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Gao J, Gunasekar S, Xia ZJ, Shalin K, Jiang C, Chen H, Lee D, Lee S, Pisal ND, Luo JN, Griciuc A, Karp JM, Tanzi R, Joshi N. Gene therapy for CNS disorders: modalities, delivery and translational challenges. Nat Rev Neurosci 2024:10.1038/s41583-024-00829-7. [PMID: 38898231 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-024-00829-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Gene therapy is emerging as a powerful tool to modulate abnormal gene expression, a hallmark of most CNS disorders. The transformative potentials of recently approved gene therapies for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and active cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy are encouraging further development of this approach. However, most attempts to translate gene therapy to the clinic have failed to make it to market. There is an urgent need not only to tailor the genes that are targeted to the pathology of interest but to also address delivery challenges and thereby maximize the utility of genetic tools. In this Review, we provide an overview of gene therapy modalities for CNS diseases, emphasizing the interconnectedness of different delivery strategies and routes of administration. Important gaps in understanding that could accelerate the clinical translatability of CNS genetic interventions are addressed, and we present lessons learned from failed clinical trials that may guide the future development of gene therapies for the treatment and management of CNS disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Gao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA.
- Center for Bioactive Delivery, Institute for Applied Life Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA.
| | - Swetharajan Gunasekar
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ziting Judy Xia
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kiruba Shalin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Christopher Jiang
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hao Chen
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, China
| | - Dongtak Lee
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sohyung Lee
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nishkal D Pisal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - James N Luo
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ana Griciuc
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, Mass General Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease and Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Jeffrey M Karp
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard-MIT Program in Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Rudolph Tanzi
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, Mass General Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease and Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Nitin Joshi
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Brull A, Sarathy A, Bolduc V, Chen GS, McCarty RM, Bönnemann CG. Optimized allele-specific silencing of the dominant-negative COL6A1 G293R substitution causing collagen VI-related dystrophy. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102178. [PMID: 38617974 PMCID: PMC11015156 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102178] [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: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Collagen VI-related dystrophies (COL6-RDs) are a group of severe, congenital-onset muscular dystrophies for which there is no effective causative treatment. Dominant-negative mutations are common in COL6A1, COL6A2, and COL6A3 genes, encoding the collagen α1, α2, and α3 (VI) chains. They act by incorporating into the hierarchical assembly of the three α (VI) chains and consequently produce a dysfunctional collagen VI extracellular matrix, while haploinsufficiency for any of the COL6 genes is not associated with disease. Hence, allele-specific transcript inactivation is a valid therapeutic strategy, although selectively targeting a pathogenic single nucleotide variant is challenging. Here, we develop a small interfering RNA (siRNA) that robustly, and in an allele-specific manner, silences a common glycine substitution (G293R) caused by a single nucleotide change in COL6A1 gene. By intentionally introducing an additional mismatch into the siRNA design, we achieved enhanced specificity toward the mutant allele. Treatment of patient-derived fibroblasts effectively reduced the levels of mutant transcripts while maintaining unaltered wild-type transcript levels, rescuing the secretion and assembly of collagen VI matrix by reducing the dominant-negative effect of mutant chains. Our findings establish a promising treatment approach for patients with the recurrent dominantly negative acting G293R glycine substitution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Brull
- Neurogenetics and Neuromuscular Disorders of Childhood Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Apurva Sarathy
- Neurogenetics and Neuromuscular Disorders of Childhood Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Véronique Bolduc
- Neurogenetics and Neuromuscular Disorders of Childhood Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Grace S. Chen
- Neurogenetics and Neuromuscular Disorders of Childhood Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Riley M. McCarty
- Neurogenetics and Neuromuscular Disorders of Childhood Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Carsten G. Bönnemann
- Neurogenetics and Neuromuscular Disorders of Childhood Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Benarroch E. What Is the Role of Nuclear Envelope Proteins in Neurologic Disorders? Neurology 2024; 102:e209202. [PMID: 38330281 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000209202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
