1
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Ketata I, Ellouz E. From pathological mechanisms in Krabbe disease to cutting-edge therapy: A comprehensive review. Neuropathology 2024. [PMID: 38444347 DOI: 10.1111/neup.12967] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Since its initial documentation by Knud Krabbe in 1916, numerous studies have scrutinized the characteristics of Krabbe disease (KD) until the identification of the mutation in the GALC gene. In alignment with that, we investigated the natural history of KD spanning eight decades to gain a deeper understanding of the evolutionary trajectory of its mechanisms. Through our comprehensive analysis, we unearthed additional novel elements in molecular biology involving the micropathological mechanism of the disease. This review offers an updated perspective on the metabolic disorder that defines KD. Recently, extracellular vesicles (EVs), autophagy impairment, and α-synuclein have emerged as pivotal players in the neuropathological processes. EVs might serve as a cellular mechanism to avoid or alleviate the detrimental impacts of excessive toxic psychosine levels, and extracting EVs could contribute to synapse dysfunction. Autophagy impairment was found to be independent of psychosine and reliant on AKT and B-cell lymphoma 2. Additionally, α-synuclein has been recognized for inducing cellular death and dysfunction in common biological pathways. Our objective is to assess the effectiveness of advanced therapies in addressing this particular condition. While hematopoietic stem cells have been a primary treatment, its administration proves challenging, particularly in the presymptomatic phase. In this review, we have compiled information from over 10 therapy trials, comparing them based on their benefits and disadvantage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imen Ketata
- Neurology Department, University Hospital of Gabes, Gabes, Tunisia
- Sfax University, Sfax Faculty of Medicine, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Emna Ellouz
- Neurology Department, University Hospital of Gabes, Gabes, Tunisia
- Sfax University, Sfax Faculty of Medicine, Sfax, Tunisia
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2
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Bradbury AM, Bagel J, Swain G, Miyadera K, Pesayco JP, Assenmacher CA, Brisson B, Hendricks I, Wang XH, Herbst Z, Pyne N, Odonnell P, Shelton GD, Gelb M, Hackett N, Szabolcs P, Vite CH, Escolar M. Combination HSCT and intravenous AAV-mediated gene therapy in a canine model proves pivotal for translation of Krabbe disease therapy. Mol Ther 2024; 32:44-58. [PMID: 37952085 PMCID: PMC10787152 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.11.014] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the only approved treatment for presymptomatic infantile globoid cell leukodystrophy (GLD [Krabbe disease]). However, correction of disease is not complete, and outcomes remain poor. Herein we evaluated HSCT, intravenous (IV) adeno-associated virus rh10 vector (AAVrh10) gene therapy, and combination HSCT + IV AAVrh10 in the canine model of GLD. While HSCT alone resulted in no increase in survival as compared with untreated GLD dogs (∼16 weeks of age), combination HSCT + IV AAVrh10 at a dose of 4E13 genome copies (gc)/kg resulted in delayed disease progression and increased survival beyond 1 year of age. A 5-fold increase in AAVrh10 dose to 2E14 gc/kg, in combination with HSCT, normalized neurological dysfunction up to 2 years of age. IV AAVrh10 alone resulted in an average survival to 41.2 weeks of age. In the peripheral nervous system, IV AAVrh10 alone or in addition to HSCT normalized nerve conduction velocity, improved ultrastructure, and normalized GALC enzyme activity and psychosine concentration. In the central nervous system, only combination therapy at the highest dose was able to restore galactosylceramidase activity and psychosine concentrations to within the normal range. These data have now guided clinical translation of systemic AAV gene therapy as an addition to HSCT (NCT04693598, NCT05739643).
