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Awad OM, Srour IA, Mekdad FA, Hamadeh SM, Hamadeh MS. A Rare Case of Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis Complicated by Splenic Rupture. Cureus 2024; 16:e52536. [PMID: 38371079 PMCID: PMC10874475 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.52536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), formerly known as Wegener's granulomatosis (WG), is a condition marked by necrotizing vasculitis of the small-medium vessels that results in necrotizing granulomatous inflammation. Splenic involvement in GPA is a potentially life-threatening consequence of connective tissue disease and is rarely described as the main presenting feature. We present a case of a patient with perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (p-ANCA) who experienced spontaneous splenic rupture. A CT scan of the abdomen, an ANCA test, and a splenic biopsy were employed to identify ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) splenic rupture. Our patient's splenic rupture could be attributed to GPA. Nonetheless, since it may alter patient follow-up and therapy, a patient with spontaneous splenic rupture without an obvious explanation should be promptly evaluated for connective-tissue disease. This report highlights the intricacy and unpredictability of the clinical symptoms linked to AAV, as well as the possibility of misinterpreting them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olfat M Awad
- Department of Nephrology, Lebanese University Faculty of Medicine, Beirut, LBN
| | - Ibrahim A Srour
- Emergency Department, Al-Zahraa Hospital University Medical Center, Beirut, LBN
| | - Fatima A Mekdad
- Department of Nephrology, Lebanese University Faculty of Medicine, Beirut, LBN
| | - Samih M Hamadeh
- General Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Michigan, USA
| | - Majdi S Hamadeh
- Department of Nephrology, Lebanese University Faculty of Medicine, Beirut, LBN
- Department of Nephrology, Al-Zahraa Hospital University Medical Center, Beirut, LBN
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Shi H, He X, Yang Z, Liao Q, Ruan J, Ge S, Chai P, Jia R, Fan J, Wen X, Fan X. The Use of r AAV2-RB1-Mediated Gene Therapy in Retinoblastoma. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2023; 64:31. [PMID: 38133505 PMCID: PMC10746934 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.64.15.31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Retinoblastoma (RB) is a life-threatening malignancy that arises from the retina and is activated upon homozygous inactivation of the tumor suppressor RB1. Gene therapy targeting RB1 is an effective strategy to treat RB. However, it is difficult to target the RB1 gene by site-specific repair, with up to 3366 gene mutation sites identified in RB1. Thus, it is necessary to construct a promising and efficacious gene therapeutic strategy for patients with RB. Methods To recover the function of the RB1 protein, we constructed a recombinant adeno-associated virus 2 (rAAV2) expressing RB1 that can restore RB1 function and significantly inhibit RB progression. To confirm the clinical feasibility of rAAV2-RB1, the RB1 protein was validated in vitro and in vivo after transfection. To further evaluate the clinical efficacy, RB patient-derived xenograft models were established and applied. The biosafety of rAAV2-RB1 was also validated in immunocompetent mice. Results rAAV2-RB1 was a rAAV2 expressing the RB1 protein, which was validated in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, rAAV2-RB1 was effectively expressed in patient-derived RB cells. In mice, intravitreal administration of rAAV2-RB1 in a population-based patient-derived xenograft trial induced limited tumor growth. Moreover, after transfection of rAAV2-RB1 in immunocompetent mice, rAAV2-RB1 did not replicate and was expressed in other important organs, except retinas, inducing minor local side effects. Conclusions Our study suggested a promising efficacy gene therapeutic strategy, which might provide a chemotherapy-independent treatment option for RB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanhan Shi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyu He
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Qili Liao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Ruan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Shengfang Ge
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Peiwei Chai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Renbing Jia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiayan Fan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuyang Wen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianqun Fan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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3
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Brito-Sierra CA, Lannan MB, Malherbe LP, Siegel RW. The HLA class I immunopeptidomes of AAV capsid proteins. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1212136. [PMID: 37662941 PMCID: PMC10469481 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1212136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cellular immune responses against AAV vector capsid represent an obstacle for successful gene therapy. Previous studies have used overlapping peptides spanning the entire capsid sequence to identify T cell epitopes recognized by AAV-specific CD8+ T cells. However, the repertoire of peptides naturally displayed by HLA class I molecules for CD8 T cell recognition is unknown. Methods Using mRNA transfected monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDDCs) and MHC-associated peptide proteomics (MAPPs), we identified the HLA class I immunopeptidomes of AAV2, AAV6 and AAV9 capsids. MDDCs were isolated from a panel of healthy donors that have diverse alleles across the US population. mRNA-transfected MDDCs were lysed, the peptide:HLA complexes immunoprecipitated, and peptides eluted and analyzed by mass spectrometry. Results We identified 65 AAV capsid-derived peptides loaded on HLA class I molecules of mRNA transfected monocyte derived dendritic cells. The HLA class I peptides are distributed along the entire capsid and more than 60% are contained within HLA class II clusters. Most of the peptides are organized as single species, however we identified twelve clusters containing at least 2 peptides of different lengths. Only 9% of the identified peptides have been previously identified as T cell epitopes, demonstrating that the immunogenicity potential for the vast majority of the AAV HLA class I immunopeptidome remains uncharacterized. In contrast, 12 immunogenic epitopes identified before were not found to be naturally processed in our study. Remarkably, 11 naturally presented AAV peptides were highly conserved among the three serotypes analyzed suggesting the possibility of cross-reactive AAV-specific CD8 T cells. Discussion This work is the first comprehensive study identifying the naturally displayed HLA class I peptides derived from the capsid of AAVs. The results from this study can be used to generate strategies to assess immunogenicity risk and cross-reactivity among serotypes during gene therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Laurent P. Malherbe
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Robert W. Siegel
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, United States
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Almeida CF, Robriquet F, Vetter TA, Huang N, Neinast R, Hernandez-Rosario L, Rajakumar D, Arnold WD, McBride KL, Flanigan KM, Weiss RB, Wein N. Promising AAV.U7snRNAs vectors targeting DMPK improve DM1 hallmarks in patient-derived cell lines. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1181040. [PMID: 37397246 PMCID: PMC10309041 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1181040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is the most common form of muscular dystrophy in adults and affects mainly the skeletal muscle, heart, and brain. DM1 is caused by a CTG repeat expansion in the 3'UTR region of the DMPK gene that sequesters muscleblind-like proteins, blocking their splicing activity and forming nuclear RNA foci. Consequently, many genes have their splicing reversed to a fetal pattern. There is no treatment for DM1, but several approaches have been explored, including antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) aiming to knock down DMPK expression or bind to the CTGs expansion. ASOs were shown to reduce RNA foci and restore the splicing pattern. However, ASOs have several limitations and although being safe treated DM1 patients did not demonstrate improvement in a human clinical trial. AAV-based gene therapies have the potential to overcome such limitations, providing longer and more stable expression of antisense sequences. In the present study, we designed different antisense sequences targeting exons 5 or 8 of DMPK and the CTG repeat tract aiming to knock down DMPK expression or promote steric hindrance, respectively. The antisense sequences were inserted in U7snRNAs, which were then vectorized in AAV8 particles. Patient-derived myoblasts treated with AAV8. U7snRNAs showed a significant reduction in the number of RNA foci and re-localization of muscle-blind protein. RNA-seq analysis revealed a global splicing correction in different patient-cell lines, without alteration in DMPK expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila F. Almeida
- Center for Gene Therapy, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Florence Robriquet
- Center for Gene Therapy, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Tatyana A. Vetter
- Center for Gene Therapy, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Nianyuan Huang
- Center for Gene Therapy, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Reid Neinast
- Center for Cardiovascular Research, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | | | - Dhanarajan Rajakumar
- Center for Gene Therapy, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - W. David Arnold
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Kim L. McBride
- Center for Cardiovascular Research, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Kevin M. Flanigan
- Center for Gene Therapy, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Robert B. Weiss
- Department of Human Genetics, The University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Nicolas Wein
- Center for Gene Therapy, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
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Shakirova A, Karpov T, Komarova Y, Lepik K. In search of an ideal template for therapeutic genome editing: A review of current developments for structure optimization. Front Genome Ed 2023; 5:1068637. [PMID: 36911237 PMCID: PMC9992834 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2023.1068637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy is a fast developing field of medicine with hundreds of ongoing early-stage clinical trials and numerous preclinical studies. Genome editing (GE) now is an increasingly important technology for achieving stable therapeutic effect in gene correction, with hematopoietic cells representing a key target cell population for developing novel treatments for a number of hereditary diseases, infections and cancer. By introducing a double strand break (DSB) in the defined locus of genomic DNA, GE tools allow to knockout the desired gene or to knock-in the therapeutic gene if provided with an appropriate repair template. Currently, the efficiency of methods for GE-mediated knock-in is limited. Significant efforts were focused on improving the parameters and interaction of GE nuclease proteins. However, emerging data suggests that optimal characteristics of repair templates may play an important role in the knock-in mechanisms. While viral vectors with notable example of AAVs as a donor template carrier remain the mainstay in many preclinical trials, non-viral templates, including plasmid and linear dsDNA, long ssDNA templates, single and double-stranded ODNs, represent a promising alternative. Furthermore, tuning of editing conditions for the chosen template as well as its structure, length, sequence optimization, homology arm (HA) modifications may have paramount importance for achieving highly efficient knock-in with favorable safety profile. This review outlines the current developments in optimization of templates for the GE mediated therapeutic gene correction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alena Shakirova
- RM Gorbacheva Research Institute of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Transplantation, Pavlov University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Timofey Karpov
- RM Gorbacheva Research Institute of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Transplantation, Pavlov University, Saint Petersburg, Russia.,Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Yaroslava Komarova
- RM Gorbacheva Research Institute of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Transplantation, Pavlov University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Kirill Lepik
- RM Gorbacheva Research Institute of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Transplantation, Pavlov University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
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6
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Mielcarek M, Isalan M. A minimal region of the HSP90AB1 promoter is suitable for ubiquitous expression in different somatic tissues with applicability for gene therapy. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1175407. [PMID: 37138658 PMCID: PMC10149993 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1175407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a multi-tissue failure disorder for which there is no cure. We have previously shown an effective therapeutic approach limited mainly to the central nervous system, based on a synthetic zinc finger (ZF) transcription repressor gene therapy, but it would be important to target other tissues as well. In this study, we identify a novel minimal HSP90AB1 promoter region that can efficiently control expression not only in the CNS but also in other affected HD tissues. This promoter-enhancer is effective in driving expression of ZF therapeutic molecules in both HD skeletal muscles and the heart, in the symptomatic R6/1 mouse model. Moreover, for the first time we show that ZF molecules repressing mutant HTT reverse transcriptional pathological remodelling in HD hearts. We conclude that this HSP90AB1 minimal promoter may be used to target multiple HD organs with therapeutic genes. The new promoter has the potential to be added to the portfolio of gene therapy promoters, for use where ubiquitous expression is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Mielcarek
