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Kumagai S, Nakajima T, Muramatsu SI. Intraparenchymal delivery of adeno-associated virus vectors for the gene therapy of neurological diseases. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2024; 24:773-785. [PMID: 39066718 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2024.2386339] [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: 06/09/2024] [Revised: 07/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In gene therapy with adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors for diseases of the central nervous system, the vectors can be administered into blood vessels, cerebrospinal fluid space, or the brain parenchyma. When gene transfer to a large area of the brain is required, the first two methods are used, but for diseases in which local gene transfer is expected to be effective, vectors are administered directly into the brain parenchyma. AREAS COVERED Strategies for intraparenchymal vector delivery in gene therapy for Parkinson's disease, aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency, and epilepsy are reviewed. EXPERT OPINION Stereotactic intraparenchymal injection of AAV vectors allows precise gene delivery to the target site. Although more surgically invasive than intravascular or intrathecal administration, intraparenchymal vector delivery has the advantage of a lower vector dose, and preexisting neutralizing antibodies have little effect on the transduction efficacy. This approach improves motor function in AADC deficiency and led to regulatory approval of an AAV vector for the disease in the EU. Although further validation through clinical studies is needed, direct infusion of viral vectors into the brain parenchyma is expected to be a novel treatment for Parkinson's disease and drug-resistant epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinichi Kumagai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Takeshi Nakajima
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Shin-Ichi Muramatsu
- Division of Neurological Gene Therapy, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
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Ge G, Sivasubramanian BP, Geng BD, Zhao S, Zhou Q, Huang G, O'Connor JC, Clark RA, Li S. Long-term benefits of hematopoietic stem cell-based macrophage/microglia delivery of GDNF to the CNS in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease. Gene Ther 2024; 31:324-334. [PMID: 38627469 PMCID: PMC11245959 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-024-00451-3] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) protects dopaminergic neurons in various models of Parkinson's disease (PD). Cell-based GDNF gene delivery mitigates neurodegeneration and improves both motor and non-motor functions in PD mice. As PD is a chronic condition, this study aims to investigate the long-lasting benefits of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC)-based macrophage/microglia-mediated CNS GDNF (MMC-GDNF) delivery in an MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) mouse model. The results indicate that GDNF treatment effectively ameliorated MPTP-induced motor deficits for up to 12 months, which coincided with the protection of nigral dopaminergic neurons and their striatal terminals. Also, the HSC-derived macrophages/microglia were recruited selectively to the neurodegenerative areas of the substantia nigra. The therapeutic benefits appear to involve two mechanisms: (1) macrophage/microglia release of GDNF-containing exosomes, which are transferred to target neurons, and (2) direct release of GDNF by macrophage/microglia, which diffuses to target neurons. Furthermore, the study found that plasma GDNF levels were significantly increased from baseline and remained stable over time, potentially serving as a convenient biomarker for future clinical trials. Notably, no weight loss, altered food intake, cerebellar pathology, or other adverse effects were observed. Overall, this study provides compelling evidence for the long-term therapeutic efficacy and safety of HSC-based MMC-GDNF delivery in the treatment of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo Ge
- Audie L. Murphy VA Medical Center, 7400 Merton Minter Boulevard, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guian New Area, Guizhou, 550025, China
| | | | - Bill D Geng
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Shujie Zhao
- Audie L. Murphy VA Medical Center, 7400 Merton Minter Boulevard, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Qing Zhou
- Audie L. Murphy VA Medical Center, 7400 Merton Minter Boulevard, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Gang Huang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Jason C O'Connor
- Audie L. Murphy VA Medical Center, 7400 Merton Minter Boulevard, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Robert A Clark
- Audie L. Murphy VA Medical Center, 7400 Merton Minter Boulevard, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Senlin Li
- Audie L. Murphy VA Medical Center, 7400 Merton Minter Boulevard, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.
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GDNF-mediated rescue of the nigrostriatal system depends on the degree of degeneration. Gene Ther 2018; 26:57-64. [PMID: 30531868 PMCID: PMC6514883 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-018-0049-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a promising therapeutic molecule to treat Parkinson’s disease. Despite an excellent profile in experimental settings, clinical trials testing GDNF have failed. One of the theories to explain these negative outcomes is that the clinical trials were done in late-stage patients that have advanced nigrostriatal degeneration and may therefore not respond to a neurotrophic factor therapy. Based on this idea, we tested if the stage of nigrostriatal degeneration is important for GDNF-based therapies. Lentiviral vectors expressing regulated GDNF were delivered to the striatum of rats to allow GDNF expression to be turned on either while the nigrostriatal system was degenerating or after the nigrostriatal system had been fully lesioned by 6-OHDA. In the group of animals where GDNF expression was on during degeneration, neurons were rescued and there was a reversal of motor deficits. Turning GDNF expression on after the nigrostriatal system was lesioned did not rescue neurons or reverse motor deficits. In fact, these animals were indistinguishable from the control groups. Our results suggest that GDNF can reverse motor deficits and nigrostriatal pathology despite an ongoing nigrostriatal degeneration, if there is still a sufficient number of remaining neurons to respond to therapy.
