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Mohammadian Gol T, Zahedipour F, Trosien P, Ureña-Bailén G, Kim M, Antony JS, Mezger M. Gene therapy in pediatrics - Clinical studies and approved drugs (as of 2023). Life Sci 2024; 348:122685. [PMID: 38710276 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Gene therapy in pediatrics represents a cutting-edge therapeutic strategy for treating a range of genetic disorders that manifest in childhood. Gene therapy involves the modification or correction of a mutated gene or the introduction of a functional gene into a patient's cells. In general, it is implemented through two main modalities namely ex vivo gene therapy and in vivo gene therapy. Currently, a noteworthy array of gene therapy products has received valid market authorization, with several others in various stages of the approval process. Additionally, a multitude of clinical trials are actively underway, underscoring the dynamic progress within this field. Pediatric genetic disorders in the fields of hematology, oncology, vision and hearing loss, immunodeficiencies, neurological, and metabolic disorders are areas for gene therapy interventions. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution and current progress of gene therapy-based treatments in the clinic for pediatric patients. It navigates the historical milestones of gene therapies, currently approved gene therapy products by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and/or European Medicines Agency (EMA) for children, and the promising future for genetic disorders. By providing a thorough compilation of approved gene therapy drugs and published results of completed or ongoing clinical trials, this review serves as a guide for pediatric clinicians to get a quick overview of the situation of clinical studies and approved gene therapy products as of 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahereh Mohammadian Gol
- University Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics I, Hematology and Oncology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Fatemeh Zahedipour
- University Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics I, Hematology and Oncology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Paul Trosien
- University Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics I, Hematology and Oncology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Guillermo Ureña-Bailén
- University Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics I, Hematology and Oncology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Miso Kim
- University Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics I, Hematology and Oncology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Justin S Antony
- University Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics I, Hematology and Oncology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Markus Mezger
- University Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics I, Hematology and Oncology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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Han S, Xu Z, Wang S, Tang H, Hu S, Wang H, Guan G, Shu Y. Distributional comparison of different AAV vectors after unilateral cochlear administration. Gene Ther 2024; 31:154-164. [PMID: 38097651 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-023-00431-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2024]
Abstract
The adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy has been widely applied to mouse models for deafness. But, AAVs could transduce non-targeted organs after inner ear delivery due to their low cell-type specificity. This study compares transgene expression and biodistribution of AAV1, AAV2, Anc80L65, AAV9, AAV-PHP.B, and AAV-PHP.eB after round window membrane (RWM) injection in neonatal mice. The highest virus concentration was detected in the injected cochlea. AAV2, Anc80L65, AAV9, AAV-PHP.B, and AAV-PHP.eB transduced both inner hair cells (IHCs) and outer hair cells (OHCs) with high efficiency, while AAV1 transduced IHCs with high efficiency but OHCs with low efficiency. All AAV subtypes finitely transduced contralateral inner ear, brain, heart, and liver compared with the injected cochlea. In most brain regions, the enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) expression of AAV1 and AAV2 was lower than that of other four subtypes. We suggested the cochlear aqueduct might be one of routes for vectors instantaneously infiltrating into the brain from the cochlea through a dye tracking test. In summary, our results provide available data for further investigating the biodistribution of vectors through local inner ear injection and afford a reference for selecting AAV serotypes for gene therapy toward deafness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Han
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, PR China
- ENT institute and Otorhinolaryngology Department of Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, PR China
- Institutes of Biomedical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine (Fudan University), Shanghai, 200031, PR China
| | - Zhijiao Xu
- ENT institute and Otorhinolaryngology Department of Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, PR China
- Institutes of Biomedical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine (Fudan University), Shanghai, 200031, PR China
| | - Shengyi Wang
- ENT institute and Otorhinolaryngology Department of Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, PR China
- Institutes of Biomedical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine (Fudan University), Shanghai, 200031, PR China
| | - Honghai Tang
- ENT institute and Otorhinolaryngology Department of Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, PR China
- Institutes of Biomedical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine (Fudan University), Shanghai, 200031, PR China
| | - Shaowei Hu
- ENT institute and Otorhinolaryngology Department of Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, PR China
- Institutes of Biomedical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine (Fudan University), Shanghai, 200031, PR China
| | - Hui Wang
- ENT institute and Otorhinolaryngology Department of Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, PR China
- Institutes of Biomedical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine (Fudan University), Shanghai, 200031, PR China
| | - Guofang Guan
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, PR China.
| | - Yilai Shu
- ENT institute and Otorhinolaryngology Department of Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, PR China.
