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Massaro G, Geard AF, Nelvagal HR, Gore K, Clemo NK, Waddington SN, Rahim AA. Comparison of different promoters to improve AAV vector-mediated gene therapy for neuronopathic Gaucher disease. Hum Mol Genet 2024:ddae081. [PMID: 38757200 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddae081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Gaucher Disease (GD) is an inherited metabolic disorder caused by mutations in the GBA1 gene. It can manifest with severe neurodegeneration and visceral pathology. The most acute neuronopathic form (nGD), for which there are no curative therapeutic options, is characterised by devastating neuropathology and death during infancy. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic benefit of systemically delivered AAV9 vectors expressing the human GBA1 gene at two different doses comparing a neuronal-selective promoter with ubiquitous promoters. Our results highlight the importance of a careful evaluation of the promoter sequence used in gene delivery vectors, suggesting a neuron-targeted therapy leading to high levels of enzymatic activity in the brain but lower GCase expression in the viscera, might be the optimal therapeutic strategy for nGD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Massaro
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-38 Brunswick Square, London, WC1N 1AX, United Kingdom
| | - Amy F Geard
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-38 Brunswick Square, London, WC1N 1AX, United Kingdom
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand Medical, School, 7 York Road, Parktown 2193, South Africa
| | - Hemanth R Nelvagal
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-38 Brunswick Square, London, WC1N 1AX, United Kingdom
| | - Katrina Gore
- Apollo Therapeutics, Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst, 50-60 Station Road, Cambridge, CB1 2JH, United Kingdom
| | - Nadine K Clemo
- Apollo Therapeutics, Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst, 50-60 Station Road, Cambridge, CB1 2JH, United Kingdom
| | - Simon N Waddington
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand Medical, School, 7 York Road, Parktown 2193, South Africa
- UCL EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London, Medical School Building, 74 Huntley Street, London, WC1E 6AU, United Kingdom
| | - Ahad A Rahim
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-38 Brunswick Square, London, WC1N 1AX, United Kingdom
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2
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Waddington SN, Peranteau WH, Rahim AA, Boyle AK, Kurian MA, Gissen P, Chan JKY, David AL. Fetal gene therapy. J Inherit Metab Dis 2024; 47:192-210. [PMID: 37470194 PMCID: PMC10799196 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Fetal gene therapy was first proposed toward the end of the 1990s when the field of gene therapy was, to quote the Gartner hype cycle, at its "peak of inflated expectations." Gene therapy was still an immature field but over the ensuing decade, it matured and is now a clinical and market reality. The trajectory of treatment for several genetic diseases is toward earlier intervention. The ability, capacity, and the will to diagnose genetic disease early-in utero-improves day by day. A confluence of clinical trials now signposts a trajectory toward fetal gene therapy. In this review, we recount the history of fetal gene therapy in the context of the broader field, discuss advances in fetal surgery and diagnosis, and explore the full ambit of preclinical gene therapy for inherited metabolic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon N Waddington
- EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - William H Peranteau
- The Center for Fetal Research, Division of General, Thoracic, and Fetal Surgery, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ahad A Rahim
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, UK
| | - Ashley K Boyle
- EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Manju A Kurian
- Developmental Neurosciences, Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children, GOS-Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Neurology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
| | - Paul Gissen
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- National Institute of Health Research Great Ormond Street Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Jerry K Y Chan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Academic Clinical Program in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Experimental Fetal Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Anna L David
- EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
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Nakamura S, Morohoshi K, Inada E, Sato Y, Watanabe S, Saitoh I, Sato M. Recent Advances in In Vivo Somatic Cell Gene Modification in Newborn Pups. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15301. [PMID: 37894981 PMCID: PMC10607593 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Germline manipulation at the zygote stage using the CRISPR/Cas9 system has been extensively employed for creating genetically modified animals and maintaining established lines. However, this approach requires a long and laborious task. Recently, many researchers have attempted to overcome these limitations by generating somatic mutations in the adult stage through tail vein injection or local administration of CRISPR reagents, as a new strategy called "in vivo somatic cell genome editing". This approach does not require manipulation of early embryos or strain maintenance, and it can test the results of genome editing in a short period. The newborn is an ideal stage to perform in vivo somatic cell genome editing because it is immune-privileged, easily accessible, and only a small amount of CRISPR reagents is required to achieve somatic cell genome editing throughout the entire body, owing to its small size. In this review, we summarize in vivo genome engineering strategies that have been successfully demonstrated in newborns. We also report successful in vivo genome editing through the neonatal introduction of genome editing reagents into various sites in newborns (as exemplified by intravenous injection via the facial vein), which will be helpful for creating models for genetic diseases or treating many genetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shingo Nakamura
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, National Defense Medical College Research Institute, Tokorozawa 359-8513, Japan;
| | - Kazunori Morohoshi
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, National Defense Medical College Research Institute, Tokorozawa 359-8513, Japan;
| | - Emi Inada
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan;
| | - Yoko Sato
- Graduate School of Public Health, Shizuoka Graduate University of Public Health, Aoi-ku, Shizuoka 420-0881, Japan;
| | - Satoshi Watanabe
- Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, NARO, Tsukuba 305-0901, Japan;
| | - Issei Saitoh
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Asahi University School of Dentistry, Mizuho 501-0296, Japan;
| | - Masahiro Sato
- Department of Genome Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan;
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Chilcott E, Díaz JA, Bertram C, Berti M, Karda R. Genetic therapeutic advancements for Dravet Syndrome. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 132:108741. [PMID: 35653814 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2022.108741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Dravet Syndrome is a genetic epileptic syndrome characterized by severe and intractable seizures associated with cognitive, motor, and behavioral impairments. The disease is also linked with increased mortality mainly due to sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. Over 80% of cases are due to a de novo mutation in one allele of the SCN1A gene, which encodes the α-subunit of the voltage-gated ion channel NaV1.1. Dravet Syndrome is usually refractory to antiepileptic drugs, which only alleviate seizures to a small extent. Viral, non-viral genetic therapy, and gene editing tools are rapidly enhancing and providing new platforms for more effective, alternative medicinal treatments for Dravet syndrome. These strategies include gene supplementation, CRISPR-mediated transcriptional activation, and the use of antisense oligonucleotides. In this review, we summarize our current knowledge of novel genetic therapies that are currently under development for Dravet syndrome.
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Palfi A, Chadderton N, Millington-Ward S, Post I, Humphries P, Kenna PF, Farrar GJ. AAV-PHP.eB transduces both the inner and outer retina with high efficacy in mice. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2022; 25:236-249. [PMID: 35474956 PMCID: PMC9018541 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2022.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors are one of the main gene delivery vehicles used in retinal gene therapy approaches; however, there is a need to further improve the efficacy, tropism, and safety of these vectors. In this study, using a CMV-EGFP expression cassette, we characterize the retinal utility of AAV-PHP.eB, a serotype recently developed by in vivo directed evolution, which can cross the blood-brain barrier and target neurons with high efficacy in mice. Systemic and intravitreal delivery of AAV-PHP.eB resulted in the high transduction efficacy of retinal ganglion and horizontal cells, with systemic delivery providing pan-retinal coverage of the mouse retina. Subretinal delivery transduced photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium cells robustly. EGFP expression (number of transduced cells and mRNA levels) were similar when the retinas were transduced systemically or intravitreally with AAV-PHP.eB or intravitreally with AAV2/2. Notably, in photoreceptors, EGFP fluorescence intensities and mRNA levels were 50–70 times higher, when subretinal injections with AAV-PHP.eB were compared to AAV2/8. Our results demonstrate the pan-retinal transduction of ganglion cells and extremely efficient transduction of photoreceptor and retinal pigment epithelium cells as the most valuable features of AAV-PHP.eB in the mouse retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arpad Palfi
- Department of Genetics, School of Genetics and Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, D02 VF25, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Naomi Chadderton
- Department of Genetics, School of Genetics and Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, D02 VF25, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sophia Millington-Ward
- Department of Genetics, School of Genetics and Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, D02 VF25, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Iris Post
- Department of Genetics, School of Genetics and Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, D02 VF25, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Pete Humphries
- Department of Genetics, School of Genetics and Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, D02 VF25, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Paul F Kenna
- Department of Genetics, School of Genetics and Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, D02 VF25, Dublin, Ireland.,The Research Foundation, Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, D02 XK51, Dublin, Ireland
| | - G Jane Farrar
- Department of Genetics, School of Genetics and Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, D02 VF25, Dublin, Ireland
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION More than 5% of the world's population have a disabling hearing loss which can be managed by hearing aids or implanted electrical devices. However, outcomes are highly variable, and the sound perceived by recipients is far from perfect. Sparked by the discovery of progenitor cells in the cochlea and rapid progress in drug delivery to the cochlea, biological and pharmaceutical therapies are currently in development to improve the function of the cochlear implant or eliminate the need for it altogether. AREAS COVERED This review highlights progress in emerging regenerative strategies to restore hearing and adjunct therapies to augment the cochlear implant. Novel approaches include the reprogramming of progenitor cells to restore the sensory hair cell population in the cochlea, gene therapy and gene editing to treat hereditary and acquired hearing loss. A detailed review of optogenetics is also presented as a technique that could enable optical stimulation of the spiral ganglion neurons, replacing or complementing electrical stimulation. EXPERT OPINION Increasing evidence of substantial reversal of hearing loss in animal models, alongside rapid advances in delivery strategies to the cochlea and learnings from clinical trials will amalgamate into a biological or pharmaceutical therapy to replace or complement the cochlear implant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Ajay
- Bionics Institute, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,University of Melbourne, Department of Engineering
| | | | - Rachael Richardson
- Bionics Institute, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,University of Melbourne, Medical Bionics Department, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,University of Melbourne, Department of Surgery (Otolaryngology), East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Lopes FM, Woolf AS, Roberts NA. Envisioning treating genetically-defined urinary tract malformations with viral vector-mediated gene therapy. J Pediatr Urol 2021; 17:610-620. [PMID: 34312114 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2021.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Human urinary tract malformations can cause dysfunctional voiding, urosepsis and kidney failure. Other affected individuals, with severe phenotypes on fetal ultrasound screening, undergo elective termination. Currently, there exist no specific treatments that target the primary biological disease mechanisms that generate these urinary tract malformations. Historically, the pathogenesis of human urinary tract malformations has been obscure. It is now established that some such individuals have defined monogenic causes for their disease. In health, the implicated genes are expressed in either differentiating urinary tract smooth muscle cells, urothelial cells or peripheral nerve cells supplying the bladder. The phenotypes arising from mutations of these genes include megabladder, congenital functional bladder outflow obstruction, and vesicoureteric reflux. We contend that these genetic and molecular insights can now inform the design of novel therapies involving viral vector-mediated gene transfer. Indeed, this technology is being used to treat individuals with early onset monogenic disease outside the urinary tract, such as spinal muscular atrophy. Moreover, it has been contended that human fetal gene therapy, which may be necessary to ameliorate developmental defects, could become a reality in the coming decades. We suggest that viral vector-mediated gene therapies should first be tested in existing mouse models with similar monogenic and anatomical aberrations as found in people with urinary tract malformations. Indeed, gene transfer protocols have been successfully pioneered in newborn and fetal mice to treat non-urinary tract diseases. If similar strategies were successful in animals with urinary tract malformations, this would pave the way for personalized and potentially curative treatments for people with urinary tract malformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipa M Lopes
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, UK
| | - Adrian S Woolf
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, UK; Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK.
| | - Neil A Roberts
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, UK.
