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Araujo VG, Dias MS, Hauswirth WW, Linden R, Petrs-Silva H. rAAV-compatible human mini promoters enhance transgene expression in rat retinal ganglion cells. Exp Eye Res 2024; 239:109758. [PMID: 38123011 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109758] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors (rAAV) are the safest and most effective gene delivery platform to drive the treatment of many inherited eye disorders in well-characterized animal models. The use in rAAV of ubiquitous promoters derived from viral sequences such as CMV/CBA (chicken β-actin promoter with cytomegalovirus enhancer) can lead to unwanted side effects such as pro-inflammatory immune responses and retinal cytotoxicity, thus reducing therapy efficacy. Thus, an advance in gene therapy is the availability of small promoters, that potentiate and direct gene expression to the cell type of interest, with higher safety and efficacy. In this study, we used six human mini-promoters packaged in rAAV2 quadruple mutant (Y-F) to test for transduction of the rat retina after intravitreal injection. After four weeks, immunohistochemical analysis detected GFP-labeled cells in the ganglion cell layer (GCL) for all constructs tested. Among them, Ple25sh1, Ple25sh2 and Ple53 promoted a widespread reporter-transgene expression in the GCL, with an increased number of GFP-expressing retinal ganglion cells when compared with the CMV/CBA vector. Moreover, Ple53 provided the strongest levels of GFP fluorescence in both cell soma and axons of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) without any detectable adverse effects in retina function. Remarkably, a nearly 50-fold reduction in the number of intravitreally injected vector particles containing Ple53 promoter, still attained levels of transgene expression similar to CMV/CBA. Thus, the tested MiniPs show great potential for protocols of retinal gene therapy in therapeutic applications for retinal degenerations, especially those involving RGC-related disorders such as glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor G Araujo
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy and Viral Vector, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mariana S Dias
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy and Viral Vector, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - William W Hauswirth
- Retinal Gene Therapy Group, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Rafael Linden
- Laboratory of Neurogenesis, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Hilda Petrs-Silva
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy and Viral Vector, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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2
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Mirjalili Mohanna SZ, Korecki AJ, Simpson EM. rAAV-PHP.B escapes the mouse eye and causes lethality whereas rAAV9 can transduce aniridic corneal limbal stem cells without lethality. Gene Ther 2023; 30:670-684. [PMID: 37072572 PMCID: PMC10506911 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-023-00400-6] [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: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
Recently safety concerns have been raised in connection with high doses of recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAV). Therefore, we undertook a series of experiments to test viral capsid (rAAV9 and rAAV-PHP.B), dose, and route of administration (intrastromal, intravitreal, and intravenous) focused on aniridia, a congenital blindness that currently has no cure. The success of gene therapy for aniridia may depend on the presence of functional limbal stem cells (LSCs) in the damaged aniridic corneas and whether rAAV can transduce them. Both these concerns were unknown, and thus were also addressed by our studies. For the first time, we report ataxia and lethality after intravitreal or intrastromal rAAV-PHP.B virus injections. We demonstrated virus escape from the eye and transduction of non-ocular tissues by rAAV9 and rAAV-PHP.B capsids. We have also shown that intrastromal and intravitreal delivery of rAAV9 can transduce functional LSCs, as well as all four PAX6-expressing retinal cell types in aniridic eye, respectively. Overall, lack of adverse events and successful transduction of LSCs and retinal cells makes it clear that rAAV9 is the capsid of choice for future aniridia gene therapy. Our finding of rAAV lethality after intraocular injections will be impactful for other researchers developing rAAV-based gene therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyedeh Zeinab Mirjalili Mohanna
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at British Columbia Children's Hospital, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Andrea J Korecki
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at British Columbia Children's Hospital, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Elizabeth M Simpson
