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Mier NC, Roper DK. Effects of an indole derivative on cell proliferation, transfection, and alternative splicing in production of lentiviral vectors by transient co-transfection. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0297817. [PMID: 38833479 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Lentiviral vectors derived from human immunodeficiency virus type I are widely used to deliver functional gene copies to mammalian cells for research and gene therapies. Post-transcriptional splicing of lentiviral vector transgene in transduced host and transfected producer cells presents barriers to widespread application of lentiviral vector-based therapies. The present study examined effects of indole derivative compound IDC16 on splicing of lentiviral vector transcripts in producer cells and corresponding yield of infectious lentiviral vectors. Indole IDC16 was shown previously to modify alternative splicing in human immunodeficiency virus type I. Human embryonic kidney 293T cells were transiently transfected by 3rd generation backbone and packaging plasmids using polyethyleneimine. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction of the fraction of unspliced genomes in human embryonic kidney 293T cells increased up to 31% upon the indole's treatment at 2.5 uM. Corresponding yield of infectious lentiviral vectors decreased up to 4.5-fold in a cell transduction assay. Adjusting timing and duration of IDC16 treatment indicated that the indole's disruption of early stages of transfection and cell cycle had a greater effect on exponential time course of lentiviral vector production than its reduction of post-transcriptional splicing. Decrease in transfected human embryonic kidney 293T proliferation by IDC16 became significant at 10 uM. These findings indicated contributions by early-stage transfection, cell proliferation, and post-transcriptional splicing in transient transfection of human embryonic kidney 293T cells for lentiviral vector production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataly Carolina Mier
- Department of Biological Engineering, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, United States of America
| | - Donald Keith Roper
- Department of Biological Engineering, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, United States of America
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2
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Goksu AY, Kocanci FG, Akinci E, Demir-Dora D, Erendor F, Sanlioglu S, Uysal H. Microglia cells treated with synthetic vasoactive intestinal peptide or transduced with LentiVIP protect neuronal cells against degeneration. Eur J Neurosci 2024; 59:1993-2015. [PMID: 38382910 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16273] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
A common pathological hallmark of neurodegenerative disorders is neuronal cell death, accompanied by neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. The vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is a pleiotropic peptide that combines neuroprotective and immunomodulatory actions. The gene therapy field shows long-term promise for treating a wide range of neurodegenerative diseases (ND). In this study, we aimed to investigate the in vitro efficacy of transduction of microglia using lentiviral gene therapy vectors encoding VIP (LentiVIP). Additionally, we tested the protective effects of the secretome derived from LentiVIP-infected "immortalized human" microglia HMC3 cells, and cells treated with Synthetic VIP (SynVIP), against toxin-induced neurodegeneration. First, LentiVIP, which stably expresses VIP, was generated and purified. VIP secretion in microglial conditioned media (MG CM) for LentiVIP-infected HMC3 microglia cells was confirmed. Microglia cells were activated with lipopolysaccharide, and groups were formed as follows: 1) Control, 2) SynVIP-treated, or 3) LentiVIP-transduced. These MG CM were applied on an in vitro neurodegenerative model formed by differentiated (d)-SH-SY5Y cells. Then, cell survival analysis and apoptotic nuclear staining, besides measurement of oxidative/inflammatory parameters in CM of cells were performed. Activated MG CM reduced survival rates of both control and toxin-applied (d)-SH-SY5Y cells, whereas LentiVIP-infected MG CM and SynVIP-treated ones exhibited better survival rates. These findings were supported by apoptotic nuclear evaluations of (d)-SH-SY5Y cells, alongside oxidative/inflammatory parameters in their CM. LentiVIP seems worthy of further studies for the treatment of ND because of the potential of gene therapy to treat diseases effectively with a single injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azize Yasemin Goksu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
- Department of Gene and Cell Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Fatma Gonca Kocanci
- Department of Medical Laboratory Techniques, Vocational High School of Health Services, Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, Alanya/Antalya, Turkey
| | - Ersin Akinci
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Division of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Devrim Demir-Dora
- Department of Gene and Cell Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Fulya Erendor
- Department of Gene and Cell Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Salih Sanlioglu
- Department of Gene and Cell Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Hilmi Uysal
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
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Perera A, Brock O, Ahmed A, Shaw C, Ashkan K. Taking the knife to neurodegeneration: a review of surgical gene therapy delivery to the CNS. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 2024; 166:136. [PMID: 38483631 PMCID: PMC10940433 DOI: 10.1007/s00701-024-06028-8] [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: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Gene supplementation and editing for neurodegenerative disorders has emerged in recent years as the understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying several neurodegenerative disorders increases. The most common medium to deliver genetic material to cells is via viral vectors; and with respect to the central nervous system, adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors are a popular choice. The most successful example of AAV-based gene therapy for neurodegenerative disorders is Zolgensma© which is a transformative intravenous therapy given to babies with spinal muscular atrophy. However, the field has stalled in achieving safe drug delivery to the central nervous system in adults for which treatments for disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are desperately needed. Surgical gene therapy delivery has been proposed as a potential solution to this problem. While the field of the so-called regenerative neurosurgery has yielded pre-clinical optimism, several challenges have emerged. This review seeks to explore the field of regenerative neurosurgery with respect to AAV-based gene therapy for neurodegenerative diseases, its progress so far and the challenges that need to be overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Perera
- Maurice Wohl Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Basic Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London, Cutcombe Road, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9RS, UK.
- Department of Neurosurgery, King's College Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK.
| | - Olivier Brock
- Maurice Wohl Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Basic Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London, Cutcombe Road, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9RS, UK
| | - Aminul Ahmed
- Department of Neurosurgery, King's College Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK
- Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Chris Shaw
- Maurice Wohl Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Basic Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London, Cutcombe Road, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9RS, UK
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, 85 Park Road Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
| | - Keyoumars Ashkan
- Maurice Wohl Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Basic Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London, Cutcombe Road, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9RS, UK
- Department of Neurosurgery, King's College Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK
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4
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Wang W, Chen X, Chen J, Xu M, Liu Y, Yang S, Zhao W, Tan S. Engineering lentivirus envelope VSV-G for liver targeted delivery of IDOL-shRNA to ameliorate hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102115. [PMID: 38314097 PMCID: PMC10835450 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Lentiviral vectors (LVs) have been widely used as a tool for gene therapies. However, tissue-selective transduction after systemic delivery remains a challenge. Inducible degrader of low-density lipoprotein receptor is an attractive target for treating hypercholesterolemia. Here, a liver-targeted LV, CS8-LV-shIDOL, is developed by incorporating a hepatocyte-targeted peptide derived from circumsporozoite protein (CSP) into the lentivirus envelope for liver-targeted delivery of IDOL-shRNA (short hairpin RNA) to alleviate hypercholesterolemia. Tail-vein injection of CS8-LV-shIDOL results in extremely high accumulation in liver and nearly undetectable levels in other organs in mice. In addition, it shows superior therapeutic efficacy in lowering serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and reducing atherosclerotic lesions over unmodified LV-shIDOL in hyperlipidemic mice. Mechanically, the envelope-engineered CS8-LV-shIDOL can enter liver cells via low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP). Thus, this study provides a novel approach for liver-targeted delivery of IDOL-shRNA to treat hypercholesterolemia by using an envelope-engineered LV, and this delivery system has great potential for liver-targeted transgene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xuemei Chen
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jiali Chen
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Menglong Xu
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Shijie Yang
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Wenfeng Zhao
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Shuhua Tan
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
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Firdaus Z, Li X. Unraveling the Genetic Landscape of Neurological Disorders: Insights into Pathogenesis, Techniques for Variant Identification, and Therapeutic Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2320. [PMID: 38396996 PMCID: PMC10889342 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042320] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Genetic abnormalities play a crucial role in the development of neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs). Genetic exploration has indeed contributed to unraveling the molecular complexities responsible for the etiology and progression of various NDDs. The intricate nature of rare and common variants in NDDs contributes to a limited understanding of the genetic risk factors associated with them. Advancements in next-generation sequencing have made whole-genome sequencing and whole-exome sequencing possible, allowing the identification of rare variants with substantial effects, and improving the understanding of both Mendelian and complex neurological conditions. The resurgence of gene therapy holds the promise of targeting the etiology of diseases and ensuring a sustained correction. This approach is particularly enticing for neurodegenerative diseases, where traditional pharmacological methods have fallen short. In the context of our exploration of the genetic epidemiology of the three most prevalent NDDs-amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease, our primary goal is to underscore the progress made in the development of next-generation sequencing. This progress aims to enhance our understanding of the disease mechanisms and explore gene-based therapies for NDDs. Throughout this review, we focus on genetic variations, methodologies for their identification, the associated pathophysiology, and the promising potential of gene therapy. Ultimately, our objective is to provide a comprehensive and forward-looking perspective on the emerging research arena of NDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeba Firdaus
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA;
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Xiaogang Li
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA;
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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6
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Bettegazzi B, Cattaneo S, Simonato M, Zucchini S, Soukupova M. Viral Vector-Based Gene Therapy for Epilepsy: What Does the Future Hold? Mol Diagn Ther 2024; 28:5-13. [PMID: 38103141 PMCID: PMC10786988 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-023-00687-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, many pre-clinical studies have tested gene therapy approaches as possible treatments for epilepsy, following the idea that they may provide an alternative to conventional pharmacological and surgical options. Multiple gene therapy approaches have been developed, including those based on anti-sense oligonucleotides, RNA interference, and viral vectors. In this opinion article, we focus on translational issues related to viral vector-mediated gene therapy for epilepsy. Research has advanced dramatically in addressing issues like viral vector optimization, target identification, strategies of gene expression, editing or regulation, and safety. Some of these pre-clinically validated potential gene therapies are now being tested in clinical trials, in patients with genetic or focal forms of drug-resistant epilepsy. Here, we discuss the ongoing translational research and the advancements that are needed and expected in the near future. We then describe the clinical trials in the pipeline and the further challenges that will need to be addressed at the clinical and economic levels. Our optimistic view is that all these issues and challenges can be overcome, and that gene therapy approaches for epilepsy will soon become a clinical reality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stefano Cattaneo
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Michele Simonato
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Silvia Zucchini
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
- Laboratory of Technologies for Advanced Therapy (LTTA), Technopole of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Marie Soukupova
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
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Chandrababu K, Radhakrishnan V, Anjana AS, Rajan R, Sivan U, Krishnan S, Baby Chakrapani PS. Unravelling the Parkinson's puzzle, from medications and surgery to stem cells and genes: a comprehensive review of current and future management strategies. Exp Brain Res 2024; 242:1-23. [PMID: 38015243 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-023-06735-1] [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: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder, prevalent in the elderly population. Neuropathological hallmarks of PD include loss of dopaminergic cells in the nigro-striatal pathway and deposition of alpha-synuclein protein in the neurons and synaptic terminals, which lead to a complex presentation of motor and non-motor symptoms. This review focuses on various aspects of PD, from clinical diagnosis to currently accepted treatment options, such as pharmacological management through dopamine replacement and surgical techniques such as deep brain stimulation (DBS). The review discusses in detail the potential of emerging stem cell-based therapies and gene therapies to be adopted as a cure, in contrast to the present symptomatic treatment in PD. The potential sources of stem cells for autologous and allogeneic stem cell therapy have been discussed, along with the progress evaluation of pre-clinical and clinical trials. Even though recent techniques hold great potential to improve the lives of PD patients, we present the importance of addressing the safety, efficacy, ethical, cost, and regulatory concerns before scaling them to clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishnapriya Chandrababu
- Centre for Neuroscience, Department of Biotechnology, Cochin University for Science and Technology, Kochi, Kerala, 682 022, India
| | - Vineeth Radhakrishnan
- Comprehensive Care Centre for Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - A S Anjana
- Centre for Neuroscience, Department of Biotechnology, Cochin University for Science and Technology, Kochi, Kerala, 682 022, India
| | - Rahul Rajan
- Centre for Neuroscience, Department of Biotechnology, Cochin University for Science and Technology, Kochi, Kerala, 682 022, India
| | - Unnikrishnan Sivan
- Faculty of Fisheries Engineering, Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Syam Krishnan
- Comprehensive Care Centre for Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - P S Baby Chakrapani
- Centre for Neuroscience, Department of Biotechnology, Cochin University for Science and Technology, Kochi, Kerala, 682 022, India.