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Sagen J, Whittemore SR. Emerging Strategies in Neural Transplantation and Repair: A Special Issue Based on the Eighth Annual Conference. Cell Transplant 2017; 11:181-183. [PMID: 28858599 DOI: 10.3727/096020198389906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Sagen
- Miami Project to Cure Paralysis University of Miami School of Medicine The Lois Pope LIFE Center 1095 NW 14th Terrace (R-48) Miami, FL 33101
| | - Scott R Whittemore
- Department of Neurological Surgery University of Louisville SOM 210 E Gray St Ste 1102 Louisville, KY 40202
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Sanberg PR, Greene-Zavertnik C, Davis CD. Article Commentary: Cell Transplantation: The Regenerative Medicine Journal. A Biennial Analysis of Publications. Cell Transplant 2017; 12:815-825. [DOI: 10.3727/000000003771000165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Paul R. Sanberg
- Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC 78, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - Cathryn Greene-Zavertnik
- Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC 78, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - Cyndy D. Davis
- Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC 78, Tampa, FL 33612
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Domanskyi A, Saarma M, Airavaara M. Prospects of Neurotrophic Factors for Parkinson's Disease: Comparison of Protein and Gene Therapy. Hum Gene Ther 2015; 26:550-9. [DOI: 10.1089/hum.2015.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andrii Domanskyi
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mart Saarma
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mikko Airavaara
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Farrand AQ, Gregory RA, Scofield MD, Helke KL, Boger HA. Effects of aging on glutamate neurotransmission in the substantia nigra of Gdnf heterozygous mice. Neurobiol Aging 2014; 36:1569-76. [PMID: 25577412 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2014.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2014] [Revised: 11/11/2014] [Accepted: 11/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) helps protect dopaminergic neurons in the nigrostriatal tract. Although the cause of nigrostriatal degeneration is unknown, one theory is that excess glutamate from the subthalamic nucleus results in excitotoxic events in the substantia nigra (SN). Because dopaminergic degeneration is accompanied by a reduction in GDNF, we examined glutamate neurotransmission in the SN using a Gdnf heterozygous mouse model (Gdnf(+/-)) at 8 and 12 months of age. At 8 months, Gdnf(+/-) mice have greater glutamate release and higher basal glutamate levels, which precede the SN dopaminergic degeneration observed at 12 months of age. However, at 12 months, Gdnf(+/-) mice have lower basal levels of glutamate and less glutamate release than wild-type mice. Also at 8 months, Gdnf(+/-) mice have lower levels of glutamate transporter-1 and greater glial fibrillary acidic protein levels in the SN compared with wild-type mice, differences that increase with age. These data suggest that reduced levels of GDNF induce excess glutamate release and dysregulation of glutamate transporter-1, causing excitotoxicity in the SN that precedes dopaminergic degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariana Q Farrand
- Department of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Rebecca A Gregory
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Michael D Scofield
- Department of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Kristi L Helke
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Heather A Boger
- Department of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
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Gombash SE, Manfredsson FP, Mandel RJ, Collier TJ, Fischer DL, Kemp CJ, Kuhn NM, Wohlgenant SL, Fleming SM, Sortwell CE. Neuroprotective potential of pleiotrophin overexpression in the striatonigral pathway compared with overexpression in both the striatonigral and nigrostriatal pathways. Gene Ther 2014; 21:682-93. [PMID: 24807806 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2014.42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2013] [Revised: 02/23/2014] [Accepted: 03/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Intrastriatal injection of recombinant adeno-associated viral vector serotype 2/1 (rAAV2/1) to overexpress the neurotrophic factor pleiotrophin (PTN) provides neuroprotection for tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive (THir) neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc), increases THir neurite density in the striatum (ST) and reverses functional deficits in forepaw use following 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) toxic insult. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) gene transfer studies suggest that optimal neuroprotection is dependent on the site of nigrostriatal overexpression. The present study was conducted to determine whether enhanced neuroprotection could be accomplished via simultaneous rAAV2/1 PTN injections into the ST and SN compared with ST injections alone. Rats were unilaterally injected in the ST alone or injected in both the ST and SN with rAAV2/1 expressing either PTN or control vector. Four weeks later, all rats received intrastriatal injections of 6-OHDA. Rats were euthanized 6 or 16 weeks relative to 6-OHDA injection. A novel selective total enumeration method to estimate nigral THir neuron survival was validated to maintain the accuracy of stereological assessment. Long-term nigrostriatal neuroprotection and functional benefits were only observed in rats in which rAAV2/1 PTN was injected into the ST alone. Results suggest that superior preservation of the nigrostriatal system is provided by PTN overexpression delivered to the ST and restricted to the ST and SN pars reticulata and is not improved with overexpression of PTN within SNpc neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- S E Gombash
- 1] Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA [2] Department of Translational Science and Molecular Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - F P Manfredsson
- Department of Translational Science and Molecular Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - R J Mandel
- Department of Neuroscience, Powell Gene Therapy Center, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - T J Collier
- Department of Translational Science and Molecular Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - D L Fischer
- Department of Translational Science and Molecular Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - C J Kemp
- Department of Translational Science and Molecular Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - N M Kuhn
- Department of Translational Science and Molecular Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - S L Wohlgenant