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Imperial College Centre for Synthetic Biology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Isalan
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Imperial College Centre for Synthetic Biology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Mark Isalan,
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7
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Qiao Y, Sun Z, Tan C, Lai J, Sun X, Chen J. Intracameral Injection of AAV-DJ.COMP-ANG1 Reduces the IOP of Mice by Reshaping the Trabecular Outflow Pathway. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:15. [PMID: 36520455 PMCID: PMC9769031 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.13.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The angiopoietin-1 (ANG1)-TIE signaling pathway orchestrates the development and maintenance of the Schlemm's canal (SC). In this study, we investigated the impact of adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene therapy with cartilage oligomeric matrix protein-ANG1 (COMP-ANG1) on trabecular outflow pathway. Methods Different serotypes of AAVs were compared for transduction specificity and efficiency in the anterior segment. The selected AAVs encoding COMP-ANG1 or ZsGreen1 (control) were delivered into the anterior chambers of wild-type C57BL/6J mice. The IOP and ocular surface were monitored regularly. Ocular perfusion was performed to measure the outflow facility and label flow patterns of the trabecular drainage pathway. Structural features of SC as well as limbal, retinal, and skin vessels were visualized by immunostaining. Ultrastructural changes in the SC and trabecular meshwork were observed under transmission electron microscopy. Results AAV-DJ could effectively infect the anterior segment. Intracameral injection of AAV-DJ.COMP-ANG1 lowered IOP in wild-type C57BL/6J mice. No signs of inflammation or angiogenesis were noticed. Four weeks after AAV injection, the conventional outflow facility and effective filtration area were increased significantly (P = 0.005 and P = 0.04, respectively). Consistently, the area of the SC was enlarged (P < 0.001) with increased density of giant vacuoles in the inner wall (P = 0.006). In addition, the SC endothelia lay on a more discontinuous basement membrane (P = 0.046) and a more porous juxtacanalicular tissue (P = 0.005) in the COMP-ANG1 group. Conclusions Intracamerally injected AAV-DJ.COMP-ANG1 offers a significant IOP-lowering effect by remodeling the trabecular outflow pathway of mouse eyes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunsheng Qiao
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhongmou Sun
- University of Rochester, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, New York, United States
| | - Chen Tan
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junyi Lai
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinghuai Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration (Fudan University), Shanghai, China
| | - Junyi Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration (Fudan University), Shanghai, China
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8
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Xiao R, Mansour AG, Huang W, Hassan QN, Wilkins RK, Komatineni SV, Bates R, Ali S, Chrislip LA, Queen NJ, Ma S, Yu J, Lordo MR, Mundy-Bosse BL, Caligiuri MA, Cao L. Adipocyte CD1d Gene Transfer Induces T Cell Expansion and Adipocyte Inflammation in CD1d Knockout Mice. J Immunol 2022; 208:2109-2121. [PMID: 35418470 PMCID: PMC9050908 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
CD1d, a lipid Ag-presenting molecule for invariant NKT (iNKT) cells, is abundantly expressed on adipocytes and regulates adipose homeostasis through iNKT cells. CD1d gene expression was restored in visceral adipose tissue adipocytes of CD1d knockout (KO) mice to investigate the interactions between adipocytes and immune cells within adipose tissue. We developed an adipocyte-specific targeting recombinant adeno-associated viral vector, with minimal off-target transgene expression in the liver, to rescue CD1d gene expression in visceral adipose tissue adipocytes of CD1d KO mice, followed by assessment of immune cell alternations in adipose tissue and elucidation of the underlying mechanisms of alteration. We report that adeno-associated virus-mediated gene transfer of CD1d to adipocytes in CD1d KO mice fails to rescue iNKT cells but leads to massive and selective expansion of T cells within adipose tissue, particularly CD8+ T effector cells, that is associated with adipocyte NLRP3 inflammasome activation, dysregulation of adipocyte functional genes, and upregulation of apoptotic pathway proteins. An NLRP3 inhibitor has no effect on T cell phenotypes whereas depletion of CD8+ T cells significantly attenuates inflammasome activation and abolishes the dysregulation of adipocyte functional genes induced by adipocyte CD1d. In contrast, adipocyte overexpression of CD1d fails to induce T cell activation in wild-type mice or in invariant TCR α-chain Jα18 KO mice that have a normal lymphocyte repertoire except for iNKT cells. Our studies uncover an adipocyte CD1d → CD8+ T cell → adipocyte inflammasome cascade, in which CD8+ T cells function as a key mediator of adipocyte inflammation likely induced by an allogeneic response against the CD1d molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Run Xiao
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH
| | - Anthony G Mansour
- Department of Hematological Malignancies and Stem Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center and the Beckman Research Institute, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH
| | - Quais N Hassan
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH
- Medical Scientist Training Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH; and
| | - Ryan K Wilkins
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH
| | - Suraj V Komatineni
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH
| | - Rhiannon Bates
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH
| | - Seemaab Ali
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH
- Medical Scientist Training Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH; and
| | - Logan A Chrislip
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH
| | - Nicholas J Queen
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH
| | - Shoubao Ma
- Department of Hematological Malignancies and Stem Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center and the Beckman Research Institute, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Jianhua Yu
- Department of Hematological Malignancies and Stem Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center and the Beckman Research Institute, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Matthew R Lordo
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH
- Medical Scientist Training Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH; and
| | - Bethany L Mundy-Bosse
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Michael A Caligiuri
- Department of Hematological Malignancies and Stem Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center and the Beckman Research Institute, Los Angeles, CA;
| | - Lei Cao
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH;
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH
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Jansen-West K, Todd TW, Daughrity LM, Yue M, Tong J, Carlomagno Y, Del Rosso G, Kurti A, Jones CY, Dunmore JA, Castanedes-Casey M, Dickson DW, Wszolek ZK, Fryer JD, Petrucelli L, Prudencio M. Plasma PolyQ-ATXN3 Levels Associate With Cerebellar Degeneration and Behavioral Abnormalities in a New AAV-Based SCA3 Mouse Model. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:863089. [PMID: 35386195 PMCID: PMC8977414 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.863089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is a dominantly inherited cerebellar ataxia caused by the expansion of a polyglutamine (polyQ) repeat in the gene encoding ATXN3. The polyQ expansion induces protein inclusion formation in the neurons of patients and results in neuronal degeneration in the cerebellum and other brain regions. We used adeno-associated virus (AAV) technology to develop a new mouse model of SCA3 that recapitulates several features of the human disease, including locomotor defects, cerebellar-specific neuronal loss, polyQ-expanded ATXN3 inclusions, and TDP-43 pathology. We also found that neurofilament light is elevated in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of the SCA3 animals, and the expanded polyQ-ATXN3 protein can be detected in the plasma. Interestingly, the levels of polyQ-ATXN3 in plasma correlated with measures of cerebellar degeneration and locomotor deficits in 6-month-old SCA3 mice, supporting the hypothesis that this factor could act as a biomarker for SCA3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Jansen-West
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | - Tiffany W. Todd
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
- Neurobiology of Disease Graduate Program, Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States
| | | | - Mei Yue
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | - Jimei Tong
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | - Yari Carlomagno
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
- Neurobiology of Disease Graduate Program, Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Giulia Del Rosso
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
- Neurobiology of Disease Graduate Program, Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Aishe Kurti
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | - Caroline Y. Jones
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | - Judith A. Dunmore
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | | | - Dennis W. Dickson
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
- Neurobiology of Disease Graduate Program, Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States
| | | | - John D. Fryer
- Neurobiology of Disease Graduate Program, Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, United States
| | - Leonard Petrucelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
- Neurobiology of Disease Graduate Program, Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Mercedes Prudencio
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
- Neurobiology of Disease Graduate Program, Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States
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10
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Aryal SP, Xia M, Adindu E, Davis C, Ortinski PI, Richards CI. ER-GCaMP6f: An Endoplasmic Reticulum-Targeted Genetic Probe to Measure Calcium Activity in Astrocytic Processes. Anal Chem 2022; 94:2099-2108. [PMID: 35061939 PMCID: PMC9047445 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c04321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Ca2+ is a major second messenger involved in cellular and subcellular signaling in a wide range of cells, including astrocytes, which use calcium ions to communicate with other cells in the brain. Even though a variety of genetically encoded Ca2+ indicators have been developed to study astrocyte calcium signaling, understanding the dynamics of endoplasmic reticulum calcium signaling is greatly limited by the currently available tools. To address this, we developed an endoplasmic reticulum-targeted calcium indicator, ER-GCaMP6f, which is anchored to the cytosolic side of the organelle and measures signaling that occurs in close proximity to the endoplasmic reticulum of astrocytes. Using a combination of confocal and super-resolution microscopy techniques, we demonstrate the localization of the indicator in the endoplasmic reticulum in both cell soma and processes of astrocytes. Combining ER-GCaMP6f with total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy, we show that Ca2+ fluctuations in small astrocytic processes can be detected, which are otherwise not observable with existing indicators and standard wide-field and confocal techniques. We also compared the ER-GCaMP6f indicator against currently used plasma membrane-tethered and cytosolic GCaMP6f indicators. ER-GCaMP6f identifies dynamics in calcium signaling of endoplasmic reticulum resident receptors that are missed by plasma membrane-anchored indicators. We also generated an adeno-associated virus (AAV5) and demonstrate that ER-GCaMP6f can be expressed in vivo and by measured calcium activity in brain slices. ER-GCaMP6f provides a powerful tool to study calcium signaling in close proximity to the endoplasmic reticulum in astrocyte cell soma and processes both in culture and in brain slices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surya P Aryal
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA
| | - Mengfan Xia
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Ebubechi Adindu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA
| | - Caroline Davis
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA
| | - Pavel I Ortinski
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
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11
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Green EA, Lee KH. Analytical methods to characterize recombinant adeno-associated virus vectors and the benefit of standardization and reference materials. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2021; 71:65-76. [PMID: 34273809 PMCID: PMC8530916 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2021.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) is an increasingly important gene therapy vector, but its properties present unique challenges to critical quality attribute (CQA) identification and analytics development. Advances in, and ongoing hurdles to, characterizing rAAV proteins, nucleic acids, and vector potency are discussed in this review. For nucleic acids and vector potency, current analytical techniques for defined CQAs would benefit from further optimization, while for proteins, more complete characterization and mapping of properties to safety and efficacy is needed to finalize CQAs. The benefits of leveraging reference vectors to validate analytics and CQA ranges are also proposed. Once defined, CQA specifications can be used to establish target parameters for and inform the development of next generation rAAV processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica A Green
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, 590 Avenue 1743, Newark, DE 19713, USA
| | - Kelvin H Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, 590 Avenue 1743, Newark, DE 19713, USA.
