1
|
Tartaglia MC, Ingelsson M. Molecular Therapeutics in Development to Treat Alzheimer's Disease. Mol Diagn Ther 2024:10.1007/s40291-024-00738-6. [PMID: 39316339 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-024-00738-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
Until recently, only symptomatic therapies, in the form of acetylcholine esterase inhibitors and NMDA-receptor antagonists, have been available for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. However, advancements in our understanding of the amyloid cascade hypothesis have led to a development of disease-modifying therapeutic strategies. These include immunotherapies based on an infusion of monoclonal antibodies against amyloid-β, three of which have been approved for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease in the USA (one of them, lecanemab, has also been approved in several other countries). They all lead to a dramatic reduction of amyloid plaques in the brain, whereas their clinical effects have been more limited. Moreover, they can all lead to side effects in the form of amyloid-related imaging abnormalities. Ongoing developments aim at facilitating their administration, further improving their effects and reducing the risk for amyloid-related imaging abnormalities. Moreover, a number of anti-tau immunotherapies are in clinical trials, but none has so far shown any robust effects on symptoms or pathology. Another line of development is represented by gene therapy. To date, only antisense oligonucleotides against amyloid precursor protein/amyloid-β and tau have reached the clinical trial stage but a variety of gene editing strategies, such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/Cas9-mediated non-homologous end joining, base editing, and prime editing, have all shown promise on preclinical disease models. In addition, a number of other pharmacological compounds targeting a multitude of biochemical processes, believed to be centrally involved in Alzheimer's disease, are currently being evaluated in clinical trials. This article delves into current and future perspectives on the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, with an emphasis on immunotherapeutic and gene therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Carmela Tartaglia
- Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Ave, Toronto, ON, M5T 0S8, Canada
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Martin Ingelsson
- Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Ave, Toronto, ON, M5T 0S8, Canada.
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Geriatrics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chen Y, Holtzman DM. New insights into innate immunity in Alzheimer's disease: from APOE protective variants to therapies. Trends Immunol 2024:S1471-4906(24)00187-X. [PMID: 39278789 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2024.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2024] [Revised: 08/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/18/2024]
Abstract
Recent discoveries of rare variants of human APOE may shed light on novel therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, we highlight the newly identified protective variant [APOE3 Christchurch (APOE3ch, R136S)] as an example. We summarize human AD and mouse amyloidosis and tauopathy studies from the past 5 years that have been associated with this R136S variant. We also propose a potential mechanism for how this point mutation might lead to protection against AD pathology, from the molecular level, to cells, to mouse models, and potentially, to humans. Lastly, we extend our discussion of the recent insights gained regarding different APOE variants to putative therapeutic approaches in AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yun Chen
- Department of Neurology, Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Knight Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - David M Holtzman
- Department of Neurology, Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Knight Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO 63110, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wu T, Hu Y, Tang LV. Gene therapy for polygenic or complex diseases. Biomark Res 2024; 12:99. [PMID: 39232780 PMCID: PMC11375922 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-024-00618-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy utilizes nucleic acid drugs to treat diseases, encompassing gene supplementation, gene replacement, gene silencing, and gene editing. It represents a distinct therapeutic approach from traditional medications and introduces novel strategies for genetic disorders. Over the past two decades, significant advancements have been made in the field of gene therapy, leading to the approval of various gene therapy drugs. Gene therapy was initially employed for treating genetic diseases and cancers, particularly monogenic conditions classified as orphan diseases due to their low prevalence rates; however, polygenic or complex diseases exhibit higher incidence rates within populations. Extensive research on the etiology of polygenic diseases has unveiled new therapeutic targets that offer fresh opportunities for their treatment. Building upon the progress achieved in gene therapy for monogenic diseases and cancers, extending its application to polygenic or complex diseases would enable targeting a broader range of patient populations. This review aims to discuss the strategies of gene therapy, methods of gene editing (mainly CRISPR-CAS9), and carriers utilized in gene therapy, and highlight the applications of gene therapy in polygenic or complex diseases focused on applications that have either entered clinical stages or are currently undergoing clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Wu
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapies of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu Hu
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
- Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapies of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Wuhan, China.
| | - Liang V Tang
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
- Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapies of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Wuhan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Jackson RJ, Hyman BT, Serrano-Pozo A. Multifaceted roles of APOE in Alzheimer disease. Nat Rev Neurol 2024; 20:457-474. [PMID: 38906999 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-024-00988-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
For the past three decades, apolipoprotein E (APOE) has been known as the single greatest genetic modulator of sporadic Alzheimer disease (AD) risk, influencing both the average age of onset and the lifetime risk of developing AD. The APOEε4 allele significantly increases AD risk, whereas the ε2 allele is protective relative to the most common ε3 allele. However, large differences in effect size exist across ethnoracial groups that are likely to depend on both global genetic ancestry and local genetic ancestry, as well as gene-environment interactions. Although early studies linked APOE to amyloid-β - one of the two culprit aggregation-prone proteins that define AD - in the past decade, mounting work has associated APOE with other neurodegenerative proteinopathies and broader ageing-related brain changes, such as neuroinflammation, energy metabolism failure, loss of myelin integrity and increased blood-brain barrier permeability, with potential implications for longevity and resilience to pathological protein aggregates. Novel mouse models and other technological advances have also enabled a number of therapeutic approaches aimed at either attenuating the APOEε4-linked increased AD risk or enhancing the APOEε2-linked AD protection. This Review summarizes this progress and highlights areas for future research towards the development of APOE-directed therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary J Jackson
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bradley T Hyman
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Massachusetts Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Charlestown, MA, USA.
| | - Alberto Serrano-Pozo
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Massachusetts Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Charlestown, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Roberts WS, Price S, Wu M, Parmar MS. Emerging Gene Therapies for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Diseases: An Overview of Clinical Trials and Promising Candidates. Cureus 2024; 16:e67037. [PMID: 39286667 PMCID: PMC11405083 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.67037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy as a disease-modifying therapeutic approach for neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD), is a promising avenue. Promising results in the preclinical studies involving rodents and nonhuman primates utilizing gene therapy have led to multiple clinical trials evaluating various genes of interest for AD and PD. In AD, clinical trials are assessing gene therapy involving brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and other targets such as apolipoprotein E2 (APOE2) and human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT). In PD, clinical trials are evaluating gene therapy delivering neurotrophic factors, such as glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). Additionally, gene therapy delivering enzymes aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) and glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) are also being evaluated for PD. All these trials primarily utilized adeno-associated virus (AAV) to deliver the above transgene of interest. This review summarizes the current clinical trials involving gene therapy for AD and PD. It also discusses the challenges and opportunities associated with the gene therapy approach in AD and PD and ongoing developments related to increasing the safety and efficacy of the gene therapy for long-term outcomes, which include evaluation of various serotypes and administration routes. This comprehensive review emphasizes translating preclinical findings into clinical trials, further directions, and the potential for this promising therapeutic approach to alleviate neurodegenerative disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Will S Roberts
- Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine Nova Southeastern University, Clearwater, USA
| | - Shawn Price
- Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine Nova Southeastern University, Clearwater, USA
| | - Michael Wu
- Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine Nova Southeastern University, Clearwater, USA
| | - Mayur S Parmar
- Foundational Sciences, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine Nova Southeastern University, Clearwater, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ye D, Chukwu C, Yang Y, Hu Z, Chen H. Adeno-associated virus vector delivery to the brain: Technology advancements and clinical applications. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 211:115363. [PMID: 38906479 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115363] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors have emerged as a promising tool in the development of gene therapies for various neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. However, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) poses a significant challenge to successfully delivering AAV vectors to the brain. Strategies that can overcome the BBB to improve the AAV delivery efficiency to the brain are essential to successful brain-targeted gene therapy. This review provides an overview of existing strategies employed for AAV delivery to the brain, including direct intraparenchymal injection, intra-cerebral spinal fluid injection, intranasal delivery, and intravenous injection of BBB-permeable AAVs. Focused ultrasound has emerged as a promising technology for the noninvasive and spatially targeted delivery of AAV administered by intravenous injection. This review also summarizes each strategy's current preclinical and clinical applications in treating neurological diseases. Moreover, this review includes a detailed discussion of the recent advances in the emerging focused ultrasound-mediated AAV delivery. Understanding the state-of-the-art of these gene delivery approaches is critical for future technology development to fulfill the great promise of AAV in neurological disease treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dezhuang Ye
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Chinwendu Chukwu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Yaoheng Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Zhongtao Hu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Hong Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO 63130, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110 USA; Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lam B, Velasquez M, Ogiyama T, Godines K, Szu FY, Velasquez-Mao AJ, AlGhuraibawi W, Wang J, Messersmith PB, Vandsburger MH. Imaging of adeno-associated viral capsids for purposes of gene editing using CEST NMR/MRI. Magn Reson Med 2024; 92:792-806. [PMID: 38651648 PMCID: PMC11142879 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.30058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Gene therapy using adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector-mediated gene delivery has undergone substantial growth in recent years with promising results in both preclinical and clinical studies, as well as emerging regulatory approval. However, the inability to quantify the efficacy of gene therapy from cellular delivery of gene-editing technology to specific functional outcomes is an obstacle for efficient development of gene therapy treatments. Building on prior works that used the CEST reporter gene lysine rich protein, we hypothesized that AAV viral capsids may generate endogenous CEST contrast from an abundance of surface lysine residues. METHODS NMR experiments were performed on isolated solutions of AAV serotypes 1-9 on a Bruker 800-MHz vertical scanner. In vitro experiments were performed for testing of CEST-NMR contrast of AAV2 capsids under varying pH, density, biological transduction stage, and across multiple serotypes and mixed biological media. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction was used to quantify virus concentration. Subsequent experiments at 7 T optimized CEST saturation schemes for AAV contrast detection and detected AAV2 particles encapsulated in a biocompatible hydrogel administered in the hind limb of mice. RESULTS CEST-NMR experiments revealed CEST contrast up to 52% for AAV2 viral capsids between 0.6 and 0.8 ppm. CEST contrast generated by AAV2 demonstrated high levels of CEST contrast across a variety of chemical environments, concentrations, and saturation schemes. AAV2 CEST contrast displayed significant positive correlations with capsid density (R2 > 0.99, p < 0.001), pH (R2 = 0.97, p = 0.01), and viral titer per cell count (R2 = 0.92, p < 0.001). Transition to a preclinical field strength yielded up to 11.8% CEST contrast following optimization of saturation parameters. In vivo detection revealed statistically significant molecular contrast between viral and empty hydrogels using both mean values (4.67 ± 0.75% AAV2 vs. 3.47 ± 0.87% empty hydrogel, p = 0.02) and quantile analysis. CONCLUSION AAV2 viral capsids exhibit strong capacity as an endogenous CEST contrast agent and can potentially be used for monitoring and evaluation of AAV vector-mediated gene therapy protocols.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bonnie Lam
- Department of Bioengineering, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Mark Velasquez
- Department of Bioengineering, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Tomoko Ogiyama
- Department of Bioengineering, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Kevin Godines
- Department of Bioengineering, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Fan-Yun Szu
- Department of Bioengineering, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - A J Velasquez-Mao
- Department of Bioengineering, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | | | - Jingshen Wang
- Division of Biostatistics, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Phillip B Messersmith
- Department of Bioengineering, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
