1
|
Qi J, Tan F, Zhang L, Zhou Y, Zhang Z, Sun Q, Li N, Fang Y, Chen X, Wu Y, Zhong G, Chai R. Critical role of TPRN rings in the stereocilia for hearing. Mol Ther 2024; 32:204-217. [PMID: 37952086 PMCID: PMC10787140 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.11.011] [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: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Inner ear hair cells detect sound vibration through the deflection of mechanosensory stereocilia. Cytoplasmic protein TPRN has been shown to localize at the taper region of the stereocilia, and mutations in TPRN cause hereditary hearing loss through an unknown mechanism. Here, using biochemistry and dual stimulated emission depletion microscopy imaging, we show that the TPRN, together with its binding proteins CLIC5 and PTPRQ, forms concentric rings in the taper region of stereocilia. The disruption of TPRN rings, triggered by the competitive inhibition of the interaction of TPRN and CLIC5 or exogenous TPRN overexpression, leads to stereocilia degeneration and severe hearing loss. Most importantly, restoration of the TPRN rings can rescue the damaged auditory function of Tprn knockout mice by exogenously expressing TPRN at an appropriate level in HCs via promoter recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV). In summary, our results reveal highly structured TPRN rings near the taper region of stereocilia that are crucial for stereocilia function and hearing. Also, TPRN ring restoration in stereocilia by AAV-Tprn effectively repairs damaged hearing, which lays the foundation for the clinical application of AAV-mediated gene therapy in patients with TPRN mutation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jieyu Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, School of Medicine, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China; Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China; School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Fangzhi Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, School of Medicine, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China.
| | - Liyan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, School of Medicine, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Yinyi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, School of Medicine, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Ziyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, School of Medicine, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Qiuhan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, School of Medicine, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Nianci Li
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, School of Medicine, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Yuan Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, School of Medicine, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Xin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, School of Medicine, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Yunhao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, School of Medicine, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Guisheng Zhong
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China.
| | - Renjie Chai
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, School of Medicine, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China; Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China; School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China; Southeast University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518063, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Troxell B, Jaslow SL, Tsai IW, Sullivan C, Draper BE, Jarrold MF, Lindsey K, Blue L. Partial genome content within rAAVs impacts performance in a cell assay-dependent manner. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2023; 30:288-302. [PMID: 37583716 PMCID: PMC10423999 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.07.007] [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: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs) deliver DNA to numerous cell types. However, packaging of partial genomes into the rAAV capsid is of concern. Although empty rAAV capsids are studied, there is little information regarding the impact of partial DNA content on rAAV performance in controlled studies. To address this, we tested vectors containing varying levels of partial, self-complementary EGFP genomes. Density gradient cesium chloride ultracentrifugation was used to isolate three distinct rAAV populations: (1) a lighter fraction, (2) a moderate fraction, and (3) a heavy fraction. Alkaline gels, Illumina Mi-Seq, size exclusion chromatography with multi-angle light scattering (SEC-MALS), and charge detection mass spectrometry (CD-MS) were used to characterize the genome of each population and ddPCR to quantify residual DNA molecules. Live-cell imaging and EGFP ELISA assays demonstrated reduced expression following transduction with the light fraction compared with the moderate and heavy fractions. However, PCR-based assays showed that the light density delivered EGFP DNA to cells as efficiently as the moderate and heavy fractions. Mi-Seq data revealed an underrepresentation of the promoter region for EGFP, suggesting that expression of EGFP was reduced because of lack of regulatory control. This work demonstrates that rAAVs containing partial genomes contribute to the DNA signal but have reduced vector performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Troxell
- StrideBio Analytical Development and Quality Control, 5 Laboratory Drive, Suite 1200, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
- AjaxBio, LLC, Holly Springs, NC 27540, USA
| | - Sarah L. Jaslow
- StrideBio Analytical Development and Quality Control, 5 Laboratory Drive, Suite 1200, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - I-Wei Tsai
- StrideBio Analytical Development and Quality Control, 5 Laboratory Drive, Suite 1200, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Chelsea Sullivan
- StrideBio Analytical Development and Quality Control, 5 Laboratory Drive, Suite 1200, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Benjamin E. Draper
- Megadalton Solutions, Inc., 3750 E. Bluebird Ln., Bloomington, IN 47401, USA
| | - Martin F. Jarrold
- Chemistry Department, Indiana University, 800 E. Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Kate Lindsey
- StrideBio Analytical Development and Quality Control, 5 Laboratory Drive, Suite 1200, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Levi Blue
- StrideBio Analytical Development and Quality Control, 5 Laboratory Drive, Suite 1200, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yip M, Chen J, Zhi Y, Tran NT, Namkung S, Pastor E, Gao G, Tai PWL. Querying Recombination Junctions of Replication-Competent Adeno-Associated Viruses in Gene Therapy Vector Preparations with Single Molecule, Real-Time Sequencing. Viruses 2023; 15:1228. [PMID: 37376529 DOI: 10.3390/v15061228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical-grade preparations of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors used for gene therapy typically undergo a series of diagnostics to determine titer, purity, homogeneity, and the presence of DNA contaminants. One type of contaminant that remains poorly investigated is replication-competent (rc)AAVs. rcAAVs form through recombination of DNA originating from production materials, yielding intact, replicative, and potentially infectious virus-like virions. They can be detected through the serial passaging of lysates from cells transduced by AAV vectors in the presence of wildtype adenovirus. Cellular lysates from the last passage are subjected to qPCR to detect the presence of the rep gene. Unfortunately, the method cannot be used to query the diversity of recombination events, nor can qPCR provide insights into how rcAAVs arise. Thus, the formation of rcAAVs through errant recombination events between ITR-flanked gene of interest (GOI) constructs and expression constructs carrying the rep-cap genes is poorly described. We have used single molecule, real-time sequencing (SMRT) to analyze virus-like genomes expanded from rcAAV-positive vector preparations. We present evidence that sequence-independent and non-homologous recombination between the ITR-bearing transgene and the rep/cap plasmid occurs under several events and rcAAVs spawn from diverse clones.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell Yip
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Jing Chen
- Spirovant Sciences, Inc., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Yan Zhi
- Spirovant Sciences, Inc., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ngoc Tam Tran
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Suk Namkung
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Eric Pastor
- Spirovant Sciences, Inc., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Guangping Gao
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Li Weibo Institute of Rare Diseases Research, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Phillip W L Tai
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Li Weibo Institute of Rare Diseases Research, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Roger AL, Sethi R, Huston ML, Scarrow E, Bao-Dai J, Lai E, Biswas DD, Haddad LE, Strickland LM, Kishnani PS, ElMallah MK. What's new and what's next for gene therapy in Pompe disease? Expert Opin Biol Ther 2022; 22:1117-1135. [PMID: 35428407 PMCID: PMC10084869 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2022.2067476] [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: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pompe disease is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by a deficiency of acid-α-glucosidase (GAA), an enzyme responsible for hydrolyzing lysosomal glycogen. A lack of GAA leads to accumulation of glycogen in the lysosomes of cardiac, skeletal, and smooth muscle cells, as well as in the central and peripheral nervous system. Enzyme replacement therapy has been the standard of care for 15 years and slows disease progression, particularly in the heart, and improves survival. However, there are limitations of ERT success, which gene therapy can overcome. AREAS COVERED Gene therapy offers several advantages including prolonged and consistent GAA expression and correction of skeletal muscle as well as the critical CNS pathology. We provide a systematic review of the preclinical and clinical outcomes of adeno-associated viral mediated gene therapy and alternative gene therapy strategies, highlighting what has been successful. EXPERT OPINION Although the preclinical and clinical studies so far have been promising, barriers exist that need to be addressed in gene therapy for Pompe disease. New strategies including novel capsids for better targeting, optimized DNA vectors, and adjuctive therapies will allow for a lower dose, and ameliorate the immune response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela L. Roger
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center Box 2644, Durham, North Carolina, 27710, USA
| | - Ronit Sethi
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center Box 2644, Durham, North Carolina, 27710, USA
| | - Meredith L. Huston
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center Box 2644, Durham, North Carolina, 27710, USA
| | - Evelyn Scarrow
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center Box 2644, Durham, North Carolina, 27710, USA
| | - Joy Bao-Dai
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center Box 2644, Durham, North Carolina, 27710, USA
| | - Elias Lai
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center Box 2644, Durham, North Carolina, 27710, USA
| | - Debolina D. Biswas
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center Box 2644, Durham, North Carolina, 27710, USA
| | - Léa El Haddad
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center Box 2644, Durham, North Carolina, 27710, USA
| | - Laura M. Strickland
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center Box 2644, Durham, North Carolina, 27710, USA
| | - Priya S. Kishnani
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina USA
| | - Mai K. ElMallah
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center Box 2644, Durham, North Carolina, 27710, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Transduction of Brain Neurons in Juvenile Chum Salmon ( Oncorhynchus keta) with Recombinant Adeno-Associated Hippocampal Virus Injected into the Cerebellum during Long-Term Monitoring. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094947. [PMID: 35563338 PMCID: PMC9101580 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094947] [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: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Corpus cerebelli in juvenile chum salmon is a multiprojective region of the brain connected via afferent and efferent projections with the higher regions of the brainstem and synencephalon, as well as with multiprojection regions of the medulla oblongata and spinal cord. During the postembryonic development of the cerebellum in chum salmon, Oncorhynchus keta, the lateral part of the juvenile cerebellum gives rise to the caudomedial part of the definitive cerebellum, which is consistent with the data reported for zebrafish and mouse cerebellum. Thus, the topographic organization of the cerebellum and its efferents are similar between fish (chum salmon and zebrafish) and mammals, including mice and humans. The distributions of recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors (rAAVs) after an injection of the base vector into the cerebellum have shown highly specific patterns of transgene expression in bipolar neurons in the latero-caudal lobe of the juvenile chum tectum opticum. The distribution of rAAVs in the dorsal thalamus, epithalamus, nucleus rotundus, and pretectal complex indicates the targeted distribution of the transgene via the thalamo-cerebellar projections. The detection of GFP expression in the cells of the epiphysis and posterior tubercle of juvenile chum salmon is associated with the transgene’s distribution and with the cerebrospinal fluid flow, the brain ventricles and its outer surface. The direct delivery of the rAAV into the central nervous system by intracerebroventricular administration allows it to spread widely in the brain. Thus, the presence of special projection areas in the juvenile chum salmon cerebellum, as well as outside it, and the identification of the transgene’s expression in them confirm the potential ability of rAAVs to distribute in both intracerebellar and afferent and efferent extracerebellar projections of the cerebellum.
