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Maheshwari S, Vilema-Enríquez G, Wade-Martins R. Patient-derived iPSC models of Friedreich ataxia: a new frontier for understanding disease mechanisms and therapeutic application. Transl Neurodegener 2023; 12:45. [PMID: 37726850 PMCID: PMC10510273 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-023-00376-8] [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: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is a rare genetic multisystem disorder caused by a pathological GAA trinucleotide repeat expansion in the FXN gene. The numerous drawbacks of historical cellular and rodent models of FRDA have caused difficulty in performing effective mechanistic and translational studies to investigate the disease. The recent discovery and subsequent development of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology provides an exciting platform to enable enhanced disease modelling for studies of rare genetic diseases. Utilising iPSCs, researchers have created phenotypically relevant and previously inaccessible cellular models of FRDA. These models enable studies of the molecular mechanisms underlying GAA-induced pathology, as well as providing an exciting tool for the screening and testing of novel disease-modifying therapies. This review explores how the use of iPSCs to study FRDA has developed over the past decade, as well as discussing the enormous therapeutic potentials of iPSC-derived models, their current limitations and their future direction within the field of FRDA research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saumya Maheshwari
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Gabriela Vilema-Enríquez
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Richard Wade-Martins
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK.
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2
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Simna SP, Han Z. Prospects Of Non-Coding Elements In Genomic Dna Based Gene Therapy. Curr Gene Ther 2021; 22:89-103. [PMID: 33874871 DOI: 10.2174/1566523221666210419090357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy has made significant development since the commencement of the first clinical trials a few decades ago and has remained a dynamic area of research regardless of obstacles such as immune response and insertional mutagenesis. Progression in various technologies like next-generation sequencing (NGS) and nanotechnology has established the importance of non-coding segments of a genome, thereby taking gene therapy to the next level. In this review, we have summarized the importance of non-coding elements, highlighting the advantages of using full-length genomic DNA loci (gDNA) compared to complementary DNA (cDNA) or minigene, currently used in gene therapy. The focus of this review is to provide an overview of the advances and the future of potential use of gDNA loci in gene therapy, expanding the therapeutic repertoire in molecular medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- S P Simna
- Department of Ophthalmology, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599. United States
| | - Zongchao Han
- Department of Ophthalmology, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599. United States
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3
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Soukupová M, Zucchini S, Trempat P, Ingusci S, Perrier-Biollay C, Barbieri M, Cattaneo S, Bettegazzi B, Falzoni S, Berthommé H, Simonato M. Improvement of HSV-1 based amplicon vectors for a safe and long-lasting gene therapy in non-replicating cells. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2021; 21:399-412. [PMID: 33869657 PMCID: PMC8044385 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
A key factor for developing gene therapy strategies for neurological disorders is the availability of suitable vectors. Currently, the most advanced are adeno-associated vectors that, while being safe and ensuring long-lasting transgene expression, have a very limited cargo capacity. In contrast, herpes simplex virus-based amplicon vectors can host huge amounts of foreign DNA, but concerns exist about their safety and ability to express transgenes long-term. We aimed at modulating and prolonging amplicon-induced transgene expression kinetics in vivo using different promoters and preventing transgene silencing. To pursue the latter, we deleted bacterial DNA sequences derived from vector construction and shielded the transgene cassette using AT-rich and insulator-like sequences (SAm technology). We employed luciferase and GFP as reporter genes. To determine transgene expression kinetics, we injected vectors in the hippocampus of mice that were longitudinally scanned for bioluminescence for 6 months. To evaluate safety, we analyzed multiple markers of damage and performed patch clamp electrophysiology experiments. All vectors proved safe, and we managed to modulate the duration of transgene expression, up to obtaining a stable, long-lasting expression using the SAm technology. Therefore, these amplicon vectors represent a flexible, efficient, and safe tool for gene delivery in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Soukupová
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Silvia Zucchini
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.,Laboratory of Technologies for Advanced Therapy (LTTA), Technopole of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Pascal Trempat
- Bioviron, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Selene Ingusci
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Mario Barbieri
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Stefano Cattaneo
- School of Medicine, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Bettegazzi
- School of Medicine, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Simonetta Falzoni
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Hervé Berthommé
- Bioviron, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Michele Simonato
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.,Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, 20132 Milan, Italy
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4
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Ocana-Santero G, Díaz-Nido J, Herranz-Martín S. Future Prospects of Gene Therapy for Friedreich's Ataxia. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1815. [PMID: 33670433 PMCID: PMC7918362 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Friedreich's ataxia is an autosomal recessive neurogenetic disease that is mainly associated with atrophy of the spinal cord and progressive neurodegeneration in the cerebellum. The disease is caused by a GAA-expansion in the first intron of the frataxin gene leading to a decreased level of frataxin protein, which results in mitochondrial dysfunction. Currently, there is no effective treatment to delay neurodegeneration in Friedreich's ataxia. A plausible therapeutic approach is gene therapy. Indeed, Friedreich's ataxia mouse models have been treated with viral vectors en-coding for either FXN or neurotrophins, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor showing promising results. Thus, gene therapy is increasingly consolidating as one of the most promising therapies. However, several hurdles have to be overcome, including immunotoxicity and pheno-toxicity. We review the state of the art of gene therapy in Friedreich's ataxia, addressing the main challenges and the most feasible solutions for them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Ocana-Santero
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CSIC-UAM), Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Nicolás Cabrera 1, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (G.O.-S.); (J.D.-N.)