- Materials Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Beshir SA, Hussain N, Menon VB, Al Haddad AHI, Al Zeer RAK, Elnour AA. Advancements and Challenges in Antiamyloid Therapy for Alzheimer's Disease: A Comprehensive Review. Int J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 2024:2052142. [PMID: 39081336 PMCID: PMC11288696 DOI: 10.1155/2024/2052142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by the accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) proteins and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. There have been recent advancements in antiamyloid therapy for AD. This narrative review explores the recent advancements and challenges in antiamyloid therapy. In addition, a summary of evidence from antiamyloid therapy trials is presented with a focus on lecanemab. Lecanemab is the most recently approved monoclonal antibody that targets Aβ protofibrils for the treatment of patients with early AD and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Lecanemab was the first drug shown to slow cognitive decline in patients with MCI or early onset AD dementia when administered as an infusion once every two weeks. In the Clarity AD trial, lecanemab was associated with infusion-site reactions (26.4%) and amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (12.6%). The clinical relevance and long-term side effects of lecanemab require further longitudinal observation. However, several challenges must be addressed before the drug can be routinely used in clinical practice. The drug's route of administration, need for imaging and genetic testing, affordability, accessibility, infrastructure, and potential for serious side effects are some of these challenges. Lecanemab's approval has fueled interest in the potential of other antiamyloid therapies, such as donanemab. Future research must focus on developing strategies to prevent AD; identify easy-to-use validated plasma-based assays; and discover newer user-friendly, and cost-effective drugs that target multiple pathways in AD pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Semira Abdi Beshir
- Department of Pharmacy PracticeDubai Pharmacy College for Girls, Dubai, UAE
| | - Nadia Hussain
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesCollege of PharmacyAl Ain University, Al Ain, UAE
- AAU Health and Biomedical Research CentreAl Ain University, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | | | - Amal H. I. Al Haddad
- Chief Operations OfficeSheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC)PureHealth, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | | | - Asim Ahmed Elnour
- AAU Health and Biomedical Research CentreAl Ain University, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- College of PharmacyAl Ain UniversityAbu Dhabi Campus, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kloske CM, Belloy ME, Blue EE, Bowman GR, Carrillo MC, Chen X, Chiba-Falek O, Davis AA, Paolo GD, Garretti F, Gate D, Golden LR, Heinecke JW, Herz J, Huang Y, Iadecola C, Johnson LA, Kanekiyo T, Karch CM, Khvorova A, Koppes-den Hertog SJ, Lamb BT, Lawler PE, Guen YL, Litvinchuk A, Liu CC, Mahinrad S, Marcora E, Marino C, Michaelson DM, Miller JJ, Morganti JM, Narayan PS, Naslavsky MS, Oosthoek M, Ramachandran KV, Ramakrishnan A, Raulin AC, Robert A, Saleh RNM, Sexton C, Shah N, Shue F, Sible IJ, Soranno A, Strickland MR, Tcw J, Thierry M, Tsai LH, Tuckey RA, Ulrich JD, van der Kant R, Wang N, Wellington CL, Weninger SC, Yassine HN, Zhao N, Bu G, Goate AM, Holtzman DM. Advancements in APOE and dementia research: Highlights from the 2023 AAIC Advancements: APOE conference. Alzheimers Dement 2024. [PMID: 39031528 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13877] [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: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The apolipoprotein E gene (APOE) is an established central player in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), with distinct apoE isoforms exerting diverse effects. apoE influences not only amyloid-beta and tau pathologies but also lipid and energy metabolism, neuroinflammation, cerebral vascular health, and sex-dependent disease manifestations. Furthermore, ancestral background may significantly impact the link between APOE and AD, underscoring the need for more inclusive research. METHODS In 2023, the Alzheimer's Association convened multidisciplinary researchers at the "AAIC Advancements: APOE" conference to discuss various topics, including apoE isoforms and their roles in AD pathogenesis, progress in apoE-targeted therapeutic strategies, updates on disease models and interventions that modulate apoE expression and function. RESULTS This manuscript presents highlights from the conference and provides an overview of opportunities for further research in the field. DISCUSSION Understanding apoE's multifaceted roles in AD pathogenesis will help develop targeted interventions for AD and advance the field of AD precision medicine. HIGHLIGHTS APOE is a central player in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. APOE exerts a numerous effects throughout the brain on amyloid-beta, tau, and other pathways. The AAIC Advancements: APOE conference encouraged discussions and collaborations on understanding the role of APOE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael E Belloy
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, Palo Alto, California, USA
- NeuroGenomics and Informatics Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Elizabeth E Blue
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Institute for Public Health Genetics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Gregory R Bowman
- Departments of Biochemistry & Biophysics and Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Xiaoying Chen
- Department of Neurology, Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Knight Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Ornit Chiba-Falek
- Division of Translational Brain Sciences, Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Albert A Davis
- Department of Neurology Hope Center for Neurological Disorders Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | | | - Francesca Garretti
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Genetics & Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - David Gate
- The Ken & Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Lesley R Golden
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Jay W Heinecke
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, UV Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Joachim Herz
- Center for Translational Neurodegeneration Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Yadong Huang
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Costantino Iadecola
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Lance A Johnson
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Takahisa Kanekiyo
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Celeste M Karch
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutic Institute, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sascha J Koppes-den Hertog
- Department of Functional Genomics, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, USA
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, USA
| | - Bruce T Lamb
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Paige E Lawler
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- The Tracy Family SILQ Center, Washington University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Yann Le Guen
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA
- Institut du Cerveau-Paris Brain Institute-ICM, Paris, France
| | - Alexandra Litvinchuk
- Department of Neurology, Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Knight Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Chia-Chen Liu
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | | | - Edoardo Marcora
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn Genomics Institute; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Claudia Marino
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear and Department of Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Justin J Miller
- Departments of Biochemistry & Biophysics and Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Josh M Morganti
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Priyanka S Narayan
- Genetics and Biochemistry Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Center for Alzheimer's and Related Dementias (CARD), National Institutes of Health, Maryland, USA
| | - Michel S Naslavsky
- Human Genome and Stem-cell Research Center, Biosciences Institute, University of São Paulo, Rua do Matao, São Paulo, Brazil
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, Avenida Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marlies Oosthoek
- Neurochemistry Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Kapil V Ramachandran
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, USA
| | - Abhirami Ramakrishnan
- The Ken & Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Aiko Robert
- Department of Functional Genomics, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, USA
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, USA
| | - Rasha N M Saleh
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, UK Clinical and Chemical Pathology, Norfolk, UK
- Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria Governorate, Egypt
| | | | | | | | - Isabel J Sible
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Andrea Soranno
- Washington University in Saint Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Michael R Strickland
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Julia Tcw
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Biophysics, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Bioinformatics Program, Faculty of Computing & Data Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Manon Thierry
- Center for Cognitive Neurology, Department of Neurology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Li-Huei Tsai
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ryan A Tuckey
- Department of Neurology, Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Jason D Ulrich
- Department of Neurology, Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Knight Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Rik van der Kant
- Department of Functional Genomics, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, USA
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, USA
| | - Na Wang
- Mayo Clinic Rochester, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Cheryl L Wellington
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries School of Biomedical Engineering University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | - Hussein N Yassine
- Department of Neurology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Na Zhao
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Guojun Bu
- Division of Life Science, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Alison M Goate
- Department of Genetics & Genomic Sciences, Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - David M Holtzman
- Department of Neurology, Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Knight Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kelemen L, Gupta I, Yavarow Z, Smith SI, Johnson KG, Boucher NA. Clinician's perspectives on gene therapy for Alzheimer's disease: A qualitative study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0307567. [PMID: 39024352 PMCID: PMC11257239 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0307567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We aimed to understand clinician views regarding gene therapy as a future treatment for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and potential barriers and facilitators to its use. METHODS We interviewed ten clinicians who treat patients with AD. Clinicians helped design a semi-structured interview including the following domains: establishing understanding, cost/access, quality of life, and religion/spirituality. Transcripts were analyzed by a coding team using descriptive content analysis with inductive approach. RESULTS Clinicians identified three main areas of concern: 1) potential clinician and patient understanding of gene therapy and Alzheimer's disease 2) consideration of inequity (i.e., care access, disease awareness along with education level, family support, trust in care systems); and 3) considerations in decision-making (i.e., religious/spiritual beliefs and method of treatment delivery as a decision-making tools). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Findings highlight areas for knowledge-building for patients and clinicians alike. Clinicians must be aware of patient/family educational needs and gaps in their own clinical knowledge before engaging patients/families with new technology. Allowing time for questions is crucial to building rapport and trust.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lilly Kelemen
- Duke University, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Ishika Gupta
- Duke University, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | | | - Samantha I Smith
- Sanford School of Public Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Kim G Johnson
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Nathan A Boucher
- Sanford School of Public Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States of America
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Słyk Ż, Stachowiak N, Małecki M. Recombinant Adeno-Associated Virus Vectors for Gene Therapy of the Central Nervous System: Delivery Routes and Clinical Aspects. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1523. [PMID: 39062095 PMCID: PMC11274884 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12071523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The Central Nervous System (CNS) is vulnerable to a range of diseases, including neurodegenerative and oncological conditions, which present significant treatment challenges. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) restricts molecule penetration, complicating the achievement of therapeutic concentrations in the CNS following systemic administration. Gene therapy using recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors emerges as a promising strategy for treating CNS diseases, demonstrated by the registration of six gene therapy products in the past six years and 87 ongoing clinical trials. This review explores the implementation of rAAV vectors in CNS disease treatment, emphasizing AAV biology and vector engineering. Various administration methods-such as intravenous, intrathecal, and intraparenchymal routes-and experimental approaches like intranasal and intramuscular administration are evaluated, discussing their advantages and limitations in different CNS contexts. Additionally, the review underscores the importance of optimizing therapeutic efficacy through the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of rAAV vectors. A comprehensive analysis of clinical trials reveals successes and challenges, including barriers to commercialization. This review provides insights into therapeutic strategies using rAAV vectors in neurological diseases and identifies areas requiring further research, particularly in optimizing rAAV PK/PD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Żaneta Słyk
- Department of Applied Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Natalia Stachowiak
- Department of Applied Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Maciej Małecki
- Department of Applied Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ortega A, Chernicki B, Ou G, Parmar MS. From Lab Bench to Hope: Emerging Gene Therapies in Clinical Trials for Alzheimer's Disease. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04285-3. [PMID: 38958888 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04285-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects memory and cognitive abilities, affecting millions of people around the world. Current treatments focus on the management of symptoms, as no effective therapy has been approved to modify the underlying disease process. Gene therapy is a promising approach that can offer disease-modifying treatment for AD, targeting various aspects of the pathophysiology of the disease. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the current state of gene therapy research for AD, with a specific focus on clinical trials and preclinical studies that have used nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), apolipoprotein E2 (APOE2), and human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) as therapeutic gene therapy approaches. These gene targets have shown potential to alleviate the neuropathology of AD in animal studies and have demonstrated feasibility and safety in non-human primates. Despite the failure of the NGF gene therapy approach in clinical trials, we have reviewed and highlighted the reported findings and evaluations from the trials. Furthermore, the review included the conclusions of postmortem brain tissue analysis of AD patients who received NGF gene therapy. The goal is to learn from the failed trials and improve the approach in the future. Although gene therapy shows promise, it faces several challenges and limitations, including optimizing gene delivery methods, enhancing safety and efficacy profiles, and determining long-term results. This review contributes to the growing body of literature on innovative treatments for AD and highlights the need for more research and development to advance gene therapy as a viable treatment option for AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angelica Ortega
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Clearwater, FL, USA
| | - Brendan Chernicki
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Clearwater, FL, USA
| | - Grace Ou
- College of Arts and Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Mayur S Parmar
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Clearwater, FL, USA.