- Centre for Excellence in Neurodegeneration and Brain Health (CENBH), Kochi, Kerala, India.
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8
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Vijiaratnam N, Foltynie T. How should we be using biomarkers in trials of disease modification in Parkinson's disease? Brain 2023; 146:4845-4869. [PMID: 37536279 PMCID: PMC10690028 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad265] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent validation of the α-synuclein seed amplification assay as a biomarker with high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease has formed the backbone for a proposed staging system for incorporation in Parkinson's disease clinical studies and trials. The routine use of this biomarker should greatly aid in the accuracy of diagnosis during recruitment of Parkinson's disease patients into trials (as distinct from patients with non-Parkinson's disease parkinsonism or non-Parkinson's disease tremors). There remain, however, further challenges in the pursuit of biomarkers for clinical trials of disease modifying agents in Parkinson's disease, namely: optimizing the distinction between different α-synucleinopathies; the selection of subgroups most likely to benefit from a candidate disease modifying agent; a sensitive means of confirming target engagement; and the early prediction of longer-term clinical benefit. For example, levels of CSF proteins such as the lysosomal enzyme β-glucocerebrosidase may assist in prognostication or allow enrichment of appropriate patients into disease modifying trials of agents with this enzyme as the target; the presence of coexisting Alzheimer's disease-like pathology (detectable through CSF levels of amyloid-β42 and tau) can predict subsequent cognitive decline; imaging techniques such as free-water or neuromelanin MRI may objectively track decline in Parkinson's disease even in its later stages. The exploitation of additional biomarkers to the α-synuclein seed amplification assay will, therefore, greatly add to our ability to plan trials and assess the disease modifying properties of interventions. The choice of which biomarker(s) to use in the context of disease modifying clinical trials will depend on the intervention, the stage (at risk, premotor, motor, complex) of the population recruited and the aims of the trial. The progress already made lends hope that panels of fluid biomarkers in tandem with structural or functional imaging may provide sensitive and objective methods of confirming that an intervention is modifying a key pathophysiological process of Parkinson's disease. However, correlation with clinical progression does not necessarily equate to causation, and the ongoing validation of quantitative biomarkers will depend on insightful clinical-genetic-pathophysiological comparisons incorporating longitudinal biomarker changes from those at genetic risk with evidence of onset of the pathophysiology and those at each stage of manifest clinical Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirosen Vijiaratnam
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Thomas Foltynie
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
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Nagatsu T. Catecholamines and Parkinson's disease: tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) over tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) and GTP cyclohydrolase I (GCH1) to cytokines, neuromelanin, and gene therapy: a historical overview. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2023:10.1007/s00702-023-02673-y. [PMID: 37638996 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-023-02673-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
The author identified the genes and proteins of human enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of catecholamines (dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine) and tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4): tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC), dopamine β-hydroxylase (DBH), phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT), and GTP cyclohydrolase I (GCH1). In Parkinson's disease (PD), the activities and levels of mRNA and protein of all catecholamine-synthesizing enzymes are decreased, especially in dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra. Hereditary GCH1 deficiency results in reductions in the levels of BH4 and the activities of TH, causing decreases in dopamine levels. Severe deficiencies in GCH1 or TH cause severe decreases in dopamine levels leading to severe neurological symptoms, whereas mild decreases in TH activity in mild GCH1 deficiency or in mild TH deficiency result in only modest reductions in dopamine levels and symptoms of DOPA-responsive dystonia (DRD, Segawa disease) or juvenile Parkinsonism. DRD is a treatable disease and small doses of L-DOPA can halt progression. The death of dopamine neurons in PD in the substantia nigra may be related to (i) inflammatory effect of extra neuronal neuromelanin, (ii) inflammatory cytokines which are produced by activated microglia, (iii) decreased levels of BDNF, and/or (iv) increased levels of apoptosis-related factors. This review also discusses progress in gene therapies for the treatment of PD, and of GCH1, TH and AADC deficiencies, by transfection of TH, AADC, and GCH1 via adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiharu Nagatsu
- Center for Research Promotion and Support, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi, 470-1192, Japan.
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Steel D, Reid KM, Pisani A, Hess EJ, Fox S, Kurian MA. Advances in targeting neurotransmitter systems in dystonia. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 169:217-258. [PMID: 37482394 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2023.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Dystonia is characterised as uncontrolled, often painful involuntary muscle contractions that cause abnormal postures and repetitive or twisting movements. These movements can be continuous or sporadic and affect different parts of the body and range in severity. Dystonia and its related conditions present a huge cause of neurological morbidity worldwide. Although therapies are available, achieving optimal symptom control without major unwanted effects remains a challenge. Most pharmacological treatments for dystonia aim to modulate the effects of one or more neurotransmitters in the central nervous system, but doing so effectively and with precision is far from straightforward. In this chapter we discuss the physiology of key neurotransmitters, including dopamine, noradrenaline, serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine), acetylcholine, GABA, glutamate, adenosine and cannabinoids, and their role in dystonia. We explore the ways in which existing pharmaceuticals as well as novel agents, currently in clinical trial or preclinical development, target dystonia, and their respective advantages and disadvantages. Finally, we discuss current and emerging genetic therapies which may be used to treat genetic forms of dystonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dora Steel
- UCL GOS Institute of Child Health (Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Diseases in Children), London, United Kingdom; Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kimberley M Reid
- UCL GOS Institute of Child Health (Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Diseases in Children), London, United Kingdom
| | - Antonio Pisani
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Ellen J Hess
- Emory University School of Medicine, CA, United States
| | - Susan Fox
- Movement Disorders Clinic, Toronto Western Hospital, University of Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Manju A Kurian
- UCL GOS Institute of Child Health (Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Diseases in Children), London, United Kingdom; Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, United Kingdom.
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Lundstrom K. Viral vectors engineered for gene therapy. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 379:1-41. [PMID: 37541721 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2023.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapy has seen major progress in recent years. Viral vectors have made a significant contribution through efficient engineering for improved delivery and safety. A large variety of indications such as cancer, cardiovascular, metabolic, hematological, neurological, muscular, ophthalmological, infectious diseases, and immunodeficiency have been targeted. Viral vectors based on adenoviruses, adeno-associated viruses, herpes simplex viruses, retroviruses including lentiviruses, alphaviruses, flaviviruses, measles viruses, rhabdoviruses, Newcastle disease virus, poxviruses, picornaviruses, reoviruses, and polyomaviruses have been used. Proof-of-concept has been demonstrated for different indications in animal models. Therapeutic efficacy has also been achieved in clinical trials. Several viral vector-based drugs have been approved for the treatment of cancer, and hematological, metabolic, and neurological diseases. Moreover, viral vector-based vaccines have been approved against COVID-19 and Ebola virus disease.
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12
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Ng J, Barral S, Waddington SN, Kurian MA. Gene Therapy for Dopamine Dyshomeostasis: From Parkinson's to Primary Neurotransmitter Diseases. Mov Disord 2023; 38:924-936. [PMID: 37147851 PMCID: PMC10946997 DOI: 10.1002/mds.29416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurological disorders encompass a broad range of neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases that are complex and almost universally without disease modifying treatments. There is, therefore, significant unmet clinical need to develop novel therapeutic strategies for these patients. Viral gene therapies are a promising approach, where gene delivery is achieved through viral vectors such as adeno-associated virus and lentivirus. The clinical efficacy of such gene therapies has already been observed in two neurological disorders of pediatric onset; for spinal muscular atrophy and aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency, gene therapy has significantly modified the natural history of disease in these life-limiting neurological disorders. Here, we review recent advances in gene therapy, focused on the targeted delivery of dopaminergic genes for Parkinson's disease and the primary neurotransmitter disorders, AADC deficiency and dopamine transporter deficiency syndrome (DTDS). Although recent European Medicines Agency and Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency approval of Upstaza (eladocagene exuparvovec) signifies an important landmark, numerous challenges remain. Future research will need to focus on defining the optimal therapeutic window for clinical intervention, better understanding of the duration of therapeutic efficacy, and improved brain targeting. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Ng
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, EGA‐Institute for Women's HealthUniversity College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
- Genetic Therapy Accelerator Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Queen Square Institute of NeurologyUniversity College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Serena Barral
- Developmental Neurosciences, Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children, GOS‐Institute of Child HealthUniversity College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Simon N. Waddington
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, EGA‐Institute for Women's HealthUniversity College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Manju A. Kurian
- Developmental Neurosciences, Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children, GOS‐Institute of Child HealthUniversity College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
- Department of NeurologyGreat Ormond Street Hospital for ChildrenLondonUnited Kingdom
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13
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Pinjala P, Tryphena KP, Prasad R, Khatri DK, Sun W, Singh SB, Gugulothu D, Srivastava S, Vora L. CRISPR/Cas9 assisted stem cell therapy in Parkinson's disease. Biomater Res 2023; 27:46. [PMID: 37194005 DOI: 10.1186/s40824-023-00381-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Since its discovery in 2012, CRISPR Cas9 has been tried as a direct treatment approach to correct the causative gene mutation and establish animal models in neurodegenerative disorders. Since no strategy developed until now could completely cure Parkinson's disease (PD), neuroscientists aspire to use gene editing technology, especially CRISPR/Cas9, to induce a permanent correction in genetic PD patients expressing mutated genes. Over the years, our understanding of stem cell biology has improved. Scientists have developed personalized cell therapy using CRISPR/Cas9 to edit embryonic and patient-derived stem cells ex-vivo. This review details the importance of CRISPR/Cas9-based stem cell therapy in Parkinson's disease in developing PD disease models and developing therapeutic strategies after elucidating the possible pathophysiological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poojitha Pinjala
- Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience Lab, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Hyderabad, Telangana-500037, Hyderabad, India
| | - Kamatham Pushpa Tryphena
- Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience Lab, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Hyderabad, Telangana-500037, Hyderabad, India
| | - Renuka Prasad
- Department of Anatomy, Korea University College of Medicine, Moonsuk Medical Research Building, 73 Inchon-Ro, Seongbuk-Gu, Seoul, 12841, Republic of Korea
| | - Dharmendra Kumar Khatri
- Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience Lab, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Hyderabad, Telangana-500037, Hyderabad, India.
| | - Woong Sun
- Department of Anatomy, Korea University College of Medicine, Moonsuk Medical Research Building, 73 Inchon-Ro, Seongbuk-Gu, Seoul, 12841, Republic of Korea
| | - Shashi Bala Singh
- Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience Lab, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Hyderabad, Telangana-500037, Hyderabad, India
| | - Dalapathi Gugulothu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University (DPSRU), New Delhi, 110017, India
| | - Saurabh Srivastava
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Hyderabad, Telangana-500037, Hyderabad, India
| | - Lalitkumar Vora
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK.
