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Araujo VG, Dias MS, Hauswirth WW, Linden R, Petrs-Silva H. rAAV-compatible human mini promoters enhance transgene expression in rat retinal ganglion cells. Exp Eye Res 2024; 239:109758. [PMID: 38123011 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109758] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors (rAAV) are the safest and most effective gene delivery platform to drive the treatment of many inherited eye disorders in well-characterized animal models. The use in rAAV of ubiquitous promoters derived from viral sequences such as CMV/CBA (chicken β-actin promoter with cytomegalovirus enhancer) can lead to unwanted side effects such as pro-inflammatory immune responses and retinal cytotoxicity, thus reducing therapy efficacy. Thus, an advance in gene therapy is the availability of small promoters, that potentiate and direct gene expression to the cell type of interest, with higher safety and efficacy. In this study, we used six human mini-promoters packaged in rAAV2 quadruple mutant (Y-F) to test for transduction of the rat retina after intravitreal injection. After four weeks, immunohistochemical analysis detected GFP-labeled cells in the ganglion cell layer (GCL) for all constructs tested. Among them, Ple25sh1, Ple25sh2 and Ple53 promoted a widespread reporter-transgene expression in the GCL, with an increased number of GFP-expressing retinal ganglion cells when compared with the CMV/CBA vector. Moreover, Ple53 provided the strongest levels of GFP fluorescence in both cell soma and axons of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) without any detectable adverse effects in retina function. Remarkably, a nearly 50-fold reduction in the number of intravitreally injected vector particles containing Ple53 promoter, still attained levels of transgene expression similar to CMV/CBA. Thus, the tested MiniPs show great potential for protocols of retinal gene therapy in therapeutic applications for retinal degenerations, especially those involving RGC-related disorders such as glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor G Araujo
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy and Viral Vector, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mariana S Dias
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy and Viral Vector, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - William W Hauswirth
- Retinal Gene Therapy Group, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Rafael Linden
- Laboratory of Neurogenesis, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Hilda Petrs-Silva
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy and Viral Vector, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Ferreira DP, Martini SV, Oliveira HA, Silva AL, Shenoy S, Chen D, Simon V, Han E, West NE, Suk JS, Rocco PRM, Petrs-Silva H, Morales MM, Cruz FF. Tyrosine-Mutant AAV8 Vector Mediated Efficient and Safe Gene Transfer of Pigment Epithelium-Derived Factor to Mouse Lungs. Cell Physiol Biochem 2023; 57:331-344. [PMID: 37724045 DOI: 10.33594/000000660] [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] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAV) are an important tool for lung targeted gene therapy. Substitution of tyrosine with phenylalanine residues (Y-F) in the capsid have been shown to protect the AAV vector from ubiquitin/proteasome degradation, increasing transduction efficiency. We tested the mutant Y733F-AAV8 vector for mucus diffusion, as well as the safety and efficacy of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) gene transfer to the lung. METHODS For this purpose, Y733F-AAV8-PEDF (1010 viral genome) was administered intratracheally to C57BL/6 mice. Lung mechanics, morphometry, and inflammation were evaluated 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after injection. RESULTS The tyrosine-mutant AAV8 vector was efficient at penetrating mucus in ex vivo assays and at transferring the gene to lung cells after in vivo instillation. Increased levels of transgene mRNA were observed 28 days after vector administration. Overexpression of PEDF did not affect in vivo lung parameters. CONCLUSION These findings provide a basis for further development of Y733F-AAV8-based gene therapies for safe and effective delivery of PEDF, which has anti-angiogenic, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic activities and might be a promising therapy for lung inflammatory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Débora P Ferreira
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratory of Pulmonary Investigation, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology for Regenerative Medicine, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Sabrina V Martini
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Helena A Oliveira
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Adriana L Silva
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratory of Pulmonary Investigation, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology for Regenerative Medicine, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Siddharth Shenoy
- Center for Nanomedicine, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Daiqin Chen
- Center for Nanomedicine, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Valentina Simon
- Center for Nanomedicine, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Eric Han
- Center for Nanomedicine, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Natalie E West
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jung Soo Suk
- Center for Nanomedicine, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Patricia R M Rocco
- Laboratory of Pulmonary Investigation, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology for Regenerative Medicine, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Hilda Petrs-Silva