- Department of Foundational Sciences, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Clearwater, FL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Ataei B, Hokmabadi M, Asadi S, Asadifard E, Aghaei Zarch SM, Najafi S, Bagheri-Mohammadi S. A review of the advances, insights, and prospects of gene therapy for Alzheimer's disease: A novel target for therapeutic medicine. Gene 2024; 912:148368. [PMID: 38485038 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148368] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) are still an important issue for scientists because it is difficult to cure with the available molecular medications and conventional treatments. Due to the complex nature of the brain structures and heterogeneous morphological and physiological properties of neuronal cells, interventions for cerebral-related disorders using surgical approaches, and classical and ongoing treatments remain hard for physicians. Furthermore, the development of newly designed medications attempts to target AD are not successful in improving AD, because abnormalities of tau protein, aggregation of amyloid β (Aβ) peptide, inflammatory responses, etc lead to advanced neurodegeneration processes that conventional treatments cannot stop them. In recent years, novel diagnostic strategies and therapeutic approaches have been developed to identify and cure early pathological events of AD. Accordingly, many gene-based therapies have been developed and introduce the therapeutic potential to prevent and cure AD. On the other hand, genetic investigations and postmortem assessments have detected a large number of factors associated with AD pathology. Also, genetically diverse animal models of AD help us to detect and prioritize novel resilience mechanisms. Hence, gene therapy can be considered an effective and powerful tool to identify and treat human diseases. Ultimately, gene study and gene-based therapy with a critical role in the detection and cure of various human disorders will have a fundamental role in our lives forever. This scientific review paper discusses the present status of different therapeutic strategies, particularly gene-based therapy in treating AD, along with its challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bahar Ataei
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Basic Science, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Mahsa Hokmabadi
- Department of Molecular Diagnosis, Armin Pathobiology and Medical Genetics Laboratory, Tehran, Iran; Medical Genomics Research Center, Tehran Medical Sciences Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahar Asadi
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Elnaz Asadifard
- Medical Genomics Research Center, Tehran Medical Sciences Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohsen Aghaei Zarch
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Sajad Najafi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Saeid Bagheri-Mohammadi
- Department of Paramedicine, Amol School of Paramedical Sciences, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; Immunogenetics Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Kumari S, Kamiya A, Karnik SS, Rohilla S, Dubey SK, Taliyan R. Novel Gene Therapy Approaches for Targeting Neurodegenerative Disorders: Focusing on Delivering Neurotrophic Genes. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04260-y. [PMID: 38856793 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04260-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative illnesses (NDDs) like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal muscular atrophy, and Huntington's disease have demonstrated considerable potential for gene therapy as a viable therapeutic intervention. NDDs are marked by the decline of neurons, resulting in changes in both behavior and pathology within the body. Strikingly, only symptomatic management is available without a cure for the NDDs. There is an unmet need for a permanent therapeutic approach. Many studies have been going on to target the newer therapeutic molecular targets for NDDs including gene-based therapy. Gene therapy has the potential to provide therapeutic benefits to a large number of patients with NDDs by offering mechanisms including neuroprotection, neuro-restoration, and rectification of pathogenic pathways. Gene therapy is a medical approach that aims to modify the biological characteristics of living cells by controlling the expression of specific genes in certain neurological disorders. Despite being the most complex and well-protected organ in the human body, there is clinical evidence to show that it is possible to specifically target the central nervous system (CNS). This provides hope for the prospective application of gene therapy in treating NDDs in the future. There are several advanced techniques available for using viral or non-viral vectors to deliver the therapeutic gene to the afflicted region. Neurotrophic factors (NTF) in the brain are crucial for the development, differentiation, and survival of neurons in the CNS, making them important in the context of various neurological illnesses. Gene delivery of NTF has the potential to be used as a therapeutic approach for the treatment of neurological problems in the brain. This review primarily focuses on the methodologies employed for delivering the genes of different NTFs to treat neurological disorders. These techniques are currently being explored as a viable therapeutic approach for neurodegenerative diseases. The article exclusively addresses gene delivery approaches and does not cover additional therapy strategies for NDDs. Gene therapy offers a promising alternative treatment for NDDs by stimulating neuronal growth instead of solely relying on symptom relief from drugs and their associated adverse effects. It can serve as a long-lasting and advantageous treatment choice for the management of NDDs. The likelihood of developing NDDs increases with age as a result of neuronal degradation in the brain. Gene therapy is an optimal approach for promoting neuronal growth through the introduction of nerve growth factor genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shobha Kumari
- Indian Council of Medical Research-Senior Research Fellow (ICMR-SRF), Neuropsychopharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani Campus, Pilani, 333031, Rajasthan, India
| | - Aayush Kamiya
- Indian Council of Medical Research-Senior Research Fellow (ICMR-SRF), Neuropsychopharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani Campus, Pilani, 333031, Rajasthan, India
| | - Sanika Sanjay Karnik
- Indian Council of Medical Research-Senior Research Fellow (ICMR-SRF), Neuropsychopharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani Campus, Pilani, 333031, Rajasthan, India
| | - Sumedha Rohilla
- Indian Council of Medical Research-Senior Research Fellow (ICMR-SRF), Neuropsychopharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani Campus, Pilani, 333031, Rajasthan, India
| | | | - Rajeev Taliyan
- Indian Council of Medical Research-Senior Research Fellow (ICMR-SRF), Neuropsychopharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani Campus, Pilani, 333031, Rajasthan, India.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Kim AY, Al Jerdi S, MacDonald R, Triggle CR. Alzheimer's disease and its treatment-yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1399121. [PMID: 38868666 PMCID: PMC11167451 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1399121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Alois Alzheimer described the first patient with Alzheimer's disease (AD) in 1907 and today AD is the most frequently diagnosed of dementias. AD is a multi-factorial neurodegenerative disorder with familial, life style and comorbidity influences impacting a global population of more than 47 million with a projected escalation by 2050 to exceed 130 million. In the USA the AD demographic encompasses approximately six million individuals, expected to increase to surpass 13 million by 2050, and the antecedent phase of AD, recognized as mild cognitive impairment (MCI), involves nearly 12 million individuals. The economic outlay for the management of AD and AD-related cognitive decline is estimated at approximately 355 billion USD. In addition, the intensifying prevalence of AD cases in countries with modest to intermediate income countries further enhances the urgency for more therapeutically and cost-effective treatments and for improving the quality of life for patients and their families. This narrative review evaluates the pathophysiological basis of AD with an initial focus on the therapeutic efficacy and limitations of the existing drugs that provide symptomatic relief: acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEI) donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine, and the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDA) receptor allosteric modulator, memantine. The hypothesis that amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau are appropriate targets for drugs and have the potential to halt the progress of AD is critically analyzed with a particular focus on clinical trial data with anti-Aβ monoclonal antibodies (MABs), namely, aducanumab, lecanemab and donanemab. This review challenges the dogma that targeting Aβ will benefit the majority of subjects with AD that the anti-Aβ MABs are unlikely to be the "magic bullet". A comparison of the benefits and disadvantages of the different classes of drugs forms the basis for determining new directions for research and alternative drug targets that are undergoing pre-clinical and clinical assessments. In addition, we discuss and stress the importance of the treatment of the co-morbidities, including hypertension, diabetes, obesity and depression that are known to increase the risk of developing AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A. Y. Kim
- Medical Education, Weill Cornell Medicine—Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - R. MacDonald
- Health Sciences Library, Weill Cornell Medicine—Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - C. R. Triggle
- Department of Pharmacology and Medical Education, Weill Cornell Medicine—Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Jackson RJ, Keiser MS, Meltzer JC, Fykstra DP, Dierksmeier SE, Hajizadeh S, Kreuzer J, Morris R, Melloni A, Nakajima T, Tecedor L, Ranum PT, Carrell E, Chen Y, Nishtar MA, Holtzman DM, Haas W, Davidson BL, Hyman BT. APOE2 gene therapy reduces amyloid deposition and improves markers of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in a mouse model of Alzheimer disease. Mol Ther 2024; 32:1373-1386. [PMID: 38504517 PMCID: PMC11081918 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.03.024] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological studies show that individuals who carry the relatively uncommon APOE ε2 allele rarely develop Alzheimer disease, and if they do, they have a later age of onset, milder clinical course, and less severe neuropathological findings than people without this allele. The contrast is especially stark when compared with the major genetic risk factor for Alzheimer disease, APOE ε4, which has an age of onset several decades earlier, a more aggressive clinical course and more severe neuropathological findings, especially in terms of the amount of amyloid deposition. Here, we demonstrate that brain exposure to APOE ε2 via a gene therapy approach, which bathes the entire cortical mantle in the gene product after transduction of the ependyma, reduces Aβ plaque deposition, neurodegenerative synaptic loss, and, remarkably, reduces microglial activation in an APP/PS1 mouse model despite continued expression of human APOE ε4. This result suggests a promising protective effect of exogenous APOE ε2 and reveals a cell nonautonomous effect of the protein on microglial activation, which we show is similar to plaque-associated microglia in the brain of Alzheimer disease patients who inherit APOE ε2. These data increase the potential that an APOE ε2 therapeutic could be effective in Alzheimer disease, even in individuals born with the risky ε4 allele.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary J Jackson
- Alzheimer Research Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA; Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and NeuroDiscovery Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - Megan S Keiser
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jonah C Meltzer
- Alzheimer Research Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA; Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and NeuroDiscovery Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Dustin P Fykstra
- Alzheimer Research Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA; Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and NeuroDiscovery Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Steven E Dierksmeier
- Alzheimer Research Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA; Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and NeuroDiscovery Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Soroush Hajizadeh
- Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, UK; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Johannes Kreuzer
- Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, UK; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Robert Morris
- Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, UK
| | - Alexandra Melloni
- Alzheimer Research Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Tsuneo Nakajima
- Alzheimer Research Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA; Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and NeuroDiscovery Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Luis Tecedor
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Paul T Ranum
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ellie Carrell
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - YongHong Chen
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Maryam A Nishtar
- Alzheimer Research Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA; Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and NeuroDiscovery Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - David M Holtzman
- Department of Neurology, Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Knight Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | - Wilhelm Haas
- Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, UK; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Beverly L Davidson
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Bradley T Hyman
- Alzheimer Research Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA; Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and NeuroDiscovery Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Vance JM, Farrer LA, Huang Y, Cruchaga C, Hyman BT, Pericak-Vance MA, Goate AM, Greicius MD, Griswold AJ, Haines JL, Tcw J, Schellenberg GD, Tsai LH, Herz J, Holtzman DM. Report of the APOE4 National Institute on Aging/Alzheimer Disease Sequencing Project Consortium Working Group: Reducing APOE4 in Carriers is a Therapeutic Goal for Alzheimer's Disease. Ann Neurol 2024; 95:625-634. [PMID: 38180638 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder and one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. The apolipoprotein E4 gene (APOE4) is the strongest genetic risk factor for AD. In 2023, the APOE4 National Institute on Aging/Alzheimer's Disease Sequencing Project working group came together to gather data and discuss the question of whether to reduce or increase APOE4 as a therapeutic intervention for AD. It was the unanimous consensus that cumulative data from multiple studies in humans and animal models support that lowering APOE4 should be a target for therapeutic approaches for APOE4 carriers. ANN NEUROL 2024;95:625-634.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffery M Vance
- John T. McDonald Department of Human Genetics, John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Lindsay A Farrer
- Departments of Medicine (Biomedical Genetics), Neurology and Ophthalmology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Departments of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yadong Huang
- Department of Neurology, Gladstone Center for Translational Advancement, Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Carlos Cruchaga
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Bradley T Hyman
- Alzheimer Research Unit, Department of Neurology, The Massachusetts General Hospital Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Margaret A Pericak-Vance
- John T. McDonald Department of Human Genetics, John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Alison M Goate
- Departments of Genetics & Genomic Sciences, Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael D Greicius
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Anthony J Griswold
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, The Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Jonathan L Haines
- Department of Population & Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Julia Tcw
- Departments of Pharmacology, Physiology & Biophysics, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Bioinformatics Program, Faculty of Computing & Data Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gerard D Schellenberg
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Li-Huei Tsai
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Joachim Herz
- Departments of Molecular Genetics, Neuroscience, Neurology, Center for Translational Neurodegeneration Research, UT Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - David M Holtzman
- Department of Neurology, Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Knight Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Cooper O, Hallett P, Isacson O. Upstream lipid and metabolic systems are potential causes of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and dementias. FEBS J 2024; 291:632-645. [PMID: 36165619 PMCID: PMC10040476 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Brain health requires circuits, cells and molecular pathways to adapt when challenged and to promptly reset once the challenge has resolved. Neurodegeneration occurs when adaptability becomes confined, causing challenges to overwhelm neural circuitry. Studies of rare and common neurodegenerative diseases suggest that the accumulation of lipids can compromise circuit adaptability. Using microglia as an example, we review data that suggest increased lipid concentrations cause dysfunctional inflammatory responses to immune challenges, leading to Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and dementia. We highlight current approaches to treat lipid metabolic and clearance pathways and identify knowledge gaps towards restoring adaptive homeostasis in individuals who are at-risk of losing cognition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Cooper
- Neuroregeneration Research Institute, McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA 02478
| | - Penny Hallett
- Neuroregeneration Research Institute, McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA 02478
| | - Ole Isacson
- Neuroregeneration Research Institute, McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA 02478
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Yi W, Lv D, Sun Y, Mu J, Lu X. Role of APOE in glaucoma. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 694:149414. [PMID: 38145596 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.149414] [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: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Glaucoma is a chronic blinding eye disease caused by the progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Currently, no clinically approved treatment can directly improve the survival rate of RGCs. The Apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene is closely related to the genetic risk of numerous neurodegenerative diseases and has become a hot topic in the field of neurodegenerative disease research in recent years. The optic nerve and retina are extensions of the brain's nervous system. The pathogenesis of retinal degenerative diseases is closely related to the degenerative diseases of the nerves in the brain. APOE consists of three alleles, ε4, ε3, and ε2, in a single locus. They have varying degrees of risk for glaucoma. APOE4 and the APOE gene deletion (APOE-/-) can reduce RGC loss. By contrast, APOE3 and the overall presence of APOE genes (APOE+/+) result in significant loss of RGC bodies and axons, increasing the risk of glaucoma RGCs death. Currently, there is no clear literature indicating that APOE2 is beneficial or harmful to glaucoma. This study summarises the mechanism of different APOE genes in glaucoma and speculates that APOE targeted intervention may be a promising method for protecting against RGCs loss in glaucoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenhua Yi
- Eye School of Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu City, Sichuan province, China.
