1
|
Borna NN, Kishita Y, Shimura M, Murayama K, Ohtake A, Okazaki Y. Identification of a novel MT-ND3 variant and restoring mitochondrial function by allotopic expression of MT-ND3 gene. Mitochondrion 2024; 76:101858. [PMID: 38437941 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2024.101858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Mitochondrial diseases are caused by nuclear, or mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variants and related co-factors. Here, we report a novel m.10197G > C variant in MT-ND3 in a patient, and two other patients with m.10191 T > C. MT-ND3 variants are known to cause Leigh syndrome or mitochondrial complex I deficiency. We performed the functional analyses of the novel m.10197G > C variant that significantly lowered MT-ND3 protein levels, causing complex I assembly and activity deficiency, and reduction of ATP synthesis. We adapted a previously described re-engineering technique of delivering mitochondrial genes into mitochondria through codon optimization for nuclear expression and translation by cytoplasmic ribosomes to rescue defects arising from the MT-ND3 variants. We constructed mitochondrial targeting sequences along with the codon-optimized MT-ND3 and imported them into the mitochondria. To achieve the goal, we imported codon-optimized MT-ND3 into mitochondria in three patients with m.10197G > C and m.10191 T > C missense variants in the MT-ND3. Nuclear expression of the MT-ND3 gene partially restored protein levels, complex I deficiency, and significant improvement of ATP production indicating a functional rescue of the mutant phenotype. The codon-optimized nuclear expression of mitochondrial protein and import inside the mitochondria can supplement the requirements for ATP in energy-deficient mitochondrial disease patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nurun Nahar Borna
- Diagnostics and Therapeutics of Intractable Diseases, Intractable Disease Research Center, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan; Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Yoshihito Kishita
- Diagnostics and Therapeutics of Intractable Diseases, Intractable Disease Research Center, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan; Laboratory of Genome Sciences, Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Kindai University, Higashiosaka, Osaka 577-8502, Japan
| | - Masaru Shimura
- Department of Metabolism, Chiba Children's Hospital, Midori-ku, Chiba 266-0007, Japan
| | - Kei Murayama
- Diagnostics and Therapeutics of Intractable Diseases, Intractable Disease Research Center, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan; Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Akira Ohtake
- Department of Pediatrics & Clinical Genomics, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Moroyama, Saitama 350-0495, Japan; Center for Intractable Diseases, Saitama Medical University Hospital, Moroyama, Saitama 350-0495, Japan
| | - Yasushi Okazaki
- Diagnostics and Therapeutics of Intractable Diseases, Intractable Disease Research Center, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan; Laboratory for Comprehensive Genomic Analysis, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Oh R, Woo SJ, Joo K. Whole genome sequencing for inherited retinal diseases in the Korean National Project of Bio Big Data. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2024; 262:1351-1359. [PMID: 37947821 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-023-06309-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to analyze the genetic results of inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) and evaluate the diagnostic usefulness of whole genome sequencing (WGS) in the Korean National Project of Bio Big Data. METHODS As part of the Korean National Project of Bio Big Data, WGS was performed on 32 individuals with IRDs with no identified pathogenic variants through whole or targeted exome sequencing. RESULTS Individuals with retinitis pigmentosa (n = 23), cone dystrophy (n = 2), cone-rod dystrophy (n = 2), familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (n = 2), pigmented paravenous chorioretinal atrophy (n = 1), North Carolina macular dystrophy (n = 1), and bull's-eye macular dystrophy (n = 1) were included. WGS revealed genetic mutations in the IQCB1, PRPF31, USH2A, and GUCY2D genes in five cases (15.6%). Two large structural variations and an intronic variant were newly detected in three cases. Two individuals had biallelic missense mutations that were not identified in previous exome sequencing. CONCLUSION With WGS, the causative variants in 15.6% of unsolved IRDs from the Korean National Project of Bio Big Data were identified. Further research with a larger cohort might unveil the diagnostic usefulness of WGS in IRDs and other diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richul Oh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, 82, Gumi-ro 173beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam, Gyeonggido, Republic of Korea, 13620
| | - Se Joon Woo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, 82, Gumi-ro 173beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam, Gyeonggido, Republic of Korea, 13620
| | - Kwangsic Joo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, 82, Gumi-ro 173beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam, Gyeonggido, Republic of Korea, 13620.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chaqour B, Duong TT, Yue J, Liu T, Camacho D, Dine KE, Esteve-Rudd J, Ellis S, Bennett J, Shindler KS, Ross AG. AAV2 vector optimization for retinal ganglion cell-targeted delivery of therapeutic genes. Gene Ther 2024; 31:175-186. [PMID: 38200264 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-023-00436-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV)-2 has significant potential as a delivery vehicle of therapeutic genes to retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), which are key interventional targets in optic neuropathies. Here we show that when injected intravitreally, AAV2 engineered with a reporter gene driven by cytomegalovirus (CMV) enhancer and chicken β-actin (CBA) promoters, displays ubiquitous and high RGC expression, similar to its synthetic derivative AAV8BP2. A novel AAV2 vector combining the promoter of the human RGC-selective γ-synuclein (hSNCG) gene and woodchuck hepatitis post-transcriptional regulatory element (WPRE) inserted upstream and downstream of a reporter gene, respectively, induces widespread transduction and strong transgene expression in RGCs. High transduction efficiency and selectivity to RGCs is further achieved by incorporating in the vector backbone a leading CMV enhancer and an SV40 intron at the 5' and 3' ends, respectively, of the reporter gene. As a delivery vehicle of hSIRT1, a 2.2-kb therapeutic gene with anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress properties, this recombinant vector displayed improved transduction efficiency, a strong, widespread and selective RGC expression of hSIRT1, and increased RGC survival following optic nerve crush. Thus, AAV2 vector carrying hSNCG promoter with additional regulatory sequences may offer strong potential for enhanced effects of candidate gene therapies targeting RGCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brahim Chaqour
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- F. M. Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Thu T Duong
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- F. M. Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA, 19426, USA
| | - Jipeng Yue
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- F. M. Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Tehui Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- F. M. Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Spark Therapeutics, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - David Camacho
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- F. M. Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Kimberly E Dine
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- F. M. Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | | | - Scott Ellis
- Gyroscope Therapeutics Limited, a Novartis Company, London, N7 9AS, UK
| | - Jean Bennett
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- F. M. Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Kenneth S Shindler
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- F. M. Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Ahmara G Ross