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Bose SK, Menon P, Peranteau WH. InUtero Gene Therapy: Progress and Challenges. Trends Mol Med 2021; 27:728-730. [PMID: 34176774 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2021.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
In utero gene therapy has the potential to treat lethal and morbid perinatal diseases before birth. Small fetal size, a tolerogenic immune system, and dosing efficiency make the fetus a compelling patient. Numerous clinical, social, and institutional factors must be considered to achieve the promise of genetic treatment before birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sourav K Bose
- The Center for Fetal Research, Division of General, Thoracic and Fetal Surgery, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Pallavi Menon
- The Center for Fetal Research, Division of General, Thoracic and Fetal Surgery, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - William H Peranteau
- The Center for Fetal Research, Division of General, Thoracic and Fetal Surgery, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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9
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Meng Y, Sun D, Qin Y, Dong X, Luo G, Liu Y. Cell-penetrating peptides enhance the transduction of adeno-associated virus serotype 9 in the central nervous system. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2021; 21:28-41. [PMID: 33768127 PMCID: PMC7960505 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs) have been widely used in the gene therapy field for decades. However, because of the challenge of effectively delivering rAAV vectors through the blood-brain barrier (BBB), their applications for treatment of central nervous system (CNS) diseases are quite limited. In this study, we found that several cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) can significantly enhance the in vitro transduction efficiency of AAV serotype 9 (AAV9), a promising AAV vector for treatment of CNS diseases, the best of which was the LAH4 peptide. The enhancement of AAV9 transduction by LAH4 relied on binding of the AAV9 capsid to the peptide. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the LAH4 peptide increased the AAV9 transduction in the CNS in vitro and in vivo after systemic administration. Taken together, our results suggest that CPP peptides can interact directly with AAV9 and increase the ability of this AAV vector to cross the BBB, which further induces higher expression of target genes in the brain. Our study will help to improve the applications of AAV gene delivery vectors for the treatment of CNS diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Meng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Dong Sun
- Institute of Translational Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Yiyan Qin
- Institute of Translational Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Xiaoyi Dong
- Institute of Translational Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Guangzuo Luo
- Institute of Translational Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
- Corresponding author: Guangzuo Luo, Institute of Translational Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China.
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
- Corresponding author: Ying Liu, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China.
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Ng J, Barral S, De La Fuente Barrigon C, Lignani G, Erdem FA, Wallings R, Privolizzi R, Rossignoli G, Alrashidi H, Heasman S, Meyer E, Ngoh A, Pope S, Karda R, Perocheau D, Baruteau J, Suff N, Antinao Diaz J, Schorge S, Vowles J, Marshall LR, Cowley SA, Sucic S, Freissmuth M, Counsell JR, Wade-Martins R, Heales SJR, Rahim AA, Bencze M, Waddington SN, Kurian MA. Gene therapy restores dopamine transporter expression and ameliorates pathology in iPSC and mouse models of infantile parkinsonism. Sci Transl Med 2021; 13:eaaw1564. [PMID: 34011628 PMCID: PMC7612279 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aaw1564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Most inherited neurodegenerative disorders are incurable, and often only palliative treatment is available. Precision medicine has great potential to address this unmet clinical need. We explored this paradigm in dopamine transporter deficiency syndrome (DTDS), caused by biallelic loss-of-function mutations in SLC6A3, encoding the dopamine transporter (DAT). Patients present with early infantile hyperkinesia, severe progressive childhood parkinsonism, and raised cerebrospinal fluid dopamine metabolites. The absence of effective treatments and relentless disease course frequently leads to death in childhood. Using patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), we generated a midbrain dopaminergic (mDA) neuron model of DTDS that exhibited marked impairment of DAT activity, apoptotic neurodegeneration associated with TNFα-mediated inflammation, and dopamine toxicity. Partial restoration of DAT activity by the pharmacochaperone pifithrin-μ was mutation-specific. In contrast, lentiviral gene transfer of wild-type human SLC6A3 complementary DNA restored DAT activity and prevented neurodegeneration in all patient-derived mDA lines. To progress toward clinical translation, we used the knockout mouse model of DTDS that recapitulates human disease, exhibiting parkinsonism features, including tremor, bradykinesia, and premature death. Neonatal intracerebroventricular injection of human SLC6A3 using an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector provided neuronal expression of human DAT, which ameliorated motor phenotype, life span, and neuronal survival in the substantia nigra and striatum, although off-target neurotoxic effects were seen at higher dosage. These were avoided with stereotactic delivery of AAV2.SLC6A3 gene therapy targeted to the midbrain of adult knockout mice, which rescued both motor phenotype and neurodegeneration, suggesting that targeted AAV gene therapy might be effective for patients with DTDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Ng
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, EGA-Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, WC1E 6HX, UK
- Developmental Neurosciences, Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children, GOS-Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, WC1N 1DZ, UK
| | - Serena Barral
- Developmental Neurosciences, Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children, GOS-Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, WC1N 1DZ, UK.
| | | | - Gabriele Lignani
- Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Fatma A Erdem
- Developmental Neurosciences, Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children, GOS-Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, WC1N 1DZ, UK
- Institute of Pharmacology and Gaston H. Glock Laboratories for Exploratory Drug Research, Centre of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Rebecca Wallings
- Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Riccardo Privolizzi
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, EGA-Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, WC1E 6HX, UK
- Developmental Neurosciences, Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children, GOS-Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, WC1N 1DZ, UK
| | - Giada Rossignoli
- Developmental Neurosciences, Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children, GOS-Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, WC1N 1DZ, UK
| | - Haya Alrashidi
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine, GOS-Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Sonja Heasman
- Developmental Neurosciences, Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children, GOS-Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, WC1N 1DZ, UK
| | - Esther Meyer
- Developmental Neurosciences, Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children, GOS-Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, WC1N 1DZ, UK
| | - Adeline Ngoh
- Developmental Neurosciences, Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children, GOS-Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, WC1N 1DZ, UK
| | - Simon Pope
- Neurometabolic Unit, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Rajvinder Karda
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, EGA-Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, WC1E 6HX, UK
| | - Dany Perocheau
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, EGA-Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, WC1E 6HX, UK
| | - Julien Baruteau
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, EGA-Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, WC1E 6HX, UK
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine, GOS-Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Natalie Suff
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, EGA-Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, WC1E 6HX, UK
- Department of Women and Children's Health, King's College London, London, WC2R 2LS, UK
| | - Juan Antinao Diaz
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, EGA-Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, WC1E 6HX, UK
| | - Stephanie Schorge
- Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
- Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Jane Vowles
- James Martin Stem Cell Facility, Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Lucy R Marshall
- Infection, Immunity, Inflammation, GOS-Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Sally A Cowley
- James Martin Stem Cell Facility, Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Sonja Sucic
- Institute of Pharmacology and Gaston H. Glock Laboratories for Exploratory Drug Research, Centre of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Freissmuth
- Institute of Pharmacology and Gaston H. Glock Laboratories for Exploratory Drug Research, Centre of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - John R Counsell
- Developmental Neurosciences, GOS-Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Richard Wade-Martins
- Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Simon J R Heales
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine, GOS-Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
- Neurometabolic Unit, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Ahad A Rahim
- Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Maximilien Bencze
- Developmental Neurosciences, GOS-Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
- University Paris Est Creteil, INSERM, IMRB, 94000 Creteil, France
| | - Simon N Waddington
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, EGA-Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, WC1E 6HX, UK.
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 2193 Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Manju A Kurian
- Developmental Neurosciences, Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children, GOS-Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, WC1N 1DZ, UK
- Department of Neurology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, WC1N 3JH, UK
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Turner TJ, Zourray C, Schorge S, Lignani G. Recent advances in gene therapy for neurodevelopmental disorders with epilepsy. J Neurochem 2020; 157:229-262. [PMID: 32880951 PMCID: PMC8436749 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders can be caused by mutations in neuronal genes fundamental to brain development. These disorders have severe symptoms ranging from intellectually disability, social and cognitive impairments, and a subset are strongly linked with epilepsy. In this review, we focus on those neurodevelopmental disorders that are frequently characterized by the presence of epilepsy (NDD + E). We loosely group the genes linked to NDD + E with different neuronal functions: transcriptional regulation, intrinsic excitability and synaptic transmission. All these genes have in common a pivotal role in defining the brain architecture and function during early development, and when their function is altered, symptoms can present in the first stages of human life. The relationship with epilepsy is complex. In some NDD + E, epilepsy is a comorbidity and in others seizures appear to be the main cause of the pathology, suggesting that either structural changes (NDD) or neuronal communication (E) can lead to these disorders. Furthermore, grouping the genes that cause NDD + E, we review the uses and limitations of current models of the different disorders, and how different gene therapy strategies are being developed to treat them. We highlight where gene replacement may not be a treatment option, and where innovative therapeutic tools, such as CRISPR‐based gene editing, and new avenues of delivery are required. In general this group of genetically defined disorders, supported increasing knowledge of the mechanisms leading to neurological dysfunction serve as an excellent collection for illustrating the translational potential of gene therapy, including newly emerging tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Turner
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Clara Zourray
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK.,Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, London, UK
| | | | - Gabriele Lignani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
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12
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Wang Q, Zhong X, Li Q, Su J, Liu Y, Mo L, Deng H, Yang Y. CRISPR-Cas9-Mediated In Vivo Gene Integration at the Albumin Locus Recovers Hemostasis in Neonatal and Adult Hemophilia B Mice. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2020; 18:520-531. [PMID: 32775489 PMCID: PMC7393320 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2020.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas9 loaded by vectors could induce high rates of specific site genome editing and correct disease-causing mutations. However, most monogenic genetic diseases such as hemophilia are caused by different mutations dispersed in one gene, instead of an accordant mutation. Vectors developed for correcting specific mutations may not be suited to different mutations at other positions. Site-specific gene addition provides an ideal solution for long-term, stable gene therapy. We have demonstrated SaCas9-mediated homology-directed factor IX (FIX) in situ targeting for sustained treatment of hemophilia B. In this study, we tested a more efficient dual adeno-associated virus (AAV) strategy with lower vector dose for liver-directed genome editing that enables CRISPR-Cas9-mediated site-specific integration of therapeutic transgene within the albumin gene, and we aimed to develop a more universal gene-targeting approach. We successfully achieved coagulation function in newborn and adult hemophilia B mice by a single injection of dual AAV vectors. FIX levels in treated mice persisted even after a two-thirds partial hepatectomy, indicating stable gene integration. Our results suggest that this CRISPR-Cas9-mediated site-specific gene integration in hepatocytes could transform into a common clinical therapeutic method for hemophilia B and other genetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingnan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xiaomei Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Qian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jing Su
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Li Mo
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Hongxin Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu 610041, China
- Corresponding author: Yang Yang, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Ke-yuan Road 4, No. 1, Gao-peng Street, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.
