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Muriel J, Lukyanenko V, Kwiatkowski TA, Li Y, Bhattacharya S, Banford KK, Garman D, Bulgart HR, Sutton RB, Weisleder N, Bloch RJ. Nanodysferlins support membrane repair and binding to TRIM72/MG53 but do not localize to t-tubules or stabilize Ca 2+ signaling. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2024; 32:101257. [PMID: 38779337 PMCID: PMC11109471 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2024.101257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Mutations in the DYSF gene, encoding the protein dysferlin, lead to several forms of muscular dystrophy. In healthy skeletal muscle, dysferlin concentrates in the transverse tubules and is involved in repairing the sarcolemma and stabilizing Ca2+ signaling after membrane disruption. The DYSF gene encodes 7-8 C2 domains, several Fer and Dysf domains, and a C-terminal transmembrane sequence. Because its coding sequence is too large to package in adeno-associated virus, the full-length sequence is not amenable to current gene delivery methods. Thus, we have examined smaller versions of dysferlin, termed "nanodysferlins," designed to eliminate several C2 domains, specifically C2 domains D, E, and F; B, D, and E; and B, D, E, and F. We also generated a variant by replacing eight amino acids in C2G in the nanodysferlin missing domains D through F. We electroporated dysferlin-null A/J mouse myofibers with Venus fusion constructs of these variants, or as untagged nanodysferlins together with GFP, to mark transfected fibers We found that, although these nanodysferlins failed to concentrate in transverse tubules, three of them supported membrane repair after laser wounding while all four bound the membrane repair protein, TRIM72/MG53, similar to WT dysferlin. By contrast, they failed to suppress Ca2+ waves after myofibers were injured by mild hypoosmotic shock. Our results suggest that the internal C2 domains of dysferlin are required for normal t-tubule localization and Ca2+ signaling and that membrane repair does not require these C2 domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joaquin Muriel
- Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Valeriy Lukyanenko
- Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Thomas A. Kwiatkowski
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Sayak Bhattacharya
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Kassidy K. Banford
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Daniel Garman
- Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Hannah R. Bulgart
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Roger B. Sutton
- Department of Cell Physiology and Molecular Biophysics, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Noah Weisleder
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Robert J. Bloch
- Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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Han R, Zhou Y, Zhang C, Xiao W, Herzog R. Systemic Delivery of Full-Length Dystrophin in DMD Mice. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-3867299. [PMID: 38746161 PMCID: PMC11092816 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3867299/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Current gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) utilizes adeno-associated virus (AAV) to deliver miniaturized dystrophin (micro-dystrophin or µDys), which does not provide full protection for striated muscles as it lacks many important functional domains within full-length (FL) dystrophin. Here we develop a triple vector system to deliver FL-dystrophin into skeletal and cardiac muscles. We rationally split FL-dystrophin into three fragments (N, M, and C) linked to two orthogonal pairs of split intein, allowing efficient, unidirectional assembly of FL-dystrophin. The three fragments packaged in myotropic AAV (MyoAAV4A) restore FL-dystrophin expression in both skeletal and cardiac muscles in male mdx 4cv mice. Dystrophin-glycoprotein complex components are also restored in the sarcolemma of dystrophic muscles. MyoAAV4A-delivered FL-dystrophin significantly improves muscle histopathology, contractility, and overall strength comparable to µDys, but unlike µDys, it also restores defective ERK signaling in heart. The FL-dystrophin gene therapy therefore promises to offer superior protection for DMD.
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Chrzanowski S, Batra R. CRISPR-Based Gene Editing Techniques in Pediatric Neurological Disorders. Pediatr Neurol 2024; 153:166-174. [PMID: 38394831 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2024.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
The emergence of gene editing technologies offers a unique opportunity to develop mutation-specific treatments for pediatric neurological disorders. Gene editing systems can potentially alter disease trajectory by correcting dysfunctional mutations or therapeutically altering gene expression. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based approaches are attractive gene therapy platforms to personalize treatments because of their specificity, ease of design, versatility, and cost. However, many such approaches remain in the early stages of development, with ongoing efforts to optimize editing efficiency, minimize unintended off-target effects, and mitigate pathologic immune responses. Given the rapid evolution of CRISPR-based therapies, it is prudent for the clinically based child neurologist to have a conceptual understanding of what such therapies may entail, including both benefits and risks and how such therapies may be clinically applied. In this review, we describe the fundamentals of CRISPR-based therapies, discuss the opportunities and challenges that have arisen, and highlight preclinical work in several pediatric neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Chrzanowski
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Division of Neuromuscular Medicine, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Division of Neuromuscular Medicine, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.
