 1 Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa , Iowa City, Iowa.,2 Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa , Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Meagan A Luse
- 1 Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa , Iowa City, Iowa.,2 Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa , Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Ian C Han
- 1 Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa , Iowa City, Iowa.,2 Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa , Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Stephen R Russell
- 1 Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa , Iowa City, Iowa.,2 Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa , Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Elliott H Sohn
- 1 Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa , Iowa City, Iowa.,2 Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa , Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Edwin M Stone
- 1 Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa , Iowa City, Iowa.,2 Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa , Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Budd A Tucker
- 1 Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa , Iowa City, Iowa.,2 Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa , Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Robert F Mullins
- 1 Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa , Iowa City, Iowa.,2 Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa , Iowa City, Iowa
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28
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Single stranded adeno-associated virus achieves efficient gene transfer to anterior segment in the mouse eye. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0182473. [PMID: 28763501 PMCID: PMC5538712 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are used extensively as a gene delivery vehicle for retinal gene therapy, yet its ability to target the anterior segment of the eye, critical to unlocking therapeutic opportunities, is less characterized. Previously, self-complimentary (sc) AAV was shown to be necessary for transduction of the cornea and trabecular meshwork (TM), limiting the size of the gene transfer cassette, likely due to a block in second strand synthesis thought to be required for functional transduction. Here, we evaluated several AAV capsids in a single stranded (ss) genome conformation for their ability to overcome the need for scAAV for targeting corneal endothelium and TM. AAV2, 8, and a recently synthetically developed AAV called Anc80L65 were evaluated in vitro and in vivo by intracameral injection in mice. Results show that although scAAV2 demonstrated superior infectivity in vitro including Human Trabecular meshwork (HTM) immortalized cell lines; Anc80L65 transduced following a single intracameral injection efficiently all components of the mouse anterior segment, including the TM, corneal stroma, and endothelial cells. These results suggest that Anc80L65 is able to overcome the requirement for scAAV genomes to enable TM and corneal targeting, expanding the potential experimental and therapeutic use of AAV gene transfer in the anterior segment of the eye.
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29
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O'Callaghan J, Crosbie DE, Cassidy PS, Sherwood JM, Flügel-Koch C, Lütjen-Drecoll E, Humphries MM, Reina-Torres E, Wallace D, Kiang AS, Campbell M, Stamer WD, Overby DR, O'Brien C, Tam LCS, Humphries P. Therapeutic potential of AAV-mediated MMP-3 secretion from corneal endothelium in treating glaucoma. Hum Mol Genet 2017; 26:1230-1246. [PMID: 28158775 PMCID: PMC5390678 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddx028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Intraocular pressure (IOP) is maintained as a result of the balance between production of aqueous humour (AH) by the ciliary processes and hydrodynamic resistance to its outflow through the conventional outflow pathway comprising the trabecular meshwork (TM) and Schlemm's canal (SC). Elevated IOP, which can be caused by increased resistance to AH outflow, is a major risk factor for open-angle glaucoma. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) contribute to conventional aqueous outflow homeostasis in their capacity to remodel extracellular matrices, which has a direct impact on aqueous outflow resistance and IOP. We observed decreased MMP-3 activity in human glaucomatous AH compared to age-matched normotensive control AH. Treatment with glaucomatous AH resulted in significantly increased transendothelial resistance of SC endothelial and TM cell monolayers and reduced monolayer permeability when compared to control AH, or supplemented treatment with exogenous MMP-3.Intracameral inoculation of AAV-2/9 containing a CMV-driven MMP-3 gene (AAV-MMP-3) into wild type mice resulted in efficient transduction of corneal endothelium and an increase in aqueous concentration and activity of MMP-3. Most importantly, AAV-mediated expression of MMP-3 increased outflow facility and decreased IOP, and controlled expression using an inducible promoter activated by topical administration of doxycycline achieved the same effect. Ultrastructural analysis of MMP-3 treated matrices by transmission electron microscopy revealed remodelling and degradation of core extracellular matrix components. These results indicate that periodic induction, via use of an eye drop, of AAV-mediated secretion of MMP-3 into AH could have therapeutic potential for those cases of glaucoma that are sub-optimally responsive to conventional pressure-reducing medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey O'Callaghan
