1
|
Zhou K, Yuan M, Sun J, Zhang F, Zong X, Li Z, Tang D, Zhou L, Zheng J, Xiao X, Wu X. Sildenafil increases AAV9 transduction after a systemic administration and enhances AAV9-dystrophin therapeutic effect in mdx mice. Gene Ther 2024; 31:19-30. [PMID: 37500816 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-023-00411-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors have been successfully used to deliver genes for treating rare diseases. However, the systemic administration of high AAV vector doses triggers several adverse effects, including immune response, the asymptomatic elevation of liver transaminase levels, and complement activation. Thus, improving AAV transduction and reducing AAV dosage for treatment is necessary. Recently, we found that a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor significantly promoted AAV9 transduction in vitro by regulating the caveolae and macropinocytosis pathways. When AAV9-Gaussian luciferase (AAV9-Gluc) and AAV9-green fluorescent protein (AAV9-GFP) were injected intravenously into mice pre-treated with sildenafil, the expressions of Gluc in the plasma and GFP in muscle tissues significantly increased (P < 0.05). Sildenafil also improved Evans blue permeation in tissues. Additionally, we found that sildenafil promoted Treg proliferation, inhibited B-cell activation, and decreased anti-AAV9 IgG levels (P < 0.05). Furthermore, sildenafil significantly promoted Duchenne muscular dystrophy gene therapy efficacy using AAV9 in mdx mice; it increased micro-dystrophin gene expression, forelimb grip strength, and time spent on the rotarod test, decreased serum creatine kinase levels, and ameliorated histopathology by improving muscle cell morphology and reducing fibrosis (P < 0.05). These results show that sildenafil significantly improved AAV transduction, suppressed the levels of anti-AAV9 IgG, and enhanced the efficacy of gene therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaiyi Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Meng Yuan
- School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiabao Sun
- School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Feixu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, School of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoying Zong
- School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhanao Li
- School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Dingyue Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, School of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Lichen Zhou
- The General Hospital of Western Theater Command PLA, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Jing Zheng
- Belief BioMed, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Xiao
- School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27517, USA.
| | - Xia Wu
- School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Thürkauf M, Lin S, Oliveri F, Grimm D, Platt RJ, Rüegg MA. Fast, multiplexable and efficient somatic gene deletions in adult mouse skeletal muscle fibers using AAV-CRISPR/Cas9. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6116. [PMID: 37777530 PMCID: PMC10542775 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41769-7] [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: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular screens comparing different disease states to identify candidate genes rely on the availability of fast, reliable and multiplexable systems to interrogate genes of interest. CRISPR/Cas9-based reverse genetics is a promising method to eventually achieve this. However, such methods are sorely lacking for multi-nucleated muscle fibers, since highly efficient nuclei editing is a requisite to robustly inactive candidate genes. Here, we couple Cre-mediated skeletal muscle fiber-specific Cas9 expression with myotropic adeno-associated virus-mediated sgRNA delivery to establish a system for highly effective somatic gene deletions in mice. Using well-characterized genes, we show that local or systemic inactivation of these genes copy the phenotype of traditional gene-knockout mouse models. Thus, this proof-of-principle study establishes a method to unravel the function of individual genes or entire signaling pathways in adult skeletal muscle fibers without the cumbersome requirement of generating knockout mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Shuo Lin
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Dirk Grimm
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Section Viral Vector Technologies, Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- BioQuant, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) and German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Randall J Platt
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (D-BSSE), ETH Zurich, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wu M, Li H, He J, Liang J, Liu Y, Zhang W. TRIM72 Alleviates Muscle Inflammation in mdx Mice via Promoting Mitophagy-Mediated NLRP3 Inflammasome Inactivation. Oxid Med Cell Longev 2023; 2023:8408574. [PMID: 36713032 DOI: 10.1155/2023/8408574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Chronic muscle inflammation exacerbates the pathogenesis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), which is characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness. NLRP3 (nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat pyrin domain containing 3) inflammasome plays a key role in the inflammatory process, and its abnormal activation leads to a variety of inflammatory or immune diseases. TRIM72 (MG53) is a protective myokine for tissue repair and regeneration. However, little is known about the potential impact of TRIM72 in the crosstalk between mitophagy and inflammatory process of DMD. Here, 10-week-old male mdx mice were injected intramuscularly with adeno-associated virus (AAV-TRIM72) to overexpress TRIM72 protein for 6 weeks. Then, skeletal muscle samples were collected, and relevant parameters were measured by histopathological analysis and molecular biology techniques. C2C12 cell line was transfected with lentivirus (LV-TRIM72) to overexpress or siRNA (si-TRIM72) to suppress the TRIM72 expression for the following experiment. Our data firstly showed that the TRIM72 expression was decreased in skeletal muscles of mdx mice. Then, we observed the increased NLRP3 inflammasome and impaired mitophagy in mdx mice compared with wild type mice. In mdx mice, administration of AAV-TRIM72 alleviated the accumulation of NLRP3 inflammasome and the consequent IL-18 and IL1β maturation by inducing autophagy, while this protective effect was reversed by chloroquine. Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS), as a recognized activator for NLRP3 inflammasome, was attenuated by TRIM72 through the induction of mitophagy in C2C12 cells. Additionally, we proposed that the TRIM72 overexpression might promote mitophagy through both the early stage by PI3K-AKT pathway and the late stage by autolysosome fusion. In conclusion, the current study suggests that TRIM72 prevents DMD inflammation via decreasing NLRP3 inflammasomes and enhancing mitophagy. Collectively, our study provides insight into TRIM72 as a promising target for therapeutic intervention for DMD.