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Kolesnik VV, Nurtdinov RF, Oloruntimehin ES, Karabelsky AV, Malogolovkin AS. Optimization strategies and advances in the research and development of AAV-based gene therapy to deliver large transgenes. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1607. [PMID: 38488469 PMCID: PMC10941601 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based therapies are recognized as one of the most potent next-generation treatments for inherited and genetic diseases. However, several biological and technological aspects of AAV vectors remain a critical issue for their widespread clinical application. Among them, the limited capacity of the AAV genome significantly hinders the development of AAV-based gene therapy. In this context, genetically modified transgenes compatible with AAV are opening up new opportunities for unlimited gene therapies for many genetic disorders. Recent advances in de novo protein design and remodelling are paving the way for new, more efficient and targeted gene therapeutics. Using computational and genetic tools, AAV expression cassette and transgenic DNA can be split, miniaturized, shuffled or created from scratch to mediate efficient gene transfer into targeted cells. In this review, we highlight recent advances in AAV-based gene therapy with a focus on its use in translational research. We summarize recent research and development in gene therapy, with an emphasis on large transgenes (>4.8 kb) and optimizing strategies applied by biomedical companies in the research pipeline. We critically discuss the prospects for AAV-based treatment and some emerging challenges. We anticipate that the continued development of novel computational tools will lead to rapid advances in basic gene therapy research and translational studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria V. Kolesnik
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical ParasitologyTropical and Vector‐Borne Diseases, Sechenov UniversityMoscowRussia
| | - Ruslan F. Nurtdinov
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical ParasitologyTropical and Vector‐Borne Diseases, Sechenov UniversityMoscowRussia
| | - Ezekiel Sola Oloruntimehin
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical ParasitologyTropical and Vector‐Borne Diseases, Sechenov UniversityMoscowRussia
| | | | - Alexander S. Malogolovkin
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical ParasitologyTropical and Vector‐Borne Diseases, Sechenov UniversityMoscowRussia
- Center for Translational MedicineSirius University of Science and TechnologySochiRussia
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Azzag K, Gransee HM, Magli A, Yamashita AMS, Tungtur S, Ahlquist A, Zhan WZ, Onyebu C, Greising SM, Mantilla CB, Perlingeiro RCR. Enhanced Diaphragm Muscle Function upon Satellite Cell Transplantation in Dystrophic Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2503. [PMID: 38473751 PMCID: PMC10931593 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The diaphragm muscle is essential for breathing, and its dysfunctions can be fatal. Many disorders affect the diaphragm, including muscular dystrophies. Despite the clinical relevance of targeting the diaphragm, there have been few studies evaluating diaphragm function following a given experimental treatment, with most of these involving anti-inflammatory drugs or gene therapy. Cell-based therapeutic approaches have shown success promoting muscle regeneration in several mouse models of muscular dystrophy, but these have focused mainly on limb muscles. Here we show that transplantation of as few as 5000 satellite cells directly into the diaphragm results in consistent and robust myofiber engraftment in dystrophin- and fukutin-related protein-mutant dystrophic mice. Transplanted cells also seed the stem cell reservoir, as shown by the presence of donor-derived satellite cells. Force measurements showed enhanced diaphragm strength in engrafted muscles. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of cell transplantation to target the diseased diaphragm and improve its contractility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim Azzag
- Lillehei Heart Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (K.A.); (A.M.); (A.M.S.Y.); (S.T.); (A.A.); (C.O.)