- Department of Translational Science and Molecular Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - S M Fleming
- Departments of Psychology and Neurology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - C E Sortwell
- Department of Translational Science and Molecular Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
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Herzog CD, Brown L, Kruegel BR, Wilson A, Tansey MG, Gage FH, Johnson EM, Bartus RT. Enhanced neurotrophic distribution, cell signaling and neuroprotection following substantia nigral versus striatal delivery of AAV2-NRTN (CERE-120). Neurobiol Dis 2013; 58:38-48. [PMID: 23631873 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2013.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2013] [Revised: 03/29/2013] [Accepted: 04/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper reassesses the currently accepted viewpoint that targeting the terminal fields (i.e. striatum) of degenerating nigrostriatal dopamine neurons with neurotrophic factors in Parkinson's disease (PD) is sufficient for achieving an optimal neurotrophic response. Recent insight indicating that PD is an axonopathy characterized by axonal transport deficits prompted this effort. We tested whether a significantly greater neurotrophic response might be induced in SN neurons when the neurotrophic factor neurturin (NRTN) is also targeted to the substantia nigra (SN), compared to the more conventional, striatum-only target. While recognizing the importance of maintaining the integrity of nigrostriatal fibers and terminals (especially for achieving optimal function), we refocused attention to the fate of SN neurons. Under conditions of axonal degeneration and neuronal transport deficits, this component of the nigrostriatal system is most vulnerable to the lack of neurotrophic exposure following striatal-only delivery. Given the location of repair genes induced by neurotrophic factors, achieving adequate neurotrophic exposure to the SN neurons is essential for an optimal neurotrophic response, while the survival of these neurons is essential to the very survival of the fibers. Two separate studies were performed using the 6-OHDA model of nigrostriatal degeneration, in conjunction with delivery of the viral vector AAV2-NRTN (CERE-120) to continuously express NRTN to either striatum or nigra alone or combined striatal/nigral exposure, including conditions of ongoing axonopathy. These studies provide additional insight for reinterpreting past animal neurotrophic/6-OHDA studies conducted under conditions where axon transport deficiencies were generally not accounted for, which suggested that targeting the striatum was both necessary and sufficient. The current data demonstrate that delivering NRTN directly to the SN produces 1) expanded NRTN distribution within the terminal field and cell bodies of targeted nigrostriatal neurons, 2) enhanced intracellular neurotrophic factor signaling in the nigrostriatal neurons, and 3) produced greater numbers of surviving dopamine neurons against 6-OHDA-induced toxicity, particularly under the conditions of active axonopathy. Thus, these data provide empirical support that targeting the SN with neurotrophic factors (in addition to striatum) may help enhance the neurotrophic response in midbrain neurons, particularly under conditions of active neurodegeneration which occurs in PD patients.
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Translating the therapeutic potential of neurotrophic factors to clinical 'proof of concept': a personal saga achieving a career-long quest. Neurobiol Dis 2012; 48:153-78. [PMID: 22525569 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2012.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2011] [Revised: 02/29/2012] [Accepted: 04/06/2012] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
While the therapeutic potential of neurotrophic factors has been well-recognized for over two decades, attempts to translate that potential to the clinic have been disappointing, largely due to significant delivery obstacles. Similarly, gene therapy (or gene transfer) emerged as a potentially powerful, new therapeutic approach nearly two decades ago and despite its promise, also suffered serious setbacks when applied to the human clinic. As advances continue to be made in both fields, ironically, they may now be poised to complement each other to produce a translational breakthrough. The accumulated data argue that gene transfer provides the 'enabling technology' that can solve the age-old delivery problems that have plagued the translation of neurotrophic factors as treatments for chronic central nervous system diseases. A leading translational program applying gene transfer to deliver a neurotrophic factor to rejuvenate and protect degenerating human neurons is CERE-120 (AAV2-NRTN). To date, over two dozen nonclinical studies and three clinical trials have been completed. A fourth (pivotal) clinical trial has completed all dosing and is currently evaluating safety and efficacy. In total, eighty Parkinson's disease (PD) subjects have thus far been dosed with CERE-120 (some 7 years ago), representing over 250 cumulative patient-years of exposure, with no serious safety issues identified. In a completed sham-surgery, double-blinded controlled trial, though the primary endpoint (the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UDPRS) motor off score measured at 12 months) did not show benefit from CERE-120, several important motor and quality of life measurements did, including the same UPDRS-motor-off score, pre-specified to also be measured at a longer, 18-month post-dosing time point. Importantly, not a single measurement favored the sham control group. This study therefore, provided important, well-controlled evidence establishing 'clinical proof of concept' for gene transfer to the CNS and the first controlled evidence for clinical benefit of a neurotrophic factor in a human neurodegenerative disease. This paper reviews the development of CERE-120, starting historically with the long-standing interest in the therapeutic potential of neurotrophic factors and continuing with selective accounts of past efforts to translate their potential to the clinic, eventually leading to the application of gene transfer and its role as the 'enabling technology'. Because of growing interest in translational R&D, including its practice in industry, the paper is uniquely oriented from the author's personal, quasi-autobiographic perspective and career-long experiences conducting translational research and development, with a focus on various translational neurotrophic factor programs spanning 30+ years in Big Pharma and development-stage biotech companies. It is hoped that by sharing these perspectives, practical insight and information might be provided to others also interested in translational R&D as well as neurotrophic factors and gene therapy, offering readers the opportunity to benefit from some of our successes, while possibly avoiding some of our missteps.
