1
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Chowdhury EA, Ahuja M, Wu S, Liu S, Huang HW, Kumar M, Sunkara KS, Ghobrial A, Chandran J, Jamier T, Perkinton M, Meno-Tetang G, Shah DK. Pharmacokinetics of AAV9 Mediated Trastuzumab Expression in Rat Brain Following Systemic and Local Administration. J Pharm Sci 2024; 113:131-140. [PMID: 37659717 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2023.08.023] [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: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Recombinant adeno-associated viruses(rAAVs) are an attractive tool to ensure long-term expression monoclonal antibody(mAb) in the central nervous system(CNS). It is still unclear whether systemic injection or local CNS administration of AAV9 is more beneficial for the exposure of the expressed mAb in the brain. Hence, we compared the biodistribution and transgene expression following AAV9-Trastuzumab administration through different routes. METHODS AND RESULT In-house generated AAV9-Trastuzumab vectors were administered at 5E+11 Vgs/rat through intravenous(IV), intracerebroventricular(ICV), intra-cisterna magna(ICM) and intrastriatal(IST) routes. Vector and trastuzumab blood/plasma concentrations were assessed at different time points up to the terminal time point of 21 days. Different brain regions in addition to the spinal cord, cerebrospinal fluid(CSF) and interstitial fluid(ISF), were also analyzed at the terminal time point. Our results show that vector biodistribution and Trastuzumab expression in the brain could the ranked as follows: IST>ICM>ICV>IV. Rapid clearance of vector was observed after administration via the ICM and ICV routes. The ICV route produced similar expression levels across different brain regions, while the ICM route had better expression in the hindbrain and spinal cord region. The IST route had higher expression in the forebrain region compared to the hindbrain region. A sharp decline in trastuzumab plasma concentration was observed across all routes of administration due to anti-trastuzumab antibody response. CONCLUSION In this study we have characterized vector biodistribution and transgene mAb expression after AAV9 vector administration through different routes in rats. IST and ICM represent the best administration routes to deliver antibody genes to the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekram Ahmed Chowdhury
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo, USA
| | - Manuj Ahuja
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo, USA
| | - Shengjia Wu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo, USA
| | - Shufang Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo, USA
| | - Hsien Wei Huang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo, USA
| | - Mokshada Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo, USA
| | - Kiran Sai Sunkara
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo, USA
| | - Avanobe Ghobrial
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo, USA
| | - Jayanth Chandran
- Biologic Therapeutics, Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Tanguy Jamier
- Neuroscience, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Guy Meno-Tetang
- Neuroscience, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Dhaval K Shah
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo, USA.
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2
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Georgiou E, Kagiava A, Sargiannidou I, Schiza N, Stavrou M, Richter J, Tryfonos C, Heslegrave A, Zetterberg H, Christodoulou C, Kleopa KA. AAV9-mediated SH3TC2 gene replacement therapy targeted to Schwann cells for the treatment of CMT4C. Mol Ther 2023; 31:3290-3307. [PMID: 37641403 PMCID: PMC10638072 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.08.020] [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: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Type 4C Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT4C) demyelinating neuropathy is caused by autosomal recessive SH3TC2 gene mutations. SH3TC2 is highly expressed in myelinating Schwann cells. CMT4C is a childhood-onset progressive disease without effective treatment. Here, we generated a gene therapy for CMT4C mediated by an adeno-associated viral 9 vector (AAV9) to deliver the human SH3TC2 gene in the Sh3tc2-/- mouse model of CMT4C. We used a minimal fragment of the myelin protein zero (Mpz) promoter (miniMpz), which was cloned and validated to achieve Schwann cell-targeted expression of SH3TC2. Following the demonstration of AAV9-miniMpz.SH3TC2myc vector efficacy to re-establish SH3TC2 expression in the peripheral nervous system, we performed an early as well as a delayed treatment trial in Sh3tc2-/- mice. We demonstrate both after early as well as following late treatment improvements in multiple motor performance tests and nerve conduction velocities. Moreover, treatment led to normalization of the organization of the nodes of Ranvier, which is typically deficient in CMT4C patients and Sh3tc2-/- mice, along with reduced ratios of demyelinated fibers, increased myelin thickness and reduced g-ratios at both time points of intervention. Taken together, our results provide a proof of concept for an effective and potentially translatable gene replacement therapy for CMT4C treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Georgiou
- Neuroscience Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Alexia Kagiava
- Neuroscience Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Irene Sargiannidou
- Neuroscience Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Natasa Schiza
- Neuroscience Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Marina Stavrou
- Neuroscience Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Jan Richter
- Molecular Virology Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Christina Tryfonos
- Molecular Virology Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Amanda Heslegrave
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, UK
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, UK; Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden; Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden; Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China; Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Christina Christodoulou
- Molecular Virology Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Kleopas A Kleopa
- Neuroscience Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus; Center for Neuromuscular Disorders, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus.
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3
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Antoniou A, Auderset L, Kaurani L, Sebastian E, Zeng Y, Allahham M, Cases-Cunillera S, Schoch S, Gründemann J, Fischer A, Schneider A. Neuronal extracellular vesicles and associated microRNAs induce circuit connectivity downstream BDNF. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112063. [PMID: 36753414 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as mediators of cellular communication, in part via the delivery of associated microRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression. We show that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mediates the sorting of miR-132-5p, miR-218-5p, and miR-690 in neuron-derived EVs. BDNF-induced EVs in turn increase excitatory synapse formation in recipient hippocampal neurons, which is dependent on the inter-neuronal delivery of these miRNAs. Transcriptomic analysis further indicates the differential expression of developmental and synaptogenesis-related genes by BDNF-induced EVs, many of which are predicted targets of miR-132-5p, miR-218-5p, and miR-690. Furthermore, BDNF-induced EVs up-regulate synaptic vesicle (SV) clustering in a transmissible manner, thereby increasing synaptic transmission and synchronous neuronal activity. As BDNF and EV-miRNAs miR-218 and miR-132 were previously implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders such as anxiety and depression, our results contribute to a better understanding of disorders characterized by aberrant neural circuit connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Antoniou
- Department for Neurodegenerative Diseases and Geriatric Psychiatry, University of Bonn Medical Center, 53127 Bonn, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 53127 Bonn, Germany.
| | - Loic Auderset
- Department for Neurodegenerative Diseases and Geriatric Psychiatry, University of Bonn Medical Center, 53127 Bonn, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Lalit Kaurani
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany; Department for Systems Medicine and Epigenetics in Neurodegenerative Diseases, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Eva Sebastian
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Yuzhou Zeng
- Department for Neurodegenerative Diseases and Geriatric Psychiatry, University of Bonn Medical Center, 53127 Bonn, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Maria Allahham
- Institute of Bio- and Geosciences 1, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52428 Jülich, Germany; Aachen Biology and Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, 52056 Aachen, Germany
| | - Silvia Cases-Cunillera
- Section for Translational Epilepsy Research, Department of Neuropathology, University of Bonn Medical Center, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Susanne Schoch
- Section for Translational Epilepsy Research, Department of Neuropathology, University of Bonn Medical Center, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Jan Gründemann
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Andre Fischer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany; Department for Systems Medicine and Epigenetics in Neurodegenerative Diseases, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Anja Schneider
- Department for Neurodegenerative Diseases and Geriatric Psychiatry, University of Bonn Medical Center, 53127 Bonn, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 53127 Bonn, Germany.
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4
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Nieuwenhuis B, Laperrousaz E, Tribble JR, Verhaagen J, Fawcett JW, Martin KR, Williams PA, Osborne A. Improving adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector-mediated transgene expression in retinal ganglion cells: comparison of five promoters. Gene Ther 2023:10.1038/s41434-022-00380-z. [PMID: 36635457 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-022-00380-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors (AAVs) are an effective system for gene transfer. AAV serotype 2 (AAV2) is commonly used to deliver transgenes to retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) via intravitreal injection. The AAV serotype however is not the only factor contributing to the effectiveness of gene therapies. Promoters influence the strength and cell-selectivity of transgene expression. This study compares five promoters designed to maximise AAV2 cargo space for gene delivery: chicken β-actin (CBA), cytomegalovirus (CMV), short CMV early enhancer/chicken β-actin/short β-globulin intron (sCAG), mouse phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK), and human synapsin (SYN). The promoters driving enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) were examined in adult C57BL/6J mice eyes and tissues of the visual system. eGFP expression was strongest in the retina, optic nerves and brain when driven by the sCAG and SYN promoters. CBA, CMV, and PGK had moderate expression by comparison. The SYN promoter had almost exclusive transgene expression in RGCs. The PGK promoter had predominant expression in both RGCs and AII amacrine cells. The ubiquitous CBA, CMV, and sCAG promoters expressed eGFP in a variety of cell types across multiple retinal layers including Müller glia and astrocytes. We also found that these promoters could transduce human retina ex vivo, although expression was predominantly in glial cells due to low RGC viability. Taken together, this promoter comparison study contributes to optimising AAV-mediated transduction in the retina, and could be valuable for research in ocular disorders, particularly those with large or complex genetic cargos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart Nieuwenhuis
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK. .,Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0XY, UK.
| | - Elise Laperrousaz
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - James R Tribble
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joost Verhaagen
- Laboratory for Regeneration of Sensorimotor Systems, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Centre for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - James W Fawcett
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Centre of Reconstructive Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Keith R Martin
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Pete A Williams
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andrew Osborne
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK. .,Ikarovec Ltd, The Norwich Research Park Innovation Centre, Norwich, UK.