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12
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Pietersz KL, Plessis FD, Pouw SM, Liefhebber JM, van Deventer SJ, Martens GJM, Konstantinova PS, Blits B. PhP.B Enhanced Adeno-Associated Virus Mediated-Expression Following Systemic Delivery or Direct Brain Administration. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:679483. [PMID: 34414171 PMCID: PMC8370029 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.679483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Of the adeno-associated viruses (AAVs), AAV9 is known for its capability to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and can, therefore, be used as a noninvasive method to target the central nervous system. Furthermore, the addition of the peptide PhP.B to AAV9 increases its transduction across the BBB by 40-fold. Another neurotropic serotype, AAV5, has been shown as a gene therapeutic delivery vehicle to ameliorate several neurodegenerative diseases in preclinical models, but its administration requires invasive surgery. In this study, AAV9-PhP.B and AAV5-PhP.B were designed and produced in an insect cell–based system. To AAV9, the PhP.B peptide TLAVPFK was added, whereas in AAV5-PhP.B (AQTLAVPFKAQAQ), with AQ-AQAQ sequences used to swap with the corresponding sequence of AAV5. The addition of PhP.B to AAV5 did not affect its capacity to cross the mouse BBB, while increased transduction of liver tissue was observed. Then, intravenous (IV) and intrastriatal (IStr) delivery of AAV9-PhP.B and AAV5 were compared. For AAV9-PhP.B, similar transduction and expression levels were achieved in the striatum and cortex, irrespective of the delivery method used. IStr administration of AAV5 resulted in significantly higher amounts of vector DNA and therapeutic miRNA in the target regions such as striatum and cortex when compared with an IV administration of AAV9-PhP.B. These results illustrate the challenge in developing a vector that can be delivered noninvasively while achieving a transduction level similar to that of direct administration of AAV5. Thus, for therapeutic miRNA delivery with high local expression requirements, intraparenchymal delivery of AAV5 is preferred, whereas a humanized AAV9-PhP.B may be useful when widespread brain (and peripheral) transduction is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly L Pietersz
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure Biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Molecular Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science, Centre for Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Francois Du Plessis
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure Biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Stephan M Pouw
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure Biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jolanda M Liefhebber
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure Biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sander J van Deventer
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure Biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Gerard J M Martens
- Department of Molecular Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science, Centre for Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | | | - Bas Blits
- Department of Research & Development, uniQure Biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, Netherlands
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13
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Audouard E, Oger V, Meha B, Cartier N, Sevin C, Piguet F. Complete Correction of Brain and Spinal Cord Pathology in Metachromatic Leukodystrophy Mice. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:677895. [PMID: 34093126 PMCID: PMC8175802 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.677895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) is a lysosomal storage disorder characterized by accumulation of sulfatides in both glial cells and neurons. MLD results from an inherited deficiency of arylsulfatase A (ARSA) and myelin degeneration in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Currently, no effective treatment is available for the most frequent late infantile (LI) form of MLD after symptom onset. The LI form results in rapid neurological degradation and early death. ARSA enzyme must be rapidly and efficiently delivered to brain and spinal cord oligodendrocytes of patients with LI MLD in order to potentially stop the progression of the disease. We previously showed that brain gene therapy with adeno-associated virus serotype rh10 (AAVrh10) driving the expression of human ARSA cDNA alleviated most long-term disease manifestations in MLD mice but was not sufficient in MLD patient to improve disease progression. Herein, we evaluated the short-term effects of intravenous AAVPHP.eB delivery driving the expression of human ARSA cDNA under the control of the cytomegalovirus/b-actin hybrid (CAG) promoter in 6-month-old MLD mice that already show marked sulfatide accumulation and brain pathology. Within 3 months, a single intravenous injection of AAVPHP.eB-hARSA-HA resulted in correction of brain and spinal cord sulfatide storage, and improvement of astrogliosis and microgliosis in brain and spinal cord of treated animals. These results strongly support to consider the use of AAVPHP.eB-hARSA vector for intravenous gene therapy in symptomatic rapidly progressing forms of MLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Audouard
- NeuroGenCell, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Épinière, ICM, Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Valentin Oger
- NeuroGenCell, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Épinière, ICM, Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Béatrix Meha
- NeuroGenCell, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Épinière, ICM, Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Cartier
- NeuroGenCell, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Épinière, ICM, Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Caroline Sevin
- NeuroGenCell, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Épinière, ICM, Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France.,Bicêtre Hospital, Neuropediatrics Unit, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, Paris, France
| | - Françoise Piguet
- NeuroGenCell, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Épinière, ICM, Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
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14
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Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector-based gene therapy is currently the only in vivo gene therapy approved in the US and Europe. The recent tragic death of three children in a clinical trial to treat X-Linked Myotubular Myopathy by delivering myotubularin with an AAV8 vector notwithstanding, AAV remains a highly promising therapeutic gene delivery platform. But the successful use of AAV vectors to treat an increasing number of diseases also makes establishing protocols to determine therapeutically relevant titers of pre-existing anti-AAV antibodies and approaches to deplete those antibodies more urgent than ever. In this mini review, I will briefly discuss (i) our knowledge regarding the prevalence of anti-AAV antibodies, (ii) the challenges to measure those antibodies by methods that are most predictive of their influence on therapeutic efficacy of AAV gene transfer, and (iii) approaches to overcome the formidable hurdle that anti-AAV antibodies pose to the successful clinical use of AAV gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Weber
- Cardiovascular Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.,Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
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15
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Viney L, Bürckstümmer T, Eddington C, Mietzsch M, Choudhry M, Henley T, Agbandje-McKenna M. Adeno-associated Virus ( AAV) Capsid Chimeras with Enhanced Infectivity Reveal a Core Element in the AAV Genome Critical for both Cell Transduction and Capsid Assembly. J Virol 2021; 95:JVI. [PMID: 33441336 DOI: 10.1128/JVI.02023-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated viruses (AAV) have attracted significant attention in the field of gene and cell therapy due to highly effective delivery of therapeutic genes into human cells. The ability to generate recombinant AAV vectors compromised of unique or substituted protein sequences has led to the development of capsid variants with improved therapeutic properties. Seeking novel AAV vectors capable of enhanced transduction for therapeutic applications, we have developed a series of unique capsid variants termed AAV X-Vivo (AAV-XV) derived from chimeras of AAV12 VP1/2 sequences and the VP3 sequence of AAV6. These AAV variants showed enhanced infection of human primary T cells, hematopoietic stem cells, and neuronal cell lines over wildtype parental viruses, and superiority over AAV6 for genomic integration of DNA sequences by AAV alone or in combination with CRISPR gene editing. AAV-XV variants demonstrate transduction efficiency equivalent to AAV6 at multiplicities of infection 2 logs lower, enabling T cell engineering at low AAV doses. The protein coding sequence of these novel AAV chimeras revealed disruptions within the assembly-activating protein (AAP) which likely accounted for observed lower virus yield. A series of genome alterations, reverting the AAP sequence back to wildtype AAV6, had a negative impact on the enhanced transduction seen with AAV-VX, indicating overlapping functions within this sequence for both viral assembly and effective T cell transduction. Our findings show these AAV-XV variants are highly efficient at cell transduction at low dose and demonstrates the importance of the AAP coding region in both viral particle assembly and cell infection.IMPORTANCE A major hurdle to the therapeutic potential of AAV in gene therapy lies in achieving clinically meaningful AAV doses, and secondarily, ability to manufacture commercially viable titers of AAV to support this. By virtue of neutralizing antibodies against AAV that impede patient repeat-dosing, the dose of AAV for in vivo gene delivery has been high, which has resulted in unfortunate recent safety concerns and deaths in patients given higher-dose AAV gene therapy. We have generated new AAV variants possessing unique combinations of capsid proteins for gene and cell therapy applications termed AAV-XV, which have high levels of cell transduction and gene delivery at lower MOI. Furthermore, we demonstrate a novel finding, and an important consideration for recombinant AAV design, that a region of the AAV genome encoding the capsid viral protein and AAP is critical for both virus yield and the enhancement of infection/transduction.
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16
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Abstract
Decades of preclinical and clinical studies developing gene therapy for hemophilia are poised to bear fruit with current promising pivotal studies likely to lead to regulatory approval. However, this recent success should not obscure the multiple challenges that were overcome to reach this destination. Gene therapy for hemophilia A and B benefited from advancements in the general gene therapy field, such as the development of adeno-associated viral vectors, as well as disease-specific breakthroughs, like the identification of B-domain deleted factor VIII and hyperactive factor IX Padua. The gene therapy field has also benefited from hemophilia B clinical studies, which revealed for the first time critical safety concerns related to immune responses to the vector capsid not anticipated in preclinical models. Preclinical studies have also investigated gene transfer approaches for other rare inherited bleeding disorders, including factor VII deficiency, von Willebrand disease, and Glanzmann thrombasthenia. Here we review the successful gene therapy journey for hemophilia and pose some unanswered questions. We then discuss the current state of gene therapy for these other rare inherited bleeding disorders and how the lessons of hemophilia gene therapy may guide clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valder R. Arruda
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jesse Weber
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Benjamin J. Samelson-Jones
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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17
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Tummala G, Crain A, Rowlan J, Pepple KL. Characterization of Gene Therapy Associated Uveitis Following Intravitreal Adeno-Associated Virus Injection in Mice. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 62:41. [PMID: 33630023 PMCID: PMC7910624 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.62.2.41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To characterize the intraocular immune cell infiltrate induced by intravitreal adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy. Methods AAV vectors carrying plasmids expressing green fluorescent protein under the control of PR2.1 were injected intravitreally into AAV naive and AAV primed C57Bl/6 mice. Clinical inflammation was assessed using optical coherence tomography. Intraocular immune cell populations were identified and quantified by flow cytometry on days 1, 7, and 29 after intravitreal injection and compared with sham and fellow eye controls. Results Optical coherence tomography inflammation score and total CD45+ cell number were significantly higher in AAV injected eyes compared to uninjected fellow eye and sham injected controls. Clinically apparent inflammation (vitritis on optical coherence tomography) and cellular inflammation (CD45+ cell number) was significantly increased in AAV injected eyes and peaked around day 7. Vitritis resolved by day 29, but cellular inflammation persisted through day 29. On day 1, neutrophils and activated monocytes were the dominant cell populations in all AAV injected eyes. On day 7, eyes of AAV exposed animals had significantly more dendritic cells and T cells than eyes of AAV naive animals. By day 29, CD8- T cells were the dominant CD45+ cell population in AAV injected eyes. Conclusions Intravitreal AAV injection in mice generates clinically evident inflammation that is mild and seems to resolve spontaneously. However, the total number of intraocular CD45+ cells, particularly T cells, remain elevated. Both innate and adaptive immune cells respond to intravitreal AAV regardless of prior immune status, but the adaptive response is delayed in AAV naive eyes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayathri Tummala
- University of Washington, Department of Ophthalmology, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Adam Crain
- University of Washington, Department of Ophthalmology, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Jessica Rowlan
- University of Washington, Department of Ophthalmology, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Kathryn L. Pepple
- University of Washington, Department of Ophthalmology, Seattle, Washington, United States
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18
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Gao N, Zhang C, Hu Z, Li M, Wei J, Wang Y, Liu H. Characterization of Brevibacillus laterosporus Cas9 (BlatCas9) for Mammalian Genome Editing. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:583164. [PMID: 33195228 PMCID: PMC7604293 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.583164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Compact CRISPR/Cas9 systems that can be delivered by AAV for in vivo genome editing hold great promise for clinical applications. Brevibacillus laterosporus Cas9 (BlatCas9) is a compact Cas9 nuclease that has been identified for plant genome editing. Here, we characterize BlatCas9 as an alternative tool for mammalian genome editing. We demonstrate that BlatCas9 prefers a N4CNAA protospacer adjacent motif (PAM), but N4C PAM is also editable in mammalian cells. We next demonstrate that BlatCas9 enables genome editing in a variety of cell types. Furthermore, BlatCas9 can be packaged into AAV for genome editing. Finally, we characterize the specificity of BlatCas9. In summary, BlatCas9 offers an alternative tool for both basic research and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Gao
- Experimental Center of Forestry in North China, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chengdong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ziying Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Miaomiao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingjing Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongming Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, Shanghai, China
| | - Huihui Liu
- Experimental Center of Forestry in North China, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, China
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19
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Kwon JB, Ettyreddy AR, Vankara A, Bohning JD, Devlin G, Hauschka SD, Asokan A, Gersbach CA. In Vivo Gene Editing of Muscle Stem Cells with Adeno-Associated Viral Vectors in a Mouse Model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2020; 19:320-9. [PMID: 33145368 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2020.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Delivery of therapeutic transgenes with adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors for treatment of myopathies has yielded encouraging results in animal models and early clinical studies. Although certain AAV serotypes efficiently target muscle fibers, transduction of the muscle stem cells, also known as satellite cells, is less studied. Here, we used a Pax7nGFP;Ai9 dual reporter mouse to quantify AAV transduction events in satellite cells. We assessed a panel of AAV serotypes for satellite cell tropism in the mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and observed the highest satellite cell labeling with AAV9 following local or systemic administration. Subsequently, we used AAV9 to interrogate CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing of satellite cells in the Pax7nGFP;mdx mouse. We quantified the level of gene editing using a Tn5 transposon-based method for unbiased sequencing of editing outcomes at the Dmd locus. We also found that muscle-specific promoters can drive transgene expression and gene editing in satellite cells. Lastly, to demonstrate the functionality of satellite cells edited at the Dmd locus by CRISPR in vivo, we performed a transplantation experiment and observed increased dystrophin-positive fibers in the recipient mouse. Collectively, our results confirm that satellite cells are transduced by AAV and can undergo gene editing to restore the dystrophin reading frame in the mdx mouse.