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy and Viral Vectors, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcelo M Morales
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology for Regenerative Medicine, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Fernanda F Cruz
- Laboratory of Pulmonary Investigation, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,
- National Institute of Science and Technology for Regenerative Medicine, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Chiarini LB, Petrs-Silva H, Linden R. Novel approaches to glaucomatous neurodegeneration, based on the integrated stress response. Mol Ther Nucleic Acids 2023; 33:845-847. [PMID: 37662966 PMCID: PMC10474567 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Luciana B. Chiarini
- Laboratório de Neurogênese, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Hilda Petrs-Silva
- Laboratório de Terapia Gênica e Vetores Virais, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Rafael Linden
- Laboratório de Neurogênese, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Vasconcelos CFM, Ribas VT, Petrs-Silva H. Shared Molecular Pathways in Glaucoma and Other Neurodegenerative Diseases: Insights from RNA-Seq Analysis and miRNA Regulation for Promising Therapeutic Avenues. Cells 2023; 12:2155. [PMID: 37681887 PMCID: PMC10486375 DOI: 10.3390/cells12172155] [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: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in RNA-sequencing technologies have led to the identification of molecular biomarkers for several diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's diseases and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Despite the nature of glaucoma as a neurodegenerative disorder with several similarities with the other above-mentioned diseases, transcriptional data about this disease are still scarce. microRNAs are small molecules (~17-25 nucleotides) that have been found to be specifically expressed in the CNS as major components of the system regulating the development signatures of neurodegenerative diseases and the homeostasis of the brain. In this review, we sought to identify similarities between the functional mechanisms and the activated pathways of the most common neurodegenerative diseases, as well as to discuss how those mechanisms are regulated by miRNAs, using RNA-Seq as an approach to compare them. We also discuss therapeutically suitable applications for these disease hallmarks in clinical future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Franciney Moreira Vasconcelos
- University of Medicine of Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Vinicius Toledo Ribas
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (ICB/UFMG), Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil;
| | - Hilda Petrs-Silva
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
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Rocha T, Araújo V, Hauswirth W, Linden R, Petrs-Silva H. COMPARISON OF RAT RETINAL GANGLION CELL TRANSDUCTION WITH DIFFERENT AMOUNT OF RAAV VECTOR. Cytotherapy 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/s1465-3249(22)00893-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Almeida G, Tavares M, Araújo V, Alexandrino D, Conde L, Poletto E, Baldo G, Machado C, Linden R, Petrs-Silva H. CONSTRUCTION OF DEAD-CAS9 MACHINERY FOR ACTIVATION OF ENDOGENOUS NEUROPROTECTIVE TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR MAX IN VITRO. Cytotherapy 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/s1465-3249(22)00890-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Dias MS, Luo X, Ribas VT, Petrs-Silva H, Koch JC. The Role of Axonal Transport in Glaucoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073935. [PMID: 35409291 PMCID: PMC8999615 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [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: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease that affects the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and leads to progressive vision loss. The first pathological signs can be seen at the optic nerve head (ONH), the structure where RGC axons leave the retina to compose the optic nerve. Besides damage of the axonal cytoskeleton, axonal transport deficits at the ONH have been described as an important feature of glaucoma. Axonal transport is essential for proper neuronal function, including transport of organelles, synaptic components, vesicles, and neurotrophic factors. Impairment of axonal transport has been related to several neurodegenerative conditions. Studies on axonal transport in glaucoma include analysis in different animal models and in humans, and indicate that its failure happens mainly in the ONH and early in disease progression, preceding axonal and somal degeneration. Thus, a better understanding of the role of axonal transport in glaucoma is not only pivotal to decipher disease mechanisms but could also enable early therapies that might prevent irreversible neuronal damage at an early time point. In this review we present the current evidence of axonal transport impairment in glaucomatous neurodegeneration and summarize the methods employed to evaluate transport in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Santana Dias
- Intermediate Laboratory of Gene Therapy and Viral Vectors, Carlos Chagas Filho Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (M.S.D.); (H.P.-S.)
| | - Xiaoyue Luo
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany;
| | - Vinicius Toledo Ribas
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil;
| | - Hilda Petrs-Silva
- Intermediate Laboratory of Gene Therapy and Viral Vectors, Carlos Chagas Filho Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (M.S.D.); (H.P.-S.)
