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Posern C, Dreyer B, Maier SL, Eichler F, Gelb MH, Santer R, Bley A, Murko S. Quantification of N-acetyl-l-aspartate in dried blood spots: A simple and fast LC-MS/MS neonatal screening method for the diagnosis of Canavan disease. Mol Genet Metab 2024; 142:108489. [PMID: 38718669 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2024.108489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Canavan disease is a devastating neurometabolic disorder caused by accumulation of N acetylaspartate in brain and body fluids due to genetic defects in the aspartoacylase gene (ASPA). New gene therapies are on the horizon but will require early presymptomatic diagnosis to be fully effective. METHODS We therefore developed a fast and highly sensitive liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based method for quantification of N-acetylaspartate in dried blood spots and established reference ranges for neonates and older controls. With this test, we investigated 45 samples of 25 Canavan patients including 8 with a neonatal sample. RESULTS Measuring N-acetylaspartate concentration in dried blood with this novel test, all Canavan patients (with variable severity) were well separated from the control group (median; range: 5.7; 1.6-13.6 μmol/L [n = 45] vs 0.44; 0.24-0.99 μmol/L [n = 59] (p < 0.05)). There was also no overlap when comparing neonatal samples of Canavan patients (7.3; 5.1-9.9 μmol/L [n = 8]) and neonatal controls (0.93; 0.4-1.8 μmol/L [n = 784]) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS We have developed a new LC-MS/MS-based screening test for early postnatal diagnosis of Canavan disease that should be further evaluated in a population-based study once a promising treatment becomes available. The method meets the general requirements of newborn screening and should be appropriate for multiplexing with other screening approaches that combine chromatographic and mass spectrometry techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Posern
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Benjamin Dreyer
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Sarah L Maier
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Florian Eichler
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - Michael H Gelb
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, 109 Bagley Hall, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
| | - René Santer
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Annette Bley
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Simona Murko
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
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2
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Pazzin DB, Previato TTR, Budelon Gonçalves JI, Zanirati G, Xavier FAC, da Costa JC, Marinowic DR. Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells and Organoids in Advancing Neuropathology Research and Therapies. Cells 2024; 13:745. [PMID: 38727281 PMCID: PMC11083827 DOI: 10.3390/cells13090745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
This review delves into the groundbreaking impact of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and three-dimensional organoid models in propelling forward neuropathology research. With a focus on neurodegenerative diseases, neuromotor disorders, and related conditions, iPSCs provide a platform for personalized disease modeling, holding significant potential for regenerative therapy and drug discovery. The adaptability of iPSCs, along with associated methodologies, enables the generation of various types of neural cell differentiations and their integration into three-dimensional organoid models, effectively replicating complex tissue structures in vitro. Key advancements in organoid and iPSC generation protocols, alongside the careful selection of donor cell types, are emphasized as critical steps in harnessing these technologies to mitigate tumorigenic risks and other hurdles. Encouragingly, iPSCs show promising outcomes in regenerative therapies, as evidenced by their successful application in animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas Bottega Pazzin
- Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (BraIns), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90610-000, Brazil; (D.B.P.); (T.T.R.P.); (J.I.B.G.); (G.Z.); (F.A.C.X.); (J.C.d.C.)
- Graduate Program in Pediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90619-900, Brazil
| | - Thales Thor Ramos Previato
- Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (BraIns), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90610-000, Brazil; (D.B.P.); (T.T.R.P.); (J.I.B.G.); (G.Z.); (F.A.C.X.); (J.C.d.C.)