Collapse
|
6
|
Song Z, Shao W, Song L, Pei X, Li C. Human Hepatocyte Transduction with Adeno-Associated Virus Vector. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2544:83-93. [PMID: 36125711 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2557-6_5] [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: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
As the adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors hold unique advantages over other viral vectors, AAV gene therapy has accumulated rapid progress and development. Liver-targeted gene therapy by AAV vectors has been successfully applied in clinical trials for many diseases. Low transduction efficiency and high prevalence of neutralizing antibodies (Nabs), however, are the major obstacles to further translate this therapeutic strategy into clinical trials. Pre-clinical evaluation on hepatocytes could help to elucidate the tropism of AAV serotypes for liver-targeted gene therapy, and could also provide a test model to develop novel AAV mutants with Nabs evasion and high liver tropism. Here, we described the basic laboratory procedure to apply the AAV vector to transduce human hepatocytes in vitro and in vivo with some tips gained from our own experience.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenwei Song
- Gene Therapy Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Wenwei Shao
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Liujiang Song
- Gene Therapy Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Xieolei Pei
- Gene Therapy Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Chengwen Li
- Gene Therapy Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Tornabene P, Trapani I, Centrulo M, Marrocco E, Minopoli R, Lupo M, Iodice C, Gesualdo C, Simonelli F, Surace EM, Auricchio A. Inclusion of a degron reduces levelsof undesired inteins after AAV-mediated protein trans-splicing in the retina. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2021; 23:448-459. [PMID: 34786437 PMCID: PMC8571531 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Split intein-mediated protein trans-splicing expands AAV transfer capacity, thus overcoming the limited AAV cargo. However, non-mammalian inteins persist as trans-splicing by-products, and this could raise safety concerns for AAV intein clinical applications. In this study, we tested the ability of several degrons to selectively decrease levels of inteins after protein trans-splicing and found that a version of E. coli dihydrofolate reductase, which we have shortened to better fit into the AAV vector, is the most effective. We show that subretinal administration of AAV intein armed with this short degron is both safe and effective in a mouse model of Stargardt disease (STGD1), which is the most common form of inherited macular degeneration in humans. This supports the use of optimized AAV intein for gene therapy of both STGD1 and other conditions that require transfer of large genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Tornabene
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | - Ivana Trapani
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
- Medical Genetics, Department of Translational Medicine, Federico II University, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Miriam Centrulo
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | - Elena Marrocco
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | - Renato Minopoli
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | - Mariangela Lupo
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | - Carolina Iodice
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | - Carlo Gesualdo
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Francesca Simonelli
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Enrico M. Surace
- Medical Genetics, Department of Translational Medicine, Federico II University, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Alberto Auricchio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
- Medical Genetics, Department of Advanced Biomedicine, Federico II University, Naples 80131, Italy
- Correspondence: Alberto Auricchio, MD, Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli 80078, Italy; Medical Genetics, Department of Translational Medicine, Federico II University, Naples 80131, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Tucker BA, Burnight ER, Cranston CM, Ulferts MJ, Luse MA, Westfall T, Scott CA, Marsden A, Gibson-Corley K, Wiley LA, Han IC, Slusarski DC, Mullins RF, Stone EM. Development and biological characterization of a clinical gene transfer vector for the treatment of MAK-associated retinitis pigmentosa. Gene Ther 2021; 29:259-288. [PMID: 34518651 PMCID: PMC9159943 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-021-00291-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
By combining next generation whole exome sequencing and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology we found that an Alu repeat inserted in exon 9 of the MAK gene results in a loss of normal MAK transcript and development of human autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Although a relatively rare cause of disease in the general population, the MAK variant is enriched in individuals of Jewish ancestry. In this population, 1 in 55 individuals are carriers and one third of all cases of recessive RP is caused by this gene. The purpose of this study was to determine if a viral gene augmentation strategy could be used to safely restore functional MAK protein as a step toward a treatment for early stage MAK-associated RP. Patient iPSC-derived photoreceptor precursor cells were generated and transduced with viral vectors containing the MAK transcript. One week after transduction, transcript and protein could be detected via rt-PCR and western blotting respectively. Using patient-derived fibroblast cells and mak knockdown zebra fish we demonstrate that over-expression of the retinal MAK transgene restored the cells ability to regulate primary cilia length. In addition, the visual defect in mak knockdown zebrafish was mitigated via treatment with the retinal MAK transgene. There was no evidence of local or systemic toxicity at 1-month or 3-months following subretinal delivery of clinical grade vector into wild type rats. The findings reported here will help pave the way for initiation of a phase 1 clinical trial for the treatment of patients with MAK-associated RP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Budd A Tucker
- Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA. .,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
| | - Erin R Burnight
- Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Cathryn M Cranston
- Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Mallory J Ulferts
- Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Meagan A Luse
- Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Trudi Westfall
- Department of Biology, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - C Anthony Scott
- Department of Biology, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Autumn Marsden
- Department of Biology, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Katherine Gibson-Corley
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Luke A Wiley
- Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Ian C Han
- Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Diane C Slusarski
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Department of Biology, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Robert F Mullins
- Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Edwin M Stone
- Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
A Confocal Microscopic Study of Gene Transfer into the Mesencephalic Tegmentum of Juvenile Chum Salmon, Oncorhynchus keta, Using Mouse Adeno-Associated Viral Vectors. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115661. [PMID: 34073457 PMCID: PMC8199053 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
To date, data on the presence of adenoviral receptors in fish are very limited. In the present work, we used mouse recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors (rAAV) with a calcium indicator of the latest generation GCaMP6m that are usually applied for the dorsal hippocampus of mice but were not previously used for gene delivery into fish brain. The aim of our work was to study the feasibility of transduction of rAAV in the mouse hippocampus into brain cells of juvenile chum salmon and subsequent determination of the phenotype of rAAV-labeled cells by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Delivery of the gene in vivo was carried out by intracranial injection of a GCaMP6m-GFP-containing vector directly into the mesencephalic tegmentum region of juvenile (one-year-old) chum salmon, Oncorhynchus keta. AAV incorporation into brain cells of the juvenile chum salmon was assessed at 1 week after a single injection of the vector. AAV expression in various areas of the thalamus, pretectum, posterior-tuberal region, postcommissural region, medial and lateral regions of the tegmentum, and mesencephalic reticular formation of juvenile O. keta was evaluated using CLSM followed by immunohistochemical analysis of the localization of the neuron-specific calcium binding protein HuCD in combination with nuclear staining with DAPI. The results of the analysis showed partial colocalization of cells expressing GCaMP6m-GFP with red fluorescent HuCD protein. Thus, cells of the thalamus, posterior tuberal region, mesencephalic tegmentum, cells of the accessory visual system, mesencephalic reticular formation, hypothalamus, and postcommissural region of the mesencephalon of juvenile chum salmon expressing GCaMP6m-GFP were attributed to the neuron-specific line of chum salmon brain cells, which indicates the ability of hippocampal mammal rAAV to integrate into neurons of the central nervous system of fish with subsequent expression of viral proteins, which obviously indicates the neuronal expression of a mammalian adenoviral receptor homolog by juvenile chum salmon neurons.
Collapse
|
10
|
Rieser R, Koch J, Faccioli G, Richter K, Menzen T, Biel M, Winter G, Michalakis S. Comparison of Different Liquid Chromatography-Based Purification Strategies for Adeno-Associated Virus Vectors. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13050748. [PMID: 34070226 PMCID: PMC8158740 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13050748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors have evolved as one of the most promising technologies for gene therapy due to their good safety profile, high transduction efficacy, and long-term gene expression in nondividing cells. rAAV-based gene therapy holds great promise for treating genetic disorders like inherited blindness, muscular atrophy, or bleeding disorders. There is a high demand for efficient and scalable production and purification methods for rAAVs. This is particularly true for the downstream purification methods. The current standard methods are based on multiple steps of gradient ultracentrifugation, which allow for the purification and enrichment of full rAAV particles, but the scale up of this method is challenging. Here, we explored fast, scalable, and universal liquid chromatography-based strategies for the purification of rAAVs. In contrast to the hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC), where a substantial amount of AAV was lost, the cation exchange chromatography (CEX) was performed robustly for multiple tested serotypes and resulted in a mixture of full and empty rAAVs with a good purity profile. For the used affinity chromatography (AC), a serotype dependence was observed. Anion exchange chromatography (AEX) worked well for the AAV8 serotype and achieved high levels of purification and a baseline separation of full and empty rAAVs. Depending on the AAV serotype, a combination of CEX and AEX or AC and AEX is recommended and holds promise for future translational projects that require highly pure and full particle-enriched rAAVs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Rieser
- Department of Pharmacy—Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstr. 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany; (R.R.); (J.K.); (G.F.); (M.B.)
| | - Johanna Koch
- Department of Pharmacy—Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstr. 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany; (R.R.); (J.K.); (G.F.); (M.B.)
| | - Greta Faccioli
- Department of Pharmacy—Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstr. 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany; (R.R.); (J.K.); (G.F.); (M.B.)
| | - Klaus Richter
- Coriolis Pharma, Fraunhoferstr. 18 b, 82152 Martinsried, Germany; (K.R.); (T.M.)
| | - Tim Menzen
- Coriolis Pharma, Fraunhoferstr. 18 b, 82152 Martinsried, Germany; (K.R.); (T.M.)
| | - Martin Biel
- Department of Pharmacy—Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstr. 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany; (R.R.); (J.K.); (G.F.); (M.B.)
| | - Gerhard Winter
- Department of Pharmacy—Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstr. 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany; (R.R.); (J.K.); (G.F.); (M.B.)