- Institutes of Biomedical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, PR China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine (Fudan University), Shanghai, 200031, PR China.
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3
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Singh NK, Ramamourthy B, Hage N, Kappagantu KM. Optogenetics: Illuminating the Future of Hearing Restoration and Understanding Auditory Perception. Curr Gene Ther 2024; 24:208-216. [PMID: 38676313 DOI: 10.2174/0115665232269742231213110937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Hearing loss is a prevalent sensory impairment significantly affecting communication and quality of life. Traditional approaches for hearing restoration, such as cochlear implants, have limitations in frequency resolution and spatial selectivity. Optogenetics, an emerging field utilizing light-sensitive proteins, offers a promising avenue for addressing these limitations and revolutionizing hearing rehabilitation. This review explores the methods of introducing Channelrhodopsin- 2 (ChR2), a key light-sensitive protein, into cochlear cells to enable optogenetic stimulation. Viral- mediated gene delivery is a widely employed technique in optogenetics. Selecting a suitable viral vector, such as adeno-associated viruses (AAV), is crucial in efficient gene delivery to cochlear cells. The ChR2 gene is inserted into the viral vector through molecular cloning techniques, and the resulting viral vector is introduced into cochlear cells via direct injection or round window membrane delivery. This allows for the expression of ChR2 and subsequent light sensitivity in targeted cells. Alternatively, direct cell transfection offers a non-viral approach for ChR2 delivery. The ChR2 gene is cloned into a plasmid vector, which is then combined with transfection agents like liposomes or nanoparticles. This mixture is applied to cochlear cells, facilitating the entry of the plasmid DNA into the target cells and enabling ChR2 expression. Optogenetic stimulation using ChR2 allows for precise and selective activation of specific neurons in response to light, potentially overcoming the limitations of current auditory prostheses. Moreover, optogenetics has broader implications in understanding the neural circuits involved in auditory processing and behavior. The combination of optogenetics and gene delivery techniques provides a promising avenue for improving hearing restoration strategies, offering the potential for enhanced frequency resolution, spatial selectivity, and improved auditory perception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namit Kant Singh
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, All India institute of Medical Sciences, Bibinagar, Hyderabad, India
| | - Balaji Ramamourthy
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, All India institute of Medical Sciences, Bibinagar, Hyderabad, India
| | - Neemu Hage
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, All India institute of Medical Sciences, Bibinagar, Hyderabad, India
| | - Krishna Medha Kappagantu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, All India institute of Medical Sciences, Bibinagar, Hyderabad, India
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Riaz S, Sethna S, Duncan T, Naeem MA, Redmond TM, Riazuddin S, Riazuddin S, Carvalho LS, Ahmed ZM. Dual AAV-based PCDH15 gene therapy achieves sustained rescue of visual function in a mouse model of Usher syndrome 1F. Mol Ther 2023; 31:3490-3501. [PMID: 37864333 PMCID: PMC10727994 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.10.017] [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: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the PCDH15 gene, encoding protocadherin-15, are among the leading causes of Usher syndrome type 1 (USH1F), and account for up to 12% USH1 cases worldwide. A founder truncating variant of PCDH15 has a ∼2% carrier frequency in Ashkenazi Jews accounting for nearly 60% of their USH1 cases. Although cochlear implants can restore hearing perception in USH1 patients, presently there are no effective treatments for the vision loss due to retinitis pigmentosa. We established a founder allele-specific Pcdh15 knockin mouse model as a platform to ascertain therapeutic strategies. Using a dual-vector approach to circumvent the size limitation of adeno-associated virus, we observed robust expression of exogenous PCDH15 in the retinae of Pcdh15KI mice, sustained recovery of electroretinogram amplitudes and key retinoid oxime, substantially improved light-dependent translocation of phototransduction proteins, and enhanced levels of retinal pigment epithelium-derived enzymes. Thus, our data raise hope and pave the way for future gene therapy trials in USH1F subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sehar Riaz
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; National Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore 54500, Pakistan
| | - Saumil Sethna
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Todd Duncan
- Laboratory of Retinal Cell and Molecular Biology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Muhammad A Naeem
- National Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore 54500, Pakistan
| | - T Michael Redmond
- Laboratory of Retinal Cell and Molecular Biology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Sheikh Riazuddin
- Jinnah Burn and Reconstructive Surgery Centre, Allama Iqbal Medical Research, University of Health Sciences, Lahore 54500, Pakistan
| | - Saima Riazuddin
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Livia S Carvalho
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia; Retinal Genomics and Therapy Group, Lions Eye Institute Ltd, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Zubair M Ahmed
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