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13
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Massaro G, Hughes MP, Whaler SM, Wallom KL, Priestman DA, Platt FM, Waddington SN, Rahim AA. Systemic AAV9 gene therapy using the synapsin I promoter rescues a mouse model of neuronopathic Gaucher disease but with limited cross-correction potential to astrocytes. Hum Mol Genet 2020; 29:1933-1949. [PMID: 31919491 PMCID: PMC7390934 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddz317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Gaucher disease is caused by mutations in the GBA gene, which encodes for the lysosomal enzyme β-glucocerebrosidase (GCase), resulting in the accumulation of storage material in visceral organs and in some cases the brain of affected patients. While there is a commercially available treatment for the systemic manifestations, neuropathology still remains untreatable. We previously demonstrated that gene therapy represents a feasible therapeutic tool for the treatment of the neuronopathic forms of Gaucher disease (nGD). In order to further enhance the therapeutic affects to the central nervous system, we systemically delivered an adeno-associated virus (AAV) serotype 9 carrying the human GBA gene under control of a neuron-specific promoter to an nGD mouse model. Gene therapy increased the life span of treated animals, rescued the lethal neurodegeneration, normalized the locomotor behavioural defects and ameliorated the visceral pathology. Together, these results provided further indication of gene therapy as a possible effective treatment option for the neuropathic forms of Gaucher disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Massaro
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Sammie M Whaler
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, UK
| | | | | | - Frances M Platt
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Simon N Waddington
- EGA Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, London UK
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Faculty of Health Science, University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ahad A Rahim
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, UK
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14
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Liu W, Kleine-Holthaus SM, Herranz-Martin S, Aristorena M, Mole SE, Smith AJ, Ali RR, Rahim AA. Experimental gene therapies for the NCLs. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2020; 1866:165772. [PMID: 32220628 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2020.165772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs), also known as Batten disease, are a group of rare monogenic neurodegenerative diseases predominantly affecting children. All NCLs are lethal and incurable and only one has an approved treatment available. To date, 13 NCL subtypes (CLN1-8, CLN10-14) have been identified, based on the particular disease-causing defective gene. The exact functions of NCL proteins and the pathological mechanisms underlying the diseases are still unclear. However, gene therapy has emerged as an attractive therapeutic strategy for this group of conditions. Here we provide a short review discussing updates on the current gene therapy studies for the NCLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenfei Liu
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, UK
| | | | - Saul Herranz-Martin
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, UK; Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (UAM-CSIC) and Departamento de Biología Molecular,Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Sara E Mole
- MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK; UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guildford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | | | - Robin R Ali
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, UK; NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - Ahad A Rahim
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, UK.
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15
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Karda R, Rahim AA, Wong AMS, Suff N, Diaz JA, Perocheau DP, Tijani M, Ng J, Baruteau J, Martin NP, Hughes M, Delhove JMKM, Counsell JR, Cooper JD, Henckaerts E, Mckay TR, Buckley SMK, Waddington SN. Generation of light-producing somatic-transgenic mice using adeno-associated virus vectors. Sci Rep 2020; 10:2121. [PMID: 32034258 PMCID: PMC7005886 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-59075-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
We have previously designed a library of lentiviral vectors to generate somatic-transgenic rodents to monitor signalling pathways in diseased organs using whole-body bioluminescence imaging, in conscious, freely moving rodents. We have now expanded this technology to adeno-associated viral vectors. We first explored bio-distribution by assessing GFP expression after neonatal intravenous delivery of AAV8. We observed widespread gene expression in, central and peripheral nervous system, liver, kidney and skeletal muscle. Next, we selected a constitutive SFFV promoter and NFκB binding sequence for bioluminescence and biosensor evaluation. An intravenous injection of AAV8 containing firefly luciferase and eGFP under transcriptional control of either element resulted in strong and persistent widespread luciferase expression. A single dose of LPS-induced a 10-fold increase in luciferase expression in AAV8-NFκB mice and immunohistochemistry revealed GFP expression in cells of astrocytic and neuronal morphology. Importantly, whole-body bioluminescence persisted up to 240 days. We have validated a novel biosensor technology in an AAV system by using an NFκB response element and revealed its potential to monitor signalling pathway in a non-invasive manner in a model of LPS-induced inflammation. This technology complements existing germline-transgenic models and may be applicable to other rodent disease models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajvinder Karda
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Ahad A Rahim
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, UK
| | - Andrew M S Wong
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Natalie Suff
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Juan Antinao Diaz
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Dany P Perocheau
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Maha Tijani
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Joanne Ng
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Julien Baruteau
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Nuria Palomar Martin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Michael Hughes
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - John R Counsell
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, Molecular Neurosciences Section, Developmental Neurosciences Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Jonathan D Cooper
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Els Henckaerts
- Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
- Laboratory of Viral Cell Signalling and Therapeutics, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tristan R Mckay
- Centre for Biomedicine, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Suzanne M K Buckley
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Simon N Waddington
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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16
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Sargiannidou I, Kagiava A, Kleopa KA. Gene therapy approaches targeting Schwann cells for demyelinating neuropathies. Brain Res 2020; 1728:146572. [PMID: 31790684 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2019.146572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) encompasses numerous genetically heterogeneous inherited neuropathies, which together are one of the commonest neurogenetic disorders. Axonal CMT types result from mutations in neuronally expressed genes, whereas demyelinating CMT forms mostly result from mutations in genes expressed by myelinating Schwann cells. The demyelinating forms are the most common, and may be caused by dominant mutations and gene dosage effects (as in CMT1), as well as by recessive mutations and loss of function mechanisms (as in CMT4). The discovery of causative genes and increasing insights into molecular mechanisms through the study of experimental disease models has provided the basis for the development of gene therapy approaches. For demyelinating CMT, gene silencing or gene replacement strategies need to be targeted to Schwann cells. Progress in gene replacement for two different CMT forms, including CMT1X caused by GJB1 gene mutations, and CMT4C, caused by SH3TC2 gene mutations, has been made through the use of a myelin-specific promoter to restrict expression in Schwann cells, and by lumbar intrathecal delivery of lentiviral viral vectors to achieve more widespread biodistribution in the peripheral nervous system. This review summarizes the molecular-genetic mechanisms of selected demyelinating CMT neuropathies and the progress made so far, as well as the remaining challenges in the path towards a gene therapy to treat these disorders through the use of optimal gene therapy tools including clinically translatable delivery methods and adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Sargiannidou
- Neuroscience Laboratory, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics and Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Alexia Kagiava
- Neuroscience Laboratory, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics and Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Kleopas A Kleopa
- Neuroscience Laboratory, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics and Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus; Neurology Clinics, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics and Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus.
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17
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kleine Holthaus S, Herranz-martin S, Massaro G, Aristorena M, Hoke J, Hughes MP, Maswood R, Semenyuk O, Basche M, Shah AZ, Klaska IP, Smith AJ, Mole SE, Rahim AA, Ali RR. Neonatal brain-directed gene therapy rescues a mouse model of neurodegenerative CLN6 Batten disease. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 28:3867-79. [DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddz210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs), more commonly referred to as Batten disease, are a group of inherited lysosomal storage disorders that present with neurodegeneration, loss of vision and premature death. There are at least 13 genetically distinct forms of NCL. Enzyme replacement therapies and pre-clinical studies on gene supplementation have shown promising results for NCLs caused by lysosomal enzyme deficiencies. The development of gene therapies targeting the brain for NCLs caused by defects in transmembrane proteins has been more challenging and only limited therapeutic effects in animal models have been achieved so far. Here, we describe the development of an adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene therapy to treat the neurodegeneration in a mouse model of CLN6 disease, a form of NCL with a deficiency in the membrane-bound protein CLN6. We show that neonatal bilateral intracerebroventricular injections with AAV9 carrying CLN6 increase lifespan by more than 90%, maintain motor skills and motor coordination and reduce neuropathological hallmarks of Cln6-deficient mice up to 23 months post vector administration. These data demonstrate that brain-directed gene therapy is a valid strategy to treat the neurodegeneration of CLN6 disease and may be applied to other forms of NCL caused by transmembrane protein deficiencies in the future.