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Brentari I, Zadorozhna M, Denti MA, Giorgio E. RNA therapeutics for neurological diseases. Br Med Bull 2023; 147:50-61. [PMID: 37210633 DOI: 10.1093/bmb/ldad010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ribonucleic acid (RNA) therapeutics are a new class of drugs whose importance is highlighted by the growing number of molecules in the clinic. SOURCES OF DATA We focus on RNA therapeutics for neurogenetic disorders, which are broadly defined as diseases with a genetic background and with at least one clinical sign affecting the nervous system. A systematic search identified 14 RNA drugs approved by FDA and many others in development. AREAS OF AGREEMENT The field of RNA therapeutics is changing the therapeutic scenario across many disorders. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY Despite its recent successes, RNA therapeutics encountered several hurdles and some clinical failures. Delivery to the brain represents the biggest challenge. GROWING POINTS The many advantages of RNA drugs make the development of these technologies a worthwhile investment. AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH Clinical failures stress the importance of implementing clinical trial design and optimizing RNA molecules to hold the promise of revolutionizing the treatment of human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Brentari
- Dipartimento di Biologia Cellulare, Computazionale e Integrata (CIBIO), Università degli Studi di Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Mariia Zadorozhna
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Michela Alessandra Denti
- Dipartimento di Biologia Cellulare, Computazionale e Integrata (CIBIO), Università degli Studi di Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Elisa Giorgio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Medical Genetics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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Koufi FD, Neri I, Ramazzotti G, Rusciano I, Mongiorgi S, Marvi MV, Fazio A, Shin M, Kosodo Y, Cani I, Giorgio E, Cortelli P, Manzoli L, Ratti S. Lamin B1 as a key modulator of the developing and aging brain. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1263310. [PMID: 37720548 PMCID: PMC10501396 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1263310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Lamin B1 is an essential protein of the nuclear lamina that plays a crucial role in nuclear function and organization. It has been demonstrated that lamin B1 is essential for organogenesis and particularly brain development. The important role of lamin B1 in physiological brain development and aging has only recently been at the epicenter of attention and is yet to be fully elucidated. Regarding the development of brain, glial cells that have long been considered as supporting cells to neurons have overturned this representation and current findings have displayed their active roles in neurogenesis and cerebral development. Although lamin B1 has increased levels during the differentiation of the brain cells, during aging these levels drop leading to senescent phenotypes and inciting neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. On the other hand, overexpression of lamin B1 leads to the adult-onset neurodegenerative disease known as Autosomal Dominant Leukodystrophy. This review aims at highlighting the importance of balancing lamin B1 levels in glial cells and neurons from brain development to aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Foteini-Dionysia Koufi
- Cellular Signalling Laboratory, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), Anatomy Centre, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Irene Neri
- Cellular Signalling Laboratory, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), Anatomy Centre, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulia Ramazzotti
- Cellular Signalling Laboratory, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), Anatomy Centre, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Isabella Rusciano
- Cellular Signalling Laboratory, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), Anatomy Centre, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sara Mongiorgi
- Cellular Signalling Laboratory, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), Anatomy Centre, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Vittoria Marvi
- Cellular Signalling Laboratory, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), Anatomy Centre, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Antonietta Fazio
- Cellular Signalling Laboratory, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), Anatomy Centre, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Minkyung Shin
- Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI), Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoichi Kosodo
- Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI), Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Ilaria Cani
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elisa Giorgio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Medical Genetics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Pietro Cortelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- IRCCS Istituto Delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lucia Manzoli
- Cellular Signalling Laboratory, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), Anatomy Centre, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Ratti
- Cellular Signalling Laboratory, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), Anatomy Centre, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Mild neurological phenotype in a family carrying a novel N-terminal null GRIN2A variant. Eur J Med Genet 2022; 65:104500. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2022.104500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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7