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Rodgers TM, Muzzio N, Valero A, Ahmad I, Lüdtke TU, Moya SE, Romero G. Poly (β-amino Ester) Nanoparticles Modified with a Rabies Virus-derived peptide for the Delivery of ASCL1 Across a 3D In Vitro Model of the Blood Brain Barrier. ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS 2023; 6:6299-6311. [PMID: 37274933 PMCID: PMC10234607 DOI: 10.1021/acsanm.3c00651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Gene editing has emerged as a therapeutic approach to manipulate the genome for killing cancer cells, protecting healthy tissues, and improving immune response to a tumor. The gene editing tool achaete-scute family bHLH transcription factor 1 CRISPR guide RNA (ASCL1-gRNA) is known to restore neuronal lineage potential, promote terminal differentiation, and attenuate tumorigenicity in glioblastoma tumors. Here, we fabricated a polymeric nonviral carrier to encapsulate ASCL1-gRNA by electrostatic interactions and deliver it into glioblastoma cells across a 3D in vitro model of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). To mimic rabies virus (RV) neurotropism, gene-loaded poly (β-amino ester) nanoparticles are surface functionalized with a peptide derivative of rabies virus glycoprotein (RVG29). The capability of the obtained NPs, hereinafter referred to as RV-like NPs, to travel across the BBB, internalize into glioblastoma cells and deliver ASCL1-gRNA are investigated in a 3D BBB in vitro model through flow cytometry and CLSM microscopy. The formation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the 3D BBB in vitro model is confirmed by immunochemistry. These receptors are known to bind to RVG29. Unlike Lipofectamine that primarily internalizes and transfects endothelial cells, RV-like NPs are capable to travel across the BBB, preferentially internalize glioblastoma cells and deliver ASCL1-gRNA at an efficiency of 10 % causing non-cytotoxic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina M Rodgers
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, 78249, USA
| | - Nicolas Muzzio
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, 78249, USA
| | - Andrea Valero
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, 78249, USA
| | - Ikram Ahmad
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, 78249, USA
| | - Tanja Ursula Lüdtke
- Soft Matter Nanotechnology, CIC biomaGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Paseo Miramon 182, Donostia/San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, 20014 Spain
| | - Sergio E Moya
- Soft Matter Nanotechnology, CIC biomaGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Paseo Miramon 182, Donostia/San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, 20014 Spain
| | - Gabriela Romero
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, 78249, USA
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6
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Wu KY, Kulbay M, Toameh D, Xu AQ, Kalevar A, Tran SD. Retinitis Pigmentosa: Novel Therapeutic Targets and Drug Development. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:685. [PMID: 36840007 PMCID: PMC9963330 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a heterogeneous group of hereditary diseases characterized by progressive degeneration of retinal photoreceptors leading to progressive visual decline. It is the most common type of inherited retinal dystrophy and has a high burden on both patients and society. This condition causes gradual loss of vision, with its typical manifestations including nyctalopia, concentric visual field loss, and ultimately bilateral central vision loss. It is one of the leading causes of visual disability and blindness in people under 60 years old and affects over 1.5 million people worldwide. There is currently no curative treatment for people with RP, and only a small group of patients with confirmed RPE65 mutations are eligible to receive the only gene therapy on the market: voretigene neparvovec. The current therapeutic armamentarium is limited to retinoids, vitamin A supplements, protection from sunlight, visual aids, and medical and surgical interventions to treat ophthalmic comorbidities, which only aim to slow down the progression of the disease. Considering such a limited therapeutic landscape, there is an urgent need for developing new and individualized therapeutic modalities targeting retinal degeneration. Although the heterogeneity of gene mutations involved in RP makes its target treatment development difficult, recent fundamental studies showed promising progress in elucidation of the photoreceptor degeneration mechanism. The discovery of novel molecule therapeutics that can selectively target specific receptors or specific pathways will serve as a solid foundation for advanced drug development. This article is a review of recent progress in novel treatment of RP focusing on preclinical stage fundamental research on molecular targets, which will serve as a starting point for advanced drug development. We will review the alterations in the molecular pathways involved in the development of RP, mainly those regarding endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and apoptotic pathways, maintenance of the redox balance, and genomic stability. We will then discuss the therapeutic approaches under development, such as gene and cell therapy, as well as the recent literature identifying novel potential drug targets for RP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Y. Wu
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1G 2E8, Canada
| | - Merve Kulbay
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Dana Toameh
- Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 2M1, Canada
| | - An Qi Xu
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Ananda Kalevar
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1G 2E8, Canada
| | - Simon D. Tran
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1G1, Canada