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- F. M. Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Moorthy R, Bhattamisra SK, Pandey M, Mayuren J, Kow CS, Candasamy M. Mitochondria and diabetes: insights and potential therapies. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab 2024; 19:141-154. [PMID: 38347803 DOI: 10.1080/17446651.2024.2307526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Type 2 diabetes (T2D) presents significant global health and economic challenges, contributing to complications such as stroke, cardiovascular disease, kidney dysfunction, and cancer. The current review explores the crucial role of mitochondria, essential for fuel metabolism, in diabetes-related processes. AREAS COVERED Mitochondrial deficits impact insulin-resistant skeletal muscles, adipose tissue, liver, and pancreatic β-cells, affecting glucose and lipid balance. Exercise emerges as a key factor in enhancing mitochondrial function, thereby reducing insulin resistance. Additionally, the therapeutic potential of mitochondrial uncoupling, which generates heat instead of ATP, is discussed. We explore the intricate link between mitochondrial function and diabetes, investigating genetic interventions to mitigate diabetes-related complications. We also cover the impact of insulin deficiency on mitochondrial function, the role of exercise in addressing mitochondrial defects in insulin resistance, and the potential of mitochondrial uncoupling. Furthermore, a comprehensive analysis of Mitochondrial Replacement Therapies (MRT) techniques is presented. EXPERT OPINION MRTs hold promise in preventing the transmission of mitochondrial disease. However, addressing ethical, regulatory, and technical considerations is crucial. Integrating mitochondrial-based treatments requires a careful balance between innovation and safety. Ethical dimensions and regulatory aspects of MRT are examined, emphasizing collaborative efforts for the responsible advancement of human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renupiriya Moorthy
- School of Health Sciences, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Subrat Kumar Bhattamisra
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Pharmacology, GITAM School of Pharmacy, Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management (GITAM Deemed to be University), Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Manish Pandey
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central University of Haryana, Mahendergarh, India
| | - Jayashree Mayuren
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chia Siang Kow
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mayuren Candasamy
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Velmurugan S, Chou TH, Eastwood JD, Porciatti V, Liu Y, Hauswirth WW, Guy J, Yu H. Comparison of different gene-therapy methods to treat Leber hereditary optic neuropathy in a mouse model. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1119724. [PMID: 37051151 PMCID: PMC10083341 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1119724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionTherapies for Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON), in common with all disorders caused by mutated mitochondrial DNA, are inadequate. We have developed two gene therapy strategies for the disease: mitochondrial-targeted and allotopic expressed and compared them in a mouse model of LHON.MethodsA LHON mouse model was generated by intravitreal injection of a mitochondrialtargeted Adeno-associated virus (AAV) carrying mutant human NADH dehydrogenase 4 gene (hND4/m.11778G>A) to induce retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration and axon loss, the hallmark of the human disease. We then attempted to rescue those mice using a second intravitreal injection of either mitochondrial-targeted or allotopic expressed wildtype human ND4. The rescue of RGCs and their axons were assessed using serial pattern electroretinogram (PERG) and transmission electron microscopy.ResultsCompared to non-rescued LHON controls where PERG amplitude was much reduced, both strategies significantly preserved PERG amplitude over 15 months. However, the rescue effect was more marked with mitochondrial-targeted therapy than with allotopic therapy (p = 0.0128). Post-mortem analysis showed that mitochondrial-targeted human ND4 better preserved small axons that are preferentially lost in human LHON.ConclusionsThese results in a pre-clinical mouse model of LHON suggest that mitochondrially-targeted AAV gene therapy, compared to allotopic AAV gene therapy, is more efficient in rescuing the LHON phenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sindhu Velmurugan
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Tsung-Han Chou
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Jeremy D. Eastwood
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Vittorio Porciatti
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
- *Correspondence: Vittorio Porciatti,
| | - Yuan Liu
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - William W. Hauswirth
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - John Guy
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Hong Yu
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
- Hong Yu,
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ghoraba HH, Akhavanrezayat A, Karaca I, Yavari N, Lajevardi S, Hwang J, Regenold J, Matsumiya W, Pham B, Zaidi M, Mobasserian A, DongChau AT, Or C, Yasar C, Mishra K, Do D, Nguyen QD. Ocular Gene Therapy: A Literature Review with Special Focus on Immune and Inflammatory Responses. Clin Ophthalmol 2022; 16:1753-1771. [PMID: 35685379 PMCID: PMC9173725 DOI: 10.2147/opth.s364200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hashem H Ghoraba
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Amir Akhavanrezayat
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Irmak Karaca
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Negin Yavari
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Sherin Lajevardi
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Jaclyn Hwang
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Jonathan Regenold
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Wataru Matsumiya
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Brandon Pham
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Moosa Zaidi
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Azadeh Mobasserian
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Anthony Toan DongChau
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Christopher Or
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Cigdem Yasar
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Kapil Mishra
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Diana Do
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Quan Dong Nguyen
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Correspondence: Quan Dong Nguyen, Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, 2370 Watson Court, Suite 200, Palo Alto, CA, USA, Tel +1 6507257245, Fax +1 6507368232, Email
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gene therapy restores mitochondrial function and protects retinal ganglion cells in optic neuropathy induced by a mito-targeted mutant ND1 gene. Gene Ther 2022; 29:368-378. [PMID: 35383288 PMCID: PMC9233058 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-022-00333-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Therapies for genetic disorders caused by mutated mitochondrial DNA are an unmet need, in large part due barriers in delivering DNA to the organelle and the absence of relevant animal models. We injected into mouse eyes a mitochondrially targeted Adeno-Associated-Virus (MTS-AAV) to deliver the mutant human NADH ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit I (hND1/m.3460G>A) responsible for Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy, the most common primary mitochondrial genetic disease. We show that the expression of the mutant hND1 delivered to retinal ganglion cells (RGC) layer colocalizes with the mitochondrial marker PORIN and the assembly of the expressed hND1 protein into host respiration complex I. The hND1 injected eyes exhibit hallmarks of the human disease with progressive loss of RGC function and number, as well as optic nerve degeneration. We also show that gene therapy in the hND1 eyes by means of an injection of a second MTS-AAV vector carrying wild type human ND1 restores mitochondrial respiratory complex I activity, the rate of ATP synthesis and protects RGCs and their axons from dysfunction and degeneration. These results prove that MTS-AAV is a highly efficient gene delivery approach with the ability to create mito-animal models and has the therapeutic potential to treat mitochondrial genetic diseases.