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Evangelisti C, Rusciano I, Mongiorgi S, Ramazzotti G, Lattanzi G, Manzoli L, Cocco L, Ratti S. The wide and growing range of lamin B-related diseases: from laminopathies to cancer. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:126. [PMID: 35132494 PMCID: PMC8821503 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-04084-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
B-type lamins are fundamental components of the nuclear lamina, a complex structure that acts as a scaffold for organization and function of the nucleus. Lamin B1 and B2, the most represented isoforms, are encoded by LMNB1 and LMNB2 gene, respectively. All B-type lamins are synthesized as precursors and undergo sequential post-translational modifications to generate the mature protein. B-type lamins are involved in a wide range of nuclear functions, including DNA replication and repair, regulation of chromatin and nuclear stiffness. Moreover, lamins B1 and B2 regulate several cellular processes, such as tissue development, cell cycle, cellular proliferation, senescence, and DNA damage response. During embryogenesis, B-type lamins are essential for organogenesis, in particular for brain development. As expected from the numerous and pivotal functions of B-type lamins, mutations in their genes or fluctuations in their expression levels are critical for the onset of several diseases. Indeed, a growing range of human disorders have been linked to lamin B1 or B2, increasing the complexity of the group of diseases collectively known as laminopathies. This review highlights the recent findings on the biological role of B-type lamins under physiological or pathological conditions, with a particular emphasis on brain disorders and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Evangelisti
- Cellular Signalling Laboratory, Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Isabella Rusciano
- Cellular Signalling Laboratory, Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sara Mongiorgi
- Cellular Signalling Laboratory, Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulia Ramazzotti
- Cellular Signalling Laboratory, Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanna Lattanzi
- CNR Institute of Molecular Genetics "Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza", Unit of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lucia Manzoli
- Cellular Signalling Laboratory, Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Lucio Cocco
- Cellular Signalling Laboratory, Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Stefano Ratti
- Cellular Signalling Laboratory, Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Migliore L, Galvagni F, Pierantozzi E, Sorrentino V, Rossi D. Allele-specific silencing by RNAi of R92Q and R173W mutations in cardiac troponin T. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2022; 247:805-814. [DOI: 10.1177/15353702211072453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Autosomal dominant mutations in sarcomere proteins such as the cardiac troponin T ( TNNT2) are the main genetic causes of human hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and dilated cardiomyopathy. Allele-specific silencing by RNA interference (ASP-RNAi) holds promise as a therapeutic strategy for downregulating a single mutant allele with minimal suppression of the corresponding wild-type allele. Here, we propose ASP-RNAi as a possible strategy to specifically knockdown mutant alleles coding for R92Q and R173W mutant TNNT2 proteins, identified in hypertrophic and dilated cardiomyopathy, respectively. Different siRNAs were designed and validated by luciferase reporter assay and following analysis in HEK293T cells expressing either the wild-type or mutant TNNT2 alleles. This study is the first exploration of ASP-RNAi on TNNT2-R173W and TNNT2-R92Q mutations in vitro and gives a base for further application of allele silencing as a therapeutic treatment for TNNT2-mutation-associated cardiomyopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loredana Migliore
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Federico Galvagni
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Enrico Pierantozzi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Sorrentino
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Daniela Rossi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
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9
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Male D, Gromnicova R. Nanocarriers for Delivery of Oligonucleotides to the CNS. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23020760. [PMID: 35054957 PMCID: PMC8775451 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Nanoparticles with oligonucleotides bound to the outside or incorporated into the matrix can be used for gene editing or to modulate gene expression in the CNS. These nanocarriers are usually optimised for transfection of neurons or glia. They can also facilitate transcytosis across the brain endothelium to circumvent the blood-brain barrier. This review examines the different formulations of nanocarriers and their oligonucleotide cargoes, in relation to their ability to enter the brain and modulate gene expression or disease. The size of the nanocarrier is critical in determining the rate of clearance from the plasma as well as the intracellular routes of endothelial transcytosis. The surface charge is important in determining how it interacts with the endothelium and the target cell. The structure of the oligonucleotide affects its stability and rate of degradation, while the chemical formulation of the nanocarrier primarily controls the location and rate of cargo release. Due to the major anatomical differences between humans and animal models of disease, successful gene therapy with oligonucleotides in humans has required intrathecal injection. In animal models, some progress has been made with intraventricular or intravenous injection of oligonucleotides on nanocarriers. However, getting significant amounts of nanocarriers across the blood-brain barrier in humans will likely require targeting endothelial solute carriers or vesicular transport systems.