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20
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Moghadam F, LeGraw R, Velazquez JJ, Yeo NC, Xu C, Park J, Chavez A, Ebrahimkhani MR, Kiani S. Synthetic immunomodulation with a CRISPR super-repressor in vivo. Nat Cell Biol 2020; 22:1143-1154. [PMID: 32884147 PMCID: PMC7480217 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-020-0563-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Transient modulation of the genes involved in immunity, without exerting a permanent change in the DNA code, can be an effective strategy to modulate the course of many inflammatory conditions. CRISPR-Cas9 technology represents a promising platform for achieving this goal. Truncation of guide RNA (gRNA) from the 5' end enables the application of a nuclease competent Cas9 protein for transcriptional modulation of genes, allowing multifunctionality of CRISPR. Here, we introduce an enhanced CRISPR-based transcriptional repressor to reprogram immune homeostasis in vivo. In this repressor system, two transcriptional repressors-heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1a) and Krüppel-associated box (KRAB)-are fused to the MS2 coat protein and subsequently recruited by gRNA aptamer binding to a nuclease competent CRISPR complex containing truncated gRNAs. With the enhanced repressor, we demonstrate transcriptional repression of the Myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (Myd88) gene in vitro and in vivo. We demonstrate that this strategy can efficiently downregulate Myd88 expression in lung, blood and bone marrow of Cas9 transgenic mice that receive systemic injection of adeno-associated virus (AAV)2/1-carrying truncated gRNAs targeting Myd88 and the MS2-HP1a-KRAB cassette. This downregulation is accompanied by changes in downstream signalling elements such as TNF-α and ICAM-1. Myd88 repression leads to a decrease in immunoglobulin G (IgG) production against AAV2/1 and AAV2/9 and this strategy modulates the IgG response against AAV cargos. It improves the efficiency of a subsequent AAV9/CRISPR treatment for repression of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), a gene that, when repressed, can lower blood cholesterol levels. We also demonstrate that CRISPR-mediated Myd88 repression can act as a prophylactic measure against septicaemia in both Cas9 transgenic and C57BL/6J mice. When delivered by nanoparticles, this repressor can serve as a therapeutic modality to influence the course of septicaemia. Collectively, we report that CRISPR-mediated repression of endogenous Myd88 can effectively modulate the host immune response against AAV-mediated gene therapy and influence the course of septicaemia. The ability to control Myd88 transcript levels using a CRISPR-based synthetic repressor can be an effective strategy for AAV-based CRISPR therapies, as this pathway serves as a key node in the induction of humoral immunity against AAV serotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzaneh Moghadam
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Ryan LeGraw
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Jeremy J Velazquez
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Nan Cher Yeo
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, USA
- Precision Medicine Institute, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Chenxi Xu
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Jin Park
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Alejandro Chavez
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mo R Ebrahimkhani
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Samira Kiani
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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21
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Schmit PF, Pacouret S, Zinn E, Telford E, Nicolaou F, Broucque F, Andres-Mateos E, Xiao R, Penaud-Budloo M, Bouzelha M, Jaulin N, Adjali O, Ayuso E, Vandenberghe LH. Cross-Packaging and Capsid Mosaic Formation in Multiplexed AAV Libraries. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2019; 17:107-121. [PMID: 31909084 PMCID: PMC6938944 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2019.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Generation and screening of libraries of adeno-associated virus (AAV) variants have emerged as a powerful method for identifying novel capsids for gene therapy applications. For the majority of libraries, vast population diversity requires multiplexed production, in which a library of inverted terminal repeat (ITR)-containing plasmid variants is transfected together into cells to generate the viral library. This process has the potential to be confounded by cross-packaging and mosaicism, in which particles are comprised of genomes and capsid monomers derived from different library members. Here, we investigate the prevalence of cross-packaging and mosaicism in simplified, minimal libraries using novel assays designed to assess capsid composition and packaging fidelity. We show that AAV library variants are prone to cross-packaging and capsid mosaic formation when produced at high plasmid levels, although to a lesser extent than in a recombinant context. We also provide experimental evidence that dilution of input library DNA significantly increases capsid monomer homogeneity and increases capsid:genome correlation in AAV libraries. Lastly, we determine that similar dilution methods yield higher-quality libraries when used for in vivo screens. Together, these findings quantitatively characterized the prevalence of cross-packaging and mosaicism in AAV libraries and established conditions that minimize related noise in subsequent screens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline F Schmit
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Simon Pacouret
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA 02114, USA.,INSERM UMR1089, University of Nantes, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Nantes, France
| | - Eric Zinn
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Elizabeth Telford
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Fotini Nicolaou
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Frédéric Broucque
- INSERM UMR1089, University of Nantes, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Nantes, France
| | - Eva Andres-Mateos
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Ru Xiao
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Magalie Penaud-Budloo
- INSERM UMR1089, University of Nantes, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Nantes, France
| | - Mohammed Bouzelha
- INSERM UMR1089, University of Nantes, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Nantes, France
| | - Nicolas Jaulin
- INSERM UMR1089, University of Nantes, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Nantes, France
| | - Oumeya Adjali
- INSERM UMR1089, University of Nantes, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Nantes, France
| | - Eduard Ayuso
- INSERM UMR1089, University of Nantes, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Nantes, France
| | - Luk H Vandenberghe
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA 02114, USA.,Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.,The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
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22
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Deng WT, Li J, Zhu P, Freedman B, Smith WC, Baehr W, Hauswirth WW. Rescue of M-cone Function in Aged Opn1mw-/- Mice, a Model for Late-Stage Blue Cone Monochromacy. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 60:3644-3651. [PMID: 31469404 PMCID: PMC6716949 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.19-27079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Previously we showed that AAV5-mediated expression of either human M- or L-opsin promoted regrowth of cone outer segments and rescued M-cone function in the treated M-opsin knockout (Opn1mw-/-) dorsal retina. In this study, we determined cone viability and window of treatability in aged Opn1mw-/- mice. Methods Cone viability was assessed with antibody against cone arrestin and peanut agglutinin (PNA) staining. The rate of cone degeneration in Opn1mw-/- mice was quantified by PNA staining. AAV5 vector expressing human L-opsin was injected subretinally into one eye of Opn1mw-/- mice at 1, 7, and 15 months old, while the contralateral eyes served as controls. M-cone-mediated retinal function was analyzed 2 and 13 months postinjection by full-field ERG. L-opsin transgene expression and cone outer segment structure were examined by immunohistochemistry. Results We showed that dorsal M-opsin dominant cones exhibit outer segment degeneration at an early age in Opn1mw-/- mice, whereas ventral S-opsin dominant cones were normal. The remaining M-opsin dominant cones remained viable for at least 15 months, albeit having shortened or no outer segments. We also showed that AAV5-mediated expression of human L-opsin was still able to rescue function and outer segment structure in the remaining M-opsin dominant cones when treatment was initiated at 15 months of age. Conclusions Our results showing that the remaining M-opsin dominant cones in aged Opn1mw-/- mice can still be rescued by gene therapy is helpful for establishing the window of treatability in future blue cone monochromacy clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Tao Deng
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States
| | - Ping Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States
| | - Beau Freedman
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States
| | - W. Clay Smith
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States
| | - Wolfgang Baehr
- Department of Ophthalmology, John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah Health Science Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Utah Health Science Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | - William W. Hauswirth
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States
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23
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Abstract
Many genes are expressed in embryonic brains, and some of them are continuously expressed in the brain after birth. For such persistently expressed genes, they may function to regulate the developmental process and/or physiological function in neonatal brains. To investigate neurobiological functions of specific genes in the brain, it is essential to inactivate genes in the brain. Here, we describe a simple stereotaxic method to inactivate gene expression in the striatum of transgenic mice at neonatal time windows. AAV-eGFP-Cre viruses were microinjected into the striatum of Ai14 reporter gene mice at postnatal day (P) 2 by stereotaxic brain surgery. The tdTomato reporter gene expression was detected in P14 striatum, suggesting a successful Cre-loxP mediated DNA recombination in AAV-transduced striatal cells. We further validated this technique by microinjecting AAV-eGFP-Cre viruses into P2Foxp2fl/fl mice. Double labeling of GFP and Foxp2 showed that GFP-positive cells lacked Foxp2 immunoreactivity in P9 striatum, suggesting the loss of Foxp2 protein in AAV-eGFP-Cre transduced striatal cells. Taken together, these results demonstrate an effective genetic deletion by stereotaxically microinjected AAV-eGFP-Cre viruses in specific neuronal populations in the neonatal brains of floxed transgenic mice. In conclusion, our stereotaxic technique provides an easy and simple platform for genetic manipulation in neonatal mouse brains. The technique can not only be used to delete genes in specific regions of neonatal brains, but it also can be used to inject pharmacological drugs, neuronal tracers, genetically modified optogenetics and chemogenetics proteins, neuronal activity indicators and other reagents into the striatum of neonatal mouse brains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Yun Chen
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang-Ming University
| | - Hsiao-Ying Kuo
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang-Ming University
| | - Fu-Chin Liu
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang-Ming University; Brain Research Center, National Yang-Ming University;
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24
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The present review seeks to summarize and discuss the application of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated systems (Cas) for genome editing, also called genome surgery, in the field of ophthalmology. RECENT FINDINGS Precision medicine is an emerging approach for disease treatment and prevention that takes into account the variability of an individual's genetic sequence. Various groups have used CRISPR-Cas genome editing to make significant progress in mammalian preclinical models of eye disease, the basic science of eye development in zebrafish, the in vivo modification of ocular tissue, and the correction of stem cells with therapeutic applications. In addition, investigators have creatively used the targeted mutagenic potential of CRISPR-Cas systems to target pathogenic alleles in vitro. SUMMARY Over the past year, CRISPR-Cas genome editing has been used to correct pathogenic mutations in vivo and in transplantable stem cells. Although off-target mutagenesis remains a concern, improvement in CRISPR-Cas technology and careful screening for undesired mutations will likely lead to clinical eye therapeutics employing CRISPR-Cas systems in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago Cabral
- Jonas Children’s Vision Care, and Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Edward S Harkness Eye Institute, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitoria, Brazil
- Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - James E DiCarlo
- Jonas Children’s Vision Care, and Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Edward S Harkness Eye Institute, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sally Justus
- Jonas Children’s Vision Care, and Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Edward S Harkness Eye Institute, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jesse D Sengillo