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5
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Stein CS, McLendon JM, Witmer NH, Boudreau RL. Modulation of miR-181 influences dopaminergic neuronal degeneration in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 28:1-15. [PMID: 35280925 PMCID: PMC8899134 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is caused by the loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra (SN). Although PD pathogenesis is not fully understood, studies implicate perturbations in gene regulation, mitochondrial function, and neuronal activity. MicroRNAs (miRs) are small gene regulatory RNAs that inhibit diverse subsets of target mRNAs, and several studies have noted miR expression alterations in PD brains. For example, miR-181a is abundant in the brain and is increased in PD patient brain samples; however, the disease relevance of this remains unclear. Here, we show that miR-181 target mRNAs are broadly downregulated in aging and PD brains. To address whether the miR-181 family plays a role in PD pathogenesis, we generated adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) to overexpress and inhibit the miR-181 isoforms. After co-injection with AAV overexpressing alpha-synuclein (aSyn) into mouse SN (PD model), we found that moderate miR-181a/b overexpression exacerbated aSyn-induced DA neuronal loss, whereas miR-181 inhibition was neuroprotective relative to controls (GFP alone and/or scrambled RNA). Also, prolonged miR-181 overexpression in SN alone elicited measurable neurotoxicity that is coincident with an increased immune response. mRNA-seq analyses revealed that miR-181a/b inhibits genes involved in synaptic transmission, neurite outgrowth, and mitochondrial respiration, along with several genes having known protective roles and genetic links in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen S. Stein
- Department of Internal Medicine, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, Abboud Cardiovascular Research Center, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Jared M. McLendon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, Abboud Cardiovascular Research Center, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Nathan H. Witmer
- Program in Molecular Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Ryan L. Boudreau
- Department of Internal Medicine, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, Abboud Cardiovascular Research Center, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
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6
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Leite K, Garg P, Spitzner FP, Guerin Darvas S, Bähr M, Priesemann V, Kügler S. α-Synuclein Impacts on Intrinsic Neuronal Network Activity Through Reduced Levels of Cyclic AMP and Diminished Numbers of Active Presynaptic Terminals. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:868790. [PMID: 35721317 PMCID: PMC9199018 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.868790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
α-synuclein (α-Syn) is intimately linked to synucleinopathies like Parkinson’s disease and dementia with Lewy bodies. However, the pathophysiological mechanisms that are triggered by this protein are still largely enigmatic. α-Syn overabundance may cause neurodegeneration through protein accumulation and mitochondrial deterioration but may also result in pathomechanisms independent from neuronal cell death. One such proposed pathological mechanism is the influence of α-Syn on non-stimulated, intrinsic brain activity. This activity is responsible for more than 90% of the brain’s energyconsumption, and is thus thought to play an eminent role in basic brain functionality. Here we report that α-Syn substantially disrupts intrinsic neuronal network burst activity in a long-term neuronal cell culture model. Mechanistically, the impairment of network activity originates from reduced levels of cyclic AMP and cyclic AMP-mediated signaling as well as from diminished numbers of active presynaptic terminals. The profound reduction of network activity due to α-Syn was mediated only by intracellularly expressed α-Syn, but not by α-Syn that is naturally released by neurons. Conversely, extracellular pre-formed fibrils of α-Syn mimicked the effect of intracellular α-Syn, suggesting that they trigger an off-target mechanism that is not activated by naturally released α-Syn. A simulation-based model of the network activity in our cultures demonstrated that even subtle effect sizes in reducing outbound connectivity, i.e., loss of active synapses, can cause substantial global reductions in non-stimulated network activity. These results suggest that even low-level loss of synaptic output capabilities caused by α-Syn may result in significant functional impairments in terms of intrinsic neuronal network activity. Provided that our model holds true for the human brain, then α-Syn may cause significant functional lesions independent from neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristian Leite
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Pretty Garg
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - F. Paul Spitzner
- Neural Systems Theory group, Max-Planck-Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sofia Guerin Darvas
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Mathias Bähr
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Viola Priesemann
- Neural Systems Theory group, Max-Planck-Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization, Göttingen, Germany
- Institute for the Dynamics of Complex Systems, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Kügler
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Sebastian Kügler
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7
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Marino M, Holt MG. AAV Vector-Mediated Antibody Delivery (A-MAD) in the Central Nervous System. Front Neurol 2022; 13:870799. [PMID: 35493843 PMCID: PMC9039256 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.870799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last four decades, monoclonal antibodies and their derivatives have emerged as a powerful class of therapeutics, largely due to their exquisite targeting specificity. Several clinical areas, most notably oncology and autoimmune disorders, have seen the successful introduction of monoclonal-based therapeutics. However, their adoption for treatment of Central Nervous System diseases has been comparatively slow, largely due to issues of efficient delivery resulting from limited permeability of the Blood Brain Barrier. Nevertheless, CNS diseases are becoming increasingly prevalent as societies age, accounting for ~6.5 million fatalities worldwide per year. Therefore, harnessing the full therapeutic potential of monoclonal antibodies (and their derivatives) in this clinical area has become a priority. Adeno-associated virus-based vectors (AAVs) are a potential solution to this problem. Preclinical studies have shown that AAV vector-mediated antibody delivery provides protection against a broad range of peripheral diseases, such as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), influenza and malaria. The parallel identification and optimization of AAV vector platforms which cross the Blood Brain Barrier with high efficiency, widely transducing the Central Nervous System and allowing high levels of local transgene production, has now opened a number of interesting scenarios for the development of AAV vector-mediated antibody delivery strategies to target Central Nervous System proteinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marika Marino
- Laboratory of Glia Biology, VIB-KU Leuven, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Matthew G. Holt
- Laboratory of Glia Biology, VIB-KU Leuven, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium
- Synapse Biology Group, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- *Correspondence: Matthew G. Holt
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8
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Graßhoff H, Müller-Fielitz H, Dogbevia GK, Körbelin J, Bannach J, Vahldieck CM, Kusche-Vihrog K, Jöhren O, Müller OJ, Nogueiras R, Prevot V, Schwaninger M. Short regulatory DNA sequences to target brain endothelial cells for gene therapy. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2022; 42:104-120. [PMID: 34427142 PMCID: PMC8721777 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x211039617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Gene vectors targeting CNS endothelial cells allow to manipulate the blood-brain barrier and to correct genetic defects in the CNS. Because vectors based on the adeno-associated virus (AAV) have a limited capacity, it is essential that the DNA sequence controlling gene expression is short. In addition, it must be specific for endothelial cells to avoid off-target effects. To develop improved regulatory sequences with selectivity for brain endothelial cells, we tested the transcriptional activity of truncated promoters of eleven (brain) endothelial-specific genes in combination with short regulatory elements, i.e., the woodchuck post-transcriptional regulatory element (W), the CMV enhancer element (C), and a fragment of the first intron of the Tie2 gene (S), by transfecting brain endothelial cells of three species. Four combinations of regulatory elements and short promoters (Cdh5, Ocln, Slc2a1, and Slco1c1) progressed through this in-vitro pipeline displaying suitable activity. When tested in mice, the regulatory sequences C-Ocln-W and C-Slc2a1-S-W enabled a stronger and more specific gene expression in brain endothelial cells than the frequently used CAG promoter. In summary, the new regulatory elements efficiently control gene expression in brain endothelial cells and may help to specifically target the blood-brain barrier with gene therapy vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Graßhoff
- Institute for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Helge Müller-Fielitz
- Institute for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Godwin K Dogbevia
- Institute for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Jakob Körbelin
- Institute for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.,Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jacqueline Bannach
- Institute for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | | | | | - Olaf Jöhren
- Institute for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Oliver J Müller
- Department of Internal Medicine III (Cardiology, Angiology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine), University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany.,DZHK (German Research Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Hamburg/Lübeck/Kiel, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Ruben Nogueiras
- Department of Physiology, CIMUS, University of Santiago de Compostela-Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Vincent Prevot
- Inserm, CHU Lille, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S 1172, DISTALZ, European Genomic Institute for Diabetes, University of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Markus Schwaninger
- Institute for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.,DZHK (German Research Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Hamburg/Lübeck/Kiel, Lübeck, Germany
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9
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Pyk2 in dorsal hippocampus plays a selective role in spatial memory and synaptic plasticity. Sci Rep 2021; 11:16357. [PMID: 34381140 PMCID: PMC8358019 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-95813-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Pyk2 is a Ca2+-activated non-receptor tyrosine kinase enriched in the forebrain, especially in pyramidal neurons of the hippocampus. Previous reports suggested its role in hippocampal synaptic plasticity and spatial memory but with contradictory findings possibly due to experimental conditions. Here we address this issue and show that novel object location, a simple test of spatial memory induced by a single training session, is altered in Pyk2 KO mice and that re-expression of Pyk2 in the dorsal hippocampus corrects this deficit. Bilateral targeted deletion of Pyk2 in dorsal hippocampus CA1 region also alters novel object location. Long term potentiation (LTP) in CA1 is impaired in Pyk2 KO mice using a high frequency stimulation induction protocol but not with a theta burst protocol, explaining differences between previous reports. The same selective LTP alteration is observed in mice with Pyk2 deletion in dorsal hippocampus CA1 region. Thus, our results establish the role of Pyk2 in specific aspects of spatial memory and synaptic plasticity and show the dependence of the phenotype on the type of experiments used to reveal it. In combination with other studies, we provide evidence for a selective role of non-receptor tyrosine kinases in specific aspects of hippocampal neurons synaptic plasticity.
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Abulimiti A, Lai MSL, Chang RCC. Applications of adeno-associated virus vector-mediated gene delivery for neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric diseases: Progress, advances, and challenges. Mech Ageing Dev 2021; 199:111549. [PMID: 34352323 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2021.111549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegeneration is the most common disease in the elderly population due to its slowly progressive nature of neuronal deterioration, eventually leading to executive dysfunction. The pathological markers of neurological disorders are relatively well-established, however, detailed molecular mechanisms of progression and therapeutic targets are needed to develop novel treatments in human patients. Treating known therapeutic targets of neurological diseases has been aided by recent advancements in adeno-associated virus (AAV) technology. AAVs are known for their low-immunogenicity, blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetrating ability, selective neuronal tropism, stable transgene expression, and pleiotropy. In addition, the usage of AAVs has enormous potential to be optimized. Therefore, AAV can be a powerful tool used to uncover the underlying pathophysiology of neurological disorders and to increase the success in human gene therapy. This review summarizes different optimization approaches of AAV vectors with their current applications in disease modeling, neural tracing and gene therapy, hence exploring progressive mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases as well as effective therapy. Lastly, this review discusses the limitations and future perspectives of the AAV-mediated transgene delivery system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amina Abulimiti
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Biomedical Science, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Michael Siu-Lun Lai
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Biomedical Science, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Raymond Chuen-Chung Chang
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Biomedical Science, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
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11
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Gebara E, Zanoletti O, Ghosal S, Grosse J, Schneider BL, Knott G, Astori S, Sandi C. Mitofusin-2 in the Nucleus Accumbens Regulates Anxiety and Depression-like Behaviors Through Mitochondrial and Neuronal Actions. Biol Psychiatry 2021; 89:1033-1044. [PMID: 33583561 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2020.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging evidence points to a central role of mitochondria in psychiatric disorders. However, little is known about the molecular players that regulate mitochondria in neural circuits regulating anxiety and depression and about how they impact neuronal structure and function. Here, we investigated the role of molecules involved in mitochondrial dynamics in medium spiny neurons (MSNs) from the nucleus accumbens (NAc), a hub of the brain's motivation system. METHODS We assessed how individual differences in anxiety-like (measured via the elevated plus maze and open field tests) and depression-like (measured via the forced swim and saccharin preference tests) behaviors in outbred rats relate to mitochondrial morphology (electron microscopy and 3-dimensional reconstructions) and function (mitochondrial respirometry). Mitochondrial molecules were measured for protein (Western blot) and messenger RNA (quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, RNAscope) content. Dendritic arborization (Golgi Sholl analyses), spine morphology, and MSN excitatory inputs (patch-clamp electrophysiology) were characterized. MFN2 overexpression in the NAc was induced through an AAV9-syn1-MFN2. RESULTS Highly anxious animals showed increased depression-like behaviors, as well as reduced expression of the mitochondrial GTPase MFN2 in the NAc. They also showed alterations in mitochondria (i.e., respiration, volume, and interactions with the endoplasmic reticulum) and MSNs (i.e., dendritic complexity, spine density and typology, and excitatory inputs). Viral MFN2 overexpression in the NAc reversed all of these behavioral, mitochondrial, and neuronal phenotypes. CONCLUSIONS Our results implicate a causal role for accumbal MFN2 on the regulation of anxiety and depression-like behaviors through actions on mitochondrial and MSN structure and function. MFN2 is posited as a promising therapeutic target to treat anxiety and associated behavioral disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias Gebara
- Laboratory of Behavioral Genetics, Brain Mind Institute, School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Olivia Zanoletti
- Laboratory of Behavioral Genetics, Brain Mind Institute, School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sriparna Ghosal
- Laboratory of Behavioral Genetics, Brain Mind Institute, School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jocelyn Grosse
- Laboratory of Behavioral Genetics, Brain Mind Institute, School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Bernard L Schneider