Collapse
|
8
|
Sukri A, Noorizhab MNF, Teh LK, Salleh MZ. Insight of the mitochondrial genomes of the Orang Asli and Malays: The heterogeneity and the disease-associated variants. Mitochondrion 2021; 62:74-84. [PMID: 34748985 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2021.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Orang Asli are the oldest inhabitants in Peninsular Malaysia that forms as a national minority while the Malays are the majority. The study aimed to screen the mitochondrial genomes of the Orang Asli and the Malays to discover the disease-associated variants. A total of 99 Orang Asli from six tribes (Bateq, Cheq Wong, Orang Kanaq, Kensiu, Lanoh, and Semai) were recruited. Mitochondrial genome sequencing was conducted using a next-generation sequencing platform. Furthermore, we retrieved mitochondrial DNA sequences from the Malays for comparison. The clinical significance, pathogenicity prediction and frequency of variants were determined using online tools. Variants associated with mitochondrial diseases were detected in the 2 populations. A high frequency of variants associated with mitochondrial diseases, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and cervical cancer were detected in the Orang Asli and modern Malays. As medicine evolves to adopt prediction and prevention of diseases, this study highlights the need for intervention to adopt genomics medicine to strategise better healthcare management as a way forward for Precision Health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Asif Sukri
- Integrative Pharmacogenomics Institute, Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Selangor, Puncak Alam Campus, 42300 Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Nur Fakhruzzaman Noorizhab
- Integrative Pharmacogenomics Institute, Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Selangor, Puncak Alam Campus, 42300 Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia; Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Selangor, Puncak Alam Campus, 42300 Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Lay Kek Teh
- Integrative Pharmacogenomics Institute, Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Selangor, Puncak Alam Campus, 42300 Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia; Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Selangor, Puncak Alam Campus, 42300 Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Zaki Salleh
- Integrative Pharmacogenomics Institute, Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Selangor, Puncak Alam Campus, 42300 Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Shughoury A, Ciulla TA, Bakall B, Pennesi ME, Kiss S, Cunningham ET. Genes and Gene Therapy in Inherited Retinal Disease. Int Ophthalmol Clin 2021; 61:3-45. [PMID: 34584043 DOI: 10.1097/iio.0000000000000377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
10
|
Zhu D, Schieferecke AJ, Lopez PA, Schaffer DV. Adeno-Associated Virus Vector for Central Nervous System Gene Therapy. Trends Mol Med 2021; 27:524-537. [PMID: 33895085 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2021.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The past several years have witnessed significant advances in the development of therapeutic gene delivery for neurological disorders of the central nervous system (CNS). In particular, genome-wide sequencing analysis has deepened our understanding of mutations that underlie many monogenic disorders, which in turn has contributed to clinical advances involving adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector delivery of replacement genes to treat recessive disorders. Moreover, gene therapy has been further bolstered with advances in genome editing tools that allow researchers to silence, repair, and amend endogenous genes. However, despite strong preclinical and clinical progress, challenges remain, including delivery and safety. Here, we discuss advances in AAV engineering, recent developments in cargo design, and translation of these technologies towards clinical progress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danqing Zhu
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Adam J Schieferecke
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Paola A Lopez
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - David V Schaffer
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA; Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA; Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Yu H, Sant DW, Wang G, Guy J. Mitochondrial Transfer of the Mutant Human ND6T14484C Gene Causes Visual Loss and Optic Neuropathy. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2020; 9:1. [PMID: 33101779 PMCID: PMC7545076 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.9.11.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate the long-term effects of mitochondrial gene transfer of mutant human NADH ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit VI (hND6T14484C) in the mouse eye. Methods Adult mice were injected intravitreally with mitochondrial-targeted adeno-associated virus carrying either hND6T14484C or mitochondrial encoded mCherry. The delivery and expression of the interest gene were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), quantitative PCR (qPCR), and immunostaining. The pathologic effects of the mutant gene in live mice were assessed with RNA-seq, serial spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), and pattern electroretinogram (PERG). Results Delivered hND6 was found 30-fold greater than endogenous mouse ND6 in microdissected retinal ganglion cells of hND6-injected mice. Compared to controls injected with mCherry, PERG amplitude of hND6 mice dropped significantly at 3 (P = 0.0023), 6 (P = 0.0058), and 15 (P = 0.031) months after injection. SD-OCT revealed swelling of the optic nerve head followed by the progressive retinal and optic nerve atrophy in hND6 mice. Furthermore, RNA-seq data showed a change in 381 transcripts’ expression in these mice compared to mCherry mice. Postmortem analysis showed hND6 mice had marked atrophy of the entire optic nerve, from the globe to the optic chiasm, and a significant loss of retinal ganglion cells compared to age-matched control mice (P = 1.7E-9). Conclusions Delivered hND6T14484C induces visual loss and optic neuropathy in mice, the hallmarks of human Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON). Translational Relevance Results from this study will help establish a novel strategy not only to generate an LHON animal model but also to provide a potential to treat this or any other mitochondrial diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong Yu
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - David W Sant
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Gaofeng Wang
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, Dr. John T. MacDonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - John Guy
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Pei X, Shao W, Xing A, Askew C, Chen X, Cui C, Abajas YL, Gerber DA, Merricks EP, Nichols TC, Li W, Samulski RJ, Li C. Development of AAV Variants with Human Hepatocyte Tropism and Neutralizing Antibody Escape Capacity. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2020; 18:259-268. [PMID: 32637455 PMCID: PMC7329936 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2020.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors have been successfully used in patients with bleeding disorders and blindness. For human liver targeting, two major factors restrict effective AAV transduction after systemic administration of AAV vectors: human hepatocyte tropism and neutralizing antibodies (Nabs). In this study, we attempted to isolate AAV variants with the ability to transduce human hepatocytes and escape Nabs using a directed evolution approach in vivo. After four cycles of selection, 14 AAV capsid mutants were identified from a capsid shuffling library selected in the presence of human Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) and isolated from human hepatocytes xenografted into chimeric mice. AAV neutralization assays using IVIG showed that most of the mutants showed the Nab escape pattern in a manner similar to that of AAV8 or AAV9 and better than that of other AAV serotypes. Different mutants displayed varying capacities to escape Nab activity from individual serum samples collected from healthy subjects or hemophilia patients. The mutant AAV LP2-10 was found in 12 colonies out of 25, which was composed of capsids from AAV serotypes 2, 6, 8, and 9, with VP3 subunits derived from AAV8 swapped with AAV6 from residues 261 to 272. The mutant AAV LP2-10 manifested a higher ability than that of other serotypes to escape Nabs in IVIG and most human serum samples. After injection of AAV vectors encoding a self-complementary GFP cassette into chimeric mice, LP2-10 transduced human hepatocytes with efficiency similar to that of AAV8. In summary, AAV mutants can be isolated in humanized mice with both human hepatocyte tropism and the ability to evade Nab activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolei Pei
- Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300020, China
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Wenwei Shao
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Allene Xing
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Charles Askew
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Xiaojing Chen
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Caibin Cui
- Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Yasmina L. Abajas
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - David A. Gerber
- Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Elizabeth P. Merricks
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Timothy C. Nichols
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Wuping Li
- Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - R. Jude Samulski
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Chengwen Li
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Systemic Delivery of AAV-Fdxr Mitigates the Phenotypes of Mitochondrial Disorders in Fdxr Mutant Mice. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2020; 18:84-97. [PMID: 32995353 PMCID: PMC7488755 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2020.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy now provides a novel approach for treating inherited monogenetic disorders, including nuclear gene mutations associated with mitochondrial diseases. In this study, we have utilized a mouse model carrying a p.Arg389Gln mutation of the mitochondrial Ferredoxin Reductase gene (Fdxr) and treated them with neurotropic AAV-PHP.B vector loaded with the mouse Fdxr cDNA sequence. We then used immunofluorescence staining and western blot to test the transduction efficiency of this vector. Toluidine blue staining and electronic microscopy were also utilized to assess the morphology of optic and sciatic nerves, and the mitochondrial respiratory chain activity was determined as well. The AAV vector effectively transduced in the central nervous system and peripheral organs, and AAV-Fdxr treatment reversed almost all the symptoms of the mutants (FdxrR389Q/R389Q). This therapy also improved the electronic conductivity of the sciatic nerves, prevented optic atrophy, improved mobility, and restored mitochondrial complex function. Most notably, the sensory neuropathy, neurodegeneration, and chronic neuroinflammation in the brain were alleviated. Overall, we present the first demonstration of a potential definitive treatment that significantly improves optic and sciatic nerve atrophy, sensory neuropathy, and mitochondrial dysfunction in FDXR-related mitochondriopathy. Our study provides substantial support for the translation of AAV-based Fdxr gene therapy into clinical applications.