| | - De Lv
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China.
| | - Yue Sun
- Eye School of Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu City, Sichuan province, China.
| | - Jingyu Mu
- Eye School of Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu City, Sichuan province, China.
| | - Xuejing Lu
- Eye School of Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu City, Sichuan province, China; Ineye Hospital of Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu City, Sichuan province, China; Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province Ophthalmopathy Prevention & Cure and Visual Function Protection with TCM Laboratory, Chengdu City, Sichuan province, China; Retinal Image Technology and Chronic Vascular Disease Prevention&Control and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu City, Sichuan province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Valencia-Olvera AC, Balu D, Bellur S, McNally T, Saleh Y, Pham D, Ghura S, York J, Johansson JO, LaDu MJ, Tai L. A novel apoE-mimetic increases brain apoE levels, reduces Aβ pathology and improves memory when treated before onset of pathology in male mice that express APOE3. Alzheimers Res Ther 2023; 15:216. [PMID: 38102668 PMCID: PMC10722727 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-023-01353-z] [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: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by cognitive dysfunction and amyloid plaques composed of the amyloid-beta peptide (Aβ). APOE is the greatest genetic risk for AD with APOE4 increasing risk up to ~ 15-fold compared to APOE3. Evidence suggests that levels and lipidation of the apoE protein could regulate AD progression. In glia, apoE is lipidated via cholesterol efflux from intracellular pools, primarily by the ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1). Therefore, increasing ABCA1 activity is suggested to be a therapeutic approach for AD. CS-6253 (CS) is a novel apoE mimetic peptide that was developed to bind and stabilize ABCA1 and maintain its localization into the plasma membrane therefore promoting cholesterol efflux. The goal of this study was to determine whether CS could modulate apoE levels and lipidation, Aβ pathology, and behavior in a model that expresses human APOE and overproduce Aβ. METHODS In vitro, APOE3-glia or APOE4-glia were treated with CS. In vivo, male and female, E3FAD (5xFAD+/-/APOE3+/+) and E4FAD (5xFAD+/-/APOE4+/+) mice were treated with CS via intraperitoneal injection at early (from 4 to 8 months of age) and late ages (from 8 to 10 months of age). ApoE levels, ABCA1 levels and, apoE lipidation were measured by western blot and ELISA. Aβ and amyloid levels were assessed by histochemistry and ELISA. Learning and memory were tested by Morris Water Maze and synaptic proteins were measured by Western blot. RESULTS CS treatment increased apoE levels and cholesterol efflux in primary glial cultures. In young male E3FAD mice, CS treatment increased soluble apoE and lipid-associated apoE, reduced soluble oAβ and insoluble Aβ levels as well as Aβ and amyloid deposition, and improved memory and synaptic protein levels. CS treatment did not induce any therapeutic benefits in young female E3FAD and E4FAD mice or in any groups when treatment was started at later ages. CONCLUSIONS CS treatment reduced Aβ pathology and improved memory only in young male E3FAD, the cohort with the least AD pathology. Therefore, the degree of Aβ pathology or Aβ overproduction may impact the ability of targeting ABCA1 to be an effective AD therapeutic. This suggests that ABCA1-stabilizing treatment by CS-6253 works best in conditions of modest Aβ levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana C Valencia-Olvera
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Deebika Balu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Shreya Bellur
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Thomas McNally
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Yaseen Saleh
- University of Miami/Jackson Healthcare System, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Don Pham
- Department of Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Shivesh Ghura
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jason York
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Mary Jo LaDu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Leon Tai
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Poller W, Sahoo S, Hajjar R, Landmesser U, Krichevsky AM. Exploration of the Noncoding Genome for Human-Specific Therapeutic Targets-Recent Insights at Molecular and Cellular Level. Cells 2023; 12:2660. [PMID: 37998395 PMCID: PMC10670380 DOI: 10.3390/cells12222660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
While it is well known that 98-99% of the human genome does not encode proteins, but are nevertheless transcriptionally active and give rise to a broad spectrum of noncoding RNAs [ncRNAs] with complex regulatory and structural functions, specific functions have so far been assigned to only a tiny fraction of all known transcripts. On the other hand, the striking observation of an overwhelmingly growing fraction of ncRNAs, in contrast to an only modest increase in the number of protein-coding genes, during evolution from simple organisms to humans, strongly suggests critical but so far essentially unexplored roles of the noncoding genome for human health and disease pathogenesis. Research into the vast realm of the noncoding genome during the past decades thus lead to a profoundly enhanced appreciation of the multi-level complexity of the human genome. Here, we address a few of the many huge remaining knowledge gaps and consider some newly emerging questions and concepts of research. We attempt to provide an up-to-date assessment of recent insights obtained by molecular and cell biological methods, and by the application of systems biology approaches. Specifically, we discuss current data regarding two topics of high current interest: (1) By which mechanisms could evolutionary recent ncRNAs with critical regulatory functions in a broad spectrum of cell types (neural, immune, cardiovascular) constitute novel therapeutic targets in human diseases? (2) Since noncoding genome evolution is causally linked to brain evolution, and given the profound interactions between brain and immune system, could human-specific brain-expressed ncRNAs play a direct or indirect (immune-mediated) role in human diseases? Synergistic with remarkable recent progress regarding delivery, efficacy, and safety of nucleic acid-based therapies, the ongoing large-scale exploration of the noncoding genome for human-specific therapeutic targets is encouraging to proceed with the development and clinical evaluation of novel therapeutic pathways suggested by these research fields.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Poller
- Department for Cardiology, Angiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Deutsches Herzzentrum Charité (DHZC), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 12200 Berlin, Germany;
- Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Site Berlin, 10785 Berlin, Germany
| | - Susmita Sahoo
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1030, New York, NY 10029, USA;
| | - Roger Hajjar
- Gene & Cell Therapy Institute, Mass General Brigham, 65 Landsdowne St, Suite 143, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA;
| | - Ulf Landmesser
- Department for Cardiology, Angiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Deutsches Herzzentrum Charité (DHZC), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 12200 Berlin, Germany;
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Site Berlin, 10785 Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Anna M. Krichevsky
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Rosenberg JB, Fung EK, Dyke JP, De BP, Lou H, Kelly JM, Reejhsinghani L, Ricart Arbona RJ, Sondhi D, Kaminsky SM, Cartier N, Hinderer C, Hordeaux J, Wilson JM, Ballon DJ, Crystal RG. Positron Emission Tomography Quantitative Assessment of Off-Target Whole-Body Biodistribution of I-124-Labeled Adeno-Associated Virus Capsids Administered to Cerebral Spinal Fluid. Hum Gene Ther 2023; 34:1095-1106. [PMID: 37624734 PMCID: PMC10659018 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2023.060] [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: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Based on studies in experimental animals demonstrating that administration of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors to the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is an effective route to transfer genes to the nervous system, there are increasing number of clinical trials using the CSF route to treat nervous system disorders. With the knowledge that the CSF turns over four to five times daily, and evidence in experimental animals that at least some of CSF administered AAV vectors are distributed to systemic organs, we asked: with AAV administration to the CSF, what fraction of the total dose remains in the nervous system and what fraction goes off target and is delivered systemically? To quantify the biodistribution of AAV capsids immediately after administration, we covalently labeled AAV capsids with iodine 124 (I-124), a cyclotron generated positron emitter, enabling quantitative positron emission tomography scanning of capsid distribution for up to 96 h after AAV vector administration. We assessed the biodistribution to nonhuman primates of I-124-labeled capsids from different AAV clades, including 9 (clade F), rh.10 (E), PHP.eB (F), hu68 (F), and rh91(A). The analysis demonstrated that 60-90% of AAV vectors administered to the CSF through either the intracisternal or intrathecal (lumbar) routes distributed systemically to major organs. These observations have potentially significant clinical implications regarding accuracy of AAV vector dosing to the nervous system, evoking systemic immunity at levels similar to that with systemic administration, and potential toxicity of genes designed to treat nervous system disorders being expressed in non-nervous system organs. Based on these data, individuals in clinical trials using AAV vectors administered to the CSF should be monitored for systemic as well as nervous system adverse events and CNS dosing considerations should account for a significant AAV systemic distribution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Edward K. Fung
- Department of Radiology, Citigroup Biomedical Imaging Center; Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jonathan P. Dyke
- Department of Radiology, Citigroup Biomedical Imaging Center; Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | | | | | - James M. Kelly
- Department of Radiology, Citigroup Biomedical Imaging Center; Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Layla Reejhsinghani
- Department of Radiology, Citigroup Biomedical Imaging Center; Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Rodolfo J. Ricart Arbona
- Center for Comparative Medicine and Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | | | | | - Nathalie Cartier
- Neurogencell INSERM U1127 Paris Brain Institute, Paris Sorbonne University, Paris, France; and
| | - Christian Hinderer
- Gene Therapy Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Juliette Hordeaux
- Gene Therapy Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - James M. Wilson
- Gene Therapy Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Douglas J. Ballon
- Department of Genetic Medicine
- Department of Radiology, Citigroup Biomedical Imaging Center; Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Li L, Vasan L, Kartono B, Clifford K, Attarpour A, Sharma R, Mandrozos M, Kim A, Zhao W, Belotserkovsky A, Verkuyl C, Schmitt-Ulms G. Advances in Recombinant Adeno-Associated Virus Vectors for Neurodegenerative Diseases. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2725. [PMID: 37893099 PMCID: PMC10603849 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102725] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors are gene therapy delivery tools that offer a promising platform for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Keeping up with developments in this fast-moving area of research is a challenge. This review was thus written with the intention to introduce this field of study to those who are new to it and direct others who are struggling to stay abreast of the literature towards notable recent studies. In ten sections, we briefly highlight early milestones within this field and its first clinical success stories. We showcase current clinical trials, which focus on gene replacement, gene augmentation, or gene suppression strategies. Next, we discuss ongoing efforts to improve the tropism of rAAV vectors for brain applications and introduce pre-clinical research directed toward harnessing rAAV vectors for gene editing applications. Subsequently, we present common genetic elements coded by the single-stranded DNA of rAAV vectors, their so-called payloads. Our focus is on recent advances that are bound to increase treatment efficacies. As needed, we included studies outside the neurodegenerative disease field that showcased improved pre-clinical designs of all-in-one rAAV vectors for gene editing applications. Finally, we discuss risks associated with off-target effects and inadvertent immunogenicity that these technologies harbor as well as the mitigation strategies available to date to make their application safer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leyao Li
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
| | - Lakshmy Vasan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Bryan Kartono
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Kevan Clifford
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), 250 College St., Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Ahmadreza Attarpour
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, 101 College St., Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Raghav Sharma
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Matthew Mandrozos
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Ain Kim
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Wenda Zhao
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Ari Belotserkovsky
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Claire Verkuyl
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Gerold Schmitt-Ulms
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Butala-Flores E, Nguyen T, Selvan N, Armstrong L, Miller M, Kamen L, Lester T, Wernyj R, Khanna R, McNally J, Hays A. Validation of Anti-Adeno Associated Virus Serotype rh10 (AAVrh.10) Total and Neutralizing Antibody Immunogenicity Assays. Pharm Res 2023; 40:2383-2397. [PMID: 37880551 PMCID: PMC10661749 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-023-03625-7] [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: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Immunogenicity assessment of Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) vectors is a critical part of gene therapy drug development. Whether the assays are used for inclusion/exclusion criteria or to monitor the safety and efficacy of the gene therapy, they are critical bioanalytical assessments. While total anti-AAV assays are perceived as easier to develop and implement than neutralizing anti-AAV assays, the gene therapy field is still nascent, and it is not yet clear which of the assays should be implemented at what stage of drug development. Recently AAVrh.10 has gained interest for use in gene therapies targeting cardiac, neurological, and other diseases due to its enhanced transduction efficiency. There is limited information on anti-AAVrh.10 antibodies and their clinical impact; thus, the information presented herein documents the validation of both a total antibody assay (TAb) and a neutralizing antibody (NAb) assay for anti-AAVrh.10 antibodies. In this manuscript, the validation was performed in accordance with the 2019 FDA immunogenicity guidance with additional evaluations to comply with CLIA where applicable. The AAVrh.10 TAb and NAb assays were compared in terms of sensitivity, drug tolerance, and precision, along with a concordance analysis using the same individual serum samples. This comparison gave insight into the utility of each format as a screening assay for inclusion into clinical studies.