| | - Heather M. Gransee
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (H.M.G.); (W.-Z.Z.); (C.B.M.)
| | - Alessandro Magli
- Lillehei Heart Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (K.A.); (A.M.); (A.M.S.Y.); (S.T.); (A.A.); (C.O.)
| | - Aline M. S. Yamashita
- Lillehei Heart Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (K.A.); (A.M.); (A.M.S.Y.); (S.T.); (A.A.); (C.O.)
| | - Sudheer Tungtur
- Lillehei Heart Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (K.A.); (A.M.); (A.M.S.Y.); (S.T.); (A.A.); (C.O.)
| | - Aaron Ahlquist
- Lillehei Heart Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (K.A.); (A.M.); (A.M.S.Y.); (S.T.); (A.A.); (C.O.)
| | - Wen-Zhi Zhan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (H.M.G.); (W.-Z.Z.); (C.B.M.)
| | - Chiemelie Onyebu
- Lillehei Heart Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (K.A.); (A.M.); (A.M.S.Y.); (S.T.); (A.A.); (C.O.)
| | - Sarah M. Greising
- School of Kinesiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA;
| | - Carlos B. Mantilla
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (H.M.G.); (W.-Z.Z.); (C.B.M.)
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Rita C. R. Perlingeiro
- Lillehei Heart Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (K.A.); (A.M.); (A.M.S.Y.); (S.T.); (A.A.); (C.O.)
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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6
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Boehler JF, Brown KJ, Ricotti V, Morris CA. N-terminal titin fragment: a non-invasive, pharmacodynamic biomarker for microdystrophin efficacy. Skelet Muscle 2024; 14:2. [PMID: 38229112 PMCID: PMC10790446 DOI: 10.1186/s13395-023-00334-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple clinical trials to assess the efficacy of AAV-directed gene transfer in participants with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) are ongoing. The success of these trials currently relies on standard functional outcome measures that may exhibit variability within and between participants, rendering their use as sole measures of drug efficacy challenging. Given this, supportive objective biomarkers may be useful in enhancing observed clinical results. Creatine kinase (CK) is traditionally used as a diagnostic biomarker of DMD, but its potential as a robust pharmacodynamic (PD) biomarker is difficult due to the wide variability seen within the same participant over time. Thus, there is a need for the discovery and validation of novel PD biomarkers to further support and bolster traditional outcome measures of efficacy in DMD. METHOD Potential PD biomarkers in DMD participant urine were examined using a proteomic approach on the Somalogic platform. Findings were confirmed in both mdx mice and Golden Retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD) dog plasma samples. RESULTS Changes in the N-terminal fragment of titin, a well-known, previously characterized biomarker of DMD, were correlated with the expression of microdystrophin protein in mice, dogs, and humans. Further, titin levels were sensitive to lower levels of expressed microdystrophin when compared to CK. CONCLUSION The measurement of objective PD biomarkers such as titin may provide additional confidence in the assessment of the mechanism of action and efficacy in gene therapy clinical trials of DMD. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03368742.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica F Boehler
- Solid Biosciences, 500 Rutherford Avenue 3rd Floor, Boston, MA, 02129, USA.