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14
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Hu J, Zhang D, Tian K, Ren C, Li H, Lin C, Huang X, Liu J, Mao W, Zhang J. Small-molecule LRRK2 inhibitors for PD therapy: Current achievements and future perspectives. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 256:115475. [PMID: 37201428 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) is a multifunctional protein that orchestrates a diverse array of cellular processes, including vesicle transport, autophagy, lysosome degradation, neurotransmission, and mitochondrial activity. Hyperactivation of LRRK2 triggers vesicle transport dysfunction, neuroinflammation, accumulation of α-synuclein, mitochondrial dysfunction, and the loss of cilia, ultimately leading to Parkinson's disease (PD). Therefore, targeting LRRK2 protein is a promising therapeutic strategy for PD. The clinical translation of LRRK2 inhibitors was historically impeded by issues surrounding tissue specificity. Recent studies have identified LRRK2 inhibitors that have no effect on peripheral tissues. Currently, there are four small-molecule LRRK2 inhibitors undergoing clinical trials. This review provides a summary of the structure and biological functions of LRRK2, along with an overview of the binding modes and structure-activity relationships (SARs) of small-molecule inhibitors targeting LRRK2. It offers valuable references for developing novel drugs targeting LRRK2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiarui Hu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Keyue Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Changyu Ren
- Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Heng Li
- Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Congcong Lin
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Natural Medicine Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Xiaoli Huang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Respiratory Health, Center of Gerontology and Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Wuyu Mao
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China; Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Respiratory Health, Center of Gerontology and Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Jifa Zhang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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15
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Cronin SJF, Yu W, Hale A, Licht-Mayer S, Crabtree MJ, Korecka JA, Tretiakov EO, Sealey-Cardona M, Somlyay M, Onji M, An M, Fox JD, Turnes BL, Gomez-Diaz C, da Luz Scheffer D, Cikes D, Nagy V, Weidinger A, Wolf A, Reither H, Chabloz A, Kavirayani A, Rao S, Andrews N, Latremoliere A, Costigan M, Douglas G, Freitas FC, Pifl C, Walz R, Konrat R, Mahad DJ, Koslov AV, Latini A, Isacson O, Harkany T, Hallett PJ, Bagby S, Woolf CJ, Channon KM, Je HS, Penninger JM. Crucial neuroprotective roles of the metabolite BH4 in dopaminergic neurons. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.08.539795. [PMID: 37214873 PMCID: PMC10197517 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.08.539795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Dopa-responsive dystonia (DRD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are movement disorders caused by the dysfunction of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons. Identifying druggable pathways and biomarkers for guiding therapies is crucial due to the debilitating nature of these disorders. Recent genetic studies have identified variants of GTP cyclohydrolase-1 (GCH1), the rate-limiting enzyme in tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) synthesis, as causative for these movement disorders. Here, we show that genetic and pharmacological inhibition of BH4 synthesis in mice and human midbrain-like organoids accurately recapitulates motor, behavioral and biochemical characteristics of these human diseases, with severity of the phenotype correlating with extent of BH4 deficiency. We also show that BH4 deficiency increases sensitivities to several PD-related stressors in mice and PD human cells, resulting in worse behavioral and physiological outcomes. Conversely, genetic and pharmacological augmentation of BH4 protects mice from genetically- and chemically induced PD-related stressors. Importantly, increasing BH4 levels also protects primary cells from PD-affected individuals and human midbrain-like organoids (hMLOs) from these stressors. Mechanistically, BH4 not only serves as an essential cofactor for dopamine synthesis, but also independently regulates tyrosine hydroxylase levels, protects against ferroptosis, scavenges mitochondrial ROS, maintains neuronal excitability and promotes mitochondrial ATP production, thereby enhancing mitochondrial fitness and cellular respiration in multiple preclinical PD animal models, human dopaminergic midbrain-like organoids and primary cells from PD-affected individuals. Our findings pinpoint the BH4 pathway as a key metabolic program at the intersection of multiple protective mechanisms for the health and function of midbrain dopaminergic neurons, identifying it as a potential therapeutic target for PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane J F Cronin
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Dr. Bohr-Gasse 3, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Weonjin Yu
- Signature Program in Neuroscience and Behavioural Disorders, Duke-National University of Singapore (NUS) Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
| | - Ashley Hale
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Simon Licht-Mayer
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Dr. Bohr-Gasse 3, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Mark J Crabtree
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Joanna A Korecka
- Neurodegeneration Research Institute, Harvard Medical School/McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, 02478, USA
| | - Evgenii O Tretiakov
- Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marco Sealey-Cardona
- Department of Structural and Computational Biology, Max Perutz Labs, Vienna Biocenter Campus 5, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mate Somlyay
- Department of Structural and Computational Biology, Max Perutz Labs, Vienna Biocenter Campus 5, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Masahiro Onji
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Dr. Bohr-Gasse 3, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Meilin An
- Department of Medical Genetics, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Jesse D Fox
- Department of Medical Genetics, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Bruna Lenfers Turnes
- FM Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA and Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Carlos Gomez-Diaz
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Dr. Bohr-Gasse 3, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Débora da Luz Scheffer
- LABOX, Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC 88037-100, Brazil
| | - Domagoj Cikes
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Dr. Bohr-Gasse 3, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Vanja Nagy
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rare and Undiagnosed Diseases (LBI-RUD); Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna (MUW), 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Adelheid Weidinger
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Traumatology. The Research Center in Cooperation with AUVA, Donaueschingen Str. 13, 1200 Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexandra Wolf
- Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Harald Reither
- Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Antoine Chabloz
- Department of Medical Genetics, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Anoop Kavirayani
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Dr. Bohr-Gasse 3, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Shuan Rao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Nick Andrews
- FM Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA and Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Alban Latremoliere
- Neurosurgery Department, Neurosurgery Pain Research Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Michael Costigan
- FM Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA and Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Gillian Douglas
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | | | - Christian Pifl
- Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Roger Walz
- Center for Applied Neurocience, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, Brazil; Neurology Division, Internal Medicine Department, University Hospital of UFSC, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Robert Konrat
- Department of Structural and Computational Biology, Max Perutz Labs, Vienna Biocenter Campus 5, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Don J Mahad
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Chancellor's Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Andrey V Koslov
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Traumatology. The Research Center in Cooperation with AUVA, Donaueschingen Str. 13, 1200 Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexandra Latini
- LABOX, Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC 88037-100, Brazil
| | - Ole Isacson
- Neurodegeneration Research Institute, Harvard Medical School/McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, 02478, USA
| | - Tibor Harkany
- Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicum 7D, Karolinska Institute, Solna, Sweden
| | - Penelope J Hallett
- Neurodegeneration Research Institute, Harvard Medical School/McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, 02478, USA
| | - Stefan Bagby
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry and the Milner Centre for Evolution, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Clifford J Woolf
- FM Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA and Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Keith M Channon
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Hyunsoo Shawn Je
- Signature Program in Neuroscience and Behavioural Disorders, Duke-National University of Singapore (NUS) Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
| | - Josef M Penninger
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Dr. Bohr-Gasse 3, 1030 Vienna, Austria
- Department of Medical Genetics, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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16
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Meyer AH, Feldsien TM, Mezler M, Untucht C, Venugopalan R, Lefebvre DR. Novel Developments to Enable Treatment of CNS Diseases with Targeted Drug Delivery. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15041100. [PMID: 37111587 PMCID: PMC10145602 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a major hurdle for the development of systemically delivered drugs against diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). Because of this barrier there is still a huge unmet need for the treatment of these diseases, despite years of research efforts across the pharmaceutical industry. Novel therapeutic entities, such as gene therapy and degradomers, have become increasingly popular in recent years, but have not been the focus for CNS indications so far. To unfold their full potential for the treatment of CNS diseases, these therapeutic entities will most likely have to rely on innovative delivery technologies. Here we will describe and assess approaches, both invasive and non-invasive, that can enable, or at least increase, the probability of a successful drug development of such novel therapeutics for CNS indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel H Meyer
- Quantitative, Translational & ADME Sciences, AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG, Knollstraße, 67061 Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Thomas M Feldsien
- Drug Delivery and Combination Products, Development Sciences, AbbVie Inc., 1 N Waukegan Road, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA
| | - Mario Mezler
- Quantitative, Translational & ADME Sciences, AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG, Knollstraße, 67061 Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Christopher Untucht
- Neuroscience Discovery, AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG, Knollstraße, 67061 Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Ramakrishna Venugopalan
- Drug Delivery and Combination Products, Development Sciences, AbbVie Inc., 1 N Waukegan Road, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA
| | - Didier R Lefebvre
- Drug Delivery and Combination Products, Development Sciences, AbbVie Inc., 1 N Waukegan Road, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA
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17
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Viral Vectors in Gene Therapy: Where Do We Stand in 2023? Viruses 2023; 15:v15030698. [PMID: 36992407 PMCID: PMC10059137 DOI: 10.3390/v15030698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral vectors have been used for a broad spectrum of gene therapy for both acute and chronic diseases. In the context of cancer gene therapy, viral vectors expressing anti-tumor, toxic, suicide and immunostimulatory genes, such as cytokines and chemokines, have been applied. Oncolytic viruses, which specifically replicate in and kill tumor cells, have provided tumor eradication, and even cure of cancers in animal models. In a broader meaning, vaccine development against infectious diseases and various cancers has been considered as a type of gene therapy. Especially in the case of COVID-19 vaccines, adenovirus-based vaccines such as ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 and Ad26.COV2.S have demonstrated excellent safety and vaccine efficacy in clinical trials, leading to Emergency Use Authorization in many countries. Viral vectors have shown great promise in the treatment of chronic diseases such as severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), muscular dystrophy, hemophilia, β-thalassemia, and sickle cell disease (SCD). Proof-of-concept has been established in preclinical studies in various animal models. Clinical gene therapy trials have confirmed good safety, tolerability, and therapeutic efficacy. Viral-based drugs have been approved for cancer, hematological, metabolic, neurological, and ophthalmological diseases as well as for vaccines. For example, the adenovirus-based drug Gendicine® for non-small-cell lung cancer, the reovirus-based drug Reolysin® for ovarian cancer, the oncolytic HSV T-VEC for melanoma, lentivirus-based treatment of ADA-SCID disease, and the rhabdovirus-based vaccine Ervebo against Ebola virus disease have been approved for human use.