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Sherrington Building, Parks Road, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Javier Díaz-Nido
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CSIC-UAM), Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Nicolás Cabrera 1, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (G.O.-S.); (J.D.-N.)
| | - Saúl Herranz-Martín
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CSIC-UAM), Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Nicolás Cabrera 1, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (G.O.-S.); (J.D.-N.)
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5
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Pérez-Luz S, Loria F, Katsu-Jiménez Y, Oberdoerfer D, Yang OL, Lim F, Muñoz-Blanco JL, Díaz-Nido J. Altered Secretome and ROS Production in Olfactory Mucosa Stem Cells Derived from Friedreich's Ataxia Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21186662. [PMID: 32933002 PMCID: PMC7555998 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Friedreich’s ataxia is the most common hereditary ataxia for which there is no cure or approved treatment at present. However, therapeutic developments based on the understanding of pathological mechanisms underlying the disease have advanced considerably, with the implementation of cellular models that mimic the disease playing a crucial role. Human olfactory ecto-mesenchymal stem cells represent a novel model that could prove useful due to their accessibility and neurogenic capacity. Here, we isolated and cultured these stem cells from Friedreich´s ataxia patients and healthy donors, characterizing their phenotype and describing disease-specific features such as reduced cell viability, impaired aconitase activity, increased ROS production and the release of cytokines involved in neuroinflammation. Importantly, we observed a positive effect on patient-derived cells, when frataxin levels were restored, confirming the utility of this in vitro model to study the disease. This model will improve our understanding of Friedreich´s ataxia pathogenesis and will help in developing rationally designed therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Pérez-Luz
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CSIC-UAM) and Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Nicolás Cabrera, 1, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (S.P.-L.); (D.O.); (O.-L.Y.); (J.D.-N.)
- Molecular Genetics Unit, Institute of Rare Diseases Research, Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), Ctra. Majadahonda-Pozuelo Km 2,200, 28220 Madrid, Spain
| | - Frida Loria
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CSIC-UAM) and Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Nicolás Cabrera, 1, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (S.P.-L.); (D.O.); (O.-L.Y.); (J.D.-N.)
- Laboratorio de Apoyo a la Investigación, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Calle Budapest 1, 28922 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-911-964-594
| | - Yurika Katsu-Jiménez
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Microbiology Tumor and Cell Biology, Solnaväjen 1, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Daniel Oberdoerfer
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CSIC-UAM) and Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Nicolás Cabrera, 1, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (S.P.-L.); (D.O.); (O.-L.Y.); (J.D.-N.)
| | - Oscar-Li Yang
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CSIC-UAM) and Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Nicolás Cabrera, 1, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (S.P.-L.); (D.O.); (O.-L.Y.); (J.D.-N.)
| | - Filip Lim
- Department of Molecular Biology, Autonomous University of Madrid, Francisco Tomás y Valiente 7, 28049 Madrid, Spain;
| | - José Luis Muñoz-Blanco
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Dr. Esquerdo 46, 28007 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Javier Díaz-Nido
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CSIC-UAM) and Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Nicolás Cabrera, 1, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (S.P.-L.); (D.O.); (O.-L.Y.); (J.D.-N.)