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison M Bradbury
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Center for Gene Therapy, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43215, USA; Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43215, USA.
| | - Jessica Bagel
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Gary Swain
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Keiko Miyadera
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jill P Pesayco
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92161, USA
| | - Charles-Antoine Assenmacher
- Comparative Pathology Core, Department of Pathobiology, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Becky Brisson
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ian Hendricks
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Xiao H Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Zachary Herbst
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Nettie Pyne
- Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Center for Gene Therapy, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
| | - Patricia Odonnell
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - G Diane Shelton
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92161, USA
| | - Michael Gelb
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Neil Hackett
- Neil Hackett Consulting, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Paul Szabolcs
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92161, USA
| | - Charles H Vite
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Maria Escolar
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA; Forge Biologics, Grove City, OH 43123, USA
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3
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Shaimardanova AA, Solovyeva VV, Issa SS, Rizvanov AA. Gene Therapy of Sphingolipid Metabolic Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043627. [PMID: 36835039 PMCID: PMC9964151 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Sphingolipidoses are defined as a group of rare hereditary diseases resulting from mutations in the genes encoding lysosomal enzymes. This group of lysosomal storage diseases includes more than 10 genetic disorders, including GM1-gangliosidosis, Tay-Sachs disease, Sandhoff disease, the AB variant of GM2-gangliosidosis, Fabry disease, Gaucher disease, metachromatic leukodystrophy, Krabbe disease, Niemann-Pick disease, Farber disease, etc. Enzyme deficiency results in accumulation of sphingolipids in various cell types, and the nervous system is also usually affected. There are currently no known effective methods for the treatment of sphingolipidoses; however, gene therapy seems to be a promising therapeutic variant for this group of diseases. In this review, we discuss gene therapy approaches for sphingolipidoses that are currently being investigated in clinical trials, among which adeno-associated viral vector-based approaches and transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells genetically modified with lentiviral vectors seem to be the most effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisa A. Shaimardanova
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
| | - Valeriya V. Solovyeva
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
| | - Shaza S. Issa
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Albert A. Rizvanov
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-(905)-316-7599
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4
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Gupta AO, Raymond G, Pierpont RI, Kemp S, McIvor RS, Rayannavar A, Miller B, Lund TC, Orchard PJ. Treatment of cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy: allogeneic transplantation and lentiviral gene therapy. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2022; 22:1151-1162. [DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2022.2124857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ashish O Gupta
- Division of Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplant and Cellular Therapies, University of Minnesota
| | - Gerald Raymond
- Division of Neurogenetics and The Moser Center for Leukodystrophies, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Rene I Pierpont
- Division of Clinical Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota
| | - Stephan Kemp
- Laboratory Genetic Metabolic Diseases, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Amsterdam UMC - University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam Neuroscience, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - R Scott McIvor
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota
| | | | - Bradley Miller
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, University of Minnesota
| | - Troy C Lund
- Division of Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplant and Cellular Therapies, University of Minnesota
| | - Paul J Orchard
- Division of Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplant and Cellular Therapies, University of Minnesota
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5
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Grabowski GA, Mistry PK. Therapies for lysosomal storage diseases: Principles, practice, and prospects for refinements based on evolving science. Mol Genet Metab 2022; 137:81-91. [PMID: 35933791 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2022.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gregory A Grabowski
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry and Microbiology, United States of America; Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America.
| | - Pramod K Mistry
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Department of Cellular & Molecular Physiology, New Haven, CT, United States of America