| | - Jan Christoph Koch
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany;
- Correspondence:
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Lani-Louzada R, Abreu CA, Araújo VG, Dias MS, Petrs-Silva H, Linden R. Full-Circle Cauterization of Limbal Vascular Plexus for Surgically Induced Glaucoma in Rodents. J Vis Exp 2022. [DOI: 10.3791/63442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
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Lani-Louzada R, Marra C, Dias MS, de Araújo VG, Abreu CA, Ribas VT, Adesse D, Allodi S, Chiodo V, Hauswirth W, Petrs-Silva H, Linden R. Neuroprotective Gene Therapy by Overexpression of the Transcription Factor MAX in Rat Models of Glaucomatous Neurodegeneration. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:5. [PMID: 35103748 PMCID: PMC8819487 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.2.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Based on our preview evidence that reduced nuclear content of the transcription factor Myc-associated protein X (MAX) is an early event associated with degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), in the present study, our purpose was to test whether the overexpression of human MAX had a neuroprotective effect against RGC injury. Methods Overexpression of either MAX or green fluorescent protein (GFP) in the retina was achieved by intravitreal injections of recombinant adenovirus-associated viruses (rAAVs). Lister Hooded rats were used in three models of RGC degeneration: (1) cultures of retinal explants for 30 hours ex vivo from the eyes of 14-day-old rats that had received intravitreal injections of rAAV2-MAX or the control vector rAAV2-GFP at birth; (2) an optic nerve crush model, in which 1-month-old rats received intravitreal injection of either rAAV2-MAX or rAAV2-GFP and, 4 weeks later, were operated on; and (3) an ocular hypertension (OHT) glaucoma model, in which 1-month-old rats received intravitreal injection of either rAAV2-MAX or rAAV2-GFP and, 4 weeks later, were subject to cauterization of the limbal plexus. Cell death was estimated by detection of pyknotic nuclei and TUNEL technique and correlated with MAX immunocontent in an ex vivo model of retinal explants. MAX expression was detected by quantitative RT-PCR. In the OHT model, survival of RGCs was quantified by retrograde labeling with DiI or immunostaining for BRN3a at 14 days after in vivo injury. Functional integrity of RGCs was analyzed through pattern electroretinography, and damage to the optic nerve was examined in semithin sections. Results In all three models of RGC insult, gene therapy by overexpression of MAX prevented RGC death. Also, ON degeneration and electrophysiologic deficits were prevented in the OHT model. Conclusions Our experiments offer proof of concept for a novel neuroprotective gene therapy for glaucomatous neurodegeneration based on overexpression of MAX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Lani-Louzada
- Laboratory of Neurogenesis, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Camila Marra
- Laboratory of Neurogenesis, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mariana Santana Dias
- Laboratory of Neurogenesis, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Victor Guedes de Araújo
- Laboratory of Neurogenesis, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Carla Andreia Abreu
- Laboratory of Neurogenesis, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Vinícius Toledo Ribas
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Daniel Adesse
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Silvana Allodi
- Laboratory of Comparative and Developmental Neurobiology, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Vince Chiodo
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States
| | - William Hauswirth
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States
| | - Hilda Petrs-Silva
- Laboratory of Neurogenesis, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rafael Linden
- Laboratory of Neurogenesis, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Lani-Louzada R, Dias MS, Linden R, de Toledo Ribas V, Petrs-Silva H. Gene Therapy Strategies for Glaucomatous Neurodegeneration. Curr Gene Ther 2021; 21:362-381. [PMID: 33573569 DOI: 10.2174/1566523221666210126152000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Glaucoma leads to irreversible vision loss and current therapeutic strategies are often insufficient to prevent the progression of the disease and consequent blindness. Elevated intraocular pressure is an important risk factor, but not required for the progression of glaucomatous neurodegeneration. The demise of retinal ganglion cells represents the final common pathway of glaucomatous vision loss. Still, lifelong control of intraocular pressure is the only current treatment to prevent severe vision loss, although it frequently fails despite best practices. This scenario calls for the development of neuroprotective and pro-regenerative therapies targeting the retinal ganglion cells as well as the optic nerve. Several experimental studies have shown the potential of gene modulation as a tool for neuroprotection and regeneration. In this context, gene therapy represents an attractive approach as persistent treatment for glaucoma. Viral vectors engineered to promote overexpression of a broad range of cellular factors have been shown to protect retinal ganglion cells and/or promote axonal regeneration in experimental models. Here, we review the mechanisms involved in glaucomatous neurodegeneration and regeneration in the central nervous system. Then, we point out current limitations of gene therapy platforms and review a myriad of studies that use viral vectors to manipulate genes in retinal ganglion cells, as a strategy to promote neuroprotection and regeneration. Finally, we address the potential of combining neuroprotective and regenerative gene therapies as an approach to glaucomatous neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Lani-Louzada
- Laboratory of Neurogenesis, Carlos Chagas Filho Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro. Brazil
| | - Mariana Santana Dias
- Laboratory of Neurogenesis, Carlos Chagas Filho Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro. Brazil
| | - Rafael Linden
- Laboratory of Neurogenesis, Carlos Chagas Filho Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro. Brazil
| | - Vinicius de Toledo Ribas
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte. Brazil
| | - Hilda Petrs-Silva
- Laboratory of Neurogenesis, Carlos Chagas Filho Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro. Brazil
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Nascimento-Dos-Santos G, de-Souza-Ferreira E, Lani R, Faria CC, Araújo VG, Teixeira-Pinheiro LC, Vasconcelos T, Gonçalo T, Santiago MF, Linden R, Galina A, Petrs-Silva H. Neuroprotection from optic nerve injury and modulation of oxidative metabolism by transplantation of active mitochondria to the retina. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2020; 1866:165686. [PMID: 31953215 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2020.165686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [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: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondrial dysfunctions are linked to a series of neurodegenerative human conditions, including Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, optic neuropathies, and glaucoma. Recently, a series of studies have pointed mitotherapy - exogenous mitochondria transplant - as a promising way to attenuate the progression of neurologic disorders; however, the neuroprotective and pro-regenerative potentials of isolated mitochondria in vivo have not yet been elucidated. In this present work, we tested the effects of transplants of active (as well-coupled organelles were named), liver-isolated mitochondria on the survival of retinal ganglion cells and axonal outgrowth after optic nerve crush. Our data show that intravitreally transplanted, full active mitochondria incorporate into the retina, improve its oxidative metabolism and electrophysiological activity at 1 day after transplantation. Moreover, mitotherapy increases cell survival in the ganglion cell layer at 14 days, and leads to a higher number of axons extending beyond the injury site at 28 days; effects that are dependent on the organelles' structural integrity. Together, our findings support mitotherapy as a promising approach for future therapeutic interventions upon central nervous system damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Nascimento-Dos-Santos
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil.