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Shi B, Deng L, Shi X, Dai S, Zhang H, Wang Y, Bi J, Guo M. The enhancement of neural stem cell survival and growth by coculturing with expanded Sertoli cells in vitro. Biotechnol Prog 2011; 28:196-205. [PMID: 22109810 DOI: 10.1002/btpr.720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2011] [Revised: 08/20/2011] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Sertoli cells (SCs) have been described as the "nurse cells" of testis to provide essential growth factors and to create a proper environment for the development of other cells (e.g., germinal and neural stem cell). However, the physiological functions of the SCs obtained from different culture conditions are different in a coculturing system, and thus the optimal SC culturing condition should be investigated in vitro. In this paper, primary Sertoli cells were isolated from a 12-day-old mouse and expanded in two different culture conditions: a two dimensional (2D) plastic tissue disc and a three dimensional (3D) microcarrier culture system. They were then cocultured with neural stem cells (NSCs) isolated from 14-day-old mouse embryos. The metabolic activities of SCs(2D) (SCs in 2D) and SCs(3D) (SCs in 3D) and the amount of proteins secreted from two culturing systems were compared. The results show that the metabolic activity and the amount of secreted proteins from SCs(3D) were higher than both from SCs(2D). Three coculturing groups: NSCs+SC(2D), NSCs+SC(3D), and NSCs +SC-conditioned medium (SCCM, control group) were also compared regarding cell morphology and the numbers of neurons, neural outgrowths and neurospheres. The quantity of neurons, neural outgrowths and neurospheres were the highest in the NSCs+SC(3D) group. SCs cultured in the 3D system had a strong trophic effect on NSCs and enhanced their survival and growth. Besides, the mRNA of trophic and nutritive factors such as Glial-cell-line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and Interleukin-1 α (IL-1 α) secreted by the SCs from both 2D and 3D culture system were analyzed by real time-PCR and gel assay. The mRNA transcription of GDNF and IL-1α is more apparent in the 3D culture system than that from the 2D one. The coculturing system of NSCs+SC(3D) is a promising candidate for future neural stem cell transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingyang Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, PR China
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Bartus RT, Brown L, Wilson A, Kruegel B, Siffert J, Johnson EM, Kordower JH, Herzog CD. Properly scaled and targeted AAV2-NRTN (neurturin) to the substantia nigra is safe, effective and causes no weight loss: support for nigral targeting in Parkinson's disease. Neurobiol Dis 2011; 44:38-52. [PMID: 21704161 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2011.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2011] [Revised: 05/06/2011] [Accepted: 05/28/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent analyses of autopsied brains from subjects previously administered AAV2-neurturin (NRTN) gene transfer argues that optimizing the effects of neurotrophic factors in Parkinson's disease (PD) likely requires delivery to both the degenerating cell bodies (in substantia nigra) and their terminals (in striatum). Prior to implementing this novel dosing paradigm in humans, we conducted eight nonclinical experiments with three general objectives: (1) evaluate the feasibility, safety and effectiveness of targeting the substantia nigra (SN) with AAV2-NRTN, (2) better understand and appraise recent warnings of serious weight loss that might occur with targeting the SN with neurotrophic factors, and (3) define an appropriate dose of AAV2-NRTN that should safely and effectively cover the SN in PD patients. Toward these ends, we first determined SN volume for rats, monkeys and humans, and employed these values to calculate comparable dose equivalents for each species by scaling each dose, based on relative SN volume. Using this information, we next injected AAV2-GFP to monkey SN to quantify AAV2-vector distribution and confirm reasonable SN coverage. We then selected and administered a ~200-fold range of AAV2-NRTN doses (and a single AAV2-GDNF dose) to rat SN, producing a wide range of protein expression. In contrast to recent warnings regarding nigra targeting, no dose produced any serious side effects or toxicity, though we replicated the modest reduction in weight gain reported by others with the highest AAV2-NRTN and the AAV2-GDNF dose. A dose-related increase in NRTN expression was seen, with the lower doses limiting NRTN to the peri-SN and the highest dose producing mistargeted NRTN well outside the SN. We then demonstrated that the reduction in weight gain following excessive-doses can be dissociated from NRTN in the targeted SN, and is linked to mistargeted NRTN in the diencephalon. We also showed that prior destruction of the dopaminergic SN neurons via 6-OHDA had no impact on the weight loss phenomenon, further dissociating neurotrophic exposure to the SN as the culprit for weight changes. Finally, low AAV2-NRTN doses provided significant neuroprotection against 6-OHDA toxicity, establishing a wide therapeutic index for nigral targeting. These data support targeting the SN with AAV2-NRTN in PD patients, demonstrating that properly targeted and scaled AAV2-NRTN provides safe and effective NRTN expression. They also provided the means to define an appropriate human-equivalent dose for proceeding into an ongoing clinical trial, using empirically-based scaling to account for marked differences in SN volume between species.