Collapse
|
25
|
Ling Q, Herstine JA, Bradbury A, Gray SJ. AAV-based in vivo gene therapy for neurological disorders. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:789-806. [PMID: 37658167 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00766-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Recent advancements in gene supplementation therapy are expanding the options for the treatment of neurological disorders. Among the available delivery vehicles, adeno-associated virus (AAV) is often the favoured vector. However, the results have been variable, with some trials dramatically altering the course of disease whereas others have shown negligible efficacy or even unforeseen toxicity. Unlike traditional drug development with small molecules, therapeutic profiles of AAV gene therapies are dependent on both the AAV capsid and the therapeutic transgene. In this rapidly evolving field, numerous clinical trials of gene supplementation for neurological disorders are ongoing. Knowledge is growing about factors that impact the translation of preclinical studies to humans, including the administration route, timing of treatment, immune responses and limitations of available model systems. The field is also developing potential solutions to mitigate adverse effects, including AAV capsid engineering and designs to regulate transgene expression. At the same time, preclinical research is addressing new frontiers of gene supplementation for neurological disorders, with a focus on mitochondrial and neurodevelopmental disorders. In this Review, we describe the current state of AAV-mediated neurological gene supplementation therapy, including critical factors for optimizing the safety and efficacy of treatments, as well as unmet needs in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qinglan Ling
- Department of Paediatrics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jessica A Herstine
- Center for Gene Therapy, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Paediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Allison Bradbury
- Center for Gene Therapy, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Paediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Steven J Gray
- Department of Paediatrics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Carrell EM, Chen YH, Ranum PT, Coffin SL, Singh LN, Tecedor L, Keiser MS, Hudry E, Hyman BT, Davidson BL. VWA3A-derived ependyma promoter drives increased therapeutic protein secretion into the CSF. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 33:296-304. [PMID: 37547292 PMCID: PMC10400871 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors (rAAVs) are a promising strategy to treat neurodegenerative diseases because of their ability to infect non-dividing cells and confer long-term transgene expression. Despite an ever-growing library of capsid variants, widespread delivery of AAVs in the adult central nervous system remains a challenge. We have previously demonstrated successful distribution of secreted proteins by infection of the ependyma, a layer of post-mitotic epithelial cells lining the ventricles of the brain and central column of the spinal cord, and subsequent protein delivery via the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Here we define a functional ependyma promoter to enhance expression from this cell type. Using RNA sequencing on human autopsy samples, we identified disease- and age-independent ependyma gene signatures. Associated promoters were cloned and screened as libraries in mouse and rhesus macaque to reveal cross-species function of a human DNA-derived von Willebrand factor domain containing 3A (VWA3A) promoter. When tested in mice, our VWA3A promoter drove strong, ependyma-localized expression of eGFP and increased secreted ApoE protein levels in the CSF by 2-12× over the ubiquitous iCAG promoter.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ellie M. Carrell
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Yong Hong Chen
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Paul T. Ranum
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Stephanie L. Coffin
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Larry N. Singh
- Center for Mitochondrial and Epigenomic Medicine, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Luis Tecedor
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Megan S. Keiser
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Eloise Hudry
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Bradley T. Hyman
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Massachusetts Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Beverly L. Davidson
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
De BP, Rosenberg JB, Selvan N, Wilson I, Yusufzai N, Greco A, Kaminsky SM, Heier LA, Ricart Arbona RJ, Miranda IC, Monette S, Nair A, Khanna R, Crystal RG, Sondhi D. Assessment of Safety and Biodistribution of AAVrh.10hCLN2 Following Intracisternal Administration in Nonhuman Primates for the Treatment of CLN2 Batten Disease. Hum Gene Ther 2023; 34:905-916. [PMID: 37624739 PMCID: PMC10517331 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2023.067] [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: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
CLN2 disease is a fatal, childhood autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2 (CLN2) gene, encoding tripeptidyl peptidase 1 (TPP-1). Loss of TPP-1 activity leads to accumulation of storage material in lysosomes and resultant neuronal cell death with neurodegeneration. Genotype/phenotype comparisons suggest that the phenotype should be ameliorated with increase of TPP-1 levels to 5-10% of normal with wide central nervous system (CNS) distribution. Our previous clinical study showed that intraparenchymal (IPC) administration of AAVrh.10hCLN2, an adeno-associated vector serotype rh.10 encoding human CLN2, slowed, but did not stop disease progression, suggesting that this may be insufficient to distribute the therapy throughout the CNS (Sondhi 2020). In this study, we assessed whether the less invasive intracisternal delivery route would be safe and provide a wider distribution of TPP-1. A study was conducted in nonhuman primates (NHPs) with intracisternal delivery to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of AAVrh.10hCLN2 (5 × 1013 genome copies) or phosphate buffered saline (PBS). No abnormal behavior was noted. CNS magnetic resonance imaging and clinical chemistry data were all unremarkable. Histopathology of major organs had no abnormal finding attributable to the intervention or the vector, except that in one out of two animals treated with AAVrh.10hCLN2, dorsal root ganglia showed mild-to-moderate mononuclear cell infiltrates and neuronal degeneration. In contrast to our previous NHP study (Sondhi 2012) with IPC administration where TPP-1 activity was >2 × above controls in 30% of treated brains, in the two intracisternal treated NHPs, the TPP-1 activity was >2 × above controls in 50% and 41% of treated brains, and 52% and 84% of brain had >1,000 vector genomes/μg DNA, compared to 0% in the two PBS NHP. CSF TPP1 levels in treated animals were 43-62% of normal human levels. Collectively, these data indicate that AAVrh.10hCLN2 delivered by intracisternal route is safe and widely distributes TPP-1 in brain and CSF at levels that are potentially therapeutic. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT02893826, NCT04669535, NCT04273269, NCT03580083, NCT04408625, NCT04127578, and NCT04792944.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bishnu P. De
- Department of Genetic Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Linda A. Heier
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Rodolfo J. Ricart Arbona
- Center for Comparative Medicine and Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ileana C. Miranda
- Laboratory of Comparative Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, The Rockefeller University, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sebastien Monette
- Laboratory of Comparative Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, The Rockefeller University, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Anju Nair
- LEXEO Therapeutics, New York, New York, USA
| | | | | | - Dolan Sondhi
- Department of Genetic Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Salegio EA, Hancock K, Korszen S. Pre-clinical delivery of gene therapy products to the cerebrospinal fluid: challenges and considerations for clinical translation. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1248271. [PMID: 37664241 PMCID: PMC10469667 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1248271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
While the majority of gene therapy studies in neurological indications have focused on direct gene transfer to the central nervous system (CNS), there is growing interest in the delivery of therapeutics using the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) as a conduit. Historically, direct CNS routes-of-administration (RoAs) have relied on tissue dynamics, displacement of interstitial fluid, and regional specificity to achieve focal delivery into regions of interest, such as the brain. While intraparenchymal delivery minimizes peripheral organ exposure, one perceived drawback is the relative invasiveness of this approach to drug delivery. In this mini review, we examine the CSF as an alternative RoA to target CNS tissue and discuss considerations associated with the safety of performing such procedures, biodistribution of therapeutics following single administration, and translation of findings given differences between small and large animals. These factors will help delineate key considerations for translating data obtained from animal studies into clinical settings that may be useful in the treatment of neurological conditions.