- Bertarelli Platform for Gene Therapy, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Graham Knott
- Biological Electron Microscopy Facility, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Simone Astori
- Laboratory of Behavioral Genetics, Brain Mind Institute, School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Carmen Sandi
- Laboratory of Behavioral Genetics, Brain Mind Institute, School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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12
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Soukupová M, Zucchini S, Trempat P, Ingusci S, Perrier-Biollay C, Barbieri M, Cattaneo S, Bettegazzi B, Falzoni S, Berthommé H, Simonato M. Improvement of HSV-1 based amplicon vectors for a safe and long-lasting gene therapy in non-replicating cells. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2021; 21:399-412. [PMID: 33869657 PMCID: PMC8044385 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
A key factor for developing gene therapy strategies for neurological disorders is the availability of suitable vectors. Currently, the most advanced are adeno-associated vectors that, while being safe and ensuring long-lasting transgene expression, have a very limited cargo capacity. In contrast, herpes simplex virus-based amplicon vectors can host huge amounts of foreign DNA, but concerns exist about their safety and ability to express transgenes long-term. We aimed at modulating and prolonging amplicon-induced transgene expression kinetics in vivo using different promoters and preventing transgene silencing. To pursue the latter, we deleted bacterial DNA sequences derived from vector construction and shielded the transgene cassette using AT-rich and insulator-like sequences (SAm technology). We employed luciferase and GFP as reporter genes. To determine transgene expression kinetics, we injected vectors in the hippocampus of mice that were longitudinally scanned for bioluminescence for 6 months. To evaluate safety, we analyzed multiple markers of damage and performed patch clamp electrophysiology experiments. All vectors proved safe, and we managed to modulate the duration of transgene expression, up to obtaining a stable, long-lasting expression using the SAm technology. Therefore, these amplicon vectors represent a flexible, efficient, and safe tool for gene delivery in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Soukupová
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Silvia Zucchini
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.,Laboratory of Technologies for Advanced Therapy (LTTA), Technopole of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Pascal Trempat
- Bioviron, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Selene Ingusci
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Mario Barbieri
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Stefano Cattaneo
- School of Medicine, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Bettegazzi
- School of Medicine, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Simonetta Falzoni
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Hervé Berthommé
- Bioviron, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Michele Simonato
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.,Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, 20132 Milan, Italy
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13
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Duarte Azevedo M, Sander S, Jeanneret C, Olfat S, Tenenbaum L. Selective targeting of striatal parvalbumin-expressing interneurons for transgene delivery. J Neurosci Methods 2021; 354:109105. [PMID: 33652020 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2021.109105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
PVCre mice--> combined with AAV-FLEX vectors allowed efficient and specific targeting of PV+ interneurons in the striatum. However, diffusion of viral particles to the globus pallidus caused massive transduction of PV+ projection neurons and subsequent anterograde transport of the transgene product to the subthalamic nucleus and the substantia nigra pars reticulata. Different AAV serotypes (1 and 9) and promoters (CBA and human synapsin) were evaluated. The combination of AAV1, a moderate expression level (human synapsin promoter) and a precise adjustment of the stereotaxic coordinates in the anterior and dorsolateral part of the striatum were necessary to avoid transduction of PV+ GP projection neurons. Even in the absence of direct transduction due to diffusion of viral particles, GP PV+ projection neurons could be retrogradely transduced via their terminals present in the dorsal striatum. However, in the absence of diffusion, GP-Str PV+ projection neurons were poorly or not transduced suggesting that retrograde transduction did not significantly impair the selective targeting of striatal PV+ neurons. Finally, a prominent reduction of the number of striatal PV+ interneurons (about 50 %) was evidenced in the presence of the Cre recombinase suggesting that functional effects of AAV-mediated transgene expression in PV+ striatal interneurons in PVCre mice should be analyzed with caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Duarte Azevedo
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurotherapies, Center for Neuroscience Research, Clinical Neurosciences Department, Lausanne University Hospital, Switzerland
| | - Sibilla Sander
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurotherapies, Center for Neuroscience Research, Clinical Neurosciences Department, Lausanne University Hospital, Switzerland
| | - Cheryl Jeanneret
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurotherapies, Center for Neuroscience Research, Clinical Neurosciences Department, Lausanne University Hospital, Switzerland
| | - Soophie Olfat
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurotherapies, Center for Neuroscience Research, Clinical Neurosciences Department, Lausanne University Hospital, Switzerland
| | - Liliane Tenenbaum
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurotherapies, Center for Neuroscience Research, Clinical Neurosciences Department, Lausanne University Hospital, Switzerland.
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14
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Crivelli SM, Luo Q, Stevens JA, Giovagnoni C, van Kruining D, Bode G, den Hoedt S, Hobo B, Scheithauer AL, Walter J, Mulder MT, Exley C, Mold M, Mielke MM, De Vries HE, Wouters K, van den Hove DLA, Berkes D, Ledesma MD, Verhaagen J, Losen M, Bieberich E, Martinez-Martinez P. CERT L reduces C16 ceramide, amyloid-β levels, and inflammation in a model of Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimers Res Ther 2021; 13:45. [PMID: 33597019 PMCID: PMC7890977 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-021-00780-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dysregulation of ceramide and sphingomyelin levels have been suggested to contribute to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Ceramide transfer proteins (CERTs) are ceramide carriers which are crucial for ceramide and sphingomyelin balance in cells. Extracellular forms of CERTs co-localize with amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques in AD brains. To date, the significance of these observations for the pathophysiology of AD remains uncertain. METHODS A plasmid expressing CERTL, the long isoform of CERTs, was used to study the interaction of CERTL with amyloid precursor protein (APP) by co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence in HEK cells. The recombinant CERTL protein was employed to study interaction of CERTL with amyloid-β (Aβ), Aβ aggregation process in presence of CERTL, and the resulting changes in Aβ toxicity in neuroblastoma cells. CERTL was overexpressed in neurons by adeno-associated virus (AAV) in a mouse model of familial AD (5xFAD). Ten weeks after transduction, animals were challenged with behavior tests for memory, anxiety, and locomotion. At week 12, brains were investigated for sphingolipid levels by mass spectrometry, plaques, and neuroinflammation by immunohistochemistry, gene expression, and/or immunoassay. RESULTS Here, we report that CERTL binds to APP, modifies Aβ aggregation, and reduces Aβ neurotoxicity in vitro. Furthermore, we show that intracortical injection of AAV, mediating the expression of CERTL, decreases levels of ceramide d18:1/16:0 and increases sphingomyelin levels in the brain of male 5xFAD mice. CERTL in vivo over-expression has a mild effect on animal locomotion, decreases Aβ formation, and modulates microglia by decreasing their pro-inflammatory phenotype. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate a crucial role of CERTL in regulating ceramide levels in the brain, in amyloid plaque formation and neuroinflammation, thereby opening research avenues for therapeutic targets of AD and other neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone M. Crivelli
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY USA
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Lexington, KY 40502 USA
| | - Qian Luo
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Jo A.A. Stevens
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Caterina Giovagnoni
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Daan van Kruining
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Gerard Bode
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Sandra den Hoedt
- Department of Internal Medicine, Laboratory Vascular Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Barbara Hobo
- Laboratory for Neuroregeneration, Netherlands institute for Neuroscience, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anna-Lena Scheithauer
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jochen Walter
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Monique T. Mulder
- Department of Internal Medicine, Laboratory Vascular Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Christopher Exley
- The Birchall Centre, Lennard-Jones Laboratories, Keele University, Staffordshire, UK
| | - Matthew Mold
- The Birchall Centre, Lennard-Jones Laboratories, Keele University, Staffordshire, UK
| | - Michelle M. Mielke
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Health Science Research, and Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Rochester, MN USA
| | - Helga E. De Vries
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Kristiaan Wouters
- Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Daniel L. A. van den Hove
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Dusan Berkes
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Slovak University of Technology, Radlinského 9, 81237 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - María Dolores Ledesma
- Department of Molecular Neuropathology, Centro de Biología Molecular “Severo Ochoa” (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Joost Verhaagen
- Laboratory for Neuroregeneration, Netherlands institute for Neuroscience, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Mario Losen
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Erhard Bieberich
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY USA
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Lexington, KY 40502 USA
| | - Pilar Martinez-Martinez
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands
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15
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Psol M, Darvas SG, Leite K, Mahajani SU, Bähr M, Kügler S. Dementia with Lewy bodies-associated ß-synuclein mutations V70M and P123H cause mutation-specific neuropathological lesions. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 30:247-264. [PMID: 33760043 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddab036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Beta (ß)-synuclein (ß-Syn) has long been considered to be an attenuator for the neuropathological effects caused by the Parkinson's disease-related alpha (α)-synuclein (α-Syn) protein. However, recent studies demonstrated that overabundant ß-Syn can form aggregates and induce neurodegeneration in central nervous system (CNS) neurons in vitro and in vivo, albeit at a slower pace as compared with α-Syn. Here, we demonstrate that ß-Syn mutants V70M, detected in a sporadic case of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and P123H, detected in a familial case of DLB, robustly aggravate the neurotoxic potential of ß-Syn. Intriguingly, the two mutations trigger mutually exclusive pathways. ß-Syn V70M enhances morphological mitochondrial deterioration and degeneration of dopaminergic and non-dopaminergic neurons, but it has no influence on neuronal network activity. Conversely, ß-Syn P123H silences neuronal network activity, but it does not aggravate neurodegeneration. ß-Syn wild type (WT), V70M and P123H formed proteinase K-resistant intracellular fibrils within neurons, albeit with less stable C-termini as compared with α-Syn. Under cell-free conditions, ß-Syn V70M demonstrated a much slower pace of fibril formation as compared with WT ß-Syn, and P123H fibrils present with a unique phenotype characterized by large numbers of short, truncated fibrils. Thus, it is possible that V70M and P123H cause structural alterations in ß-Syn, which are linked to their distinct neuropathological profiles. The extent of the lesions caused by these neuropathological profiles is almost identical to that of overabundant α-Syn and is thus likely to be directly involved into the etiology of DLB. Overall, this study provides insights into distinct disease mechanisms caused by mutations of ß-Syn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryna Psol
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Göttingen, Göttingen 37073, Germany
| | - Sofia Guerin Darvas
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Göttingen, Göttingen 37073, Germany
| | - Kristian Leite
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Göttingen, Göttingen 37073, Germany
| | - Sameehan U Mahajani
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Göttingen, Göttingen 37073, Germany
| | - Mathias Bähr
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Göttingen, Göttingen 37075, Germany
| | - Sebastian Kügler
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Göttingen, Göttingen 37073, Germany
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16
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Schweihoff JF, Loshakov M, Pavlova I, Kück L, Ewell LA, Schwarz MK. DeepLabStream enables closed-loop behavioral experiments using deep learning-based markerless, real-time posture detection. Commun Biol 2021; 4:130. [PMID: 33514883 PMCID: PMC7846585 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-01654-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In general, animal behavior can be described as the neuronal-driven sequence of reoccurring postures through time. Most of the available current technologies focus on offline pose estimation with high spatiotemporal resolution. However, to correlate behavior with neuronal activity it is often necessary to detect and react online to behavioral expressions. Here we present DeepLabStream, a versatile closed-loop tool providing real-time pose estimation to deliver posture dependent stimulations. DeepLabStream has a temporal resolution in the millisecond range, can utilize different input, as well as output devices and can be tailored to multiple experimental designs. We employ DeepLabStream to semi-autonomously run a second-order olfactory conditioning task with freely moving mice and optogenetically label neuronal ensembles active during specific head directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens F Schweihoff
- Functional Neuroconnectomics Group, Institute of Experimental Epileptology and Cognition Research, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Matvey Loshakov
- Functional Neuroconnectomics Group, Institute of Experimental Epileptology and Cognition Research, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Irina Pavlova
- Functional Neuroconnectomics Group, Institute of Experimental Epileptology and Cognition Research, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Laura Kück
- Institute of Experimental Epileptology and Cognition Research, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Laura A Ewell
- Institute of Experimental Epileptology and Cognition Research, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Martin K Schwarz
- Functional Neuroconnectomics Group, Institute of Experimental Epileptology and Cognition Research, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
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Regulatory Elements Inserted into AAVs Confer Preferential Activity in Cortical Interneurons. eNeuro 2020; 7:ENEURO.0211-20.2020. [PMID: 33199411 PMCID: PMC7768279 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0211-20.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cortical interneuron (CIN) dysfunction is thought to play a major role in neuropsychiatric conditions like epilepsy, schizophrenia and autism. It is therefore essential to understand how the development, physiology, and functions of CINs influence cortical circuit activity and behavior in model organisms such as mice and primates. While transgenic driver lines are powerful tools for studying CINs in mice, this technology is limited in other species. An alternative approach is to use viral vectors such as AAV, which can be used in multiple species including primates and also have potential for therapeutic use in humans. Thus, we sought to discover gene regulatory enhancer elements (REs) that can be used in viral vectors to drive expression in specific cell types. The present study describes the systematic genome-wide identification of putative REs (pREs) that are preferentially active in immature CINs by histone modification chromatin immunoprecipitation and sequencing (ChIP-seq). We evaluated two novel pREs in AAV vectors, alongside the well-established Dlx I12b enhancer, and found that they drove CIN-specific reporter expression in adult mice. We also showed that the identified Arl4d pRE could drive sufficient expression of channelrhodopsin for optogenetic rescue of behavioral deficits in the Dlx5/6+/- mouse model of fast-spiking CIN dysfunction.