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18
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Barker RA, Björklund A. Restorative cell and gene therapies for Parkinson's disease. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2023; 193:211-226. [PMID: 36803812 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-85555-6.00012-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
One of the core pathological features of Parkinson's disease (PD) is the loss of the dopaminergic nigrostriatal pathway which lies at the heart of many of the motor features of this condition as well as some of the cognitive problems. The importance of this pathological event is evident through the clinical benefits that are seen when patients with PD are treated with dopaminergic agents, at least in early-stage disease. However, these agents create problems of their own through stimulation of more intact dopaminergic networks within the central nervous system causing major neuropsychiatric problems including dopamine dysregulation. In addition, over time the nonphysiological stimulation of striatal dopamine receptors by l-dopa containing drugs leads to the genesis of l-dopa-induced dyskinesias that can become very disabling in many cases. As such, there has been much interest in trying to better reconstitute the dopaminergic nigrostriatal pathway using either factors to regrow it, cells to replace it, or gene therapies to restore dopamine transmission in the striatum. In this chapter, we lay out the rationale, history and current status of these different therapies as well as highlighting where the field is heading and what new interventions might come to clinic in the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger A Barker
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Cambridge Centre for Brain Repair, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
| | - Anders Björklund
- Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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19
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Intracerebral lentiviral ABCD1 gene therapy in an early disease onset ALD mouse model. Gene Ther 2023; 30:18-30. [PMID: 35790794 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-022-00355-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is a genetic disorder of the ABCD1 gene. We aimed to treat ALD via direct intracerebral injection of lentiviral ABCD1 (LV.ABCD1). Lentiviral vectors (LVs) were injected into the brain of wild type mice to access toxicities and biodistribution. Confocal microscopy illustrated supraphysiological ABCD1 expression surrounding the injection sites, and LVs were also detected in the opposite site of the unilaterally injected brain. In multi-site bilateral injections (4, 6, 8, and 9 sites), LV.ABCD1 transduced most brain regions including the cerebellum. Investigation of neuronal loss, astrogliosis and microglia activation did not detect abnormality. For efficacy evaluation, a novel ALD knockout (KO) mouse model was established by deleting exons 3 to 9 of the ABCD1 gene based on CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. The KO mice showed behavioral deficit in open-field test (OFT) and reduced locomotor activities in rotarod test at 6 and 7 months of age, respectively. We treated 3-month-old KO mice with bilateral LV.ABCD1 injections into the external capsule and thalamus. ABCD1 expression was detected 15 days later, and the impaired motor ability was gradually alleviated. Our studies established an early onset ALD model and illustrated neurological improvement after LV.ABCD1 intracerebral injection without immunopathological toxicity.
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20
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Lundstrom K. Gene Therapy Cargoes Based on Viral Vector Delivery. Curr Gene Ther 2023; 23:111-134. [PMID: 36154608 DOI: 10.2174/1566523222666220921112753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Viral vectors have been proven useful in a broad spectrum of gene therapy applications due to their possibility to accommodate foreign genetic material for both local and systemic delivery. The wide range of viral vectors has enabled gene therapy applications for both acute and chronic diseases. Cancer gene therapy has been addressed by the delivery of viral vectors expressing anti-tumor, toxic, and suicide genes for the destruction of tumors. Delivery of immunostimulatory genes such as cytokines and chemokines has also been applied for cancer therapy. Moreover, oncolytic viruses specifically replicating in and killing tumor cells have been used as such for tumor eradication or in combination with tumor killing or immunostimulatory genes. In a broad meaning, vaccines against infectious diseases and various cancers can be considered gene therapy, which has been highly successful, not the least for the development of effective COVID-19 vaccines. Viral vector-based gene therapy has also demonstrated encouraging and promising results for chronic diseases such as severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), muscular dystrophy, and hemophilia. Preclinical gene therapy studies in animal models have demonstrated proof-of-concept for a wide range of disease indications. Clinical evaluation of drugs and vaccines in humans has showed high safety levels, good tolerance, and therapeutic efficacy. Several gene therapy drugs such as the adenovirus-based drug Gendicine® for non-small-cell lung cancer, the reovirus-based drug Reolysin® for ovarian cancer, lentivirus-based treatment of SCID-X1 disease, and the rhabdovirus-based vaccine Ervebo against Ebola virus disease, and adenovirus-based vaccines against COVID-19 have been developed.
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21
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Caulfield ME, Manfredsson FP, Steece-Collier K. The Role of Striatal Cav1.3 Calcium Channels in Therapeutics for Parkinson's Disease. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2023; 279:107-137. [PMID: 36592226 DOI: 10.1007/164_2022_629] [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] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a relentlessly progressive neurodegenerative disorder with typical motor symptoms that include rigidity, tremor, and akinesia/bradykinesia, in addition to a host of non-motor symptoms. Motor symptoms are caused by progressive and selective degeneration of dopamine (DA) neurons in the SN pars compacta (SNpc) and the accompanying loss of striatal DA innervation from these neurons. With the exception of monogenic forms of PD, the etiology of idiopathic PD remains unknown. While there are a number of symptomatic treatment options available to individuals with PD, these therapies do not work uniformly well in all patients, and eventually most are plagued with waning efficacy and significant side-effect liability with disease progression. The incidence of PD increases with aging, and as such the expected burden of this disease will continue to escalate as our aging population increases (Dorsey et al. Neurology 68:384-386, 2007). The daunting personal and socioeconomic burden has pressed scientists and clinicians to find improved symptomatic treatment options devoid side-effect liability and meaningful disease-modifying therapies. Federal and private sources have supported clinical investigations over the past two-plus decades; however, no trial has yet been successful in finding an effective therapy to slow progression of PD, and there is currently just one FDA approved drug to treat the antiparkinsonian side-effect known as levodopa-induced dyskinesia (LID) that impacts approximately 90% of all individuals with PD. In this review, we present biological rationale and experimental evidence on the potential therapeutic role of the L-type voltage-gated Cav1.3 calcium (Ca2+) channels in two distinct brain regions, with two distinct mechanisms of action, in impacting the lives of individuals with PD. Our primary emphasis will be on the role of Cav1.3 channels in the striatum and the compelling evidence of their involvement in LID side-effect liability. We also briefly discuss the role of these same Ca2+ channels in the SNpc and the longstanding interest in Cav1.3 in this brain region in halting or delaying progression of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret E Caulfield
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Fredric P Manfredsson
- Parkinson's Disease Research Unit, Department of Translational Neuroscience, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Kathy Steece-Collier
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA.
- Hauenstein Neuroscience Center, Mercy Health Saint Mary's, Grand Rapids, MI, USA.