Collapse
|
29
|
Yang LG, March ZM, Stephenson RA, Narayan PS. Apolipoprotein E in lipid metabolism and neurodegenerative disease. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2023; 34:430-445. [PMID: 37357100 PMCID: PMC10365028 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2023.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulation of lipid metabolism has emerged as a central component of many neurodegenerative diseases. Variants of the lipid transport protein, apolipoprotein E (APOE), modulate risk and resilience in several neurodegenerative diseases including late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD). Allelic variants of the gene, APOE, alter the lipid metabolism of cells and tissues and have been broadly associated with several other cellular and systemic phenotypes. Targeting APOE-associated metabolic pathways may offer opportunities to alter disease-related phenotypes and consequently, attenuate disease risk and impart resilience to multiple neurodegenerative diseases. We review the molecular, cellular, and tissue-level alterations to lipid metabolism that arise from different APOE isoforms. These changes in lipid metabolism could help to elucidate disease mechanisms and tune neurodegenerative disease risk and resilience.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linda G Yang
- Genetics and Biochemistry Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Zachary M March
- Genetics and Biochemistry Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Roxan A Stephenson
- Genetics and Biochemistry Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Priyanka S Narayan
- Genetics and Biochemistry Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.; National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA; Center for Alzheimer's and Related Dementias (CARD), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Nowak I, Madej M, Secemska J, Sarna R, Strzalka-Mrozik B. Virus-Based Biological Systems as Next-Generation Carriers for the Therapy of Central Nervous System Diseases. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1931. [PMID: 37514117 PMCID: PMC10384784 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15071931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) diseases are currently a major challenge in medicine. One reason is the presence of the blood-brain barrier, which is a significant limitation for currently used medicinal substances that are characterized by a high molecular weight and a short half-life. Despite the application of nanotechnology, there is still the problem of targeting and the occurrence of systemic toxicity. Viral vectors and virus-like particles (VLPs) may provide a promising solution to these challenges. Their small size, biocompatibility, ability to carry medicinal substances, and specific targeting of neural cells make them useful in research when formulating a new generation of biological carriers. Additionally, the possibility of genetic modification has the potential for gene therapy. Among the most promising viral vectors are adeno-associated viruses, adenoviruses, and retroviruses. This is due to their natural tropism to neural cells, as well as the possibility of genetic and surface modification. Moreover, VLPs that are devoid of infectious genetic material in favor of increasing capacity are also leading the way for research on new drug delivery systems. The aim of this study is to review the most recent reports on the use of viral vectors and VLPs in the treatment of selected CNS diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilona Nowak
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Marcel Madej
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Julia Secemska
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Robert Sarna
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Barbara Strzalka-Mrozik
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Zhang Y, Chen H, Li R, Sterling K, Song W. Amyloid β-based therapy for Alzheimer's disease: challenges, successes and future. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:248. [PMID: 37386015 PMCID: PMC10310781 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01484-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 128.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyloid β protein (Aβ) is the main component of neuritic plaques in Alzheimer's disease (AD), and its accumulation has been considered as the molecular driver of Alzheimer's pathogenesis and progression. Aβ has been the prime target for the development of AD therapy. However, the repeated failures of Aβ-targeted clinical trials have cast considerable doubt on the amyloid cascade hypothesis and whether the development of Alzheimer's drug has followed the correct course. However, the recent successes of Aβ targeted trials have assuaged those doubts. In this review, we discussed the evolution of the amyloid cascade hypothesis over the last 30 years and summarized its application in Alzheimer's diagnosis and modification. In particular, we extensively discussed the pitfalls, promises and important unanswered questions regarding the current anti-Aβ therapy, as well as strategies for further study and development of more feasible Aβ-targeted approaches in the optimization of AD prevention and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yun Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Huaqiu Chen
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ran Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Keenan Sterling
- Townsend Family Laboratories, Department of Psychiatry, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Weihong Song
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Townsend Family Laboratories, Department of Psychiatry, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada.
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Li Y, Chang J, Chen X, Liu J, Zhao L. Advances in the Study of APOE and Innate Immunity in Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2023:JAD230179. [PMID: 37182889 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive degenerative disease of the nervous system (CNS) with an insidious onset. Clinically, it is characterized by a full range of dementia manifestations including memory impairment, aphasia, loss of speech, loss of use, loss of recognition, impairment of visuospatial skills, and impairment of executive function, as well as changes in personality and behavior. The exact cause of AD has not yet been identified. Nevertheless, modern research indicates that genetic factors contribute to 70% of human's risk of AD. Apolipoprotein (APOE) accounts for up to 90% of the genetic predisposition. APOE is a crucial gene that cannot be overstated. In addition, innate immunity plays a significant role in the etiology and treatment of AD. Understanding the different subtypes of APOE and their interconnections is of paramount importance. APOE and innate immunity, along with their relationship to AD, are primary research motivators for in-depth research and clinical trials. The exploration of novel technologies has led to an increasing trend in the study of AD at the cellular and molecular levels and continues to make more breakthroughs and progress. As of today, there is no effective treatment available for AD around the world. This paper aims to summarize and analyze the role of APOE and innate immunity, as well as development trends in recent years. It is anticipated that APOE and innate immunity will provide a breakthrough for humans to hinder AD progression in the near future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yujiao Li
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Jun Chang
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Xi Chen
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Jianwei Liu
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Lan Zhao
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Pham AQ, Dore K. Novel approaches to increase synaptic resilience as potential treatments for Alzheimer's disease. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2023; 139:84-92. [PMID: 35370089 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
A significant proportion of brains with Alzheimer's disease pathology are obtained from patients that were cognitively normal, suggesting that differences within the brains of these individuals made them resilient to the disease. Here, we describe recent approaches that specifically increase synaptic resilience, as loss of synapses is considered to be the first change in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. We start by discussing studies showing benefit from increased expression of neurotrophic factors and protective genes. Methods that effectively make dendritic spines stronger, specifically by acting through actin network proteins, scaffolding proteins and inhibition of phosphatases are described next. Importantly, the therapeutic strategies presented in this review tackle Alzheimer's disease not by targeting plaques and tangles, but instead by making synapses resilient to the pathology associated with Alzheimer's disease, which has tremendous potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Q Pham
- Department of Neurosciences, Center for Neural Circuits and Behavior, UCSD, La Jolla 92093, United States
| | - Kim Dore
- Department of Neurosciences, Center for Neural Circuits and Behavior, UCSD, La Jolla 92093, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Simon MJ, Logan T, DeVos SL, Di Paolo G. Lysosomal functions of progranulin and implications for treatment of frontotemporal dementia. Trends Cell Biol 2023; 33:324-339. [PMID: 36244875 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2022.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Loss-of-function heterozygous mutations in GRN, the gene encoding progranulin (PGRN), were identified in patients with frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) almost two decades ago and are generally linked to reduced PGRN protein expression levels. Although initial characterization of PGRN function primarily focused on its role in extracellular signaling as a secreted protein, more recent studies revealed critical roles of PGRN in regulating lysosome function, including proteolysis and lipid degradation, consistent with its lysosomal localization. Emerging from these studies is the notion that PGRN regulates glucocerebrosidase activity via direct chaperone activities and via interaction with prosaposin (i.e., a key regulator of lysosomal sphingolipid-metabolizing enzymes), as well as with the anionic phospholipid bis(monoacylglycero)phosphate. This emerging lysosomal biology of PGRN identified novel and promising opportunities in therapeutic discovery as well as biomarker development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Todd Logan
- Denali Therapeutics, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Lou T, Tao B, Chen M. Relationship of Apolipoprotein E with Alzheimer's Disease and Other Neurological Disorders: An Updated Review. Neuroscience 2023; 514:123-140. [PMID: 36736614 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.01.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative diseases, for which there is no effective cure, cause great social burden. Apolipoprotein E (APOE) is an important lipid transporter, which has been shown to have a close relationship with AD and other neurological disorders in an increasing number of studies, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in clinical and basic research on the role of APOE in the pathogenesis of multiple neurological diseases, with an emphasis on the new associations between APOE and AD, and between APOE and depression. The progress of APOE research in Parkinson's disease (PD) and some other neurological diseases is briefly discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tianwen Lou
- The First Clinical Medical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Borui Tao
- The First Clinical Medical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ming Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Miao G, Zhuo D, Han X, Yao W, Liu C, Liu H, Cao H, Sun Y, Chen Z, Feng T. From degenerative disease to malignant tumors: Insight to the function of ApoE. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 158:114127. [PMID: 36516696 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.114127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is a multifunctional protein involved in lipid transport and lipoprotein metabolism, mediating lipid distribution/redistribution in tissues and cells. It can also regulate inflammation and immune function, maintain cytoskeleton stability, and improve neural tissue Function. Due to genetic polymorphisms of ApoE (ε2, ε3, and ε4), its three common structural isoforms (ApoE2, ApoE3, ApoE4) are also associated with the risk of many diseases, especially degenerative diseases, such as vascular degenerative diseases including atherosclerosis (AS), coronary heart disease (CHD), and neurodegenerative disease like Alzheimer's disease (AD). The frequency of the ε4 allele and APOE variants were significantly higher than that of the ε2 and ε3 alleles in the patients with CHD or AD. In recent years, ApoE has frequently appeared in tumor research and become a tumor biomarker gradually. It has been found that ApoE is highly expressed in most solid tumor tissues, such as glioblastoma, gastric cancer, pancreatic ductal cell carcinoma, etc. Studies illustrated that ApoE could regulate the polarization changes of macrophages, participate in the construction of tumor immune microenvironment, regulate tumor inflammation and immune response and play a role in tumor progression, invasion, and metastasis. Of course, many functions of ApoE and its relationship with diseases are still under research. By reviewing the structure and function of ApoE from degeneration diseases to tumor neoplasms, we hope to better understand such a biomarker and further explore the value of ApoE in later studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ganggang Miao
- Department of General Surgery, The People's Hospital of Danyang, Affiliated Danyang Hospital of Nantong University, Danyang, Jiangsu, China; Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Nanjing Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Danping Zhuo
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xue Han
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shangdong, China
| | - Wentao Yao
- Department of Urology, Suzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chuan Liu
- Hepatobiliary/Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Living Donor Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Hanyuan Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Nanjing Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hongyong Cao
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Nanjing Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Yangbai Sun
- Department of Musculoskeletal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Zhiqiang Chen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
| | - Tingting Feng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Cross interactions between Apolipoprotein E and amyloid proteins in neurodegenerative diseases. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:1189-1204. [PMID: 36817952 PMCID: PMC9932299 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Three common Apolipoprotein E isoforms, ApoE2, ApoE3, and ApoE4, are key regulators of lipid homeostasis, among other functions. Apolipoprotein E can interact with amyloid proteins. The isoforms differ by one or two residues at positions 112 and 158, and possess distinct structural conformations and functions, leading to isoform-specific roles in amyloid-based neurodegenerative diseases. Over 30 different amyloid proteins have been found to share similar characteristics of structure and toxicity, suggesting a common interactome. The molecular and genetic interactions of ApoE with amyloid proteins have been extensively studied in neurodegenerative diseases, but have not yet been well connected and clarified. Here we summarize essential features of the interactions between ApoE and different amyloid proteins, identify gaps in the understanding of the interactome and propose the general interaction mechanism between ApoE isoforms and amyloid proteins. Perhaps more importantly, this review outlines what we can learn from the interactome of ApoE and amyloid proteins; that is the need to see both ApoE and amyloid proteins as a basis to understand neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
|
38
|
Lundstrom K. Gene Therapy Cargoes Based on Viral Vector Delivery. Curr Gene Ther 2023; 23:111-134. [PMID: 36154608 DOI: 10.2174/1566523222666220921112753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Viral vectors have been proven useful in a broad spectrum of gene therapy applications due to their possibility to accommodate foreign genetic material for both local and systemic delivery. The wide range of viral vectors has enabled gene therapy applications for both acute and chronic diseases. Cancer gene therapy has been addressed by the delivery of viral vectors expressing anti-tumor, toxic, and suicide genes for the destruction of tumors. Delivery of immunostimulatory genes such as cytokines and chemokines has also been applied for cancer therapy. Moreover, oncolytic viruses specifically replicating in and killing tumor cells have been used as such for tumor eradication or in combination with tumor killing or immunostimulatory genes. In a broad meaning, vaccines against infectious diseases and various cancers can be considered gene therapy, which has been highly successful, not the least for the development of effective COVID-19 vaccines. Viral vector-based gene therapy has also demonstrated encouraging and promising results for chronic diseases such as severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), muscular dystrophy, and hemophilia. Preclinical gene therapy studies in animal models have demonstrated proof-of-concept for a wide range of disease indications. Clinical evaluation of drugs and vaccines in humans has showed high safety levels, good tolerance, and therapeutic efficacy. Several gene therapy drugs such as the adenovirus-based drug Gendicine® for non-small-cell lung cancer, the reovirus-based drug Reolysin® for ovarian cancer, lentivirus-based treatment of SCID-X1 disease, and the rhabdovirus-based vaccine Ervebo against Ebola virus disease, and adenovirus-based vaccines against COVID-19 have been developed.