- Correspondence: (G.W.); (S.M.)
| | - Stylianos Michalakis
- Department of Pharmacy—Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstr. 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany; (R.R.); (J.K.); (G.F.); (M.B.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Mathildenstr. 8, 80336 Munich, Germany
- Correspondence: (G.W.); (S.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Srivastava A, Mallela KMG, Deorkar N, Brophy G. Manufacturing Challenges and Rational Formulation Development for AAV Viral Vectors. J Pharm Sci 2021; 110:2609-2624. [PMID: 33812887 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2021.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) has emerged as a leading platform for gene delivery for treating various diseases due to its excellent safety profile and efficient transduction to various target tissues. However, the large-scale production and long-term storage of viral vectors is not efficient resulting in lower yields, moderate purity, and shorter shelf-life compared to recombinant protein therapeutics. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of upstream, downstream and formulation unit operation challenges encountered during AAV vector manufacturing, and discusses how desired product quality attributes can be maintained throughout product shelf-life by understanding the degradation mechanisms and formulation strategies. The mechanisms of various physical and chemical instabilities that the viral vector may encounter during its production and shelf-life because of various stressed conditions such as thermal, shear, freeze-thaw, and light exposure are highlighted. The role of buffer, pH, excipients, and impurities on the stability of viral vectors is also discussed. As such, the aim of this review is to outline the tools and a potential roadmap for improving the quality of AAV-based drug products by stressing the need for a mechanistic understanding of the involved processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arvind Srivastava
- Biopharma Production, Avantor, Inc., 1013 US Highway, 202/206, Bridgewater, NJ, United States.
| | - Krishna M G Mallela
- Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12850 East Montview Boulevard, MS C238-V20, Aurora, CO 80045, United States.
| | - Nandkumar Deorkar
- Biopharma Production, Avantor, Inc., 1013 US Highway, 202/206, Bridgewater, NJ, United States
| | - Ger Brophy
- Biopharma Production, Avantor, Inc., 1013 US Highway, 202/206, Bridgewater, NJ, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Joshi PRH, Bernier A, Moço PD, Schrag J, Chahal PS, Kamen A. Development of a scalable and robust AEX method for enriched rAAV preparations in genome-containing VCs of serotypes 5, 6, 8, and 9. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2021; 21:341-356. [PMID: 33898632 PMCID: PMC8056178 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Removal of empty capsids from adeno-associated virus (AAV) manufacturing lots remains a critical step in the downstream processing of AAV clinical-grade batches. Because of similar physico-chemical characteristics, the AAV capsid populations totally lacking or containing partial viral DNA are difficult to separate from the desired vector capsid populations. Based on minute differences in density, ultracentrifugation remains the most effective separation method and has been extensively used at small scale but has limitations associated with availabilities and operational complexities in large-scale processing. In this paper, we report a scalable, robust, and versatile anion-exchange chromatography (AEX) method for removing empty capsids and subsequent enrichment of vectors of AAV serotypes 5, 6, 8, and 9. On average, AEX resulted in about 9-fold enrichment of AAV5 in a single step containing 80% ± 5% genome-containing vector capsids, as verified and quantified by analytical ultracentrifugation. The optimized process was further validated using AAV6, AAV8, and AAV9, resulting in over 90% vector enrichment. The AEX process showed comparable results not only for vectors with different transgenes of different sizes but also for AEX runs under different geometries of chromatographic media. The herein-reported sulfate-salt-based AEX process can be adapted to different AAV serotypes by appropriately adjusting elution conditions to achieve enriched vector preparations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pranav R H Joshi
- Viral Vectors and Vaccine Bioprocessing Group, Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Alice Bernier
- Viral Vectors and Vaccine Bioprocessing Group, Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Pablo D Moço
- Viral Vectors and Vaccine Bioprocessing Group, Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Joseph Schrag
- Human Health Therapeutics, National Research Council of Canada, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Parminder S Chahal
- Human Health Therapeutics, National Research Council of Canada, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Amine Kamen
- Viral Vectors and Vaccine Bioprocessing Group, Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Pushchina EV, Kapustyanov IA, Shamshurina EV, Varaksin AA. Labeling of Mesencephalic Tegmental
Neurons in a Juvenile Pacific Chum Salmon Oncorhynchus
keta with Mouse Hippocampal Adeno-Associated Viral Vectors. J EVOL BIOCHEM PHYS+ 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s0022093021010087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
14
|
El Andari J, Grimm D. Production, Processing, and Characterization of Synthetic AAV Gene Therapy Vectors. Biotechnol J 2020; 16:e2000025. [PMID: 32975881 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202000025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Over the last two decades, gene therapy vectors based on wild-type Adeno-associated viruses (AAV) are safe and efficacious in numerous clinical trials and are translated into three approved gene therapy products. Concomitantly, a large body of preclinical work has illustrated the power and potential of engineered synthetic AAV capsids that often excel in terms of an organ or cell specificity, the efficiency of in vitro or in vivo gene transfer, and/or reactivity with anti-AAV immune responses. In turn, this has created a demand for new, scalable, easy-to-implement, and plug-and-play platform processes that are compatible with the rapidly increasing range of AAV capsid variants. Here, the focus is on recent advances in methodologies for downstream processing and characterization of natural or synthetic AAV vectors, comprising different chromatography techniques and thermostability measurements. To illustrate the breadth of this portfolio, two chimeric capsids are used as representative examples that are derived through forward- or backwards-directed molecular evolution, namely, AAV-DJ and Anc80. Collectively, this ever-expanding arsenal of technologies promises to facilitate the development of the next AAV vector generation derived from synthetic capsids and to accelerate their manufacturing, and to thus boost the field of human gene therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jihad El Andari
- Dept. of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.,BioQuant, Cluster of Excellence CellNetworks, University of Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dirk Grimm
- Dept. of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.,BioQuant, Cluster of Excellence CellNetworks, University of Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) and German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Khan N, Maurya S, Bammidi S, Jayandharan GR. AAV6 Vexosomes Mediate Robust Suicide Gene Delivery in a Murine Model of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2020; 17:497-504. [PMID: 32258213 PMCID: PMC7114838 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2020.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
During recombinant Adeno-associated virus (AAV) production, a proportionately large amount of vectors is released in the culture supernatant, which is often discarded. It has been shown that these vectors often associate with vesiculated structures, such as exosomes. Exosome-associated AAV (vexosomes) represent an additional gene-delivery platform. The efficiency of such vexosomes in suicide gene therapy is unexplored. In the present study, we have generated AAV serotype 6 vexosomes containing an inducible caspase 9 (iCasp9) suicide gene by a differential ultracentrifugation-based protocol. We further tested the cytotoxic potential of these vexosomes in a human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) model in vitro and in vivo. The AAV6-iCasp9 containing vexosomes, when primed with a pro-drug (AP20187), demonstrated a significant loss in cell viability (57% ± 8% versus 100% ± 4.8%, p < 0.001) in comparison to mock-treated Huh7 cells. An intratumoral administration of AAV6-iCasp9 vexosomes and AP20187 in a murine xenograft model revealed a 2.3-fold increase in tumor regression in comparison to untreated animals. These findings were further corroborated by histological analysis and apoptosis assays. In conclusion, our data demonstrate the therapeutic potential of AAV6 vexosomes in a xenotransplantation model of HCC. Furthermore, the simplicity in production and isolation of vexosomes should further facilitate its application in other malignancies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nusrat Khan
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur 208016, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Shubham Maurya
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur 208016, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sridhar Bammidi
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur 208016, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Giridhara R Jayandharan
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur 208016, Uttar Pradesh, India
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
[Optimized AAV package and experimental application of recombinant AAV8/hFⅧ for gene therapy on hemophilia A mice]. ZHONGHUA XUE YE XUE ZA ZHI = ZHONGHUA XUEYEXUE ZAZHI 2020; 41:34-39. [PMID: 32023752 PMCID: PMC7357902 DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.0253-2727.2020.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the effects of adeno-associated virus (AAV) carrying hFⅧ by serotype 8 (AAV8/hFⅧ) on hemophilia A (HA) mice by gene therapy strategy. Methods: pAAV-CB-EGFP, pH22 (serotype 2) and pfΔ6 (adenovirus helper) were used to package AAV into HEK-293 cells in different conditions (ratios of cells to plasmids). The efficiency of transfection and infection were evaluated using immunofluorescence microscope to seek an optimized package condition. pAAV-TTR-hFⅧ, pH 28 (serotype 8) and pfΔ6 were applied to package AAV8/hFⅧ in HEK-293 cells using the optimized package condition. The purified AAV8/hFⅧ were intravenously injected into HA mice and the effects of gene therapy were estimated. Results: The efficiency of package was evaluated according to the amount and intensity of enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) under immunofluorescence microscope. Four package conditions including 10 cm-dish to transfect 10 μg plasmids, 20 cm-dish to 20 μg, 30 μg and 40 μg plasmids were employed, and the condition of 20 cm-dish to transfect 20 μg plasmids reached the highest transfection efficiency at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after transfection. The small scale AAV-EGFP was packaged using the optimized condition and an AAV crude extract was harvested by a freeze-thaw method. HEK-293 and 16095 cells were infected by the AAV crude extract, and the preferential infection efficiency was recognized in 16095 cells under immunofluorescence microscope. Then, AAV8/hFⅧ was packaged and purified based on the optimized transfection condition, and the high purity of AAV8/hFⅧ was detected by Western blot. Fractions of AAV8/hFⅧ at the dose of 8×10(12) vg/kg were injected into HA mice through tail vein, an eye-bleeding was performed at every two weeks, and the activity of FⅧ was measured by aPTT assay. Results showed that the activity of FⅧ maintained at the therapeutic level and lasted up to 12 weeks after injection. Conclusion: The purified AAV8/hFⅧ based on the optimized package condition could play a role in HA mice gene therapy, and the long-term therapeutic effects of AAV8/hFⅧ were observed in vivo.
Collapse
|
17
|
Sena-Esteves M, Gao G. Enrichment of Fully Packaged Virions in Column-Purified Recombinant Adeno-Associated Virus (rAAV) Preparations by Iodixanol Gradient Centrifugation Followed by Anion-Exchange Column Chromatography. Cold Spring Harb Protoc 2020; 2020:095638. [PMID: 32015003 DOI: 10.1101/pdb.prot095638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
This rapid and efficient method to prepare highly purified recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs) is based on binding of negatively charged rAAV capsids to an anion-exchange resin that is pH dependent.
Collapse
|
18
|
Preparation and Administration of Adeno-associated Virus Vectors for Corneal Gene Delivery. Methods Mol Biol 2020; 2145:77-102. [PMID: 32542602 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0599-8_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Gene delivery approaches using adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors are currently the preferred method for human gene therapy applications and have demonstrated success in clinical trials for a diverse set of diseases including retinal blindness. To date, no clinical trials using AAV gene therapy in the anterior eye have been initiated; however, corneal gene delivery appears to be an attractive approach for treating both corneal and ocular surface diseases. Multiple preclinical studies by our lab and others have demonstrated efficient AAV vector-mediated gene delivery to the cornea for immunomodulation, anti-vascularization, and enzyme supplementation. Interestingly, the route of AAV vector administration and nuances such as administered volume influence vector tropism and transduction efficiency. In this chapter, a detailed protocol for AAV vector production and specific approaches for AAV-mediated gene transfer to the cornea via subconjunctival and intrastromal injections are described.