| | - Eduardo de-Souza-Ferreira
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil.
| | - Rafael Lani
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
| | - Caroline Coelho Faria
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
| | - Victor Guedes Araújo
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
| | | | - Taliane Vasconcelos
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
| | - Thaís Gonçalo
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Felippe Santiago
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
| | - Rafael Linden
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
| | - Antonio Galina
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil.
| | - Hilda Petrs-Silva
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil.
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Lani R, Dias MS, Abreu CA, Araújo VG, Gonçalo T, Nascimento-Dos-Santos G, Dantas AM, Allodi S, Fiorani M, Petrs-Silva H, Linden R. A subacute model of glaucoma based on limbal plexus cautery in pigmented rats. Sci Rep 2019; 9:16286. [PMID: 31705136 PMCID: PMC6841973 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52500-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [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: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive functional impairment and degeneration of the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their axons, and is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Current management of glaucoma is based on reduction of high intraocular pressure (IOP), one of its most consistent risk factors, but the disease proceeds in almost half of the patients despite such treatments. Several experimental models of glaucoma have been developed in rodents, most of which present shortcomings such as high surgical invasiveness, slow learning curves, damage to the transparency of the optic media which prevents adequate functional assessment, and variable results. Here we describe a novel and simple method to induce ocular hypertension in pigmented rats, based on low-temperature cauterization of the whole circumference of the limbal vascular plexus, a major component of aqueous humor drainage and easily accessible for surgical procedures. This simple, low-cost and efficient method produced a reproducible subacute ocular hypertension with full clinical recovery, followed by a steady loss of retinal ganglion cells and optic axons, accompanied by functional changes detected both by electrophysiological and behavioral methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Lani
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Mariana S Dias
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Carla Andreia Abreu
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Victor G Araújo
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Thais Gonçalo
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | - Silvana Allodi
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mario Fiorani
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Hilda Petrs-Silva
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Rafael Linden
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Lopes-Pacheco M, Kitoko JZ, Morales MM, Petrs-Silva H, Rocco PRM. Self-complementary and tyrosine-mutant rAAV vectors enhance transduction in cystic fibrosis bronchial epithelial cells. Exp Cell Res 2018; 372:99-107. [PMID: 30244179 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2018.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 06/19/2018] [Revised: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vector platforms have shown considerable therapeutic success in gene therapy for inherited disorders. In cystic fibrosis (CF), administration of first-generation rAAV2 was safe, but clinical benefits were not clearly demonstrated. Therefore, next-generation vectors that overcome rate-limiting steps in rAAV transduction are needed to obtain successful gene therapy for this devastating disease. In this study, we evaluated the effects of single-strand or self-complementary (sc) rAAV vectors containing single or multiple tyrosine-to-phenylalanine (Y-F) mutations in capsid surface-exposed residues on serotypes 2, 8 or 9. For this purpose, CF bronchial epithelial (CFBE) cells were transduced with rAAV vectors, and the transgene expression of enhanced green fluorescence protein (eGFP) was analyzed at different time points. The effects of vectors on the cell viability, host cell cycle and in association with co-adjuvant drugs that modulate intracellular vector trafficking were also investigated. Six rAAV vectors demonstrated greater percentage of eGFP+ cells compared to their counterparts at days 4, 7 and 10 post-transduction: rAAV2 Y(272,444,500,730)F, with 1.95-, 3.5- and 3.06-fold increases; rAAV2 Y(252,272,444,500,704,730)F, with 1.65-, 2.12-, and 2-fold increases; scrAAV2 WT, with 1.69-, 2.68-, and 2.32-fold increases; scrAAV8 Y773F, with 57-, 6.06-, and 7-fold increases; scrAAV9 WT, with 7.47-, 4.64-, and 3.66-fold increases; and scrAAV9 Y446F, with 8.39-, 4.62-, and 4.4-fold increases. At days 15, 20, and 30 post-transduction, these vectors still demonstrated higher transgene expression than transfected cells. Although the percentage of eGFP+ cells reduced during the time-course analysis, the delta mean fluorescence intensity increased. These vectors also led to increased percentage of cells in G1-phase without eliciting any cytotoxicity. Prior administration of bortezomib or genistein did not increase eGFP expression in cells transduced with either rAAV2 Y(272,444,500,730)F or rAAV2 Y(252,272,444,500,704,730)F. In conclusion, self-complementary and tyrosine capsid mutations on rAAV serotypes 2, 8, and 9 led to more efficient transduction than their counterparts in CFBE cells by overcoming the intracellular trafficking and second-strand DNA synthesis limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miquéias Lopes-Pacheco