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18
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Raina A, Leite K, Guerin S, Mahajani SU, Chakrabarti KS, Voll D, Becker S, Griesinger C, Bähr M, Kügler S. Dopamine promotes the neurodegenerative potential of β-synuclein. J Neurochem 2020; 156:674-691. [PMID: 32730640 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
A contribution of α-Synuclein (α-Syn) to etiology of Parkinson´s disease (PD) and Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is currently undisputed, while the impact of the closely related β-Synuclein (β-Syn) on these disorders remains enigmatic. β-Syn has long been considered to be an attenuator of the neurotoxic effects of α-Syn, but in a rodent model of PD β-Syn induced robust neurodegeneration in dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra. Given that dopaminergic nigral neurons are selectively vulnerable to neurodegeneration in PD, we now investigated if dopamine can promote the neurodegenerative potential of β-Syn. We show that in cultured rodent and human neurons a dopaminergic neurotransmitter phenotype substantially enhanced β-Syn-induced neurodegeneration, irrespective if dopamine is synthesized within neurons or up-taken from extracellular space. Nuclear magnetic resonance interaction and thioflavin-T incorporation studies demonstrated that dopamine and its oxidized metabolites 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde (DOPAL) and dopaminochrome (DCH) directly interact with β-Syn, thereby enabling structural and functional modifications. Interaction of DCH with β-Syn inhibits its aggregation, which might result in increased levels of neurotoxic oligomeric β-Syn. Since protection of outer mitochondrial membrane integrity prevented the additive neurodegenerative effect of dopamine and β-Syn, such oligomers might act at a mitochondrial level similar to what is suggested for α-Syn. In conclusion, our results suggest that β-Syn can play a significant pathophysiological role in etiology of PD through its interaction with dopamine metabolites and thus should be re-considered as a disease-relevant factor, at least for those symptoms of PD that depend on degeneration of nigral dopaminergic neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anupam Raina
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Kristian Leite
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sofia Guerin
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | | | - Diana Voll
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Becker
- Max-Planck-Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Mathias Bähr
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Kügler
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Center Nanoscale Microscopy and Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), Göttingen, Germany
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19
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Tang W, Zillmann U, Sprengel R. Alternative Anesthesia of Neonatal Mice for Global rAAV Delivery in the Brain With Non-detectable Behavioral Interference in Adults. Front Behav Neurosci 2020; 14:115. [PMID: 32760256 PMCID: PMC7372011 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2020.00115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral-transduced gene expression is the current standard for cell-type-specific labeling and cell tacking in experimental neuroscience. To achieve widespread gene expression, a viral delivery method to neonatal rodents was introduced more than two decades ago. Most of those neonatal viral vector injection-based gene transduction methods in mice used deep hypothermia for anesthesia, which was reported to be associated with behavioral impairments. To explore other options for neonatal viral applications, we applied a combination of Medetomidine, Midazolam, and Fentanyl (MMF), each of which can be antagonized by a specific antagonist. Later in their adulthood, we found that adult mice, that received the MMF-induced anesthesia, combined with virus-injected into the brain at postnatal day 2, showed similar performance in all behavioral tasks tested, including tasks for motor coordination, anxiety-related tasks, and spatial memory when compared to adult naïve littermates. This demonstrates that MMF anesthesia could be safely applied to mice for neonatal viral transduction at P2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wannan Tang
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Heidelberg, Germany.,GliaLab and Letten Centre, Department of Molecular Medicine, Division of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Uwe Zillmann
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rolf Sprengel
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Heidelberg, Germany.,Research Group of the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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20
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Deyts C, Clutter M, Pierce N, Chakrabarty P, Ladd TB, Goddi A, Rosario AM, Cruz P, Vetrivel K, Wagner SL, Thinakaran G, Golde TE, Parent AT. APP-Mediated Signaling Prevents Memory Decline in Alzheimer's Disease Mouse Model. Cell Rep 2020; 27:1345-1355.e6. [PMID: 31042463 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.03.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Revised: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyloid precursor protein (APP) and its metabolites play key roles in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathophysiology. Whereas short amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides derived from APP are pathogenic, the APP holoprotein serves multiple purposes in the nervous system through its cell adhesion and receptor-like properties. Our studies focused on the signaling mediated by the APP cytoplasmic tail. We investigated whether sustained APP signaling during brain development might favor neuronal plasticity and memory process through a direct interaction with the heterotrimeric G-protein subunit GαS (stimulatory G-protein alpha subunit). Our results reveal that APP possesses autonomous regulatory capacity within its intracellular domain that promotes APP cell surface residence, precludes Aβ production, facilitates axodendritic development, and preserves cellular substrates of memory. Altogether, these events contribute to strengthening cognitive functions and are sufficient to modify the course of AD pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole Deyts
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, 924 East 57th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Mary Clutter
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, 924 East 57th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Nicholas Pierce
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, 924 East 57th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Paramita Chakrabarty
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, and McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Thomas B Ladd
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, and McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Anna Goddi
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, 924 East 57th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Awilda M Rosario
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, and McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Pedro Cruz
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, and McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Kulandaivelu Vetrivel
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, 924 East 57th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Steven L Wagner
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA 92161, USA
| | - Gopal Thinakaran
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, 924 East 57th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Todd E Golde
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, and McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Angèle T Parent
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, 924 East 57th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
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21
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Zhao X, Jin C, Dong T, Sun Z, Zheng X, Feng B, Cheng Z, Li X, Tao Y, Wu H. Characterization of promoters for adeno-associated virus mediated efficient Cas9 activation in adult Cas9 knock-in murine cochleae. Hear Res 2020; 394:107999. [PMID: 32611519 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2020.107999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing enables the treatment of hearing loss in congenitally deaf neonatal mice via both viral and non-viral delivery. While adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene delivery systems have been shown to be effective tools for gene replacement in the inner ear, application of the AAV-mediated CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing approach for this purpose is yet to be documented. Based on our previous findings, we focused on the effects of several AAVs delivered via canalostomy injection in adult mice. Among the AAVs examined, AAV8 showed the greatest efficiency and specificity in transducing inner hair cells (IHC). The ability of Cre-expressing AAV8 to activate Cas9 in floxed-Cas9 knock-in (Cas9 KI) mice was further evaluated. We compared the effects of six different promoters (CMV, CAG, hSyn, CaMKIIa, GFAP, and ALB) of AAV8 delivered to the inner ear of adult Cas9 KI mice. Our findings showed that three AAV groups (CMV, CAG and hSyn promoters) infected the inner ear efficiently with different tropisms. Notably, AAVs with CMV, CAG, and hSyn promoters infected diverse cell types in mature murine cochleae, including IHCs. In particular, AAV8-hSyn showed high affinity to IHCs and spiral ganglion neurons (SGN). Neither the AAV8 virus itself (except AAV8-CAG) nor the surgical procedures used caused damage to HCs or impaired normal hearing. Our findings indicated that injection of AAV-Cre into mature inner ear efficiently induces Cas9 activation to achieve safe and efficient gene editing and different constituent promoters confer diverse infection patterns in cochlea, expanding the repertoire of gene-editing tools for regulating gene expression in target cells of the inner ear as part of the collective effort to rescue genetic hearing loss and develop effective gene therapy techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingle Zhao
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, No.639, Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, PR China; Ear Institute, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, No.115, Jinzun Road, Shanghai, 200011, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translation Medicine on Ear and Nose Disease, No.115, Jinzun Road, Shanghai, 200011, PR China
| | - Chenxi Jin
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, No.639, Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, PR China; Ear Institute, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, No.115, Jinzun Road, Shanghai, 200011, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translation Medicine on Ear and Nose Disease, No.115, Jinzun Road, Shanghai, 200011, PR China
| | - Tingting Dong
- Ear Institute, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, No.115, Jinzun Road, Shanghai, 200011, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translation Medicine on Ear and Nose Disease, No.115, Jinzun Road, Shanghai, 200011, PR China; Biobank of Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.115, Jinzun Road, Shanghai, 200011, PR China
| | - Zhuoer Sun
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, No.639, Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, PR China; Ear Institute, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, No.115, Jinzun Road, Shanghai, 200011, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translation Medicine on Ear and Nose Disease, No.115, Jinzun Road, Shanghai, 200011, PR China
| | - Xiaofei Zheng
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, No.639, Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, PR China; Ear Institute, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, No.115, Jinzun Road, Shanghai, 200011, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translation Medicine on Ear and Nose Disease, No.115, Jinzun Road, Shanghai, 200011, PR China
| | - Baoyi Feng
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, No.639, Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, PR China; Ear Institute, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, No.115, Jinzun Road, Shanghai, 200011, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translation Medicine on Ear and Nose Disease, No.115, Jinzun Road, Shanghai, 200011, PR China
| | - Zhenzhe Cheng
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, No.639, Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, PR China; Ear Institute, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, No.115, Jinzun Road, Shanghai, 200011, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translation Medicine on Ear and Nose Disease, No.115, Jinzun Road, Shanghai, 200011, PR China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, No.639, Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, PR China; Ear Institute, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, No.115, Jinzun Road, Shanghai, 200011, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translation Medicine on Ear and Nose Disease, No.115, Jinzun Road, Shanghai, 200011, PR China
| | - Yong Tao
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, No.639, Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, PR China; Ear Institute, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, No.115, Jinzun Road, Shanghai, 200011, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translation Medicine on Ear and Nose Disease, No.115, Jinzun Road, Shanghai, 200011, PR China.