Collapse
|
19
|
Hytönen E, Laurema A, Kankkonen H, Miyanohara A, Kärjä V, Hujo M, Laham-Karam N, Ylä-Herttuala S. Bile-duct proliferation as an unexpected side-effect after AAV2-LDLR gene transfer to rabbit liver. Sci Rep 2019; 9:6934. [PMID: 31061510 PMCID: PMC6502883 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-43459-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an inherited disease of lipoprotein metabolism caused by a defect in the LDL receptor (LDLR) leading to severe hypercholesterolemia, and associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction. We have developed a gene therapy protocol for FH using AAV2, AAV9 and lentiviral vectors and tested safety and efficacy in LDL receptor deficient Watanabe Heritable Hyperlipidemic rabbits. We show that LV-LDLR produced a significant long-lasting decrease in total serum cholesterol whereas AAV9-LDLR resulted only in a transient decrease and AAV2-LDLR failed to reduce serum cholesterol levels. A significant pathological side effect, bile-duct proliferation, was seen in the liver of AAV2-LDLR rabbits associated with an increased expression of Cyr61 matricellular protein. Special attention should be given to liver changes in gene therapy applications when genes affecting cholesterol and lipoprotein metabolism are used for therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Hytönen
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences and Department of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Neulaniementie 2, FIN-70210, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Anniina Laurema
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences and Department of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Neulaniementie 2, FIN-70210, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Hanna Kankkonen
- BioMediTech Institute and Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Atsushi Miyanohara
- Department of Pediatrics, UC San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Vesa Kärjä
- Department of Pathology, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Mika Hujo
- School of Computing, University of Eastern Finland, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Nihay Laham-Karam
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences and Department of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Neulaniementie 2, FIN-70210, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Seppo Ylä-Herttuala
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences and Department of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Neulaniementie 2, FIN-70210, Kuopio, Finland.
- Heart Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland.
- Gene Therapy Unit, Kuopio University Hospital, FIN-70211, Kuopio, Finland.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Giamouridis D, Gao MH, Lai NC, Tan Z, Kim YC, Guo T, Miyanohara A, Blankesteijn MW, Biessen EAL, Hammond HK. Urocortin 3 Gene Transfer Increases Function of the Failing Murine Heart. Hum Gene Ther 2018; 30:10-20. [PMID: 30003813 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2018.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Peptide infusions of peptides the corticotropin releasing factor family, including urocortin 2, stresscopin, and urocortin 3 (UCn3), have favorable acute effects in clinical heart failure (HF), but their short half-lives make them unsuitable for chronic therapy. This study asked whether UCn3 gene transfer, which provides sustained elevation of plasma UCn3 levels, increases the function of the failing heart. HF was induced by transmural left ventricular (LV) cryoinjury in mice. LV function was assessed 3 weeks later by echocardiography. Those with ejection fractions (EF) <40% received intravenous saline or intravenous adeno-associated virus type-8 encoding murine UCn3 (AAV8.mUCn3; 1.9 × 1013 genome copies/kg). Five weeks after randomization, repeat echocardiography, assessment of LV function (+dP/dt, -dP/dt), and quantification of Ca2+ transients and sarcomere shortening in isolated cardiac myocytes were conducted, and assessment of LV Ca2+ handling and stress proteins was performed. Three weeks after myocardial infarction, prior to treatment, EFs were reduced (mean 31%, from 63% in sham-operated animals). Mice randomized to receive UCn3 gene transfer showed increased plasma UCn3 (from 0.1 ± 0.01 ng/mL in the saline group to 5.6 ± 1.1 ng/mL; n = 12 each group; p < 0.0001). Compared to mice that received saline, UCn3 gene transfer was associated with higher values for EF (p = 0.0006); LV +dP/dt (p < 0.0001), and LV -dP/dt (p < 0.0001). Cardiac myocytes from mice that received UCn3 gene transfer showed higher peak Ca2+ transients (p = 0.0005), lower time constant of cytosolic Ca2+ decline (tau, p < 0.0001), and higher rates of sarcomere shortening (+dL/dt, p = 0.03) and lengthening (-dL/dt, p = 0.04). LV samples from mice that received UCn3 gene transfer contained higher levels of SERCA2a (p = 0.0004 vs. HF) and increased amounts of phosphorylated troponin I (p = 0.04 vs. HF). UCn3 gene transfer is associated with improved Ca2+ handling and LV function in mice with HF and reduced EF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dimosthenis Giamouridis
- 1 Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California; RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany.,2 Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California; RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany.,3 Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands; and RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Mei Hua Gao
- 1 Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California; RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany.,2 Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California; RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - N Chin Lai
- 1 Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California; RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany.,2 Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California; RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Zhen Tan
- 1 Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California; RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany.,2 Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California; RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Young Chul Kim
- 1 Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California; RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany.,2 Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California; RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Tracy Guo
- 1 Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California; RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany.,2 Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California; RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Atsushi Miyanohara
- 2 Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California; RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Matthijs W Blankesteijn
- 3 Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands; and RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Erik A L Biessen
- 3 Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands; and RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany.,4 Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular Research, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - H Kirk Hammond
- 1 Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California; RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany.,2 Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California; RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Pei X, Earley LF, He Y, Chen X, Hall NE, Samulski RJ, Li C. Efficient Capsid Antigen Presentation From Adeno-Associated Virus Empty Virions In Vivo. Front Immunol 2018; 9:844. [PMID: 29725339 PMCID: PMC5916967 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors have been successfully applied in clinical trials for hemophilic patients. Although promising, the clinical results suggest that the capsid-specific CD8+T cell response has a negative effect on therapeutic success. In an in vitro analysis using an engineered AAV virus carrying immune-dominant SIINFEKL peptide in the capsid backbone, we have previously demonstrated that capsid antigen presentation from full (genome containing) AAV capsids requires endosome escape and is proteasome dependent and that no capsid antigen presentation is induced from empty virions. In the present study, we examined capsid antigen presentation from administration of empty virions in animal models. In wild-type mice, similar to AAV full particles, capsid antigen presentation from AAV empty virion infection was dose dependent, and the kinetics studies showed that antigen presentation was detected from 2 to 40 days after AAV empty virion administration. In the transporter associated with antigen processing 1 deficient (TAP−/−) mice, capsid antigen presentation was inhibited from both AAV full and empty virions, but higher inhibition was achieved from AAV full particle administration than that from empty virions. This indicates that the pathway of capsid antigen presentation from AAV transduction is dependent on proteasome-mediated degradation of AAV capsids (mainly for full particles) and that the endosomal pathway may also play a role in antigen presentation from empty particles but not full virions. The capsid antigen presentation efficiency from AAV preparations was positively correlated with the amount of empty virions contaminated with full particles. Collectively, the results indicate that contamination of AAV empty virions induces efficient antigen presentation in vivo and the mechanism of capsid antigen presentation from empty virions involves both endosomal and proteasomal pathways. The elucidation of capsid antigen presentation from AAV empty virions may allow us to rationally design effective strategies to prevent elimination of AAV transduced target cells by capsid specific CD8+ T cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolei Pei
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Tianjin, China.,Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Lauriel Freya Earley
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Yi He
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Tianjin, China.,Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Xiaojing Chen
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Nikita Elexa Hall
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Richard Jude Samulski
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Chengwen Li
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Penaud-Budloo M, François A, Clément N, Ayuso E. Pharmacology of Recombinant Adeno-associated Virus Production. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2018; 8:166-180. [PMID: 29687035 PMCID: PMC5908265 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2018.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vectors have been used in more than 150 clinical trials with a good safety profile and significant clinical benefit in many genetic diseases. In addition, due to their ability to infect non-dividing and dividing cells and to serve as efficient substrate for homologous recombination, rAAVs are being used as a tool for gene-editing approaches. However, manufacturing of these vectors at high quantities and fulfilling current good manufacturing practices (GMP) is still a challenge, and several technological platforms are competing for this niche. Herein, we will describe the most commonly used upstream methods to produce rAAVs, paying particular attention to the starting materials (input) used in each platform and which related impurities can be expected in final products (output). The most commonly found impurities in rAAV stocks include defective particles (i.e., AAV capsids that do contain the therapeutic gene or are not infectious), residual proteins from host cells and helper viruses (adenovirus, herpes simplex virus, or baculoviruses), and illegitimate DNA from plasmids, cells, or helper viruses that may be encapsidated into rAAV particles. Given the role that impurities may play in immunotoxicity, this article reviews the impurities inherently associated with each manufacturing platform.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Magalie Penaud-Budloo
- INSERM UMR1089, University of Nantes, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Nantes, France
| | - Achille François
- INSERM UMR1089, University of Nantes, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Nantes, France
| | - Nathalie Clément
- Powell Gene Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Eduard Ayuso
- INSERM UMR1089, University of Nantes, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Nantes, France
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Bottani E, Cerutti R, Harbour ME, Ravaglia S, Dogan SA, Giordano C, Fearnley IM, D'Amati G, Viscomi C, Fernandez-Vizarra E, Zeviani M. TTC19 Plays a Husbandry Role on UQCRFS1 Turnover in the Biogenesis of Mitochondrial Respiratory Complex III. Mol Cell 2017; 67:96-105.e4. [PMID: 28673544 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2017.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Revised: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Loss-of-function mutations in TTC19 (tetra-tricopeptide repeat domain 19) have been associated with severe neurological phenotypes and mitochondrial respiratory chain complex III deficiency. We previously demonstrated the mitochondrial localization of TTC19 and its link with complex III biogenesis. Here we provide detailed insight into the mechanistic role of TTC19, by investigating a Ttc19?/? mouse model that shows progressive neurological and metabolic decline, decreased complex III activity, and increased production of reactive oxygen species. By using both the Ttc19?/? mouse model and a range of human cell lines, we demonstrate that TTC19 binds to the fully assembled complex III dimer, i.e., after the incorporation of the iron-sulfur Rieske protein (UQCRFS1). The in situ maturation of UQCRFS1 produces N-terminal polypeptides, which remain bound to holocomplex III. We show that, in normal conditions, these UQCRFS1 fragments are rapidly removed, but when TTC19 is absent they accumulate within complex III, causing its structural and functional impairment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Bottani
- MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, Wellcome Trust/MRC Building Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK
| | - Raffaele Cerutti
- MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, Wellcome Trust/MRC Building Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK
| | - Michael E Harbour
- MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, Wellcome Trust/MRC Building Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK
| | - Sabrina Ravaglia
- Istituto Neurologico "Casimiro Mondino," via Mondino 2, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - Sukru Anil Dogan
- MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, Wellcome Trust/MRC Building Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK
| | - Carla Giordano
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Ian M Fearnley
- MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, Wellcome Trust/MRC Building Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK
| | - Giulia D'Amati
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Viscomi
- MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, Wellcome Trust/MRC Building Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK
| | - Erika Fernandez-Vizarra
- MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, Wellcome Trust/MRC Building Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK.