Collapse
|
14
|
Bouquet C, Vignal Clermont C, Galy A, Fitoussi S, Blouin L, Munk MR, Valero S, Meunier S, Katz B, Sahel JA, Thomasson N. Immune Response and Intraocular Inflammation in Patients With Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy Treated With Intravitreal Injection of Recombinant Adeno-Associated Virus 2 Carrying the ND4 Gene: A Secondary Analysis of a Phase 1/2 Clinical Trial. JAMA Ophthalmol 2020; 137:399-406. [PMID: 30730541 DOI: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2018.6902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Importance Intravitreal gene therapy is regarded as generally safe with limited mild adverse events, but its systemic effects remain to be investigated. Objective To examine the association between immune response and intraocular inflammation after ocular gene therapy with recombinant adeno-associated virus 2 carrying the ND4 gene (rAAV2/2-ND4). Design, Setting, and Participants This secondary analysis of an open-label, dose-escalation phase 1/2 randomized clinical trial of rAAV2/2-ND4 included data from February 13, 2014 (first patient visit), to March 30, 2017 (last patient visit at week 96), the first 2 years after injection. Patients older than 15 years with diagnosed ND4 Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) and visual acuity of at least counting fingers were enrolled in 1 of 5 cohorts. Four dose cohorts of 3 patients each were treated sequentially. An extension cohort of 3 patients received the dose of 9 × 1010 viral genomes per eye. Interventions Patients received increasing doses of rAAV2/2-ND4 (9 × 109, 3 × 1010, 9 × 1010, and 1.8 × 1011 viral genomes per eye) as a single unilateral intravitreal injection. Patients were monitored for 96 weeks after injection; ocular examinations were performed regularly, and blood samples were collected for immunologic testing. Main Outcomes and Measures A composite ocular inflammation score (OIS) was calculated based on grades of anterior chamber cells and flare, vitreous cells, and haze according to the Standardization of Uveitis Nomenclature. The systemic immune response was quantified by enzyme-linked immunospot (cellular immune response), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (IgG titers), and luciferase assay (neutralizing antibody [NAb] titers). Results The present analysis included 15 patients (mean [SD] age, 47.9 [17.2] years; 13 men and 2 women) enrolled in the 5 cohorts of the clinical trial. Thirteen patients experienced intraocular inflammation after rAAV2/2-ND4 administration. Mild anterior chamber inflammation and vitritis were reported at all doses, and all cases were responsive to treatment. A maximum OIS of 9.5 was observed in a patient with history of idiopathic uveitis. Overall, OIS was not associated with the viral dose administered. No NAbs against AAV2 were detected in aqueous humor before treatment. Two patients tested positive for cellular immune response against AAV2 at baseline and after treatment. Humoral immune response was not apparently associated with the dose administered or with the immune status of patients at baseline. No association was found between OISs and serum NAb titers. Conclusions and Relevance In this study, intravitreal administration of rAAV2/2-ND4 in patients with LHON was safe and well tolerated. Further investigations may shed light into the local immune response to rAAV2/2-ND4 as a potential explanation for the observed intraocular inflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Catherine Vignal Clermont
- Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, Paris, France.,Rothschild Ophthalmology Foundation Hospital, Paris, France
| | | | | | | | - Marion R Munk
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bern Photographic Reading Center, Bern, Switzerland.,Inselspital, University Hospital Bern Oberärztin, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - José Alain Sahel
- Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, Paris, France.,Rothschild Ophthalmology Foundation Hospital, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Mustafa MF, Fakurazi S, Abdullah MA, Maniam S. Pathogenic Mitochondria DNA Mutations: Current Detection Tools and Interventions. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11020192. [PMID: 32059522 PMCID: PMC7074468 DOI: 10.3390/genes11020192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are best known for their role in energy production, and they are the only mammalian organelles that contain their own genomes. The mitochondrial genome mutation rate is reported to be 10–17 times higher compared to nuclear genomes as a result of oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen species during oxidative phosphorylation. Pathogenic mitochondrial DNA mutations result in mitochondrial DNA disorders, which are among the most common inherited human diseases. Interventions of mitochondrial DNA disorders involve either the transfer of viable isolated mitochondria to recipient cells or genetically modifying the mitochondrial genome to improve therapeutic outcome. This review outlines the common mitochondrial DNA disorders and the key advances in the past decade necessary to improve the current knowledge on mitochondrial disease intervention. Although it is now 31 years since the first description of patients with pathogenic mitochondrial DNA was reported, the treatment for mitochondrial disease is often inadequate and mostly palliative. Advancements in diagnostic technology improved the molecular diagnosis of previously unresolved cases, and they provide new insight into the pathogenesis and genetic changes in mitochondrial DNA diseases.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Acidosis, Lactic/congenital
- Acidosis, Lactic/genetics
- Acidosis, Lactic/metabolism
- DNA Mutational Analysis
- DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics
- DNA, Mitochondrial/metabolism
- Epilepsies, Myoclonic/congenital
- Epilepsies, Myoclonic/genetics
- Epilepsies, Myoclonic/therapy
- Gene Editing/methods
- Genetic Therapy/methods
- Humans
- Leigh Disease/genetics
- Leigh Disease/metabolism
- Leigh Disease/therapy
- Mitochondria/genetics
- Mitochondria/metabolism
- Mitochondria/pathology
- Mitochondrial Diseases/genetics
- Mitochondrial Diseases/metabolism
- Mitochondrial Diseases/therapy
- Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathies/congenital
- Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathies/genetics
- Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathies/metabolism
- Mutation
- Optic Atrophy, Hereditary, Leber/genetics
- Optic Atrophy, Hereditary, Leber/metabolism
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Fazirul Mustafa
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Sharida Fakurazi
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Maizaton Atmadini Abdullah
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Bioscience, University Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Sandra Maniam
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is the most common primary mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) disorder in the population and it carries a poor visual prognosis. In this article, we review the development of treatment strategies for LHON, the evidence base and the areas of unmet clinical need. RECENT FINDINGS There is accumulating evidence that increasing mitochondrial biogenesis could be an effective strategy for protecting retinal ganglion cells in LHON. A number of clinical trials are currently investigating the efficacy of viral-based gene therapy for patients harbouring the m.11778G>A mtDNA mutation. For female LHON carriers of childbearing age, mitochondrial replacement therapy is being offered to prevent the maternal transmission of pathogenic mtDNA mutations. SUMMARY Although disease-modifying treatment options remain limited, a better understanding of the underlying disease mechanisms in LHON is paving the way for complementary neuroprotective and gene therapeutic strategies for this mitochondrial optic nerve disorder.