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6
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Fernández-Frías I, Pérez-Luz S, Díaz-Nido J. Analysis of Putative Epigenetic Regulatory Elements in the FXN Genomic Locus. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E3410. [PMID: 32408537 PMCID: PMC7279236 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Friedreich´s ataxia (FRDA) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by an abnormally expanded Guanine-Adenine-Adenine (GAA) repeat sequence within the first intron of the frataxin gene (FXN). The molecular mechanisms associated with FRDA are still poorly understood and most studies on FXN gene regulation have been focused on the region around the minimal promoter and the region in which triplet expansion occurs. Nevertheless, since there could be more epigenetic changes involved in the reduced levels of FXN transcripts, the aim of this study was to obtain a more detailed view of the possible regulatory elements by analyzing data from ENCODE and Roadmap consortia databases. This bioinformatic analysis indicated new putative regulatory regions within the FXN genomic locus, including exons, introns, and upstream and downstream regions. Moreover, the region next to the end of intron 4 is of special interest, since the enhancer signals in FRDA-affected tissues are weak or absent in this region, whilst they are strong in the rest of the analyzed tissues. Therefore, these results suggest that there could be a direct relationship between the absence of enhancer sequences in this specific region and their predisposition to be affected in this pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iván Fernández-Frías
- Departamento Biología Molecular and Centro de Biología Molecular “Severo Ochoa” (UAM-CSIC), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (I.F.-F.); (J.D.-N.)
- Instituto Investigación Sanitaria Puerta de Hierro-Majadahonda, 28222 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara Pérez-Luz
- Departamento Biología Molecular and Centro de Biología Molecular “Severo Ochoa” (UAM-CSIC), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (I.F.-F.); (J.D.-N.)
- Instituto Investigación Sanitaria Puerta de Hierro-Majadahonda, 28222 Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Díaz-Nido
- Departamento Biología Molecular and Centro de Biología Molecular “Severo Ochoa” (UAM-CSIC), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (I.F.-F.); (J.D.-N.)
- Instituto Investigación Sanitaria Puerta de Hierro-Majadahonda, 28222 Madrid, Spain
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7
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Belbellaa B, Reutenauer L, Monassier L, Puccio H. Correction of half the cardiomyocytes fully rescue Friedreich ataxia mitochondrial cardiomyopathy through cell-autonomous mechanisms. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 28:1274-1285. [PMID: 30544254 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Friedreich ataxia (FA) is currently an incurable inherited mitochondrial neurodegenerative disease caused by reduced levels of frataxin. Cardiac failure constitutes the main cause of premature death in FA. While adeno-associated virus-mediated cardiac gene therapy was shown to fully reverse the cardiac and mitochondrial phenotype in mouse models, this was achieved at high dose of vector resulting in the transduction of almost all cardiomyocytes, a dose and biodistribution that is unlikely to be replicated in clinic. The purpose of this study was to define the minimum vector biodistribution corresponding to the therapeutic threshold, at different stages of the disease progression. Correlative analysis of vector cardiac biodistribution, survival, cardiac function and biochemical hallmarks of the disease revealed that full rescue of the cardiac function was achieved when only half of the cardiomyocytes were transduced. In addition, meaningful therapeutic effect was achieved with as little as 30% transduction coverage. This therapeutic effect was mediated through cell-autonomous mechanisms for mitochondria homeostasis, although a significant increase in survival of uncorrected neighboring cells was observed. Overall, this study identifies the biodistribution thresholds and the underlying mechanisms conditioning the success of cardiac gene therapy in Friedreich ataxia and provides guidelines for the development of the clinical administration paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brahim Belbellaa
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Department of Translational Medicine and Neurogenetics, Illkirch, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Illkirch, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Laurence Reutenauer
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Department of Translational Medicine and Neurogenetics, Illkirch, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Illkirch, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Laurent Monassier
- Faculté de Médecine, Laboratoire de Neurobiologie et Pharmacologie Cardiovasculaire, Strasbourg, France
| | - Hélène Puccio
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Department of Translational Medicine and Neurogenetics, Illkirch, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Illkirch, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
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8