| | - Massimo Zeviani
- MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, Wellcome Trust/MRC Building Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Ortved K, Wagner B, Calcedo R, Wilson J, Schaefer D, Nixon A. Humoral and cell-mediated immune response, and growth factor synthesis after direct intraarticular injection of rAAV2-IGF-I and rAAV5-IGF-I in the equine middle carpal joint. Hum Gene Ther 2015; 26:161-71. [PMID: 25705927 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2014.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Intraarticular (IA) administration of viral vectors expressing a therapeutic transgene is an attractive treatment modality for osteoarthritis (OA) as the joint can be treated as a contained unit. Humoral and cell-mediated immune responses in vivo can limit vector effectiveness. Transduction of articular tissues has been investigated; however, the immune response to IA vectors remains largely unknown. We hypothesized that IA rAAV2 and rAAV5 overexpressing insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) would result in long-term IGF-I formation but would also induce neutralizing antibodies (NAb) and anti-capsid effector T cells. Twelve healthy horses were assigned to treatment (rAAV2 or rAAV5) or control (saline) groups. Middle carpal joints were injected with 5×10(11) vector genomes/joint. Synovial fluid was analyzed for changes in composition, NAb titers, immunoglobulin isotypes, proinflammatory cytokines, and IGF-I. Serum was analyzed for antibody titers and cytokines. A T cell restimulation assay was used to assess T cell responses. Injection of rAAV2- or rAAV5-IGF-I did not induce greater inflammation compared with saline. Synovial fluid IGF-I was significantly increased in both rAAV2- and rAAV5-IGF-I joints by day 14 and remained elevated until day 56; however, rAAV5 achieved the highest concentrations. A capsid-specific T cell response was not noted although all virus-treated horses had increased NAbs in serum and synovial fluid after treatment. Taken together, our data show that IA injection of rAAV2- or rAAV5-IGF-I does not incite a clinically detectable inflammatory or cell-mediated immune response and that IA gene therapy using minimally immunogenic vectors represents a clinically relevant tool for treating articular disorders including OA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyla Ortved
- 1 Department of Clinical Sciences, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine , Ithaca, NY 14853
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Identification of an adeno-associated virus binding epitope for AVB sepharose affinity resin. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2015; 2:15040. [PMID: 26605372 PMCID: PMC4632836 DOI: 10.1038/mtm.2015.40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Revised: 08/14/2015] [Accepted: 08/14/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Recent successes of adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapy have created a demand for large-scale AAV vector manufacturing and purification techniques for use in clinical trials and beyond. During the development of purification protocols for rh.10, hu.37, AAV8, rh.64R1, AAV3B, and AAV9 vectors, based on a widely used affinity resin, AVB sepharose (GE), we found that, under the same conditions, different serotypes have different affinities to the resin, with AAV3B binding the best and AAV9 the poorest. Further analysis revealed a surface-exposed residue (amino acid number 665 in AAV8 VP1 numbering) differs between the high-affinity AAV serotypes (serine in AAV3B, rh.10, and hu.37) and the low-affinity ones (asparagine in AAV8, rh.64R1, and AAV9). The residue locates within a surface-exposed, variable epitope flanked by highly conserved residues. The substitution of the epitope in AAV8, rh.64R1, and AAV9 with the corresponding epitope of AAV3B (SPAKFA) resulted in greatly increased affinity to AVB sepharose with no reduction in the vectors' in vitro potency. The presence of the newly identified AVB-binding epitope will be useful for affinity resin selection for the purification of novel AAV serotypes. It also suggests the possibility of vector engineering to yield a universal affinity chromatography purification method for multiple AAV serotypes.
Collapse
|
26
|
Piedra J, Ontiveros M, Miravet S, Penalva C, Monfar M, Chillon M. Development of a rapid, robust, and universal picogreen-based method to titer adeno-associated vectors. Hum Gene Ther Methods 2015; 26:35-42. [PMID: 25640021 DOI: 10.1089/hgtb.2014.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs) are promising vectors in preclinical and clinical assays for the treatment of diseases with gene therapy strategies. Recent technological advances in amplification and purification have allowed the production of highly purified rAAV vector preparations. Although quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is the current method of choice for titrating rAAV genomes, it shows high variability. In this work, we report a rapid and robust rAAV titration method based on the quantitation of encapsidated DNA with the fluorescent dye PicoGreen®. This method allows detection from 3×10(10) viral genome/ml up to 2.4×10(13) viral genome/ml in a linear range. Contrasted with dot blot or qPCR, the PicoGreen-based assay has less intra- and interassay variability. Moreover, quantitation is rapid, does not require specific primers or probes, and is independent of the rAAV pseudotype analyzed. In summary, development of this universal rAAV-titering method may have substantive implications in rAAV technology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jose Piedra
- 1 Vector Production Unit, Center of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona , Bellaterra 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Trapani I, Toriello E, de Simone S, Colella P, Iodice C, Polishchuk EV, Sommella A, Colecchi L, Rossi S, Simonelli F, Giunti M, Bacci ML, Polishchuk RS, Auricchio A. Improved dual AAV vectors with reduced expression of truncated proteins are safe and effective in the retina of a mouse model of Stargardt disease. Hum Mol Genet 2015; 24:6811-25. [PMID: 26420842 PMCID: PMC4634381 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddv386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Stargardt disease (STGD1) due to mutations in the large ABCA4 gene is the most common inherited macular degeneration in humans. We have shown that dual adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors effectively transfer ABCA4 to the retina of Abca4-/- mice. However, they express both lower levels of transgene compared with a single AAV and truncated proteins. To increase productive dual AAV concatemerization, which would overcome these limitations, we have explored the use of either various regions of homology or heterologous inverted terminal repeats (ITR). In addition, we tested the ability of various degradation signals to decrease the expression of truncated proteins. We found the highest levels of transgene expression using regions of homology based on either alkaline phosphatase or the F1 phage (AK). The use of heterologous ITR does not decrease the levels of truncated proteins relative to full-length ABCA4 and impairs AAV vector production. Conversely, the inclusion of the CL1 degradation signal results in the selective degradation of truncated proteins from the 5'-half without affecting full-length protein production. Therefore, we developed dual AAV hybrid ABCA4 vectors including homologous ITR2, the photoreceptor-specific G protein-coupled receptor kinase 1 promoter, the AK region of homology and the CL1 degradation signal. We show that upon subretinal administration these vectors are both safe in pigs and effective in Abca4-/- mice. Our data support the use of improved dual AAV vectors for gene therapy of STGD1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Trapani
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | | | - Sonia de Simone
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | - Pasqualina Colella
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | - Carolina Iodice
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | - Elena V Polishchuk
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | - Andrea Sommella
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | - Linda Colecchi
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | - Settimio Rossi
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Second University of Naples, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Simonelli
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Second University of Naples, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Massimo Giunti
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna 40064, Italy and
| | - Maria L Bacci
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna 40064, Italy and
| | - Roman S Polishchuk
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | - Alberto Auricchio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli 80078, Italy, Medical Genetics, Department of Translational Medicine, Federico II University, Naples 80131, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Chen H. Adeno-associated virus vectors for human gene therapy. World J Med Genet 2015; 5:28-45. [DOI: 10.5496/wjmg.v5.i3.28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2015] [Revised: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 05/18/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is a small, non-enveloped virus that contains a single-stranded DNA genome. It was the first gene therapy drug approved in the Western world in November 2012 to treat patients with lipoprotein lipase deficiency. AAV made history and put human gene therapy in the forefront again. More than four decades of research on AAV vector biology and human gene therapy has generated a huge amount of valuable information. Over 100 AAV serotypes and variants have been isolated and at least partially characterized. A number of them have been used for preclinical studies in a variety of animal models. Several AAV vector production platforms, especially the baculovirus-based system have been established for commercial-scale AAV vector production. AAV purification technologies such as density gradient centrifugation, column chromatography, or a combination, have been well developed. More than 117 clinical trials have been conducted with AAV vectors. Although there are still challenges down the road, such as cross-species variation in vector tissue tropism and gene transfer efficiency, pre-existing humoral immunity to AAV capsids and vector dose-dependent toxicity in patients, the gene therapy community is forging ahead with cautious optimism. In this review I will focus on the properties and applications of commonly used AAV serotypes and variants, and the technologies for AAV vector production and purification. I will also discuss the advancement of several promising gene therapy clinical trials.