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, No.639, Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, PR China; Ear Institute, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, No.115, Jinzun Road, Shanghai, 200011, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translation Medicine on Ear and Nose Disease, No.115, Jinzun Road, Shanghai, 200011, PR China.
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22
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Mouse γ-Synuclein Promoter-Mediated Gene Expression and Editing in Mammalian Retinal Ganglion Cells. J Neurosci 2020; 40:3896-3914. [PMID: 32300046 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0102-20.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Optic neuropathies are a group of optic nerve (ON) diseases caused by various insults including glaucoma, inflammation, ischemia, trauma, and genetic deficits, which are characterized by retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death and ON degeneration. An increasing number of genes involved in RGC intrinsic signaling have been found to be promising neural repair targets that can potentially be modulated directly by gene therapy, if we can achieve RGC specific gene targeting. To address this challenge, we first used adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene transfer to perform a low-throughput in vivo screening in both male and female mouse eyes and identified the mouse γ-synuclein (mSncg) promoter, which specifically and potently sustained transgene expression in mouse RGCs and also works in human RGCs. We further demonstrated that gene therapy that combines AAV-mSncg promoter with clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 gene editing can knock down pro-degenerative genes in RGCs and provide effective neuroprotection in optic neuropathies.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Here, we present an RGC-specific promoter, mouse γ-synuclein (mSncg) promoter, and perform extensive characterization and proof-of-concept studies of mSncg promoter-mediated gene expression and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 gene editing in RGCs in vivo To our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating in vivo neuroprotection of injured RGCs and optic nerve (ON) by AAV-mediated CRISPR/Cas9 inhibition of genes that are critical for neurodegeneration. It represents a powerful tool to achieve RGC-specific gene modulation, and also opens up a promising gene therapy strategy for optic neuropathies, the most common form of eye diseases that cause irreversible blindness.
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23
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Butler CR, Boychuk JA, Pomerleau F, Alcala R, Huettl P, Ai Y, Jakobsson J, Whiteheart SW, Gerhardt GA, Smith BN, Slevin JT. Modulation of epileptogenesis: A paradigm for the integration of enzyme-based microelectrode arrays and optogenetics. Epilepsy Res 2019; 159:106244. [PMID: 31816591 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2019.106244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genesis of acquired epilepsy includes transformations spanning genetic-to- network-level modifications, disrupting the regional excitatory/inhibitory balance. Methodology concurrently tracking changes at multiple levels is lacking. Here, viral vectors are used to differentially express two opsin proteins in neuronal populations within dentate gyrus (DG) of hippocampus. When activated, these opsins induced excitatory or inhibitory neural output that differentially affected neural networks and epileptogenesis. In vivo measures included behavioral observation coupled to real-time measures of regional glutamate flux using ceramic-based amperometric microelectrode arrays (MEAs). RESULTS Using MEA technology, phasic increases of extracellular glutamate were recorded immediately upon application of blue light/488 nm to DG of rats previously transfected with an AAV 2/5 vector containing an (excitatory) channelrhodopsin-2 transcript. Rats receiving twice-daily 30-sec light stimulation to DG ipsilateral to viral transfection progressed through Racine seizure stages. AAV 2/5 (inhibitory) halorhodopsin-transfected rats receiving concomitant amygdalar kindling and DG light stimuli were kindled significantly more slowly than non-stimulated controls. In in vitro slice preparations, both excitatory and inhibitory responses were independently evoked in dentate granule cells during appropriate light stimulation. Latency to response and sensitivity of responses suggest a degree of neuron subtype-selective functional expression of the transcripts. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates the potential for coupling MEA technology and optogenetics for real-time neurotransmitter release measures and modification of seizure susceptibility in animal models of epileptogenesis. This microelectrode/optogenetic technology could prove useful for characterization of network and system level dysfunction in diseases involving imbalanced excitatory/inhibitory control of neuron populations and guide development of future treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corwin R Butler
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, United States
| | - Jeffery A Boychuk
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, United States; Epilepsy Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, United States
| | - Francois Pomerleau
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, United States; Brain Restoration Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40356, United States
| | - Ramona Alcala
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, United States
| | - Peter Huettl
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, United States; Brain Restoration Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40356, United States
| | - Yi Ai
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, United States
| | - Johan Jakobsson
- Wallenburg Neuroscience Center, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Sidney W Whiteheart
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, United States; Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Lexington, KY, 40536, United States
| | - Greg A Gerhardt
- Epilepsy Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, United States; Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center (SCoBIRC), University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, United States; Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, United States; Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, United States; Brain Restoration Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40356, United States
| | - Bret N Smith
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, United States; Epilepsy Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, United States; Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center (SCoBIRC), University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, United States; Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, United States
| | - John T Slevin
- Epilepsy Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, United States; Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, United States; Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Lexington, KY, 40536, United States; Brain Restoration Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40356, United States.
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24
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Ganjam GK, Bolte K, Matschke LA, Neitemeier S, Dolga AM, Höllerhage M, Höglinger GU, Adamczyk A, Decher N, Oertel WH, Culmsee C. Mitochondrial damage by α-synuclein causes cell death in human dopaminergic neurons. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:865. [PMID: 31727879 PMCID: PMC6856124 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-2091-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Evolving concepts on Parkinson’s disease (PD) pathology suggest that α-synuclein (aSYN) promote dopaminergic neuron dysfunction and death through accumulating in the mitochondria. However, the consequence of mitochondrial aSYN localisation on mitochondrial structure and bioenergetic functions in neuronal cells are poorly understood. Therefore, we investigated deleterious effects of mitochondria-targeted aSYN in differentiated human dopaminergic neurons in comparison with wild-type (WT) aSYN overexpression and corresponding EGFP (enhanced green fluorescent protein)-expressing controls. Mitochondria-targeted aSYN enhanced mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, reduced ATP levels and showed severely disrupted structure and function of the dendritic neural network, preceding neuronal death. Transmission electron microscopy illustrated distorted cristae and many fragmented mitochondria in response to WT-aSYN overexpression, and a complete loss of cristae structure and massively swollen mitochondria in neurons expressing mitochondria-targeted aSYN. Further, the analysis of mitochondrial bioenergetics in differentiated dopaminergic neurons, expressing WT or mitochondria-targeted aSYN, elicited a pronounced impairment of mitochondrial respiration. In a pharmacological compound screening, we found that the pan-caspase inhibitors QVD and zVAD-FMK, and a specific caspase-1 inhibitor significantly prevented aSYN-induced cell death. In addition, the caspase inhibitor QVD preserved mitochondrial function and neuronal network activity in the human dopaminergic neurons overexpressing aSYN. Overall, our findings indicated therapeutic effects by caspase-1 inhibition despite aSYN-mediated alterations in mitochondrial morphology and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goutham K Ganjam
- Institute for Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Biochemical-Pharmacological Center, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany. .,Department of Neurology, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany. .,Center for Mind, Brain and Behaviour - CMBB, Marburg, Germany.
| | - Kathrin Bolte
- Laboratory for Cell Biology I, Department of Biology, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Lina A Matschke
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Sandra Neitemeier
- Institute for Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Biochemical-Pharmacological Center, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Amalia M Dolga
- Institute for Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Biochemical-Pharmacological Center, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany.,Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Agata Adamczyk
- Department of Cellular Signaling, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Niels Decher
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang H Oertel
- Department of Neurology, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany.,Center for Mind, Brain and Behaviour - CMBB, Marburg, Germany
| | - Carsten Culmsee
- Institute for Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Biochemical-Pharmacological Center, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany.,Center for Mind, Brain and Behaviour - CMBB, Marburg, Germany.,Department of Pediatrics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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25
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Raina A, Mahajani S, Bähr M, Kügler S. Neuronal Trans-differentiation by Transcription Factors Ascl1 and Nurr1: Induction of a Dopaminergic Neurotransmitter Phenotype in Cortical GABAergic Neurons. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 57:249-260. [PMID: 31317490 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-01701-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Neurons with a desired neurotransmitter phenotype can be differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells or from somatic cells only through tedious protocols with relatively low yield. Readily available cortical neurons isolated from embryonic rat brain, which have already undergone a complete neuronal differentiation process, might serve as alternative template source. These cultures consist of 85% glutamatergic and 15% GABAergic neurons, and we attempted to trans-differentiate them into dopaminergic neurons. Transcription factors Nurr1, Lmx1A and Pitx3, essential determinants of a dopaminergic cell fate during CNS development, were not sufficient to induce tyrosine hydroxylase expression in a significant number of cells. Combining Nurr1 with the generic neuronal differentiator and re-programming factor Ascl1, however, resulted in generation of neurons which express dopaminergic markers TH, AADC, VMAT2 and DAT. Only neurons of GABAergic phenotype could be trans-differentiated towards a dopaminergic neurotransmitter phenotype, while for glutamatergic neurons, this process proved to be neurotoxic. Intriguingly, GABAergic neurons isolated from embryonal midbrain could not be trans-differentiated into dopaminergic neurons by Ascl1 and Nurr1. Thus, in principle, post-mitotic embryonal neurons can serve as templates for neurons with a desired neurotransmitter phenotype. However, neurotransmitter phenotype plasticity critically depends on the differentiation history of the template neurons, which can result in relatively low yields of dopaminergic neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anupam Raina
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Göttingen, Waldweg 33, 37073, Göttingen, Germany.,Center Nanoscale Microscopy and Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sameehan Mahajani
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Göttingen, Waldweg 33, 37073, Göttingen, Germany.,Center Nanoscale Microscopy and Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Mathias Bähr
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Göttingen, Waldweg 33, 37073, Göttingen, Germany.,Center Nanoscale Microscopy and Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Kügler
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Göttingen, Waldweg 33, 37073, Göttingen, Germany. .,Center Nanoscale Microscopy and Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), Göttingen, Germany.