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22
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Li J, Li N, Wei J, Feng C, Chen Y, Chen T, Ai Z, Zhu X, Ji W, Li T. Genetically engineered mesenchymal stem cells with dopamine synthesis for Parkinson's disease in animal models. NPJ Parkinsons Dis 2022; 8:175. [PMID: 36550118 PMCID: PMC9780305 DOI: 10.1038/s41531-022-00440-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Although striatal delivery of three critical genes for dopamine synthesis by viruses is a potential clinical approach for treating Parkinson's disease (PD), the approach makes it difficult to finely control dopamine secretion amounts and brings safety concerns. Here, we generate genetically engineered mesenchymal stem cells encoding three critical genes for dopamine synthesis (DOPA-MSCs). DOPA-MSCs retain their MSC identity and stable ability to secrete dopamine during passaging. Following transplantation, DOPA-MSCs reinstate striatal dopamine levels and correct motor function in PD rats. Importantly, after grafting into the caudate and putamen, DOPA-MSCs provide homotopic reconstruction of midbrain dopamine pathways by restoring striatal dopamine levels, and safely and long-term (up to 51 months) correct motor disorders and nonmotor deficits in acute and chronic PD rhesus monkey models of PD even with advanced PD symptoms. The long-term benefits and safety results support the idea that the development of dopamine-synthesized engineered cell transplantation is an important strategy for treating PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Li
- grid.218292.20000 0000 8571 108XState Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, 650500 Kunming, Yunnan China ,grid.218292.20000 0000 8571 108XYunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, 650500 Kunming, Yunnan China
| | - Nan Li
- grid.218292.20000 0000 8571 108XState Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, 650500 Kunming, Yunnan China ,grid.218292.20000 0000 8571 108XYunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, 650500 Kunming, Yunnan China
| | - Jingkuan Wei
- grid.218292.20000 0000 8571 108XState Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, 650500 Kunming, Yunnan China ,grid.218292.20000 0000 8571 108XYunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, 650500 Kunming, Yunnan China
| | - Chun Feng
- grid.218292.20000 0000 8571 108XState Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, 650500 Kunming, Yunnan China ,grid.218292.20000 0000 8571 108XYunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, 650500 Kunming, Yunnan China
| | - Yanying Chen
- grid.218292.20000 0000 8571 108XState Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, 650500 Kunming, Yunnan China ,grid.218292.20000 0000 8571 108XYunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, 650500 Kunming, Yunnan China
| | - Tingwei Chen
- grid.218292.20000 0000 8571 108XState Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, 650500 Kunming, Yunnan China ,grid.218292.20000 0000 8571 108XYunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, 650500 Kunming, Yunnan China
| | - Zongyong Ai
- grid.218292.20000 0000 8571 108XState Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, 650500 Kunming, Yunnan China ,grid.218292.20000 0000 8571 108XYunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, 650500 Kunming, Yunnan China
| | - Xiaoqing Zhu
- grid.218292.20000 0000 8571 108XState Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, 650500 Kunming, Yunnan China ,grid.218292.20000 0000 8571 108XYunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, 650500 Kunming, Yunnan China
| | - Weizhi Ji
- grid.218292.20000 0000 8571 108XState Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, 650500 Kunming, Yunnan China ,grid.218292.20000 0000 8571 108XYunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, 650500 Kunming, Yunnan China
| | - Tianqing Li
- grid.218292.20000 0000 8571 108XState Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, 650500 Kunming, Yunnan China ,grid.218292.20000 0000 8571 108XYunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, 650500 Kunming, Yunnan China
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Salahi S, Mousavi MA, Azizi G, Hossein-Khannazer N, Vosough M. Stem Cell-based and Advanced Therapeutic Modalities for Parkinson's Disease: A Risk-effectiveness Patient-centered Analysis. Curr Neuropharmacol 2022; 20:2320-2345. [PMID: 35105291 PMCID: PMC9890289 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x20666220201100238] [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: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD), the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder, is currently considered a challenging issue since it causes substantial disability, poor quality of life, and mortality. Despite remarkable progress in advanced conventional therapeutic interventions, the global burden of the disease has nearly doubled, prompting us to assess the riskeffectiveness of different treatment modalities. Each protocol could be considered as the best alternative treatment depending on the patient's situation. Prescription of levodopa, the most effective available medicine for this disorder, has been associated with many complications, i.e., multiple episodes of "off-time" and treatment resistance. Other medications, which are typically used in combination with levodopa, may have several adverse effects as well. As a result, the therapies that are more in line with human physiology and make the least interference with other pathways are worth investigating. On the other hand, remaining and persistent symptoms after therapy and the lack of effective response to the conventional approaches have raised expectations towards innovative alternative approaches, such as stem cell-based therapy. It is critical to not overlook the unexplored side effects of innovative approaches due to the limited number of research. In this review, we aimed to compare the efficacy and risk of advanced therapies with innovative cell-based and stemcell- based modalities in PD patients. This paper recapitulated the underlying factors/conditions, which could lead us to more practical and established therapeutic outcomes with more advantages and few complications. It could be an initial step to reconsider the therapeutic blueprint for patients with Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarvenaz Salahi
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Alsadat Mousavi
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Azizi
- Non-communicable Diseases Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Nikoo Hossein-Khannazer
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research, Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Massoud Vosough
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Experimental Cancer Medicine, Institution for Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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Hayes G, Pinto J, Sparks SN, Wang C, Suri S, Bulte DP. Vascular smooth muscle cell dysfunction in neurodegeneration. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:1010164. [PMID: 36440263 PMCID: PMC9684644 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1010164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are the key moderators of cerebrovascular dynamics in response to the brain's oxygen and nutrient demands. Crucially, VSMCs may provide a sensitive biomarker for neurodegenerative pathologies where vasculature is compromised. An increasing body of research suggests that VSMCs have remarkable plasticity and their pathophysiology may play a key role in the complex process of neurodegeneration. Furthermore, extrinsic risk factors, including environmental conditions and traumatic events can impact vascular function through changes in VSMC morphology. VSMC dysfunction can be characterised at the molecular level both preclinically, and clinically ex vivo. However the identification of VSMC dysfunction in living individuals is important to understand changes in vascular function at the onset and progression of neurological disorders such as dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. A promising technique to identify changes in the state of cerebral smooth muscle is cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) which reflects the intrinsic dynamic response of blood vessels in the brain to vasoactive stimuli in order to modulate regional cerebral blood flow (CBF). In this work, we review the role of VSMCs in the most common neurodegenerative disorders and identify physiological systems that may contribute to VSMC dysfunction. The evidence collected here identifies VSMC dysfunction as a strong candidate for novel therapeutics to combat the development and progression of neurodegeneration, and highlights the need for more research on the role of VSMCs and cerebrovascular dynamics in healthy and diseased states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genevieve Hayes
- Department of Engineering Science, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Joana Pinto
- Department of Engineering Science, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sierra N. Sparks
- Department of Engineering Science, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Congxiyu Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford Centre for Human Brain Activity, Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sana Suri
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford Centre for Human Brain Activity, Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel P. Bulte
- Department of Engineering Science, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Serva SN, Bernstein J, Thompson JA, Kern DS, Ojemann SG. An update on advanced therapies for Parkinson's disease: From gene therapy to neuromodulation. Front Surg 2022; 9:863921. [PMID: 36211256 PMCID: PMC9537763 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.863921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by increasingly debilitating impaired movements that include motor fluctuations and dyskinesias. At this stage of the disease, pharmacological management can result in unsatisfactory clinical benefits and increase the occurrence of adverse effects, leading to the consideration of advanced therapies. The scope of this review is to provide an overview of currently available therapies for advanced PD, specifically levodopa–carbidopa intestinal gel, continuous subcutaneous apomorphine infusion, radiofrequency ablation, stereotactic radiosurgery, MRI-guided focused ultrasound, and deep brain stimulation. Therapies in clinical trials are also discussed, including novel formulations of subcutaneous carbidopa/levodopa, gene-implantation therapies, and cell-based therapies. This review focuses on the clinical outcomes and adverse effects of the various therapies and also considers patient-specific characteristics that may influence treatment choice. This review can equip providers with updated information on advanced therapies in PD to better counsel patients on the available options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie N. Serva
- School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Jacob Bernstein
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - John A. Thompson
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Drew S. Kern
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Correspondence: Steven G. Ojemann Drew S. Kern
| | - Steven G. Ojemann
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Correspondence: Steven G. Ojemann Drew S. Kern
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Procyk E, Meunier M. BioSimia, France CNRS network for nonhuman primate biomedical research in infectiology, immunology, and neuroscience. CURRENT RESEARCH IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2022; 3:100051. [PMID: 36685763 PMCID: PMC9846450 DOI: 10.1016/j.crneur.2022.100051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Research and developments based on nonhuman primate models have a specific place in biomedical sciences, and nonhuman primate species also have a specific place in the public opinion on the use of animal in research. While nonhuman primates are used in very limited number compared to other animal models, they are rightly the focus of deep ethical concerns. The importance of nonhuman primates in neuroscientific fundamental and preclinical discoveries together with the targeting of such research by activist groups well illustrate this fact. Nonhuman primates also highly contribute to other biomedical fields including immunology, virology, or metabolic and respiratory physiology. In all these fields, researchers, engineers and technicians face similar matters and share the same needs for optimal animal welfare, handling, and veterinary care, the same quest for first-rate research infrastructure and funding, and the same yearning for more public understanding and support. In this article, we give an overview of the evolution of human-animal relationships and public attitudes to animal research in France, and we recount the creation of BioSimia, France network for nonhuman primate biomedical research which now links all academic laboratories nationwide in all the domains for which nonhuman primates remain essential. We explain the principles as well as the outcomes of networking across disciplines. As a perspective, we outline the potential benefits of extending such network to a European scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Procyk
- University of Lyon 1, Inserm, Stem Cell and Brain Research Institute U1208, 69500 Bron, France,Corresponding author.
| | - Martine Meunier
- University of Lyon 1, Integrative Multisensory Perception Action and Cognition Team (ImpAct), INSERM U1028, CNRS UMR5292, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center (CRNL), Lyon, France
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Internal Ribosome Entry Site (IRES)-Mediated Translation and Its Potential for Novel mRNA-Based Therapy Development. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081865. [PMID: 36009412 PMCID: PMC9405587 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Many conditions can benefit from RNA-based therapies, namely, those targeting internal ribosome entry sites (IRESs) and their regulatory proteins, the IRES trans-acting factors (ITAFs). IRES-mediated translation is an alternative mechanism of translation initiation, known for maintaining protein synthesis when canonical translation is impaired. During a stress response, it contributes to cell reprogramming and adaptation to the new environment. The relationship between IRESs and ITAFs with tumorigenesis and resistance to therapy has been studied in recent years, proposing new therapeutic targets and treatments. In addition, IRES-dependent translation initiation dysregulation is also related to neurological and cardiovascular diseases, muscular atrophies, or other syndromes. The participation of these structures in the development of such pathologies has been studied, yet to a far lesser extent than in cancer. Strategies involving the disruption of IRES–ITAF interactions or the modification of ITAF expression levels may be used with great impact in the development of new therapeutics. In this review, we aim to comprehend the current data on groups of human pathologies associated with IRES and/or ITAF dysregulation and their application in the designing of new therapeutic approaches using them as targets or tools. Thus, we wish to summarise the evidence in the field hoping to open new promising lines of investigation toward personalised treatments.
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Gene-Based Therapeutics for Parkinson’s Disease. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081790. [PMID: 35892690 PMCID: PMC9331241 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a complex multifactorial disorder that is not yet fully surmised, and it is only when such a disease is tackled on multiple levels simultaneously that we should expect to see fruitful results. Gene therapy is a modern medical practice that theoretically and, so far, practically, has demonstrated its capability in joining the battle against PD and other complex disorders on most if not all fronts. This review discusses how gene therapy can efficiently replace current forms of therapy such as drugs, personalized medicine or invasive surgery. Furthermore, we discuss the importance of enhancing delivery techniques to increase the level of transduction and control of gene expression or tissue specificity. Importantly, the results of current trials establish the safety, efficacy and applicability of gene therapy for PD. Gene therapy’s variety of potential in interfering with PD’s pathology by improving basal ganglial circuitry, enhancing dopamine synthesis, delivering neuroprotection or preventing neurodegeneration may one day achieve symptomatic benefit, disease modification and eradication.
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Culture media selection and feeding strategy for high titer production of a lentiviral vector by stable producer clones cultivated at high cell density. Bioprocess Biosyst Eng 2022; 45:1267-1280. [PMID: 35758994 PMCID: PMC9363386 DOI: 10.1007/s00449-022-02737-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The growing interest in the use of lentiviral vectors (LVs) for various applications has created a strong demand for large quantities of vectors. To meet the increased demand, we developed a high cell density culture process for production of LV using stable producer clones generated from HEK293 cells, and improved volumetric LV productivity by up to fivefold, reaching a high titer of 8.2 × 107 TU/mL. However, culture media selection and feeding strategy development were not straightforward. The stable producer clone either did not grow or grow to lower cell density in majority of six commercial HEK293 media selected from four manufacturers, although its parental cell line, HEK293 cell, grows robustly in these media. In addition, the LV productivity was only improved up to 53% by increasing cell density from 1 × 106 and 3.8 × 106 cells/mL at induction in batch cultures using two identified top performance media, even these two media supported the clone growth to 5.7 × 106 and 8.1 × 106 cells/mL, respectively. A combination of media and feed from different companies was required to provide diverse nutrients and generate synergetic effect, which supported the clone growing to a higher cell density of 11 × 106 cells/mL and also increasing LV productivity by up to fivefold. This study illustrates that culture media selection and feeding strategy development for a new clone or cell line can be a complex process, due to variable nutritional requirements of a new clone. A combination of diversified culture media and feed provides a broader nutrients and could be used as one fast approach to dramatically improve process performance.