- Jonas Children’s Vision Care, and Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Edward S Harkness Eye Institute, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA
- State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Yu Xu
- Jonas Children’s Vision Care, and Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Edward S Harkness Eye Institute, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xin Hua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University
| | - Stephen H Tsang
- Jonas Children’s Vision Care, and Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Edward S Harkness Eye Institute, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Institute of Human Nutrition, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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25
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Stoica L, Todeasa SH, Cabrera GT, Salameh JS, ElMallah MK, Mueller C, Brown RH, Miguel SE. Adeno-associated virus-delivered artificial microRNA extends survival and delays paralysis in an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mouse model. Ann Neurol 2016; 79:687-700. [PMID: 26891182 PMCID: PMC5374859 DOI: 10.1002/ana.24618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2015] [Revised: 02/09/2016] [Accepted: 02/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by loss of motor neurons, resulting in progressive muscle weakness, paralysis, and death within 5 years of diagnosis. About 10% of cases are inherited, of which 20% are due to mutations in the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene. Riluzole, the only US Food and Drug Administration-approved ALS drug, prolongs survival by only a few months. Experiments in transgenic ALS mouse models have shown decreasing levels of mutant SOD1 protein as a potential therapeutic approach. We sought to develop an efficient adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated RNAi gene therapy for ALS. METHODS A single-stranded AAV9 vector encoding an artificial microRNA against human SOD1 was injected into the cerebral lateral ventricles of neonatal SOD1(G93A) mice, and impact on disease progression and survival was assessed. RESULTS This therapy extended median survival by 50% and delayed hindlimb paralysis, with animals remaining ambulatory until the humane endpoint, which was due to rapid body weight loss. AAV9-treated SOD1(G93A) mice showed reduction of mutant human SOD1 mRNA levels in upper and lower motor neurons and significant improvements in multiple parameters including the numbers of spinal motor neurons, diameter of ventral root axons, and extent of neuroinflammation in the SOD1(G93A) spinal cord. Mice also showed previously unexplored changes in pulmonary function, with AAV9-treated SOD1(G93A) mice displaying a phenotype reminiscent of patient pathophysiology. INTERPRETATION These studies clearly demonstrate that an AAV9-delivered SOD1-specific artificial microRNA is an effective and translatable therapeutic approach for ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorelei Stoica
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Sophia H. Todeasa
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Gabriela Toro Cabrera
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Johnny S. Salameh
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Mai K. ElMallah
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Christian Mueller
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Robert H. Brown
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Sena-Esteves Miguel
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
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26
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Ildefonso CJ, Jaime H, Brown EE, Iwata RL, Ahmed CM, Massengill MT, Biswal MR, Boye SE, Hauswirth WW, Ash JD, Li Q, Lewin AS. Targeting the Nrf2 Signaling Pathway in the Retina With a Gene-Delivered Secretable and Cell-Penetrating Peptide. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2016; 57:372-86. [PMID: 26842755 PMCID: PMC5110262 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.15-17703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 12/17/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Oxidative stress has been linked to several ocular diseases, initiating an inflammatory response that increases tissue injury. The Nrf2 transcription factor regulates expression of antioxidant genes and is tightly regulated by Kelch-Like ECH-Associated Protein 1 (Keap-1). We evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector delivering an Nrf2-derived peptide that binds Keap-1. METHODS The sequence of the Nrf2 peptide was fused to a cell-penetrating peptide (Tat-peptide) sequence (TatNrf2mer). The effects of lentiviral-delivered TatNrf2mer were studied in vitro. Transcript (quantitative [q] RT-PCR) and protein levels (ELISA and immunofluorescence) were quantified. Cell viability was measured by MTT and Cell Titer assays. The AAV vectors were packaged with the TatNrf2mer fused to secretable green fluorescent protein (GFP) under the control of the small chicken β actin promoter. The protective effects of this vector were evaluated in a model of RPE oxidative injury and in a mouse model of uveitis after intravitreal injection. RESULTS Expression of TatNrf2mer peptide induced antioxidant gene expression, blocked IL-1β secretion, and protected cells from oxidative injury. In mice, TatNrf2mer expression partially protected photoreceptor function based on ERG responses and optical coherence tomography measurements in the sodium iodate (NaIO3) model. Furthermore, sGFP-TatNrf2mer expression decreased IL-1β and IL-6 in the NaIO3-treated mice, and resulted in a 54% decrease in the number of inflammatory cells in the vitreous body of the endotoxin-induced uveitis mouse model. CONCLUSIONS The intravitreally delivered AAV-TatNrf2mer has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in widely-used models of ocular injury, suggesting it also could be useful in ocular diseases associated with oxidative stress and inflammasome activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristhian J. Ildefonso
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, United States
| | - Henrique Jaime
- Department of Biology, University of Florida College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Gainesville, Florida, United States
| | - Emily E. Brown
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, United States
| | - Ryo L. Iwata
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, United States
| | - Chulbul M. Ahmed
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, United States
| | - Michael T. Massengill
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, United States
| | - Manas R. Biswal
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, United States
| | - Shannon E. Boye
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, United States
| | - William W. Hauswirth
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, United States
| | - John D. Ash
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, United States
| | - Qiuhong Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, United States
| | - Alfred S. Lewin
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, United States
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27
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Zinn E, Pacouret S, Khaychuk V, Turunen HT, Carvalho LS, Andres-Mateos E, Shah S, Shelke R, Maurer AC, Plovie E, Xiao R, Vandenberghe LH. In Silico Reconstruction of the Viral Evolutionary Lineage Yields a Potent Gene Therapy Vector. Cell Rep 2015; 12:1056-68. [PMID: 26235624 PMCID: PMC4536165 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2015.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2015] [Revised: 06/26/2015] [Accepted: 07/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors have emerged as a gene-delivery platform with demonstrated safety and efficacy in a handful of clinical trials for monogenic disorders. However, limitations of the current generation vectors often prevent broader application of AAV gene therapy. Efforts to engineer AAV vectors have been hampered by a limited understanding of the structure-function relationship of the complex multimeric icosahedral architecture of the particle. To develop additional reagents pertinent to further our insight into AAVs, we inferred evolutionary intermediates of the viral capsid using ancestral sequence reconstruction. In-silico-derived sequences were synthesized de novo and characterized for biological properties relevant to clinical applications. This effort led to the generation of nine functional putative ancestral AAVs and the identification of Anc80, the predicted ancestor of the widely studied AAV serotypes 1, 2, 8, and 9, as a highly potent in vivo gene therapy vector for targeting liver, muscle, and retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Zinn
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute and Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, 20 Staniford Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, 243 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Simon Pacouret
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute and Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, 20 Staniford Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, 243 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Vadim Khaychuk
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute and Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, 20 Staniford Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, 243 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Heikki T Turunen
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute and Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, 20 Staniford Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, 243 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Livia S Carvalho
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute and Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, 20 Staniford Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, 243 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Eva Andres-Mateos
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute and Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, 20 Staniford Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, 243 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Samiksha Shah
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute and Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, 20 Staniford Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, 243 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Rajani Shelke
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute and Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, 20 Staniford Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, 243 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Anna C Maurer
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute and Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, 20 Staniford Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, 243 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Eva Plovie
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute and Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, 20 Staniford Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, 243 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Ru Xiao
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute and Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, 20 Staniford Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, 243 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Luk H Vandenberghe
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Schepens Eye Research Institute and Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, 20 Staniford Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, 243 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
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28
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Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are 20 to 24 nt long, single-stranded RNAs that repress gene expression. Dysregulation of miRNA expression is associated with many human diseases. Modulating the level of endogenous miRNA alters gene profiling and can achieve therapeutic benefits. Here the authors review currently used methods of altering miRNA activity in vivo. They focus on the delivery of miRNAs and miRNA inhibitors using recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV). In general, rAAV-mediated miRNA inhibition or overexpression provides a simple, efficient, and informative way to study miRNA function in mammals. This method also provides the opportunity to explore potential miRNA therapeutics for many diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Xie
- Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School
- Microbiology and Physiology Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School
| | - Daniel Robert Burt
- Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School
- Saint Louis University School of Medical
| | - Guangping Gao
- Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School
- Microbiology and Physiology Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
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29
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Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is a helper-dependent parvovirus which has not been linked with human disease. This aspect, in combination with its broad cell and tissue tropism, and limited viral host response has made it an attractive vector system for gene therapy. The viral protein capsid, the primary interface with the host, is the main determinant for these phenotypes, is highly variable, and is most subject to pressures during replication. Here, we explore the evolutionary path of AAV and other parvoviruses in respect to these phenotypes, as well as directed evolution and engineering strategies that have exploited the lessons learned from natural selection in order to address remaining limitations of AAV as a therapeutic gene transfer platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Zinn
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, United States
| | - Luk H Vandenberghe
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, United States.