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Hordeaux J, Jeffrey BA, Jian J, Choudhury GR, Michalson K, Mitchell TW, Buza EL, Chichester J, Dyer C, Bagel J, Vite CH, Bradbury AM, Wilson JM. Efficacy and Safety of a Krabbe Disease Gene Therapy. Hum Gene Ther 2022; 33:499-517. [PMID: 35333110 PMCID: PMC9142772 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2021.245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Krabbe disease is a lysosomal storage disease caused by mutations in the gene that encodes galactosylceramidase, in which galactosylsphingosine (psychosine) accumulation drives demyelination in the central and peripheral nervous systems, ultimately progressing to death in early childhood. Gene therapy, alone or in combination with transplant, has been developed for almost two decades in mouse models, with increasing therapeutic benefit paralleling the improvement of next-generation adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors. This effort has recently shown remarkable efficacy in the canine model of the disease by two different groups that used either systemic or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) administration of AAVrh10 or AAV9. Building on our experience developing CSF-delivered, AAV-based drug products for a variety of neurodegenerative disorders, we conducted efficacy, pharmacology, and safety studies of AAVhu68 delivered to the CSF in two relevant natural Krabbe animal models, and in nonhuman primates. In newborn Twitcher mice, the highest dose (1 × 1011 genome copies [GC]) of AAVhu68.hGALC injected into the lateral ventricle led to a median survival of 130 days compared to 40.5 days in vehicle-treated mice. When this dose was administered intravenously, the median survival was 49 days. A single intracisterna magna injection of AAVhu68.cGALC at 3 × 1013 GC into presymptomatic Krabbe dogs increased survival for up to 85 weeks compared to 12 weeks in controls. It prevented psychosine accumulation in the CSF, preserved peripheral nerve myelination, ambulation, and decreased brain neuroinflammation and demyelination, although some regions remained abnormal. In a Good Laboratory Practice-compliant toxicology study, we administered the clinical candidate into the cisterna magna of 18 juvenile rhesus macaques at 3 doses that displayed efficacy in mice. We observed no dose-limiting toxicity and sporadic minimal degeneration of dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons. Our studies demonstrate the efficacy, scalability, and safety of a single cisterna magna AAVhu68 administration to treat Krabbe disease. ClinicalTrials.Gov ID: NCT04771416.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliette Hordeaux
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Brianne A Jeffrey
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jinlong Jian
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Gourav R Choudhury
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kristofer Michalson
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Thomas W Mitchell
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Elizabeth L Buza
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jessica Chichester
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Cecilia Dyer
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jessica Bagel
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Charles H Vite
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Allison M Bradbury
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - James M Wilson
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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7
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Rafi MA. Krabbe disease: A personal perspective and hypothesis. BIOIMPACTS : BI 2022; 12:3-7. [PMID: 35087711 PMCID: PMC8783082 DOI: 10.34172/bi.2021.23931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Krabbe disease (KD) or globoid cell leukodystrophy (GLD) is one of the lysosomal disorders affecting central and peripheral nervous systems (CNS and PNS). It is caused by mutations on the galactocerebrosidase (GALC) gene. Affected individuals accumulate undegraded substrates and suffer from neuroinflammation. Methods: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has been partially successful in treating patients with KD when accomplished prior to the onset of symptoms. The success is credited to the ability of the hematopoietic stem cells in providing some GALC enzyme to the CNS and eradicating potential neuroinflammation. Combination of the HSCT with some other GALC-providing strategies has shown synergistic effects in the treatment of the mouse model of this disease. Results: Here, the possibility of eliminating HSCT in the treatment of human patients and replacing it with a single therapy that will provide sufficient GALC enzyme to the nervous systems is suggested. Such treatment, if started during the asymptomatic stage of the disease, not only may eradicate the enzyme deficiency, but may also keep any neuroinflammation at bay. Conclusion: Successful treatment of the KD may be possible by restoring consistent and sufficient GALC expression in CNS and PNS.
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8
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Nasir G, Chopra R, Elwood F, Ahmed SS. Krabbe Disease: Prospects of Finding a Cure Using AAV Gene Therapy. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:760236. [PMID: 34869463 PMCID: PMC8633897 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.760236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Krabbe Disease (KD) is an autosomal metabolic disorder that affects both the central and peripheral nervous systems. It is caused by a functional deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme, galactocerebrosidase (GALC), resulting in an accumulation of the toxic metabolite, psychosine. Psychosine accumulation affects many different cellular pathways, leading to severe demyelination. Although there is currently no effective therapy for Krabbe disease, recent gene therapy-based approaches in animal models have indicated a promising outlook for clinical treatment. This review highlights recent findings in the pathogenesis of Krabbe disease, and evaluates AAV-based gene therapy as a promising strategy for treating this devastating pediatric disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gibran Nasir
- Department of Neuroscience, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research (NIBR), Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Rajiv Chopra
- AllianThera Biopharma, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Fiona Elwood
- Department of Neuroscience, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research (NIBR), Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Seemin S Ahmed
- Department of Neuroscience, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research (NIBR), Cambridge, MA, United States
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9