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Paul A, Collins MG, Lee HY. Gene Therapy: The Next-Generation Therapeutics and Their Delivery Approaches for Neurological Disorders. Front Genome Ed 2022; 4:899209. [PMID: 35832929 PMCID: PMC9272754 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2022.899209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurological conditions like neurodevelopmental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases are quite complex and often exceedingly difficult for patients. Most of these conditions are due to a mutation in a critical gene. There is no cure for the majority of these neurological conditions and the availability of disease-modifying therapeutics is quite rare. The lion's share of the treatments that are available only provide symptomatic relief, as such, we are in desperate need of an effective therapeutic strategy for these conditions. Considering the current drug development landscape, gene therapy is giving us hope as one such effective therapeutic strategy. Consistent efforts have been made to develop gene therapy strategies using viral and non-viral vectors of gene delivery. Here, we have discussed both of these delivery methods and their properties. We have summarized the relative advantages and drawbacks of viral and non-viral vectors from the perspectives of safety, efficiency, and productivity. Recent developments such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9-mediated gene editing and its use in vivo have been described here as well. Given recent advancements, gene therapy shows great promise to emerge as a next-generation therapeutic for many of the neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative conditions.
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Sala D, Ornaghi F, Morena F, Argentati C, Valsecchi M, Alberizzi V, Di Guardo R, Bolino A, Aureli M, Martino S, Gritti A. Therapeutic advantages of combined gene/cell therapy strategies in a murine model of GM2 gangliosidosis. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2022; 25:170-189. [PMID: 35434178 PMCID: PMC8983315 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2022.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Genetic deficiency of β-N-acetylhexosaminidase (Hex) functionality leads to accumulation of GM2 ganglioside in Tay-Sachs disease and Sandhoff disease (SD), which presently lack approved therapies. Current experimental gene therapy (GT) approaches with adeno-associated viral vectors (AAVs) still pose safety and efficacy issues, supporting the search for alternative therapeutic strategies. Here we leveraged the lentiviral vector (LV)-mediated intracerebral (IC) GT platform to deliver Hex genes to the CNS and combined this strategy with bone marrow transplantation (BMT) to provide a timely, pervasive, and long-lasting source of the Hex enzyme in the CNS and periphery of SD mice. Combined therapy outperformed individual treatments in terms of lifespan extension and normalization of the neuroinflammatory/neurodegenerative phenotypes of SD mice. These benefits correlated with a time-dependent increase in Hex activity and a remarkable reduction in GM2 storage in brain tissues that single treatments failed to achieve. Our results highlight the synergic mode of action of LV-mediated IC GT and BMT, clarify the contribution of treatments to the therapeutic outcome, and inform on the realistic threshold of corrective enzymatic activity. These results have important implications for interpretation of ongoing experimental therapies and for design of more effective treatment strategies for GM2 gangliosidosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Sala
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Ornaghi
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Morena
- Department of Chemistry, Biology, and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Chiara Argentati
- Department of Chemistry, Biology, and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Manuela Valsecchi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milano, Via Fratelli Cervi 93, 20090 Segrate, MI, Italy
| | - Valeria Alberizzi
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, INSPE, Via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Di Guardo
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, INSPE, Via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bolino
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, INSPE, Via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Aureli
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milano, Via Fratelli Cervi 93, 20090 Segrate, MI, Italy
| | - Sabata Martino
- Department of Chemistry, Biology, and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Angela Gritti
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
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Morris G, Schorge S. Gene Therapy for Neurological Disease: State of the Art and Opportunities for Next-generation Approaches. Neuroscience 2022; 490:309-314. [PMID: 35304290 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy for rare monogenetic neurological disorders is reaching clinics and offering hope to families affected by these diseases. There is also potential for gene therapy to offer new and effective treatments for common, non-genetic disorders. Treatments for Parkinson's Disease are in clinical trials, and treatments for refractory epilepsies are due to enter first-in-human clinical trials in 2022. Gene therapies for these disorders are based on delivering genes that address the mechanism of the disease, not repairing a mutated gene. Similar 'mechanistic' gene therapies could offer treatments to a wide range of neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases where there is a known mechanism that could be restored using gene therapy. However, the permanent nature of most gene therapies is a serious drawback for translation of gene therapies to a wide-range of diseases because it could present risk of irreversible adverse effects. Several lines of research are aimed at developing gene therapy approaches that allow for the treatment to be turned on and off, including: using proteins activated by exogenous ligands, and promoters turned on by activators. We review these approaches and propose an overall de-risking strategy for gene therapy for common neurological and psychiatric diseases. This approach is based on using a temporary mRNA-based treatment to initially assess efficacy and safety of the planned manipulation, and only following with permanent, virally-delivered treatment if the approach appears safe and effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gareth Morris
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stephanie Schorge
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
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El Ganainy SO, Cijsouw T, Ali MA, Schoch S, Hanafy AS. Stereotaxic-assisted gene therapy in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases: therapeutic potentials and clinical frontiers. Expert Rev Neurother 2022; 22:319-335. [PMID: 35319338 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2022.2056446] [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: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are neurodegenerative disorders causing cognitive deficits and motor difficulties in the elderly. Conventional treatments are mainly symptomatic with little ability to halt disease progression. Gene therapies to correct or silence genetic mutations predisposing to AD or PD are currently being developed in preclinical studies and clinical trials, relying mostly on systemic delivery, which reduces their effectiveness. Imaging-guided stereotaxic procedures are used to locally deliver therapeutic cargos to well-defined brain sites, hence raising the question whether stereotaxic-assisted gene therapy has therapeutic potentials. AREAS COVERED The authors summarize the studies that investigated the use of gene therapy in PD and AD in animal and clinical studies over the past five years, with a special emphasis on the combinatorial potential with stereotaxic delivery. The advantages, limitations and futuristic challenges of this technique are discussed. EXPERT OPINION Robotic stereotaxis combined with intraoperative imaging has revolutionized brain surgeries. While gene therapies are bringing huge innovations to the medical field and new hope to AD and PD patients and medical professionals, the efficient and targeted delivery of such therapies is a bottleneck. We propose that careful application of stereotaxic delivery of gene therapies can improve PD and AD management. [Figure: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
- Samar O El Ganainy
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Tony Cijsouw
- Institute of Neuropathology, Section for Translational Epilepsy Research, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Mennatallah A Ali
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Susanne Schoch
- Institute of Neuropathology, Section for Translational Epilepsy Research, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Chen H, Zhong D, Gao Z, Wu X. Effect of the genetic mutant G71R in uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 on the conjugation of bilirubin. Open Life Sci 2022; 17:221-229. [PMID: 35415244 PMCID: PMC8934855 DOI: 10.1515/biol-2022-0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to investigate the effect of the genetic mutant G71R (c. 211G > A) in uridine diphosphate (UDP)-glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) on the glucuronidation of unconjugated bilirubin. The UGT1A1 wild-type and mutant G71R gene sequences were inserted into the lentiviral vector GV358 plasmid and then transfected into COS-7 cells. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses were used to determine mRNA and protein expression levels of UGT1A1, respectively. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to quantitate the levels of conjugated bilirubin. The results showed no significant difference in the mRNA and protein expression levels between the UGT1A1 wild-type and G71R homozygous and heterozygous mutants. The level of conjugated bilirubin reached a maximum in wild-type UGT1A1-transfected COS-7 cells. However, relative to the UGT1A1 wild-type, conjugated bilirubin concentrations were 71 and 22% with G71R heterozygous- and G71R homozygous-transfected COS-7 cells, respectively. In conclusion, we successfully established in vitro cell models of the UGT1A1 wild-type and the G71R homozygous and heterozygous mutants using a lentiviral vector. Furthermore, the catalytic activity for unconjugated bilirubin was lower in the mutant G71R than the UGT1A1 wild-type enzyme, and a weaker effect was observed in the homozygote.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University , No. 6 Shuangyong Road , Nanning 530021 , Guangxi , China
| | - Danni Zhong
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University , No. 6 Shuangyong Road , Nanning 530021 , Guangxi , China
| | - Zongyan Gao
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University , No. 6 Shuangyong Road , Nanning 530021 , Guangxi , China
| | - Xiaojing Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University , No. 6 Shuangyong Road , Nanning 530021 , Guangxi , China
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Lohia A, Sahel DK, Salman M, Singh V, Mariappan I, Mittal A, Chitkara D. Delivery Strategies for CRISPR/Cas Genome editing tool for Retinal Dystrophies: challenges and opportunities. Asian J Pharm Sci 2022; 17:153-176. [PMID: 36320315 PMCID: PMC9614410 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajps.2022.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas, an adaptive immune system in bacteria, has been adopted as an efficient and precise tool for site-specific gene editing with potential therapeutic opportunities. It has been explored for a variety of applications, including gene modulation, epigenome editing, diagnosis, mRNA editing, etc. It has found applications in retinal dystrophic conditions including progressive cone and cone-rod dystrophies, congenital stationary night blindness, X-linked juvenile retinoschisis, retinitis pigmentosa, age-related macular degeneration, leber's congenital amaurosis, etc. Most of the therapies for retinal dystrophic conditions work by regressing symptoms instead of reversing the gene mutations. CRISPR/Cas9 through indel could impart beneficial effects in the reversal of gene mutations in dystrophic conditions. Recent research has also consolidated on the approaches of using CRISPR systems for retinal dystrophies but their delivery to the posterior part of the eye is a major concern due to high molecular weight, negative charge, and in vivo stability of CRISPR components. Recently, non-viral vectors have gained interest due to their potential in tissue-specific nucleic acid (miRNA/siRNA/CRISPR) delivery. This review highlights the opportunities of retinal dystrophies management using CRISPR/Cas nanomedicine.