Collapse
|
17
|
Li S, Duan S, Qin Y, Lin S, Zheng K, Li X, Zhang L, Gu X, Yao K, Wang B. Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy-Specific Heteroplasmic Mutation m.14495A>G Found in a Chinese Family. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2019; 8:3. [PMID: 31316863 PMCID: PMC6615366 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.8.4.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is a mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)-associated, maternally inherited eye disease. Mutation heteroplasmy level is one of the leading causes to trigger LHON manifestation. In this study, we aimed to identify the causative mutation in a large Han Chinese family with LHON and explore the underlying pathogenic mechanism in this LHON family. Methods The whole-mtDNA sequence was amplified by long-range PCR. Mutations were subsequently identified by next-generation sequencing (NGS) and validated by Sanger sequencing. The heteroplasmy rates of those family members were determined by digital PCR (dPCR). Mitochondrial haplogroups were assigned based on mtDNA tree build 17. Results The m.14495A>G mutation was identified as causative due to its higher heteroplasmy level (>50%) in patients than in their unaffected relatives. All mutation carriers belong to M7b1a1 and are assigned to Asian mtDNA lineage. Interestingly, our result revealed that high mtDNA copy number in carrier might prevent LHON manifestation. Conclusions This is the first report of m.14495A>G mutation in Asian individuals with LHON. Our study shows that dPCR technology can provide more reliable results in mutation heteroplasmy assay and determination of the cellular mtDNA content, making it a potentially promising tool for clinical precise diagnosis of LHON. Furthermore, our results also add evidence to the opinion that higher mtDNA content may protect mutation carriers from LHON. Translational Relevance dPCR can be used for the assessment of LHON disease, and a new genetic-based diagnostic strategy has been proposed for LHON patients with the m.14495A>G mutation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shouqing Li
- Department of Neuro-ophthalmology, Weifang Eye Hospital, Shandong Province, China
| | - Shan Duan
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Shenzhen Health Development Research Center, Shenzhen, China.,Center for Birth Defect Research and Prevention, Shenzhen Health Development Research Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yueyuan Qin
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Shenzhen Health Development Research Center, Shenzhen, China.,Center for Birth Defect Research and Prevention, Shenzhen Health Development Research Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Sheng Lin
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Shenzhen Health Development Research Center, Shenzhen, China.,Center for Birth Defect Research and Prevention, Shenzhen Health Development Research Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Kaifeng Zheng
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Shenzhen Health Development Research Center, Shenzhen, China.,Center for Birth Defect Research and Prevention, Shenzhen Health Development Research Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xi Li
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Shenzhen Health Development Research Center, Shenzhen, China.,Center for Birth Defect Research and Prevention, Shenzhen Health Development Research Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Linghua Zhang
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Shenzhen Health Development Research Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xueying Gu
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Shenzhen Health Development Research Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Keqin Yao
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Shenzhen Health Development Research Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Baojiang Wang
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Shenzhen Health Development Research Center, Shenzhen, China.,Center for Birth Defect Research and Prevention, Shenzhen Health Development Research Center, Shenzhen, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Jang YH, Lim KI. Recent Advances in Mitochondria-Targeted Gene Delivery. Molecules 2018; 23:E2316. [PMID: 30208599 PMCID: PMC6225103 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23092316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Revised: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are the energy-producing organelles of cells. Mitochondrial dysfunctions link to various syndromes and diseases including myoclonic epilepsy and ragged-red fiber disease (MERRF), Leigh syndrome (LS), and Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON). Primary mitochondrial diseases often result from mutations of mitochondrial genomes and nuclear genes that encode the mitochondrial components. However, complete intracellular correction of the mutated genetic parts relevant to mitochondrial structures and functions is technically challenging. Instead, there have been diverse attempts to provide corrected genetic materials with cells. In this review, we discuss recent novel physical, chemical and biological strategies, and methods to introduce genetic cargos into mitochondria of eukaryotic cells. Effective mitochondria-targeting gene delivery systems can reverse multiple mitochondrial disorders by enabling cells to produce functional mitochondrial components.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoon-Ha Jang
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul 04310, Korea.
| | - Kwang-Il Lim
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul 04310, Korea.
- Institute of Advanced Materials and Systems, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul 04310, Korea.
- Research Institute of ICT Convergence, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul 04310, Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
OPA1: How much do we know to approach therapy? Pharmacol Res 2018; 131:199-210. [PMID: 29454676 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2018.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Revised: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
OPA1 is a GTPase that controls several functions, such as mitochondrial dynamics and energetics, mtDNA maintenance and cristae integrity. In the last years, there have been described other cellular pathways and mechanisms involving OPA1 directly or through its interaction. All this new information, by implementing our knowledge on OPA1 is instrumental to elucidating the pathogenic mechanisms of OPA1 mutations. Indeed, these are associated with dominant optic atrophy (DOA), one of the most common inherited optic neuropathies, and with an increasing number of heterogeneous neurodegenerative disorders. In this review, we overview all recent findings on OPA1 protein functions, on its dysfunction and related clinical phenotypes, focusing on the current therapeutic options and future perspectives to treat DOA and the other associated neurological disorders due to OPA1 mutations.
Collapse
|
20
|
Desrosiers M, Dalkara D. Neutralizing Antibodies Against Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV): Measurement and Influence on Retinal Gene Delivery. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1715:225-238. [PMID: 29188517 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7522-8_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Adeno-associated viral vectors have become widely used in the clinic for retinal gene therapy. Thanks to AAVs impeccable safety profile and positive functional outcomes in its clinical application, interest in retinal gene therapy has increased exponentially over the past decade. Although early clinical trials have shown there is little influence of neutralizing antibodies on the performance of AAV when vector is administered into the subretinal space, recent findings suggest neutralizing antibodies may play a role when AAV is delivered via the intravitreal route. These findings highlight the importance of microenvironment on gene delivery and stress the need for a versatile assay to screen subjects for the presence of AAV-neutralizing antibodies. Measuring NAb titers against AAV prior and after gene therapy will help us better understand the impact of preexisting immunity on gene transfer, especially when the vector is administered intravitreally.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mélissa Desrosiers
- INSERM, U968, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France.,CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris, France
| | - Deniz Dalkara
- INSERM, U968, Paris, France. .,Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France. .,CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Moore NA, Morral N, Ciulla TA, Bracha P. Gene therapy for inherited retinal and optic nerve degenerations. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2017; 18:37-49. [DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2018.1389886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas A. Moore
- Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Nuria Morral
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Thomas A. Ciulla
- Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Retina Service, Midwest Eye Institute, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Peter Bracha
- Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Reid CA, Boye SL, Hauswirth WW, Lipinski DM. miRNA-mediated post-transcriptional silencing of transgenes leads to increased adeno-associated viral vector yield and targeting specificity. Gene Ther 2017; 24:462-469. [DOI: 10.1038/gt.2017.50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2017] [Revised: 06/05/2017] [Accepted: 06/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
|
23
|
Vallabh NA, Romano V, Willoughby CE. Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in corneal disease. Mitochondrion 2017; 36:103-113. [PMID: 28549842 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2017.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Revised: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The cornea is the anterior transparent surface and the main refracting structure of the eye. Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are implicated in the pathogenesis of inherited (e.g. Kearns Sayre Syndrome) and acquired corneal diseases (e.g. keratoconus and Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy). Both antioxidants and reactive oxygen species are found in the healthy cornea. There is increasing evidence of imbalance in the oxidative balance and mitochondrial function in the cornea in disease states. The cornea is vulnerable to mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress due to its highly exposed position to ultraviolet radiation and high oxygen tension. The corneal endothelium is vulnerable to accumulating mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage due to the post- mitotic nature of endothelial cells, yet their mitochondrial genome is continually replicating and mtDNA mutations can develop and accumulate with age. The unique physiology of the cornea predisposes this structure to oxidative damage, and there is interplay between inherited and acquired mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative damage and a number of corneal diseases. By targeting mitochondrial dysfunction in corneal disease, emerging treatments may prevent or reduce visual loss.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neeru A Vallabh