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Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative movement disorder for which there is currently no effective therapy. Over the past several decades, there has been a considerable interest in neuroprotective therapies using trophic factors to alleviate the symptoms of PD. Neurotrophic factors (NTFs) are a class of molecules that influence a number of neuronal functions, including cell survival and axonal growth. Experimental studies in animal models suggest that members of neurotrophin family and GDNF family of ligands (GFLs) have the potent ability to protect degenerating dopamine neurons as well as promote regeneration of the nigrostriatal dopamine system. In clinical trials, although no serious adverse events related to the NTF therapy has been reported in patients, they remain inconclusive. In this chapter, we attempt to give a brief overview on several different growth factors that have been explored for use in animal models of PD and those already used in PD patients.
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Yang X, Mertens B, Lehtonen E, Vercammen L, Bockstael O, Chtarto A, Levivier M, Brotchi J, Michotte Y, Baekelandt V, Sarre S, Tenenbaum L. Reversible neurochemical changes mediated by delayed intrastriatal glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor gene delivery in a partial Parkinson's disease rat model. J Gene Med 2009; 11:899-912. [PMID: 19639608 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.1377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Efficient protection of dopaminergic neurons against a subsequent 6-hydroxydopamine lesion by glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) gene delivery has been demonstrated. By contrast, the neurorestorative effects of GDNF administered several weeks after the toxin have been less characterized. In particular, whether these were permanent or dependent on the continuous presence of GDNF remains elusive. METHODS A tetracycline-inducible adeno-associated virus (AAV)-1 vector expressing human GDNF cDNA was administered unilaterally in the rat striatum 5 weeks after 6-hydroxydopamine. Rats were treated with doxycycline (dox) or untreated from the day of vector injection until sacrifice (4 or 14 weeks). A sub-group was dox-treated for 7 weeks then untreated until 14 weeks. The motor behavior was assessed by amphetamine-induced rotations and spontaneous forelimb asymmetry. The amounts of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), serine-40-phosphorylated TH (S40-TH) and aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) proteins were compared by western blotting and the dopamine levels quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS Dox-dependent behavioral improvements were demonstrated 4 weeks post-vector injection. At later time points, spontaneous partial recovery was observed in all rats, but no further improvement was found in dox-treated animals. TH levels were significantly increased in dox-treated rats at all time points. By contrast, striatal dopamine and S40-TH were increased at 4 weeks, but not 14 weeks, and AADC remained unchanged. Dox withdrawal after 7 weeks, resulted in TH levels comparable to the controls at 14 weeks. CONCLUSIONS Delayed GDNF gene delivery only transiently improved dopaminergic function. Over the long term, TH was more abundant, but not functional, and the increase was lost when GDNF gene expression was switched off.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Yang
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurosurgery, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
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15
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Chiocco MJ, Harvey BK, Wang Y, Hoffer BJ. Neurotrophic factors for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2009; 13 Suppl 3:S321-8. [PMID: 18267258 DOI: 10.1016/s1353-8020(08)70024-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a slowly progressive disorder with no known etiology. Pathologically, there is a loss of the dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra that project to the striatum. Current available therapies for PD are targeted to the restoration of striatal dopamine. These approaches may alleviate symptoms transiently, but fail to slow the progression of disease. One emergent therapeutic approach is the use of neurotrophic factors to halt or reverse the loss of dopaminergic neurons. There have been intensive research efforts both preclinically and clinically testing the efficacy and safety of neurotrophic factors for the treatment of PD. In this review, we discuss the neuroprotective and neuroregenerative properties of various trophic factors, both old and recent, and their status as therapeutic molecules for PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Chiocco
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
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16
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Emerging restorative treatments for Parkinson's disease. Prog Neurobiol 2008; 85:407-32. [PMID: 18586376 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2008.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2007] [Revised: 04/03/2008] [Accepted: 05/06/2008] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Several exciting approaches for restorative therapy in Parkinson's disease have emerged over the past two decades. This review initially describes experimental and clinical data regarding growth factor administration. We focus on glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), particularly its role in neuroprotection and in regeneration in Parkinson's disease. Thereafter, we discuss the challenges currently facing cell transplantation in Parkinson's disease and briefly consider the possibility to continue testing intrastriatal transplantation of fetal dopaminergic progenitors clinically. We also give a more detailed overview of the developmental biology of dopaminergic neurons and the potential of certain stem cells, i.e. neural and embryonic stem cells, to differentiate into dopaminergic neurons. Finally, we discuss adult neurogenesis as a potential tool for restoring lost dopamine neurons in patients suffering from Parkinson's disease.