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18
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Rashnonejad A, Amini Chermahini G, Gündüz C, Onay H, Aykut A, Durmaz B, Baka M, Su Q, Gao G, Özkınay F. Fetal Gene Therapy Using a Single Injection of Recombinant AAV9 Rescued SMA Phenotype in Mice. Mol Ther 2019; 27:2123-2133. [PMID: 31543414 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2019.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 07/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Symptoms of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) disease typically begin in the late prenatal or the early postnatal period of life. The intrauterine (IU) correction of gene expression, fetal gene therapy, could offer effective gene therapy approach for early onset diseases. Hence, the overall goal of this study was to investigate the efficacy of human survival motor neuron (hSMN) gene expression after IU delivery in SMA mouse embryos. First, we found that IU-intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of adeno-associated virus serotype-9 (AAV9)-EGFP led to extensive expression of EGFP protein in different parts of the CNS with a great number of transduced neural stem cells. Then, to implement the fetal gene therapy, mouse fetuses received a single i.c.v. injection of a single-stranded (ss) or self-complementary (sc) AAV9-SMN vector that led to a lifespan of 93 (median of 63) or 171 (median 105) days for SMA mice. The muscle pathology and number of the motor neurons also improved in both study groups, with slightly better results coming from scAAV treatment. Consequently, fetal gene therapy may provide an alternative therapeutic approach for treating inherited diseases such as SMA that lead to prenatal death or lifelong irreversible damage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Cumhur Gündüz
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir 35100, Turkey
| | - Hüseyin Onay
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir 35100, Turkey
| | - Ayça Aykut
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir 35100, Turkey
| | - Burak Durmaz
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir 35100, Turkey
| | - Meral Baka
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir 35100, Turkey
| | - Qin Su
- The Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Guangping Gao
- The Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Ferda Özkınay
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir 35100, Turkey
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20
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21
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Abstract
There are limited effective therapies available for improving gastrointestinal (GI) transit in mammals with intractable or chronic constipation. Current therapeutics to improve GI-transit usually require oral ingestion of therapeutic drugs, such as the serotonin receptor agonist prucalopride. However, most receptors are distributed all over the body and unsurprisingly drugs like prucalopride stimulate multiple organs, often leading to unwanted side effects. There is a desperate need in the community to improve GI-transit selectively without effects on other organs. Areas covered: We performed a systematic review of the literature on Pubmed and report significant technical advances in optogenetic control of the GI-tract. We discuss recent demonstrations that optogenetics can be used to potently control the activity of subsets of enteric neurons. Special focus is made of the first recent demonstration that wireless optogenetics can be used to stimulate the colon in conscious, freely-moving, untethered mice causing a significant increase in fecal pellet output. This is a significant technical breakthrough with a major therapeutic potential application to improve GI-transit. Expert opinion: The ability to selectively stimulate the ENS to modulate GI-transit in live mammals using light, avoids the need for oral consumption of any drugs and side effects; by stimulating only the GI-tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick J Spencer
- College of Medicine and Public Health & Centre for Neuroscience, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Australia
| | - Tim Hibberd
- College of Medicine and Public Health & Centre for Neuroscience, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Australia
| | - Jing Feng
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Center for the Study of Itch, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Hongzhen Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Center for the Study of Itch, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
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Eser Ocak P, Ocak U, Sherchan P, Zhang JH, Tang J. Insights into major facilitator superfamily domain-containing protein-2a (Mfsd2a) in physiology and pathophysiology. What do we know so far? J Neurosci Res 2018; 98:29-41. [PMID: 30345547 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Revised: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Major facilitator superfamily domain-containing protein-2a (Mfsd2a) which was considered as an orphan transporter has recently gained attention for its regulatory role in the maintenance of proper functioning of the blood-brain barrier. Besides the major role of Mfsd2a in maintaining the barrier function, increasing evidence has emerged with regard to the contributions of Mfsd2a to various biological processes such as transport, cell fusion, cell cycle, inflammation and regeneration, managing tumor growth, functioning of other organs with barrier functions or responses to injury. The purpose of this article is to review the different roles of Mfsd2a and its involvement in the physiological and pathophysiological processes primarily in the central nervous system and throughout the mammalian body under the lights of the current literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinar Eser Ocak
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California
| | - Umut Ocak
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California
| | - Prativa Sherchan
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California
| | - John H Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California
| | - Jiping Tang
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California
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23
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Basche M, Kampik D, Kawasaki S, Branch MJ, Robinson M, Larkin DF, Smith AJ, Ali RR. Sustained and Widespread Gene Delivery to the Corneal Epithelium via In Situ Transduction of Limbal Epithelial Stem Cells, Using Lentiviral and Adeno-Associated Viral Vectors. Hum Gene Ther 2018; 29:1140-1152. [PMID: 30070149 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2018.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal epithelial dystrophies are typically characterized by symptoms such as pain, light sensitivity, and corneal opacification leading to impaired vision. The development of gene therapy for such conditions has been hindered by an inability to achieve sustained and extensive gene transfer, as the epithelium is highly replicative and has evolved to exclude foreign material. We undertook a comprehensive study in mice aiming to overcome these impediments. Direct injection of lentiviral vector within the stem cell niche resulted in centripetal streaks of epithelial transgene expression sustained for >1 year, indicating limbal epithelial stem cell transduction in situ. The extent of transgene expression varied markedly but at maximum covered 26% of the corneal surface. After intrastromal injection, adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors were found to penetrate Bowman's membrane and mediate widespread, but transient (12-16 days), epithelial transgene expression. This was sufficient, when applied within a Cre/lox system, to result in recombined epithelium covering up to approximately 80% of the corneal surface. Lastly, systemic delivery of AAV2/9 in neonatal mice resulted in extensive corneal transduction, despite the relative avascularity of the tissue. These findings provide the foundations of a gene therapy toolkit for the corneal epithelium, which might be applied to correction of inherited epithelial dystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Basche
- 1 Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom; London, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Kampik
- 1 Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom; London, United Kingdom
| | - Satoshi Kawasaki
- 2 Department of Ophthalmology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine , Kyoto, Japan
| | - Matthew J Branch
- 1 Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom; London, United Kingdom
| | - Martha Robinson
- 1 Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom; London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Alexander J Smith
- 1 Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom; London, United Kingdom
| | - Robin R Ali
- 1 Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom; London, United Kingdom
- 4 NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
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24
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Counsell JR, Karda R, Diaz JA, Carey L, Wiktorowicz T, Buckley SMK, Ameri S, Ng J, Baruteau J, Almeida F, de Silva R, Simone R, Lugarà E, Lignani G, Lindemann D, Rethwilm A, Rahim AA, Waddington SN, Howe SJ. Foamy Virus Vectors Transduce Visceral Organs and Hippocampal Structures following In Vivo Delivery to Neonatal Mice. Mol Ther Nucleic Acids 2018; 12:626-634. [PMID: 30081233 PMCID: PMC6082918 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2018.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Viral vectors are rapidly being developed for a range of applications in research and gene therapy. Prototype foamy virus (PFV) vectors have been described for gene therapy, although their use has mainly been restricted to ex vivo stem cell modification. Here we report direct in vivo transgene delivery with PFV vectors carrying reporter gene constructs. In our investigations, systemic PFV vector delivery to neonatal mice gave transgene expression in the heart, xiphisternum, liver, pancreas, and gut, whereas intracranial administration produced brain expression until animals were euthanized 49 days post-transduction. Immunostaining and confocal microscopy analysis of injected brains showed that transgene expression was highly localized to hippocampal architecture despite vector delivery being administered to the lateral ventricle. This was compared with intracranial biodistribution of lentiviral vectors and adeno-associated virus vectors, which gave a broad, non-specific spread through the neonatal mouse brain without regional localization, even when administered at lower copy numbers. Our work demonstrates that PFV can be used for neonatal gene delivery with an intracranial expression profile that localizes to hippocampal neurons, potentially because of the mitotic status of the targeted cells, which could be of use for research applications and gene therapy of neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R Counsell
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London WC1E 6HX, UK; Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, Molecular Neurosciences Section, Developmental Neurosciences Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK; NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Rajvinder Karda
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London WC1E 6HX, UK
| | - Juan Antinao Diaz
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London WC1E 6HX, UK
| | - Louise Carey
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London WC1E 6HX, UK
| | - Tatiana Wiktorowicz
- Universität Würzburg, Institut für Virologie und Immunbiologie, Versbacher Str. 7, 97078 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Suzanne M K Buckley
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London WC1E 6HX, UK
| | - Shima Ameri
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London WC1E 6HX, UK
| | - Joanne Ng
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London WC1E 6HX, UK
| | - Julien Baruteau
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London WC1E 6HX, UK
| | - Filipa Almeida
- Reta Lila Weston Institute and Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Rohan de Silva
- Reta Lila Weston Institute and Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Roberto Simone
- Reta Lila Weston Institute and Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Eleonora Lugarà
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, Queen Square House, UCL Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Gabriele Lignani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, Queen Square House, UCL Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Dirk Lindemann
- Universität Würzburg, Institut für Virologie und Immunbiologie, Versbacher Str. 7, 97078 Würzburg, Germany; Institute of Virology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Axel Rethwilm
- Universität Würzburg, Institut für Virologie und Immunbiologie, Versbacher Str. 7, 97078 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ahad A Rahim
- Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Simon N Waddington
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London WC1E 6HX, UK; Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Steven J Howe
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London WC1E 6HX, UK
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25
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Massaro G, Mattar CNZ, Wong AMS, Sirka E, Buckley SMK, Herbert BR, Karlsson S, Perocheau DP, Burke D, Heales S, Richard-Londt A, Brandner S, Huebecker M, Priestman DA, Platt FM, Mills K, Biswas A, Cooper JD, Chan JKY, Cheng SH, Waddington SN, Rahim AA. Fetal gene therapy for neurodegenerative disease of infants. Nat Med 2018; 24:1317-1323. [PMID: 30013199 PMCID: PMC6130799 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-018-0106-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
For inherited genetic diseases, fetal gene therapy offers the potential of prophylaxis against early, irreversible and lethal pathological change. To explore this, we studied neuronopathic Gaucher disease (nGD), caused by mutations in GBA. In adult patients, the milder form presents with hepatomegaly, splenomegaly and occasional lung and bone disease; this is managed, symptomatically, by enzyme replacement therapy. The acute childhood lethal form of nGD is untreatable since enzyme cannot cross the blood-brain barrier. Patients with nGD exhibit signs consistent with hindbrain neurodegeneration, including neck hyperextension, strabismus and, often, fatal apnea1. We selected a mouse model of nGD carrying a loxP-flanked neomycin disruption of Gba plus Cre recombinase regulated by the keratinocyte-specific K14 promoter. Exclusive skin expression of Gba prevents fatal neonatal dehydration. Instead, mice develop fatal neurodegeneration within 15 days2. Using this model, fetal intracranial injection of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector reconstituted neuronal glucocerebrosidase expression. Mice lived for up to at least 18 weeks, were fertile and fully mobile. Neurodegeneration was abolished and neuroinflammation ameliorated. Neonatal intervention also rescued mice but less effectively. As the next step to clinical translation, we also demonstrated the feasibility of ultrasound-guided global AAV gene transfer to fetal macaque brains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Massaro
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, UK
| | - Citra N Z Mattar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Andrew M S Wong
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK
| | - Ernestas Sirka
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Bronwen R Herbert
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Stefan Karlsson
- Division of Molecular Medicine and Gene Therapy, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Dany P Perocheau
- UCL Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Derek Burke
- Paediatric Laboratory Medicine, Great Ormond Street Hospital and UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Simon Heales
- Paediatric Laboratory Medicine, Great Ormond Street Hospital and UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Angela Richard-Londt
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sebastian Brandner
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | | | | | - Frances M Platt
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Kevin Mills
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Arijit Biswas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jonathan D Cooper
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK
- Department of Pediatrics, Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Torrance, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jerry K Y Chan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Simon N Waddington
- UCL Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK.
- MRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Ahad A Rahim
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, UK
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26
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Baruteau J, Perocheau DP, Hanley J, Lorvellec M, Rocha-Ferreira E, Karda R, Ng J, Suff N, Diaz JA, Rahim AA, Hughes MP, Banushi B, Prunty H, Hristova M, Ridout DA, Virasami A, Heales S, Howe SJ, Buckley SMK, Mills PB, Gissen P, Waddington SN. Argininosuccinic aciduria fosters neuronal nitrosative stress reversed by Asl gene transfer. Nat Commun 2018; 9:3505. [PMID: 30158522 PMCID: PMC6115417 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-05972-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Argininosuccinate lyase (ASL) belongs to the hepatic urea cycle detoxifying ammonia, and the citrulline-nitric oxide (NO) cycle producing NO. ASL-deficient patients present argininosuccinic aciduria characterised by hyperammonaemia, multiorgan disease and neurocognitive impairment despite treatment aiming to normalise ammonaemia without considering NO imbalance. Here we show that cerebral disease in argininosuccinic aciduria involves neuronal oxidative/nitrosative stress independent of hyperammonaemia. Intravenous injection of AAV8 vector into adult or neonatal ASL-deficient mice demonstrates long-term correction of the hepatic urea cycle and the cerebral citrulline-NO cycle, respectively. Cerebral disease persists if ammonaemia only is normalised but is dramatically reduced after correction of both ammonaemia and neuronal ASL activity. This correlates with behavioural improvement and reduced cortical cell death. Thus, neuronal oxidative/nitrosative stress is a distinct pathophysiological mechanism from hyperammonaemia. Disease amelioration by simultaneous brain and liver gene transfer with one vector, to treat both metabolic pathways, provides new hope for hepatocerebral metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Baruteau
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, 86-96 Chenies Mews, London, WC1E 6HX, UK
- Metabolic Medicine Department, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, WC1N 3JH, UK
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Programme, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Dany P Perocheau
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, 86-96 Chenies Mews, London, WC1E 6HX, UK
| | - Joanna Hanley
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Programme, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
- MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Maëlle Lorvellec
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Programme, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
- MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Eridan Rocha-Ferreira
- Perinatal Brain Repair Group, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, 86-96 Chenies Mews, London, WC1E 6HX, UK
| | - Rajvinder Karda
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, 86-96 Chenies Mews, London, WC1E 6HX, UK
| | - Joanne Ng
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, 86-96 Chenies Mews, London, WC1E 6HX, UK
- Neurology Department, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - Natalie Suff
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, 86-96 Chenies Mews, London, WC1E 6HX, UK
| | - Juan Antinao Diaz
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, 86-96 Chenies Mews, London, WC1E 6HX, UK
| | - Ahad A Rahim
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London, WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Michael P Hughes
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London, WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Blerida Banushi
- MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Helen Prunty
- Department of Paediatric Laboratory Medicine, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - Mariya Hristova
- Perinatal Brain Repair Group, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, 86-96 Chenies Mews, London, WC1E 6HX, UK
| | - Deborah A Ridout
- Population, Policy and Practice Programme, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1E, UK
| | - Alex Virasami
- Histopathology Department, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - Simon Heales
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Programme, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
- Department of Paediatric Laboratory Medicine, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - Stewen J Howe
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, 86-96 Chenies Mews, London, WC1E 6HX, UK
| | - Suzanne M K Buckley
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, 86-96 Chenies Mews, London, WC1E 6HX, UK
| | - Philippa B Mills
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Programme, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Paul Gissen
- Metabolic Medicine Department, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, WC1N 3JH, UK
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Programme, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
- MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Simon N Waddington
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, 86-96 Chenies Mews, London, WC1E 6HX, UK.