Collapse
|
4
|
Beloukhova MI, Lukashev AN, Volchkov PY, Zamyatnin AA, Deviatkin AA. Robust AAV Genotyping Based on Genetic Distances in Rep Gene That Are Maintained by Ubiquitous Recombination. Viruses 2022; 14:1038. [PMID: 35632781 PMCID: PMC9143360 DOI: 10.3390/v14051038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are a convenient tool for gene therapy delivery. According to the current classification, they are divided into the species AAV A and AAV B within the genus Dependoparvovirus. Historically AAVs were also subdivided on the intraspecies level into 13 serotypes, which differ in tissue tropism and targeted gene delivery capacity. Serotype, however, is not a universal taxonomic category, and their assignment is not always robust. Cross-reactivity has been shown, indicating that classification could not rely on the results of serological tests alone. Moreover, since the isolation of AAV4, all subsequent AAVs were subdivided into serotypes based primarily on genetic differences and phylogenetic reconstructions. An increased interest in the use of AAV as a gene delivery tool justifies the need to improve the existing classification. Here, we suggest genotype-based AAV classification below the species level based on the rep gene. A robust threshold was established as 10% nt differences within the 1248 nt genome fragment, with 4 distinct AAV genotypes identified. This distinct sub-species structure is maintained by ubiquitous recombination within, but not between, rep genes of the suggested genotypes.
Collapse
|
5
|
Banning A, Zakrzewicz A, Chen X, Gray SJ, Tikkanen R. Knockout of the CMP-Sialic Acid Transporter SLC35A1 in Human Cell Lines Increases Transduction Efficiency of Adeno-Associated Virus 9: Implications for Gene Therapy Potency Assays. Cells 2021; 10:1259. [PMID: 34069698 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated viruses (AAV) have emerged as an important tool for gene therapy for human diseases. A prerequisite for clinical approval is an in vitro potency assay that can measure the transduction efficiency of each virus lot produced. The AAV serotypes are typical for gene therapy bind to different cell surface structures. The binding of AAV9 on the surface is mediated by terminal galactose residues present in the asparagine-linked carbohydrates in glycoproteins. However, such terminal galactose residues are rare in cultured cells. They are masked by sialic acid residues, which is an obstacle for the infection of many cell lines with AAV9 and the respective potency assays. The sialic acid residues can be removed by enzymatic digestion or chemical treatment. Still, such treatments are not practical for AAV9 potency assays since they may be difficult to standardize. In this study, we generated human cell lines (HEK293T and HeLa) that become permissive for AAV9 transduction after a knockout of the CMP–sialic acid transporter SLC35A1. Using the human aspartylglucosaminidase (AGA) gene, we show that these cell lines can be used as a model system for establishing potency assays for AAV9-based gene therapy approaches for human diseases.
Collapse
|
6
|
Korneyenkov MA, Zamyatnin AA. Next Step in Gene Delivery: Modern Approaches and Further Perspectives of AAV Tropism Modification. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13050750. [PMID: 34069541 PMCID: PMC8160765 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13050750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [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: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Today, adeno-associated virus (AAV) is an extremely popular choice for gene therapy delivery. The safety profile and simplicity of the genome organization are the decisive advantages which allow us to claim that AAV is currently among the most promising vectors. Several drugs based on AAV have been approved in the USA and Europe, but AAV serotypes’ unspecific tissue tropism is still a serious limitation. In recent decades, several techniques have been developed to overcome this barrier, such as the rational design, directed evolution and chemical conjugation of targeting molecules with a capsid. Today, all of the abovementioned approaches confer the possibility to produce AAV capsids with tailored tropism, but recent data indicate that a better understanding of AAV biology and the growth of structural data may theoretically constitute a rational approach to most effectively produce highly selective and targeted AAV capsids. However, while we are still far from this goal, other approaches are still in play, despite their drawbacks and limitations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maxim A. Korneyenkov
- Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Andrey A. Zamyatnin
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Biotechnology, Sirius University of Science and Technology, 1 Olympic Ave, 354340 Sochi, Russia
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119992 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-495-622-9843
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is a nonenveloped, ssDNA virus in the parvovirus family, which has become one of the leading candidate vectors for human gene therapy. AAV has been studied extensively to identify host cellular factors involved in infection, as well as to identify capsid variants that confer clinically favorable transduction profiles ex vivo and in vivo. Recent advances in technology have allowed for direct genetic approaches to be used to more comprehensively characterize host factors required for AAV infection and allowed for identification of a critical multi-serotype receptor, adeno-associated virus receptor (AAVR). In this chapter, we will discuss the interactions of AAV with its glycan and proteinaceous receptors and describe the host and viral components involved in AAV entry, which requires cellular attachment, endocytosis, trafficking to the trans-Golgi network and nuclear import. AAV serves as a paradigm for entry of nonenveloped viruses. Furthermore, we will discuss the potential of utilizing our increased understanding of virus-host interactions during AAV entry to develop better AAV-based therapeutics, with a focus on host factors and capsid interactions involved in in vivo tropism.
