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Nassauer L, Staecker H, Huang P, Renslo B, Goblet M, Harre J, Warnecke A, Schott JW, Morgan M, Galla M, Schambach A. Protection from cisplatin-induced hearing loss with lentiviral vector-mediated ectopic expression of the anti-apoptotic protein BCL-XL. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102157. [PMID: 38450280 PMCID: PMC10915631 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Cisplatin is a highly effective chemotherapeutic agent, but it can cause sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in patients. Cisplatin-induced ototoxicity is closely related to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and subsequent death of hair cells (HCs) and spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs). Despite various strategies to combat ototoxicity, only one therapeutic agent has thus far been clinically approved. Therefore, we have developed a gene therapy concept to protect cochlear cells from cisplatin-induced toxicity. Self-inactivating lentiviral (LV) vectors were used to ectopically express various antioxidant enzymes or anti-apoptotic proteins to enhance the cellular ROS scavenging or prevent apoptosis in affected cell types. In direct comparison, anti-apoptotic proteins mediated a stronger reduction in cytotoxicity than antioxidant enzymes. Importantly, overexpression of the most promising candidate, Bcl-xl, achieved an up to 2.5-fold reduction in cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity in HEI-OC1 cells, phoenix auditory neurons, and primary SGN cultures. BCL-XL protected against cisplatin-mediated tissue destruction in cochlear explants. Strikingly, in vivo application of the LV BCL-XL vector improved hearing and increased HC survival in cisplatin-treated mice. In conclusion, we have established a preclinical gene therapy approach to protect mice from cisplatin-induced ototoxicity that has the potential to be translated to clinical use in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Nassauer
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Hinrich Staecker
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Peixin Huang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Bryan Renslo
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Madeleine Goblet
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence “Hearing4all”, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Jennifer Harre
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence “Hearing4all”, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Athanasia Warnecke
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence “Hearing4all”, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Juliane W. Schott
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael Morgan
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Melanie Galla
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Axel Schambach
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Valentini C, Szeto B, Kysar JW, Lalwani AK. Inner Ear Gene Delivery: Vectors and Routes. HEARING BALANCE AND COMMUNICATION 2020; 18:278-285. [PMID: 33604229 DOI: 10.1080/21695717.2020.1807261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Current treatments for hearing loss offer some functional improvements in hearing, but do not restore normal hearing. The aim of this review is to highlight recent advances in viral and non-viral vectors for gene therapy and to discuss approaches for overcoming barriers inherent to inner ear delivery of gene products. Data Sources The databases used were Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Search terms were [("cochlea*" or "inner ear" or "transtympanic" or "intratympanic" or "intracochlear" or "hair cells" or "spiral ganglia" or "Organ of Corti") and ("gene therapy" or "gene delivery")]. The references section of resulting articles was also used to identify relevant studies. Results Both viral and non-viral vectors play important roles in advancing gene delivery to the inner ear. The round window membrane is one significant barrier to gene delivery that intratympanic delivery methods attempt to overcome through diffusion and intracochlear delivery methods bypass completely. Conclusions Gene therapy for hearing loss is a promising treatment for restoring hearing function by addressing innate defects. Recent technological advances in inner ear drug delivery techniques pose exciting opportunities for progress in gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Valentini
- Department of Otolaryngology -- Head and Neck Surgery, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY
| | - Betsy Szeto
- Department of Otolaryngology -- Head and Neck Surgery, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY
| | - Jeffrey W Kysar
- Department of Otolaryngology -- Head and Neck Surgery, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Anil K Lalwani
- Department of Otolaryngology -- Head and Neck Surgery, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York
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Taiber S, Avraham KB. Genetic Therapies for Hearing Loss: Accomplishments and Remaining Challenges. Neurosci Lett 2019; 713:134527. [PMID: 31586696 PMCID: PMC7219656 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2019.134527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 09/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
More than 15 years have passed since the official completion of the Human Genome Project. Predominantly due to this project, over one hundred genes have now been linked to hearing loss. Although major advancements have been made in the understanding of underlying pathologies in deafness as a consequence of these gene discoveries, biological treatments for these conditions are still not available and current treatments rely on amplification or prosthetics. A promising approach for developing treatments for genetic hearing loss is the most simplistic one, that of gene therapy. Gene therapy would intuitively be ideal for these conditions since it is directed at the very source of the problem. Recent achievements in this field in laboratory models spike hope and optimism among scientists, patients, and industry, and suggest that this approach can mature into clinical trials in the coming years. Here we review the existing literature and discuss the different aspects of developing gene therapy for genetic hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahar Taiber
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Karen B Avraham
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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Abstract
Over 450 million people worldwide suffer from hearing loss, leading to an estimated economic burden of ∼$750 billion. The past decade has seen significant advances in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms that contribute to hearing, and the environmental and genetic factors that can go awry and lead to hearing loss. This in turn has sparked enormous interest in developing gene therapy approaches to treat this disorder. This review documents the most recent advances in cochlear gene therapy to restore hearing loss, and will cover viral vectors and construct designs, potential routes of delivery into the inner ear, and, lastly, the most promising genes of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence Lustig
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Columbia University Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York 10032
| | - Omar Akil
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94117