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Jensen TL, Gøtzsche CR, Woldbye DPD. Current and Future Prospects for Gene Therapy for Rare Genetic Diseases Affecting the Brain and Spinal Cord. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:695937. [PMID: 34690692 PMCID: PMC8527017 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.695937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, gene therapy has been raising hopes toward viable treatment strategies for rare genetic diseases for which there has been almost exclusively supportive treatment. We here review this progress at the pre-clinical and clinical trial levels as well as market approvals within diseases that specifically affect the brain and spinal cord, including degenerative, developmental, lysosomal storage, and metabolic disorders. The field reached an unprecedented milestone when Zolgensma® (onasemnogene abeparvovec) was approved by the FDA and EMA for in vivo adeno-associated virus-mediated gene replacement therapy for spinal muscular atrophy. Shortly after EMA approved Libmeldy®, an ex vivo gene therapy with lentivirus vector-transduced autologous CD34-positive stem cells, for treatment of metachromatic leukodystrophy. These successes could be the first of many more new gene therapies in development that mostly target loss-of-function mutation diseases with gene replacement (e.g., Batten disease, mucopolysaccharidoses, gangliosidoses) or, less frequently, gain-of-toxic-function mutation diseases by gene therapeutic silencing of pathologic genes (e.g., amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease). In addition, the use of genome editing as a gene therapy is being explored for some diseases, but this has so far only reached clinical testing in the treatment of mucopolysaccharidoses. Based on the large number of planned, ongoing, and completed clinical trials for rare genetic central nervous system diseases, it can be expected that several novel gene therapies will be approved and become available within the near future. Essential for this to happen is the in depth characterization of short- and long-term effects, safety aspects, and pharmacodynamics of the applied gene therapy platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Leth Jensen
- Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
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10
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Feltri ML, Weinstock NI, Favret J, Dhimal N, Wrabetz L, Shin D. Mechanisms of demyelination and neurodegeneration in globoid cell leukodystrophy. Glia 2021; 69:2309-2331. [PMID: 33851745 PMCID: PMC8502241 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Globoid cell leukodystrophy (GLD), also known as Krabbe disease, is a lysosomal storage disorder causing extensive demyelination in the central and peripheral nervous systems. GLD is caused by loss-of-function mutations in the lysosomal hydrolase, galactosylceramidase (GALC), which catabolizes the myelin sphingolipid galactosylceramide. The pathophysiology of GLD is complex and reflects the expression of GALC in a number of glial and neural cell types in both the central and peripheral nervous systems (CNS and PNS), as well as leukocytes and kidney in the periphery. Over the years, GLD has garnered a wide range of scientific and medical interests, especially as a model system to study gene therapy and novel preclinical therapeutic approaches to treat the spontaneous murine model for GLD. Here, we review recent findings in the field of Krabbe disease, with particular emphasis on novel aspects of GALC physiology, GLD pathophysiology, and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Laura Feltri
- Hunter James Kelly Research Institute, Buffalo, New York
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
- Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
| | - Nadav I. Weinstock
- Hunter James Kelly Research Institute, Buffalo, New York
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
| | - Jacob Favret
- Hunter James Kelly Research Institute, Buffalo, New York
- Biotechnical and Clinical Lab Sciences, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
| | - Narayan Dhimal
- Hunter James Kelly Research Institute, Buffalo, New York
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
| | - Lawrence Wrabetz
- Hunter James Kelly Research Institute, Buffalo, New York
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
- Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
| | - Daesung Shin
- Hunter James Kelly Research Institute, Buffalo, New York
- Biotechnical and Clinical Lab Sciences, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
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Wenger DA, Luzi P, Rafi MA. Advances in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Krabbe Disease. Int J Neonatal Screen 2021; 7:57. [PMID: 34449528 PMCID: PMC8396024 DOI: 10.3390/ijns7030057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Krabbe disease is an autosomal recessive leukodystrophy caused by pathogenic variants in the galactocerebrosidase (GALC) gene. GALC activity is needed for the lysosomal hydrolysis of galactosylceramide, an important component of myelin. While most patients are infants, older patients are also diagnosed. Starting in 1970, a diagnosis could be made by measuring GALC activity in leukocytes and cultured cells. After the purification of GALC in 1993, the cDNA and genes were cloned. Over 260 disease-causing variants as well as activity lowering benign variants have been identified. While some pathogenic variants can be considered "severe," others can be considered "mild." The combination of alleles determines the type of Krabbe disease a person will have. To identify patients earlier, newborn screening (NBS) has been implemented in several states. Low GALC activity in this screening test may indicate a diagnosis of Krabbe disease. Second tier testing as well as neuro-diagnostic studies may be required to identify those individuals needing immediate treatment. Treatment of pre-symptomatic or mildly symptomatic patients at this time is limited to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Treatment studies using the mouse and dog models have shown that combining bone marrow transplantation with intra-venous gene therapy provides the best outcomes in terms of survival, behavior, and preservation of normal myelination in the central and peripheral nervous systems. With earlier diagnosis of patients through newborn screening and advances in treatment, it is hoped that more patients will have a much better quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Wenger
- Lysosomal Diseases Testing Laboratory, Department of Neurology, Sidney Kimmel College of Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA; (P.L.); (M.A.R.)