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30
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O'Neill SM, Hinkle C, Chen SJ, Sandhu A, Hovhannisyan R, Stephan S, Lagor WR, Ahima RS, Johnston JC, Reilly MP. Targeting adipose tissue via systemic gene therapy. Gene Ther 2014; 21:653-61. [PMID: 24830434 PMCID: PMC4342115 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2014.38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2013] [Revised: 02/18/2014] [Accepted: 03/18/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Adipose tissue has a critical role in energy and metabolic homeostasis, but it is challenging to adapt techniques to modulate adipose function in vivo. Here we develop an in vivo, systemic method of gene transfer specifically targeting adipose tissue using adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors. We constructed AAV vectors containing cytomegalovirus promoter-regulated reporter genes, intravenously injected adult mice with vectors using multiple AAV serotypes, and determined that AAV2/8 best targeted adipose tissue. Altering vectors to contain adiponectin promoter/enhancer elements and liver-specific microRNA-122 target sites restricted reporter gene expression to adipose tissue. As proof of efficacy, the leptin gene was incorporated into the adipose-targeted expression vector, package into AAV2/8 and administered intravenously to 9- to 10-week-old ob/ob mice. Phenotypic changes were measured over an 8-week period. Leptin mRNA and protein were expressed in adipose and leptin protein was secreted into plasma. Mice responded with reversal of weight gain, decreased hyperinsulinemia and improved glucose tolerance. AAV2/8-mediated systemic delivery of an adipose-targeted expression vector can replace a gene lacking in adipose tissue and correct a mouse model of human disease, demonstrating experimental application and therapeutic potential in disorders of adipose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean M. O'Neill
- Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Christine Hinkle
- Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Shu-Jen Chen
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Arbansjit Sandhu
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ruben Hovhannisyan
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Stephen Stephan
- Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - William R. Lagor
- Division of Translational Medicine and Human Genetics, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Rexford S. Ahima
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- The Institute for Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Julie C. Johnston
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Muredach P. Reilly
- Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Correspondence should be addressed to Muredach P. Reilly Cardiovascular Institute Translational Research Center 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Bldg 421 11th floor, Room 11-136 Philadelphia, PA 19104 Tel: (215) 573-1214 Fax: (215) 746-7415
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Trapani I, Colella P, Sommella A, Iodice C, Cesi G, de Simone S, Marrocco E, Rossi S, Giunti M, Palfi A, Farrar GJ, Polishchuk R, Auricchio A. Effective delivery of large genes to the retina by dual AAV vectors. EMBO Mol Med 2014; 6:194-211. [PMID: 24150896 PMCID: PMC3927955 DOI: 10.1002/emmm.201302948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2013] [Revised: 10/10/2013] [Accepted: 10/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal gene therapy with adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors is safe and effective in humans. However, AAV's limited cargo capacity prevents its application to therapies of inherited retinal diseases due to mutations of genes over 5 kb, like Stargardt's disease (STGD) and Usher syndrome type IB (USH1B). Previous methods based on 'forced' packaging of large genes into AAV capsids may not be easily translated to the clinic due to the generation of genomes of heterogeneous size which raise safety concerns. Taking advantage of AAV's ability to concatemerize, we generated dual AAV vectors which reconstitute a large gene by either splicing (trans-splicing), homologous recombination (overlapping), or a combination of the two (hybrid). We found that dual trans-splicing and hybrid vectors transduce efficiently mouse and pig photoreceptors to levels that, albeit lower than those achieved with a single AAV, resulted in significant improvement of the retinal phenotype of mouse models of STGD and USH1B. Thus, dual AAV trans-splicing or hybrid vectors are an attractive strategy for gene therapy of retinal diseases that require delivery of large genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Trapani
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM)Naples, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Sommella
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM)Naples, Italy
| | - Carolina Iodice
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM)Naples, Italy
| | - Giulia Cesi
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM)Naples, Italy
| | - Sonia de Simone
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM)Naples, Italy
| | - Elena Marrocco
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM)Naples, Italy
| | - Settimio Rossi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second University of NaplesNaples, Italy
| | - Massimo Giunti
- Department of Veterinary Morphophysiology and Animal Production, University of BolognaBologna, Italy
| | - Arpad Palfi
- The School of Genetics & Microbiology, Trinity College DublinDublin, Ireland
| | - Gwyneth J Farrar
- The School of Genetics & Microbiology, Trinity College DublinDublin, Ireland
| | - Roman Polishchuk
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM)Naples, Italy
| | - Alberto Auricchio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM)Naples, Italy
- Medical Genetics, Department of Translational Medicine, Federico II UniversityNaples, Italy
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Hutson TH, Kathe C, Menezes SC, Rooney MC, Bueler H, Moon LDF. The use of an adeno-associated viral vector for efficient bicistronic expression of two genes in the central nervous system. Methods Mol Biol 2014; 1162:189-207. [PMID: 24838969 PMCID: PMC5597041 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-0777-9_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors are one of the most promising therapeutic delivery systems for gene therapy to the central nervous system (CNS). Preclinical testing of novel gene therapies requires the careful design and production of AAV vectors and their successful application in a model of CNS injury. One major limitation of AAV vectors is their limited packaging capacity (<5 kb) making the co-expression of two genes (e.g., from two promoters) difficult. An internal ribosomal entry site has been used to express two genes: However, the second transgene is often expressed at lower levels than the first. In addition to this, achieving high levels of transduction in the CNS can be challenging. In this chapter we describe the cloning of a bicistronic AAV vector that uses the foot-and-mouth disease virus 2A sequence to efficiently express two genes from a single promoter. Bicistronic expression of a therapeutic gene and a reporter gene is desirable so that the axons from transduced neurons can be tracked and, after CNS injury, the amount of axonal sprouting or regeneration quantified. We go on to describe how to perform a pyramidotomy model of CNS injury and the injection of AAV vectors into the sensorimotor cortex to provide efficient transduction and bicistronic gene expression in cortical neurons such that transduced axons are detectable in the dorsal columns of the spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Haynes Hutson
- Neurorestoration Group, Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, King's College London, Guy's Campus, London, SE1 1UL, UK,
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Eriksson TM, Alvarsson A, Stan TL, Zhang X, Hascup KN, Hascup ER, Kehr J, Gerhardt GA, Warner-Schmidt J, Arango-Lievano M, Kaplitt MG, Ogren SO, Greengard P, Svenningsson P. Bidirectional regulation of emotional memory by 5-HT1B receptors involves hippocampal p11. Mol Psychiatry 2013; 18:1096-105. [PMID: 23032875 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2012.130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2012] [Revised: 07/16/2012] [Accepted: 07/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive impairments are common in depression and involve dysfunctional serotonin neurotransmission. The 5-HT1B receptor (5-HT(1B)R) regulates serotonin transmission, via presynaptic receptors, but can also affect transmitter release at heterosynaptic sites. This study aimed at investigating the roles of the 5-HT(1B)R, and its adapter protein p11, in emotional memory and object recognition memory processes by the use of p11 knockout (p11KO) mice, a genetic model for aspects of depression-related states. 5-HT(1B)R agonist treatment induced an impairing effect on emotional memory in wild type (WT) mice. In comparison, p11KO mice displayed reduced long-term emotional memory performance. Unexpectedly, 5-HT(1B)R agonist stimulation enhanced memory in p11KO mice, and this atypical switch was reversed after hippocampal adeno-associated virus mediated gene transfer of p11. Notably, 5-HT(1B)R stimulation increased glutamatergic neurotransmission in the hippocampus in p11KO mice, but not in WT mice, as measured by both pre- and postsynaptic criteria. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy demonstrated global hippocampal reductions of inhibitory GABA, which may contribute to the memory enhancement and potentiation of pre- and post-synaptic measures of glutamate transmission by a 5-HT(1B)R agonist in p11KO mice. It is concluded that the level of hippocampal p11 determines the directionality of 5-HT(1B)R action on emotional memory processing and modulates hippocampal functionality. These results emphasize the importance of using relevant disease models when evaluating the role of serotonin neurotransmission in cognitive deficits related to psychiatric disorders.
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Arnett ALH, Beutler LR, Quintana A, Allen J, Finn E, Palmiter RD, Chamberlain JS. Heparin-binding correlates with increased efficiency of AAV1- and AAV6-mediated transduction of striated muscle, but negatively impacts CNS transduction. Gene Ther 2013; 20:497-503. [PMID: 22855092 PMCID: PMC4004370 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2012.60] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2011] [Revised: 06/28/2012] [Accepted: 06/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Gene delivery vectors derived from adeno-associated virus (AAV) have great potential as therapeutic agents. rAAV1 and rAAV6, efficiently target striated muscle, but the mechanisms that determine their tropism remain unclear. It is known that AAV6, but not AAV1, interacts with heparin-sulfate proteoglycans (HSPG). HSPGs are not primary receptors for AAV6, but heparin interactions may affect tissue tropism and transduction. To investigate these possibilities, we generated rAAV1 and rAAV6 capsids that do or do not bind heparin. We evaluated the transduction profile of these vectors in vivo across multiple routes of administration, and found that heparin-binding capability influences tissue transduction in striated muscle and neuronal tissues. Heparin-binding capsids transduce striated muscle more efficiently than non-binding capsids, via both intramuscular and intravenous injection. However, rAAV6 achieved greater muscle transduction than the heparin-binding rAAV1 variant, suggesting that there are additional factors that influence differences in transduction efficiency between AAV1 and AAV6. Interestingly, the opposite trend was found when vectors were delivered via intracranial injection. Non-binding vectors achieved robust and widespread gene expression, whereas transduction via heparin-binding serotypes was substantially reduced. These data indicate that heparin-binding capability is an important determinant of transduction that should be considered in the design of rAAV-mediated gene therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L. H. Arnett
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lisa R. Beutler
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Albert Quintana
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - James Allen
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Eric Finn
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Richard D. Palmiter
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195 USA
| | - Jeffrey S. Chamberlain
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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35
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Ellis BL, Hirsch ML, Barker JC, Connelly JP, Steininger RJ, Porteus MH. A survey of ex vivo/in vitro transduction efficiency of mammalian primary cells and cell lines with Nine natural adeno-associated virus ( AAV1-9) and one engineered adeno-associated virus serotype. Virol J 2013; 10:74. [PMID: 23497173 PMCID: PMC3607841 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422x-10-74] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2012] [Accepted: 02/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ability to deliver a gene of interest into a specific cell type is an essential aspect of biomedical research. Viruses can be a useful tool for this delivery, particularly in difficult to transfect cell types. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is a useful gene transfer vector because of its ability to mediate efficient gene transduction in numerous dividing and quiescent cell types, without inducing any known pathogenicity. There are now a number of natural for that designed AAV serotypes that each has a differential ability to infect a variety of cell types. Although transduction studies have been completed, the bulk of the studies have been done in vivo, and there has never been a comprehensive study of transduction ex vivo/in vitro. METHODS Each cell type was infected with each serotype at a multiplicity of infection of 100,000 viral genomes/cell and transduction was analyzed by flow cytometry + . RESULTS We found that AAV1 and AAV6 have the greatest ability to transduce a wide range of cell types, however, for particular cell types, there are specific serotypes that provide optimal transduction. CONCLUSIONS In this work, we describe the transduction efficiency of ten different AAV serotypes in thirty-four different mammalian cell lines and primary cell types. Although these results may not be universal due to numerous factors such as, culture conditions and/ or cell growth rates and cell heterogeneity, these results provide an important and unique resource for investigators who use AAV as an ex vivo gene delivery vector or who work with cells that are difficult to transfect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian L Ellis
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Matthew L Hirsch
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jenny C Barker
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jon P Connelly
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Robert J Steininger
- Department of Pharmacology, Green Center for Systems Biology, Simmons Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Matthew H Porteus
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390-9148, USA
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Abstract
Recent achievements in the understanding of molecular events involved in the pathogenesis of central nervous system (CNS) injury have made gene transfer a promising approach for various neurological disorders, including cerebrovascular diseases. However, special obstacles, including the post-mitotic nature of neurons and the blood-brain barrier (BBB), constitute key challenges for gene delivery to the CNS. Despite the various limitations in current gene delivery systems, a spectrum of viral vectors has been successfully used to deliver genes to the CNS. Furthermore, recent advancements in vector engineering have improved the safety and delivery of viral vectors. Numerous viral vector-based clinical trials for neurological disorders have been initiated. This review will summarize the current implementation of viral gene delivery in the context of cerebrovascular diseases including ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). In particular, we will discuss the potentially feasible ways in which viral vectors can be manipulated and exploited for use in neural delivery and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Gan