Collapse
|
8
|
Boutagy NE, Ravera S, Papademetris X, Onofrey JA, Zhuang ZW, Wu J, Feher A, Stacy MR, French BA, Annex BH, Carrasco N, Sinusas AJ. Noninvasive In Vivo Quantification of Adeno-Associated Virus Serotype 9-Mediated Expression of the Sodium/Iodide Symporter Under Hindlimb Ischemia and Neuraminidase Desialylation in Skeletal Muscle Using Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography/Computed Tomography. Circ Cardiovasc Imaging 2019; 12:e009063. [PMID: 31296047 DOI: 10.1161/circimaging.119.009063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [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] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We propose micro single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography imaging of the hNIS (human sodium/iodide symporter) to noninvasively quantify adeno-associated virus 9 (AAV9)-mediated gene expression in a murine model of peripheral artery disease. METHODS AAV9-hNIS (2×1011 viral genome particles) was injected into nonischemic or ischemic gastrocnemius muscles of C57Bl/6J mice following unilateral hindlimb ischemia ± the α-sialidase NA (neuraminidase). Control nonischemic limbs were injected with phosphate buffered saline or remained noninjected. Twelve mice underwent micro single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography imaging after serial injection of pertechnetate (99mTcO4-), a NIS substrate, up to 28 days after AAV9-hNIS injection. Twenty four animals were euthanized at selected times over 1 month for ex vivo validation. Forty-two animals were imaged with 99mTcO4- ± the selective NIS inhibitor perchlorate on day 10, to ascertain specificity of radiotracer uptake. Tissue was harvested for ex vivo validation. A modified version of the U-Net deep learning algorithm was used for image quantification. RESULTS As quantitated by standardized uptake value, there was a gradual temporal increase in 99mTcO4- uptake in muscles treated with AAV9-hNIS. Hindlimb ischemia, NA, and hindlimb ischemia plus NA increased the magnitude of 99mTcO4- uptake by 4- to 5-fold compared with nonischemic muscle treated with only AAV9-hNIS. Perchlorate treatment significantly reduced 99mTcO4- uptake in AAV9-hNIS-treated muscles, demonstrating uptake specificity. The imaging results correlated well with ex vivo well counting (r2=0.9375; P<0.0001) and immunoblot analysis of NIS protein (r2=0.65; P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Micro single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography imaging of hNIS-mediated 99mTcO4- uptake allows for accurate in vivo quantification of AAV9-driven gene expression, which increases under ischemic conditions or neuraminidase desialylation in skeletal muscle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nabil E Boutagy
- Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale Translational Research Imaging Center (N.E.B., Z.W.Z., A.F., M.R.S., A.J.S.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Silvia Ravera
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology (S.R., N.C.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Xenophon Papademetris
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging (X.P., J.A.O., J.W., A.J.S.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - John A Onofrey
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging (X.P., J.A.O., J.W., A.J.S.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Zhen W Zhuang
- Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale Translational Research Imaging Center (N.E.B., Z.W.Z., A.F., M.R.S., A.J.S.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Jing Wu
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging (X.P., J.A.O., J.W., A.J.S.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Attila Feher
- Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale Translational Research Imaging Center (N.E.B., Z.W.Z., A.F., M.R.S., A.J.S.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Mitchel R Stacy
- Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale Translational Research Imaging Center (N.E.B., Z.W.Z., A.F., M.R.S., A.J.S.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Brent A French
- Department of Biomedical Engineering (B.A.F., B.H.A.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine (B.A.F., B.H.A.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Brian H Annex
- Department of Biomedical Engineering (B.A.F., B.H.A.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine (B.A.F., B.H.A.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Nancy Carrasco
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology (S.R., N.C.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Albert J Sinusas
- Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale Translational Research Imaging Center (N.E.B., Z.W.Z., A.F., M.R.S., A.J.S.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging (X.P., J.A.O., J.W., A.J.S.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| |
Collapse
|