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Murray JK, Long J, Liu L, Singh S, Pruitt D, Ollmann M, Swearingen E, Hardy M, Homann O, Wu B, Holder JR, Sham K, Herberich B, Lo MC, Dou H, Shkumatov A, Florio M, Rulifson IC. Identification and Optimization of a Minor Allele-Specific Small Interfering RNA to Prevent PNPLA3 I148M-Driven Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Nucleic Acid Ther 2021; 31:324-340. [PMID: 34297902 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2021.0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Human genome wide association studies confirm the association of the rs738409 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the gene encoding protein patatin like phospholipase domain containing 3 (PNPLA3) with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); the presence of the resulting mutant PNPLA3 I148M protein is a driver of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). While Pnpla3-deficient mice do not display an adverse phenotype, the safety of knocking down endogenous wild type PNPLA3 in humans remains unknown. To expand the scope of a potential targeted NAFLD therapeutic to both homozygous and heterozygous PNPLA3 rs738409 populations, we sought to identify a minor allele-specific small interfering RNA (siRNA). Limiting our search to SNP-spanning triggers, a series of chemically modified siRNA were tested in vitro for activity and selectivity toward PNPLA3 rs738409 mRNA. Conjugation of the siRNA to a triantennary N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) ligand enabled in vivo screening using adeno-associated virus to overexpress human PNPLA3I148M versus human PNPLA3I148I in mouse livers. Structure-activity relationship optimization yielded potent and minor allele-specific compounds that achieved high levels of mRNA and protein knockdown of human PNPLA3I148M but not PNPLA3I148I. Testing of the minor allele-specific siRNA in PNPLA3I148M-expressing mice fed a NASH-inducing diet prevented PNPLA3I148M-driven disease phenotypes, thus demonstrating the potential of a precision medicine approach to treating NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin K Murray
- Therapeutic Discovery, Amgen Research, Thousand Oaks, California, USA
| | - Jason Long
- Therapeutic Discovery, Amgen Research, Thousand Oaks, California, USA
| | - Lei Liu
- Cardiometabolic Disorders, Amgen Research, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Shivani Singh
- Cardiometabolic Disorders, Amgen Research, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Danielle Pruitt
- Cardiometabolic Disorders, Amgen Research, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Michael Ollmann
- Genome Analysis Unit, Amgen Research, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Elissa Swearingen
- Genome Analysis Unit, Amgen Research, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Miki Hardy
- Genome Analysis Unit, Amgen Research, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Oliver Homann
- Genome Analysis Unit, Amgen Research, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Bin Wu
- Therapeutic Discovery, Amgen Research, Thousand Oaks, California, USA
| | - Jerry Ryan Holder
- Therapeutic Discovery, Amgen Research, Thousand Oaks, California, USA
| | - Kelvin Sham
- Therapeutic Discovery, Amgen Research, Thousand Oaks, California, USA
| | - Brad Herberich
- Therapeutic Discovery, Amgen Research, Thousand Oaks, California, USA
| | - Mei-Chu Lo
- Therapeutic Discovery, Amgen Research, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Hui Dou
- Therapeutic Discovery, Amgen Research, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Artem Shkumatov
- Translational Safety and Bioanalytical Sciences, Amgen Research, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Monica Florio
- Cardiometabolic Disorders, Amgen Research, Thousand Oaks, California, USA
| | - Ingrid C Rulifson
- Cardiometabolic Disorders, Amgen Research, South San Francisco, California, USA
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Ratti S, Rusciano I, Mongiorgi S, Owusu Obeng E, Cappellini A, Teti G, Falconi M, Talozzi L, Capellari S, Bartoletti-Stella A, Guaraldi P, Cortelli P, Suh PG, Cocco L, Manzoli L, Ramazzotti G. Cell signaling pathways in autosomal-dominant leukodystrophy (ADLD): the intriguing role of the astrocytes. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:2781-2795. [PMID: 33034697 PMCID: PMC8004488 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03661-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Autosomal-dominant leukodystrophy (ADLD) is a rare fatal neurodegenerative disorder with overexpression of the nuclear lamina component, Lamin B1 due to LMNB1 gene duplication or deletions upstream of the gene. The molecular mechanisms responsible for driving the onset and development of this pathology are not clear yet. Vacuolar demyelination seems to be one of the most significant histopathological observations of ADLD. Considering the role of oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF)-activated signaling pathways in the myelination processes, this work aims to analyze the specific alterations in different cell populations from patients with LMNB1 duplications and engineered cellular models overexpressing Lamin B1 protein. Our results point out, for the first time, that astrocytes may be pivotal in the evolution of the disease. Indeed, cells from ADLD patients and astrocytes overexpressing LMNB1 show severe ultrastructural nuclear alterations, not present in oligodendrocytes overexpressing LMNB1. Moreover, the accumulation of Lamin B1 in astrocytes induces a reduction in LIF and in LIF-Receptor (LIF-R) levels with a consequential decrease in LIF secretion. Therefore, in both our cellular models, Jak/Stat3 and PI3K/Akt axes, downstream of LIF/LIF-R, are downregulated. Significantly, the administration of exogenous LIF can partially reverse the toxic effects induced by Lamin B1 accumulation with differences between astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, highlighting that LMNB1 overexpression drastically affects astrocytic function reducing their fundamental support to oligodendrocytes in the myelination process. In addition, inflammation has also been investigated, showing an increased activation in ADLD patients' cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Ratti
- Cellular Signalling Laboratory, Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Isabella Rusciano
- Cellular Signalling Laboratory, Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sara Mongiorgi
- Cellular Signalling Laboratory, Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Eric Owusu Obeng
- Cellular Signalling Laboratory, Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandra Cappellini
- Cellular Signalling Laboratory, Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gabriella Teti
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, Bologna, Italy
| | - Mirella Falconi
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lia Talozzi
- Functional MR Unit, Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sabina Capellari
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC NeuroMet, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Pietro Guaraldi
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC NeuroMet, Bologna, Italy
| | - Pietro Cortelli
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC NeuroMet, Bologna, Italy
| | - Pann-Ghill Suh
- Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu, Republic of Korea
- School of Life Sciences, UNIST, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Lucio Cocco
- Cellular Signalling Laboratory, Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Lucia Manzoli
- Cellular Signalling Laboratory, Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Giulia Ramazzotti
- Cellular Signalling Laboratory, Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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12
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Giorgio E, Pesce E, Pozzi E, Sondo E, Ferrero M, Morerio C, Borrelli G, Della Sala E, Lorenzati M, Cortelli P, Buffo A, Pedemonte N, Brusco A. A high-content drug screening strategy to identify protein level modulators for genetic diseases: A proof-of-principle in autosomal dominant leukodystrophy. Hum Mutat 2020; 42:102-116. [PMID: 33252173 DOI: 10.1002/humu.24147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
In genetic diseases, the most prevalent mechanism of pathogenicity is an altered expression of dosage-sensitive genes. Drugs that restore physiological levels of these genes should be effective in treating the associated conditions. We developed a screening strategy, based on a bicistronic dual-reporter vector, for identifying compounds that modulate protein levels, and used it in a pharmacological screening approach. To provide a proof-of-principle, we chose autosomal dominant leukodystrophy (ADLD), an ultra-rare adult-onset neurodegenerative disorder caused by lamin B1 (LMNB1) overexpression. We used a stable Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line that simultaneously expresses an AcGFP reporter fused to LMNB1 and a Ds-Red normalizer. Using high-content imaging analysis, we screened a library of 717 biologically active compounds and approved drugs, and identified alvespimycin, an HSP90 inhibitor, as a positive hit. We confirmed that alvespimycin can reduce LMNB1 levels by 30%-80% in five different cell lines (fibroblasts, NIH3T3, CHO, COS-7, and rat primary glial cells). In ADLD fibroblasts, alvespimycin reduced cytoplasmic LMNB1 by about 50%. We propose this approach for effectively identifying potential drugs for treating genetic diseases associated with deletions/duplications and paving the way toward Phase II clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Giorgio