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17
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Liu WG, Lu GQ, Li B, Chen SD. Dopaminergic neuroprotection by neurturin-expressing c17.2 neural stem cells in a rat model of Parkinson's disease. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2006; 13:77-88. [PMID: 16963309 DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2006.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2005] [Revised: 06/26/2006] [Accepted: 07/01/2006] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Genetically engineered neural stem cell (NSC) lines are promising vectors for the treatment of regenerative diseases, especially Parkinson's disease (PD). Neurturin (NTN), a member of the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor-family, has been demonstrated to act specifically on mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons, suggesting its therapeutic potential for PD. Here, we have generated a NTN-secreting c17.2 NSC line and investigated the protective effect of NTN-c17.2 on PD rat models. These NTN-releasing NSCs engrafted and integrated in the host striatum with good success, gave rise to neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, and maintained stable, high-level NTN expression. In addition, inverse transfer of NTN protein into the substantia nigra (SN) was able to protect dopaminergic neurons from 6-OHDA toxicity. Observation of rotational behavior showed that the NTN group performed significantly better than the Mock group, and the protective effect of NTN lasted for at least 4 months. HPLC tests indicated that the contents of neurotransmitters (e.g. dopamine) in the corpus striatum area of the NTN-c17.2 group and the Mock-c17.2 group were significantly higher than in the PBS group, but there was no significant difference between expression in the NTN-c17.2 and Mock-c17.2 groups. Taken together, our results suggest that transplantation of NTN-secreting NSCs exerted protective on PD rat models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Guo Liu
- Department of Neurology, Clinical and Research Center for Parkinson Disease and Movement Disorders, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, PR China
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18
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Shamekh R, Mallery J, Newcomb J, Hushen J, Saporta S, Cameron DF, Sanberg CD, Sanberg PR, Willing AE. Enhancing tyrosine hydroxylase expression and survival of fetal ventral mesencephalon neurons with rat or porcine Sertoli cells in vitro. Brain Res 2006; 1096:1-10. [PMID: 16780819 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2006.04.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2005] [Revised: 03/29/2006] [Accepted: 04/03/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Sertoli cells (SCs) are testis-derived cells that secrete trophic factors important for the development of germ cells. Both porcine and rat SCs have been used as graft facilitators - neonatal porcine SCs to support islets in diabetes and 15-day-old rat SCs to enhance dopaminergic neuron transplants in Parkinson's disease models. However, there has never been a study examining the optimal SCs preparation to enhance tyrosine hydroxylase expression in the ventral mesencephalon (VM) neuron. The aim of this study was to compare the ability of both rat and porcine SCs to enhance tyrosine hydroxylase expression (TH) and neuronal survival at the same postnatal developmental ages. The SCs were isolated from 1-, 9-, or 15-day-old rat, or neonate (2-5 days), 2-month, or 4-month-old pig, and co-cultured with VM tissue from 13.5-day-old embryos. Our results showed that VM neurons co-cultured with SCs dispersed over the culture plate and had extensive neuritic outgrowth, while VM neurons cultured alone tended to cluster together forming a mass of cells with limited neurite outgrowth. TH expression was significantly increased when VM neurons were co-cultured with 15-day rat SCs or 2-month pig SCs but not when the cells were co-cultured with other ages of SCs. This suggests that secretion of trophic factors by SCs varies according to the developmental age, and it is critical for the success of graft facilitation that SCs from the appropriate age and species be used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rania Shamekh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, University of South Florida, Tampa, 33612, USA
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19
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Muramatsu SI, Tsukada H, Nakano I, Ozawa K. Gene therapy for Parkinson's disease using recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2006; 5:663-71. [PMID: 15934841 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.5.5.663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Existing strategies for gene therapy in the treatment of Parkinson's disease include the delivery of genes encoding dopamine (DA)-synthesising enzymes, leading to localised production of DA in the striatum; genes encoding factors that protect nigral neurons against ongoing degeneration, such as glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor; and genes encoding proteins that produce the inhibitory transmitter gamma-aminobutylic acid (GABA) in the subthalamic nucleus (STN), thus suppressing the hyperactive STN. Recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vectors, which are derived from non-pathogenic viruses, have been shown to be suitable for clinical trials. These rAAVs have been found to transduce substantial numbers of neurons efficiently and to express transgenes in mammalian brains for long periods of time, with minimum inflammatory and immunological responses. In vivo imaging using positron emission tomography is useful for monitoring transgene expression and for assessing the functional effects of gene delivery. Vector systems that regulate transgene expression are necessary to increase safety in clinical applications, and the development of such systems is in progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin-ichi Muramatsu
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Jichi Medical School, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Minami-kawachi, Tochigi, 3290498, Japan.