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at British Columbia Children's Hospital, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- Department of Medical Genetics, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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3
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Occelli LM, Zobel L, Stoddard J, Wagner J, Pasmanter N, Querubin J, Renner LM, Reynaga R, Winkler PA, Sun K, Marinho LFLP, O'Riordan CR, Frederick A, Lauer A, Tsang SH, Hauswirth WW, McGill TJ, Neuringer M, Michalakis S, Petersen-Jones SM. Development of a translatable gene augmentation therapy for CNGB1-retinitis pigmentosa. Mol Ther 2023; 31:2028-2041. [PMID: 37056049 PMCID: PMC10362398 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.04.005] [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: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we investigate a gene augmentation therapy candidate for the treatment of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) due to cyclic nucleotide-gated channel beta 1 (CNGB1) mutations. We use an adeno-associated virus serotype 5 with transgene under control of a novel short human rhodopsin promoter. The promoter/capsid combination drives efficient expression of a reporter gene (AAV5-RHO-eGFP) exclusively in rod photoreceptors in primate, dog, and mouse following subretinal delivery. The therapeutic vector (AAV5-RHO-CNGB1) delivered to the subretinal space of CNGB1 mutant dogs restores rod-mediated retinal function (electroretinographic responses and vision) for at least 12 months post treatment. Immunohistochemistry shows human CNGB1 is expressed in rod photoreceptors in the treated regions as well as restoration of expression and trafficking of the endogenous alpha subunit of the rod CNG channel required for normal channel formation. The treatment reverses abnormal accumulation of the second messenger, cyclic guanosine monophosphate, which occurs in rod photoreceptors of CNGB1 mutant dogs, confirming formation of a functional CNG channel. In vivo imaging shows long-term preservation of retinal structure. In conclusion, this study establishes the long-term efficacy of subretinal delivery of AAV5-RHO-CNGB1 to rescue the disease phenotype in a canine model of CNGB1-RP, confirming its suitability for future clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence M Occelli
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, 736 Wilson Road, East Lansing, MI 48864, USA
| | - Lena Zobel
- Department of Pharmacy-Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 81377 Munich, Germany; Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Jonathan Stoddard
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, 505 NW 185(th) Avenue, Beaverton, OR 97005, USA
| | - Johanna Wagner
- Department of Pharmacy-Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Nathaniel Pasmanter
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, 736 Wilson Road, East Lansing, MI 48864, USA
| | - Janice Querubin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, 736 Wilson Road, East Lansing, MI 48864, USA
| | - Lauren M Renner
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, 505 NW 185(th) Avenue, Beaverton, OR 97005, USA
| | - Rene Reynaga
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, 505 NW 185(th) Avenue, Beaverton, OR 97005, USA
| | - Paige A Winkler
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, 736 Wilson Road, East Lansing, MI 48864, USA
| | - Kelian Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, 736 Wilson Road, East Lansing, MI 48864, USA
| | - Luis Felipe L P Marinho
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, 736 Wilson Road, East Lansing, MI 48864, USA
| | | | - Amy Frederick
- Genomic Medicine Unit, Sanofi, 225 Second Avenue, Waltham, MA 02451, USA
| | - Andreas Lauer
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, 515 Campus Drive, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Stephen H Tsang
- Jonas Children's Vision Care, Departments of Ophthalmology, Pathology and Cell Biology, Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - William W Hauswirth
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Box 100284 HSC, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Trevor J McGill
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, 505 NW 185(th) Avenue, Beaverton, OR 97005, USA; Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, 515 Campus Drive, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Martha Neuringer
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, 505 NW 185(th) Avenue, Beaverton, OR 97005, USA; Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, 515 Campus Drive, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Stylianos Michalakis
- Department of Pharmacy-Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 81377 Munich, Germany; Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany.
| | - Simon M Petersen-Jones
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, 736 Wilson Road, East Lansing, MI 48864, USA.