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
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27
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Di Meo I, Marchet S, Lamperti C, Zeviani M, Viscomi C. AAV9-based gene therapy partially ameliorates the clinical phenotype of a mouse model of Leigh syndrome. Gene Ther 2017; 24:661-667. [PMID: 28753212 PMCID: PMC5658670 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2017.53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Revised: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 06/13/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Leigh syndrome (LS) is the most common infantile mitochondrial encephalopathy. No treatment is currently available for this condition. Mice lacking Ndufs4, encoding NADH: ubiquinone oxidoreductase iron-sulfur protein 4 (NDUFS4) recapitulates the main findings of complex I (cI)-related LS, including severe multisystemic cI deficiency and progressive neurodegeneration. In order to develop a gene therapy approach for LS, we used here an AAV2/9 vector carrying the human NDUFS4 coding sequence (hNDUFS4). We administered AAV2/9-hNDUFS4 by intravenous (IV) and/or intracerebroventricular (ICV) routes to either newborn or young Ndufs4-/- mice. We found that IV administration alone was only able to correct the cI deficiency in peripheral organs, whereas ICV administration partially corrected the deficiency in the brain. However, both treatments failed to improve the clinical phenotype or to prolong the lifespan of Ndufs4-/- mice. In contrast, combined IV and ICV treatments resulted, along with increased cI activity, in the amelioration of the rotarod performance and in a significant prolongation of the lifespan. Our results indicate that extraneurological organs have an important role in LS pathogenesis and provide an insight into current limitations of adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene therapy in multisystem disorders. These findings warrant future investigations to develop new vectors able to efficiently target multiple organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Di Meo
- IRCCS Foundation Neurological Institute ‘C. Besta’, Milan, Italy
| | - S Marchet
- IRCCS Foundation Neurological Institute ‘C. Besta’, Milan, Italy
| | - C Lamperti
- IRCCS Foundation Neurological Institute ‘C. Besta’, Milan, Italy
| | - M Zeviani
- University of Cambridge/Medical Research Council, Mitochondrial Biology Unit, Wellcome Trust/MRC Building, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0XY, UK
| | - C Viscomi
- University of Cambridge/Medical Research Council, Mitochondrial Biology Unit, Wellcome Trust/MRC Building, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0XY, UK
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28
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Shibata SB, Yoshimura H, Ranum PT, Goodwin AT, Smith RJH. Intravenous rAAV2/9 injection for murine cochlear gene delivery. Sci Rep 2017; 7:9609. [PMID: 28852025 PMCID: PMC5575199 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-09805-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy for genetic deafness is a promising approach by which to prevent hearing loss or to restore hearing after loss has occurred. Although a variety of direct approaches to introduce viral particles into the inner ear have been described, presumed physiological barriers have heretofore precluded investigation of systemic gene delivery to the cochlea. In this study, we sought to characterize systemic delivery of a rAAV2/9 vector as a non-invasive means of cochlear transduction. In wild-type neonatal mice (postnatal day 0-1), we show that intravenous injection of rAAV2/9 carrying an eGFP-reporter gene results in binaural transduction of inner hair cells, spiral ganglion neurons and vestibular hair cells. Transduction efficiency increases in a dose-dependent manner. Inner hair cells are transduced in an apex-to-base gradient, with transduction reaching 96% in the apical turn. Hearing acuity in treated animals is unaltered at postnatal day 30. Transduction is influenced by viral serotype and age at injection, with less efficient cochlear transduction observed with systemic delivery of rAAV2/1 and in juvenile mice with rAAV2/9. Collectively, these data validate intravenous delivery of rAAV2/9 as a novel and atraumatic technique for inner ear transgene delivery in early postnatal mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seiji B Shibata
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.,Molecular Otolaryngology and Renal Research Laboratories, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Hidekane Yoshimura
- Molecular Otolaryngology and Renal Research Laboratories, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano, 390-8621, Japan
| | - Paul T Ranum
- Molecular Otolaryngology and Renal Research Laboratories, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.,Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Molecular & Cellular Biology, The University of Iowa Graduate College, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Alexander T Goodwin
- Molecular Otolaryngology and Renal Research Laboratories, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Richard J H Smith
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA. .,Molecular Otolaryngology and Renal Research Laboratories, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA. .,Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Molecular & Cellular Biology, The University of Iowa Graduate College, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA. .,Iowa Institute of Human Genetics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
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29
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Joshi CR, Labhasetwar V, Ghorpade A. Destination Brain: the Past, Present, and Future of Therapeutic Gene Delivery. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2017; 12:51-83. [PMID: 28160121 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-016-9724-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Neurological diseases and disorders (NDDs) present a significant societal burden and currently available drug- and biological-based therapeutic strategies have proven inadequate to alleviate it. Gene therapy is a suitable alternative to treat NDDs compared to conventional systems since it can be tailored to specifically alter select gene expression, reverse disease phenotype and restore normal function. The scope of gene therapy has broadened over the years with the advent of RNA interference and genome editing technologies. Consequently, encouraging results from central nervous system (CNS)-targeted gene delivery studies have led to their transition from preclinical to clinical trials. As we shift to an exciting gene therapy era, a retrospective of available literature on CNS-associated gene delivery is in order. This review is timely in this regard, since it analyzes key challenges and major findings from the last two decades and evaluates future prospects of brain gene delivery. We emphasize major areas consisting of physiological and pharmacological challenges in gene therapy, function-based selection of a ideal cellular target(s), available therapy modalities, and diversity of viral vectors and nanoparticles as vehicle systems. Further, we present plausible answers to key questions such as strategies to circumvent low blood-brain barrier permeability and most suitable CNS cell types for targeting. We compare and contrast pros and cons of the tested viral vectors in the context of delivery systems used in past and current clinical trials. Gene vector design challenges are also evaluated in the context of cell-specific promoters. Key challenges and findings reported for recent gene therapy clinical trials, assessing viral vectors and nanoparticles are discussed from the perspective of bench to bedside gene therapy translation. We conclude this review by tying together gene delivery challenges, available vehicle systems and comprehensive analyses of neuropathogenesis to outline future prospects of CNS-targeted gene therapies.
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30
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Alomar F, Singh J, Jang H, Rozanzki GJ, Shao CH, Padanilam BJ, Mayhan WG, Bidasee KR. Smooth muscle-generated methylglyoxal impairs endothelial cell-mediated vasodilatation of cerebral microvessels in type 1 diabetic rats. Br J Pharmacol 2016; 173:3307-3326. [PMID: 27611446 PMCID: PMC5738666 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Revised: 07/26/2016] [Accepted: 08/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Endothelial cell-mediated vasodilatation of cerebral arterioles is impaired in individuals with Type 1 diabetes (T1D). This defect compromises haemodynamics and can lead to hypoxia, microbleeds, inflammation and exaggerated ischaemia-reperfusion injuries. The molecular causes for dysregulation of cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (cECs) in T1D remains poorly defined. This study tests the hypothesis that cECs dysregulation in T1D is triggered by increased generation of the mitochondrial toxin, methylglyoxal, by smooth muscle cells in cerebral arterioles (cSMCs). EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Endothelial cell-mediated vasodilatation, vascular transcytosis inflammation, hypoxia and ischaemia-reperfusion injury were assessed in brains of male Sprague-Dawley rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes and compared with those in diabetic rats with increased expression of methylglyoxal-degrading enzyme glyoxalase-I (Glo-I) in cSMCs. KEY RESULTS After 7-8 weeks of T1D, endothelial cell-mediated vasodilatation of cerebral arterioles was impaired. Microvascular leakage, gliosis, macrophage/neutrophil infiltration, NF-κB activity and TNF-α levels were increased, and density of perfused microvessels was reduced. Transient occlusion of a mid-cerebral artery exacerbated ischaemia-reperfusion injury. In cSMCs, Glo-I protein was decreased, and the methylglyoxal-synthesizing enzyme, vascular adhesion protein 1 (VAP-1) and methylglyoxal were increased. Restoring Glo-I protein in cSMCs of diabetic rats to control levels via gene transfer, blunted VAP-1 and methylglyoxal increases, cECs dysfunction, microvascular leakage, inflammation, ischaemia-reperfusion injury and increased microvessel perfusion. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Methylglyoxal generated by cSMCs induced cECs dysfunction, inflammation, hypoxia and exaggerated ischaemia-reperfusion injury in diabetic rats. Lowering methylglyoxal produced by cSMCs may be a viable therapeutic strategy to preserve cECs function and blunt deleterious downstream consequences in T1D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fadhel Alomar
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental NeuroscienceUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNEUSA
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of DammamDammamSaudi Arabia
| | - Jaipaul Singh
- School of Forensic and Applied ScienceUniversity of Central LancashirePrestonUK
| | - Hee‐Seong Jang
- Department of Cellular and Integrative PhysiologyUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNEUSA
| | - George J Rozanzki
- Department of Cellular and Integrative PhysiologyUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNEUSA
- Nebraska Redox Biology CenterLincolnNEUSA
| | - Chun Hong Shao
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental NeuroscienceUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNEUSA
| | - Babu J Padanilam
- Department of Cellular and Integrative PhysiologyUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNEUSA
| | - William G Mayhan
- Department of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of MedicineUniversity of South DakotaVermillionSDUSA
| | - Keshore R Bidasee
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental NeuroscienceUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNEUSA
- Department of Environmental, Agricultural and Occupational HealthUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNEUSA
- Nebraska Redox Biology CenterLincolnNEUSA
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31
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Buckinx R, Timmermans JP. Targeting the gastrointestinal tract with viral vectors: state of the art and possible applications in research and therapy. Histochem Cell Biol 2016; 146:709-720. [PMID: 27665281 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-016-1496-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
While there is a large body of preclinical data on the use of viral vectors in gene transfer, relatively little is known about viral gene transfer in the gastrointestinal tract. Viral vector technology is especially underused in the field of neurogastroenterology when compared to brain research. This review provides an overview of the studies employing viral vectors-in particular retroviruses, adenoviruses and adeno-associated viruses-to transduce different cell types in the intestine. Early work mainly focused on mucosal transduction, but had limited success due to the harsh luminal conditions in the gastrointestinal tract and the high turnover rate of enterocytes. More recently, several studies have successfully employed viral gene transfer to target the enteric nervous system and its progenitors. Although several hurdles still need to be overcome, in particular on how to augment transduction efficiency and specific cell targeting, viral vector technology holds strong potential not only as a valid research tool in fundamental gastroenterological research but also as a therapeutic agent in translational (bio)medical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roeland Buckinx
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jean-Pierre Timmermans
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
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Saraiva J, Nobre RJ, Pereira de Almeida L. Gene therapy for the CNS using AAVs: The impact of systemic delivery by AAV9. J Control Release 2016; 241:94-109. [PMID: 27637390 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2016.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2016] [Revised: 09/09/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Several attempts have been made to discover the ideal vector for gene therapy in central nervous system (CNS). Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are currently the preferred vehicle since they exhibit stable transgene expression in post-mitotic cells, neuronal tropism, low risk of insertional mutagenesis and diminished immune responses. Additionally, the discovery that a particular serotype, AAV9, bypasses the blood-brain barrier has raised the possibility of intravascular administration as a non-invasive delivery route to achieve widespread CNS gene expression. AAV9 intravenous delivery has already shown promising results for several diseases in animal models, including lysosomal storage disorders and motor neuron diseases, opening the way to the first clinical trial in the field. This review presents an overview of clinical trials for CNS disorders using AAVs and will focus on preclinical studies based on the systemic gene delivery using AAV9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Saraiva
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rui Jorge Nobre
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Luis Pereira de Almeida
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Portugal.