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26
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Michelson NJ, Vanni MP, Murphy TH. Comparison between transgenic and AAV-PHP.eB-mediated expression of GCaMP6s using in vivo wide-field functional imaging of brain activity. NEUROPHOTONICS 2019; 6:025014. [PMID: 31763351 PMCID: PMC6864505 DOI: 10.1117/1.nph.6.2.025014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
We employ transcranial wide-field single-photon imaging to compare genetically encoded calcium sensors under transgenic or viral vector expression strategies. Awake, head-fixed animals and brief visual flash stimuli are used to assess function. The use of awake transcranial imaging may reduce confounds attributed to cranial window implantation or anesthesia states. We report differences in wide-field epifluorescence brightness and peak Δ F / F 0 response to visual stimulation between expression strategies. Other metrics for indicator performance include fluctuation analysis (standard deviation) and regional correlation maps made from spontaneous activity. We suggest that multiple measures, such as stimulus-evoked signal-to-noise ratio, brightness, and averaged visual Δ F / F 0 response, may be necessary to characterize indicator sensitivity and methods of expression. Furthermore, we show that strategies using blood brain barrier-permeable viruses, such as PHP.eB, yield comparable expression and function as those derived from transgenic mice. We suggest that testing of new genetically engineered activity sensors could employ a single-photon, wide-field imaging pipeline involving visual stimulation in awake mice that have been intravenously injected with PHP.eB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J. Michelson
- Kinsmen Laboratory of Neurological Research, Department of Psychiatry, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- University of British Columbia, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Matthieu P. Vanni
- Kinsmen Laboratory of Neurological Research, Department of Psychiatry, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- University of British Columbia, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Université de Montréal, School of Optometry, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Timothy H. Murphy
- Kinsmen Laboratory of Neurological Research, Department of Psychiatry, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- University of British Columbia, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Address all correspondence to Timothy H. Murphy E-mail:
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27
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Schoderboeck L, Wicky HE, Abraham WC, Hughes SM. Genetic Targeting and Chemogenetic Inhibition of Newborn Neurons. Hum Gene Ther Methods 2018; 29:259-268. [PMID: 30526082 DOI: 10.1089/hgtb.2018.182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to develop a method to silence a very specific set of cells in a spatially and temporally refined manner. Here, an approach is presented that combines the use of a transgenic mouse line, expressing cre recombinase under a nestin promoter, with lentiviral delivery of a floxed, ivermectin (IVM)-gated chloride channel construct to the dentate gyrus. This approach was used to express an IVM-sensitive chloride channel in newly born granule cells in adult mouse brains, and its ability to silence neuronal activity was tested by analyzing the effect on immediate early gene expression in vitro in cre-transgenic primary neuronal cultures. IVM treatment of cells expressing the chloride channel prevented gabazine-induced expression of the immediate early gene product EGR1, while cells expressing a control inactive channel or no channel retained their EGR1 response. Thus, a genetic strategy is presented for targeting a specific neurogenic niche for transgene expression in the adult mouse brain, and proof of principle is shown that it can be used in vitro as a method for silencing neuronal activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Schoderboeck
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.,Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.,Brain Health Research Centre and Brain Research New Zealand, and University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.,Genetics Otago, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Hollie E Wicky
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.,Brain Health Research Centre and Brain Research New Zealand, and University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.,Genetics Otago, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Wickliffe C Abraham
- Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.,Brain Health Research Centre and Brain Research New Zealand, and University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Stephanie M Hughes
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.,Brain Health Research Centre and Brain Research New Zealand, and University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.,Genetics Otago, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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28
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Probing the function of glycinergic neurons in the mouse respiratory network using optogenetics. Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2018; 265:141-152. [PMID: 30395936 DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2018.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Glycine is a primary inhibitory transmitter in the ventral medullary respiratory network, but the functional role of glycinergic neurons for breathing remains a matter of debate. We applied optogenetics to selectively modulate glycinergic neuron activity within regions of the rostral ventral respiratory column (VRC). Responses of the phrenic nerve activity to the light-driven stimulation were studied in the working heart-brainstem preparation from adult glycine transporter 2 Cre mice (GlyT2-Cre), which received a unilateral injection of a Cre-dependent AAV virus into Bötzinger and preBötzinger Complex. Sustained light stimulation from the ventral medullary surface resulted in a substantial depression of the phrenic nerve (PN) frequency, which in most cases was compensated by an increase in PN amplitude. Periodic, burst stimulation with variable intervals could alter and reset respiratory rhythm. We conclude that unilateral activation of the rostral VRC glycinergic neurons can significantly affect respiratory pattern by lengthening the expiratory interval and modulating phase transition.
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Cheng S, Tereshchenko J, Zimmer V, Vachey G, Pythoud C, Rey M, Liefhebber J, Raina A, Streit F, Mazur A, Bähr M, Konstantinova P, Déglon N, Kügler S. Therapeutic efficacy of regulable GDNF expression for Huntington's and Parkinson's disease by a high-induction, background-free “GeneSwitch” vector. Exp Neurol 2018; 309:79-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2018.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Revised: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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Progress in Gene Therapy to Prevent Retinal Ganglion Cell Loss in Glaucoma and Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy. Neural Plast 2018; 2018:7108948. [PMID: 29853847 PMCID: PMC5954906 DOI: 10.1155/2018/7108948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The eye is at the forefront of the application of gene therapy techniques to medicine. In the United States, a gene therapy treatment for Leber's congenital amaurosis, a rare inherited retinal disease, recently became the first gene therapy to be approved by the FDA for the treatment of disease caused by mutations in a specific gene. Phase III clinical trials of gene therapy for other single-gene defect diseases of the retina and optic nerve are also currently underway. However, for optic nerve diseases not caused by single-gene defects, gene therapy strategies are likely to focus on slowing or preventing neuronal death through the expression of neuroprotective agents. In addition to these strategies, there has also been recent interest in the potential use of precise genome editing techniques to treat ocular disease. This review focuses on recent developments in gene therapy techniques for the treatment of glaucoma and Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON). We discuss recent successes in clinical trials for the treatment of LHON using gene supplementation therapy, promising neuroprotective strategies that have been employed in animal models of glaucoma and the potential use of genome editing techniques in treating optic nerve disease.
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Tolö J, Taschenberger G, Leite K, Stahlberg MA, Spehlbrink G, Kues J, Munari F, Capaldi S, Becker S, Zweckstetter M, Dean C, Bähr M, Kügler S. Pathophysiological Consequences of Neuronal α-Synuclein Overexpression: Impacts on Ion Homeostasis, Stress Signaling, Mitochondrial Integrity, and Electrical Activity. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:49. [PMID: 29563864 PMCID: PMC5845890 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
α-Synuclein (α-Syn) is intimately linked to the etiology of Parkinson's Disease, as mutations and even subtle increases in gene dosage result in early onset of the disease. However, how this protein causes neuronal dysfunction and neurodegeneration is incompletely understood. We thus examined a comprehensive range of physiological parameters in cultured rat primary neurons overexpressing α-Syn at levels causing a slowly progressive neurodegeneration. In contradiction to earlier reports from non-neuronal assay systems we demonstrate that α-Syn does not interfere with essential ion handling capacities, mitochondrial capability of ATP production or basic electro-physiological properties like resting membrane potential or the general ability to generate action potentials. α-Syn also does not activate canonical stress kinase Signaling converging on SAPK/Jun, p38 MAPK or Erk kinases. Causative for α-Syn-induced neurodegeneration are mitochondrial thiol oxidation and activation of caspases downstream of mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization, leading to apoptosis-like cell death execution with some unusual aspects. We also aimed to elucidate neuroprotective strategies counteracting the pathophysiological processes caused by α-Syn. Neurotrophic factors, calpain inhibition and increased lysosomal protease capacity showed no protective effects against α-Syn overexpression. In contrast, the major watchdog of outer mitochondrial membrane integrity, Bcl-Xl, was capable of almost completely preventing neuron death, but did not prevent mitochondrial thiol oxidation. Importantly, independent from the quite mono-causal induction of neurotoxicity, α-Syn causes diminished excitability of neurons by external stimuli and robust impairments in endogenous neuronal network activity by decreasing the frequency of action potentials generated without external stimulation. This latter finding suggests that α-Syn can induce neuronal dysfunction independent from its induction of neurotoxicity and might serve as an explanation for functional deficits that precede neuronal cell loss in synucleopathies like Parkinson's disease or dementia with Lewy bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Tolö
- Department of Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Grit Taschenberger
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Center Nanoscale Microscopy and Physiology of the Brain, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Kristian Leite
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Markus A Stahlberg
- European Neuroscience Institute, Department of Transsynaptic Signaling, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Gesche Spehlbrink
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Janina Kues
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Francesca Munari
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Göttingen, Germany.,Department for NMR-based Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Stefano Capaldi
- Biocrystallography Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Stefan Becker
- Department for NMR-based Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Markus Zweckstetter
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Center Nanoscale Microscopy and Physiology of the Brain, Göttingen, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Göttingen, Germany.,Department for NMR-based Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Camin Dean
- Center Nanoscale Microscopy and Physiology of the Brain, Göttingen, Germany.,European Neuroscience Institute, Department of Transsynaptic Signaling, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Mathias Bähr
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Center Nanoscale Microscopy and Physiology of the Brain, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Kügler
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Center Nanoscale Microscopy and Physiology of the Brain, Göttingen, Germany
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Hanlon KS, Chadderton N, Palfi A, Blanco Fernandez A, Humphries P, Kenna PF, Millington-Ward S, Farrar GJ. A Novel Retinal Ganglion Cell Promoter for Utility in AAV Vectors. Front Neurosci 2017; 11:521. [PMID: 28983234 PMCID: PMC5613148 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2017.00521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Significant advances in gene therapy have enabled exploration of therapies for inherited retinal disorders, many of which are in preclinical development or clinical evaluation. Gene therapy for retinal conditions has led the way in this growing field. The loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) is a hallmark of a number of retinal disorders. As the field matures innovations that aid in refining therapies and optimizing efficacy are in demand. Gene therapies under development for RGC-related disorders, when delivered with recombinant adeno associated vectors (AAV), have typically been expressed from ubiquitous promoter sequences. Here we describe how a novel promoter from the murine Nefh gene was selected to drive transgene expression in RGCs. The Nefh promoter, in an AAV2/2 vector, was shown to drive preferential EGFP expression in murine RGCs in vivo following intravitreal injection. In contrast, EGFP expression from a CMV promoter was observed not only in RGCs, but throughout the inner nuclear layer and in amacrine cells located within the ganglion cell layer (GCL). Of note, the Nefh promoter sequence is sufficiently compact to be readily accommodated in AAV vectors, where transgene size represents a significant constraint. Moreover, this promoter should in principle provide a more targeted and potentially safer alternative for RGC-directed gene therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Killian S Hanlon
- School of Genetics and Microbiology, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College DublinDublin, Ireland
| | - Naomi Chadderton
- School of Genetics and Microbiology, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College DublinDublin, Ireland
| | - Arpad Palfi
- School of Genetics and Microbiology, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College DublinDublin, Ireland
| | | | - Peter Humphries
- School of Genetics and Microbiology, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College DublinDublin, Ireland
| | - Paul F Kenna
- School of Genetics and Microbiology, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College DublinDublin, Ireland.,Research Foundation, Royal Victoria Eye and Ear HospitalDublin, Ireland
| | - Sophia Millington-Ward
- School of Genetics and Microbiology, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College DublinDublin, Ireland
| | - G Jane Farrar
- School of Genetics and Microbiology, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College DublinDublin, Ireland
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Munshi R, Qadri SM, Zhang Q, Castellanos Rubio I, Del Pino P, Pralle A. Magnetothermal genetic deep brain stimulation of motor behaviors in awake, freely moving mice. eLife 2017; 6:27069. [PMID: 28826470 PMCID: PMC5779110 DOI: 10.7554/elife.27069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Establishing how neurocircuit activation causes particular behaviors requires modulating the activity of specific neurons. Here, we demonstrate that magnetothermal genetic stimulation provides tetherless deep brain activation sufficient to evoke motor behavior in awake mice. The approach uses alternating magnetic fields to heat superparamagnetic nanoparticles on the neuronal membrane. Neurons, heat-sensitized by expressing TRPV1 are activated with magnetic field application. Magnetothermal genetic stimulation in the motor cortex evoked ambulation, deep brain stimulation in the striatum caused rotation around the body-axis, and stimulation near the ridge between ventral and dorsal striatum caused freezing-of-gait. The duration of the behavior correlated tightly with field application. This approach provides genetically and spatially targetable, repeatable and temporarily precise activation of deep-brain circuits without the need for surgical implantation of any device.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Munshi
- Department of Physics, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, United States
| | - Shahnaz M Qadri
- Department of Physics, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, United States
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Physics, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Arnd Pralle
- Department of Physics, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, United States
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Destination Brain: the Past, Present, and Future of Therapeutic Gene Delivery. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2017; 12:51-83. [PMID: 28160121 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-016-9724-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Neurological diseases and disorders (NDDs) present a significant societal burden and currently available drug- and biological-based therapeutic strategies have proven inadequate to alleviate it. Gene therapy is a suitable alternative to treat NDDs compared to conventional systems since it can be tailored to specifically alter select gene expression, reverse disease phenotype and restore normal function. The scope of gene therapy has broadened over the years with the advent of RNA interference and genome editing technologies. Consequently, encouraging results from central nervous system (CNS)-targeted gene delivery studies have led to their transition from preclinical to clinical trials. As we shift to an exciting gene therapy era, a retrospective of available literature on CNS-associated gene delivery is in order. This review is timely in this regard, since it analyzes key challenges and major findings from the last two decades and evaluates future prospects of brain gene delivery. We emphasize major areas consisting of physiological and pharmacological challenges in gene therapy, function-based selection of a ideal cellular target(s), available therapy modalities, and diversity of viral vectors and nanoparticles as vehicle systems. Further, we present plausible answers to key questions such as strategies to circumvent low blood-brain barrier permeability and most suitable CNS cell types for targeting. We compare and contrast pros and cons of the tested viral vectors in the context of delivery systems used in past and current clinical trials. Gene vector design challenges are also evaluated in the context of cell-specific promoters. Key challenges and findings reported for recent gene therapy clinical trials, assessing viral vectors and nanoparticles are discussed from the perspective of bench to bedside gene therapy translation. We conclude this review by tying together gene delivery challenges, available vehicle systems and comprehensive analyses of neuropathogenesis to outline future prospects of CNS-targeted gene therapies.