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Gerontology, School of Medicine, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90619-900, Brazil
| | - João Ismael Budelon Gonçalves
- Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (BraIns), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90610-000, Brazil; (D.B.P.); (T.T.R.P.); (J.I.B.G.); (G.Z.); (F.A.C.X.); (J.C.d.C.)
| | - Gabriele Zanirati
- Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (BraIns), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90610-000, Brazil; (D.B.P.); (T.T.R.P.); (J.I.B.G.); (G.Z.); (F.A.C.X.); (J.C.d.C.)
| | - Fernando Antonio Costa Xavier
- Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (BraIns), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90610-000, Brazil; (D.B.P.); (T.T.R.P.); (J.I.B.G.); (G.Z.); (F.A.C.X.); (J.C.d.C.)
| | - Jaderson Costa da Costa
- Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (BraIns), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90610-000, Brazil; (D.B.P.); (T.T.R.P.); (J.I.B.G.); (G.Z.); (F.A.C.X.); (J.C.d.C.)
| | - Daniel Rodrigo Marinowic
- Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (BraIns), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90610-000, Brazil; (D.B.P.); (T.T.R.P.); (J.I.B.G.); (G.Z.); (F.A.C.X.); (J.C.d.C.)
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3
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Wang JH, Gessler DJ, Zhan W, Gallagher TL, Gao G. Adeno-associated virus as a delivery vector for gene therapy of human diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:78. [PMID: 38565561 PMCID: PMC10987683 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01780-w] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) has emerged as a pivotal delivery tool in clinical gene therapy owing to its minimal pathogenicity and ability to establish long-term gene expression in different tissues. Recombinant AAV (rAAV) has been engineered for enhanced specificity and developed as a tool for treating various diseases. However, as rAAV is being more widely used as a therapy, the increased demand has created challenges for the existing manufacturing methods. Seven rAAV-based gene therapy products have received regulatory approval, but there continue to be concerns about safely using high-dose viral therapies in humans, including immune responses and adverse effects such as genotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, thrombotic microangiopathy, and neurotoxicity. In this review, we explore AAV biology with an emphasis on current vector engineering strategies and manufacturing technologies. We discuss how rAAVs are being employed in ongoing clinical trials for ocular, neurological, metabolic, hematological, neuromuscular, and cardiovascular diseases as well as cancers. We outline immune responses triggered by rAAV, address associated side effects, and discuss strategies to mitigate these reactions. We hope that discussing recent advancements and current challenges in the field will be a helpful guide for researchers and clinicians navigating the ever-evolving landscape of rAAV-based gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang-Hui Wang
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia
- Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, East Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia
| | - Dominic J Gessler
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Wei Zhan
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Thomas L Gallagher
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Guangping Gao
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
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Becker I, Wang-Eckhardt L, Eckhardt M. NAAG synthetase deficiency has only low influence on pathogenesis in a Canavan disease mouse model. J Inherit Metab Dis 2024; 47:230-243. [PMID: 38011891 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Canavan disease (CD) is a leukodystrophy caused by mutations in the N-acetylaspartate (NAA) hydrolase aspartoacylase (ASPA). Inability to degrade NAA and its accumulation in the brain results in spongiform myelin degeneration. NAA is mainly synthesized by neurons, where it is also a precursor of the neuropeptide N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG). Hydrolysis of this peptide by glutamate carboxypeptidases is an additional source of extracellular NAA besides the instant neuronal release of NAA. This study examines to what extent NAA released from NAAG contributes to NAA accumulation and pathogenesis in the brain of Aspanur7/nur7 mutant mice, an established model of CD. Towards this aim, Aspanur7/nur7 mice with additional deficiencies in NAAG synthetase genes Rimklb and/or Rimkla were generated. Loss of myelin in Aspanur7/nur7 mice was not significantly affected by Rimkla and Rimklb deficiency and there was also no obvious change in the extent of brain vacuolation. Astrogliosis was slightly reduced in the forebrain of Rimkla and Rimklb double deficient Aspanur7/nur7 mice. However, only minor improvements at the behavioral level were found. The brain NAA accumulation in CD mice was, however, not significantly reduced in the absence of NAAG synthesis. In summary, there was only a weak tendency towards reduced pathogenic symptoms in Aspanur7/nur7 mice deficient in NAAG synthesis. Therefore, we conclude that NAAG metabolism has little influence on NAA accumulation in Aspanur7/nur7 mice and development of pathological symptoms in CD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivonne Becker