- Ocular Genetics Unit, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, University of Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin, D2, Ireland
| | - Darragh E Crosbie
- Ocular Genetics Unit, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, University of Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin, D2, Ireland
| | - Paul S Cassidy
- Ocular Genetics Unit, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, University of Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin, D2, Ireland
| | - Joseph M Sherwood
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2BX, UK
| | - Cassandra Flügel-Koch
- Department of Anatomy II, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Elke Lütjen-Drecoll
- Department of Anatomy II, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Marian M Humphries
- Ocular Genetics Unit, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, University of Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin, D2, Ireland
| | - Ester Reina-Torres
- Ocular Genetics Unit, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, University of Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin, D2, Ireland
| | - Deborah Wallace
- Clinical Research Centre, UCD School of Medicine and Medical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Anna-Sophia Kiang
- Ocular Genetics Unit, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, University of Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin, D2, Ireland
| | - Matthew Campbell
- Ocular Genetics Unit, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, University of Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin, D2, Ireland
| | - W Daniel Stamer
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Darryl R Overby
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2BX, UK
| | - Colm O'Brien
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, D7, Ireland
| | - Lawrence C S Tam
- Ocular Genetics Unit, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, University of Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin, D2, Ireland
| | - Peter Humphries
- Ocular Genetics Unit, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, University of Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin, D2, Ireland
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30
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Park JS, Yi SW, Kim HJ, Kim SM, Kim JH, Park KH. Construction of PLGA Nanoparticles Coated with Polycistronic SOX5, SOX6, and SOX9 Genes for Chondrogenesis of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2017; 9:1361-1372. [PMID: 28005327 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.6b15354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Transfection of a cocktail of genes into cells has recently attracted attraction in stem cell differentiation. However, it is not easy to control the transfection rate of each gene. To control and regulate gene delivery into human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), we employed multicistronic genes coupled with a nonviral gene carrier system for stem cell differentiation. Three genes, SOX5, SOX6, and SOX9, were successfully fabricated in a single plasmid. This multicistronic plasmid was complexed with the polycationic polymer polyethylenimine, and poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) nanoparticles were coated with this complex. The uptake of PLGA nanoparticles complexed with the multicistronic plasmid was tested first. Thereafter, transfection of SOX5, SOX6, and SOX9 was evaluated, which increased the potential for chondrogenesis of hMSCs. The expression of specific genes triggered by transfection of SOX5, SOX6, and SOX9 was tested by RT-PCR and real-time qPCR. Furthermore, specific proteins related to chondrocytes were investigated by a glycosaminoglycan/DNA assay, Western blotting, histological analyses, and immunofluorescence staining. These methods demonstrated that chondrogenesis of hMSCs treated with PLGA nanoparticles carrying this multicistronic genes was better than that of hMSCs treated with other carriers. Furthermore, the multicistronic genes complexed with PLGA nanoparticles were more simple than that of each single gene complexation with PLGA nanoparticles. Multicistronic genes showed more chondrogenic differentiation than each single gene transfection methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Sun Park
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University , 6F, CHA Bio-complex, 689 Sampyeong-dong Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si 134-88, Korea
| | - Se Won Yi
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University , 6F, CHA Bio-complex, 689 Sampyeong-dong Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si 134-88, Korea
| | - Hye Jin Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University , 6F, CHA Bio-complex, 689 Sampyeong-dong Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si 134-88, Korea
| | - Seong Min Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University , 6F, CHA Bio-complex, 689 Sampyeong-dong Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si 134-88, Korea
| | - Jae-Hwan Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University , 6F, CHA Bio-complex, 689 Sampyeong-dong Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si 134-88, Korea
| | - Keun-Hong Park
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University , 6F, CHA Bio-complex, 689 Sampyeong-dong Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si 134-88, Korea
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31