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20
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Torres EM, Monville C, Lowenstein PR, Castro MG, Dunnett SB. Delivery of sonic hedgehog or glial derived neurotrophic factor to dopamine-rich grafts in a rat model of Parkinson's disease using adenoviral vectors Increased yield of dopamine cells is dependent on embryonic donor age. Brain Res Bull 2005; 68:31-41. [PMID: 16325002 PMCID: PMC2902250 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2005.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The poor survival of dopamine grafts in Parkinson's disease is one of the main obstacles to the widespread application of this therapy. One hypothesis is that implanted neurons, once removed from the embryonic environment, lack the differentiation factors needed to develop the dopaminergic phenotype. In an effort to improve the numbers of dopamine neurons surviving in the grafts, we have investigated the potential of adenoviral vectors to deliver the differentiation factor sonic hedgehog or the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor GDNF to dopamine-rich grafts in a rat model of Parkinson's disease. Adenoviral vectors containing sonic hedgehog, GDNF, or the marker gene LacZ were injected into the dopamine depleted striatum of hemiparkinsonian rats. Two weeks later, ventral mesencephalic cell suspensions were prepared from embryos of donor ages E12, E13, E14 or E15 and implanted into the vector-transduced striatum. Pre-treatment with the sonic hedgehog vector produced a three-fold increase in the numbers of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive (presumed dopaminergic) cells in grafts derived from E12 donors, but had no effect on E13-E15 grafts. By contrast, pre-treatment with the GDNF vector increased yields of dopamine cells in grafts derived from E14 and E15 donors but had no effect on grafts from younger donors. The results indicate that provision of both trophic and differentiation factors can enhance the yields of dopamine neurons in ventral mesencephalic grafts, but that the two factors differ in the age and stage of embryonic development at which they have maximal effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- E M Torres
- Department of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Biomedical Sciences Building, Museum Avenue, PO Box 911, Cardiff CF10 3US, UK.
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21
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Zhang W, Qin L, Wang T, Wei SJ, Gao HM, Liu J, Wilson B, Liu B, Zhang W, Kim HC, Hong JS. 3-hydroxymorphinan is neurotrophic to dopaminergic neurons and is also neuroprotective against LPS-induced neurotoxicity. FASEB J 2004; 19:395-7. [PMID: 15596482 DOI: 10.1096/fj.04-1586fje] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to develop a novel therapy for Parkinson's disease (PD). We recently reported that dextromethorphan (DM), an active ingredient in a variety of widely used anticough remedies, protected dopaminergic neurons in rat primary mesencephalic neuron-glia cultures against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated degeneration and provided potent protection for dopaminergic neurons in a MPTP mouse model. The underlying mechanism for the protective effect of DM was attributed to its anti-inflammatory activity through inhibition of microglia activation. In an effort to develop more potent compounds for the treatment of PD, we have screened a series of analogs of DM, and 3-hydroxymorphinan (3-HM) emerged as a promising candidate for this purpose. Our study using primary mesencephalic neuron-glia cultures showed that 3-HM provided more potent neuroprotection against LPS-induced dopaminergic neurotoxicity than its parent compound. The higher potency of 3-HM was attributed to its neurotrophic effect in addition to the anti-inflammatory effect shared by both DM and 3-HM. First, we showed that 3-HM exerted potent neuroprotective and neurotrophic effects on dopaminergic neurons in rat primary mesencephalic neuron-glia cultures treated with LPS. The neurotrophic effect of 3-HM was glia-dependent since 3-HM failed to show any protective effect in the neuron-enriched cultures. We subsequently demonstrated that it was the astroglia, not the microglia, that contributed to the neurotrophic effect of 3-HM. This conclusion was based on the reconstitution studies, in which we added different percentages of microglia (10-20%) or astroglia (40-50%) back to the neuron-enriched cultures and found that 3-HM was neurotrophic after the addition of astroglia, but not microglia. Furthermore, 3-HM-treated astroglia-derived conditioned media exerted a significant neurotrophic effect on dopaminergic neurons. It appeared likely that 3-HM caused the release of neurotrophic factor(s) from astroglia, which in turn was responsible for the neurotrophic effect. Second, the anti-inflammatory mechanism was also important for the neuroprotective activity of 3-HM because the more microglia were added back to the neuron-enriched cultures, the more significant neuroprotective effect was observed. The anti-inflammatory mechanism of 3-HM was attributed to its inhibition of LPS-induced production of an array of pro-inflammatory and neurotoxic factors, including nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). In conclusion, this study showed that 3-HM exerted potent neuroprotection by acting on two different targets: a neurotrophic effect mediated by astroglia and an anti-inflammatory effect mediated by the inhibition of microglial activation. 3-HM thus possesses these two important features necessary for an effective neuroprotective agent. In view of the well-documented very low toxicity of DM and its analogs, this report may provide an important new direction for the development of therapeutic interventions for inflammation-related diseases such as PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- Neuropharmacology Section, Laboratory of Pharmacology and Chemistry, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences/National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, P.O. Box 12233, NC, USA.