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12
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von Jonquieres G, Rae CD, Housley GD. Emerging Concepts in Vector Development for Glial Gene Therapy: Implications for Leukodystrophies. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:661857. [PMID: 34239416 PMCID: PMC8258421 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.661857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Central Nervous System (CNS) homeostasis and function rely on intercellular synchronization of metabolic pathways. Developmental and neurochemical imbalances arising from mutations are frequently associated with devastating and often intractable neurological dysfunction. In the absence of pharmacological treatment options, but with knowledge of the genetic cause underlying the pathophysiology, gene therapy holds promise for disease control. Consideration of leukodystrophies provide a case in point; we review cell type – specific expression pattern of the disease – causing genes and reflect on genetic and cellular treatment approaches including ex vivo hematopoietic stem cell gene therapies and in vivo approaches using adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors. We link recent advances in vectorology to glial targeting directed towards gene therapies for specific leukodystrophies and related developmental or neurometabolic disorders affecting the CNS white matter and frame strategies for therapy development in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georg von Jonquieres
- Translational Neuroscience Facility, Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Caroline D Rae
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Gary D Housley
- Translational Neuroscience Facility, Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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13
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Bradbury AM, Bongarzone ER, Sands MS. Krabbe disease: New hope for an old disease. Neurosci Lett 2021; 752:135841. [PMID: 33766733 PMCID: PMC8802533 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.135841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Krabbe disease (globoid cell leukodystrophy) is a lysosomal storage disease (LSD) characterized by progressive and profound demyelination. Infantile, juvenile and adult-onset forms of Krabbe disease have been described, with infantile being the most common. Children with an infantile-onset generally appear normal at birth but begin to miss developmental milestones by six months of age and die by two to four years of age. Krabbe disease is caused by a deficiency of the acid hydrolase galactosylceramidase (GALC) which is responsible for the degradation of galactosylceramides and sphingolipids, which are abundant in myelin membranes. The absence of GALC leads to the toxic accumulation of galactosylsphingosine (psychosine), a lysoderivative of galactosylceramides, in oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells resulting in demyelination of the central and peripheral nervous systems, respectively. Treatment strategies such as enzyme replacement, substrate reduction, enzyme chaperones, and gene therapy have shown promise in LSDs. Unfortunately, Krabbe disease has been relatively refractory to most single-therapy interventions. Although hematopoietic stem cell transplantation can alter the course of Krabbe disease and is the current standard-of-care, it simply slows the progression, even when initiated in pre-symptomatic children. However, the recent success of combinatorial therapeutic approaches in small animal models of Krabbe disease and the identification of new pathogenic mechanisms provide hope for the development of effective treatments for this devastating disease. This review provides a brief history of Krabbe disease and the evolution of single and combination therapeutic approaches and discusses new pathogenic mechanisms and how they might impact the development of more effective treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison M Bradbury
- Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Ohio State University, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, OH, 43205, United States.
| | - Ernesto R Bongarzone
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, United States.
| | - Mark S Sands
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States; Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States.