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Ventosa M, Wu Z, Lim F. Sustained FXN expression in dorsal root ganglia from a nonreplicative genomic HSV-1 vector. J Gene Med 2017; 19:376-386. [PMID: 29044877 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.2993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Revised: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Friedreich's ataxia (FA) is an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disease caused by mutations in the frataxin gene (FXN), which lead to reduced levels of the essential mitochondrial protein frataxin. Currently, there is no effective cure. METHODS With the aim of developing a gene therapy for FA neuropathology, we describe the construction and preliminary characterization of a high-capacity nonreplicative genomic herpes simplex virus type 1 vector (H24B-FXNlac vector) carrying a reduced version of the human FXN genomic locus, comprising the 5-kb promoter and the FXN cDNA with the inclusion of intron 1. RESULTS We show that the transgene cassette contains the elements necessary to preserve physiological neuronal regulation of human FXN expression. Transduction of cultured fetal rat dorsal root ganglia neurons with the H24B-FXNlac vector results in sustained expression of human FXN transcripts and frataxin protein. Rat footpad inoculation with the H24B-FXNlac vector results in human FXN transgene delivery to the dorsal root ganglia, with expression persisting for at least 1 month. CONCLUSIONS The results of the present study support the feasibility of using this vector for sustained neuronal expression of human frataxin for FA gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Ventosa
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan and VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Zetang Wu
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan and VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Filip Lim
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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9
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Strawser C, Schadt K, Hauser L, McCormick A, Wells M, Larkindale J, Lin H, Lynch DR. Pharmacological therapeutics in Friedreich ataxia: the present state. Expert Rev Neurother 2017; 17:895-907. [PMID: 28724340 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2017.1356721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is a progressive, inherited, neurodegenerative disease for which there is currently no cure or approved treatment. FRDA is caused by deficits in the production and expression of frataxin, a protein found in the mitochondria that is most likely responsible for regulating iron-sulfur cluster enzymes within the cell. A decrease in frataxin causes dysfunction of adenosine triphosphate synthesis, accumulation of mitochondrial iron, and other events leading to downstream cellular dysfunction. Areas covered: Therapeutic development for FRDA currently focuses on improving mitochondrial function and finding ways to increase frataxin expression. Additionally, the authors will review potential approaches aimed at iron modulation and genetic modulation. Finally, gene therapy is progressing rapidly and is being explored as a treatment for FRDA. Expert commentary: The collection of multiple therapeutic approaches provides many possible ways to treat FRDA. Although the mitochondrial approaches are not thought to be curative, as the primary frataxin deficit will remain, they may still produce improvements in quality of life and slowing of progression. Therapies aimed at frataxin restoration are more likely to truly modify the disease, with gene therapy as the best possibility to alter the course of the disease from both a cardiac and neurological perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kimberly Schadt
- a Children's Hospital of Philadelphia , Philadelphia , PA , USA
| | - Lauren Hauser
- a Children's Hospital of Philadelphia , Philadelphia , PA , USA
| | | | - McKenzie Wells
- a Children's Hospital of Philadelphia , Philadelphia , PA , USA
| | - Jane Larkindale
- a Children's Hospital of Philadelphia , Philadelphia , PA , USA
| | - Hong Lin
- a Children's Hospital of Philadelphia , Philadelphia , PA , USA
| | - David R Lynch
- a Children's Hospital of Philadelphia , Philadelphia , PA , USA
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10
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Bailer SM, Funk C, Riedl A, Ruzsics Z. Herpesviral vectors and their application in oncolytic therapy, vaccination, and gene transfer. Virus Genes 2017. [PMID: 28634751 DOI: 10.1007/s11262-017-1482-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Herpesviruses are enveloped DNA viruses that infect vertebrate cells. Their high potential cloning capacity and the lifelong persistence of their genomes in various host cells make them attractive platforms for vector-based therapy. In this review, we would like to highlight recent advances of three major areas of herpesvirus vector development and application: (i) oncolytic therapy, (ii) recombinant vaccines, and (iii) large capacity gene transfer vehicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne M Bailer
- Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Plasma Technology IGVP, University of Stuttgart, Nobelstrasse 12, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany. .,Fraunhofer-Institut für Grenzflächen- und Bioverfahrenstechnik IGB, Nobelstrasse 12, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Christina Funk
- Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Plasma Technology IGVP, University of Stuttgart, Nobelstrasse 12, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany.,Fraunhofer-Institut für Grenzflächen- und Bioverfahrenstechnik IGB, Nobelstrasse 12, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - André Riedl
- Department for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Institute of Virology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Hermann-Herder-Strasse 11, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research - DZIF, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Zsolt Ruzsics
- Department for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Institute of Virology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Hermann-Herder-Strasse 11, 79104, Freiburg, Germany. .,German Center for Infection Research - DZIF, Freiburg, Germany.