- Corneal and External Eye Service, St. Paul's Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, Department of Eye and Vision Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Vito Romano
- Corneal and External Eye Service, St. Paul's Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Colin E Willoughby
- Corneal and External Eye Service, St. Paul's Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, Department of Eye and Vision Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Chun BY, Rizzo JF. Dominant Optic Atrophy and Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy: Update on Clinical Features and Current Therapeutic Approaches. Semin Pediatr Neurol 2017; 24:129-134. [PMID: 28941528 DOI: 10.1016/j.spen.2017.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Dominant optic atrophy (DOA) and Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) are the two most common inherited optic neuropathies encountered in clinical practice. This review provides a summary of recent advances in the understanding of the clinical manifestations, current treatments, and ongoing clinical trials of these two optic neuropathies. Substantial progress has been made in the understanding of the clinical, genetic, and pathophysiological basis of DOA and LHON. Pathogenic OPA1 gene mutations in DOA and 3 primary mutations of mitochondrial DNA in LHON-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, which in turn leads to increased reactive oxygen species levels in mitochondria and possibly insufficient ATP production. The pathologic hallmark of these inherited optic neuropathies is primary degeneration of retinal ganglion cells, preferentially in the papillomacular bundle, which results in temporal optic disc pallor and central or cecocentral visual loss. There are no effective treatments for patients with LHON and DOA, although clinical trials are underway for the former. Translational research for these diseases is entering an accelerated phase with the availability of animal models, and a variety of pharmacological and genetic therapies are being developed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Young Chun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea; Brain Science & Engineering Institute, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| | - Joseph F Rizzo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Bi R, Logan I, Yao YG. Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy: A Mitochondrial Disease Unique in Many Ways. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2017; 240:309-336. [PMID: 27787713 DOI: 10.1007/164_2016_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) was the first mitochondrial disease to be identified as being caused by mutations in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). This disease has been studied extensively in the past two decades, particularly in Brazilian, Chinese and European populations; and many primary mutations have been reported. However, the disease is enigmatic with many unique features, and there still are several important questions to be resolved. The incomplete penetrance, the male-biased disease expression and the prevalence in young adults all defy a proper explanation. It has been reported that the development of LHON is affected by the interaction between mtDNA mutations, mtDNA haplogroup background, nuclear genes, environmental factors and epigenetics. Furthermore, with the help of new animal models for LHON that have been created in recent years, we are continuing to learn more about the mechanism of this disease. The stage has now been reached at which there is a good understanding of both the genetic basis of the disease and its epidemiology, but just how the blindness that follows from the death of cells in the optic nerve can be prevented remains to be a pharmacological challenge. In this chapter, we summarize the progress that has been made in various recent studies on LHON, focusing on the molecular pathogenic mechanisms, clinical features, biochemical effects, the pharmacology and its treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Bi
- Division of Medical Genetics & Evolutionary Medicine, Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | | | - Yong-Gang Yao
- Division of Medical Genetics & Evolutionary Medicine, Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Ischemic optic neuropathy as a model of neurodegenerative disorder: A review of pathogenic mechanism of axonal degeneration and the role of neuroprotection. J Neurol Sci 2016; 375:430-441. [PMID: 28320183 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2016.12.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Revised: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Optic neuropathy is a neurodegenerative disease which involves optic nerve injury. It is caused by acute or intermittent insults leading to visual dysfunction. There are number of factors, responsible for optic neuropathy, and the optic nerve axon is affected in all type which causes the loss of retinal ganglion cells. In this review we will highlight various mechanisms involved in the cell loss cascades during axonal degeneration as well as ischemic optic neuropathy. These mechanisms include oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, angiogenesis, neuroinflammation and apoptosis following retinal ischemia. We will also discuss the effect of neuroprotective agents in attenuation of the negative effect of factors involve in the disease occurrence and progression.
Collapse
|
27
|
Investigating Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy: Cell models and future perspectives. Mitochondrion 2016; 32:19-26. [PMID: 27847334 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2016.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2016] [Revised: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 11/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) was the first human disease found to be associated with a mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) point mutation. The most common LHON mutations are 11778G>A, 3460G>A or 14484T>C. The most common clinical features of LHON are optic nerve and retina atrophy. The affected tissue is not available for studies, therefore a variety of other cell types are used. However, all models face difficulties and limitations in mitochondrial disease research. The advantages and disadvantages of different cell models used to study LHON, recent advances in animal model generation and novel approaches in this field are discussed.
Collapse
|
28
|
Sengillo JD, Justus S, Tsai YT, Cabral T, Tsang SH. Gene and cell-based therapies for inherited retinal disorders: An update. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS PART C-SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2016; 172:349-366. [PMID: 27862925 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Retinal degenerations present a unique challenge as disease progression is irreversible and the retina has little regenerative potential. No current treatments for inherited retinal disease have the ability to reverse blindness, and current dietary supplement recommendations only delay disease progression with varied results. However, the retina is anatomically accessible and capable of being monitored at high resolution in vivo. This, in addition to the immune-privileged status of the eye, has put ocular disease at the forefront of advances in gene- and cell-based therapies. This review provides an update on gene therapies and randomized control trials for inherited retinal disease, including Leber congenital amaurosis, choroideremia, retinitis pigmentosa, Usher syndrome, X-linked retinoschisis, Leber hereditary optic neuropathy, and achromatopsia. New gene-modifying and cell-based strategies are also discussed. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Collapse
|
29
|
Yang S, Ma SQ, Wan X, He H, Pei H, Zhao MJ, Chen C, Wang DW, Dong XY, Yuan JJ, Li B. Long-term outcomes of gene therapy for the treatment of Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy. EBioMedicine 2016; 10:258-68. [PMID: 27426279 PMCID: PMC5006665 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2016.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Revised: 07/03/2016] [Accepted: 07/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is a disease that leads to blindness. Gene therapy has been investigated with some success, and could lead to important advancements in treating LHON. This was a prospective, open-label trial involving 9 LHON patients at Tongji Hospital, Wuhan, China, from August 2011 to December 2015. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of gene therapy for LHON. Nine LHON patients voluntarily received an intravitreal injection of rAAV2-ND4. Systemic examinations and visual function tests were performed during the 36-month follow-up period to determine the safety and efficacy of this gene therapy. Based on successful experiments in an animal model of LHON, 1 subject also received an rAAV2-ND4 injection in the second eye 12 months after gene therapy was administered in the first eye. Recovery of visual acuity was defined as the primary outcome of this study. Changes in the visual field, visual evoked potential (VEP), optical coherence tomography findings, liver and kidney function, and antibodies against AAV2 were defined as secondary endpoints. Eight patients (Patients 2–9) received unilateral gene therapy and visual function improvement was observed in both treated eyes (Patients 4, 6, 7, and 8) and untreated eyes (Patients 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8). Visual regression fluctuations, defined as changes in visual acuity greater than or equal to 0.3 logMAR, were observed in Patients 2 and 9. Age at disease onset, disease duration, and the amount of remaining optic nerve fibers did not have a significant effect on the visual function improvement. The visual field and pattern reversal VEP also improved. The patient (Patient 1) who received gene therapy in both eyes had improved visual acuity in the injected eye after the first treatment. Unfortunately, visual acuity in this eye decreased 3 months after he received gene therapy in the second eye. Animal experiments suggested that ND4 expression remains stable in the contralateral eye after intravitreal injections. No serious safety problem was observed in the 3-year follow-up of the 9 participants enrolled in this virus-based gene therapy. Meanwhile, our results support the use of intravitreal rAAV2-ND4 as an aggressive maneuver in our clinical trial. Further study in additional patients and in these 9 subjects is needed to better understand the effects of rAAV2-ND4 gene therapy on LHON and to increase the applications of this technique. A long-term study of efficacy of gene therapy for Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy. No serious adverse effects were noted in the 9 participants over a 3-year period. Five patients experienced an improvement in visual function. Gene therapy is a promising treatment for Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy.