| | - Kristy J Brown
- Rejuvenate Bio, 11425 Sorrento Valley Road, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Valeria Ricotti
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre/University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Carl A Morris
- PHDL Consulting LLC, 43 Sylvanus Wood Lane, Woburn, MA, 01801, USA
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Huang X, He W, Fan S, Li H, Ye G. IGF2BP3-mediated enhanced stability of MYLK represses MSC adipogenesis and alleviates obesity and insulin resistance in HFD mice. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:17. [PMID: 38196046 PMCID: PMC10776757 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-05076-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) hold immense potential as multipotent stem cells and serve as a primary source of adipocytes. The process of MSC adipogenesis plays a crucial role in maintaining systemic metabolic homeostasis and has garnered significant attention in tissue bioengineering. N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most prevalent RNA modification, is known to regulate cell fate and disease. However, the precise involvement of m6A readers in MSC adipogenesis remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the impact of IGF2BP3, a prominent m6A reader, on MSC adipogenesis. Our findings revealed a decrease in IGF2BP3 expression during the natural adipogenic differentiation of MSCs. Furthermore, IGF2BP3 was found to repress MSC adipogenesis by augmenting the levels of MYLK, a calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase. Mechanistically, IGF2BP3 interacted with MYLK mRNA in an m6A-dependent manner, extending its half-life and subsequently inhibiting the phosphorylation of the ERK1/2 pathway, thereby impeding the adipogenic differentiation of MSCs. Additionally, we successfully achieved the overexpression of IGF2BP3 through intraperitoneal injection of adeno-associated virus serotype Rec2, which specifically targeted adipose tissue. This intervention resulted in reduced body weight and improved insulin resistance in high-fat diet mice. Overall, our study provides novel insights into the role of IGF2BP3 in MSC adipogenesis, shedding light on adipocyte-related disorders and presenting potential targets for related biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuji Huang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, People's Republic of China
| | - Wuhui He
- Department of Otolaryngology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuai Fan
- Department of Orthopedics, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518033, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, People's Republic of China.
| | - Guiwen Ye
- Department of Orthopedics, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518033, People's Republic of China.
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Shelton GD, Tucciarone F, Guo LT, Coghill LM, Lyons LA. Precision medicine using whole genome sequencing identifies a novel dystrophin (DMD) variant for X-linked muscular dystrophy in a cat. J Vet Intern Med 2024; 38:135-144. [PMID: 38180235 PMCID: PMC10800237 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Muscular dystrophies (MDs) are a large, heterogeneous group of degenerative muscle diseases. X-linked dystrophin-deficient MD in cats is the first genetically characterized cat model for a human disease and a few novel forms have been identified. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES Muscular dystrophy was suspected in a young male domestic shorthair cat. Clinical, molecular, and genetic techniques could provide a definitive diagnosis. ANIMALS A 1-year-old male domestic shorthair cat presented for progressive difficulty walking, macroglossia and dysphagia beginning at 6 months of age. The tongue was thickened, protruded with constant ptyalism, and thickening and rigidity of the neck and shoulders were observed. METHODS A complete neurological examination, baseline laboratory evaluation and biopsies of the trapezius muscle were performed with owner consent. Indirect immunofluorescence staining of muscle cryosections was performed using several monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies against dystrophy-associated proteins. DNA was isolated for genomic analyses by whole genome sequencing and comparison to DNA variants in the 99 Lives Cat Genome Sequencing dataset. RESULTS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Aspartate aminotransferase (687 IU/L) and creatine kinase (24 830 IU/L) activities were increased and mild hypokalemia (3.7 mmol/L) was present. Biopsy samples from the trapezius muscle confirmed a degenerative and regenerative myopathy and protein alterations identified by immunohistochemistry resulted in a diagnosis of a in dystrophin-deficient form of X-linked MD. A stop gain variant (c.4849C>T; p.Gln1617Ter) dystrophin was identified by genome sequencing. Precision/genomic medicine efforts for the domestic cat and in veterinary medicine support disease variant and animal model discovery and provide opportunities for targeted treatments for companion animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- G. Diane Shelton
- Department of Pathology, School of MedicineUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| | | | - Ling T. Guo
- Department of Pathology, School of MedicineUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Lyndon M. Coghill
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of MissouriColumbiaMissouriUSA
| | - Leslie A. Lyons
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of MissouriColumbiaMissouriUSA
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of MissouriColumbiaMissouriUSA
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Richard I. Basic notions about gene therapy from the nucleic acid perspective and applications in a pediatric disease: Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Arch Pediatr 2023; 30:8S2-8S11. [PMID: 38043979 DOI: 10.1016/s0929-693x(23)00221-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapy involves the introduction of genetic material into cells as a therapeutic molecule to cure a disease. Through the transfer of specific nucleic acid to the target tissue, gene expression can be downregulated, augmented, or corrected thanks to the nucleic acid sequence as a support of gene expression. This is achieved through molecular interactions according to the sequence arrangement or the secondary structure of the molecules or through their catalytic properties. Over the past two decades, the rapid advances of knowledge and technologies in gene therapy have led to the development of different strategies and to the extension of its use to numerous indications, including certain cancers. Major success has been achieved in clinical trials and the field of gene therapy is booming. Several gene therapy products are now on the market in Europe, the United States, and China. In this review, we cover the basic principles of gene therapy and the characteristics of the main vectors used to transfer genetic material into the cell. As an example of applications, we address the various strategies applied to a rare pediatric muscle disease: Duchenne muscular dystrophy. © 2023 Published by Elsevier Masson SAS on behalf of French Society of Pediatrics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Richard
- Genethon, 91000, Evry, France; Université Paris-Saclay, Univ. Evry, Inserm, Integrare research unit UMR_S951, 91000, Evry-Courcouronnes, France; Atamyo Therapeutics, 1, bis rue de l'internationale, Evry, France.