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35
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Dermutz H, Thompson-Steckel G, Forró C, de Lange V, Dorwling-Carter L, Vörös J, Demkó L. Paper-based patterned 3D neural cultures as a tool to study network activity on multielectrode arrays. RSC Adv 2017. [DOI: 10.1039/c7ra00971b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
High-throughput platform targeting activity patterns of 3D neural cultures with arbitrary topology, by combining network-wide intracellular and local extracellular signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harald Dermutz
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioelectronics
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering
- ETH Zurich
- CH-8092 Zurich
- Switzerland
| | - Greta Thompson-Steckel
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioelectronics
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering
- ETH Zurich
- CH-8092 Zurich
- Switzerland
| | - Csaba Forró
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioelectronics
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering
- ETH Zurich
- CH-8092 Zurich
- Switzerland
| | - Victoria de Lange
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioelectronics
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering
- ETH Zurich
- CH-8092 Zurich
- Switzerland
| | - Livie Dorwling-Carter
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioelectronics
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering
- ETH Zurich
- CH-8092 Zurich
- Switzerland
| | - János Vörös
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioelectronics
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering
- ETH Zurich
- CH-8092 Zurich
- Switzerland
| | - László Demkó
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioelectronics
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering
- ETH Zurich
- CH-8092 Zurich
- Switzerland
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36
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Developmentally defined forebrain circuits regulate appetitive and aversive olfactory learning. Nat Neurosci 2016; 20:20-23. [PMID: 27918532 PMCID: PMC5191939 DOI: 10.1038/nn.4452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Postnatal and adult neurogenesis are region- and modality-specific, but the significance of developmentally distinct neuronal populations remains unclear. We demonstrate that chemogenetic inactivation of a subset of forebrain and olfactory neurons generated at birth disrupts responses to an aversive odor. In contrast, novel appetitive odor learning is sensitive to inactivation of adult born neurons, unveiling that developmentally defined sets of neurons may differentially participate in hedonic aspects of sensory learning.
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37
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Jackson KL, Dayton RD, Deverman BE, Klein RL. Better Targeting, Better Efficiency for Wide-Scale Neuronal Transduction with the Synapsin Promoter and AAV-PHP.B. Front Mol Neurosci 2016; 9:116. [PMID: 27867348 PMCID: PMC5095393 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2016.00116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Widespread genetic modification of cells in the central nervous system (CNS) with a viral vector has become possible and increasingly more efficient. We previously applied an AAV9 vector with the cytomegalovirus/chicken beta-actin (CBA) hybrid promoter and achieved wide-scale CNS transduction in neonatal and adult rats. However, this method transduces a variety of tissues in addition to the CNS. Thus we studied intravenous AAV9 gene transfer with a synapsin promoter to better target the neurons. We noted in systematic comparisons that the synapsin promoter drives lower level expression than does the CBA promoter. The engineered adeno-associated virus (AAV)-PHP.B serotype was compared with AAV9, and AAV-PHP.B did enhance the efficiency of expression. Combining the synapsin promoter with AAV-PHP.B could therefore be advantageous in terms of combining two refinements of targeting and efficiency. Wide-scale expression was used to model a disease with widespread pathology. Vectors encoding the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)-related protein transactive response DNA-binding protein, 43 kDa (TDP-43) with the synapsin promoter and AAV-PHP.B were used for efficient CNS-targeted TDP-43 expression. Intracerebroventricular injections were also explored to limit TDP-43 expression to the CNS. The neuron-selective promoter and the AAV-PHP.B enhanced gene transfer and ALS disease modeling in adult rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasey L Jackson
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Neuroscience, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Robert D Dayton
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Neuroscience, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Benjamin E Deverman
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Ronald L Klein
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Neuroscience, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport, LA, USA
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Abstract
In this chapter, we will cover the available design choices for enabling expression of two functional protein or RNA sequences from a single viral vector. Such vectors are very useful in the neuroscience-related field of neuronal control and modulation, e.g., using optogenetics or DREADDs, but are also desirable in applications of CRISPR/Cas9 in situ genome editing and more refined therapeutic approaches. Each approach to achieving this combined expression has its own strengths and limitations, which makes them more or less suitable for different applications. In this chapter, we describe the available alternatives and provide tips on how they can be implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomas Björklund
- Molecular Neuromodulation, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund University, 117, 221 00, Lund, Sweden.
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39
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Jackson KL, Dayton RD, Klein RL. Gene vector ‘magic bullet’: targeted expression in the central nervous system after peripheral delivery using the synapsin promoter. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2016; 20:1153-4. [DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2016.1212016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kasey L. Jackson
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Neuroscience, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Robert D. Dayton
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Neuroscience, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Ronald L. Klein
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Neuroscience, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, USA
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40
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Candemir E, Kollert L, Weißflog L, Geis M, Müller A, Post AM, O'Leary A, Harro J, Reif A, Freudenberg F. Interaction of NOS1AP with the NOS-I PDZ domain: Implications for schizophrenia-related alterations in dendritic morphology. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2016; 26:741-55. [PMID: 26861996 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2016.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2015] [Revised: 12/23/2015] [Accepted: 01/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia involves morphological brain changes, including changes in synaptic plasticity and altered dendritic development. Amongst the most promising candidate molecules for schizophrenia are neuronal nitric oxide (NO) synthase (NOS-I, also known as nNOS) and its adapter protein NOS1AP (previously named CAPON). However, the precise molecular mechanisms by which NOS-I and NOS1AP affect disease pathology remain to be resolved. Interestingly, overexpression of NOS1AP affects dendritic morphology, possibly through increased association with the NOS-I PDZ domain. To investigate the effect of NOS1AP on dendritic morphology we overexpressed different NOS1AP isoforms, NOS1AP deletion mutants and the aminoterminal 133 amino acids of NOS-I (NOS-IN133) containing an extended PDZ domain. We examined the interaction of the overexpressed constructs with endogenous NOS-I by co-immunoprecipitation and the consequences of increased NOS-I/NOS1AP PDZ interaction in primary cultures of hippocampal and cortical neurons from C57BL/6J mice. Neurons overexpressing NOS1AP isoforms or deletion mutants showed highly altered spine morphology and excessive growth of filopodia-like protrusions. Sholl analysis of immunostained primary cultured neurons revealed that dendritic branching was mildly affected by NOS1AP overexpression. Our results hint towards an involvement of NOS-I/NOS1AP interaction in the regulation of dendritic spine plasticity. As altered dendritic spine development and filopodial outgrowth are important neuropathological features of schizophrenia, our findings may provide insight into part of the molecular mechanisms involved in brain morphology alterations observed in schizophrenia. As the NOS-I/NOS1AP interface can be targeted by small molecules, our findings ultimately might help to develop novel treatment strategies for schizophrenia patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esin Candemir
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Frankfurt, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; Graduate School of Life Sciences, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Leonie Kollert
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Lena Weißflog
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Frankfurt, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Maria Geis
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Antje Müller
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Antonia M Post
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Frankfurt, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Aet O'Leary
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; Division of Neuropsychopharmacology, Department of Psychology, University of Tartu, Ravila 14A, Tartu 50411 Estonia
| | - Jaanus Harro
- Division of Neuropsychopharmacology, Department of Psychology, University of Tartu, Ravila 14A, Tartu 50411 Estonia
| | - Andreas Reif
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Frankfurt, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Florian Freudenberg
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Frankfurt, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
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Lukashchuk V, Lewis KE, Coldicott I, Grierson AJ, Azzouz M. AAV9-mediated central nervous system-targeted gene delivery via cisterna magna route in mice. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2016; 3:15055. [PMID: 26942208 PMCID: PMC4756767 DOI: 10.1038/mtm.2015.55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Revised: 12/07/2015] [Accepted: 12/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Current barriers to the use of adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (AAV9) in clinical trials for treating neurological disorders are its high expression in many off-target tissues such as liver and heart, and lack of cell specificity within the central nervous system (CNS) when using ubiquitous promoters such as human cytomegalovirus (CMV) or chicken-β-actin hybrid (CAG). To enhance targeting the transgene expression in CNS cells, self-complementary (sc) AAV9 vectors, scAAV9-GFP vectors carrying neuronal Hb9 and synapsin 1, and nonspecific CMV and CAG promoters were constructed. We demonstrate that synapsin 1 and Hb9 promoters exclusively targeted neurons in vitro, although their strengths were up to 10-fold lower than that of CMV. In vivo analyses of mouse tissue after scAAV9-GFP vector delivery via the cisterna magna revealed a significant advantage of synapsin 1 promoter over both Hb9 variants in targeting neurons throughout the brain, since Hb9 promoters were driving gene expression mainly within the motor-related areas of the brain stem. In summary, this study demonstrates that cisterna magna administration is a safe alternative to intracranial or intracerebroventricular vector delivery route using scAAV9, and introduces a novel utility of the Hb9 promoter for the targeted gene expression for both in vivo and in vitro applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Lukashchuk
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield , Sheffield, UK
| | - Katherine E Lewis
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield , Sheffield, UK
| | - Ian Coldicott
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield , Sheffield, UK
| | - Andrew J Grierson
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield , Sheffield, UK
| | - Mimoun Azzouz
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK; Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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42
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Ribas VT, Koch JC, Michel U, Bähr M, Lingor P. Attenuation of Axonal Degeneration by Calcium Channel Inhibitors Improves Retinal Ganglion Cell Survival and Regeneration After Optic Nerve Crush. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 54:72-86. [PMID: 26732591 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-015-9676-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 12/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Axonal degeneration is one of the initial steps in many traumatic and neurodegenerative central nervous system (CNS) disorders and thus a promising therapeutic target. A focal axonal lesion is followed by acute axonal degeneration (AAD) of both adjacent axon parts, before proximal and distal parts follow different degenerative fates at later time points. Blocking calcium influx by calcium channel inhibitors was previously shown to attenuate AAD after optic nerve crush (ONC). However, it remains unclear whether the attenuation of AAD also promotes consecutive axonal regeneration. Here, we used a rat ONC model to study the effects of calcium channel inhibitors on axonal degeneration, retinal ganglion cell (RGC) survival, and axonal regeneration, as well as the molecular mechanisms involved. Application of calcium channel inhibitors attenuated AAD after ONC and preserved axonal integrity as visualized by live imaging of optic nerve axons. Consecutively, this resulted in improved survival of RGCs and improved axonal regeneration at 28 days after ONC. We show further that calcium channel inhibition attenuated lesion-induced calpain activation in the proximity of the crush and inhibited the activation of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase pathway. Pro-survival signaling via Akt in the retina was also increased. Our data thus show that attenuation of AAD improves consecutive neuronal survival and axonal regeneration and that calcium channel inhibitors could be valuable tools for therapeutic interventions in traumatic and degenerative CNS disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinicius T Ribas
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jan C Koch
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Uwe Michel
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Mathias Bähr
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany.,Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Paul Lingor
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany. .,Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), Göttingen, Germany.