Collapse
|
29
|
Qu W, Wang M, Wu Y, Lv Y, Wang Q, Xu R. Calcium-ion-modulated ceramic hydroxyapatite resin for the scalable purification of recombinant Adeno-Associated Virus serotype 9. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2015; 990:15-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2015.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2014] [Revised: 03/05/2015] [Accepted: 03/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
|
30
|
Lai NC, Gao MH, Giamouridis D, Suarez J, Miyanohara A, Parikh J, Hightower S, Guo T, Dillmann W, Kim YC, Diaz-Juarez J, Hammond HK. Intravenous AAV8 Encoding Urocortin-2 Increases Function of the Failing Heart in Mice. Hum Gene Ther 2015; 26:347-56. [PMID: 25760560 PMCID: PMC4492611 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2014.157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Urocortin-2 (UCn2) peptide infusion increases cardiac function in patients with heart failure, but chronic peptide infusion is cumbersome, is costly, and provides only short-term benefits. Gene transfer would circumvent these shortcomings. We previously showed that a single intravenous (IV) injection of AAV8.UCn2 increases plasma UCn2 and left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function for at least 7 months in normal mice. Here we test the hypothesis that IV delivery of AAV8.UCn2 increases function of the failing heart. Myocardial infarction (MI, by coronary ligation) was used to induce heart failure, which was assessed by echocardiography 3 weeks after MI. Mice with LV ejection fraction (EF) <25% received IV delivery of AAV8.UCn2 (5×1011 gc) or saline, and 5 weeks later echocardiography showed increased LV EF in mice that received UCn2 gene transfer (p=0.01). In vivo physiological studies showed a 2-fold increase in peak rate of LV pressure development (LV +dP/dt; p<0.0001) and a 1.6-fold increase in peak rate of LV pressure decay (LV −dP/dt; p=0.0007), indicating increased LV systolic and diastolic function in treated mice. UCn2 gene transfer was associated with increased peak systolic Ca2+ transient amplitude and rate of Ca2+ decline and increased SERCA2a expression. In addition, UCn2 gene transfer reduced Thr286 phosphorylation of Cam kinase II, and increased expression of cardiac myosin light chain kinase, findings that would be anticipated to increase function of the failing heart. We conclude that a single IV injection of AAV8.UCn2 increases function of the failing heart. The simplicity of IV injection of a vector encoding a gene with beneficial paracrine effects to increase cardiac function is an attractive potential clinical strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N Chin Lai
- 1 VA San Diego Healthcare System , San Diego, CA 92161.,2 Department of Medicine, University of California-San Diego , San Diego, CA 92161
| | - Mei Hua Gao
- 1 VA San Diego Healthcare System , San Diego, CA 92161.,2 Department of Medicine, University of California-San Diego , San Diego, CA 92161
| | - Dimosthenis Giamouridis
- 1 VA San Diego Healthcare System , San Diego, CA 92161.,2 Department of Medicine, University of California-San Diego , San Diego, CA 92161
| | - Jorge Suarez
- 2 Department of Medicine, University of California-San Diego , San Diego, CA 92161
| | - Atsushi Miyanohara
- 2 Department of Medicine, University of California-San Diego , San Diego, CA 92161
| | - Jay Parikh
- 1 VA San Diego Healthcare System , San Diego, CA 92161.,2 Department of Medicine, University of California-San Diego , San Diego, CA 92161
| | - Stephen Hightower
- 1 VA San Diego Healthcare System , San Diego, CA 92161.,2 Department of Medicine, University of California-San Diego , San Diego, CA 92161
| | - Tracy Guo
- 2 Department of Medicine, University of California-San Diego , San Diego, CA 92161
| | - Wolfgang Dillmann
- 2 Department of Medicine, University of California-San Diego , San Diego, CA 92161
| | - Young-Chul Kim
- 2 Department of Medicine, University of California-San Diego , San Diego, CA 92161
| | - Julieta Diaz-Juarez
- 2 Department of Medicine, University of California-San Diego , San Diego, CA 92161
| | - H Kirk Hammond
- 1 VA San Diego Healthcare System , San Diego, CA 92161.,2 Department of Medicine, University of California-San Diego , San Diego, CA 92161
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Qu W, Wang M, Wu Y, Xu R. Scalable downstream strategies for purification of recombinant adeno- associated virus vectors in light of the properties. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2015; 16:684-95. [PMID: 25941887 PMCID: PMC5388796 DOI: 10.2174/1389201016666150505122228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2014] [Revised: 12/30/2014] [Accepted: 04/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vector is one of the promising delivery tools for gene therapy. Currently, hundreds of clinical trials are performed but the major barrier for clinical application is the absence of any ideal large scale production technique to obtain sufficient and highly pure rAAV vector. The large scale production technique includes upstream and downstream processing. The upstream processing is a vector package step and the downstream processing is a vector purification step. For large scale downstream processing, the scientists need to recover rAAV from dozens of liters of cell lysate or medium, and a variety of purification strategies have been developed but not comprehensively compared till now. Consequently, this review will evaluate the scalable downstream purification strategies systematically, especially those based on the physicochemical properties of AAV virus, and attempt to find better scalable downstream strategies for rAAV vectors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mingxi Wang
- Yunleung Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics, School of Medicine and Institute of Molecular Medicine, Huaqiao University, Quanzhou 362021, China.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Manufacturing of viral vectors: part II. Downstream processing and safety aspects. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.4155/pbp.14.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
33
|
Castle MJ, Gershenson ZT, Giles AR, Holzbaur ELF, Wolfe JH. Adeno-associated virus serotypes 1, 8, and 9 share conserved mechanisms for anterograde and retrograde axonal transport. Hum Gene Ther 2014; 25:705-20. [PMID: 24694006 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2013.189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors often undergo long-distance axonal transport after brain injection. This leads to transduction of brain regions distal to the injection site, although the extent of axonal transport and distal transduction varies widely among AAV serotypes. The mechanisms driving this variability are poorly understood. This is a critical problem for applications that require focal gene expression within a specific brain region, and also impedes the utilization of vector transport for applications requiring widespread delivery of transgene to the brain. Here, we compared AAV serotypes 1 and 9, which frequently demonstrate distal transduction, with serotype 8, which rarely spreads beyond the injection site. To examine directional AAV transport in vitro, we used a microfluidic chamber to apply dye-labeled AAV to the axon termini or to the cell bodies of primary rat embryonic cortical neurons. All three serotypes were actively transported along axons, with transport characterized by high velocities and prolonged runs in both the anterograde and retrograde directions. Coinfection with pairs of serotypes indicated that AAV1, 8, and 9 share the same intracellular compartments for axonal transport. In vivo, both AAV8 and 9 demonstrated anterograde and retrograde transport within a nonreciprocal circuit after injection into adult mouse brain, with highly similar distributions of distal transduction. However, in mass-cultured neurons, we found that AAV1 was more frequently transported than AAV8 or 9, and that the frequency of AAV9 transport could be enhanced by increasing receptor availability. Thus, while these serotypes share conserved mechanisms for axonal transport both in vitro and in vivo, the frequency of transport can vary among serotypes, and axonal transport can be markedly increased by enhancing vector uptake. This suggests that variability in distal transduction in vivo likely results from differential uptake at the plasma membrane, rather than fundamental differences in transport mechanisms among AAV serotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Castle
- 1 Research Institute of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia , Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Torres-Torronteras J, Viscomi C, Cabrera-Pérez R, Cámara Y, Di Meo I, Barquinero J, Auricchio A, Pizzorno G, Hirano M, Zeviani M, Martí R. Gene therapy using a liver-targeted AAV vector restores nucleoside and nucleotide homeostasis in a murine model of MNGIE. Mol Ther 2014; 22:901-7. [PMID: 24448160 PMCID: PMC4015233 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2014.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2013] [Accepted: 01/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalomyopathy (MNGIE) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in TYMP, enconding thymidine phosphorylase (TP). TP deficiency results in systemic accumulation of thymidine and deoxyuridine, which interferes with mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) replication and leads to mitochondrial dysfunction. To date, the only treatment available for MNGIE patients is allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, which is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Here, we report that AAV2/8-mediated transfer of the human TYMP coding sequence (hcTYMP) under the control of a liver-specific promoter prevents the biochemical imbalances in a murine model of MNGIE. hcTYMP expression was restricted to liver, and a dose as low as 2 × 10(11) genome copies/kg led to a permanent reduction in systemic nucleoside levels to normal values in about 50% of treated mice. Higher doses resulted in reductions to normal or slightly below normal levels in virtually all mice treated. The nucleoside reduction achieved by this treatment prevented deoxycytidine triphosphate (dCTP) depletion, which is the limiting factor affecting mtDNA replication in this disease. These results demonstrate that the use of AAV to direct TYMP expression in liver is feasible as a potentially safe gene therapy strategy for MNGIE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Javier Torres-Torronteras
- Mitochondrial Disorders Unit, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Network Research Centre on Rare Diseases, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlo Viscomi
- Molecular Neurogenetics Unit, IRCCS Foundation Neurological Institute “C, Besta”, Milan, Italy
- MRC-Mitochondrial Biology Unit, Cambridge, UK
| | - Raquel Cabrera-Pérez
- Mitochondrial Disorders Unit, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Network Research Centre on Rare Diseases, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Yolanda Cámara
- Mitochondrial Disorders Unit, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Network Research Centre on Rare Diseases, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ivano Di Meo
- Molecular Neurogenetics Unit, IRCCS Foundation Neurological Institute “C, Besta”, Milan, Italy
| | - Jordi Barquinero
- Gene and Cell Therapy Unit, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alberto Auricchio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine and Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, ‘‘Federico II'' University, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pizzorno
- Human Health and Environment Program, Desert Research Institute, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
| | - Michio Hirano
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, USA
| | - Massimo Zeviani
- Molecular Neurogenetics Unit, IRCCS Foundation Neurological Institute “C, Besta”, Milan, Italy
- MRC-Mitochondrial Biology Unit, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ramon Martí
- Mitochondrial Disorders Unit, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Network Research Centre on Rare Diseases, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Gao MH, Lai NC, Miyanohara A, Schilling JM, Suarez J, Tang T, Guo T, Tang R, Parikh J, Giamouridis D, Dillmann WH, Patel HH, Roth DM, Dalton ND, Hammond HK. Intravenous adeno-associated virus serotype 8 encoding urocortin-2 provides sustained augmentation of left ventricular function in mice. Hum Gene Ther 2014; 24:777-85. [PMID: 23931341 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2013.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Urocortin-2 (UCn2) peptide infusion increases cardiac function in patients with heart failure, but chronic peptide infusion is cumbersome, costly, and provides only short-term benefits. Gene transfer would circumvent these shortcomings. Here we ask whether a single intravenous injection of adeno-associated virus type 8 encoding murine urocortin-2 (AAV8.UCn2) could provide long-term elevation in plasma UCn2 levels and increased left ventricular (LV) function. Normal mice received AAV8.UCn2 (5×10¹¹ genome copies, intravenous). Plasma UCn2 increased 15-fold 6 weeks and >11-fold 7 months after delivery. AAV8 DNA and UCn2 mRNA expression was persistent in LV and liver up to 7 months after a single intravenous injection of AAV8.UCn2. Physiological studies conducted both in situ and ex vivo showed increases in LV +dP/dt and in LV -dP/dt, findings that endured unchanged for 7 months. SERCA2a mRNA and protein expression was increased in LV samples and Ca²⁺ transient studies showed an increased rate of Ca²⁺ decline in cardiac myocytes from mice that had received UCn2 gene transfer. We conclude that a single intravenous injection of AAV8.UCn2 increases plasma UCn2 and increases LV systolic and diastolic function for at least 7 months. The simplicity of intravenous injection of a long-term expression vector encoding a gene with paracrine activity to increase cardiac function is a potentially attractive strategy in clinical settings. Future studies will determine the usefulness of this approach in the treatment of heart failure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mei Hua Gao