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Lihua Wang-Eckhardt
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Matthias Eckhardt
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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5
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Feng L, Chao J, Zhang M, Pacquing E, Hu W, Shi Y. Developing a human iPSC-derived three-dimensional myelin spheroid platform for modeling myelin diseases. iScience 2023; 26:108037. [PMID: 37867939 PMCID: PMC10589867 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108037] [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: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Myelin defects cause a collection of myelin disorders in the brain. The lack of human models has limited us from better understanding pathological mechanisms of myelin diseases. While human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived spheroids or organoids have been used to study brain development and disorders, it has been difficult to recapitulate mature myelination in these structures. Here, we have developed a method to generate three-dimensional (3D) myelin spheroids from hiPSCs in a robust and reproducible manner. Using this method, we generated myelin spheroids from patient iPSCs to model Canavan disease (CD), a demyelinating disorder. By using CD patient iPSC-derived myelin spheroids treated with N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA), we were able to recapitulate key pathological features of the disease and show that high-level NAA is sufficient to induce toxicity on myelin sheaths. Our study has established a 3D human cellular platform to model human myelin diseases for mechanistic studies and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizhao Feng
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
- Oujiang Laboratory, Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Jianfei Chao
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Mingzi Zhang
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Elizabeth Pacquing
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Weidong Hu
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Yanhong Shi
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
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6
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Feng L, Chao J, Ye P, Luong Q, Sun G, Liu W, Cui Q, Flores S, Jackson N, Shayento ANH, Sun G, Liu Z, Hu W, Shi Y. Developing Hypoimmunogenic Human iPSC-Derived Oligodendrocyte Progenitor Cells as an Off-The-Shelf Cell Therapy for Myelin Disorders. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2206910. [PMID: 37271923 PMCID: PMC10427412 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202206910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Demyelinating disorders are among the most common and debilitating diseases in neurology. Canavan disease (CD) is a lethal demyelinating disease caused by mutation of the aspartoacylase (ASPA) gene, which leads to the accumulation of its substrate N-acetyl-l-aspartate (NAA), and consequently demyelination and vacuolation in the brain. In this study, hypoimmunogenic human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPC) are developed from a healthy donor as an "off-the-shelf" cell therapy. Hypoimmunogenic iPSCs are generated through CRISPR/Cas9 editing of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules in healthy donor-derived iPSCs and differentiated into OPCs. The OPCs are engrafted into the brains of CD (nur7) mice and exhibit widespread distribution in the brain. The engrafted OPCs mature into oligodendrocytes that express the endogenous wildtype ASPA gene. Consequently, the transplanted mice exhibit elevated human ASPA expression and enzymatic activity and reduced NAA level in the brain. The transplanted OPCs are able to rescue major pathological features of CD, including defective myelination, extensive vacuolation, and motor function deficits. Moreover, the hypoimmunogenic OPCs exhibit low immunogenicity both in vitro and in vivo. The hypoimmunogenic OPCs can be used as "off-the-shelf" universal donor cells to treat various CD patients and many other demyelinating disorders, especially autoimmune demyelinating diseases, such as multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizhao Feng
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseasesBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Jianfei Chao
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseasesBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Peng Ye
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseasesBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Qui Luong
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseasesBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Guoqiang Sun
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseasesBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseasesBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Qi Cui
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseasesBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Sergio Flores
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseasesBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Natasha Jackson
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseasesBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Afm Nazmul Hoque Shayento
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseasesBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Guihua Sun