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Minakata T, Inagaki A, Yamamura A, Yamamura H, Sekiya S, Murakami S. Calcium-Sensing Receptor Is Functionally Expressed in the Cochlear Perilymphatic Compartment and Essential for Hearing. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:175. [PMID: 31379498 PMCID: PMC6648107 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Maintaining Ca2+ homeostasis in lymphatic fluids is necessary for proper hearing. Despite its significance, the mechanisms that maintain the cochlear lymphatic Ca2+ concentrations within a certain range are not fully clarified. We investigated the functional expression of calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR), which plays a pivotal role in sensing extracellular Ca2+ concentrations for feedback regulations. Western blotting for CaSR revealed an approximately 130-kDa protein expression in cochlear tissue extracts and immunohistochemical analysis revealed its expression specifically in type I fibrocytes in the spiral ligament, fibrocytes in the supralimbal and limbal regions, the epithelium of the osseous spiral lamina, and the smooth muscle cells of the spiral modiolar arteries. Ca2+ imaging demonstrated that extracellular Ca2+ increased the levels of intracellular Ca2+ in CaSR-expressing fibrocytes in the spiral ligament, and that this was suppressed by the CaSR inhibitor, NPS2143. Furthermore, hearing thresholds were moderately elevated by intracochlear application of the CaSR inhibitors NPS2143 and Calhex231, across a range of frequencies (8–32 kHz). These results demonstrate the functional expression of CaSR in the cochlear perilymphatic compartment. In addition, the elevated hearing thresholds that are achieved by inhibiting CaSR suggest this is a required mechanism for normal hearing, presumably by sensing perilymphatic Ca2+ to stabilize Ca2+ concentrations within a certain range. These results provide novel insight into the mechanisms regulating Ca2+ homeostasis in the cochlea and provide a new perspective on cochlear physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiya Minakata
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences and Medical School, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Akira Inagaki
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences and Medical School, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Aya Yamamura
- Department of Physiology, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Hisao Yamamura
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shinji Sekiya
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences and Medical School, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shingo Murakami
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences and Medical School, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
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Atkinson PJ, Kim GS, Cheng AG. Direct cellular reprogramming and inner ear regeneration. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2019; 19:129-139. [PMID: 30584811 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2019.1564035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sound is integral to communication and connects us to the world through speech and music. Cochlear hair cells are essential for converting sounds into neural impulses. However, these cells are highly susceptible to damage from an array of factors, resulting in degeneration and ultimately irreversible hearing loss in humans. Since the discovery of hair cell regeneration in birds, there have been tremendous efforts to identify therapies that could promote hair cell regeneration in mammals. AREAS COVERED Here, we will review recent studies describing spontaneous hair cell regeneration and direct cellular reprograming as well as other factors that mediate mammalian hair cell regeneration. EXPERT OPINION Numerous combinatorial approaches have successfully reprogrammed non-sensory supporting cells to form hair cells, albeit with limited efficacy and maturation. Studies on epigenetic regulation and transcriptional network of hair cell progenitors may accelerate discovery of more promising reprogramming regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J Atkinson
- a Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery , Stanford University School of Medicine , Stanford , CA , USA
| | - Grace S Kim
- a Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery , Stanford University School of Medicine , Stanford , CA , USA
| | - Alan G Cheng
- a Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery , Stanford University School of Medicine , Stanford , CA , USA
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In Vivo Interplay between p27 Kip1, GATA3, ATOH1, and POU4F3 Converts Non-sensory Cells to Hair Cells in Adult Mice. Cell Rep 2017; 19:307-320. [PMID: 28402854 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.03.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2016] [Revised: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hearing loss is widespread and persistent because mature mammalian auditory hair cells (HCs) are nonregenerative. In mice, the ability to regenerate HCs from surrounding supporting cells (SCs) declines abruptly after postnatal maturation. We find that combining p27Kip1 deletion with ectopic ATOH1 expression surmounts this age-related decline, leading to conversion of SCs to HCs in mature mouse cochleae and after noise damage. p27Kip1 deletion, independent of canonical effects on Rb-family proteins, upregulated GATA3, a co-factor for ATOH1 that is lost from SCs with age. Co-activation of GATA3 or POU4F3 and ATOH1 promoted conversion of SCs to HCs in adult mice. Activation of POU4F3 alone also converted mature SCs to HCs in vivo. These data illuminate a genetic pathway that initiates auditory HC regeneration and suggest p27Kip1, GATA3, and POU4F3 as additional therapeutic targets for ATOH1-mediated HC regeneration.
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Zheng F, Zuo J. Cochlear hair cell regeneration after noise-induced hearing loss: Does regeneration follow development? Hear Res 2016; 349:182-196. [PMID: 28034617 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2016.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2016] [Revised: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) affects a large number of military personnel and civilians. Regenerating inner-ear cochlear hair cells (HCs) is a promising strategy to restore hearing after NIHL. In this review, we first summarize recent transcriptome profile analysis of zebrafish lateral lines and chick utricles where spontaneous HC regeneration occurs after HC damage. We then discuss recent studies in other mammalian regenerative systems such as pancreas, heart and central nervous system. Both spontaneous and forced HC regeneration occurs in mammalian cochleae in vivo involving proliferation and direct lineage conversion. However, both processes are inefficient and incomplete, and decline with age. For direct lineage conversion in vivo in cochleae and in other systems, further improvement requires multiple factors, including transcription, epigenetic and trophic factors, with appropriate stoichiometry in appropriate architectural niche. Increasing evidence from other systems indicates that the molecular paths of direct lineage conversion may be different from those of normal developmental lineages. We therefore hypothesize that HC regeneration does not have to follow HC development and that epigenetic memory of supporting cells influences the HC regeneration, which may be a key to successful cochlear HC regeneration. Finally, we discuss recent efforts in viral gene therapy and drug discovery for HC regeneration. We hope that combination therapy targeting multiple factors and epigenetic signaling pathways will provide promising avenues for HC regeneration in humans with NIHL and other types of hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Zheng
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, MS 322, Memphis, TN 38105, United States.
| | - Jian Zuo
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, MS 322, Memphis, TN 38105, United States.
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