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Hoffman EP. A fleeting glimpse of functional benefit of the complete DMD gene in a large animal model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 33:938-940. [PMID: 37692448 PMCID: PMC10491632 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Eric P. Hoffman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binghamton University – State University of New York, Binghamton, NY 13902, USA
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Lu X, Zhang M, Li G, Zhang S, Zhang J, Fu X, Sun F. Applications and Research Advances in the Delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 Systems for the Treatment of Inherited Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13202. [PMID: 37686009 PMCID: PMC10487642 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The rapid advancements in gene therapy have opened up new possibilities for treating genetic disorders, including Duchenne muscular dystrophy, thalassemia, cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, and familial hypercholesterolemia. The utilization of the clustered, regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) system has revolutionized the field of gene therapy by enabling precise targeting of genes. In recent years, CRISPR/Cas9 has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in treating cancer and genetic diseases. However, the susceptibility of nucleic acid drugs to degradation by nucleic acid endonucleases necessitates the development of functional vectors capable of protecting the nucleic acids from enzymatic degradation while ensuring safety and effectiveness. This review explores the biomedical potential of non-viral vector-based CRISPR/Cas9 systems for treating genetic diseases. Furthermore, it provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in viral and non-viral vector-based gene therapy for genetic disorders, including preclinical and clinical study insights. Additionally, the review analyzes the current limitations of these delivery systems and proposes avenues for developing novel nano-delivery platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Fengying Sun
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China; (X.L.); (M.Z.); (G.L.); (S.Z.); (J.Z.); (X.F.)
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12
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Albini S, Palmieri L, Dubois A, Bourg N, Lostal W, Richard I. Assessment of Therapeutic Potential of a Dual AAV Approach for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11421. [PMID: 37511179 PMCID: PMC10380683 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a yet incurable rare genetic disease that affects the skeletal and cardiac muscles, leading to progressive muscle wasting and premature death. DMD is caused by the lack of dystrophin, a muscle protein essential for the biochemical support and integrity of muscle fibers. Gene replacement strategies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) employing the adeno-associated virus (AAV) face the challenge imposed by the limited packaging capacity of AAV, only allowing the accommodation of a short version of dystrophin (µDys) that is still far removed from correcting human disease. The need to develop strategies leading to the expression of a best performing dystrophin variant led to only few studies reporting on the use of dual vectors, but none reported on a method to assess in vivo transgene reconstitution efficiency, the degree of which directly affects the use of safe AAV dosing. We report here on the generation of a dual AAV vector approach for the expression of a larger dystrophin version (quasidystrophin) based on homologous recombination, and the development of a methodology employing a strategic droplet digital PCR design, to determine the recombination efficiency as well as the occurrence of unwanted concatemerization events or aberrant expression from the single vectors. We demonstrated that, upon systemic delivery in the dystrophic D2.B10-Dmdmdx/J (DBA2mdx) mice, our dual AAV approach led to high transgene reconstitution efficiency and negligible Inverted Terminal Repeats (ITR)-dependent concatemerization, with consequent remarkable protein restoration in muscles and improvement of muscle pathology. This evidence supports the suitability of our system for gene therapy application and the potential of this methodology to assess and improve the feasibility for therapeutic translation of multiple vector approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Albini
- Genethon, 91100 Evry, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, Univ Evry, Inserm, Genethon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, 91000 Evry, France
| | - Laura Palmieri
- Genethon, 91100 Evry, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, Univ Evry, Inserm, Genethon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, 91000 Evry, France
| | - Auriane Dubois
- Genethon, 91100 Evry, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, Univ Evry, Inserm, Genethon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, 91000 Evry, France