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA 15240, U.S.A
- Department of Neurology and Center of Cerebrovascular Disease Research, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, U.S.A
| | - Zheng Jing
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA 15240, U.S.A
- Department of Neurology and Center of Cerebrovascular Disease Research, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, U.S.A
| | - R. Anne Stetler
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA 15240, U.S.A
- Department of Neurology and Center of Cerebrovascular Disease Research, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, U.S.A
| | - Guodong Cao
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA 15240, U.S.A
- Department of Neurology and Center of Cerebrovascular Disease Research, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, U.S.A
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Judd J, Wei F, Nguyen PQ, Tartaglia LJ, Agbandje-McKenna M, Silberg JJ, Suh J. Random Insertion of mCherry Into VP3 Domain of Adeno-associated Virus Yields Fluorescent Capsids With no Loss of Infectivity. Mol Ther Nucleic Acids 2012; 1:e54. [PMID: 23629029 PMCID: PMC3511673 DOI: 10.1038/mtna.2012.46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2012] [Accepted: 09/14/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-derived vectors are promising gene delivery systems, and a number of design strategies have been pursued to improve their performance. For example, genetic insertion of proteins into the capsid may be used to achieve vector retargeting, reduced immunogenicity, or to track vector transport. Unfortunately, rational approaches to genetic insertion have experienced limited success due to the unpredictable context-dependent nature of protein folding and the complexity of the capsid's macroassembly. We report the construction and use of a frame-enriched DNase-based random insertion library based on AAV2 cap, called pAAV2_RaPID (Random Peptide Insertion by DNase). The fluorescent mCherry protein was inserted randomly throughout the AAV2 capsid and the library was selected for fluorescent and infectious variants. A capsid site was identified in VP3 that can tolerate the large protein insertion. In contrast to previous efforts to incorporate fluorescent proteins into the AAV2 capsid, the isolated mCherry mutant maintains native infectivity while displaying robust fluorescence. Collectively, these results demonstrate that the pAAV2_RaPID platform library can be used to create fully infectious AAV vectors carrying large functional protein domains on the capsid.Molecular Therapy - Nucleic Acids (2012) 1, e54; doi:10.1038/mtna.2012.46; published online 13 November 2012.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Judd
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Fang Wei
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Peter Q Nguyen
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
- Current address: Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lawrence J Tartaglia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Mavis Agbandje-McKenna
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Jonathan J Silberg
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Junghae Suh
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
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Chandler RJ, Venditti CP. Pre-clinical efficacy and dosing of an AAV8 vector expressing human methylmalonyl-CoA mutase in a murine model of methylmalonic acidemia (MMA). Mol Genet Metab 2012; 107:617-9. [PMID: 23046887 PMCID: PMC3522145 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2012.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2012] [Revised: 09/18/2012] [Accepted: 09/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
We demonstrate that human methylmalonyl-CoA mutase (MUT), delivered using an AAV serotype 8 vector, rescues the lethal phenotype displayed by mice with MMA and provides long-term phenotypic correction. In addition to defining a lower limit of effective dosing, our studies establish that neither a species barrier to mitochondrial processing nor an apparent immune response to MUT limits the murine model as an experimental platform to test the efficacy of human gene therapy vectors for MMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randy J Chandler
- Organic Acid Research Section, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Konkalmatt PR, Wang F, Piras BA, Xu Y, O’Connor DM, Beyers RJ, Epstein FH, Annex BH, Hossack JA, French BA. Adeno-associated virus serotype 9 administered systemically after reperfusion preferentially targets cardiomyocytes in the infarct border zone with pharmacodynamics suitable for the attenuation of left ventricular remodeling. J Gene Med 2012; 14:609-20. [PMID: 23065925 PMCID: PMC3729029 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.2673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (AAV9) vectors provide efficient and uniform gene expression to normal myocardium following systemic administration, with kinetics that approach steady-state within 2-3 weeks. However, as a result of the delayed onset of gene expression, AAV vectors have not previously been administered intravenously after reperfusion for post-infarct gene therapy applications. The present study evaluated the therapeutic potential of post-myocardial infarction gene delivery using intravenous AAV9. METHODS AAV9 vectors expressing firefly luciferase, enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) or extracellular superoxide dismutase genes from the cardiac troponin-T (cTnT) promoter (AcTnTLuc, AcTnTeGFP, AcTnTEcSOD) were employed. AcTnTLuc was administered intravenously at 10 min and at 1, 2 and 3 days post-ischemia/reperfusion (IR), and the kinetics of luciferase expression were assessed with bioluminescence imaging. AcTnTeGFP was used to evaluate the distribution of eGFP expression. High-resolution echocardiography was used to evaluate the effects of AcTnTEcSOD on left ventricular (LV) remodeling when injected 10 min post-IR. RESULTS Compared to sham animals, luciferase expression at 2 days after vector administration was elevated by four-, 24-, 210- and 213-fold in groups injected at 10 min, 1 day, 2 days and 3 days post-IR, respectively. The expression of cTnT-driven eGFP was strongest in cardiomyocytes bordering the infarct zone. In the efficacy study of EcSOD, post-infarct LV end-systolic and end-diastolic volumes at days 14 and 28 were significantly smaller in the EcSOD group compared to the control. CONCLUSIONS Systemic administration of AAV9 vectors after IR both elevates and accelerates gene expression that preferentially targets cardiomyocytes in the border zone with pharmacodynamics suitable for the attenuation of LV remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasad R. Konkalmatt
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Feng Wang
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Bryan A. Piras
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Yaqin Xu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | | | - Ronald J. Beyers
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Frederick H. Epstein
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Brian H. Annex
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - John A. Hossack
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Brent A. French
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Department of Radiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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Mustroph M, King M, Klein R, Ramirez J. Adult-onset focal expression of mutated human tau in the hippocampus impairs spatial working memory of rats. Behav Brain Res 2012; 233:141-8. [PMID: 22561128 PMCID: PMC3378764 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2012.04.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2012] [Revised: 04/17/2012] [Accepted: 04/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Tauopathy in the hippocampus is one of the earliest cardinal features of Alzheimer's disease (AD), a condition characterized by progressive memory impairments. In fact, density of tau neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) in the hippocampus strongly correlates with severity of cognitive impairments in AD. In the present study, we employed a somatic cell gene transfer technique to create a rodent model of tauopathy by injecting a recombinant adeno-associated viral vector with a mutated human tau gene (P301L) into the hippocampus of adult rats. The P301L mutation is causal for frontotemporal dementia with parkinsonism-17 (FTDP-17), but it has been used for studying memory effects characteristic of AD in transgenic mice. To ascertain if P301L-induced mnemonic deficits are persistent, animals were tested for 6 months. It was hypothesized that adult-onset, spatially restricted tau expression in the hippocampus would produce progressive spatial working memory deficits on a learned alternation task. Rats injected with the tau vector exhibited persistent impairments on the hippocampal-dependent task beginning at about 6 weeks post-transduction compared to rats injected with a green fluorescent protein vector. Histological analysis of brains for expression of human tau revealed hyperphosphorylated human tau and NFTs in the hippocampus in experimental animals only. Thus, adult-onset, vector-induced tauopathy spatially restricted to the hippocampus progressively impaired spatial working memory in rats. We conclude that the model faithfully reproduces histological and behavioral findings characteristic of dementing tauopathies. The rapid onset of sustained memory impairment establishes a preclinical model particularly suited to the development of potential tauopathy therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- M.L. Mustroph
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Davidson College, Davidson, NC, USA
| | - M.A. King
- Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - R.L. Klein
- Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Neuroscience, LSUHSC, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - J.J. Ramirez
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Davidson College, Davidson, NC, USA
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Nonnenmacher M, Weber T. Intracellular transport of recombinant adeno-associated virus vectors. Gene Ther 2012; 19:649-58. [PMID: 22357511 PMCID: PMC4465241 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2012.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2011] [Revised: 01/11/2012] [Accepted: 01/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors (rAAVs) have been widely used for gene delivery in animal models, and are currently evaluated for human gene therapy after successful clinical trials in the treatment of inherited, degenerative or acquired diseases, such as Leber congenital amaurosis, Parkinson disease or heart failure. However, limitations in vector tropism, such as limited tissue specificity and insufficient transduction efficiencies of particular tissues and cell types, still preclude therapeutic applications in certain tissues. Wild-type adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are defective viruses that require the presence of a helper virus to complete their life cycle. On the one hand, this unique property makes AAV vectors one of the safest available viral vectors for gene delivery. On the other, it also represents a potential obstacle because rAAV vectors have to overcome several biological barriers in the absence of a helper virus to transduce successfully a cell. Consequently, a better understanding of the cellular roadblocks that limit rAAV gene delivery is crucial and, during the last 15 years, numerous studies resulted in an expanding body of knowledge of the intracellular trafficking pathways of rAAV vectors. This review describes our current understanding of the mechanisms involved in rAAV attachment to target cells, endocytosis, intracellular trafficking, capsid processing, nuclear import and genome release with an emphasis on the most recent discoveries in the field and the emerging strategies used to improve the efficiency of AAV-derived vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Nonnenmacher
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA
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Meola N, Pizzo M, Alfano G, Surace EM, Banfi S. The long noncoding RNA Vax2os1 controls the cell cycle progression of photoreceptor progenitors in the mouse retina. RNA 2012; 18:111-123. [PMID: 22128341 PMCID: PMC3261733 DOI: 10.1261/rna.029454.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2011] [Accepted: 10/21/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as regulators of many basic cellular pathways. Several lncRNAs are selectively expressed in the developing retina, although little is known about their functional role in this tissue. Vax2os1 is a retina-specific lncRNA whose expression is restricted to the mouse ventral retina. Here we demonstrate that spatiotemporal misexpression of Vax2os1 determines cell cycle alterations in photoreceptor progenitor cells. In particular, the overexpression of Vax2os1 in the developing early postnatal mouse retina causes an impaired cell cycle progression of photoreceptor progenitors toward their final committed fate and a consequent delay of their differentiation processes. At later developmental stages, this perturbation is accompanied by an increase of apoptotic events in the photoreceptor cell layer, in comparison with control retinas, without affecting the proper cell layering in the adult retina. Similar results are observed in mouse photoreceptor-derived 661W cells in which Vax2os1 overexpression results in an impairment of the cell cycle progression rate and cell differentiation. Based on these results, we conclude that Vax2os1 is involved in the control of cell cycle progression of photoreceptor progenitor cells in the ventral retina. Therefore, we propose Vax2os1 as the first example of lncRNA that acts as a cell cycle regulator in the mammalian retina during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Meola
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80131 Naples, Italy
- The Open University, MK7 6BJ, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
| | - Mariateresa Pizzo
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanna Alfano
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80131 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Sandro Banfi
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80131 Naples, Italy
- Medical Genetics, Department of General Pathology, Second University of Naples, 80138 Naples, Italy
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Hutson TH, Verhaagen J, Yáñez-Muñoz RJ, Moon LDF. Corticospinal tract transduction: a comparison of seven adeno-associated viral vector serotypes and a non-integrating lentiviral vector. Gene Ther 2012; 19:49-60. [PMID: 21562590 PMCID: PMC3160493 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2011.71] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2010] [Revised: 02/20/2011] [Accepted: 02/22/2011] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The corticospinal tract (CST) is extensively used as a model system for assessing potential therapies to enhance neuronal regeneration and functional recovery following spinal cord injury (SCI). However, efficient transduction of the CST is challenging and remains to be optimised. Recombinant adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors and integration-deficient lentiviral vectors are promising therapeutic delivery systems for gene therapy to the central nervous system (CNS). In the present study the cellular tropism and transduction efficiency of seven AAV vector serotypes (AAV1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8) and an integration-deficient lentiviral vector were assessed for their ability to transduce corticospinal neurons (CSNs) following intracortical injection. AAV1 was identified as the optimal serotype for transducing cortical and CSNs with green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression detectable in fibres projecting through the dorsal CST (dCST) of the cervical spinal cord. In contrast, AAV3 and AAV4 demonstrated a low efficacy for transducing CNS cells and AAV8 presented a potential tropism for oligodendrocytes. Furthermore, it was shown that neither AAV nor lentiviral vectors generate a significant microglial response. The identification of AAV1 as the optimal serotype for transducing CSNs should facilitate the design of future gene therapy strategies targeting the CST for the treatment of SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- T H Hutson
- Neurorestoration Group, Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, King's College London, London, UK.