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Kawasaki H, Kosugi I, Sakao-Suzuki M, Meguro S, Tsutsui Y, Iwashita T. Intracerebroventricular and Intravascular Injection of Viral Particles and Fluorescent Microbeads into the Neonatal Brain. J Vis Exp 2016. [PMID: 27501398 DOI: 10.3791/54164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In the study on the pathogenesis of viral encephalitis, the infection method is critical. The first of the two main infectious routes to the brain is the hematogenous route, which involves infection of the endothelial cells and pericytes of the brain. The second is the intracerebroventricular (ICV) route. Once within the central nervous system (CNS), viruses may spread to the subarachnoid space, meninges, and choroid plexus via the cerebrospinal fluid. In experimental models, the earliest stages of CNS viral distribution are not well characterized, and it is unclear whether only certain cells are initially infected. Here, we have analyzed the distribution of cytomegalovirus (CMV) particles during the acute phase of infection, termed primary viremia, following ICV or intravascular (IV) injection into the neonatal mouse brain. In the ICV injection model, 5 µl of murine CMV (MCMV) or fluorescent microbeads were injected into the lateral ventricle at the midpoint between the ear and eye using a 10-µl syringe with a 27 G needle. In the IV injection model, a 1-ml syringe with a 35 G needle was used. A transilluminator was used to visualize the superficial temporal (facial) vein of the neonatal mouse. We infused 50 µl of MCMV or fluorescent microbeads into the superficial temporal vein. Brains were harvested at different time points post-injection. MCMV genomes were detected using the in situ hybridization method. Fluorescent microbeads or green fluorescent protein expressing recombinant MCMV particles were observed by fluorescent microscopy. These techniques can be applied to many other pathogens to investigate the pathogenesis of encephalitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideya Kawasaki
- Department of Regenerative & Infectious Pathology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine;
| | - Isao Kosugi
- Department of Regenerative & Infectious Pathology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine
| | | | - Shiori Meguro
- Department of Regenerative & Infectious Pathology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine
| | | | - Toshihide Iwashita
- Department of Regenerative & Infectious Pathology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine
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Buckinx R, Van Remoortel S, Gijsbers R, Waddington SN, Timmermans JP. Proof-of-concept: neonatal intravenous injection of adeno-associated virus vectors results in successful transduction of myenteric and submucosal neurons in the mouse small and large intestine. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2016; 28:299-305. [PMID: 26564813 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.12724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2015] [Accepted: 10/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the success of viral vector technology in the transduction of the central nervous system in both preclinical research and gene therapy, its potential in neurogastroenterological research remains largely unexploited. This study asked whether and to what extent myenteric and submucosal neurons in the ileum and distal colon of the mouse were transduced after neonatal systemic delivery of recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors (AAVs). METHODS Mice were intravenously injected at postnatal day one with AAV pseudotypes AAV8 or AAV9 carrying a cassette encoding enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) as a reporter under the control of a cytomegalovirus promoter. At postnatal day 35, transduction of the myenteric and submucosal plexuses of the ileum and distal colon was evaluated in whole-mount preparations, using immunohistochemistry to neurochemically identify transduced enteric neurons. KEY RESULTS The pseudotypes AAV8 and AAV9 showed equal potential in transducing the enteric nervous system (ENS), with 25-30% of the neurons expressing eGFP. However, the percentage of eGFP-expressing colonic submucosal neurons was significantly lower. Neurochemical analysis showed that all enteric neuron subtypes, but not glia, expressed the reporter protein. Intrinsic sensory neurons were most efficiently transduced as nearly 80% of calcitonin gene-related peptide-positive neurons expressed the transgene. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES The pseudotypes AAV8 and AAV9 can be employed for gene delivery to both the myenteric and the submucosal plexus, although the transduction efficiency in the latter is region-dependent. These findings open perspectives for novel preclinical applications aimed at manipulating and imaging the ENS in the short term, and in gene therapy in the longer term.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Buckinx
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - S Van Remoortel
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - R Gijsbers
- Laboratory for Viral Vector Technology & Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Leuven Viral Vector Core, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - S N Waddington
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK.,Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - J-P Timmermans
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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Abstract
Dementias are among the most common neurological disorders, and Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia worldwide. AD remains a looming health crisis despite great efforts to learn the mechanisms surrounding the neuron dysfunction and neurodegeneration that accompanies AD primarily in the medial temporal lobe. In addition to AD, a group of diseases known as frontotemporal dementias (FTDs) are degenerative diseases involving atrophy and degeneration in the frontal and temporal lobe regions. Importantly, AD and a number of FTDs are collectively known as tauopathies due to the abundant accumulation of pathological tau inclusions in the brain. The precise role tau plays in disease pathogenesis remains an area of strong research focus. A critical component to effectively study any human disease is the availability of models that recapitulate key features of the disease. Accordingly, a number of animal models are currently being pursued to fill the current gaps in our knowledge of the causes of dementias and to develop effective therapeutics. Recent developments in gene therapy-based approaches, particularly in recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs), have provided new tools to study AD and other related neurodegenerative disorders. Additionally, gene therapy approaches have emerged as an intriguing possibility for treating these diseases in humans. This chapter explores the current state of rAAV models of AD and other dementias, discuss recent efforts to improve these models, and describe current and future possibilities in the use of rAAVs and other viruses in treatments of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Combs
- Department of Translational Science and Molecular Medicine, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, 333 Bostwick Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
| | - Andrew Kneynsberg
- Department of Translational Science and Molecular Medicine, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, 333 Bostwick Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Nicholas M Kanaan
- Department of Translational Science and Molecular Medicine, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, 333 Bostwick Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA.
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA.
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Barkhuizen M, Anderson DG, Grobler AF. Advances in GBA-associated Parkinson's disease--Pathology, presentation and therapies. Neurochem Int 2015; 93:6-25. [PMID: 26743617 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2015.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Revised: 10/29/2015] [Accepted: 12/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
GBA mutations are to date the most common genetic risk factor for Parkinson's disease. The GBA gene encodes the lysomal hydrolase glucocerebrosidase. Whilst bi-allelic GBA mutations cause Gaucher disease, both mono- and bi-allelic mutations confer risk for Parkinson's disease. Clinically, Parkinson's disease patients with GBA mutations resemble idiopathic Parkinson's disease patients. However, these patients have a modest reduction in age-of-onset of disease and a greater incidence of cognitive decline. In some cases, GBA mutations are also responsible for familial Parkinson's disease. The accumulation of α-synuclein into Lewy bodies is the central neuropathological hallmark of Parkinson's disease. Pathologic GBA mutations reduce enzymatic function. A reduction in glucocerebrosidase function increases α-synuclein levels and propagation, which in turn inhibits glucocerebrosidase in a feed-forward cascade. This cascade is central to the neuropathology of GBA-associated Parkinson's disease. The lysosomal integral membrane protein type-2 is necessary for normal glucocerebrosidase function. Glucocerebrosidase dysfunction also increases in the accumulation of β-amyloid and amyloid-precursor protein, oxidative stress, neuronal susceptibility to metal ions, microglial and immune activation. These factors contribute to neuronal death. The Mendelian Parkinson's disease genes, Parkin and ATP13A2, intersect with glucocerebrosidase. These factors sketch a complex circuit of GBA-associated neuropathology. To clinically interfere with this circuit, central glucocerebrosidase function must be improved. Strategies based on reducing breakdown of mutant glucocerebrosidase and increasing the fraction that reaches the lysosome has shown promise. Breakdown can be reduced by interfering with the ability of heat-shock proteins to recognize mutant glucocerebrosidase. This underlies the therapeutic efficacy of certain pharmacological chaperones and histone deacetylase inhibitors. These therapies are promising for Parkinson's disease, regardless of mutation status. Recently, there has been a boom in studies investigating the role of glucocerebrosidase in the pathology of Parkinson's disease. This merits a comprehensive review of the current cell biological processes and pathological pictures involving Parkinson's disease associated with GBA mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melinda Barkhuizen
- DST/NWU Preclinical Drug Development Platform, North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa; Department of Paediatrics, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, 6229, The Netherlands.
| | - David G Anderson
- Department of Neurology, Witwatersrand University Donald Gordon Medical Centre, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
| | - Anne F Grobler
- DST/NWU Preclinical Drug Development Platform, North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
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Gombash SE. Adeno-Associated Viral Vector Delivery to the Enteric Nervous System: A Review. Postdoc J 2015; 3:1-12. [PMID: 27570787 PMCID: PMC5001153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapy to the gastrointestinal tract has remarkable potential for treating gastrointestinal disorders that currently lack effective treatments. Adeno-associated viral vectors (AAVs) have been extensively applied to the central nervous system, and have repeatedly demonstrated safety and efficacy in animal models. The enteric nervous system (ENS) represents a vast collection of neurons and glial cells that may also be subject to treatment by AAV, however little work has been conducted on AAV delivery to the ENS. Challenges for gastrointestinal gene therapy include identifying gene targets, optimizing gene delivery, and target cell selection. Researchers are now beginning to tackle the later of the two challenges with AAV, and the same AAV technology can be used to identify novel gene targets in the future. Continued efforts to understand AAV delivery and improve vector design are essential for therapeutic development. This review summarizes the current knowledge about AAV delivery to the ENS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara E Gombash
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA.