Collapse
|
39
|
Lozupone M, Imbimbo BP, Balducci C, Lo Vecchio F, Bisceglia P, Latino RR, Leone M, Dibello V, Solfrizzi V, Greco A, Daniele A, Watling M, Seripa D, Panza F. Does the imbalance in the apolipoprotein E isoforms underlie the pathophysiological process of sporadic Alzheimer's disease? Alzheimers Dement 2023; 19:353-368. [PMID: 35900209 DOI: 10.1002/alz.12728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Human apolipoprotein E (apoE) is a 299-amino acid secreted glycoprotein binding cholesterol and phospholipids, and with three common isoforms (APOE ε2, APOE ε3, and APOE ε4). The exact mechanism by which APOE gene variants increase/decrease Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk is not fully understood, but APOE isoforms differently affect brain homeostasis and neuroinflammation, blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, glial function, synaptogenesis, oral/gut microbiota, neural networks, amyloid beta (Aβ) deposition, and tau-mediated neurodegeneration. In this perspective, we propose a comprehensive interpretation of APOE-mediated effects within AD pathophysiology, describing some specific cellular, biochemical, and epigenetic mechanisms and updating the different APOE-targeting approaches being developed as potential AD therapies. Intracisternal adeno-associated viral-mediated delivery of APOE ε2 is being tested in AD APOE ε4/ε4 carriers, while APOE mimetics are being used in subjects with perioperative neurocognitive disorders. Other approaches including APOE ε4 antisense oligonucleotides, anti-APOE ε4 monoclonal antibodies, APOE ε4 structure correctors, and APOE-Aβ interaction inhibitors produced positive results in transgenic AD mouse models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madia Lozupone
- Neurodegenerative Disease Unit, Department of Basic Medicine, Neuroscience, and Sense Organs, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Claudia Balducci
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri" IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Filomena Lo Vecchio
- Research Laboratory, Complex Structure of Geriatrics, Department of Medical Sciences, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Paola Bisceglia
- Research Laboratory, Complex Structure of Geriatrics, Department of Medical Sciences, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Raffaela Rita Latino
- Complex Structure of Neurology, Department of Medical Sciences, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Maurizio Leone
- Complex Structure of Neurology, Department of Medical Sciences, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Vittorio Dibello
- Department of Orofacial Pain and Dysfunction, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Vincenzo Solfrizzi
- "Cesare Frugoni" Internal and Geriatric Medicine and Memory Unit, University of Bari "Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Greco
- Research Laboratory, Complex Structure of Geriatrics, Department of Medical Sciences, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Antonio Daniele
- Department of Neuroscience, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.,Neurology Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Mark Watling
- CNS & Pain Department, TranScrip Ltd, Reading, UK
| | - Davide Seripa
- Hematology and Stem Cell Transplant Unit, "Vito Fazzi" Hospital, Lecce, Italy
| | - Francesco Panza
- Unit of Research Methodology and Data Sciences for Population Health, National Institute of Gastroenterology "Saverio de Bellis,", Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, Bari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Soldatov VO, Kubekina MV, Skorkina MY, Belykh AE, Egorova TV, Korokin MV, Pokrovskiy MV, Deykin AV, Angelova PR. Current advances in gene therapy of mitochondrial diseases. J Transl Med 2022; 20:562. [PMID: 36471396 PMCID: PMC9724384 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03685-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial diseases (MD) are a heterogeneous group of multisystem disorders involving metabolic errors. MD are characterized by extremely heterogeneous symptoms, ranging from organ-specific to multisystem dysfunction with different clinical courses. Most primary MD are autosomal recessive but maternal inheritance (from mtDNA), autosomal dominant, and X-linked inheritance is also known. Mitochondria are unique energy-generating cellular organelles designed to survive and contain their own unique genetic coding material, a circular mtDNA fragment of approximately 16,000 base pairs. The mitochondrial genetic system incorporates closely interacting bi-genomic factors encoded by the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. Understanding the dynamics of mitochondrial genetics supporting mitochondrial biogenesis is especially important for the development of strategies for the treatment of rare and difficult-to-diagnose diseases. Gene therapy is one of the methods for correcting mitochondrial disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vladislav O Soldatov
- Core Facility Centre, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Belgorod State National Research University, Belgorod, Russia.
- Laboratory of Genome Editing for Biomedicine and Animal Health, Belgorod State National Research University, Belgorod, Russia.
| | - Marina V Kubekina
- Core Facility Centre, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Marina Yu Skorkina
- Department of Biochemistry, Belgorod State National Research University, Belgorod, Russia
- Laboratory of Genome Editing for Biomedicine and Animal Health, Belgorod State National Research University, Belgorod, Russia
| | - Andrei E Belykh
- Dioscuri Centre for Metabolic Diseases, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tatiana V Egorova
- Laboratory of Modeling and Gene Therapy of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Mikhail V Korokin
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Belgorod State National Research University, Belgorod, Russia
| | - Mikhail V Pokrovskiy
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Belgorod State National Research University, Belgorod, Russia
| | - Alexey V Deykin
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Belgorod State National Research University, Belgorod, Russia
- Laboratory of Genome Editing for Biomedicine and Animal Health, Belgorod State National Research University, Belgorod, Russia
| | - Plamena R Angelova
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Toledano-Díaz A, Álvarez MI, Toledano A. The relationships between neuroglial and neuronal changes in Alzheimer's disease, and the related controversies II: gliotherapies and multimodal therapy. J Cent Nerv Syst Dis 2022; 14:11795735221123896. [PMID: 36407561 PMCID: PMC9666878 DOI: 10.1177/11795735221123896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 08/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the original description of Alzheimer´s disease (AD), research into this condition has mainly focused on assessing the alterations to neurons associated with dementia, and those to the circuits in which they are involved. In most of the studies on human brains and in many models of AD, the glial cells accompanying these neurons undergo concomitant alterations that aggravate the course of neurodegeneration. As a result, these changes to neuroglial cells are now included in all the "pathogenic cascades" described in AD. Accordingly, astrogliosis and microgliosis, the main components of neuroinflammation, have been integrated into all the pathogenic theories of this disease, as discussed in this part of the two-part monograph that follows an accompanying article on gliopathogenesis and glioprotection. This initial reflection verified the implication of alterations to the neuroglia in AD, suggesting that these cells may also represent therapeutic targets to prevent neurodegeneration. In this second part of the monograph, we will analyze the possibilities of acting on glial cells to prevent or treat the neurodegeneration that is the hallmark of AD and other pathologies. Evidence of the potential of different pharmacological, non-pharmacological, cell and gene therapies (widely treated) to prevent or treat this disease is now forthcoming, in most cases as adjuncts to other therapies. A comprehensive AD multimodal therapy is proposed in which neuronal and neuroglial pharmacological treatments are jointly considered, as well as the use of new cell and gene therapies and non-pharmacological therapies that tend to slow down the progress of dementia.
Collapse
|
42
|
Raulin AC, Doss SV, Trottier ZA, Ikezu TC, Bu G, Liu CC. ApoE in Alzheimer’s disease: pathophysiology and therapeutic strategies. Mol Neurodegener 2022; 17:72. [PMID: 36348357 PMCID: PMC9644639 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-022-00574-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 71.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia worldwide, and its prevalence is rapidly increasing due to extended lifespans. Among the increasing number of genetic risk factors identified, the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene remains the strongest and most prevalent, impacting more than half of all AD cases. While the ε4 allele of the APOE gene significantly increases AD risk, the ε2 allele is protective relative to the common ε3 allele. These gene alleles encode three apoE protein isoforms that differ at two amino acid positions. The primary physiological function of apoE is to mediate lipid transport in the brain and periphery; however, additional functions of apoE in diverse biological functions have been recognized. Pathogenically, apoE seeds amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques in the brain with apoE4 driving earlier and more abundant amyloids. ApoE isoforms also have differential effects on multiple Aβ-related or Aβ-independent pathways. The complexity of apoE biology and pathobiology presents challenges to designing effective apoE-targeted therapeutic strategies. This review examines the key pathobiological pathways of apoE and related targeting strategies with a specific focus on the latest technological advances and tools.
Collapse
|
43
|
Amyloid β, Lipid Metabolism, Basal Cholinergic System, and Therapeutics in Alzheimer’s Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012092. [PMID: 36292947 PMCID: PMC9603563 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence of insoluble aggregates of amyloid β (Aβ) in the form of neuritic plaques (NPs) is one of the main features that define Alzheimer’s disease. Studies have suggested that the accumulation of these peptides in the brain significantly contributes to extensive neuronal loss. Furthermore, the content and distribution of cholesterol in the membrane have been shown to have an important effect on the production and subsequent accumulation of Aβ peptides in the plasma membrane, contributing to dysfunction and neuronal death. The monomeric forms of these membrane-bound peptides undergo several conformational changes, ranging from oligomeric forms to beta-sheet structures, each presenting different levels of toxicity. Aβ peptides can be internalized by particular receptors and trigger changes from Tau phosphorylation to alterations in cognitive function, through dysfunction of the cholinergic system. The goal of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on the role of lipids in Alzheimer’s disease and their relationship with the basal cholinergic system, as well as potential disease-modifying therapies.