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseasesBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Zhenqing Liu
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseasesBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Weidong Hu
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseasesBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
- Department of Immunology and TheranosticsBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Yanhong Shi
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseasesBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
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7
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Lotun A, Li D, Xu H, Su Q, Tuncer S, Sanmiguel J, Mooney M, Baer CE, Ulbrich R, Eyles SJ, Strittmatter L, Hayward LJ, Gessler DJ, Gao G. Renewal of oligodendrocyte lineage reverses dysmyelination and CNS neurodegeneration through corrected N-acetylaspartate metabolism. Prog Neurobiol 2023; 226:102460. [PMID: 37149081 PMCID: PMC10330635 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2023.102460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Myelinating oligodendrocytes are essential for neuronal communication and homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS). One of the most abundant molecules in the mammalian CNS is N-acetylaspartate (NAA), which is catabolized into L-aspartate and acetate by the enzyme aspartoacylase (ASPA) in oligodendrocytes. The resulting acetate moiety is thought to contribute to myelin lipid synthesis. In addition, affected NAA metabolism has been implicated in several neurological disorders, including leukodystrophies and demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis. Genetic disruption of ASPA function causes Canavan disease, which is hallmarked by increased NAA levels, myelin and neuronal loss, large vacuole formation in the CNS, and early death in childhood. Although NAA's direct role in the CNS is inconclusive, in peripheral adipose tissue, NAA-derived acetate has been found to modify histones, a mechanism known to be involved in epigenetic regulation of cell differentiation. We hypothesize that a lack of cellular differentiation in the brain contributes to the disruption of myelination and neurodegeneration in diseases with altered NAA metabolism, such as Canavan disease. Our study demonstrates that loss of functional Aspa in mice disrupts myelination and shifts the transcriptional expression of neuronal and oligodendrocyte markers towards less differentiated stages in a spatiotemporal manner. Upon re-expression of ASPA, these oligodendrocyte and neuronal lineage markers are either improved or normalized, suggesting that NAA breakdown by Aspa plays an essential role in the maturation of neurons and oligodendrocytes. Also, this effect of ASPA re-expression is blunted in old mice, potentially due to limited ability of neuronal, rather than oligodendrocyte, recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anoushka Lotun
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Danning Li
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Hongxia Xu
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; University of Science and Technology of Kunming, People's Republic of China
| | - Qin Su
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | | | - Julio Sanmiguel
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Morgan Mooney
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Christina E Baer
- Sanderson Center for Optical Experimentation, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Russell Ulbrich
- ScientiaLux LLC, Tissue-Gnostics USA-East, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Stephen J Eyles
- Mass Spectrometry Core, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Lara Strittmatter
- Electron Microscopy Core, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, MA, USA
| | - Lawrence J Hayward
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, MA, USA
| | - Dominic J Gessler
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
| | - Guangping Gao
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Department of Microbiology & Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
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8
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Fröhlich D, Kalotay E, von Jonquieres G, Bongers A, Lee B, Suchowerska AK, Housley GD, Klugmann M. Dual-function AAV gene therapy reverses late-stage Canavan disease pathology in mice. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1061257. [PMID: 36568275 PMCID: PMC9772617 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1061257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The leukodystrophy Canavan disease is a fatal white matter disorder caused by loss-of-function mutations of the aspartoacylase-encoding ASPA gene. There are no effective treatments available and experimental gene therapy trials have failed to provide sufficient amelioration from Canavan disease symptoms. Preclinical studies suggest that Canavan disease-like pathology can be addressed by either ASPA gene replacement therapy or by lowering the expression of the N-acetyl-L-aspartate synthesizing enzyme NAT8L. Both approaches individually prevent or even reverse pathological aspects in Canavan disease mice. Here, we combined both strategies and assessed whether intracranial adeno-associated virus-mediated gene delivery to a Canavan disease mouse model at 12 weeks allows for reversal of existing pathology. This was enabled by a single vector