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Pavel-Dinu M, Borna S, Bacchetta R. Rare immune diseases paving the road for genome editing-based precision medicine. Front Genome Ed 2023; 5:1114996. [PMID: 36846437 PMCID: PMC9945114 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2023.1114996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) genome editing platform heralds a new era of gene therapy. Innovative treatments for life-threatening monogenic diseases of the blood and immune system are transitioning from semi-random gene addition to precise modification of defective genes. As these therapies enter first-in-human clinical trials, their long-term safety and efficacy will inform the future generation of genome editing-based medicine. Here we discuss the significance of Inborn Errors of Immunity as disease prototypes for establishing and advancing precision medicine. We will review the feasibility of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-based genome editing platforms to modify the DNA sequence of primary cells and describe two emerging genome editing approaches to treat RAG2 deficiency, a primary immunodeficiency, and FOXP3 deficiency, a primary immune regulatory disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Pavel-Dinu
- Division of Hematology-Oncology-Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford Medical School, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Simon Borna
- Division of Hematology-Oncology-Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford Medical School, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Rosa Bacchetta
- Division of Hematology-Oncology-Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford Medical School, Palo Alto, CA, United States,Center for Definitive and Curative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States,*Correspondence: Rosa Bacchetta,
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Ma X, Guo J, Fu Y, Shen C, Jiang P, Zhang Y, Zhang L, Yu Y, Fan J, Chai R. G protein-coupled receptors in cochlea: Potential therapeutic targets for hearing loss. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1028125. [PMID: 36311029 PMCID: PMC9596917 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1028125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of hearing loss-related diseases caused by different factors is increasing worldwide year by year. Currently, however, the patient’s hearing loss has not been effectively improved. Therefore, there is an urgent need to adopt new treatment measures and treatment techniques to help improve the therapeutic effect of hearing loss. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), as crucial cell surface receptors, can widely participate in different physiological and pathological processes, particularly play an essential role in many disease occurrences and be served as promising therapeutic targets. However, no specific drugs on the market have been found to target the GPCRs of the cochlea. Interestingly, many recent studies have demonstrated that GPCRs can participate in various pathogenic process related to hearing loss in the cochlea including heredity, noise, ototoxic drugs, cochlear structure, and so on. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the functions of 53 GPCRs known in the cochlea and their relationships with hearing loss, and highlight the recent advances of new techniques used in cochlear study including cryo-EM, AI, GPCR drug screening, gene therapy vectors, and CRISPR editing technology, as well as discuss in depth the future direction of novel GPCR-based drug development and gene therapy for cochlear hearing loss. Collectively, this review is to facilitate basic and (pre-) clinical research in this area, and provide beneficial help for emerging GPCR-based cochlear therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyu Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiamin Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yaoyang Fu
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Cangsong Shen
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Pei Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Medical Discipline (Laboratory), Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
- Research Institute of Otolaryngology, Nanjing, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yafeng Yu
- First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow, China
- *Correspondence: Yafeng Yu,
| | - Jiangang Fan
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Jiangang Fan,
| | - Renjie Chai
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Regeneration and Repair, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Renjie Chai,
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Abstract
Current estimates suggest that nearly half a billion people worldwide are affected by hearing loss. Because of the major psychological, social, economic, and health ramifications, considerable efforts have been invested in identifying the genes and molecular pathways involved in hearing loss, whether genetic or environmental, to promote prevention, improve rehabilitation, and develop therapeutics. Genomic sequencing technologies have led to the discovery of genes associated with hearing loss. Studies of the transcriptome and epigenome of the inner ear have characterized key regulators and pathways involved in the development of the inner ear and have paved the way for their use in regenerative medicine. In parallel, the immense preclinical success of using viral vectors for gene delivery in animal models of hearing loss has motivated the industry to work on translating such approaches into the clinic. Here, we review the recent advances in the genomics of auditory function and dysfunction, from patient diagnostics to epigenetics and gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahar Taiber
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; ,
| | - Kathleen Gwilliam
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; ,
| | - Ronna Hertzano
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; ,
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Karen B Avraham
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; ,