- Laboratory of Pulmonary Investigation, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Jamil Z Kitoko
- Laboratory of Pulmonary Investigation, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcelo M Morales
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Hilda Petrs-Silva
- Laboratory of Neurogenesis, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Patricia R M Rocco
- Laboratory of Pulmonary Investigation, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Cabral-Miranda F, Nicoloso-Simões E, Adão-Novaes J, Chiodo V, Hauswirth WW, Linden R, Chiarini LB, Petrs-Silva H. rAAV8-733-Mediated Gene Transfer of CHIP/Stub-1 Prevents Hippocampal Neuronal Death in Experimental Brain Ischemia. Mol Ther 2016; 25:392-400. [PMID: 28153090 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2016.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [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: 07/12/2016] [Revised: 11/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain ischemia is a major cause of adult disability and death, and it represents a worldwide health problem with significant economic burden for modern society. The identification of the molecular pathways activated after brain ischemia, together with efficient technologies of gene delivery to the CNS, may lead to novel treatments based on gene therapy. Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) is an effective platform for gene transfer to the CNS. Here, we used a serotype 8 rAAV bearing the Y733F mutation (rAAV8-733) to overexpress co-chaperone E3 ligase CHIP (also known as Stub-1) in rat hippocampal neurons, both in an oxygen and glucose deprivation model in vitro and in a four-vessel occlusion model of ischemia in vivo. We show that CHIP overexpression prevented neuronal degeneration in both cases and led to a decrease of both eIF2α (serine 51) and AKT (serine 473) phosphorylation, as well as reduced amounts of ubiquitinated proteins following hypoxia or ischemia. These data add to current knowledge of ischemia-related signaling in the brain and suggest that gene therapy based on the role of CHIP in proteostasis may provide a new venue for brain ischemia treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Cabral-Miranda
- Departamento de Neurobiologia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
| | - Elisa Nicoloso-Simões
- Departamento de Neurobiologia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
| | - Juliana Adão-Novaes
- Departamento de Neurobiologia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
| | - Vince Chiodo
- Retinal Gene Therapy Group, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - William W Hauswirth
- Retinal Gene Therapy Group, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Rafael Linden
- Departamento de Neurobiologia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
| | - Luciana Barreto Chiarini
- Departamento de Neurobiologia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
| | - Hilda Petrs-Silva
- Departamento de Neurobiologia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil.
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15
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Martini SV, Silva AL, Ferreira D, Rabelo R, Ornellas FM, Gomes K, Rocco PR, Petrs-Silva H, Morales MM. Tyrosine Mutation in AAV9 Capsid Improves Gene Transfer to the Mouse Lung. Cell Physiol Biochem 2016; 39:544-53. [DOI: 10.1159/000445646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims: Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors are being increasingly used as the vector of choice for in vivo gene delivery and gene therapy for many pulmonary diseases. Recently, it was shown that phosphorylation of surface-exposed tyrosine residues from AAV capsid targets the viral particles for ubiquitination and proteasome-mediated degradation, and mutations of these tyrosine residues lead to highly efficient vector transduction in vitro and in vivo in different organs. In this study, we evaluated the pulmonary transgene expression efficacy of AAV9 vectors containing point mutations in surface-exposed capsid tyrosine residues. Methods: Eighteen C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned into three groups: (1) a control group (CTRL) animals underwent intratracheal (i.t.) instillation of saline, (2) the wild-type AAV9 group (WT-AAV9, 1010 vg), and (3) the tyrosine-mutant Y731F AAV9 group (M-AAV9, 1010 vg), which received (i.t.) self-complementary AAV9 vectors containing the DNA sequence of enhanced green fluorescence protein (eGFP). Four weeks after instillation, lung mechanics, morphometry, tissue cellularity, gene expression, inflammatory cytokines, and growth factor expression were analyzed. Results: No significant differences were observed in lung mechanics and morphometry among the experimental groups. However, the number of polymorphonuclear cells was higher in the WT-AAV9 group than in the CTRL and M-AAV9 groups, suggesting that the administration of tyrosine-mutant AAV9 vectors was better tolerated. Tyrosine-mutant AAV9 vectors significantly improved transgene delivery to the lung (30%) compared with their wild-type counterparts, without eliciting an inflammatory response. Conclusion: Our results provide the impetus for further studies to exploit the use of AAV9 vectors as a tool for pulmonary gene therapy.