- Department of Medical Sciences, Medical Genetics Unit, University of Torino, Turin, Italy.,Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Emanuela Pesce
- UOC Genetica Medica, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Elisa Pozzi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Medical Genetics Unit, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Elvira Sondo
- UOC Genetica Medica, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Marta Ferrero
- Department of Medical Sciences, Medical Genetics Unit, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Cristina Morerio
- UOC Laboratorio di Genetica Umana, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Giusy Borrelli
- Department of Medical Sciences, Medical Genetics Unit, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Edoardo Della Sala
- Department of Medical Sciences, Medical Genetics Unit, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Martina Lorenzati
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini and Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Torino, Orbassano, Torino, Italy
| | - Pietro Cortelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bellaria Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Annalisa Buffo
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini and Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Torino, Orbassano, Torino, Italy
| | | | - Alfredo Brusco
- Department of Medical Sciences, Medical Genetics Unit, University of Torino, Turin, Italy.,Medical Genetics Unit, Città della Salute e della Scienza University Hospital, Turin, Italy
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13
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Abstract
Oligonucleotides can be used to modulate gene expression via a range of processes including RNAi, target degradation by RNase H-mediated cleavage, splicing modulation, non-coding RNA inhibition, gene activation and programmed gene editing. As such, these molecules have potential therapeutic applications for myriad indications, with several oligonucleotide drugs recently gaining approval. However, despite recent technological advances, achieving efficient oligonucleotide delivery, particularly to extrahepatic tissues, remains a major translational limitation. Here, we provide an overview of oligonucleotide-based drug platforms, focusing on key approaches - including chemical modification, bioconjugation and the use of nanocarriers - which aim to address the delivery challenge.
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14
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Wu J, Tang B, Tang Y. Allele-specific genome targeting in the development of precision medicine. Theranostics 2020; 10:3118-3137. [PMID: 32194858 PMCID: PMC7053192 DOI: 10.7150/thno.43298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The CRISPR-based genome editing holds immense potential to fix disease-causing mutations, however, must also handle substantial natural genetic variations between individuals. Previous studies have shown that mismatches between the single guide RNA (sgRNA) and genomic DNA may negatively impact sgRNA efficiencies and lead to imprecise specificity prediction. Hence, the genetic variations bring about a great challenge for designing platinum sgRNAs in large human populations. However, they also provide a promising entry for designing allele-specific sgRNAs for the treatment of each individual. The CRISPR system is rather specific, with the potential ability to discriminate between similar alleles, even based on a single nucleotide difference. Genetic variants contribute to the discrimination capabilities, once they generate a novel protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) site or locate in the seed region near an available PAM. Therefore, it can be leveraged to establish allele-specific targeting in numerous dominant human disorders, by selectively ablating the deleterious alleles. So far, allele-specific CRISPR has been increasingly implemented not only in treating dominantly inherited diseases, but also in research areas such as genome imprinting, haploinsufficiency, spatiotemporal loci imaging and immunocompatible manipulations. In this review, we will describe the working principles of allele-specific genome manipulations by virtue of expanding engineering tools of CRISPR. And then we will review new advances in the versatile applications of allele-specific CRISPR targeting in treating human genetic diseases, as well as in a series of other interesting research areas. Lastly, we will discuss their potential therapeutic utilities and considerations in the era of precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjiao Wu