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11
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The infectious BAC genomic DNA expression library: a high capacity vector system for functional genomics. Sci Rep 2016; 6:28644. [PMID: 27353647 PMCID: PMC4926088 DOI: 10.1038/srep28644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2016] [Accepted: 05/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene dosage plays a critical role in a range of cellular phenotypes, yet most cellular expression systems use heterologous cDNA-based vectors which express proteins well above physiological levels. In contrast, genomic DNA expression vectors generate physiologically-relevant levels of gene expression by carrying the whole genomic DNA locus of a gene including its regulatory elements. Here we describe the first genomic DNA expression library generated using the high-capacity herpes simplex virus-1 amplicon technology to deliver bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs) into cells by viral transduction. The infectious BAC (iBAC) library contains 184,320 clones with an average insert size of 134.5 kb. We show in a Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) disease model cell line and mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells that this library can be used for genetic rescue studies in a range of contexts including the physiological restoration of Ldlr deficiency, and viral receptor expression. The iBAC library represents an important new genetic analysis tool openly available to the research community.
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12
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Katsu-Jiménez Y, Loría F, Corona JC, Díaz-Nido J. Gene Transfer of Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) Prevents Neurodegeneration Triggered by FXN Deficiency. Mol Ther 2016; 24:877-89. [PMID: 26849417 PMCID: PMC4881769 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2016.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2015] [Accepted: 01/21/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Friedreich's ataxia is a predominantly neurodegenerative disease caused by recessive mutations that produce a deficiency of frataxin (FXN). Here, we have used a herpesviral amplicon vector carrying a gene encoding for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) to drive its overexpression in neuronal cells and test for its effect on FXN-deficient neurons both in culture and in the mouse cerebellum in vivo. Gene transfer of BDNF to primary cultures of mouse neurons prevents the apoptosis which is triggered by the knockdown of FXN gene expression. This neuroprotective effect of BDNF is also observed in vivo in a viral vector-based knockdown mouse cerebellar model. The injection of a lentiviral vector carrying a minigene encoding for a FXN-specific short hairpin ribonucleic acid (shRNA) into the mouse cerebellar cortex triggers a FXN deficit which is accompanied by significant apoptosis of granule neurons as well as loss of calbindin in Purkinje cells. These pathological changes are accompanied by a loss of motor coordination of mice as assayed by the rota-rod test. Coinjection of a herpesviral vector encoding for BDNF efficiently prevents both the development of cerebellar neuropathology and the ataxic phenotype. These data demonstrate the potential therapeutic usefulness of neurotrophins like BDNF to protect FXN-deficient neurons from degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yurika Katsu-Jiménez
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (UAM-CSIC) and Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias Hospital Puerta de Hierro-Majadahonda (IDIPHIM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Frida Loría
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (UAM-CSIC) and Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias Hospital Puerta de Hierro-Majadahonda (IDIPHIM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Corona
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (UAM-CSIC) and Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias Hospital Puerta de Hierro-Majadahonda (IDIPHIM), Madrid, Spain
- Current address: Hospital Infantil de México “Federico Gómez”, México, D.F., México
| | - Javier Díaz-Nido
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (UAM-CSIC) and Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias Hospital Puerta de Hierro-Majadahonda (IDIPHIM), Madrid, Spain
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Pérez-Luz S, Gimenez-Cassina A, Fernández-Frías I, Wade-Martins R, Díaz-Nido J. Delivery of the 135 kb human frataxin genomic DNA locus gives rise to different frataxin isoforms. Genomics 2015; 106:76-82. [PMID: 26027909 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2015.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2015] [Revised: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 05/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) is the most common form of hereditary ataxia caused by recessive mutations in the FXN gene. Recent results have indicated the presence of different frataxin isoforms due to alternative gene expression mechanisms. Our previous studies demonstrated the advantages of using high-capacity herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) amplicon vectors containing the entire FXN genomic locus (iBAC-FXN) as a gene-delivery vehicle capable of ensuring physiologically-regulated and long-term persistence. Here we describe how expression from the 135 kb human FXN genomic locus produces the three frataxin isoforms both in cultured neuronal cells and also in vivo. Moreover, we also observed the correct expression of these frataxin isoforms in patient-derived cells after delivery of the iBAC-FXN. These results lend further support to the potential use of HSV-1 vectors containing entire genomic loci whose expression is mediated by complex transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms for gene therapy applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Pérez-Luz
- Departamento Biología Molecular and Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa" (UAM-CSIC), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Puerta de Hierro-Majadahonda, Spain
| | | | - I Fernández-Frías
- Departamento Biología Molecular and Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa" (UAM-CSIC), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Puerta de Hierro-Majadahonda, Spain
| | | | - J Díaz-Nido
- Departamento Biología Molecular and Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa" (UAM-CSIC), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Puerta de Hierro-Majadahonda, Spain.