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Cabral Miranda F, Adão-Novaes J, Hauswirth WW, Linden R, Petrs-Silva H, Chiarini LB. CHIP, a carboxy terminus HSP-70 interacting protein, prevents cell death induced by endoplasmic reticulum stress in the central nervous system. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 8:438. [PMID: 25620910 PMCID: PMC4288139 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2014.00438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [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: 10/28/2014] [Accepted: 12/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and protein misfolding are associated with various neurodegenerative diseases. ER stress activates unfolded protein response (UPR), an adaptative response. However, severe ER stress can induce cell death. Here we show that the E3 ubiquitin ligase and co-chaperone Carboxyl Terminus HSP70/90 Interacting Protein (CHIP) prevents neuron death in the hippocampus induced by severe ER stress. Organotypic hippocampal slice cultures (OHSCs) were exposed to Tunicamycin, a pharmacological ER stress inducer, to trigger cell death. Overexpression of CHIP was achieved with a recombinant adeno-associated viral vector (rAAV) and significantly diminished ER stress-induced cell death, as shown by analysis of propidium iodide (PI) uptake, condensed chromatin, TUNEL and cleaved caspase 3 in the CA1 region of OHSCs. In addition, overexpression of CHIP prevented upregulation of both CHOP and p53 both pro-apoptotic pathways induced by ER stress. We also detected an attenuation of eIF2a phosphorylation promoted by ER stress. However, CHIP did not prevent upregulation of BiP/GRP78 induced by UPR. These data indicate that overexpression of CHIP attenuates ER-stress death response while maintain ER stress adaptative response in the central nervous system. These results indicate a neuroprotective role for CHIP upon UPR signaling. CHIP emerge as a candidate for clinical intervention in neurodegenerative diseases associated with ER stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Cabral Miranda
- Laboratório de Neurogênese, Departamento de Neurobiologia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Juliana Adão-Novaes
- Laboratório de Neurogênese, Departamento de Neurobiologia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - William W Hauswirth
- Retinal Gene Therapy Group, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Rafael Linden
- Laboratório de Neurogênese, Departamento de Neurobiologia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Hilda Petrs-Silva
- Laboratório de Neurogênese, Departamento de Neurobiologia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luciana B Chiarini
- Laboratório de Neurogênese, Departamento de Neurobiologia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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17
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Martini SV, da Silva AL, Ferreira D, Gomes K, Ornellas FM, Lopes-Pacheco M, Zin E, Petrs-Silva H, Rocco PRM, Morales MM. Single tyrosine mutation in AAV8 vector capsid enhances gene lung delivery and does not alter lung morphofunction in mice. Cell Physiol Biochem 2014; 34:681-90. [PMID: 25171090 DOI: 10.1159/000363033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Vectors derived from adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are important gene delivery tools for treating pulmonary diseases. Phosphorylation of surface-exposed tyrosine residues from AAV2 capsid targets the viral particles for ubiquitination and proteasome-mediated degradation, and mutations of these tyrosine residues lead to highly efficient vector transduction in vitro and in vivo in different organs. We evaluated the pulmonary transduction efficiency of AAV8 vectors containing point mutations in surface-exposed capsid tyrosine residues. METHODS Male C57BL/6 mice (20-25 g, n=24) were randomly assigned into three groups: control group animals received intratracheal (i.t.) instillation of saline (50 μl), wild-type AAV8 group, and capsid mutant Y733F AAV8 group, which received (i.t.) AAV8 vectors containing the DNA sequence of enhanced green fluorescence protein (eGFP). Four weeks after instillation, lung mechanics and morphometry, vector transduction (immunohistochemistry and mRNA expression of eGFP), and inflammatory cytokines and growth factor expression were analyzed. RESULTS Tyrosine-mutant AAV8 vectors displayed significantly increased transduction efficiency in the lung compared with their wild-type counterparts. No significant differences were observed in lung mechanics and morphometry between experimental groups. There was no evidence of inflammatory response in any group. CONCLUSION AAV8 vectors may be useful for new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of pulmonary diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina V Martini
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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18
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Petrs-Silva H, Linden R. Advances in Recombinant Adeno-Associated Viral Vectors for Gene Delivery. Curr Gene Ther 2013; 13:335-45. [DOI: 10.2174/15665232113136660028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2013] [Revised: 09/08/2013] [Accepted: 09/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a class of diseases that leads to progressive degeneration of the retina. Experimental approaches to gene therapy for the treatment of inherited retinal dystrophies have advanced in recent years, inclusive of the safe delivery of genes to the human retina. This review is focused on the development of gene therapy for RP using recombinant adenoassociated viral vectors, which show a positive safety record and have so far been successful in several clinical trials for congenital retinal disease. Gene therapy for RP is under development in a variety of animal models, and the results raise expectations of future clinical application. Nonetheless, the translation of such strategies to the bedside requires further understanding of the mutations and mechanisms that cause visual defects, as well as thorough examination of potential adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilda Petrs-Silva
- Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rafael Linden
- Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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20