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Beisha Tang
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Yu Tang
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
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15
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Maruelli S, Besio R, Rousseau J, Garibaldi N, Amiaud J, Brulin B, Layrolle P, Escriou V, Rossi A, Trichet V, Forlino A. Osteoblasts mineralization and collagen matrix are conserved upon specific Col1a2 silencing. Matrix Biol Plus 2020; 6-7:100028. [PMID: 33543025 PMCID: PMC7852305 DOI: 10.1016/j.mbplus.2020.100028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Classical osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is an inherited rare brittle bone disease caused by dominant mutations in the COL1A1 or COL1A2 genes, encoding for the α chains of collagen type I. The definitive cure for the disease will require a gene therapy approach, aimed to correct or suppress the mutant allele. Interestingly, individuals lacking α2(I) chain and synthetizing collagen α1(I)3 homotrimers do not show bone phenotype, making appealing a bone specific COL1A2 silencing approach for OI therapy. To this aim, three different Col1a2-silencing RNAs (siRNAs), −3554, −3825 and −4125, selected at the 3′-end of the murine Col1a2 transcript were tested in vitro and in vivo. In murine embryonic fibroblasts Col1a2-siRNA-3554 was able to efficiently and specifically target the Col1a2 mRNA and to strongly reduce α2(I) chain expression. Its efficiency and specificity were also demonstrated in primary murine osteoblasts, whose mineralization was preserved. The efficiency of Col1a2-siRNA-3554 was proved also in vivo. Biphasic calcium phosphate implants loaded with murine mesenchymal stem cells were intramuscularly transplanted in nude mice and injected with Col1a2-siRNA-3554 three times a week for three weeks. Collagen α2 silencing was demonstrated both at mRNA and protein level and Masson's Trichrome staining confirmed the presence of newly formed collagen matrix. Our data pave the way for further investigation of Col1a2 silencing and siRNA delivery to the bone tissue as a possible strategy for OI therapy. Identification of a specific and efficient Col1a2 siRNA Silencing of Col1a2 allows osteoblasts mineralization. Col1a2 silencing is not impairing matrix deposition in vivo.
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Key Words
- BCP, biphasic calcium phosphate
- Collagen
- D-MEM, Dulbecco-modified Eagle's medium
- EDS, Ehlers Danlos syndrome
- EGFP, enhanced green fluorescent protein
- FBS, fetal bovine serum
- Gene therapy
- MEF, murine embryonic fibroblast
- MSC, mesenchymal stem cell
- NMD, nonsense mediated RNA decay
- OI, osteogenesis imperfecta
- Osteogenesis imperfecta
- PBS, phosphate buffered saline
- RNAi, RNA interference
- SDS, sodium dodecyl sulphate
- Silencing
- TRAP, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase
- shRNA, short hairpin RNA
- siRNA
- siRNA, small interfering RNA
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Maruelli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Biochemistry Unit, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Roberta Besio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Biochemistry Unit, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Julie Rousseau
- INSERM, Université de Nantes, UMR1238, Phy-Os, Bone sarcomas and remodeling of calcified tissues, Faculty of Medicine, University of Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Nadia Garibaldi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Biochemistry Unit, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Jérôme Amiaud
- INSERM, Université de Nantes, UMR1238, Phy-Os, Bone sarcomas and remodeling of calcified tissues, Faculty of Medicine, University of Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Bénédicte Brulin
- INSERM, Université de Nantes, UMR1238, Phy-Os, Bone sarcomas and remodeling of calcified tissues, Faculty of Medicine, University of Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Pierre Layrolle
- INSERM, Université de Nantes, UMR1238, Phy-Os, Bone sarcomas and remodeling of calcified tissues, Faculty of Medicine, University of Nantes, Nantes, France
| | | | - Antonio Rossi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Biochemistry Unit, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Valerie Trichet
- INSERM, Université de Nantes, UMR1238, Phy-Os, Bone sarcomas and remodeling of calcified tissues, Faculty of Medicine, University of Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Antonella Forlino
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Biochemistry Unit, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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