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Prezelski K, Keiser M, Stein JM, Lucas TH, Davidson B, Gonzalez-Alegre P, Vitale F. Design and Validation of a Multi-Point Injection Technology for MR-Guided Convection Enhanced Delivery in the Brain. FRONTIERS IN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY 2022; 3:725844. [PMID: 35047955 PMCID: PMC8757778 DOI: 10.3389/fmedt.2021.725844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Convection enhanced delivery (CED) allows direct intracranial administration of neuro-therapeutics. Success of CED relies on specific targeting and broad volume distributions (VD). However, to prevent off-target delivery and tissue damage, CED is typically conducted with small cannulas and at low flow rates, which critically limit the maximum achievable VD. Furthermore, in applications such as gene therapy requiring injections of large fluid volumes into broad subcortical regions, low flow rates translate into long infusion times and multiple surgical trajectories. The cannula design is a major limiting factor in achieving broad VD, while minimizing infusion time and backflow. Here we present and validate a novel multi-point cannula specifically designed to optimize distribution and delivery time in MR-guided intracranial CED of gene-based therapeutics. First, we evaluated the compatibility of our cannula with MRI and common viral vectors for gene therapy. Then, we conducted CED tests in agarose brain phantoms and benchmarked the results against single-needle delivery. 3T MRI in brain phantoms revealed minimal susceptibility-induced artifacts, comparable to the device dimensions. Benchtop CED of adeno-associated virus demonstrated no viral loss or inactivation. CED in agarose brain phantoms at 3, 6, and 9 μL/min showed >3x increase in volume distribution and 60% time reduction compared to single-needle delivery. This study confirms the validity of a multi-point delivery approach for improving infusate distribution at clinically-compatible timescales and supports the feasibility of our novel cannula design for advancing safety and efficacy of MR-guided CED to the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla Prezelski
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Center for Neuroengineering and Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Center for Neurotrauma, Neurodegeneration, and Restoration, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Megan Keiser
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Joel M Stein
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Timothy H Lucas
- Center for Neuroengineering and Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Beverly Davidson
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Pedro Gonzalez-Alegre
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Flavia Vitale
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Center for Neuroengineering and Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Center for Neurotrauma, Neurodegeneration, and Restoration, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Siddique Y. Neurodegenerative Disorders and the Current State, Pathophysiology, and Management of Parkinson's Disease. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS DRUG TARGETS 2022; 21:574-595. [PMID: 34477534 DOI: 10.2174/1871527320666210903101841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In the last few decades, major knowledge has been gained about pathophysiological aspects and molecular pathways behind Parkinson's Disease (PD). Based on neurotoxicological studies and postmortem investigations, there is a general concept of how environmental toxicants (neurotoxins, pesticides, insecticides) and genetic factors (genetic mutations in PD-associated proteins) cause depletion of dopamine from substantia nigra pars compacta region of the midbrain and modulate cellular processes leading to the pathogenesis of PD. α-Synuclein, a neuronal protein accumulation in oligomeric form, called protofibrils, is associated with cellular dysfunction and neuronal death, thus possibly contributing to PD propagation. With advances made in identifying loci that contribute to PD, molecular pathways involved in disease pathogenesis are now clear, and introducing therapeutic strategy at the right time may delay the progression. Biomarkers for PD have helped monitor PD progression; therefore, personalized therapeutic strategies can be facilitated. In order to further improve PD diagnostic and prognostic accuracy, independent validation of biomarkers is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasir Siddique
- Drosophila Transgenic Laboratory, Section of Genetics, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202002, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Shankar J, K.M G, Wilson B. Potential applications of nanomedicine for treating Parkinson's disease. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2021.102793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Xie YX, Lv WQ, Chen YK, Hong S, Yao XP, Chen WJ, Zhao M. Advances in gene therapy for neurogenetic diseases: a brief review. J Mol Med (Berl) 2021; 100:385-394. [PMID: 34837498 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-021-02167-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Neurogenetic diseases are neurological conditions with a genetic cause (s). There are thousands of neurogenetic diseases, and most of them are incurable. The development of bioinformatics and elucidation of the mechanism of pathogenesis have allowed the development of gene therapy approaches, which show great potential in treating neurogenetic diseases. Viral vectors delivery, antisense oligonucleotides, gene editing, RNA interference, and burgeoning viroid delivery technique are promising gene therapy strategies, and commendable therapeutic effects in the treatment of neurogenetic diseases have been achieved (Fig. 1). This review highlights a sampling of advances in gene therapies for neurogenetic disorders. Fig. 1 Examples of gene therapy strategies used in the treatment of neurogenetic diseases. The schematic diagram shows different gene therapy approaches used for treating a sampling of neurogenetic disorders, such as ASO therapy, gene editing, gene augmentation, and RNA interference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Xuan Xie
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, 20 Chazhong Road, Fuzhou, 350005, China
| | - Wen-Qi Lv
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, 20 Chazhong Road, Fuzhou, 350005, China
| | - Yi-Kun Chen
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, 20 Chazhong Road, Fuzhou, 350005, China
| | - Shunyan Hong
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, 20 Chazhong Road, Fuzhou, 350005, China
| | - Xiang-Ping Yao
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, 20 Chazhong Road, Fuzhou, 350005, China
| | - Wan-Jin Chen
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, 20 Chazhong Road, Fuzhou, 350005, China
| | - Miao Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, 20 Chazhong Road, Fuzhou, 350005, China.
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40
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Meneghini V, Peviani M, Luciani M, Zambonini G, Gritti A. Delivery Platforms for CRISPR/Cas9 Genome Editing of Glial Cells in the Central Nervous System. Front Genome Ed 2021; 3:644319. [PMID: 34713256 PMCID: PMC8525379 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2021.644319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Glial cells (astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia) are emerging as key players in several physiological and pathological processes of the central nervous system (CNS). Astrocytes and oligodendrocytes are not only supportive cells that release trophic factors or regulate energy metabolism, but they also actively modulate critical neuronal processes and functions in the tripartite synapse. Microglia are defined as CNS-resident cells that provide immune surveillance; however, they also actively contribute to shaping the neuronal microenvironment by scavenging cell debris or regulating synaptogenesis and pruning. Given the many interconnected processes coordinated by glial cells, it is not surprising that both acute and chronic CNS insults not only cause neuronal damage but also trigger complex multifaceted responses, including neuroinflammation, which can critically contribute to the disease progression and worsening of symptoms in several neurodegenerative diseases. Overall, this makes glial cells excellent candidates for targeted therapies to treat CNS disorders. In recent years, the application of gene editing technologies has redefined therapeutic strategies to treat genetic and age-related neurological diseases. In this review, we discuss the advantages and limitations of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9-based gene editing in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, focusing on the development of viral- and nanoparticle-based delivery methods for in vivo glial cell targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasco Meneghini
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Peviani
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marco Luciani
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Giada Zambonini
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Angela Gritti
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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Wang X, Ma C, Rodríguez Labrada R, Qin Z, Xu T, He Z, Wei Y. Recent advances in lentiviral vectors for gene therapy. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2021; 64:1842-1857. [PMID: 34708326 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-021-1952-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Lentiviral vectors (LVs), derived from human immunodeficiency virus, are powerful tools for modifying the genes of eukaryotic cells such as hematopoietic stem cells and neural cells. With the extensive and in-depth studies on this gene therapy vehicle over the past two decades, LVs have been widely used in both research and clinical trials. For instance, third-generation and self-inactive LVs have been used to introduce a gene with therapeutic potential into the host genome and achieve targeted delivery into specific tissue. When LVs are employed in leukemia, the transduced T cells recognize and kill the tumor B cells; in β-thalassemia, the transduced CD34+ cells express normal β-globin; in adenosine deaminase-deficient severe combined immunodeficiency, the autologous CD34+ cells express adenosine deaminase and realize immune reconstitution. Overall, LVs can perform significant roles in the treatment of primary immunodeficiency diseases, hemoglobinopathies, B cell leukemia, and neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we discuss the recent developments and therapeutic applications of LVs. The safe and efficient LVs show great promise as a tool for human gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Cuicui Ma
- Department of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Roberto Rodríguez Labrada
- Department Clinical Neurophysiology, Centre for the Research and Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxias, Holguín, 80100, Cuba
| | - Zhou Qin
- Department of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Ting Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Zhiyao He
- Department of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Yuquan Wei
- Department of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
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El-Battari A, Rodriguez L, Chahinian H, Delézay O, Fantini J, Yahi N, Di Scala C. Gene Therapy Strategy for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Diseases Aimed at Preventing the Formation of Neurotoxic Oligomers in SH-SY5Y Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11550. [PMID: 34768981 PMCID: PMC8583875 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
We present here a gene therapy approach aimed at preventing the formation of Ca2+-permeable amyloid pore oligomers that are considered as the most neurotoxic structures in both Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Our study is based on the design of a small peptide inhibitor (AmyP53) that combines the ganglioside recognition properties of the β-amyloid peptide (Aβ, Alzheimer) and α-synuclein (α-syn, Parkinson). As gangliosides mediate the initial binding step of these amyloid proteins to lipid rafts of the brain cell membranes, AmyP53 blocks, at the earliest step, the Ca2+ cascade that leads to neurodegeneration. Using a lentivirus vector, we genetically modified brain cells to express the therapeutic coding sequence of AmyP53 in a secreted form, rendering these cells totally resistant to oligomer formation by either Aβ or α-syn. This protection was specific, as control mCherry-transfected cells remained fully sensitive to these oligomers. AmyP53 was secreted at therapeutic concentrations in the supernatant of cultured cells, so that the therapy was effective for both transfected cells and their neighbors. This study is the first to demonstrate that a unique gene therapy approach aimed at preventing the formation of neurotoxic oligomers by targeting brain gangliosides may be considered for the treatment of two major neurodegenerative disorders, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Assou El-Battari
- INSERM UMR_S 1072, Aix-Marseille Université, 13015 Marseille, France; (A.E.-B.); (H.C.); (J.F.); (N.Y.)
| | - Léa Rodriguez
- CUO-Recherche, Département d’ophtalmologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval and Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada;
| | - Henri Chahinian
- INSERM UMR_S 1072, Aix-Marseille Université, 13015 Marseille, France; (A.E.-B.); (H.C.); (J.F.); (N.Y.)
| | - Olivier Delézay
- Faculté de Médecine, SAINBIOSE INSERM U1059, Campus Santé Innovations, 42270 St. Priest en Jarez, France;
| | - Jacques Fantini
- INSERM UMR_S 1072, Aix-Marseille Université, 13015 Marseille, France; (A.E.-B.); (H.C.); (J.F.); (N.Y.)
| | - Nouara Yahi
- INSERM UMR_S 1072, Aix-Marseille Université, 13015 Marseille, France; (A.E.-B.); (H.C.); (J.F.); (N.Y.)
| | - Coralie Di Scala
- Neuroscience Center—HiLIFE, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
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Gene Therapy Approach with an Emphasis on Growth Factors: Theoretical and Clinical Outcomes in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 59:191-233. [PMID: 34655056 PMCID: PMC8518903 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02555-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The etiology of many neurological diseases affecting the central nervous system (CNS) is unknown and still needs more effective and specific therapeutic approaches. Gene therapy has a promising future in treating neurodegenerative disorders by correcting the genetic defects or by therapeutic protein delivery and is now an attraction for neurologists to treat brain disorders, like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal muscular atrophy, spinocerebellar ataxia, epilepsy, Huntington’s disease, stroke, and spinal cord injury. Gene therapy allows the transgene induction, with a unique expression in cells’ substrate. This article mainly focuses on the delivering modes of genetic materials in the CNS, which includes viral and non-viral vectors and their application in gene therapy. Despite the many clinical trials conducted so far, data have shown disappointing outcomes. The efforts done to improve outcomes, efficacy, and safety in the identification of targets in various neurological disorders are also discussed here. Adapting gene therapy as a new therapeutic approach for treating neurological disorders seems to be promising, with early detection and delivery of therapy before the neuron is lost, helping a lot the development of new therapeutic options to translate to the clinic.