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14
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Calap-Quintana P, Soriano S, Llorens JV, Al-Ramahi I, Botas J, Moltó MD, Martínez-Sebastián MJ. TORC1 Inhibition by Rapamycin Promotes Antioxidant Defences in a Drosophila Model of Friedreich's Ataxia. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0132376. [PMID: 26158631 PMCID: PMC4497667 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0132376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 06/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA), the most common inherited ataxia in the Caucasian population, is a multisystemic disease caused by a significant decrease in the frataxin level. To identify genes capable of modifying the severity of the symptoms of frataxin depletion, we performed a candidate genetic screen in a Drosophila RNAi-based model of FRDA. We found that genetic reduction in TOR Complex 1 (TORC1) signalling improves the impaired motor performance phenotype of FRDA model flies. Pharmacologic inhibition of TORC1 signalling by rapamycin also restored this phenotype and increased the lifespan and ATP levels. Furthermore, rapamycin reduced the altered levels of malondialdehyde + 4-hydroxyalkenals and total glutathione of the model flies. The rapamycin-mediated protection against oxidative stress is due in part to an increase in the transcription of antioxidant genes mediated by cap-n-collar (Drosophila ortholog of Nrf2). Our results suggest that autophagy is indeed necessary for the protective effect of rapamycin in hyperoxia. Rapamycin increased the survival and aconitase activity of model flies subjected to high oxidative insult, and this improvement was abolished by the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine. These results point to the TORC1 pathway as a new potential therapeutic target for FRDA and as a guide to finding new promising molecules for disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sirena Soriano
- Department of Genetics, University of Valencia, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | | | - Ismael Al-Ramahi
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Juan Botas
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - María Dolores Moltó
- Department of Genetics, University of Valencia, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
- CIBERSAM, INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
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15
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Strawser CJ, Schadt KA, Lynch DR. Therapeutic approaches for the treatment of Friedreich’s ataxia. Expert Rev Neurother 2014; 14:949-57. [DOI: 10.1586/14737175.2014.939173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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16
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Evans-Galea MV, Pébay A, Dottori M, Corben LA, Ong SH, Lockhart PJ, Delatycki MB. Cell and gene therapy for Friedreich ataxia: progress to date. Hum Gene Ther 2014; 25:684-93. [PMID: 24749505 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2013.180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders such as Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) present significant challenges in developing effective therapeutic intervention. Current treatments aim to manage symptoms and thus improve quality of life, but none can cure, nor are proven to slow, the neurodegeneration inherent to this disease. The primary clinical features of FRDA include progressive ataxia and shortened life span, with complications of cardiomyopathy being the major cause of death. FRDA is most commonly caused by an expanded GAA trinucleotide repeat in the first intron of FXN that leads to reduced levels of frataxin, a mitochondrial protein important for iron metabolism. The GAA expansion in FRDA does not alter the coding sequence of FXN. It results in reduced production of structurally normal frataxin, and hence any increase in protein level is expected to be therapeutically beneficial. Recently, there has been increased interest in developing novel therapeutic applications like cell and/or gene therapies, and these cutting-edge applications could provide effective treatment options for FRDA. Importantly, since individuals with FRDA produce frataxin at low levels, increased expression should not elicit an immune response. Here we review the advances to date and highlight the future potential for cell and gene therapy to treat this debilitating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marguerite V Evans-Galea
- 1 Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute , Parkville Victoria 3052, Australia
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Lufino MM, Silva AM, Németh AH, Alegre-Abarrategui J, Russell AJ, Wade-Martins R. A GAA repeat expansion reporter model of Friedreich's ataxia recapitulates the genomic context and allows rapid screening of therapeutic compounds. Hum Mol Genet 2013; 22:5173-87. [PMID: 23943791 PMCID: PMC3842177 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddt370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2013] [Revised: 07/15/2013] [Accepted: 07/26/2013] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) is caused by large GAA expansions in intron 1 of the frataxin gene (FXN), which lead to reduced FXN expression through a mechanism not fully understood. Understanding such mechanism is essential for the identification of novel therapies for FRDA and this can be accelerated by the development of cell models which recapitulate the genomic context of the FXN locus and allow direct comparison of normal and expanded FXN loci with rapid detection of frataxin levels. Here we describe the development of the first GAA-expanded FXN genomic DNA reporter model of FRDA. We modified BAC vectors carrying the whole FXN genomic DNA locus by inserting the luciferase gene in exon 5a of the FXN gene (pBAC-FXN-Luc) and replacing the six GAA repeats present in the vector with an ∼310 GAA repeat expansion (pBAC-FXN-GAA-Luc). We generated human clonal cell lines carrying the two vectors using site-specific integration to allow direct comparison of normal and expanded FXN loci. We demonstrate that the presence of expanded GAA repeats recapitulates the epigenetic modifications and repression of gene expression seen in FRDA. We applied the GAA-expanded reporter model to the screening of a library of novel small molecules and identified one molecule which up-regulates FXN expression in FRDA patient primary cells and restores normal histone acetylation around the GAA repeats. These results suggest the potential use of genomic reporter cell models for the study of FRDA and the identification of novel therapies, combining physiologically relevant expression with the advantages of quantitative reporter gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele M.P. Lufino