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Petrs-Silva H, Dinculescu A, Li Q, Deng WT, Pang JJ, Min SH, Chiodo V, Neeley AW, Govindasamy L, Bennett A, Agbandje-McKenna M, Zhong L, Li B, Jayandharan GR, Srivastava A, Lewin AS, Hauswirth WW. Novel properties of tyrosine-mutant AAV2 vectors in the mouse retina. Mol Ther 2010; 19:293-301. [PMID: 21045809 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2010.234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 211] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Vectors based on adeno-associated virus serotype 2 (AAV2) have been used extensively in many gene-delivery applications, including several successful clinical trials for one type of Leber congenital amaurosis in the retina. Many studies have focused on improving AAV2 transduction efficiency and cellular specificity by genetically engineering its capsid. We have previously shown that vectors-containing single-point mutations of capsid surface tyrosines in serotypes AAV2, AAV8, and AAV9 displayed significantly increased transduction efficiency in the retina compared with their wild-type counterparts. In the present study, we evaluated the transduction characteristics of AAV2 vectors containing combinations of multiple tyrosine to phenylalanine mutations in seven highly conserved surface-exposed capsid tyrosine residues following subretinal or intravitreal delivery in adult mice. The multiply mutated vectors exhibited different in vivo transduction properties, with some having a unique ability of transgene expression in all retinal layers. Such novel vectors may be useful in developing valuable new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of many genetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilda Petrs-Silva
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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21
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Martini SV, Fagundes SS, Schmidt AC, Avila M, Ornellas DS, Ribas VT, Petrs-Silva H, Linden R, Faffe DS, Guggino SE, Rocco PRM, Zin WA, Morales MM. Does the use of recombinant AAV5 in pulmonary gene therapy lead to lung damage? Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2009; 168:203-9. [PMID: 19573627 DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2009.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2009] [Revised: 06/01/2009] [Accepted: 06/23/2009] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated whether repeated administration of recombinant adeno-associated virus type 5 (rAAV5) to the airways induces inflammatory processes in the lungs of BALB/c-mice, with mechanical and histologic changes. Saline was instilled intratracheally in the control group, and rAAV5-green fluorescence protein (GFP) (4x10(11)particles) in the virus group (VR). These groups were subdivided into four subgroups: one dose analyzed 3 weeks later (VR1d3w) and two doses analyzed 1 (VR2d1w), 2 (VR2d2w) and 3 weeks (VR2d3w) after the second dose. Lung morphometry, mechanical parameters, airway responsiveness, rAAV5-GFP transduction and the expression of inflammatory cytokines were investigated. No significant differences in lung mechanics, airway responsiveness, and morphometry were observed. Re-administration of rAAV5 vector resulted in a decrease in GFP mRNA expression in the VR2d3w group. There was no evidence of inflammatory response or apoptosis in any group. rAAV5 did not induce an inflammatory process, mechanical or morphometric changes in the lungs. AAV5 may be an appropriate vector for lung gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- S V Martini
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Chagas Filho Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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22
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Petrs-Silva H, Chiarini LB, Linden R. Nuclear proteasomal degradation and cytoplasmic retention underlie early nuclear exclusion of transcription factor Max upon axon damage. Exp Neurol 2008; 213:202-9. [PMID: 18601921 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2008.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2007] [Revised: 05/19/2008] [Accepted: 06/06/2008] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The behavior of the transcription factor Max in axon-damaged retinal ganglion cells (RGC) was investigated in explants from the rat retina, used as a tissue culture model of the central nervous system (CNS). Axon damage leads to an apparent rapid shift in the localization of Max from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, in advance of markers of apoptosis. This nuclear exclusion resisted treatments with calpeptin or the CRM1 exportin inhibitor leptomycin B, but was prevented by low temperature. Inhibition of either transcription or translation prevented RGC death, but only the latter robustly prevented nuclear exclusion. The proteasome inhibitor lactacystin prevented nuclear exclusion, whereas newly synthesized Max still accumulated in the cytoplasm of the axon-damaged RGC. The results show that proteosomal degradation of nuclear Max coupled with continued expression and cytoplasmic accumulation of Max, with blockade of nucleocytoplasmic transport of the newly synthesized protein, is an early event after CNS axonal damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilda Petrs-Silva
- Instituto de Biofisica da UFRJ, CCS, bloco G, Cidade Universitaria, 21941-900, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Petrs-Silva H, Chiodo V, Chiarini LB, Hauswirth WW, Linden R. Modulation of the expression of the transcription factor Max in rat retinal ganglion cells by a recombinant adeno-associated viral vector. Braz J Med Biol Res 2005; 38:375-9. [PMID: 15761617 DOI: 10.1590/s0100-879x2005000300008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Exclusion of the transcription factor Max from the nucleus of retinal ganglion cells is an early, caspase-independent event of programmed cell death following damage to the optic axons. To test whether the loss of nuclear Max leads to a reduction in neuroprotection, we developed a procedure to overexpress Max protein in rat retinal tissue in vivo. A recombinant adeno-associated viral vector (rAAV) containing the max gene was constructed, and its efficiency was confirmed by transduction of HEK-293 cells. Retinal ganglion cells were accessed in vivo through intravitreal injections of the vector in rats. Overexpression of Max in ganglion cells was detected by immunohistochemistry at 2 weeks following rAAV injection. In retinal explants, the preparation of which causes damage to the optic axons, Max immunoreactivity was increased after 30 h in vitro, and correlated with the preservation of a healthy morphology in ganglion cells. The data show that the rAAV vector efficiently expresses Max in mammalian retinal ganglion cells, and support the hypothesis that the Max protein plays a protective role for retinal neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Petrs-Silva
- Instituto de Biofísica, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.