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Pike LS, Tannous BA, Deliolanis NC, Hsich G, Morse D, Tung CH, Sena-Esteves M, Breakefield XO. Imaging gene delivery in a mouse model of congenital neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. Gene Ther 2011; 18:1173-8. [PMID: 21900963 PMCID: PMC3235265 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2011.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2010] [Revised: 06/10/2011] [Accepted: 06/13/2011] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene replacement for lysosomal disorders have been spurred by the ability of some serotypes to efficiently transduce neurons in the brain and by the ability of lysosomal enzymes to cross-correct among cells. Here, we explored enzyme replacement therapy in a knock-out mouse model of congenital neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL), the most severe of the NCLs in humans. The missing protease in this disorder, cathepsin D (CathD) has high levels in the central nervous system. This enzyme has the potential advantage for assessing experimental therapy in that it can be imaged using a near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) probe activated by CathD. Injections of an AAV2/rh8 vector-encoding mouse CathD (mCathD) into both cerebral ventricles and peritoneum of newborn knock-out mice resulted in a significant increase in lifespan. Successful delivery of active CathD by the AAV2/rh8-mCathD vector was verified by NIRF imaging of mouse embryonic fibroblasts from knock-out mice in culture, as well as by ex vivo NIRF imaging of the brain and liver after gene transfer. These studies support the potential effectiveness and imaging evaluation of enzyme replacement therapy to the brain and other organs in CathD null mice via AAV-mediated gene delivery in neonatal animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa S. Pike
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Neuroscience Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bakhos A. Tannous
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Neuroscience Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Center for Molecular Imaging Research, Department of Radiology, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Gary Hsich
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Neuroscience Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Danielle Morse
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Neuroscience Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ching-Hsuan Tung
- Center for Molecular Imaging Research, Department of Radiology, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Miguel Sena-Esteves
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Neuroscience Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Xandra O. Breakefield
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Neuroscience Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Center for Molecular Imaging Research, Department of Radiology, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Bell P, Wang L, Gao G, Haskins ME, Tarantal AF, McCarter RJ, Zhu Y, Yu H, Wilson JM. Inverse zonation of hepatocyte transduction with AAV vectors between mice and non-human primates. Mol Genet Metab 2011; 104:395-403. [PMID: 21778099 PMCID: PMC3269907 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2011.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2011] [Revised: 06/02/2011] [Accepted: 06/02/2011] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Gene transfer vectors based on adeno-associated virus 8 (AAV8) are highly efficient in liver transduction and can be easily administered by intravenous injection. In mice, AAV8 transduces predominantly hepatocytes near central veins and yields lower transduction levels in hepatocytes in periportal regions. This transduction bias has important implications for gene therapy that aims to correct metabolic liver enzymes because metabolic zonation along the porto-central axis requires the expression of therapeutic proteins within the zone where they are normally localized. In the present study we compared the expression pattern of AAV8 expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) in liver between mice, dogs, and non-human primates. We confirmed the pericentral dominance in transgene expression in mice with AAV8 when the liver-specific thyroid hormone-binding globulin (TBG) promoter was used but also observed the same expression pattern with the ubiquitous chicken β-actin (CB) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoters, suggesting that transduction zonation is not caused by promoter specificity. Predominantly pericentral expression was also found in dogs injected with AAV8. In contrast, in cynomolgus and rhesus macaques the expression pattern from AAV vectors was reversed, i.e. transgene expression was most intense around portal areas and less intense or absent around central veins. Infant rhesus macaques as well as newborn mice injected with AAV8 however showed a random distribution of transgene expression with neither portal nor central transduction bias. Based on the data in monkeys, adult humans treated with AAV vectors are predicted to also express transgenes predominantly in periportal regions whereas infants are likely to show a uniform transduction pattern in liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Bell
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Abstract
Gene therapy holds promise for treating numerous heart diseases. A key premise for the success of cardiac gene therapy is the development of powerful gene transfer vehicles that can achieve highly efficient and persistent gene transfer specifically in the heart. Other features of an ideal vector include negligible toxicity, minimal immunogenicity and easy manufacturing. Rapid progress in the fields of molecular biology and virology has offered great opportunities to engineer various genetic materials for heart gene delivery. Several nonviral vectors (e.g. naked plasmids, plasmid lipid/polymer complexes and oligonucleotides) have been tested. Commonly used viral vectors include lentivirus, adenovirus and adeno-associated virus. Among these, adeno-associated virus has shown many attractive features for pre-clinical experimentation in animal models of heart diseases. We review the history and evolution of these vectors for heart gene transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nalinda B. Wasala
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Jin-Hong Shin
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Dongsheng Duan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
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Hickey RD, Lillegard JB, Fisher JE, McKenzie TJ, Hofherr SE, Finegold MJ, Nyberg SL, Grompe M. Efficient production of Fah-null heterozygote pigs by chimeric adeno-associated virus-mediated gene knockout and somatic cell nuclear transfer. Hepatology 2011; 54:1351-9. [PMID: 21674562 PMCID: PMC3184202 DOI: 10.1002/hep.24490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2010] [Accepted: 05/25/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Hereditary tyrosinemia type I (HT1) results in hepatic failure, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) early in childhood and is caused by a deficiency in the enzyme fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase (FAH). In a novel approach we used the chimeric adeno-associated virus DJ serotype (AAV-DJ) and homologous recombination to target and disrupt the porcine Fah gene. AAV-DJ is an artificial chimeric AAV vector containing hybrid capsid sequences from three naturally occurring serotypes (AAV2, 8, and 9). The AAV-DJ vector was used to deliver the knockout construct to fetal pig fibroblasts with an average knockout targeting frequency of 5.4%. Targeted Fah-null heterozygote fibroblasts were used as nuclear donors for somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) to porcine oocytes and multiple viable Fah-null heterozygote pigs were generated. Fah-null heterozygotes were phenotypically normal, but had decreased Fah transcriptional and enzymatic activity compared to wildtype animals. CONCLUSION This study is the first to use a recombinant chimeric AAV vector to knockout a gene in porcine fibroblasts for the purpose of SCNT. In using the AAV-DJ vector we observed targeting frequencies that were higher than previously reported with other naturally occurring serotypes. We expect that the subsequent generation of FAH-null homozygote pigs will serve as a significant advancement for translational research in the areas of metabolic liver disease, cirrhosis, and HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond D. Hickey
- Papé Family Pediatric Research Institute & Oregon Stem Cell Center, Oregon Health & Sciences University, Portland, Oregon 97239, USA, Department of Molecular & Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Sciences University, Portland, Oregon 97239, USA
| | - Joseph B. Lillegard
- Department of Surgery Division of Transplant Surgery, Mayo Medical Center, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA
| | - James E. Fisher
- Department of Surgery Division of Transplant Surgery, Mayo Medical Center, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA
| | - Travis J. McKenzie
- Department of Surgery Division of Transplant Surgery, Mayo Medical Center, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA
| | - Sean E. Hofherr
- Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Biochemical Genetics Laboratory, 200 1st St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Milton J. Finegold
- Department of Pathology, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Scott L. Nyberg
- Department of Surgery Division of Transplant Surgery, Mayo Medical Center, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA
| | - Markus Grompe
- Papé Family Pediatric Research Institute & Oregon Stem Cell Center, Oregon Health & Sciences University, Portland, Oregon 97239, USA
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Glycogen storage disease (GSD) type Ia and Ib are disorders of impaired glucose homeostasis affecting the liver and kidney. GSD-Ib also affects neutrophils. Current dietary therapies cannot prevent long-term complications. In animal studies, recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vector-mediated gene therapy can correct or minimize multiple aspects of the disorders, offering hope for human gene therapy. AREAS COVERED A summary of recent progress in rAAV-mediated gene therapy for GSD-I; strategies to improve rAAV-mediated gene delivery, transduction efficiency and immune avoidance; and vector refinements that improve expression. EXPERT OPINION rAAV-mediated gene delivery to the liver can restore glucose homeostasis in preclinical models of GSD-I, but some long-term complications of the liver and kidney remain. Gene therapy for GSD-Ib is less advanced than for GSD-Ia and only transient correction of myeloid dysfunction has been achieved. A question remains as to whether a single rAAV vector can meet the expression efficiency and tropism required to treat all aspects of GSD-I, or if a multi-pronged approach is needed. An understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of rAAV vectors in the context of strategies to achieve efficient transduction of the liver, kidney and hematopoietic stem cells is required for treating GSD-I.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janice Y Chou
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Section on Cellular Differentiation, Program on Developmental Endocrinology and Genetics, Bethesda, MD 20892 1830, USA.
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Prasad KMR, Smith RS, Xu Y, French BA. A single direct injection into the left ventricular wall of an adeno-associated virus 9 ( AAV9) vector expressing extracellular superoxide dismutase from the cardiac troponin-T promoter protects mice against myocardial infarction. J Gene Med 2011; 13:333-41. [PMID: 21674736 PMCID: PMC3984922 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.1576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Localized administration of a highly efficient gene delivery system in combination with a cardiac-selective promoter may provide a favorable biosafety profile in clinical applications such as coronary artery bypass graft surgery, where regions of myocardium can be readily injected to protect them against the potential threat of future ischemic events. METHODS Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors expressing luciferase or enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) packaged into AAV serotypes 1, 2, 6, 8 and 9 were injected into the left ventricular (LV) wall of adult mice to determine the time course, magnitude and distribution of gene expression. An AAV9 vector expressing extracellular superoxide dismutase (EcSOD) from the cardiac troponin T (cTnT) promoter was then directly injected into the LV wall of adult mice. Myocardial infarction was induced 4 weeks after injection and infarct size was determined by triphenyltetrazolium chloride and phthalo blue staining. RESULTS Serotypes AAV 9, 8, 1 and 6 provided early onset of gene expression in the heart with minimal extra-cardiac gene expression. AAV9 provided the highest magnitude of gene expression. Immunostaining for eGFP showed expression spanning the anterior to posterior walls from the mid ventricle to the apex. A single direct injection of the AAV9 vector bearing EcSOD ( n = 5) decreased the mean infarct size by 50% compared to the eGFP control group (n = 8) (44 ± 7% versus 22 ± 5%; p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS AAV serotype 9 is highly efficient for cardiac gene delivery, as evidenced by early onset and high-level gene expression. AAV9-mediated, cardiac selective overexpression of EcSOD from the cTnT promoter significantly reduced infarct size in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konkal-Matt R Prasad
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
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Matabosch X, Ying L, Serra M, Wassif CA, Porter FD, Shackleton C, Watson G. Increasing cholesterol synthesis in 7-dehydrosterol reductase (DHCR7) deficient mouse models through gene transfer. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2010; 122:303-9. [PMID: 20800683 PMCID: PMC2966472 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2010.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2010] [Revised: 08/18/2010] [Accepted: 08/19/2010] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS) is caused by deficiency in the terminal step of cholesterol biosynthesis: the conversion of 7-dehydrocholesterol (7DHC) to cholesterol (C), catalyzed by 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase (DHCR7). This disorder exhibits several phenotypic traits including dysmorphia and mental retardation with a broad range of severity. There are few proven treatment options. That most commonly used is a high cholesterol diet that seems to enhance the quality of life and improve behavioral characteristics of patients, although these positive effects are controversial. The goal of our study was to investigate the possibility of restoring DHCR7 activity by gene transfer. We constructed an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector containing the DHCR7 gene. After we infused this vector into affected mice, the introduced DHCR7 gene could be identified in liver, mRNA was expressed and a functional enzyme was produced. Evidence of functionality came from the ability to partially normalize the serum ratio of 7DHC/C in treated animals, apparently by increasing cholesterol production with concomitant decrease in 7DHC precursor. By 5 weeks after treatment the mean ratio (for 7 animals) had fallen to 0.05 while the ratio for untreated littermate controls had risen to 0.14. This provides proof of principle that gene transfer can ameliorate the genetic defect causing SLOS and provides a new experimental tool for studying the pathogenesis of this disease. If effective in humans, it might also offer a possible alternative to exogenous cholesterol therapy. However, it would not offer a complete cure for the disorder as many of the negative implications of defective synthesis are already established during prenatal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Matabosch
- Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, 5700 Martin Luther King Jr Way Oakland, 94609, California
| | - Lee Ying
- Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, 5700 Martin Luther King Jr Way Oakland, 94609, California
| | - Montserrat Serra
- Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, 5700 Martin Luther King Jr Way Oakland, 94609, California
| | - Christopher A. Wassif
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Forbes D. Porter
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Cedric Shackleton
- Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, 5700 Martin Luther King Jr Way Oakland, 94609, California
- Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (CEDAM), Institute of Biomedical Research, University of Birmingham, Wolfson Drive, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Gordon Watson
- Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, 5700 Martin Luther King Jr Way Oakland, 94609, California
- Address for correspondence: Dr Gordon Watson, Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, 5700 Martin Luther King Way, Oakland, CA 94609, United States of America, Tel (001) 510 450 7665, Fax (001)510 450 7910,
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