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Tam LCS, Reina-Torres E, Sherwood JM, Cassidy PS, Crosbie DE, Lütjen-Drecoll E, Flügel-Koch C, Perkumas K, Humphries MM, Kiang AS, O'Callaghan J, Callanan JJ, Read AT, Ethier CR, O'Brien C, Lawrence M, Campbell M, Stamer WD, Overby DR, Humphries P. Enhancement of Outflow Facility in the Murine Eye by Targeting Selected Tight-Junctions of Schlemm's Canal Endothelia. Sci Rep 2017; 7:40717. [PMID: 28091584 PMCID: PMC5238500 DOI: 10.1038/srep40717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 12/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The juxtacanalicular connective tissue of the trabecular meshwork together with inner wall endothelium of Schlemm’s canal (SC) provide the bulk of resistance to aqueous outflow from the anterior chamber. Endothelial cells lining SC elaborate tight junctions (TJs), down-regulation of which may widen paracellular spaces between cells, allowing greater fluid outflow. We observed significant increase in paracellular permeability following siRNA-mediated suppression of TJ transcripts, claudin-11, zonula-occludens-1 (ZO-1) and tricellulin in human SC endothelial monolayers. In mice claudin-11 was not detected, but intracameral injection of siRNAs targeting ZO-1 and tricellulin increased outflow facility significantly. Structural qualitative and quantitative analysis of SC inner wall by transmission electron microscopy revealed significantly more open clefts between endothelial cells treated with targeting, as opposed to non-targeting siRNA. These data substantiate the concept that the continuity of SC endothelium is an important determinant of outflow resistance, and suggest that SC endothelial TJs represent a specific target for enhancement of aqueous movement through the conventional outflow system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence C S Tam
- Neurovascular Genetics, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College, University of Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Ester Reina-Torres
- Neurovascular Genetics, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College, University of Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.,Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Paul S Cassidy
- Neurovascular Genetics, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College, University of Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Darragh E Crosbie
- Neurovascular Genetics, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College, University of Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | | | | | | | - Marian M Humphries
- Neurovascular Genetics, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College, University of Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Anna-Sophia Kiang
- Neurovascular Genetics, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College, University of Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Jeffrey O'Callaghan
- Neurovascular Genetics, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College, University of Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - John J Callanan
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P. O. Box 334, Basseterre, St. Kitts, West Indies
| | - A Thomas Read
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - C Ross Ethier
- Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, USA
| | - Colm O'Brien
- Ophthalmology, Mater Hospital, UCD School of Medicine, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Matthew Campbell
- Neurovascular Genetics, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College, University of Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - W Daniel Stamer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Darryl R Overby
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Pete Humphries
- Neurovascular Genetics, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College, University of Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
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Borrás T. The Pathway From Genes to Gene Therapy in Glaucoma: A Review of Possibilities for Using Genes as Glaucoma Drugs. Asia Pac J Ophthalmol (Phila) 2017; 6:80-93. [PMID: 28161916 PMCID: PMC6005701 DOI: 10.22608/apo.2016126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment of diseases with gene therapy is advancing rapidly. The use of gene therapy has expanded from the original concept of re-placing the mutated gene causing the disease to the use of genes to con-trol nonphysiological levels of expression or to modify pathways known to affect the disease. Genes offer numerous advantages over conventional drugs. They have longer duration of action and are more specific. Genes can be delivered to the target site by naked DNA, cells, nonviral, and viral vectors. The enormous progress of the past decade in molecular bi-ology and delivery systems has provided ways for targeting genes to the intended cell/tissue and safe, long-term vectors. The eye is an ideal organ for gene therapy. It is easily accessible and it is an immune-privileged site. Currently, there are clinical trials for diseases affecting practically every tissue of the eye, including those to restore vision in patients with Leber congenital amaurosis. However, the number of eye trials compared with those for systemic diseases is quite low (1.8%). Nevertheless, judg-ing by the vast amount of ongoing preclinical studies, it is expected that such number will increase considerably in the near future. One area of great need for eye gene therapy is glaucoma, where a long-term gene drug would eliminate daily applications and compliance issues. Here, we review the current state of gene therapy for glaucoma and the possibilities for treating the trabecular meshwork to lower intraocular pressure and the retinal ganglion cells to protect them from neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Borrás