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24
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Pinto DO, Ferreira PL, Andrade LR, Petrs-Silva H, Linden R, Abdelhay E, Araújo HMM, Alonso CEV, Pavão MSG. Biosynthesis and metabolism of sulfated glycosaminoglycans during Drosophila melanogaster development. Glycobiology 2004; 14:529-36. [PMID: 15044397 DOI: 10.1093/glycob/cwh070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We developed a simple methodology for labeling sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in adult Drosophila melanogaster and studied some aspects of the biosynthesis and metabolism of these polymers during development. Adult D. melanogaster flies were fed with Na(2)(35)SO(4) for 72 h. During this period, (35)S-sulfate was incorporated into males and females and used to synthesize (35)S-sulfate-heparan sulfate (HS) and (35)S-sulfate-chondroitin sulfate (CS). The incorporation of (35)S-sulfate into HS was higher when compared to CS. In a pulse-chase experiment, we observed that (35)S-sulfate incorporated into adult female was recovered in embryos and used for the synthesis of new (35)S-sulfate-GAGs after 2 h of embryonic development. The synthesis of CS was higher than that of HS, indicating a change in the metabolism of these glycans from adult to embryonic and larval stages. Analysis of the CS in embryonic and larval tissues revealed the occurrence of nonsulfated and 4-sulfated disaccharide units in embryos, L1 and L2. In L3, in addition to these disaccharides, we also detected significant amount of 6-sulfated units that are reported here for the first time. Immunohistochemical analysis indicated that HS and CS were present in nonequivalent structures in adult and larval stages of the fly. Overall, these results indicate that (35)S-sulfate-precursors are transferred from adult to embryonic and larval tissues and used to assemble different morphological structures during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela O Pinto
- Laboratório de Tecido Conjuntivo, Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho and Departamento de Bioquímica Médica, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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25
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Petrs-Silva H, de Freitas FG, Linden R, Chiarini LB. Early nuclear exclusion of the transcription factor max is associated with retinal ganglion cell death independent of caspase activity. J Cell Physiol 2003; 198:179-87. [PMID: 14603520 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.10404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
We examined the behavior of the transcription factor Max during retrograde neuronal degeneration of retinal ganglion cells. Using immunohistochemistry, we found a progressive redistribution of full-length Max from the nucleus to the cytoplasm and dendrites of the ganglion cells following axon damage. Then, the axotomized cells lose all their content of Max, while undergoing nuclear pyknosis and apoptotic cell death. After treatment of retinal explants with either anisomycin or thapsigargin, the rate of nuclear exclusion of Max accompanied the rate of cell death as modulated by either drug. Treatment with a pan-caspase inhibitor abolished both TUNEL staining and immunoreactivity for activated caspase-3, but did not affect the subcellular redistribution of Max immunoreactivity after axotomy. The data show that nuclear exclusion of the transcription factor Max is an early event, which precedes and is independent of the activation of caspases, during apoptotic cell death in the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilda Petrs-Silva
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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26
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Chiarini LB, Freitas FG, Petrs-Silva H, Linden R. Evidence that the bifunctional redox factor / AP endonuclease Ref-1 is an anti-apoptotic protein associated with differentiation in the developing retina. Cell Death Differ 2000; 7:272-81. [PMID: 10745272 DOI: 10.1038/sj.cdd.4400639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal cell differentiation leads to resistance to apoptosis induced by inhibition of protein synthesis, suggesting the accumulation of anti-apoptotic proteins. The redox factor/AP endonuclease Ref-1 (APE, APEX, HAP1) affects both DNA repair and the activity of various transcription factors, and controls sensitivity to genotoxic insults. We studied the expression of Ref-1 in the retina and brain of developing rats. Ref-1 immunoreactivity increased progressively within the nucleus of differentiating retinal cells, whereas it decreased in the developing hippocampal formation. During both natural and experimentally-induced cell death, Ref-1 disappeared from the nucleus of apoptotic cells. Degradation of Ref-1 in axotomized ganglion cells preceded the morphological characteristics of apoptosis. The sensitivity to apoptosis triggered by either thapsigargin or okadaic acid was the highest in photoreceptors, that contain the least Ref-1 among differentiated retinal cells. In both these differentiated cell types, inhibition of protein synthesis prevented the loss of Ref-1 and rescued the neurons. The data suggest that Ref-1 is an anti-apoptotic protein associated with cell differentiation in the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- L B Chiarini
- Instituto de Biofisica da UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
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