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Peeters S, Leung T, Fornes O, Farkas R, Wasserman W, Brown C. Refining the genomic determinants underlying escape from X-chromosome inactivation. NAR Genom Bioinform 2023; 5:lqad052. [PMID: 37260510 PMCID: PMC10227363 DOI: 10.1093/nargab/lqad052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) epigenetically silences one X chromosome in every cell in female mammals. Although the majority of X-linked genes are silenced, in humans 20% or more are able to escape inactivation and continue to be expressed. Such escape genes are important contributors to sex differences in gene expression, and may impact the phenotypes of X aneuploidies; yet the mechanisms regulating escape from XCI are not understood. We have performed an enrichment analysis of transcription factor binding on the X chromosome, providing new evidence for enriched factors at the transcription start sites of escape genes. The top escape-enriched transcription factors were detected at the RPS4X promoter, a well-described human escape gene previously demonstrated to escape from XCI in a transgenic mouse model. Using a cell line model system that allows for targeted integration and inactivation of transgenes on the mouse X chromosome, we further assessed combinations of RPS4X promoter and genic elements for their ability to drive escape from XCI. We identified a small transgenic construct of only 6 kb capable of robust escape from XCI, establishing that gene-proximal elements are sufficient to permit escape, and highlighting the additive effect of multiple elements that work together in a context-specific fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Peeters
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Tiffany Leung
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at British Columbia Children's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Oriol Fornes
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at British Columbia Children's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Rachelle A Farkas
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at British Columbia Children's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Wyeth W Wasserman
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at British Columbia Children's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Carolyn J Brown
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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5
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Long Non-Coding RNAs in Retinal Ganglion Cell Apoptosis. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:561-574. [PMID: 35226226 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-022-01210-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic optic neuropathy or other neurodegenerative diseases, including optic nerve transection, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy, can lead to progressive and irreversible visual damage. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), which belong to the family of non-protein-coding transcripts, have been linked to the pathogenesis, progression, and prognosis of these lesions. Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are critical for the transmission of visual information to the brain, damage to which results in visual loss. Apoptosis has been identified as one of the most essential modes of RGC death. Emerging evidence suggests that lncRNAs can regulate RGC degeneration by directly or indirectly modulating apoptosis-associated signaling pathways. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the role of lncRNAs in RGC apoptosis at transcriptional, post-transcriptional, translational, and post-translational levels, emphasizing on the potential mechanisms of action. The current limitations and future perspectives of exploring the connection between lncRNAs and RGC apoptosis have been summarized. Understanding the intricate molecular interaction network of lncRNAs and RGC apoptosis will open new avenues for the identification of novel diagnostic biomarkers, therapeutic targets, and molecules for prognostic evaluation of diseases related to RGC injury.
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Nieuwenhuis B, Laperrousaz E, Tribble JR, Verhaagen J, Fawcett JW, Martin KR, Williams PA, Osborne A. Improving adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector-mediated transgene expression in retinal ganglion cells: comparison of five promoters. Gene Ther 2023:10.1038/s41434-022-00380-z. [PMID: 36635457 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-022-00380-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors (AAVs) are an effective system for gene transfer. AAV serotype 2 (AAV2) is commonly used to deliver transgenes to retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) via intravitreal injection. The AAV serotype however is not the only factor contributing to the effectiveness of gene therapies. Promoters influence the strength and cell-selectivity of transgene expression. This study compares five promoters designed to maximise AAV2 cargo space for gene delivery: chicken β-actin (CBA), cytomegalovirus (CMV), short CMV early enhancer/chicken β-actin/short β-globulin intron (sCAG), mouse phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK), and human synapsin (SYN). The promoters driving enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) were examined in adult C57BL/6J mice eyes and tissues of the visual system. eGFP expression was strongest in the retina, optic nerves and brain when driven by the sCAG and SYN promoters. CBA, CMV, and PGK had moderate expression by comparison. The SYN promoter had almost exclusive transgene expression in RGCs. The PGK promoter had predominant expression in both RGCs and AII amacrine cells. The ubiquitous CBA, CMV, and sCAG promoters expressed eGFP in a variety of cell types across multiple retinal layers including Müller glia and astrocytes. We also found that these promoters could transduce human retina ex vivo, although expression was predominantly in glial cells due to low RGC viability. Taken together, this promoter comparison study contributes to optimising AAV-mediated transduction in the retina, and could be valuable for research in ocular disorders, particularly those with large or complex genetic cargos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart Nieuwenhuis
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK. .,Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0XY, UK.
| | - Elise Laperrousaz
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - James R Tribble
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joost Verhaagen
- Laboratory for Regeneration of Sensorimotor Systems, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Centre for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - James W Fawcett
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Centre of Reconstructive Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Keith R Martin
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Pete A Williams
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andrew Osborne
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK. .,Ikarovec Ltd, The Norwich Research Park Innovation Centre, Norwich, UK.