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Buckley SMK, Delhove JMKM, Perocheau DP, Karda R, Rahim AA, Howe SJ, Ward NJ, Birrell MA, Belvisi MG, Arbuthnot P, Johnson MR, Waddington SN, McKay TR. In vivo bioimaging with tissue-specific transcription factor activated luciferase reporters. Sci Rep 2015; 5:11842. [PMID: 26138224 PMCID: PMC4490336 DOI: 10.1038/srep11842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The application of transcription factor activated luciferase reporter cassettes in vitro is widespread but potential for in vivo application has not yet been realized. Bioluminescence imaging enables non-invasive tracking of gene expression in transfected tissues of living rodents. However the mature immune response limits luciferase expression when delivered in adulthood. We present a novel approach of tissue-targeted delivery of transcription factor activated luciferase reporter lentiviruses to neonatal rodents as an alternative to the existing technology of generating germline transgenic light producing rodents. At this age, neonates acquire immune tolerance to the conditionally responsive luciferase reporter. This simple and transferrable procedure permits surrogate quantitation of transcription factor activity over the lifetime of the animal. We show principal efficacy by temporally quantifying NFκB activity in the brain, liver and lungs of somatotransgenic reporter mice subjected to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation. This response is ablated in Tlr4(-/-) mice or when co-administered with the anti-inflammatory glucocorticoid analogue dexamethasone. Furthermore, we show the malleability of this technology by quantifying NFκB-mediated luciferase expression in outbred rats. Finally, we use somatotransgenic bioimaging to longitudinally quantify LPS- and ActivinA-induced upregulation of liver specific glucocorticoid receptor and Smad2/3 reporter constructs in somatotransgenic mice, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne M. K. Buckley
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, 86–96 Chenies Mews, London WC1E 6HX, UK
| | - Juliette M. K. M. Delhove
- Stem Cell Group, Cardiovascular & Cell Sciences Research Institute, St. George’s University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE, UK
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Dany P. Perocheau
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, 86–96 Chenies Mews, London WC1E 6HX, UK
| | - Rajvinder Karda
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, 86–96 Chenies Mews, London WC1E 6HX, UK
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Ahad A. Rahim
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29–39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Steven J. Howe
- Wolfson Institute for Gene Therapy, Molecular and Cellular Immunology, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Natalie J. Ward
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, 86–96 Chenies Mews, London WC1E 6HX, UK
| | - Mark A. Birrell
- Faculty of Medicine, National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Maria G. Belvisi
- Faculty of Medicine, National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Patrick Arbuthnot
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Mark R. Johnson
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Simon N. Waddington
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, 86–96 Chenies Mews, London WC1E 6HX, UK
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Tristan R. McKay
- Stem Cell Group, Cardiovascular & Cell Sciences Research Institute, St. George’s University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE, UK
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Mattar CN, Wong AMS, Hoefer K, Alonso-Ferrero ME, Buckley SMK, Howe SJ, Cooper JD, Waddington SN, Chan JKY, Rahim AA. Systemic gene delivery following intravenous administration of AAV9 to fetal and neonatal mice and late-gestation nonhuman primates. FASEB J 2015; 29:3876-88. [PMID: 26062602 PMCID: PMC4560173 DOI: 10.1096/fj.14-269092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Several acute monogenic diseases affect multiple body systems, causing death in childhood. The development of novel therapies for such conditions is challenging. However, improvements in gene delivery technology mean that gene therapy has the potential to treat such disorders. We evaluated the ability of the AAV9 vector to mediate systemic gene delivery after intravenous administration to perinatal mice and late-gestation nonhuman primates (NHPs). Titer-matched single-stranded (ss) and self-complementary (sc) AAV9 carrying the green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter gene were intravenously administered to fetal and neonatal mice, with noninjected age-matched mice used as the control. Extensive GFP expression was observed in organs throughout the body, with the epithelial and muscle cells being particularly well transduced. ssAAV9 carrying the WPRE sequence mediated significantly more gene expression than its sc counterpart, which lacked the woodchuck hepatitis virus posttranscriptional regulatory element (WPRE) sequence. To examine a realistic scale-up to larger models or potentially patients for such an approach, AAV9 was intravenously administered to late-gestation NHPs by using a clinically relevant protocol. Widespread systemic gene expression was measured throughout the body, with cellular tropisms similar to those observed in the mouse studies and no observable adverse events. This study confirms that AAV9 can safely mediate systemic gene delivery in small and large animal models and supports its potential use in clinical systemic gene therapy protocols.—Mattar, C. N., Wong, A. M. S., Hoefer, K., Alonso-Ferrero, M. E., Buckley, S. M. K., Howe, S. J., Cooper, J. D., Waddington, S. N., Chan, J. K. Y., Rahim, A. A. Systemic gene delivery following intravenous administration of AAV9 to fetal and neonatal mice and late-gestation nonhuman primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Citra N Mattar
- *Experimental Fetal Medicine Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Pediatric Storage Disorders Laboratory, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; University College London (UCL) Institute for Child Health, Gene Transfer Technology Group, Institute for Women's Health, and **Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Reproductive Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Tower, Singapore; and Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore
| | - Andrew M S Wong
- *Experimental Fetal Medicine Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Pediatric Storage Disorders Laboratory, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; University College London (UCL) Institute for Child Health, Gene Transfer Technology Group, Institute for Women's Health, and **Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Reproductive Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Tower, Singapore; and Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore
| | - Klemens Hoefer
- *Experimental Fetal Medicine Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Pediatric Storage Disorders Laboratory, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; University College London (UCL) Institute for Child Health, Gene Transfer Technology Group, Institute for Women's Health, and **Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Reproductive Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Tower, Singapore; and Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore
| | - Maria E Alonso-Ferrero
- *Experimental Fetal Medicine Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Pediatric Storage Disorders Laboratory, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; University College London (UCL) Institute for Child Health, Gene Transfer Technology Group, Institute for Women's Health, and **Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Reproductive Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Tower, Singapore; and Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore
| | - Suzanne M K Buckley
- *Experimental Fetal Medicine Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Pediatric Storage Disorders Laboratory, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; University College London (UCL) Institute for Child Health, Gene Transfer Technology Group, Institute for Women's Health, and **Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Reproductive Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Tower, Singapore; and Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore
| | - Steven J Howe
- *Experimental Fetal Medicine Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Pediatric Storage Disorders Laboratory, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; University College London (UCL) Institute for Child Health, Gene Transfer Technology Group, Institute for Women's Health, and **Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Reproductive Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Tower, Singapore; and Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore
| | - Jonathan D Cooper
- *Experimental Fetal Medicine Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Pediatric Storage Disorders Laboratory, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; University College London (UCL) Institute for Child Health, Gene Transfer Technology Group, Institute for Women's Health, and **Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Reproductive Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Tower, Singapore; and Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore
| | - Simon N Waddington
- *Experimental Fetal Medicine Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Pediatric Storage Disorders Laboratory, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; University College London (UCL) Institute for Child Health, Gene Transfer Technology Group, Institute for Women's Health, and **Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Reproductive Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Tower, Singapore; and Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore
| | - Jerry K Y Chan
- *Experimental Fetal Medicine Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Pediatric Storage Disorders Laboratory, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; University College London (UCL) Institute for Child Health, Gene Transfer Technology Group, Institute for Women's Health, and **Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Reproductive Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Tower, Singapore; and Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore
| | - Ahad A Rahim
- *Experimental Fetal Medicine Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Pediatric Storage Disorders Laboratory, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; University College London (UCL) Institute for Child Health, Gene Transfer Technology Group, Institute for Women's Health, and **Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Reproductive Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Tower, Singapore; and Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore
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Meng X, Yang F, Ouyang T, Liu B, Wu C, Jiang W. Specific gene expression in mouse cortical astrocytes is mediated by a 1740bp-GFAP promoter-driven combined adeno-associated virus 2/5/7/8/9. Neurosci Lett 2015; 593:45-50. [PMID: 25778419 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2015.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2015] [Revised: 02/20/2015] [Accepted: 03/12/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
We sought to demonstrate the in vivo transduction efficiency and tropism range in astrocytes of a combined-serotype adeno associated virus (AAV2/5/7/8/9). To control expression of enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP), a 1740bp glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) promoter was obtained and ligated into vectors of each AAV serotype (2/5/7/8/9). Purified AAVs were then injected into the somatosensory cortex of C57BL/6J mice. Cell-type specific antibodies and subsequent immunofluorescence were used to identify astrocytes (GFAP), neurons (neuronal nuclear antigen, NeuN), microglia (ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1, Iba1), and oligodendrocytes (myelin basic protein, MBP), whereby, EGFP expression was measured in each cell type at 1-4 weeks post-injection. Our results indicated that the majority of astrocytes expressed EGFP, while only a small number of neurons expressed EGFP. Both microglia and oligodendrocytes lacked EGFP expression after viral injection. Quantitative analyses revealed that the percentage of EGFP-positive astrocytes was about 98% after viral injection, while the EGFP-positive neuronal percentage was less than 2%. Thus, this study shows that using a combined-serotype AAV carrying a 1740bp GFAP promoter results in successful, cell-type specific infection of the central nervous system, with robust gene expression in murine astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiandong Meng
- Department of Neurology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China; Department of Neurology, Lanzhou General Hospital of PLA, Lanzhou 730050, PR China
| | - Feng Yang
- Department of Neurology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Tangpeng Ouyang
- Department of Neurology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Bing Liu
- Shanghai SBO Medical Biotechnology Co. Ltd., Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Chen Wu
- Department of Neurology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Wen Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
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Nivsarkar MS, Buckley SM, Parker AL, Perocheau D, McKay TR, Rahim AA, Howe SJ, Waddington SN. Evidence for contribution of CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T cells in maintaining immune tolerance to human factor IX following perinatal adenovirus vector delivery. J Immunol Res 2015; 2015:397879. [PMID: 25759840 DOI: 10.1155/2015/397879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2014] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Following fetal or neonatal gene transfer in mice and other species immune tolerance of the transgenic protein is frequently observed; however the underlying mechanisms remain largely undefined. In this study fetal and neonatal BALB/c mice received adenovirus vector to deliver human factor IX (hFIX) cDNA. The long-term tolerance of hFIX was robust in the face of immune challenge with hFIX protein and adjuvant but was eliminated by simultaneous administration of anti-CD25+ antibody. Naive irradiated BALB/c mice which had received lymphocytes from donors immunised with hFIX developed anti-hFIX antibodies upon immune challenge. Cotransplantation with CD4+CD25+ cells isolated from neonatally tolerized donors decreased the antibody response. In contrast, cotransplantation with CD4+CD25- cells isolated from the same donors increased the antibody response. These data provide evidence that immune tolerance following perinatal gene transfer is maintained by a CD4+CD25+ regulatory population.