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Le Gros Clark Building, South Parks Road, OxfordOX1 3QX, UK
| | - Ana M. Silva
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Le Gros Clark Building, South Parks Road, OxfordOX1 3QX, UK
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa1649-028, Portugal
| | - Andrea H. Németh
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, OxfordOX3 9DU, UK
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, OxfordOX3 7LE, UK
| | - Javier Alegre-Abarrategui
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Le Gros Clark Building, South Parks Road, OxfordOX1 3QX, UK
- Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre, University of Oxford, Le Gros Clark Building, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Angela J. Russell
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory and
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, OxfordOX1 3QT, UK
| | - Richard Wade-Martins
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Le Gros Clark Building, South Parks Road, OxfordOX1 3QX, UK
- Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre, University of Oxford, Le Gros Clark Building, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
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Gomes CM, Santos R. Neurodegeneration in Friedreich's ataxia: from defective frataxin to oxidative stress. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2013; 2013:487534. [PMID: 23936609 PMCID: PMC3725840 DOI: 10.1155/2013/487534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2013] [Accepted: 06/14/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Friedreich's ataxia is the most common inherited autosomal recessive ataxia and is characterized by progressive degeneration of the peripheral and central nervous systems and cardiomyopathy. This disease is caused by the silencing of the FXN gene and reduced levels of the encoded protein, frataxin. Frataxin is a mitochondrial protein that functions primarily in iron-sulfur cluster synthesis. This small protein with an α / β sandwich fold undergoes complex processing and imports into the mitochondria, generating isoforms with distinct N-terminal lengths which may underlie different functionalities, also in respect to oligomerization. Missense mutations in the FXN coding region, which compromise protein folding, stability, and function, are found in 4% of FRDA heterozygous patients and are useful to understand how loss of functional frataxin impacts on FRDA physiopathology. In cells, frataxin deficiency leads to pleiotropic phenotypes, including deregulation of iron homeostasis and increased oxidative stress. Increasing amount of data suggest that oxidative stress contributes to neurodegeneration in Friedreich's ataxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cláudio M. Gomes
- Instituto Tecnologia Química e Biológica, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Avenida da República, 2784-505 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Renata Santos
- Development of the Nervous System, IBENS, Ecole Normale Supérieure, 46 rue d'Ulm, 75230 Paris Cedex 05, France
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Abstract
The majority of viral vectors currently used possess modest cargo capability (up to 40 kb) being based on retroviruses, lentiviruses, adenoviruses, and adenoassociated viruses. These vectors have made the most rapid transition from laboratory to clinic because their small genomes have simplified their characterization and modification. However, there is now an increasing need both in research and therapy to complement this repertoire with larger capacity vectors able to deliver multiple transgenes or to encode complex regulatory regions, constructs which can easily span more than 100 kb. Herpes Simplex Virus Type I (HSV-1) is a well-characterized human virus which is able to package about 150 kb of DNA, and several vector systems are currently in development for gene transfer applications, particularly in neurons where other systems have low efficiency. However, to reach the same level of versatility and ease of use as that of smaller genome viral vectors, simple systems for high-titer production must be developed. This paper reviews the major HSV-1 vector systems and analyses the common elements which may be most important to manipulate to achieve this goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Lim
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
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20