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Castle MJ, Turunen HT, Vandenberghe LH, Wolfe JH. Controlling AAV Tropism in the Nervous System with Natural and Engineered Capsids. Methods Mol Biol 2016; 1382:133-49. [PMID: 26611584 PMCID: PMC4993104 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-3271-9_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
More than one hundred naturally occurring variants of adeno-associated virus (AAV) have been identified, and this library has been further expanded by an array of techniques for modification of the viral capsid. AAV capsid variants possess unique antigenic profiles and demonstrate distinct cellular tropisms driven by differences in receptor binding. AAV capsids can be chemically modified to alter tropism, can be produced as hybrid vectors that combine the properties of multiple serotypes, and can carry peptide insertions that introduce novel receptor-binding activity. Furthermore, directed evolution of shuffled genome libraries can identify engineered variants with unique properties, and rational modification of the viral capsid can alter tropism, reduce blockage by neutralizing antibodies, or enhance transduction efficiency. This large number of AAV variants and engineered capsids provides a varied toolkit for gene delivery to the CNS and retina, with specialized vectors available for many applications, but selecting a capsid variant from the array of available vectors can be difficult. This chapter describes the unique properties of a range of AAV variants and engineered capsids, and provides a guide for selecting the appropriate vector for specific applications in the CNS and retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Castle
- Research Institute of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 502-G Abramson Pediatric Research Building, 3615 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Heikki T Turunen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Luk H Vandenberghe
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - John H Wolfe
- Research Institute of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 502-G Abramson Pediatric Research Building, 3615 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- W.F. Goodman Center for Comparative Medical Genetics, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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Abstract
This chapter outlines some general principles of transcriptional targeting approaches using viral vectors in the central nervous system. Transcriptional targeting is first discussed in the context of vector tropism and appropriate delivery. Then, some of our own attempts to restrict expression of therapeutic factors to distinct brain cell populations are discussed, followed by a detailed description of the setscrews that are available for these experiments. A critical discussion of current stumbling blocks and necessary developments to achieve clinical applicability of advanced targeted vector systems is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Kügler
- Department of Neurology, Center Nanoscale Microscopy and Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), University Medicine Göttingen, Waldweg 33, 37073, Göttingen, Germany.
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Penrod RD, Wells AM, Carlezon WA, Cowan CW. Use of Adeno-Associated and Herpes Simplex Viral Vectors for In Vivo Neuronal Expression in Mice. CURRENT PROTOCOLS IN NEUROSCIENCE 2015; 73:4.37.1-4.37.31. [PMID: 26426386 PMCID: PMC4678623 DOI: 10.1002/0471142301.ns0437s73] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Adeno-associated viruses and the herpes simplex virus are the two most widely used vectors for the in vivo expression of exogenous genes. Advances in the development of these vectors have enabled remarkable temporal and spatial control of gene expression. This unit provides methods for storing, delivering, and verifying expression of adeno-associated and herpes simplex viruses in the adult mouse brain. It also describes important considerations for experiments using in vivo expression of these viral vectors, including serotype and promoter selection, as well as timing of expression. Additional protocols are provided that describe methods for preliminary experiments to determine the appropriate conditions for in vivo delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel D Penrod
- McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, Massachusetts
| | - Audrey M Wells
- McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, Massachusetts
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Selective transgene expression in cerebellar Purkinje cells and granule cells using adeno-associated viruses together with specific promoters. Brain Res 2015; 1620:1-16. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2015.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2015] [Revised: 04/27/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Domanskyi A, Saarma M, Airavaara M. Prospects of Neurotrophic Factors for Parkinson's Disease: Comparison of Protein and Gene Therapy. Hum Gene Ther 2015; 26:550-9. [DOI: 10.1089/hum.2015.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andrii Domanskyi
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mart Saarma
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mikko Airavaara
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Körber C, Horstmann H, Venkataramani V, Herrmannsdörfer F, Kremer T, Kaiser M, Schwenger DB, Ahmed S, Dean C, Dresbach T, Kuner T. Modulation of Presynaptic Release Probability by the Vertebrate-Specific Protein Mover. Neuron 2015. [PMID: 26212709 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2015.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Mover, a member of the exquisitely small group of vertebrate-specific presynaptic proteins, has been discovered as an interaction partner of the scaffolding protein Bassoon, yet its function has not been elucidated. We used adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated shRNA expression to knock down Mover in the calyx of Held in vivo. Although spontaneous synaptic transmission remained unaffected, we found a strong increase of the evoked EPSC amplitude. The size of the readily releasable pool was unaltered, but short-term depression was accelerated and enhanced, consistent with an increase in release probability after Mover knockdown. This increase in release probability was not caused by alterations in Ca(2+) influx but rather by a higher Ca(2+) sensitivity of the release machinery, as demonstrated by presynaptic Ca(2+) uncaging. We therefore conclude that Mover expression in certain subsets of synapses negatively regulates synaptic release probability, constituting a novel mechanism to tune synaptic transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Körber
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 307, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Heinz Horstmann
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 307, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Varun Venkataramani
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 307, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Frank Herrmannsdörfer
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 307, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Kremer
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 307, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michaela Kaiser
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 307, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Darius B Schwenger
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 307, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Saheeb Ahmed
- European Neuroscience Institute, Grisebachstrasse 5, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Camin Dean
- European Neuroscience Institute, Grisebachstrasse 5, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Dresbach
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 307, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Centre of Anatomy, University of Göttingen, Kreuzbergring 36, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Kuner
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 307, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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Alpha-Synuclein affects neurite morphology, autophagy, vesicle transport and axonal degeneration in CNS neurons. Cell Death Dis 2015; 6:e1811. [PMID: 26158517 PMCID: PMC4650722 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2015.169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2014] [Revised: 05/14/2015] [Accepted: 05/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Many neuropathological and experimental studies suggest that the degeneration of dopaminergic terminals and axons precedes the demise of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, which finally results in the clinical symptoms of Parkinson disease (PD). The mechanisms underlying this early axonal degeneration are, however, still poorly understood. Here, we examined the effects of overexpression of human wildtype alpha-synuclein (αSyn-WT), a protein associated with PD, and its mutant variants αSyn-A30P and -A53T on neurite morphology and functional parameters in rat primary midbrain neurons (PMN). Moreover, axonal degeneration after overexpression of αSyn-WT and -A30P was analyzed by live imaging in the rat optic nerve in vivo. We found that overexpression of αSyn-WT and of its mutants A30P and A53T impaired neurite outgrowth of PMN and affected neurite branching assessed by Sholl analysis in a variant-dependent manner. Surprisingly, the number of primary neurites per neuron was increased in neurons transfected with αSyn. Axonal vesicle transport was examined by live imaging of PMN co-transfected with EGFP-labeled synaptophysin. Overexpression of all αSyn variants significantly decreased the number of motile vesicles and decelerated vesicle transport compared with control. Macroautophagic flux in PMN was enhanced by αSyn-WT and -A53T but not by αSyn-A30P. Correspondingly, colocalization of αSyn and the autophagy marker LC3 was reduced for αSyn-A30P compared with the other αSyn variants. The number of mitochondria colocalizing with LC3 as a marker for mitophagy did not differ among the groups. In the rat optic nerve, both αSyn-WT and -A30P accelerated kinetics of acute axonal degeneration following crush lesion as analyzed by in vivo live imaging. We conclude that αSyn overexpression impairs neurite outgrowth and augments axonal degeneration, whereas axonal vesicle transport and autophagy are severely altered.
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Strobel B, Klauser B, Hartig JS, Lamla T, Gantner F, Kreuz S. Riboswitch-mediated Attenuation of Transgene Cytotoxicity Increases Adeno-associated Virus Vector Yields in HEK-293 Cells. Mol Ther 2015; 23:1582-91. [PMID: 26137851 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2015.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 06/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytotoxicity of transgenes carried by adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors might be desired, for instance, in oncolytic virotherapy or occur unexpectedly in exploratory research when studying sparsely characterized genes. To date, most AAV-based studies use constitutively active promoters (e.g., the CMV promoter) to drive transgene expression, which often hampers efficient AAV production due to cytotoxic, antiproliferative, or unknown transgene effects interfering with producer cell performance. Therefore, we explored artificial riboswitches as novel tools to control transgene expression during AAV production in mammalian cells. Our results demonstrate that the guanine-responsive GuaM8HDV aptazyme efficiently attenuates transgene expression and associated detrimental effects, thereby boosting AAV vector yields up to 23-fold after a single addition of guanine. Importantly, riboswitch-harboring vectors preserved their ability to express functional transgene at high levels in the absence of ligand, as demonstrated in a mouse model of AAV-TGFβ1-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Thus, our study provides the first application-ready biotechnological system-based on aptazymes, which should enable high viral vector yields largely independent of the transgene used. Moreover, the RNA-intrinsic, small-molecule regulatable mode of action of riboswitches provides key advantages over conventional transcription factor-based regulatory systems. Therefore, such riboswitch vectors might be ultimately applied to temporally control therapeutic transgene expression in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Strobel
- Target Discovery Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Benedikt Klauser
- Department of Chemistry, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Jörg S Hartig
- Department of Chemistry, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Thorsten Lamla
- Target Discovery Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Florian Gantner
- Translational Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Sebastian Kreuz
- Respiratory Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
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