dual-function approach. In vitro and in vivo biopotency assessment revealed significant knockdown of neuronal Nat8l paired with robust ectopic aspartoacylase expression. Following nomination of the most efficient cassette designs, we performed proof-of-concept studies in post-symptomatic Aspa-null mice. Late-stage gene therapy resulted in a decrease of brain vacuoles and long-term reversal of all pathological hallmarks, including loss of body weight, locomotor impairments, elevated N-acetyl-L-aspartate levels, astrogliosis, and demyelination. These data suggest feasibility of a dual-function vector combination therapy, directed at replacing aspartoacylase with concomitantly suppressing N-acetyl-L-aspartate production, which holds potential to permanently alleviate Canavan disease symptoms and expands the therapeutic window towards a treatment option for adult subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Fröhlich
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia,*Correspondence: Dominik Fröhlich,
| | - Elizabeth Kalotay
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Georg von Jonquieres
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Andre Bongers
- Biological Resources Imaging Laboratory, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Brendan Lee
- Biological Resources Imaging Laboratory, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Alexandra K. Suchowerska
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Gary D. Housley
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Matthias Klugmann
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia,Research Beyond Borders, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany,Matthias Klugmann,
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9
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Piatek P, Lewkowicz N, Michlewska S, Wieczorek M, Bonikowski R, Parchem K, Lewkowicz P, Namiecinska M. Natural fish oil improves the differentiation and maturation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells to oligodendrocytes in vitro after interaction with the blood–brain barrier. Front Immunol 2022; 13:932383. [PMID: 35935952 PMCID: PMC9353075 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.932383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The blood–brain barrier (BBB) tightly controls the microenvironment of the central nervous system (CNS) to allow neurons to function properly. Additionally, emerging studies point to the beneficial effect of natural oils affecting a wide variety of physiological and pathological processes in the human body. In this study, using an in vitro model of the BBB, we tested the influence of natural fish oil mixture (FOM) vs. borage oil (BO), both rich in long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) such as oleic acid (C18:1n9c) or nervonic acid (NA), on human oligodendrocyte precursor cells (hOPCs) during their maturation to oligodendrocytes (OLs) regarding their ability to synthesize myelin peptides and NA. We demonstrated that FOM, opposite to BO, supplemented endothelial cells (ECs) and astrocytes forming the BBB, affecting the function of hOPCs during their maturation. This resulted in improved synthesis of myelin basic protein (MBP), myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), proteolipid protein (PLP), and NA in mature OLs. This effect is probably the result of BBB cell and hOPC stimulation via free fatty acid receptors (FFARs), which increases insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1), ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and inhibits fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) synthesis. The unique formula of fish oil, characterized by much more varied components compared to those of BOs, also improved the enhancement of the tight junction by increasing the expression of claudin-5 and VE-cadherin on ECs. The obtained data justify consideration of naturally derived fish oil intake in human diet as affecting during remyelination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Piatek
- Department of Immunogenetics, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Natalia Lewkowicz
- Department of Periodontology and Oral Mucosal Diseases, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Sylwia Michlewska
- Laboratory of Microscopic Imaging and Specialized Biological Techniques, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Marek Wieczorek
- Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Radosław Bonikowski
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Institute of Natural Products and Cosmetics, Lodz University of Technology, Lodz, Poland
| | - Karol Parchem
- Department of Food Chemistry, Technology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Przemysław Lewkowicz
- Department of Immunogenetics, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
- *Correspondence: Przemysław Lewkowicz, ; Magdalena Namiecinska,
| | - Magdalena Namiecinska
- Department of Immunogenetics, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
- *Correspondence: Przemysław Lewkowicz, ; Magdalena Namiecinska,
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10