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22
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Eberhardt O, Schulz JB. Gene therapy in Parkinson?s disease. Cell Tissue Res 2004; 318:243-60. [PMID: 15322915 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-004-0947-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2004] [Accepted: 06/29/2004] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy in Parkinson's disease appears to be at the brink of the clinical study phase. Future gene therapy protocols will be based on a substantial amount of preclinical data regarding the use of ex vivo and in vivo genetic modifications with the help of viral or non-viral vectors. To date, the supplementation of neurotrophic factors and substitution for the dopaminergic deficit have formed the focus of trials to achieve relief in animal models of Parkinson's disease. Newer approaches include attempts to influence detrimental cell signalling pathways and to inhibit overactive basal ganglia structures. Nevertheless, current models of Parkinson's disease do not mirror all aspects of the human disease, and important issues with respect to long-term protein expression, choice of target structures and transgenes and safety remain to be solved. Here, we thoroughly review available animal data of gene transfer in models of Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Eberhardt
- Department of General Neurology, Center of Neurology and Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 3, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
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23
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Mata M, Glorioso JC, Fink DJ. Gene transfer to the nervous system: prospects for novel treatments directed at diseases of the aging nervous system. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2004; 58:M1111-8. [PMID: 14684708 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/58.12.m1111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past 3 decades, gene therapy has moved from a theoretical construct to an active field of basic research, animal studies, and clinical trials. In this article, we describe the conceptual basis underlying the use of gene therapy for diseases of the aging nervous system, the principal techniques used for gene delivery, and review preclinical animal studies in 4 different classes of neurologic dysfunction: 1) focal neuronal degeneration in the central nervous system; 2) global neuronal dysfunction in the central nervous system; 3) degenerative disease affecting components of the peripheral nervous system; and 4) intractable focal pain. The full potential of this approach will not be established until the human trials are completed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Mata
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA
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24
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie B Hurelbrink
- Cambridge Centre for Brain Repair and Department of Neurology, Cambridge, UK
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25
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Riddle R, Pollock JD. Making connections: the development of mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons. BRAIN RESEARCH. DEVELOPMENTAL BRAIN RESEARCH 2003; 147:3-21. [PMID: 14741747 DOI: 10.1016/j.devbrainres.2003.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The disorders of two adjacent sets of mesencephalic dopaminergic (MDNs) are associated with two significant health problems: Parkinson's disease and drug addiction. Because of this, a great deal of research has focused on understanding the growth, development and maintenance of MDNs. Many transcription factors and signaling pathways are known to be required for normal MDNs formation, but a unified model of MDN development is still unclear. The long-term goal is to design therapeutic strategies to: (i) nurture and/or heal endogenous MDNs, (ii) replace the affected tissue with exogenous MDNs from in vitro cultivated stem cells and (iii) restore normal connectivity. Recent developmental biology studies show great promise in understanding how MDNs develop both in vivo and in vitro. This information has great therapeutic value and may provide insight into how environmental and genetic factors increase vulnerability to addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Riddle
- Genetics and Molecular Neurobiology Research Branch, Division of Neuroscience and Behavioral Research, National Institute on Drug Abuse, 6001 Executive Blvd., Bethesda, MD 20892-9555, USA.
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26
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Affiliation(s)
- E A Burton
- Department of Clinical Neurology, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford, UK
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27
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Klein RL, Hamby ME, Sonntag CF, Millard WJ, King MA, Meyer EM. Measurements of vector-derived neurotrophic factor and green fluorescent protein levels in the brain. Methods 2002; 28:286-92. [PMID: 12413428 DOI: 10.1016/s1046-2023(02)00234-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Demonstrating consistently reliable levels of expression is a critical part of any gene transfer study in order to assess variability and determine effective gene dosages. This article highlights some of the key methods for studying the expression levels of green fluorescent protein and neurotrophic factors after injections of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors into the brain. The data demonstrate greater spread and higher levels of expression using the cytomegalovirus/chicken beta-actin (CBA) promoter coupled with the woodchuck hepatitis virus posttranscriptional regulatory element (WPRE), compared to earlier AAV serotype 2 vectors. Injections of either CBA-nerve growth factor (NGF)-WPRE or CBA-glial cell line-derived neutrotrophic factor-WPRE AAV vectors into the nucleus basalis of the basal forebrain led to clear and consistent elevation of the respective trophic factor as measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, with NGF vectors affecting the size and number of cholinergic neurons. AAV serotype may also be important for the spread of expression, since injecting an AAV-5 vector into the hippocampus led to higher-frequency transfection of dentate gyrus granule neurons, suggesting altered tropism relative to AAV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald L Klein
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610-0267, USA.
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28
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Okada T, Nomoto T, Shimazaki K, Lijun W, Lu Y, Matsushita T, Mizukami H, Urabe M, Hanazono Y, Kume A, Muramatsu SI, Nakano I, Ozawa K. Adeno-associated virus vectors for gene transfer to the brain. Methods 2002; 28:237-47. [PMID: 12413422 DOI: 10.1016/s1046-2023(02)00228-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy is a novel method under investigation for the treatment of neurological disorders. Considerable interest has focused on the possibility of using viral vectors to deliver genes to the central nervous system. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is a potentially useful gene transfer vehicle for neurologic gene therapies. The advantages of AAV vector include the lack of any associated disease with a wild-type virus, the ability to transduce nondividing cells, the possible integration of the gene into the host genome, and the long-term expression of transgenes. The development of novel therapeutic strategies for neurological disorder by using AAV vector has an increasing impact on gene therapy research. This article describes methods that can be used to generate rodent and nonhuman primate models for testing treatment strategies linked to pathophysiological events in the ischemic brain and neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Okada
- Division of Genetic Therapeutics, Center for Molecular Medicine, Jichi Medical School, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Minami-Kawachi, Kawachi, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan.
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