There are currently no effective treatments for Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON). Short-term studies using virus-based gene therapy have yielded promising results. We performed systemic examinations and visual function tests to evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of gene therapy for LHON. Over a 3-year follow-up period, five out of nine patients had visual function improvement, and no serious adverse effects were noted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Si-Qi Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xing Wan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Heng He
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Han Pei
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Min-Jian Zhao
- Department of Oncology, Central Hospital, Ezhou City, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Chen
- Genetic Diagnosis Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Dao-Wen Wang
- Genetic Diagnosis Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Yan Dong
- Beijing FivePlus Molecular Medicine Institute Co. Ltd., Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia-Jia Yuan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China; Wuhan Phoebus Biological Technology Limited Company, Wuhan, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Trapani I, Banfi S, Simonelli F, Surace EM, Auricchio A. Gene therapy of inherited retinal degenerations: prospects and challenges. Hum Gene Ther 2016; 26:193-200. [PMID: 25762209 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2015.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Because of its favorable anatomical and immunological characteristics, the eye has been at the forefront of translational gene therapy. Dozens of promising proofs of concept have been obtained in animal models of inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs), and some of them have been relayed to the clinic. The results from the first clinical trials for a congenital form of blindness have generated great interest and have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of intraocular administrations of viral vectors in humans. However, this progress has also generated new questions and posed challenges that need to be addressed to further expand the applicability of gene therapy in the eye, including safe delivery of viral vectors to the outer retina, treatment of dominant IRDs as well as of IRDs caused by mutations in large genes, and, finally, selection of the appropriate IRDs and patients to maximize the efficacy of gene transfer. This review summarizes the strategies that are currently being exploited to overcome these challenges and drive the clinical development of retinal gene therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Trapani
- 1 Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM) , Pozzuoli, Naples 80078, Italy
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Bénit P, Schiff M, Cwerman-Thibault H, Corral-Debrinski M, Rustin P. Drug development for mitochondrial disease: recent progress, current challenges, and future prospects. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2015. [DOI: 10.1517/21678707.2016.1117972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
|
32
|
Tischner C, Wenz T. Keep the fire burning: Current avenues in the quest of treating mitochondrial disorders. Mitochondrion 2015; 24:32-49. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2015.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2015] [Revised: 06/18/2015] [Accepted: 06/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
|
33
|
Allen KF, Gaier ED, Wiggs JL. Genetics of Primary Inherited Disorders of the Optic Nerve: Clinical Applications. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2015; 5:a017277. [PMID: 26134840 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a017277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Inherited disorders of the optic nerve significantly impact vision in children and adults. The optic nerve disorders most commonly encountered clinically are glaucoma and primary optic neuropathy including Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) and autosomal dominant or Kjer's optic atrophy. Current knowledge of the genetics of optic neuropathy and glaucoma makes it possible to test for mutations in disease-causing genes allowing for presymptomatic testing and risk assessment, and recent advances have revealed important disease mechanisms that may suggest potential therapeutic targets. In this perspective, we describe the current approaches and limitations to genetic testing for these disorders and provide an update on the development of gene-based therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keri F Allen
- Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, Massachusetts 02114
| | - Eric D Gaier
- Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, Massachusetts 02114
| | - Janey L Wiggs
- Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, Massachusetts 02114
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Meyerson C, Van Stavern G, McClelland C. Leber hereditary optic neuropathy: current perspectives. Clin Ophthalmol 2015; 9:1165-76. [PMID: 26170609 PMCID: PMC4492634 DOI: 10.2147/opth.s62021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is one of the most common inherited optic neuropathies causing bilateral central vision loss. The disorder results from point mutations in mitochondrial DNA and subsequent mitochondrial dysfunction. The primary cell type that is lost in LHON is the retinal ganglion cell, which is highly susceptible to disrupted ATP production and oxidative stress. Inheritance of LHON follows that of mitochondrial genetics, and it has a highly variable clinical phenotype, as other genetic and environmental factors also play a role. Although LHON usually presents with isolated vision loss, some patients suffer other neurological sequelae. For ill-defined reasons, male LHON mutation carriers are more affected than females. Most LHON patients remain legally blind, but a small proportion can experience spontaneous partial recovery, often within the first year of symptom onset. Unfortunately, at this time there are no established curative interventions and treatment is largely supportive. Patients should be offered low vision services and counseled on mitigating risk factors for additional vision loss, such as smoking and consuming alcohol. Encouraging treatments currently undergoing investigation includes ubiquinone analogs, such as idebenone, as well as gene therapy and stem cells to restore ATP synthesis and provide neuroprotection to surviving retinal ganglion cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cherise Meyerson
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Greg Van Stavern
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Collin McClelland
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Yuan Y, Wang W, Li H, Yu Y, Tao J, Huang S, Zeng Z. Nonsense and missense mutation of mitochondrial ND6 gene promotes cell migration and invasion in human lung adenocarcinoma. BMC Cancer 2015; 15:346. [PMID: 25934296 PMCID: PMC4425906 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-015-1349-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2014] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Previous study showed that mitochondrial ND6 (mitND6) gene missense mutation resulted in NADH dehydrogenase deficiency and was associated with tumor metastasis in several mouse tumor cell lines. In the present study, we investigated the possible role of mitND6 gene nonsense and missense mutations in the metastasis of human lung adenocarcinoma. Methods The presence of mitND6 gene mutations was screened by DNA sequencing of tumor tissues from 87 primary lung adenocarcinoma patients and the correlation of the mutations with the clinical features was analyzed. In addition, we constructed cytoplasmic hybrid cells with denucleared primary lung adenocarcinoma cell as the mitochondria donor and mitochondria depleted lung adenocarcinoma A549 cell as the nuclear donor. Using these cells, we studied the effects of mitND6 gene nonsense and missense mutations on cell migration and invasion through wounding healing and matrigel-coated transwell assay. The effects of mitND6 gene mutations on NADH dehydrogenase activity and ROS production were analyzed by spectrophotometry and flow cytometry. Results mitND6 gene nonsense and missense mutations were detected in 11 of 87 lung adenocarcinoma specimens and was correlated with the clinical features including age, pathological grade, tumor stage, lymph node metastasis and survival rate. Moreover, A549 cell containing mitND6 gene nonsense and missense mutation exhibited significantly lower activity of NADH dehydrogenase, higher level of ROS, higher capacity of cell migration and invasion, and higher pAKT and pERK1/ERK2 expression level than cells with the wild type mitND6 gene. In addition, NADH dehydrogenase inhibitor rotenone was found to significantly promote the migration and invasion of A549 cells. Conclusions Our data suggest that mitND6 gene nonsense and missense mutation might promote cell migration and invasion in lung adenocarcinoma, probably by NADH dehydrogenase deficiency induced over-production of ROS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yuan
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Shanghai, P R China.
| | - Weixing Wang
- Department of Medical Imaging, Changhai Hospital, Shanghai, P R China.
| | - Huizhong Li
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Fuzhou General Hospital of Nanjing Command, PLA, Nanjing, China.
| | - Yongwei Yu
- Department of Pathology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, P R China.
| | - Jin Tao
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Shanghai, P R China.
| | - Shengdong Huang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Shanghai, P R China.