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7
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Nieuwenhuis B, Osborne A. Intravitreal Injection of AAV for the Transduction of Mouse Retinal Ganglion Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2708:155-174. [PMID: 37558970 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3409-7_17] [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] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
The injection of therapies into the eye is common practice, both clinically and pre-clinically. The most straightforward delivery route is via an intravitreal injection, which introduces the treatment into the largest cavity at the posterior of the eye. This technique is frequently used to deliver gene therapies, including those containing recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors (AAVs), to the back of the eye to enable inner retinal targeting. This chapter provides detailed methodology on how to successfully perform an intravitreal injection in mice. The chapter covers vector preparation considerations, advice on how to minimize vector loss in the injection device, and ways to reduce vector reflux from the eye when administering a therapy. Finally, a protocol is provided on common retinal histology processing techniques to assess vector-mediated expression in retinal ganglion cells. It is hoped that this chapter will enable researchers to carry out effective and consistent intravitreal injections that transduce the inner retinal surface while avoiding common pitfalls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart Nieuwenhuis
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Andrew Osborne
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Ikarovec Ltd, The Norwich Research Park Innovation Centre, Norwich, UK.
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8
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Nam MH, Nahomi RB, Pantcheva MB, Dhillon A, Chiodo VA, Smith WC, Nagaraj RH. AAV2-Mediated Expression of HspB1 in RGCs Prevents Somal Damage and Axonal Transport Deficits in a Mouse Model of Ocular Hypertension. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2022; 11:8. [DOI: 10.1167/tvst.11.11.8] [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
Affiliation(s)
- Mi-Hyun Nam
- Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center and Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Rooban B. Nahomi
- Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center and Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Mina B. Pantcheva
- Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center and Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Armaan Dhillon
- Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center and Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Vince A. Chiodo
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - W. Clay Smith
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Ram H. Nagaraj
- Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center and Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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Vijayasarathy C, Zeng Y, Marangoni D, Dong L, Pan ZH, Simpson EM, Fariss RN, Sieving PA. Targeted Expression of Retinoschisin by Retinal Bipolar Cells in XLRS Promotes Resolution of Retinoschisis Cysts Sans RS1 From Photoreceptors. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:8. [PMID: 36227606 PMCID: PMC9583743 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.11.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Loss of retinoschisin (RS1) function underlies X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS) pathology. In the retina, both photoreceptor inner segments and bipolar cells express RS1. However, the loss of RS1 function causes schisis primarily in the inner retina. To understand these cell type-specific phenotypes, we decoupled RS1 effects in bipolar cells from that in photoreceptors. Methods Bipolar cell transgene RS1 expression was achieved using two inner retina-specific promoters: (1) a minimal promoter engineered from glutamate receptor, metabotropic glutamate receptor 6 gene (mini-mGluR6/ Grm6) and (2) MiniPromoter (Ple155). Adeno-associated virus vectors encoding RS1 gene under either the mini-mGluR6 or Ple-155 promoter were delivered to the XLRS mouse retina through intravitreal or subretinal injection on postnatal day 14. Retinal structure and function were assessed 5 weeks later: immunohistochemistry for morphological characterization, optical coherence tomography and electroretinography (ERG) for structural and functional evaluation. Results Immunohistochemical analysis of RS1expression showed that expression with the MiniPromoter (Ple155) was heavily enriched in bipolar cells. Despite variations in vector penetrance and gene transfer efficiency across the injected retinas, those retinal areas with robust bipolar cell RS1 expression showed tightly packed bipolar cells with fewer cavities and marked improvement in inner retinal structure and synaptic function as judged by optical coherence tomography and electroretinography, respectively. Conclusions These results demonstrate that RS1 gene expression primarily in bipolar cells of the XLRS mouse retina, independent of photoreceptor expression, can ameliorate retinoschisis structural pathology and provide further evidence of RS1 role in cell adhesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camasamudram Vijayasarathy
- Section for Translational Research in Retinal and Macular Degeneration, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Yong Zeng
- Section for Translational Research in Retinal and Macular Degeneration, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Dario Marangoni
- Section for Translational Research in Retinal and Macular Degeneration, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Lijin Dong
- Genetic Engineering Facility, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Zhuo-Hua Pan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States
| | - Elizabeth M. Simpson