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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Dang Y, Loewen R, Parikh HA, Roy P, Loewen NA. Gene transfer to the outflow tract. Exp Eye Res 2016; 158:73-84. [PMID: 27131906 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2016.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Revised: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Elevated intraocular pressure is the primary cause of open angle glaucoma. Outflow resistance exists within the trabecular meshwork but also at the level of Schlemm's canal and further downstream within the outflow system. Viral vectors allow to take advantage of naturally evolved, highly efficient mechanisms of gene transfer, a process that is termed transduction. They can be produced at biosafety level 2 in the lab using protocols that have evolved considerably over the last 15-20 years. Applied by an intracameral bolus, vectors follow conventional as well as uveoscleral outflow pathways. They may affect other structures in the anterior chamber depending on their transduction kinetics which can vary among species when using the same vector. Not all vectors can express long-term, a desirable feature to address the chronicity of glaucoma. Vectors that integrate into the genome of the target cell can achieve transgene function for the life of the transduced cell but are mutagenic by definition. The most prominent long-term expressing vector systems are based on lentiviruses that are derived from HIV, FIV, or EIAV. Safety considerations make non-primate lentiviral vector systems easier to work with as they are not derived from human pathogens. Non-integrating vectors are subject to degradation and attritional dilution during cell division. Lentiviral vectors have to integrate in order to express while adeno-associated viral vectors (AAV) often persist as intracellular concatemers but may also integrate. Adeno- and herpes viral vectors do not integrate and earlier generation systems might be relatively immunogenic. Nonviral methods of gene transfer are termed transfection with few restrictions of transgene size and type but often a much less efficient gene transfer that is also short-lived. Traditional gene transfer delivers exons while some vectors (lentiviral, herpes and adenoviral) allow transfer of entire genes that include introns. Recent insights have highlighted the role of non-coding RNA, most prominently, siRNA, miRNA and lncRNA. SiRNA is highly specific, miRNA is less specific, while lncRNA uses highly complex mechanisms that involve secondary structures and intergenic, intronic, overlapping, antisense, and bidirectional location. Several promising preclinical studies have targeted the RhoA or the prostaglandin pathway or modified the extracellular matrix. TGF-β and glaucoma myocilin mutants have been transduced to elevate the intraocular pressure in glaucoma models. Cell based therapies have started to show first promise. Past approaches have focused on the trabecular meshwork and the inner wall of Schlemm's canal while new strategies are concerned with modification of outflow tract elements that are downstream of the trabecular meshwork.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalong Dang
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Ralitsa Loewen
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Hardik A Parikh
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA; New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Pritha Roy
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Nils A Loewen
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA.
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Self-Complementary Adeno-Associated Virus Vectors Improve Transduction Efficiency of Corneal Endothelial Cells. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0152589. [PMID: 27023329 PMCID: PMC4811580 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0152589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Transplantation of a donor cornea to restore vision is the most frequently performed transplantation in the world. Corneal endothelial cells (CEC) are crucial for the outcome of a graft as they maintain corneal transparency and avoid graft failure due to corneal opaqueness. Given the characteristic of being a monolayer and in direct contact with culture medium during cultivation in eye banks, CEC are specifically suitable for gene therapeutic approaches prior to transplantation. Recombinant adeno-associated virus 2 (rAAV2) vectors represent a promising tool for gene therapy of CEC. However, high vector titers are needed to achieve sufficient gene expression. One of the rate-limiting steps for transgene expression is the conversion of single-stranded (ss-) DNA vector genome into double-stranded (ds-) DNA. This step can be bypassed by using self-complementary (sc-) AAV2 vectors. Aim of this study was to compare for the first time transduction efficiencies of ss- and scAAV2 vectors in CEC. For this purpose AAV2 vectors containing enhanced green fluorescent protein (GFP) as transgene were used. Both in CEC and in donor corneas, transduction with scAAV2 resulted in significantly higher transgene expression compared to ssAAV2. The difference in transduction efficiency decreased with increasing vector titer. In most cases, only half the vector titer of scAAV2 was required for equal or higher gene expression rates than those of ssAAV2. In human donor corneas, GFP expression was 64.7±11.3% (scAAV) and 38.0±8.6% (ssAAV) (p<0.001), respectively. Furthermore, transduced cells maintained their viability and showed regular morphology. Working together with regulatory authorities, a translation of AAV2 vector-mediated gene therapy to achieve a temporary protection of corneal allografts during cultivation and transplantation could therefore become more realistic.
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