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Gaucher disease (GD) is an inherited metabolic disorder caused by mutations in the glucocerebrosidase (GBA1) gene. Although infusions of recombinant GBA ameliorate the systemic effects of GD, this therapy has no effect on the neurological manifestations. Patients with the neuronopathic forms of GD (nGD) are often severely disabled and die prematurely. The search for innovative drugs is thus urgent for the neuronopathic forms. AREAS COVERED Here we briefly summarize the available treatments for GD. We then review recent studies of the molecular pathogenesis of GD, which suggest new avenues for therapeutic development. EXPERT OPINION Existing treatments for GD are designed to target the primary consequence of the inborn defects of sphingolipid metabolism, that is, lysosomal accumulation of glucosylceramide (GlcCer). Here we suggest that targeting other pathways, such as those that are activated as a consequence of GlcCer accumulation, may also have salutary clinical effects irrespective of whether excess substrate persists. These pathways include those implicated in neuroinflammation, and specifically, receptor-interacting protein kinase-3 (RIP3) and related components of this pathway, which appear to play a vital role in the pathogenesis of nGD. Once available, inhibitors to components of the RIP kinase pathway will hopefully offer new therapeutic opportunities in GD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Einat B Vitner
- Weizmann Institute of Science, Department of Biological Chemistry , Rehovot 76100 , Israel +972 8 9342353 ; +972 8 9344112 ;
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Karda R, Buckley SMK, Mattar CN, Ng J, Massaro G, Hughes MP, Kurian MA, Baruteau J, Gissen P, Chan JKY, Bacchelli C, Waddington SN, Rahim AA. Perinatal systemic gene delivery using adeno-associated viral vectors. Front Mol Neurosci 2014; 7:89. [PMID: 25452713 PMCID: PMC4231876 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2014.00089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2014] [Accepted: 10/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative monogenic diseases often affect tissues and organs beyond the nervous system. An effective treatment would require a systemic approach. The intravenous administration of novel therapies is ideal but is hampered by the inability of such drugs to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and precludes efficacy in the central nervous system. A number of these early lethal intractable diseases also present devastating irreversible pathology at birth or soon after. Therefore, any therapy would ideally be administered during the perinatal period to prevent, stop, or ameliorate disease progression. The concept of perinatal gene therapy has moved a step further toward being a feasible approach to treating such disorders. This has primarily been driven by the recent discoveries that particular serotypes of adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene delivery vectors have the ability to cross the BBB following intravenous administration. Furthermore, safety has been demonstrated after perinatal administration mice and non-human primates. This review focuses on the progress made in using AAV to achieve systemic transduction and what this means for developing perinatal gene therapy for early lethal neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajvinder Karda
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, UCL EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London London, UK
| | - Suzanne M K Buckley
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, UCL EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London London, UK
| | - Citra N Mattar
- Experimental Fetal Medicine Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University of Singapore Singapore, Singapore
| | - Joanne Ng
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, UCL EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London London, UK
| | - Giulia Massaro
- Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London London, UK
| | - Michael P Hughes
- Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London London, UK
| | - Manju A Kurian
- Neurosciences Unit, UCL Institute of Child Health, University College London London, UK
| | - Julien Baruteau
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, UCL EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London London, UK
| | - Paul Gissen
- Clinical and Molecular Genetics Unit, UCL Institute of Child Health, University College London London, UK
| | - Jerry K Y Chan
- Experimental Fetal Medicine Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University of Singapore Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chiara Bacchelli
- Centre for Translational Research - GOSgene, UCL Institute of Child Health, University College London London, UK
| | - Simon N Waddington
- Gene Transfer Technology Group, UCL EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London London, UK ; School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ahad A Rahim
- Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London London, UK
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Abstract
Intravenous injection is a clinically applicable manner to deliver therapeutics. For adult rodents and larger animals, intravenous injections are technically feasible and routine. However, some mouse models can have early onset of disease with a rapid progression that makes administration of potential therapies difficult. The temporal (or facial) vein is just anterior to the ear bud in mice and is clearly visible for the first two days after birth on either side of the head using a dissecting microscope. During this window, the temporal vein can be injected with volumes up to 50 μl. The injection is safe and well tolerated by both the pups and the dams. A typical injection procedure is completed within 1-2 min, after which the pup is returned to the home cage. By the third postnatal day the vein is difficult to visualize and the injection procedure becomes technically unreliable. This technique has been used for delivery of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors, which in turn can provide almost body-wide, stable transgene expression for the life of the animal depending on the viral serotype chosen.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brian K Kaspar
- Center for Gene Therapy, Nationwide Children's Hospital Research Institute, Ohio State University
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Gombash SE, Cowley CJ, Fitzgerald JA, Hall JCE, Mueller C, Christofi FL, Foust KD. Intravenous AAV9 efficiently transduces myenteric neurons in neonate and juvenile mice. Front Mol Neurosci 2014; 7:81. [PMID: 25360081 PMCID: PMC4197761 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2014.00081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2014] [Accepted: 09/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapies for neurological diseases with autonomic or gastrointestinal involvement may require global gene expression. Gastrointestinal complications are often associated with Parkinson's disease and autism. Lewy bodies, a pathological hallmark of Parkinson's brains, are routinely identified in the neurons of the enteric nervous system (ENS) following colon biopsies from patients. The ENS is the intrinsic nervous system of the gut, and is responsible for coordinating the secretory and motor functions of the gastrointestinal tract. ENS dysfunction can cause severe patient discomfort, malnourishment, or even death as in intestinal pseudo-obstruction (Ogilvie syndrome). Importantly, ENS transduction following systemic vector administration has not been thoroughly evaluated. Here we show that systemic injection of AAV9 into neonate or juvenile mice results in transduction of 25-57% of ENS myenteric neurons. Transgene expression was prominent in choline acetyltransferase positive cells, but not within vasoactive intestinal peptide or neuronal nitric oxide synthase cells, suggesting a bias for cells involved in excitatory signaling. AAV9 transduction in enteric glia is very low compared to CNS astrocytes. Enteric glial transduction was enhanced by using a glial specific promoter. Furthermore, we show that AAV8 results in comparable transduction in neonatal mice to AAV9 though AAV1, 5, and 6 are less efficient. These data demonstrate that systemic AAV9 has high affinity for peripheral neural tissue and is useful for future therapeutic development and basic studies of the ENS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara E Gombash
- Department of Neuroscience, Ohio State University Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | | | - Jodie C E Hall
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Brain and Spinal Cord Repair, Ohio State University Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Christian Mueller
- Department of Pediatrics, Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School Worcester, MA, USA
| | | | - Kevin D Foust
- Department of Neuroscience, Ohio State University Columbus, OH, USA
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Uchida K, Nakajima H, Guerrero AR, Johnson WE, Masri WE, Baba H. Gene therapy strategies for the treatment of spinal cord injury. Ther Deliv 2014; 5:591-607. [PMID: 24998276 DOI: 10.4155/tde.14.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury is a complex pathology often resulting in functional impairment and paralysis. Gene therapy has emerged as a possible solution to the problems of limited neural tissue regeneration through the administration of factors promoting axonal growth, while also offering long-term local delivery of therapeutic molecules at the injury site. Of note, gene therapy is our response to the requirements of neural and glial cells following spinal cord injury, providing, in a time-dependent manner, growth substances for axonal regeneration and eliminating axonal growth inhibitors. Herein, we explore different gene therapy strategies, including targeting gene expression to modulate the presence of neurotrophic growth or survival factors and increase neural tissue plasticity. Special attention is given to describing advances in viral and non-viral gene delivery systems, as well as the available routes of gene delivery. Finally, we discuss the future of combinatorial gene therapies and give consideration to the implementation of gene therapy in humans.
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48
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Byrne LC, Lin YJ, Lee T, Schaffer DV, Flannery JG. The expression pattern of systemically injected AAV9 in the developing mouse retina is determined by age. Mol Ther 2014; 23:290-6. [PMID: 25224467 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2014.181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2014] [Accepted: 09/09/2014] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic delivery of AAV9 offers the potential for widespread and efficient gene delivery to the retina, and may thus be a useful approach for treatment of disease where intraocular injections are not possible, for syndromes affecting multiple organs, or where early intervention is required. The expression resulting from intravenous injection of AAV9 is more efficient in neonates than adults, and here we characterize the effect of age on retinal transduction of AAV9 in the mouse retina. We find that the pattern of expression in neonatal mice is correlated to the development of the retinal vasculature, and that the area of the retinal transduction as well as the cell types infected vary depending on the age at injection. Furthermore, we demonstrate that sequential injections of AAV9 vectors carrying two different transgenes infect adjacent areas of the retina, providing a larger area of coverage. Lastly, we show that the retina's endogenous spatiotemporal expression pattern of Mfsd2a, a protein associated with the maturation of a functional blood-brain barrier, coincides with suppression of retinal transduction by intravenously-delivered AAV9, suggesting that AAV9 crosses the blood-retina barrier through transcytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah C Byrne
- 1] Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA [2] Department of Chemical Engineering and Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Yvonne J Lin
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Trevor Lee
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - David V Schaffer
- 1] Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA [2] Department of Chemical Engineering and Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - John G Flannery
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
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Abstract
Lysosomal storage diseases are inborn errors of metabolism, the hallmark of which is the accumulation, or storage, of macromolecules in the late endocytic system. They are monogenic disorders that occur at a collective frequency of 1 in 5,000 live births and are caused by inherited defects in genes that mainly encode lysosomal proteins, most commonly lysosomal enzymes. A subgroup of these diseases involves the lysosomal storage of glycosphingolipids. Through our understanding of the genetics, biochemistry and, more recently, cellular aspects of sphingolipid storage disorders, we have gained insights into fundamental aspects of cell biology that would otherwise have remained opaque. In addition, study of these disorders has led to significant progress in the development of therapies, several of which are now in routine clinical use. Emerging mechanistic links with more common diseases suggest we need to rethink our current concept of disease boundaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances M Platt
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK
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Cicchetti F, Barker RA. The glial response to intracerebrally delivered therapies for neurodegenerative disorders: is this a critical issue? Front Pharmacol 2014; 5:139. [PMID: 25071571 PMCID: PMC4090753 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2014.00139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2014] [Accepted: 05/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of glial cells in the pathogenesis of many neurodegenerative conditions of the central nervous system (CNS) is now well established (as is discussed in other reviews in this special issue of Frontiers in Neuropharmacology). What is less clear is whether there are changes in these same cells in terms of their behavior and function in response to invasive experimental therapeutic interventions for these diseases. This has, and will continue to become more of an issue as we enter a new era of novel treatments which require the agent to be directly placed/infused into the CNS such as deep brain stimulation (DBS), cell transplants, gene therapies and growth factor infusions. To date, all of these treatments have produced variable outcomes and the reasons for this have been widely debated but the host astrocytic and/or microglial response induced by such invasively delivered agents has not been discussed in any detail. In this review, we have attempted to summarize the limited published data on this, in particular we discuss the small number of human post-mortem studies reported in this field. By so doing, we hope to provide a better description and understanding of the extent and nature of both the astrocytic and microglial response, which in turn could lead to modifications in the way these therapeutic interventions are delivered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Cicchetti
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec Québec, QC, Canada ; Département de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Université Laval Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Roger A Barker
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Cambridge Cambridge, UK
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