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at BC Children's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Robert N. Fariss
- Biological Imaging Core, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Paul A. Sieving
- Section for Translational Research in Retinal and Macular Degeneration, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
- Center for Ocular Regenerative Therapy, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California Davis, United States
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10
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Wen X, Liao P, Luo Y, Yang L, Yang H, Liu L, Jiang R. Tandem pore domain acid-sensitive K channel 3 (TASK-3) regulates visual sensitivity in healthy and aging retina. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabn8785. [PMID: 36070380 PMCID: PMC9451158 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abn8785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) not only collect but also integrate visual signals and send them from the retina to the brain. The mechanisms underlying the RGC integration of synaptic activity within retinal circuits have not been fully explored. Here, we identified a pronounced expression of tandem pore domain acid-sensitive potassium channel 3 (TASK-3), a two-pore domain potassium channel (K2P), in RGCs. By using a specific antagonist and TASK-3 knockout mice, we found that TASK-3 regulates the intrinsic excitability and the light sensitivity of RGCs by sensing neuronal activity-dependent extracellular acidification. In vivo, the blockade or loss of TASK-3 dampened pupillary light reflex, visual acuity, and contrast sensitivity. Furthermore, overexpressing TASK-3 specifically in RGCs using an adeno-associated virus approach restored the visual function of TASK-3 knockout mice and aged mice where the expression and function of TASK-3 were reduced. Thus, our results provide evidence that implicates a critical role of K2P in visual processing in the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyi Wen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Department of Optometry and Visual Science, Laboratory of Optometry and Vision Sciences, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Ping Liao
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yuncheng Luo
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Linghui Yang
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Huaiyu Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Longqian Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Department of Optometry and Visual Science, Laboratory of Optometry and Vision Sciences, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Ruotian Jiang
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
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11
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Kofoed RH, Heinen S, Silburt J, Dubey S, Dibia CL, Maes M, Simpson EM, Hynynen K, Aubert I. Transgene distribution and immune response after ultrasound delivery of rAAV9 and PHP.B to the brain in a mouse model of amyloidosis. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2021; 23:390-405. [PMID: 34761053 PMCID: PMC8560718 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Efficient disease-modifying treatments for Alzheimer disease, the most common form of dementia, have yet to be established. Gene therapy has the potential to provide the long-term production of therapeutic in the brain following a single administration. However, the blood-brain barrier poses a challenge for gene delivery to the adult brain. We investigated the transduction efficiency and immunological response following non-invasive gene-delivery strategies to the brain of a mouse model of amyloidosis. Two emerging technologies enabling gene delivery across the blood-brain barrier were used to establish the minimal vector dosage required to reach the brain: (1) focused ultrasound combined with intravenous microbubbles, which increases the permeability of the blood-brain barrier at targeted sites and (2) the recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV)-based capsid named rAAV-PHP.B. We found that equal intravenous dosages of rAAV9 combined with focused ultrasound, or rAAV-PHP.B, were required for brain gene delivery. In contrast to rAAV9, focused ultrasound did not decrease the rAAV-PHP.B dosage required to transduce brain cells in a mouse model of amyloidosis. The non-invasive rAAV delivery to the brain using rAAV-PHP.B or rAAV9 with focused ultrasound triggered an immune reaction including major histocompatibility complex class II expression, complement system and microglial activation, and T cell infiltration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rikke Hahn Kofoed
- Biological Sciences, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Stefan Heinen
- Biological Sciences, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Joseph Silburt
- Biological Sciences, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Sonam Dubey
- Biological Sciences, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Chinaza Lilian Dibia
- Biological Sciences, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Miriam Maes
- Biological Sciences, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Elizabeth M. Simpson
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at British Columbia Children’s Hospital, Department of Medical Genetics, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Kullervo Hynynen
- Physical Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Isabelle Aubert
- Biological Sciences, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
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12