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Jimenez-Kurlander L, Duncan CN. Gene Therapy for Pediatric Neurologic Disease. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am 2022; 36:853-864. [PMID: 35760664 DOI: 10.1016/j.hoc.2022.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Pediatric lysosomal and peroxisomal storage disorders, leukodystrophies, and motor neuron diseases can have devastating neurologic manifestations. Despite efforts to exploit cross-correction to treat these monogenic disorders for several decades, definitive treatment has yet to be identified. This review explores recent attempts to transduce autologous hematopoietic stem cells with functional gene or provide therapeutic gene in vivo. Specifically, we discuss the rationale behind efforts to treat pediatric neurologic disorders with gene therapy, outline the specific disorders that have been targeted at this time, and review recent and current clinical investigations with attention to the future direction of therapy efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Jimenez-Kurlander
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Christine N Duncan
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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11
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Chao J, Feng L, Ye P, Chen X, Cui Q, Sun G, Zhou T, Tian E, Li W, Hu W, Riggs AD, Matalon R, Shi Y. Therapeutic development for Canavan disease using patient iPSCs introduced with the wild-type ASPA gene. iScience 2022; 25:104391. [PMID: 35637731 PMCID: PMC9142666 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Canavan disease (CD) is a devastating neurological disease that lacks effective therapy. Because CD is caused by mutations of the aspartoacylase (ASPA) gene, we introduced the wild-type (WT) ASPA gene into patient iPSCs through lentiviral transduction or CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing. We then differentiated the WT ASPA-expressing patient iPSCs (ASPA-CD iPSCs) into NPCs and showed that the resultant ASPA-CD NPCs exhibited potent ASPA enzymatic activity. The ASPA-CD NPCs were able to survive in brains of transplanted CD mice. The engrafted ASPA-CD NPCs reconstituted ASPA activity in CD mouse brains, reduced the abnormally elevated level of NAA in both brain tissues and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and rescued hallmark pathological phenotypes of the disease, including spongy degeneration, myelination defects, and motor function impairment in transplanted CD mice. These genetically modified patient iPSC-derived NPCs represent a promising cell therapy candidate for CD, a disease that has neither a cure nor a standard treatment. The wild-type ASPA gene was introduced into CD patient iPSCs to make ASPA-CD iPSCs ASPA-CD iPSCs were differentiated into ASPA-CD NPCs with potent ASPA activity Engrafted ASPA-CD NPCs could rescue major disease phenotypes in CD mice CSF NAA level can be used as a biomarker to monitor the treatment outcome for CD
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianfei Chao
- Division of Stem Cell Biology Research, Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Lizhao Feng
- Division of Stem Cell Biology Research, Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Peng Ye
- Division of Stem Cell Biology Research, Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Xianwei Chen
- Division of Stem Cell Biology Research, Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Qi Cui
- Division of Stem Cell Biology Research, Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Guihua Sun
- Division of Stem Cell Biology Research, Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.,Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Tao Zhou
- Division of Stem Cell Biology Research, Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - E Tian
- Division of Stem Cell Biology Research, Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Wendong Li
- Division of Stem Cell Biology Research, Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Weidong Hu
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Arthur D Riggs
- Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Reuben Matalon
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555-0359, USA
| | - Yanhong Shi
- Division of Stem Cell Biology Research, Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
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12
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Wei H, Moffett JR, Amanat M, Fatemi A, Tsukamoto T, Namboodiri AM, Slusher BS. The pathogenesis of, and pharmacological treatment for, Canavan disease. Drug Discov Today 2022; 27:2467-2483. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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13
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Flotte TR, Gessler DJ. Gene Therapy for Rare Neurological Disorders. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2022; 111:743-757. [PMID: 35102556 DOI: 10.1002/cpt.2543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
There are over 7 000 diseases that are individually rare, but collectively affect missions of people worldwide. They are very commonly neurologic single-gene disorders. Recent advances in recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors have enabled breakthroughs, including FDA-approved gene therapies for Inherited Retinal Dystrophy due to RPE65 mutation and spinal muscular atrophy. A range of other gene therapies for rare neurologic diseases are at various stages of development. Future development of gene editing technologies promises further to broaden the potential for more patients with these disorders to benefit from innovative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dominic J Gessler
- University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School.,University of Minnesota
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