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Trapani I, Colella P, Sommella A, Iodice C, Cesi G, de Simone S, Marrocco E, Rossi S, Giunti M, Palfi A, Farrar GJ, Polishchuk R, Auricchio A. Effective delivery of large genes to the retina by dual AAV vectors. EMBO Mol Med 2014; 6:194-211. [PMID: 24150896 PMCID: PMC3927955 DOI: 10.1002/emmm.201302948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2013] [Revised: 10/10/2013] [Accepted: 10/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal gene therapy with adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors is safe and effective in humans. However, AAV's limited cargo capacity prevents its application to therapies of inherited retinal diseases due to mutations of genes over 5 kb, like Stargardt's disease (STGD) and Usher syndrome type IB (USH1B). Previous methods based on 'forced' packaging of large genes into AAV capsids may not be easily translated to the clinic due to the generation of genomes of heterogeneous size which raise safety concerns. Taking advantage of AAV's ability to concatemerize, we generated dual AAV vectors which reconstitute a large gene by either splicing (trans-splicing), homologous recombination (overlapping), or a combination of the two (hybrid). We found that dual trans-splicing and hybrid vectors transduce efficiently mouse and pig photoreceptors to levels that, albeit lower than those achieved with a single AAV, resulted in significant improvement of the retinal phenotype of mouse models of STGD and USH1B. Thus, dual AAV trans-splicing or hybrid vectors are an attractive strategy for gene therapy of retinal diseases that require delivery of large genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Trapani
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM)Naples, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Sommella
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM)Naples, Italy
| | - Carolina Iodice
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM)Naples, Italy
| | - Giulia Cesi
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM)Naples, Italy
| | - Sonia de Simone
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM)Naples, Italy
| | - Elena Marrocco
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM)Naples, Italy
| | - Settimio Rossi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second University of NaplesNaples, Italy
| | - Massimo Giunti
- Department of Veterinary Morphophysiology and Animal Production, University of BolognaBologna, Italy
| | - Arpad Palfi
- The School of Genetics & Microbiology, Trinity College DublinDublin, Ireland
| | - Gwyneth J Farrar
- The School of Genetics & Microbiology, Trinity College DublinDublin, Ireland
| | - Roman Polishchuk
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM)Naples, Italy
| | - Alberto Auricchio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM)Naples, Italy
- Medical Genetics, Department of Translational Medicine, Federico II UniversityNaples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Bottani E, Giordano C, Civiletto G, Di Meo I, Auricchio A, Ciusani E, Marchet S, Lamperti C, d'Amati G, Viscomi C, Zeviani M. AAV-mediated liver-specific MPV17 expression restores mtDNA levels and prevents diet-induced liver failure. Mol Ther 2014; 22:10-7. [PMID: 24247928 PMCID: PMC3880585 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2013.230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2013] [Accepted: 08/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in human MPV17 cause a hepatocerebral form of mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome (MDS) hallmarked by early-onset liver failure, leading to premature death. Liver transplantation and frequent feeding using slow-release carbohydrates are the only available therapies, although surviving patients eventually develop slowly progressive peripheral and central neuropathy. The physiological role of Mpv17, including its functional link to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) maintenance, is still unclear. We show here that Mpv17 is part of a high molecular weight complex of unknown composition, which is essential for mtDNA maintenance in critical tissues, i.e. liver, of a Mpv17 knockout mouse model. On a standard diet, Mpv17-/- mouse shows hardly any symptom of liver dysfunction, but a ketogenic diet (KD) leads these animals to liver cirrhosis and failure. However, when expression of human MPV17 is carried out by adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene replacement, the Mpv17 knockout mice are able to reconstitute the Mpv17-containing supramolecular complex, restore liver mtDNA copy number and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) proficiency, and prevent liver failure induced by the KD. These results open new therapeutic perspectives for the treatment of MPV17-related liver-specific MDS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Bottani
- Unit of Molecular Neurogenetics, The Foundation “Carlo Besta” Institute of Neurology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Carla Giordano
- Department of Radiological, Oncological, and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University, Roma, Italy
| | - Gabriele Civiletto
- Unit of Molecular Neurogenetics, The Foundation “Carlo Besta” Institute of Neurology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Ivano Di Meo
- Unit of Molecular Neurogenetics, The Foundation “Carlo Besta” Institute of Neurology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Auricchio
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, “Federico II” University, Naples, Italy
| | - Emilio Ciusani
- Laboratory of Clinical Pathology and Medical Genetics, The Foundation “Carlo Besta” Institute of Neurology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Marchet
- Unit of Molecular Neurogenetics, The Foundation “Carlo Besta” Institute of Neurology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Costanza Lamperti
- Unit of Molecular Neurogenetics, The Foundation “Carlo Besta” Institute of Neurology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia d'Amati
- Department of Radiological, Oncological, and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University, Roma, Italy
| | - Carlo Viscomi
- Unit of Molecular Neurogenetics, The Foundation “Carlo Besta” Institute of Neurology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Zeviani
- Unit of Molecular Neurogenetics, The Foundation “Carlo Besta” Institute of Neurology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- MRC-Mitochondrial Biology Unit, Cambridge, UK
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Abstract
In order to study the molecular pathways of Parkinson's disease (PD) and to develop novel therapeutic strategies, scientific investigators rely on animal models. The identification of PD-associated genes has led to the development of genetic PD models as an alternative to toxin-based models. Viral vector-mediated loco-regional gene delivery provides an attractive way to express transgenes in the central nervous system. Several vector systems based on various viruses have been developed. In this chapter, we give an overview of the different viral vector systems used for targeting the CNS. Further, we describe the different viral vector-based PD models currently available based on overexpression strategies for autosomal dominant genes such as α-synuclein and LRRK2, and knockout or knockdown strategies for autosomal recessive genes, such as parkin, DJ-1, and PINK1. Models based on overexpression of α-synuclein are the most prevalent and extensively studied, and therefore the main focus of this chapter. Many efforts have been made to increase the expression levels of α-synuclein in the dopaminergic neurons. The best α-synuclein models currently available have been developed from a combined approach using newer AAV serotypes and optimized vector constructs, production, and purification methods. These third-generation α-synuclein models show improved face and predictive validity, and therefore offer the possibility to reliably test novel therapeutics.
Collapse
|
39
|
Castle MJ, Perlson E, Holzbaur EL, Wolfe JH. Long-distance axonal transport of AAV9 is driven by dynein and kinesin-2 and is trafficked in a highly motile Rab7-positive compartment. Mol Ther 2013; 22:554-566. [PMID: 24100640 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2013.237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2013] [Accepted: 09/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors can move along axonal pathways after brain injection, resulting in transduction of distal brain regions. This can enhance the spread of therapeutic gene transfer and improve treatment of neurogenetic disorders that require global correction. To better understand the underlying cellular mechanisms that drive AAV trafficking in neurons, we investigated the axonal transport of dye-conjugated AAV9, utilizing microfluidic primary neuron cultures that isolate cell bodies from axon termini and permit independent analysis of retrograde and anterograde axonal transport. After entry, AAV was trafficked into nonmotile early and recycling endosomes, exocytic vesicles, and a retrograde-directed late endosome/lysosome compartment. Rab7-positive late endosomes/lysosomes that contained AAV were highly motile, exhibiting faster retrograde velocities and less pausing than Rab7-positive endosomes without virus. Inhibitor experiments indicated that the retrograde transport of AAV within these endosomes is driven by cytoplasmic dynein and requires Rab7 function, whereas anterograde transport of AAV is driven by kinesin-2 and exhibits unusually rapid velocities. Furthermore, increasing AAV9 uptake by neuraminidase treatment significantly enhanced virus transport in both directions. These findings provide novel insights into AAV trafficking within neurons, which should enhance progress toward the utilization of AAV for improved distribution of transgene delivery within the brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Castle
- Research Institute of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; W.F. Goodman Center for Comparative Medical Genetics, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Eran Perlson
- Department of Physiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Erika Lf Holzbaur
- Department of Physiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - John H Wolfe
- Research Institute of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; W.F. Goodman Center for Comparative Medical Genetics, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Vupputuri S, Karode S, Neely BJ, Ramsey JD. Protein impurities from cell culture dramatically impact transduction efficiency of polymer/virus hybrid vectors. J Virol Methods 2013; 192:1-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2013.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2012] [Revised: 03/26/2013] [Accepted: 04/04/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
|
41
|
Ahmed SS, Li J, Godwin J, Gao G, Zhong L. Gene transfer in the liver using recombinant adeno-associated virus. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; Chapter 14:14D.6.1-14D.6.32. [PMID: 23686826 DOI: 10.1002/9780471729259.mc14d06s29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Liver-directed gene transfer and gene therapy are rapidly gaining attention primarily because the liver is centrally involved in a variety of metabolic functions that are affected in various inherited disorders. Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) is a popular gene delivery vehicle for gene therapy, and intravenous delivery of some rAAV serotypes results in very efficient transduction in the liver. rAAV-mediated gene transfer to the liver can be used to create somatic transgenic animals or disease models for studying the function of various genes and miRNAs. The liver is the target tissue for gene therapy of many inborn metabolic diseases and may also be exploited as a "biofactory" for production of coagulation factors, insulin, growth hormones, and other non-hepatic proteins. Hence, efficient delivery of transgenes and small RNAs to the liver by rAAV vectors has been of long-standing interest to research scientists and clinicians alike. This unit describes methods for delivery of rAAV vectors by several injection routes, followed by a range of analytical methods for assessing the expression, activity, and effects of the transgene and its product.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seemin Seher Ahmed
- Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Rotundo IL, Lancioni A, Savarese M, D'Orsi L, Iacomino M, Nigro G, Piluso G, Auricchio A, Nigro V. Use of a lower dosage liver-detargeted AAV vector to prevent hamster muscular dystrophy. Hum Gene Ther 2013; 24:424-30. [PMID: 23427808 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2012.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The BIO14.6 hamster carries a mutation in the delta sarcoglycan gene causing muscular dystrophy and cardiomyopathy. The disease can be prevented by systemic delivery of delta sarcoglycan cDNA using adeno-associated viruses (AAVs). However, all AAVs also target the liver, raising concerns about their therapeutic efficacy in human applications. We compared the AAV2/8 with the chimeric AAV2/2i8, in which the 585-QQNTAP-590 motif of the AAV8 serotype was added to the heparan sulfate receptor footprint of the AAV2 strain. Both vectors carrying the human delta sarcoglycan cDNA were delivered into 24 14-day-old BIO14.6 hamsters. We followed transgene expression in muscle and liver for 7 months. We detected a sustained ectopic expression of delta sarcoglycan in the liver when using AAV2/8 but not AAV2/2i8. Genomic copies of AAV2/2i8 were not detectable in the liver, while at least 100-fold more copies of AAV2/8 were counted. In contrast, the hamster skeletal muscle expressed more delta sarcoglycan using AAV2/2i8 and were still healthy after 7 months at the lower dosage. We conclude that this chimeric vector is a robust option for safer and longer-term diseased muscle targeting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ida Luisa Rotundo