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Korecki AJ, Cueva-Vargas JL, Fornes O, Agostinone J, Farkas RA, Hickmott JW, Lam SL, Mathelier A, Zhou M, Wasserman WW, Di Polo A, Simpson EM. Human MiniPromoters for ocular-rAAV expression in ON bipolar, cone, corneal, endothelial, Müller glial, and PAX6 cells. Gene Ther 2021; 28:351-372. [PMID: 33531684 PMCID: PMC8222000 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-021-00227-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Small and cell-type restricted promoters are important tools for basic and preclinical research, and clinical delivery of gene therapies. In clinical gene therapy, ophthalmic trials have been leading the field, with over 50% of ocular clinical trials using promoters that restrict expression based on cell type. Here, 19 human DNA MiniPromoters were bioinformatically designed for rAAV, tested by neonatal intravenous delivery in mouse, and successful MiniPromoters went on to be tested by intravitreal, subretinal, intrastromal, and/or intravenous delivery in adult mouse. We present promoter development as an overview for each cell type, but only show results in detail for the recommended MiniPromoters: Ple265 and Ple341 (PCP2) ON bipolar, Ple349 (PDE6H) cone, Ple253 (PITX3) corneal stroma, Ple32 (CLDN5) endothelial cells of the blood-retina barrier, Ple316 (NR2E1) Müller glia, and Ple331 (PAX6) PAX6 positive. Overall, we present a resource of new, redesigned, and improved MiniPromoters for ocular gene therapy that range in size from 784 to 2484 bp, and from weaker, equal, or stronger in strength relative to the ubiquitous control promoter smCBA. All MiniPromoters will be useful for therapies involving small regulatory RNA and DNA, and proteins ranging from 517 to 1084 amino acids, representing 62.9-90.2% of human proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea J. Korecki
- grid.17091.3e0000 0001 2288 9830Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at BC Children’s Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Jorge L. Cueva-Vargas
- grid.14848.310000 0001 2292 3357Department of Neuroscience, University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC Canada
| | - Oriol Fornes
- grid.17091.3e0000 0001 2288 9830Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at BC Children’s Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Jessica Agostinone
- grid.14848.310000 0001 2292 3357Department of Neuroscience, University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC Canada
| | - Rachelle A. Farkas
- grid.17091.3e0000 0001 2288 9830Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at BC Children’s Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada ,grid.17091.3e0000 0001 2288 9830Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Jack W. Hickmott
- grid.17091.3e0000 0001 2288 9830Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at BC Children’s Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada ,grid.17091.3e0000 0001 2288 9830Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Siu Ling Lam
- grid.17091.3e0000 0001 2288 9830Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at BC Children’s Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Anthony Mathelier
- grid.17091.3e0000 0001 2288 9830Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at BC Children’s Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Michelle Zhou
- grid.17091.3e0000 0001 2288 9830Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at BC Children’s Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Wyeth W. Wasserman
- grid.17091.3e0000 0001 2288 9830Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at BC Children’s Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada ,grid.17091.3e0000 0001 2288 9830Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Adriana Di Polo
- grid.14848.310000 0001 2292 3357Department of Neuroscience, University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC Canada
| | - Elizabeth M. Simpson
- grid.17091.3e0000 0001 2288 9830Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at BC Children’s Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada ,grid.17091.3e0000 0001 2288 9830Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
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13
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Millington-Ward S, Chadderton N, Berkeley M, Finnegan LK, Hanlon KS, Carrigan M, Humphries P, Kenna PF, Palfi A, Farrar GJ. Novel 199 base pair NEFH promoter drives expression in retinal ganglion cells. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16515. [PMID: 33020509 PMCID: PMC7536420 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73257-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are known to be involved in several ocular disorders, including glaucoma and Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON), and hence represent target cells for gene therapies directed towards these diseases. Restricting gene therapeutics to the target cell type in many situations may be preferable compared to ubiquitous transgene expression, stimulating researchers to identify RGC-specific promoters, particularly promoter sequences that may also be appropriate in size to fit readily into recombinant adeno associated viral (AAV) vectors, the vector of choice for many ocular gene therapies. In the current study we analysed EGFP expression driven by various sequences of the putative human NEFH promoter in order to define sequences required for preferential expression in RGCs. EGFP expression profiles from four different potential NEFH promoter constructs were compared in vivo in mice using retinal histology and mRNA expression analysis. Notably, two efficient promoter sequences, one comprising just 199 bp, are presented in the study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Naomi Chadderton
- The School of Genetics and Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Megan Berkeley
- The School of Genetics and Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Laura K Finnegan
- The School of Genetics and Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Killian S Hanlon
- The School of Genetics and Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Matthew Carrigan
- The School of Genetics and Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Peter Humphries
- The School of Genetics and Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Paul F Kenna
- The School of Genetics and Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.,The Research Foundation, Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Arpad Palfi