| | - Nathalie Bourg
- Genethon, 91100 Evry, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, Univ Evry, Inserm, Genethon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, 91000 Evry, France
| | - William Lostal
- Genethon, 91100 Evry, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, Univ Evry, Inserm, Genethon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, 91000 Evry, France
| | - Isabelle Richard
- Genethon, 91100 Evry, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, Univ Evry, Inserm, Genethon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, 91000 Evry, France
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Bez Batti Angulski A, Hosny N, Cohen H, Martin AA, Hahn D, Bauer J, Metzger JM. Duchenne muscular dystrophy: disease mechanism and therapeutic strategies. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1183101. [PMID: 37435300 PMCID: PMC10330733 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1183101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe, progressive, and ultimately fatal disease of skeletal muscle wasting, respiratory insufficiency, and cardiomyopathy. The identification of the dystrophin gene as central to DMD pathogenesis has led to the understanding of the muscle membrane and the proteins involved in membrane stability as the focal point of the disease. The lessons learned from decades of research in human genetics, biochemistry, and physiology have culminated in establishing the myriad functionalities of dystrophin in striated muscle biology. Here, we review the pathophysiological basis of DMD and discuss recent progress toward the development of therapeutic strategies for DMD that are currently close to or are in human clinical trials. The first section of the review focuses on DMD and the mechanisms contributing to membrane instability, inflammation, and fibrosis. The second section discusses therapeutic strategies currently used to treat DMD. This includes a focus on outlining the strengths and limitations of approaches directed at correcting the genetic defect through dystrophin gene replacement, modification, repair, and/or a range of dystrophin-independent approaches. The final section highlights the different therapeutic strategies for DMD currently in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Joseph M. Metzger
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States
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Hindi SM, Petrany MJ, Greenfeld E, Focke LC, Cramer AAW, Whitt MA, Khairallah RJ, Ward CW, Chamberlain JS, Podbilewicz B, Prasad V, Millay DP. Enveloped viruses pseudotyped with mammalian myogenic cell fusogens target skeletal muscle for gene delivery. Cell 2023; 186:2062-2077.e17. [PMID: 37075755 PMCID: PMC11181154 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.03.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
Entry of enveloped viruses into cells is mediated by viral fusogenic proteins that drive membrane rearrangements needed for fusion between viral and target membranes. Skeletal muscle development also requires membrane fusion events between progenitor cells to form multinucleated myofibers. Myomaker and Myomerger are muscle-specific cell fusogens but do not structurally or functionally resemble classical viral fusogens. We asked whether the muscle fusogens could functionally substitute for viral fusogens, despite their structural distinctiveness, and fuse viruses to cells. We report that engineering of Myomaker and Myomerger on the membrane of enveloped viruses leads to specific transduction of skeletal muscle. We also demonstrate that locally and systemically injected virions pseudotyped with the muscle fusogens can deliver μDystrophin to skeletal muscle of a mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and alleviate pathology. Through harnessing the intrinsic properties of myogenic membranes, we establish a platform for delivery of therapeutic material to skeletal muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajedah M Hindi
- Division of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Michael J Petrany
- Division of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Elena Greenfeld
- Department of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Leah C Focke
- Division of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Alyssa A W Cramer
- Division of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Michael A Whitt
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | | | - Christopher W Ward
- Department of Orthopedics and Center for Biomedical Engineering and Technology (BioMET), University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Chamberlain
- Departments of Neurology, Medicine and Biochemistry, Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Vikram Prasad
- Division of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Douglas P Millay
- Division of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
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