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Li C, He Y, Nicolson S, Hirsch M, Weinberg MS, Zhang P, Kafri T, Samulski RJ. Adeno-associated virus capsid antigen presentation is dependent on endosomal escape. J Clin Invest 2013; 123:1390-401. [PMID: 23454772 DOI: 10.1172/jci66611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2012] [Accepted: 12/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors are attractive for gene delivery-based therapeutics, but data from recent clinical trials have indicated that AAV capsids induce a cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response that eliminates transduced cells. In this study, we used traditional pharmacological agents and AAV mutants to elucidate the pathway of capsid cross-presentation in AAV-permissive cells. Endosomal acidification inhibitors blocked AAV2 antigen presentation by over 90%, while proteasome inhibitors completely abrogated antigen presentation. Using mutant viruses that are defective for nuclear entry, we observed a 90% decrease in capsid antigen presentation. Different antigen presentation efficiencies were achieved by selectively mutating virion nuclear localization signals. Low antigen presentation was demonstrated with basic region 1 (BR1) mutants, despite relatively high transduction efficiency, whereas there was no difference in antigen presentation between BR2 and BR3 mutants defective for transduction, as compared with wild-type AAV2. These results suggest that effective AAV2 capsid antigen presentation is dependent on AAV virion escape from the endosome/lysosome for antigen degradation by proteasomes, but is independent of nuclear uncoating. These results should facilitate the design of effective strategies to evade capsid-specific CTL-mediated elimination of AAV-transduced target cells in future clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chengwen Li
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Huusko J, Lottonen L, Merentie M, Gurzeler E, Anisimov A, Miyanohara A, Alitalo K, Tavi P, Ylä-Herttuala S. AAV9-mediated VEGF-B gene transfer improves systolic function in progressive left ventricular hypertrophy. Mol Ther 2012; 20:2212-21. [PMID: 23089731 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2012.145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanisms of the transition from compensatory hypertrophy to heart failure are poorly understood and the roles of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) in this process have not been fully clarified. We determined the expression profile of VEGFs and relevant receptors during the progression of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). C57BL mice were exposed to transversal aortic constriction (TAC) and the outcome was studied at different time points (1 day, 2, 4, and 10 weeks). A clear compensatory phase (2 weeks after TAC) was seen with following heart failure (4 weeks after TAC). Interestingly, VEGF-C and VEGF-D as well as VEGF receptor-3 (VEGFR-3) were upregulated in the compensatory hypertrophy and VEGF-B was downregulated in the heart failure. After treatment with adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (AAV9)-VEGF-B(186) gene therapy in the compensatory phase for 4 weeks the function of the heart was preserved due to angiogenesis, inhibition of apoptosis, and promotion of cardiomyocyte proliferation. Also, the genetic programming towards fetal gene expression, a known phenomenon in heart failure, was partly reversed in AAV9-VEGF-B(186)-treated mice. We conclude that VEGF-C and VEGF-D are associated with the compensatory LVH and that AAV9-VEGF-B(186) gene transfer can rescue the function of the failing heart and postpone the transition towards heart failure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jenni Huusko
- Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Fang H, Lai NC, Gao MH, Miyanohara A, Roth DM, Tang T, Hammond HK. Comparison of Adeno-Associated Virus Serotypes and Delivery Methods for Cardiac Gene Transfer. Hum Gene Ther Methods 2012. [DOI: 10.1089/hum.2012.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
|
46
|
Di Meo I, Auricchio A, Lamperti C, Burlina A, Viscomi C, Zeviani M. Effective AAV-mediated gene therapy in a mouse model of ethylmalonic encephalopathy. EMBO Mol Med 2012; 4:1008-14. [PMID: 22903887 PMCID: PMC3491831 DOI: 10.1002/emmm.201201433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2012] [Revised: 07/02/2012] [Accepted: 07/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Ethylmalonic encephalopathy (EE) is an invariably fatal disease, characterized by the accumulation of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a highly toxic compound. ETHE1, encoding sulfur dioxygenase (SDO), which takes part in the mitochondrial pathway that converts sulfide into harmless sulfate, is mutated in EE. The main source of H2S is the anaerobic bacterial flora of the colon, although in trace amount it is also produced by tissues, where it acts as a ‘gasotransmitter’. Here, we show that AAV2/8-mediated, ETHE1-gene transfer to the liver of a genetically, metabolically and clinically faithful EE mouse model resulted in full restoration of SDO activity, correction of plasma thiosulfate, a biomarker reflecting the accumulation of H2S, and spectacular clinical improvement. Most of treated animals were alive and well >6–8 months after birth, whereas untreated individuals live 26 ± 7 days. Our results provide proof of concept on the efficacy and safety of AAV2/8-mediated livergene therapy for EE, and alike conditions caused by the accumulation of harmful compounds in body fluids and tissues, which can directly be transferred to the clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivano Di Meo
- Unit of Molecular Neurogenetics, The Foundation "Carlo Besta" Institute of Neurology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Fang H, Lai NC, Gao MH, Miyanohara A, Roth DM, Tang T, Hammond HK. Comparison of adeno-associated virus serotypes and delivery methods for cardiac gene transfer. Hum Gene Ther Methods 2012; 23:234-41. [PMID: 22966786 PMCID: PMC3555516 DOI: 10.1089/hgtb.2012.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2012] [Accepted: 07/08/2012] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac gene transfer is a potentially useful strategy for cardiovascular diseases. The adeno-associated virus (AAV) is a common vector to obtain transgene expression in the heart. Initial studies conducted in rodents used indirect intracoronary delivery for cardiac gene transfer. More recently AAV vectors with so-called cardiac tropism have enabled significant cardiac transgene expression following intravenous injection. However, a direct comparison of intravenous versus intracoronary delivery with rigorous quantification of cardiac transgene expression has not been conducted. In the present study we tested the hypothesis that intracoronary AAV delivery would be superior to intravenous delivery vis-à-vis cardiac transgene expression. We compared intravenous and intracoronary delivery of AAV5, AAV6, and AAV9 (5×10(11) genome copies per mouse). Using enhanced green fluorescent protein as a reporter, we quantified transgene expression by fluorescence intensity and Western blotting. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was also performed to assess vector DNA copies, employing primers against common sequences on AAV5, AAV6, and AAV9. Intracoronary delivery resulted in 2.6- to 28-fold higher transgene protein expression in the heart 3 weeks after AAV injection compared to intravenous delivery depending on AAV serotype. The highest level of cardiac gene expression was achieved following intracoronary delivery of AAV9. Intracoronary delivery of AAV9 is a preferred method for cardiac gene transfer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongfei Fang
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California
| | - Ngai Chin Lai
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California
| | - Mei Hua Gao
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California
| | - Atsushi Miyanohara
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - David M. Roth
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Tong Tang
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California
| | - H. Kirk Hammond
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Meola N, Pizzo M, Alfano G, Surace EM, Banfi S. The long noncoding RNA Vax2os1 controls the cell cycle progression of photoreceptor progenitors in the mouse retina. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2012; 18:111-123. [PMID: 22128341 PMCID: PMC3261733 DOI: 10.1261/rna.029454.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2011] [Accepted: 10/21/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as regulators of many basic cellular pathways. Several lncRNAs are selectively expressed in the developing retina, although little is known about their functional role in this tissue. Vax2os1 is a retina-specific lncRNA whose expression is restricted to the mouse ventral retina. Here we demonstrate that spatiotemporal misexpression of Vax2os1 determines cell cycle alterations in photoreceptor progenitor cells. In particular, the overexpression of Vax2os1 in the developing early postnatal mouse retina causes an impaired cell cycle progression of photoreceptor progenitors toward their final committed fate and a consequent delay of their differentiation processes. At later developmental stages, this perturbation is accompanied by an increase of apoptotic events in the photoreceptor cell layer, in comparison with control retinas, without affecting the proper cell layering in the adult retina. Similar results are observed in mouse photoreceptor-derived 661W cells in which Vax2os1 overexpression results in an impairment of the cell cycle progression rate and cell differentiation. Based on these results, we conclude that Vax2os1 is involved in the control of cell cycle progression of photoreceptor progenitor cells in the ventral retina. Therefore, we propose Vax2os1 as the first example of lncRNA that acts as a cell cycle regulator in the mammalian retina during development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Meola
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80131 Naples, Italy
- The Open University, MK7 6BJ, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
| | - Mariateresa Pizzo
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanna Alfano
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80131 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Sandro Banfi
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80131 Naples, Italy
- Medical Genetics, Department of General Pathology, Second University of Naples, 80138 Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Abstract
The use of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors in gene therapy for preclinical studies in animal models and human clinical trials is increasing, as these vectors have been shown to be safe and to mediate persistent transgene expression in vivo. Constant improvement in rAAV manufacturing processes (upstream production and downstream purification) has paralleled this evolution to meet the needs for larger vector batches, higher vector titer, and improved vector quality and safety. This chapter provides an overview of existing production and purification systems used for adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors, and the advantages and disadvantages of each system are outlined. Regulatory guidelines that apply to the use of these systems for clinical trials are also presented. The methods described are examples of protocols that have been utilized for establishing rAAV packaging cell lines, production of rAAV vectors using recombinant HSV infection, and for chromatographic purification of various AAV vector serotypes. A protocol for the production of clinical-grade rAAV type 2 vectors using transient transfection and centrifugation-based purification is also described.
Collapse
|
50
|
Rotundo IL, Faraso S, De Leonibus E, Nigro G, Vitiello C, Lancioni A, Di Napoli D, Castaldo S, Russo V, Russo F, Piluso G, Auricchio A, Nigro V. Worsening of cardiomyopathy using deflazacort in an animal model rescued by gene therapy. PLoS One 2011; 6:e24729. [PMID: 21931833 PMCID: PMC3170375 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0024729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2011] [Accepted: 08/16/2011] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
We have previously demonstrated that gene therapy can rescue the phenotype and extend lifespan in the delta-sarcoglycan deficient cardiomyopathic hamster. In patients with similar genetic defects, steroids have been largely used to slow down disease progression. Aim of our study was to evaluate the combined effects of steroid treatment and gene therapy on cardiac function. We injected the human delta-sarcoglycan cDNA by adeno-associated virus (AAV) 2/8 by a single intraperitoneal injection into BIO14.6 Syrian hamsters at ten days of age to rescue the phenotype. We then treated the hamsters with deflazacort. Treatment was administered to half of the hamsters that had received the AAV and the other hamsters without AAV, as well as to normal hamsters. Both horizontal and vertical activities were greatly enhanced by deflazacort in all groups. As in previous experiments, the AAV treatment alone was able to preserve the ejection fraction (70±7% EF). However, the EF value declined (52±14%) with a combination of AAV and deflazacort. This was similar with all the other groups of affected animals. We confirm that gene therapy improves cardiac function in the BIO14.6 hamsters. Our results suggest that deflazacort is ineffective and may also have a negative impact on the cardiomyopathy rescue, possibly by boosting motor activity. This is unexpected and may have significance in terms of the lifestyle recommendations for patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Elvira De Leonibus
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Napoli, Italy
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, CNR, Napoli, Italy
| | - Gerardo Nigro
- A.O. Monaldi, Seconda Università di Napoli, Napoli, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Vincenzo Russo
- A.O. Monaldi, Seconda Università di Napoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Fabio Russo
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Napoli, Italy
| | - Giulio Piluso
- Laboratorio di Genetica Medica, Dipartimento di Patologia Generale and CIRM, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Alberto Auricchio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Napoli, Italy
- Medical Genetics, Dipartimento di Pediatria, Università degli Studi di Napoli “Federico II”, Napoli, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Nigro
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Napoli, Italy
- Laboratorio di Genetica Medica, Dipartimento di Patologia Generale and CIRM, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Napoli, Italy
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|