| | - Zhiyong Zeng
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Fuzhou General Hospital of Nanjing Command, PLA, Nanjing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Fayzulin RZ, Perez M, Kozhukhar N, Spadafora D, Wilson GL, Alexeyev MF. A method for mutagenesis of mouse mtDNA and a resource of mouse mtDNA mutations for modeling human pathological conditions. Nucleic Acids Res 2015; 43:e62. [PMID: 25820427 PMCID: PMC4482060 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkv140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2014] [Accepted: 02/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) can cause mitochondrial disease and have been associated with neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, diabetes and aging. Yet our progress toward delineating the precise contributions of mtDNA mutations to these conditions is impeded by the limited availability of faithful transmitochondrial animal models. Here, we report a method for the isolation of mutations in mouse mtDNA and its implementation for the generation of a collection of over 150 cell lines suitable for the production of transmitochondrial mice. This method is based on the limited mutagenesis of mtDNA by proofreading-deficient DNA-polymerase γ followed by segregation of the resulting highly heteroplasmic mtDNA population by means of intracellular cloning. Among generated cell lines, we identify nine which carry mutations affecting the same amino acid or nucleotide positions as in human disease, including a mutation in the ND4 gene responsible for 70% of Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathies (LHON). Similar to their human counterparts, cybrids carrying the homoplasmic mouse LHON mutation demonstrated reduced respiration, reduced ATP content and elevated production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS). The generated resource of mouse mtDNA mutants will be useful both in modeling human mitochondrial disease and in understanding the mechanisms of ROS production mediated by mutations in mtDNA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafik Z Fayzulin
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA
| | - Michael Perez
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA
| | - Natalia Kozhukhar
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA
| | - Domenico Spadafora
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA
| | - Glenn L Wilson
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA
| | - Mikhail F Alexeyev
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Nuclear expression of mitochondrial ND4 leads to the protein assembling in complex I and prevents optic atrophy and visual loss. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2015; 2:15003. [PMID: 26029714 PMCID: PMC4444999 DOI: 10.1038/mtm.2015.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2014] [Revised: 01/05/2015] [Accepted: 01/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Leber hereditary optic neuropathy is due to mitochondrial DNA mutations; in ~70% of all cases, a point mutation in the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4, ND4, gene leads to central vision loss. We optimized allotopic expression (nuclear transcription of a gene that is normally transcribed inside the mitochondria) aimed at designing a gene therapy for ND4; its coding sequence was associated with the cis-acting elements of the human COX10 mRNA to allow the efficient mitochondrial delivery of the protein. After ocular administration to adult rats of a recombinant adeno-associated viral vector containing the human ND4 gene, we demonstrated that: (i) the sustained expression of human ND4 did not lead to harmful effects, instead the human protein is efficiently imported inside the mitochondria and assembled in respiratory chain complex I; (ii) the presence of the human protein in the experimental model of Leber hereditary optic neuropathy significantly prevents retinal ganglion cell degeneration and preserves both complex I function in optic nerves and visual function. Hence, the use of optimized allotopic expression is relevant for treating mitochondrial disorders due to mutations in the organelle genome.
Collapse
|
38
|
Turnbull DM, Rustin P. Genetic and biochemical intricacy shapes mitochondrial cytopathies. Neurobiol Dis 2015; 92:55-63. [PMID: 25684538 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2015.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2014] [Revised: 01/22/2015] [Accepted: 02/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The major progress made in the identification of the molecular bases of mitochondrial disease has revealed the huge diversity of their origin. Today up to 300 mutations were identified in the mitochondrial genome and about 200 nuclear genes are possibly mutated. In this review, we highlight a number of features specific to mitochondria which possibly participate in the complexity of these diseases. These features include both the complexity of mitochondrial genetics and the multiplicity of the roles ensured by the organelles in numerous aspects of cell life and death. This spectacular complexity presumably accounts for the present lack of an efficient therapy in the vast majority of cases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Douglass M Turnbull
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Institute for Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Framlington Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Pierre Rustin
- INSERM UMR 1141, Hôpital Robert Debré, Paris, France; Université Paris 7, Faculté de Médecine Denis Diderot, Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Dunn DA, Pinkert CA. Allotopic expression of ATP6 in the mouse as a transgenic model of mitochondrial disease. Methods Mol Biol 2015; 1265:255-69. [PMID: 25634280 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-2288-8_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Progress in animal modeling of polymorphisms and mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is not as developed as nuclear transgenesis due to a host of cellular and physiological distinctions. mtDNA mutation modeling is of critical importance as mutations in the mitochondrial genome give rise to a variety of pathological conditions and play a contributing role in many others. Nuclear localization and transcription of mtDNA genes followed by cytoplasmic translation and transport into mitochondria (allotopic expression, AE) provide an opportunity to create in vivo modeling of a targeted mutation in mitochondrial genes and has been suggested as a strategy for gene replacement therapy in patients harboring mitochondrial DNA mutations. Here, we use our AE approach to transgenic mouse modeling of the pathogenic human T8993G mutation in mtATP6 as a case study for designing AE animal models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David A Dunn
- Department of Biological Sciences, State University of New York, Oswego, NY, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Trapani I, Puppo A, Auricchio A. Vector platforms for gene therapy of inherited retinopathies. Prog Retin Eye Res 2014; 43:108-28. [PMID: 25124745 PMCID: PMC4241499 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2014.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Revised: 07/26/2014] [Accepted: 08/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Inherited retinopathies (IR) are common untreatable blinding conditions. Most of them are inherited as monogenic disorders, due to mutations in genes expressed in retinal photoreceptors (PR) and in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The retina's compatibility with gene transfer has made transduction of different retinal cell layers in small and large animal models via viral and non-viral vectors possible. The ongoing identification of novel viruses as well as modifications of existing ones based either on rational design or directed evolution have generated vector variants with improved transduction properties. Dozens of promising proofs of concept have been obtained in IR animal models with both viral and non-viral vectors, and some of them have been relayed to clinical trials. To date, recombinant vectors based on the adeno-associated virus (AAV) represent the most promising tool for retinal gene therapy, given their ability to efficiently deliver therapeutic genes to both PR and RPE and their excellent safety and efficacy profiles in humans. However, AAVs' limited cargo capacity has prevented application of the viral vector to treatments requiring transfer of genes with a coding sequence larger than 5 kb. Vectors with larger capacity, i.e. nanoparticles, adenoviral and lentiviral vectors are being exploited for gene transfer to the retina in animal models and, more recently, in humans. This review focuses on the available platforms for retinal gene therapy to fight inherited blindness, highlights their main strengths and examines the efforts to overcome some of their limitations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Trapani
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Naples, Italy
| | - Agostina Puppo
- 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 University, Naples, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
|
42
|
Carvalho LS, Vandenberghe LH. Promising and delivering gene therapies for vision loss. Vision Res 2014; 111:124-33. [PMID: 25094052 DOI: 10.1016/j.visres.2014.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2014] [Revised: 07/25/2014] [Accepted: 07/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The maturity in our understanding of the genetics and the pathogenesis of disease in degenerative retinal disorders has intersected in past years with a novel treatment paradigm in which a genetic intervention may lead to sustained therapeutic benefit, and in some cases even restoration of vision. Here, we review this prospect of retinal gene therapy, discuss the enabling technologies that have led to first-in-human demonstrations of efficacy and safety, and the road that led to this exciting point in time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Livia S Carvalho
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, 20 Staniford Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Luk H Vandenberghe
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, 20 Staniford Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| |
Collapse
|