- The School of Genetics and Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - G Jane Farrar
- The School of Genetics and Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
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14
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Buck TM, Wijnholds J. Recombinant Adeno-Associated Viral Vectors (rAAV)-Vector Elements in Ocular Gene Therapy Clinical Trials and Transgene Expression and Bioactivity Assays. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E4197. [PMID: 32545533 PMCID: PMC7352801 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophies and optic neuropathies cause chronic disabling loss of visual function. The development of recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors (rAAV) gene therapies in all disease fields have been promising, but the translation to the clinic has been slow. The safety and efficacy profiles of rAAV are linked to the dose of applied vectors. DNA changes in the rAAV gene cassette affect potency, the expression pattern (cell-specificity), and the production yield. Here, we present a library of rAAV vectors and elements that provide a workflow to design novel vectors. We first performed a meta-analysis on recombinant rAAV elements in clinical trials (2007-2020) for ocular gene therapies. We analyzed 33 unique rAAV gene cassettes used in 57 ocular clinical trials. The rAAV gene therapy vectors used six unique capsid variants, 16 different promoters, and six unique polyadenylation sequences. Further, we compiled a list of promoters, enhancers, and other sequences used in current rAAV gene cassettes in preclinical studies. Then, we give an update on pro-viral plasmid backbones used to produce the gene therapy vectors, inverted terminal repeats, production yield, and rAAV safety considerations. Finally, we assess rAAV transgene and bioactivity assays applied to cells or organoids in vitro, explants ex vivo, and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thilo M. Buck
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands;
| | - Jan Wijnholds
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands;
- Netherlands Institute of Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), 1105 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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15
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Towards A Microbead Occlusion Model of Glaucoma for a Non-Human Primate. Sci Rep 2019; 9:11572. [PMID: 31399621 PMCID: PMC6689098 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-48054-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a group of optic neuropathies associated with aging and sensitivity to intraocular pressure (IOP). The disease causes vision loss through the degeneration of retinal ganglion cell neurons and their axons in the optic nerve. Using an inducible model of glaucoma, we elevated IOP in the squirrel monkey (Saimiri boliviensis) using intracameral injection of 35 μm polystyrene microbeads and measured common pathogenic outcomes in the optic projection. A 42% elevation in IOP over 28 weeks reduced anterograde transport of fluorescently-labeled cholera toxin beta from retina to the lateral geniculate nucleus (60% decrease), and to the superior colliculus (49% decrease). Pressure also reduced survival of ganglion cellaxons in the optic nerve by 22%. The same elevation caused upregulation of proteins associated with glaucomatous neurodegeneration in the retina and optic nerve, including complement 1q, interleukin 6, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor. That axon degeneration in the nerve lagged deficits in anterograde transport is consistent with progression in rodent models, while the observed protein changes also occur in tissue from human glaucoma patients. Thus, microbead occlusion in a non-human primate with a visual system similar to our own represents an attractive model to investigate neurodegenerative mechanisms and therapeutic interventions for glaucoma.
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16
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Twenty-Seven Tamoxifen-Inducible iCre-Driver Mouse Strains for Eye and Brain, Including Seventeen Carrying a New Inducible-First Constitutive-Ready Allele. Genetics 2019; 211:1155-1177. [PMID: 30765420 PMCID: PMC6456315 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.119.301984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
To understand gene function, the cre/loxP conditional system is the most powerful available for temporal and spatial control of expression in mouse. However, the research community requires more cre recombinase expressing transgenic mouse strains (cre-drivers) that restrict expression to specific cell types. To address these problems, a high-throughput method for large-scale production that produces high-quality results is necessary. Further, endogenous promoters need to be chosen that drive cell type specific expression, or we need to further focus the expression by manipulating the promoter. Here we test the suitability of using knock-ins at the docking site 5′ of Hprt for rapid development of numerous cre-driver strains focused on expression in adulthood, using an improved cre tamoxifen inducible allele (icre/ERT2), and testing a novel inducible-first, constitutive-ready allele (icre/f3/ERT2/f3). In addition, we test two types of promoters either to capture an endogenous expression pattern (MaxiPromoters), or to restrict expression further using minimal promoter element(s) designed for expression in restricted cell types (MiniPromoters). We provide new cre-driver mouse strains with applicability for brain and eye research. In addition, we demonstrate the feasibility and applicability of using the locus 5′ of Hprt for the rapid generation of substantial numbers of cre-driver strains. We also provide a new inducible-first constitutive-ready allele to further speed cre-driver generation. Finally, all these strains are available to the research community through The Jackson Laboratory.
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