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Kearney M, Orrell RW, Fahey M, Pandolfo M. Antioxidants and other pharmacological treatments for Friedreich ataxia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2012:CD007791. [PMID: 22513953 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd007791.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Friedreich ataxia is a rare inherited autosomal recessive neurological disorder, characterised initially by unsteadiness in standing and walking, slowly progressing to wheelchair dependency usually in the late teens or early twenties. It is associated with slurred speech, scoliosis and pes cavus. Heart abnormalities cause premature death in 60% to 80% of people with the disorder. There is no easily defined clinical or biochemical marker and no known treatment. This is the first update of a review published in 2009. OBJECTIVES To examine the efficacy of antioxidants and other pharmacological treatments for Friedreich ataxia. SEARCH METHODS We searched The Cochrane Neuromuscular Disease Group Specialized Register (11 July 2011), CENTRAL (2011, Issue 3), MEDLINE (January 1966 to July 2011), EMBASE (January 1980 to July 2011), AMED (January 1985 to July 2011), CINAHL Plus (January 1937 to July 2011), LILACS (January 1982 to July 2011), ORPHANET (1990 to July 2011), TRIP (1998 to July 2011) and PEDRO (October 1999 to July 2011). SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs of drug treatment in people with genetically confirmed Friedreich ataxia. The primary outcome was change in ataxia rating scale as measured by the International Co-operative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS) after 12 months. Secondary outcomes included change in left ventricular heart mass as measured by magnetic resonance imaging or echocardiography. We excluded trials of shorter duration than 12 months. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Three authors selected the trials and two authors extracted data. We obtained missing data from the one RCT that met our inclusion criteria. We planned to collect adverse event data from included studies. MAIN RESULTS More than 10 studies used idebenone in the treatment of Friedreich ataxia but only one small RCT, with 29 participants, using the synthetic antioxidant idebenone 5 mg/kg, fulfilled the selection criteria for this review. Other RCTs were of insufficient duration. We identified no additional RCT when the searches were updated in 2011. In the included study, the primary outcome specified for this review, change in ICARS scale, did not reveal any significant differences with idebenone treatment compared to placebo. The secondary outcome of change in left ventricular heart mass index as measured by magnetic resonance spectroscopy was not assessed. The second secondary outcome, change in left ventricular mass as measured by echocardiography, did improve significantly; there was a 10.7% worsening after 12 months of treatment in the placebo group and a 5.6% improvement in the idebenone group. The mean difference was 16.37% (95% CI 95% 2% to 31%). There were no adverse events. We considered the included study at low risk of bias in five of the seven domains assessed. A larger trial using idebenone published an interm report in May 2010 stating that the study had failed to reach its primary endpoint, which was change in the ICARS scale. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS No RCT using idebenone or any other pharmacological treatment has shown significant benefit on neurological symptoms associated with Friedreich ataxia. Idebenone has shown a positive effect on left ventricular heart mass but the clinical relevance of this change was not assessed in the included study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Kearney
- General Practice, Irish College of General Practitioners, Dunlavin, County Wicklow, Ireland.
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Jerusalinsky D, Baez MV, Epstein AL. Herpes simplex virus type 1-based amplicon vectors for fundamental research in neurosciences and gene therapy of neurological diseases. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 106:2-11. [PMID: 22108428 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphysparis.2011.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2011] [Revised: 10/11/2011] [Accepted: 11/04/2011] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Somatic manipulation of the nervous system without the involvement of the germinal line appears as a powerful counterpart of the transgenic strategy. The use of viral vectors to produce specific, transient and localized knockout, knockdown, ectopic expression or overexpression of a gene, leads to the possibility of analyzing both in vitro and in vivo molecular basis of neural function. In this approach, viral particles engineered to carry transgenic sequences are delivered into discrete brain regions, to transduce cells that will express the transgenic products. Amplicons are replication-incompetent helper-dependent vectors derived from herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), with several advantages that potentiate their use in neurosciences: (1) minimal toxicity: amplicons do not encode any virus proteins, are neither toxic for the infected cells nor pathogenic for the inoculated animals and elicit low levels of adaptive immune responses; (2) extensive transgene capacity to carry up to 150-kb of foreign DNA; i.e., entire genes with regulatory sequences could be delivered; (3) widespread cellular tropism: amplicons can experimentally infect several cell types including glial cells, though naturally the virus infects mainly neurons and epithelial cells; (4) since the viral genome does not integrate into cellular chromosomes there is low probability to induce insertional mutagenesis. Recent investigations on gene transfer into the brain using these vectors, have focused on gene therapy of inherited genetic diseases affecting the nervous system, such as ataxias, or on neurodegenerative disorders using experimental models of Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease. Another group of studies used amplicons to investigate complex neural functions such as neuroplasticity, anxiety, learning and memory. In this short review, we summarize recent data supporting the potential of HSV-1 based amplicon vector model for gene delivery and modulation of gene expression in primary cultures of neuronal cells and into the brain of living animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Jerusalinsky
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia (IBCN), CONICET-UBA. Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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