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Bradbury AM, Ream MA. Recent Advancements in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Leukodystrophies. Semin Pediatr Neurol 2021; 37:100876. [PMID: 33892849 DOI: 10.1016/j.spen.2021.100876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Leukodystrophies and genetic leukoencephalopathies comprise a growing group of inherited white matter disorders. Diagnostic rates have improved with increased utilization of next generation sequencing. As treatment options continue to advance for leukodystrophies, so will candidacy for inclusion in the United States' newborn Recommended Universal Screening Panel as was achieved for X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy. Stem cell therapies have become standard of care for selected leukodystrophies. However, transplantation-related risks remain high and outcomes are not fully satisfactory. Transduction of autologous hematopoietic stem cells with lentiviral vectors, referred to as ex vivo gene therapy, circumvents some, but not all, of the risks of traditional transplantation and has recently been demonstrated to be safe and efficective in clinical studies of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy and metachromatic leukodystrophy. Gene therapy, through direct infusion of adeno-associated virus vectors, has emerged as a safer alternative for many monogenetic pediatric neurological disorders. Numerous preclinical studies have shown safety and efficacy of adeno-associated virus gene therapy in leukodystrophies allowing expanded access treatment for Canavan disease prior to initiation of a clinical trial. For inherited white matter disorders resulting from overexpression of a protein, such as Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease, emerging RNA therapies have shown success in preclinical studies and promise for rapid translation to the clinic. Lastly, small molecule and protein therapies remain a long-term treatment option for a number of leukodystrophies, including intrathecal enzyme replacement therapy for metachromatic leukodystrophy. Herein we review recent advances in diagnosis and treatment of inherited white matter disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Margie A Ream
- Division of Neurology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH.
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Rafi MA, Luzi P, Wenger DA. Can early treatment of twitcher mice with high dose AAVrh10-GALC eliminate the need for BMT? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 11:135-146. [PMID: 33842284 PMCID: PMC8022232 DOI: 10.34172/bi.2021.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
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Introduction: Krabbe disease (KD) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the galactocerebrosidase (GALC) gene resulting in neuro-inflammation and defective myelination in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Most infantile patients present with clinical features before six months of age and die before two years of age. The only treatment available for pre-symptomatic or mildly affected individuals is hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). In the animal models, combining bone marrow transplantation (BMT) with gene therapy has shown the best results in disease outcome. In this study, we examine the outcome of gene therapy alone. Methods: Twitcher (twi) mice used in the study, have a W339X mutation in the GALC gene. Genotype identification of the mice was performed shortly after birth or post-natal day 1 (PND1), using polymerase chain reaction on the toe clips followed by restriction enzyme digestion and electrophoresis. Eight or nine-day-old affected mice were used for gene therapy treatment alone or combined with BMT. While iv injection of 4 × 1013 gc/kg of body weight of viral vector was used originally, different viral titers were also used without BMT to evaluate their outcomes. Results: When the standard viral dose was increased four- and ten-fold (4X and 10X) without BMT, the lifespans were increased significantly. Without BMT the affected mice were fertile, had the same weight and appearance as wild type mice and had normal strength and gait. The brains showed no staining for CD68, a marker for activated microglia/macrophages, and less astrogliosis than untreated twi mice. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that, it may be possible to treat human KD patients with high dose AAVrh10 without blood stem cell transplantation which would eliminate the side effects of HSCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad A Rafi
- Department of Neurology, Sidney Kimmel College of Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Paola Luzi
- Department of Neurology, Sidney Kimmel College of Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - David A Wenger
- Department of Neurology, Sidney Kimmel College of Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
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Omidi Y, Alavi A. Achievements and beyond: Scientific trajectory of Professor Mohammad A. Rafi. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 11:1-4. [PMID: 33469502 PMCID: PMC7803920 DOI: 10.34172/bi.2021.01] [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: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This biography highlights the scientific trajectory of Professor Mohammad A. Rafi, Ph.D., who, in particular, has greatly advanced the field of neurodegenerative disorders during his long and successful tenure at Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University. This Editorial recognizes, above all, Professor Rafi's significant contributions to the study of lysosomal storage disorders as they relate to Krabbe Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yadollah Omidi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
| | - Abass Alavi
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
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