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Lewin AS, Smith WC. Gene Therapy for Rhodopsin Mutations. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2022; 12:a041283. [PMID: 35940643 PMCID: PMC9435570 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in RHO, the gene for rhodopsin, account for a large fraction of autosomal-dominant retinitis pigmentosa (adRP). Patients fall into two clinical classes, those with early onset, pan retinal photoreceptor degeneration, and those who experience slowly progressive disease. The latter class of patients are candidates for photoreceptor-directed gene therapy, while former may be candidates for delivery of light-responsive proteins to interneurons or retinal ganglion cells. Gene therapy for RHO adRP may be targeted to the mutant gene at the DNA or RNA level, while other therapies preserve the viability of photoreceptors without addressing the underlying mutation. Correcting the RHO gene and replacing the mutant RNA show promise in animal models, while sustaining viable photoreceptors has the potential to delay the loss of central vision and may preserve photoreceptors for gene-directed treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfred S Lewin
- Departments of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology and Ophthalmology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA
| | - W Clay Smith
- Departments of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology and Ophthalmology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA
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Maudoux A, Vitry S, El-Amraoui A. Vestibular Deficits in Deafness: Clinical Presentation, Animal Modeling, and Treatment Solutions. Front Neurol 2022; 13:816534. [PMID: 35444606 PMCID: PMC9013928 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.816534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The inner ear is responsible for both hearing and balance. These functions are dependent on the correct functioning of mechanosensitive hair cells, which convert sound- and motion-induced stimuli into electrical signals conveyed to the brain. During evolution of the inner ear, the major changes occurred in the hearing organ, whereas the structure of the vestibular organs remained constant in all vertebrates over the same period. Vestibular deficits are highly prevalent in humans, due to multiple intersecting causes: genetics, environmental factors, ototoxic drugs, infections and aging. Studies of deafness genes associated with balance deficits and their corresponding animal models have shed light on the development and function of these two sensory systems. Bilateral vestibular deficits often impair individual postural control, gaze stabilization, locomotion and spatial orientation. The resulting dizziness, vertigo, and/or falls (frequent in elderly populations) greatly affect patient quality of life. In the absence of treatment, prosthetic devices, such as vestibular implants, providing information about the direction, amplitude and velocity of body movements, are being developed and have given promising results in animal models and humans. Novel methods and techniques have led to major progress in gene therapies targeting the inner ear (gene supplementation and gene editing), 3D inner ear organoids and reprograming protocols for generating hair cell-like cells. These rapid advances in multiscale approaches covering basic research, clinical diagnostics and therapies are fostering interdisciplinary research to develop personalized treatments for vestibular disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Maudoux
- Unit Progressive Sensory Disorders, Pathophysiology and Therapy, Institut Pasteur, Institut de l'Audition, Université de Paris, INSERM-UMRS1120, Paris, France.,Center for Balance Evaluation in Children (EFEE), Otolaryngology Department, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Robert-Debré University Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Sandrine Vitry
- Unit Progressive Sensory Disorders, Pathophysiology and Therapy, Institut Pasteur, Institut de l'Audition, Université de Paris, INSERM-UMRS1120, Paris, France
| | - Aziz El-Amraoui
- Unit Progressive Sensory Disorders, Pathophysiology and Therapy, Institut Pasteur, Institut de l'Audition, Université de Paris, INSERM-UMRS1120, Paris, France
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The genetic and phenotypic landscapes of Usher syndrome: from disease mechanisms to a new classification. Hum Genet 2022; 141:709-735. [PMID: 35353227 PMCID: PMC9034986 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-022-02448-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Usher syndrome (USH) is the most common cause of deaf–blindness in humans, with a prevalence of about 1/10,000 (~ 400,000 people worldwide). Cochlear implants are currently used to reduce the burden of hearing loss in severe-to-profoundly deaf patients, but many promising treatments including gene, cell, and drug therapies to restore the native function of the inner ear and retinal sensory cells are under investigation. The traditional clinical classification of Usher syndrome defines three major subtypes—USH1, 2 and 3—according to hearing loss severity and onset, the presence or absence of vestibular dysfunction, and age at onset of retinitis pigmentosa. Pathogenic variants of nine USH genes have been initially reported: MYO7A, USH1C, PCDH15, CDH23, and USH1G for USH1, USH2A, ADGRV1, and WHRN for USH2, and CLRN1 for USH3. Based on the co-occurrence of hearing and vision deficits, the list of USH genes has been extended to few other genes, but with limited supporting information. A consensus on combined criteria for Usher syndrome is crucial for the development of accurate diagnosis and to improve patient management. In recent years, a wealth of information has been obtained concerning the properties of the Usher proteins, related molecular networks, potential genotype–phenotype correlations, and the pathogenic mechanisms underlying the impairment or loss of hearing, balance and vision. The advent of precision medicine calls for a clear and more precise diagnosis of Usher syndrome, exploiting all the existing data to develop a combined clinical/genetic/network/functional classification for Usher syndrome.
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