Collapse
|
44
|
Fernández-Calle R, Konings SC, Frontiñán-Rubio J, García-Revilla J, Camprubí-Ferrer L, Svensson M, Martinson I, Boza-Serrano A, Venero JL, Nielsen HM, Gouras GK, Deierborg T. APOE in the bullseye of neurodegenerative diseases: impact of the APOE genotype in Alzheimer's disease pathology and brain diseases. Mol Neurodegener 2022; 17:62. [PMID: 36153580 PMCID: PMC9509584 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-022-00566-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
ApoE is the major lipid and cholesterol carrier in the CNS. There are three major human polymorphisms, apoE2, apoE3, and apoE4, and the genetic expression of APOE4 is one of the most influential risk factors for the development of late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD). Neuroinflammation has become the third hallmark of AD, together with Amyloid-β plaques and neurofibrillary tangles of hyperphosphorylated aggregated tau protein. This review aims to broadly and extensively describe the differential aspects concerning apoE. Starting from the evolution of apoE to how APOE's single-nucleotide polymorphisms affect its structure, function, and involvement during health and disease. This review reflects on how APOE's polymorphisms impact critical aspects of AD pathology, such as the neuroinflammatory response, particularly the effect of APOE on astrocytic and microglial function and microglial dynamics, synaptic function, amyloid-β load, tau pathology, autophagy, and cell-cell communication. We discuss influential factors affecting AD pathology combined with the APOE genotype, such as sex, age, diet, physical exercise, current therapies and clinical trials in the AD field. The impact of the APOE genotype in other neurodegenerative diseases characterized by overt inflammation, e.g., alpha- synucleinopathies and Parkinson's disease, traumatic brain injury, stroke, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and multiple sclerosis, is also addressed. Therefore, this review gathers the most relevant findings related to the APOE genotype up to date and its implications on AD and CNS pathologies to provide a deeper understanding of the knowledge in the APOE field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosalía Fernández-Calle
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Experimental Neuroinflammation Laboratory, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Sabine C. Konings
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Experimental Dementia Research Unit, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Javier Frontiñán-Rubio
- Oxidative Stress and Neurodegeneration Group, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Juan García-Revilla
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Experimental Neuroinflammation Laboratory, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Departamento de Bioquímica Y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, and Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla-Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Lluís Camprubí-Ferrer
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Experimental Neuroinflammation Laboratory, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Martina Svensson
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Experimental Neuroinflammation Laboratory, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Isak Martinson
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Experimental Neuroinflammation Laboratory, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Antonio Boza-Serrano
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Experimental Neuroinflammation Laboratory, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Departamento de Bioquímica Y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, and Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla-Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - José Luís Venero
- Departamento de Bioquímica Y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, and Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla-Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Henrietta M. Nielsen
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics at, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gunnar K. Gouras
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Experimental Dementia Research Unit, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Tomas Deierborg
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Experimental Neuroinflammation Laboratory, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Morató X, Pytel V, Jofresa S, Ruiz A, Boada M. Symptomatic and Disease-Modifying Therapy Pipeline for Alzheimer's Disease: Towards a Personalized Polypharmacology Patient-Centered Approach. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:9305. [PMID: 36012569 PMCID: PMC9409252 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Since 1906, when Dr. Alois Alzheimer first described in a patient "a peculiar severe disease process of the cerebral cortex", people suffering from this pathology have been waiting for a breakthrough therapy. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an irreversible, progressive neurodegenerative brain disorder and the most common form of dementia in the elderly with a long presymptomatic phase. Worldwide, approximately 50 million people are living with dementia, with AD comprising 60-70% of cases. Pathologically, AD is characterized by the deposition of amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) in the neuropil (neuritic plaques) and blood vessels (amyloid angiopathy), and by the accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau in neurons (neurofibrillary tangles) in the brain, with associated loss of synapses and neurons, together with glial activation, and neuroinflammation, resulting in cognitive deficits and eventually dementia. The current competitive landscape in AD consists of symptomatic treatments, of which there are currently six approved medications: three AChEIs (donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine), one NMDA-R antagonist (memantine), one combination therapy (memantine/donepezil), and GV-971 (sodium oligomannate, a mixture of oligosaccharides derived from algae) only approved in China. Improvements to the approved therapies, such as easier routes of administration and reduced dosing frequencies, along with the developments of new strategies and combined treatments are expected to occur within the next decade and will positively impact the way the disease is managed. Recently, Aducanumab, the first disease-modifying therapy (DMT) has been approved for AD, and several DMTs are in advanced stages of clinical development or regulatory review. Small molecules, mAbs, or multimodal strategies showing promise in animal studies have not confirmed that promise in the clinic (where small to moderate changes in clinical efficacy have been observed), and therefore, there is a significant unmet need for a better understanding of the AD pathogenesis and the exploration of alternative etiologies and therapeutic effective disease-modifying therapies strategies for AD. Therefore, a critical review of the disease-modifying therapy pipeline for Alzheimer's disease is needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Morató
- Research Center and Memory Clinic, Fundació ACE, Institut Català de Neurociències Aplicades, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, 08017 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vanesa Pytel
- Research Center and Memory Clinic, Fundació ACE, Institut Català de Neurociències Aplicades, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, 08017 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sara Jofresa
- Research Center and Memory Clinic, Fundació ACE, Institut Català de Neurociències Aplicades, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, 08017 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Agustín Ruiz
- Research Center and Memory Clinic, Fundació ACE, Institut Català de Neurociències Aplicades, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, 08017 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercè Boada
- Research Center and Memory Clinic, Fundació ACE, Institut Català de Neurociències Aplicades, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, 08017 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Vecchio FL, Bisceglia P, Imbimbo BP, Lozupone M, Latino RR, Resta E, Leone M, Solfrizzi V, Greco A, Daniele A, Watling M, Panza F, Seripa D. Are apolipoprotein E fragments a promising new therapeutic target for Alzheimer’s disease? Ther Adv Chronic Dis 2022; 13:20406223221081605. [PMID: 35321401 PMCID: PMC8935560 DOI: 10.1177/20406223221081605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Human apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is a 299-amino acid secreted glycoprotein that binds cholesterol and phospholipids. ApoE exists as three common isoforms (ApoE2, ApoE3, and ApoE4) and heterozygous carriers of the ε4 allele of the gene encoding ApoE (APOE) have a fourfold greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The enzymes thrombin, cathepsin D, α-chymotrypsin-like serine protease, and high-temperature requirement serine protease A1 are responsible for ApoE proteolytic processing resulting in bioactive C-terminal-truncated fragments that vary depending on ApoE isoforms, brain region, aging, and neural injury. The objectives of the present narrative review were to describe ApoE processing, discussing current hypotheses about the potential role of various ApoE fragments in AD pathophysiology, and reviewing the current development status of different anti-ApoE drugs. The exact mechanism by which APOE gene variants increase/decrease AD risk and the role of ApoE fragments in the deposition are not fully understood, but APOE is known to directly affect tau-mediated neurodegeneration. ApoE fragments co-localize with neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid β (Aβ) plaques, and may cause neurodegeneration. Among anti-ApoE approaches, a fascinating strategy may be to therapeutically overexpress ApoE2 in APOE ε4/ε4 carriers through vector administration or liposomal delivery systems. Another approach involves reducing ApoE4 expression by intracerebroventricular antisense oligonucleotides that significantly decreased Aβ pathology in transgenic mice. Differences in the proteolytic processing of distinct ApoE isoforms and the use of ApoE fragments as mimetic peptides in AD treatment are also under investigation. Treatment with peptides that mimic the structural and biological properties of native ApoE may reduce Aβ deposition, tau hyperphosphorylation, and glial activation in mouse models of Aβ pathology. Alternative strategies involve the use of ApoE4 structure correctors, passive immunization to target a certain form of ApoE, conversion of the ApoE4 aminoacid sequence into that of ApoE3 or ApoE2, and inhibition of the ApoE-Aβ interaction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Filomena Lo Vecchio
- Research Laboratory, Complex Structure of Geriatrics, Department of Medical Sciences, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia 71013, Italy
| | - Paola Bisceglia
- Research Laboratory, Complex Structure of Geriatrics, Department of Medical Sciences, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | | | - Madia Lozupone
- Neurodegenerative Disease Unit, Department of Basic Medicine, Neuroscience, and Sense Organs, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Raffaela Rita Latino
- Complex Structure of Neurology, Department of Medical Sciences, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Emanuela Resta
- Translational Medicine and Management of Health Systems, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Maurizio Leone
- Complex Structure of Neurology, Department of Medical Sciences, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Solfrizzi
- ‘Cesare Frugoni’ Internal and Geriatric Medicine and Memory Unit, University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Greco
- Department of Neuroscience, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy; Neurology Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy
- Research Laboratory, Complex Structure of Geriatrics, Department of Medical Sciences, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | | | - Mark Watling
- CNS & Pain Department, TranScrip Ltd, Reading, UK
| | - Francesco Panza
- Research Laboratory, Complex Structure of Geriatrics, Department of Medical Sciences, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
- Population Health Unit, Healthy Aging Phenotypes Research Unit, ‘Salus in Apulia Study’, National Institute of Gastroenterology ‘Saverio de Bellis’, Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, Bari 70013, Italy
| | - Davide Seripa
- Research Laboratory, Complex Structure of Geriatrics, Department of Medical Sciences, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
- Hematology and Stem Cell Transplant Unit, ‘Vito Fazzi’ Hospital, Lecce, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Qin C, Wang K, Zhang L, Bai L. Stem cell therapy for Alzheimer's disease: An overview of experimental models and reality. Animal Model Exp Med 2022; 5:15-26. [PMID: 35229995 PMCID: PMC8879630 DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder. The pathology of AD is characterized by extracellular amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques, neurofibrillary tangles composed of hyperphosphorylated tau, neuronal death, synapse loss, and brain atrophy. Many therapies have been tested to improve or at least effectively modify the course of AD. Meaningful data indicate that the transplantation of stem cells can alleviate neuropathology and significantly ameliorate cognitive deficits in animal models with Alzheimer's disease. Transplanted stem cells have shown their inherent advantages in improving cognitive impairment and memory dysfunction, although certain weaknesses or limitations need to be overcome. This review recapitulates rodent models for AD, the therapeutic efficacy of stem cells, influencing factors, and the underlying mechanisms behind these changes. Stem cell therapy provides perspective and challenges for its clinical application in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Qin
- Institute of Laboratory Animal SciencesChinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS)Comparative Medicine CenterPeking Union Medical College (PUMC)NHC Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative MedicineKey Laboratory of Human Diseases Animal ModelBeijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical Diseases BeijingBeijingChina
| | - Kewei Wang
- Institute of Laboratory Animal SciencesChinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS)Comparative Medicine CenterPeking Union Medical College (PUMC)NHC Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative MedicineKey Laboratory of Human Diseases Animal ModelBeijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical Diseases BeijingBeijingChina
| | - Ling Zhang
- Institute of Laboratory Animal SciencesChinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS)Comparative Medicine CenterPeking Union Medical College (PUMC)NHC Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative MedicineKey Laboratory of Human Diseases Animal ModelBeijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical Diseases BeijingBeijingChina
| | - Lin Bai
- Institute of Laboratory Animal SciencesChinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS)Comparative Medicine CenterPeking Union Medical College (PUMC)NHC Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative MedicineKey Laboratory of Human Diseases Animal ModelBeijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical Diseases BeijingBeijingChina
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Fischell JM, Fishman PS. A Multifaceted Approach to Optimizing AAV Delivery to the Brain for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:747726. [PMID: 34630029 PMCID: PMC8497810 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.747726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite major advancements in gene therapy technologies, there are no approved gene therapies for diseases which predominantly effect the brain. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors have emerged as the most effective delivery vector for gene therapy owing to their simplicity, wide spread transduction and low immunogenicity. Unfortunately, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) makes IV delivery of AAVs, to the brain highly inefficient. At IV doses capable of widespread expression in the brain, there is a significant risk of severe immune-mediated toxicity. Direct intracerebral injection of vectors is being attempted. However, this method is invasive, and only provides localized delivery for diseases known to afflict the brain globally. More advanced methods for AAV delivery will likely be required for safe and effective gene therapy to the brain. Each step in AAV delivery, including delivery route, BBB transduction, cellular tropism and transgene expression provide opportunities for innovative solutions to optimize delivery efficiency. Intra-arterial delivery with mannitol, focused ultrasound, optimized AAV capsid evolution with machine learning algorithms, synthetic promotors are all examples of advanced strategies which have been developed in pre-clinical models, yet none are being investigated in clinical trials. This manuscript seeks to review these technological advancements, and others, to improve AAV delivery to the brain, and to propose novel strategies to build upon this research. Ultimately, it is hoped that the optimization of AAV delivery will allow for the human translation of many gene therapies for neurodegenerative and other neurologic diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan M Fischell
- Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Paul S Fishman
- Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
López-Sánchez N, Garrido-García A, Ramón-Landreau M, Cano-Daganzo V, Frade JM. E2F4-Based Gene Therapy Mitigates the Phenotype of the Alzheimer's Disease Mouse Model 5xFAD. Neurotherapeutics 2021; 18:2484-2503. [PMID: 34766258 PMCID: PMC8804140 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-021-01151-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
After decades of unfruitful work, no effective therapies are available for Alzheimer's disease (AD), likely due to its complex etiology that requires a multifactorial therapeutic approach. We have recently shown using transgenic mice that E2 factor 4 (E2F4), a transcription factor that regulates cell quiescence and tissue homeostasis, and controls gene networks affected in AD, represents a good candidate for a multifactorial targeting of AD. Here we show that the expression of a dominant negative form of human E2F4 (hE2F4DN), unable to become phosphorylated in a Thr-conserved motif known to modulate E2F4 activity, is an effective and safe AD multifactorial therapeutic agent. Neuronal expression of hE2F4DN in homozygous 5xFAD (h5xFAD) mice after systemic administration of an AAV.PHP.B-hSyn1.hE2F4DN vector reduced the production and accumulation of Aβ in the hippocampus, attenuated reactive astrocytosis and microgliosis, abolished neuronal tetraploidization, and prevented cognitive impairment evaluated by Y-maze and Morris water maze, without triggering side effects. This treatment also reversed other alterations observed in h5xFAD mice such as paw-clasping behavior and body weight loss. Our results indicate that E2F4DN-based gene therapy is a promising therapeutic approach against AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noelia López-Sánchez
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology, Cajal Institute, 28002, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto Garrido-García
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology, Cajal Institute, 28002, Madrid, Spain
| | - Morgan Ramón-Landreau
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology, Cajal Institute, 28002, Madrid, Spain
| | - Vanesa Cano-Daganzo
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology, Cajal Institute, 28002, Madrid, Spain
| | - José M Frade
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology, Cajal Institute, 28002, Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|