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Christine CW, Richardson RM, Van Laar AD, Thompson ME, Fine EM, Khwaja OS, Li C, Liang GS, Meier A, Roberts EW, Pfau ML, Rodman JR, Bankiewicz KS, Larson PS. Safety of AADC Gene Therapy for Moderately Advanced Parkinson Disease: Three-Year Outcomes From the PD-1101 Trial. Neurology 2021; 98:e40-e50. [PMID: 34649873 PMCID: PMC8726573 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000012952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives To report final, 36-month safety and clinical outcomes from the PD-1101 trial of NBIb-1817 (VY-AADC01) in participants with moderately advanced Parkinson disease (PD) and motor fluctuations. Methods PD-1101 was a phase 1b, open-label, dose escalation trial of VY-AADC01, an experimental AAV2 gene therapy encoding the human aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) enzyme. VY-AADC01 was delivered via bilateral, intraoperative MRI-guided putaminal infusions to 3 cohorts (n = 5 participants per cohort): cohort 1, ≤7.5 × 1011 vector genomes (vg); cohort 2, ≤1.5 × 1012 vg; cohort 3, ≤4.7 × 1012 vg. Results No serious adverse events (SAEs) attributed to VY-AADC01 were reported. All 4 non-vector–related SAEs (atrial fibrillation and pulmonary embolism in 1 participant and 2 events of small bowel obstruction in another participant) resolved. Requirements for PD medications were reduced by 21%–30% in the 2 highest dose cohorts at 36 months. Standard measures of motor function (PD diary, Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale III “off”-medication and “on”-medication scores), global impressions of improvement (Clinical Global Impression of Improvement, Patient Global Impression of Improvement), and quality of life (39-item Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire) were stable or improved compared with baseline at 12, 24, and 36 months following VY-AADC01 administration across cohorts. Discussions VY-AADC01 and the surgical administration procedure were well-tolerated and resulted in stable or improved motor function and quality of life across cohorts, as well as reduced PD medication requirements in cohorts 2 and 3 over 3 years. Trial Registration Information NCT01973543. Classification of Evidence This study provides Class IV evidence that, in patients with moderately advanced PD and motor fluctuations, putaminal infusion of VY-AADC01 is well tolerated and may improve motor function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chadwick W Christine
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - R Mark Richardson
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Amber D Van Laar
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA.,Brain Neurotherapy Bio, Inc., Columbus, OH
| | - Marin E Thompson
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Krystof S Bankiewicz
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Paul S Larson
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA
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Srivastava V, Singh A, Jain GK, Ahmad FJ, Shukla R, Kesharwani P. Viral vectors as a promising nanotherapeutic approach against neurodegenerative disorders. Process Biochem 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2021.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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46
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Wang Y, Hu LF, Zhou TJ, Qi LY, Xing L, Lee J, Wang FZ, Oh YK, Jiang HL. Gene therapy strategies for rare monogenic disorders with nuclear or mitochondrial gene mutations. Biomaterials 2021; 277:121108. [PMID: 34478929 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.121108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Rare monogenic disorders are a group of single-gene-mutated diseases that have a low incidence rate (less than 0.5‰) and eventually lead to patient disability and even death. Due to the relatively low number of people affected, these diseases typically fail to attract a great deal of commercial investment and research interest, and the affected patients thus have unmet medical needs. Advances in genomics biology, gene editing, and gene delivery can now offer potentially effective options for treating rare monogenic diseases. Herein, we review the application of gene therapy strategies (traditional gene therapy and gene editing) against various rare monogenic diseases with nuclear or mitochondrial gene mutations, including eye, central nervous system, pulmonary, systemic, and blood cell diseases. We summarize their pathologic features, address the barriers to gene delivery for these diseases, discuss available therapies in the clinic and in clinical trials, and sum up in-development gene delivery systems for various rare monogenic disorders. Finally, we elaborate the possible directions and outlook of gene therapy for rare monogenic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Li-Fan Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Tian-Jiao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Lian-Yu Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Lei Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830054, China
| | - Jaiwoo Lee
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Feng-Zhen Wang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221006, China.
| | - Yu-Kyoung Oh
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hu-Lin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830054, China; Key Lab of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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47
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Leinonen HM, Lepola S, Lipponen EM, Heikura T, Koponen T, Parker N, Ylä-Herttuala S, Lesch HP. Benchmarking of Scale-X Bioreactor System in Lentiviral and Adenoviral Vector Production. Hum Gene Ther 2021; 31:376-384. [PMID: 32075423 PMCID: PMC7087403 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2019.247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
We have previously produced viral vectors (lentiviral vector, adenoviral vector, and adeno-associated viral vector) in small and in commercial scale in adherent cells using Pall fixed-bed iCELLis® bioreactor. Recently, a company called Univercells has launched a new fixed-bed bioreactor with the same cell growth surface matrix material, but with different fixed-bed structure than is used in iCELLis bioreactor. We sought to compare the new scale-X™ hydro bioreactor (2.4 m2) and iCELLis Nano system (2.67 m2) to see if the difference has any effect on cell growth or lentiviral vector and adenoviral vector productivity. Runs were performed using parameters optimized for viral vector production in iCELLis Nano bioreactor. Cell growth was monitored by counting nuclei, as well as by following glucose consumption and lactate production. In both bioreactor systems, cells grew well, and the cell distribution was found quite homogeneous in scale-X bioreactor. Univercells scale-X bioreactor was proven to be at least equally efficient or even improved in both lentiviral vector and adenoviral vector production. Based on the results, the same protocol and parameters used in viral vector production in iCELLis bioreactor can also be successfully used for the production in scale-X bioreactor system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna M Leinonen
- Kuopio Center for Gene and Cell Therapy, Kuopio, Finland.,FinVector, Kuopio, Finland; and
| | - Saana Lepola
- Kuopio Center for Gene and Cell Therapy, Kuopio, Finland.,FinVector, Kuopio, Finland; and
| | - Eevi M Lipponen
- Kuopio Center for Gene and Cell Therapy, Kuopio, Finland.,FinVector, Kuopio, Finland; and
| | - Tommi Heikura
- Molecular Medicine, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Tiina Koponen
- Molecular Medicine, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Nigel Parker
- Molecular Medicine, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Seppo Ylä-Herttuala
- Molecular Medicine, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Hanna P Lesch
- Kuopio Center for Gene and Cell Therapy, Kuopio, Finland.,FinVector, Kuopio, Finland; and
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48
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Larson PS. Improved Delivery Methods for Gene Therapy and Cell Transplantation in Parkinson's Disease. JOURNAL OF PARKINSONS DISEASE 2021; 11:S199-S206. [PMID: 34366372 PMCID: PMC8543258 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-212710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A number of cell transplantation and gene therapy trials have been performed over the last three decades in an effort to restore function in Parkinson’s disease. Much has been learned about optimizing delivery methods for these therapeutics. This is particularly true in gene therapy, which has predominated the clinical trial landscape in recent years; however, cell transplantation for Parkinson’s disease is currently undergoing a renaissance. Innovations such as cannula design, iMRI-guided surgery and an evolution in delivery strategy has radically changed the way investigators approach clinical trial design. Future therapeutic strategies may employ newer delivery methods such as chronically implanted infusion devices and focal opening of the blood brain barrier with focused ultrasound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul S Larson
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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49
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Van Laar AD, Van Laar VS, San Sebastian W, Merola A, Bradley Elder J, Lonser RR, Bankiewicz KS. An Update on Gene Therapy Approaches for Parkinson's Disease: Restoration of Dopaminergic Function. JOURNAL OF PARKINSONS DISEASE 2021; 11:S173-S182. [PMID: 34366374 PMCID: PMC8543243 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-212724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
At present there is a significant unmet need for clinically available treatments for Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients to stably restore balance to dopamine network function, leaving patients with inadequate management of symptoms as the disease progresses. Gene therapy is an attractive approach to impart a durable effect on neuronal function through introduction of genetic material to reestablish dopamine levels and/or functionally recover dopaminergic signaling by improving neuronal health. Ongoing clinical gene therapy trials in PD are focused on enzymatic enhancement of dopamine production and/or the restoration of the nigrostriatal pathway to improve dopaminergic network function. In this review, we discuss data from current gene therapy trials for PD and recent advances in study design and surgical approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber D Van Laar
- Asklepios BioPharmaceutical, Inc., Columbus, OH, USA.,Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Victor S Van Laar
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Waldy San Sebastian
- Asklepios BioPharmaceutical, Inc., Columbus, OH, USA.,Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Aristide Merola
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, the Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - J Bradley Elder
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Russell R Lonser
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Krystof S Bankiewicz
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA.,Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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50
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Kondratov O, Kondratova L, Mandel RJ, Coleman K, Savage MA, Gray-Edwards HL, Ness TJ, Rodriguez-Lebron E, Bell RD, Rabinowitz J, Gamlin PD, Zolotukhin S. A comprehensive study of a 29-capsid AAV library in a non-human primate central nervous system. Mol Ther 2021; 29:2806-2820. [PMID: 34298128 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-human primates (NHPs) are a preferred animal model for optimizing adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated CNS gene delivery protocols before clinical trials. In spite of its inherent appeal, it is challenging to compare different serotypes, delivery routes, and disease indications in a well-powered, comprehensive, multigroup NHP experiment. Here, a multiplex barcode recombinant AAV (rAAV) vector-tracing strategy has been applied to a systemic analysis of 29 distinct, wild-type (WT), AAV natural isolates and engineered capsids in the CNS of eight macaques. The report describes distribution of each capsid in 15 areas of the macaques' CNS after intraparenchymal (putamen) injection, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-mediated administration routes (intracisternal, intrathecal, or intracerebroventricular). To trace the vector biodistribution (viral DNA) and targeted tissues transduction (viral mRNA) of each capsid in each of the analyzed CNS areas, quantitative next-generation sequencing analysis, assisted by the digital-droplet PCR technology, was used. The report describes the most efficient AAV capsid variants targeting specific CNS areas after each route of administration using the direct side-by-side comparison of WT AAV isolates and a new generation of rationally designed capsids. The newly developed bioinformatics and visualization algorithms, applicable to the comparative analysis of several mammalian brain models, have been developed and made available in the public domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleksandr Kondratov
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
| | - Liudmyla Kondratova
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Ronald J Mandel
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Kirsten Coleman
- Powell Gene Therapy Center University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Michael A Savage
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Heather L Gray-Edwards
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Department of Radiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Timothy J Ness
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | | | - Robert D Bell
- Neuroscience Research Unit, Pfizer, 610 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Joseph Rabinowitz
- Neuroscience Research Unit, Pfizer, 610 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Paul D Gamlin
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Sergei Zolotukhin
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
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