Optimization strategies and advances in the research and development of AAV-based gene therapy to deliver large transgenes

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.

Subunits of the PBAP Chromatin Remodeler Are Capable of Mediating Enhancer-Driven Transcription in Drosophila

The chromatin remodeler SWI/SNF is an important participant in gene activation, functioning predominantly by opening the chromatin structure on promoters and enhancers. Here, we describe its novel mode of action in which SWI/SNF factors mediate the targeted action of an enhancer. We studied the functions of two signature subunits of PBAP subfamily, BAP170 and SAYP, in Drosophila. These subunits were stably tethered to a transgene reporter carrying the hsp70 core promoter. The tethered subunits mediate transcription of the reporter in a pattern that is generated by enhancers close to the insertion site in multiple loci throughout the genome. Both tethered SAYP and BAP170 recruit the whole PBAP complex to the reporter promoter. However, we found that BAP170-dependent transcription is more resistant to the depletion of other PBAP subunits, suggesting that BAP170 may play a more critical role in establishing enhancer-dependent transcription.

[The significance of the association of erythrocytic antigens in rheumatism]

A study is presented of ABO system, rhesus, MN, P, Lewis factor in 78 patients with rheumatism. Taken separately their information value was low. At the same time in patients with O (I), A (II), B (III) blood groups association of antigens were often met that allows to isolate among healthy persons groups of high risk as related to rheumatism with the purpose of realizing primary prophylaxis.

[Injuries of the heart]

The authors had 53 patients with heart injuries under observation; 52 patients were operated on for vital indications. The heart wound was sutured, the concomitant injuries to other organs were removed, and the pericardial and pleural cavities were drained. Air-tightness of the injured heart muscle was attained in all cases. Seven of the patients who were operated on died. One patient who did not undergo operation died suddenly in complete well-being from acute cardiac tamponade 2 days after injury to the chest inflicted with a pin-like object. The authors emphasize the importance of organizational measures promoting earliest performance of the operation.

[Traumatic injuries and diseases of the diaphragm]

The article analyses experience in diagnosing the pathological condition and treating 125 patients with acute injury to the diaphragm (61 patients) and chronic traumatic diaphragmatic hernias (64 patients). The authors indicate the therapeutic and diagnostic means in this pathological emergency due to the acute trauma of the chest and abdomen or incarceration of the abdomen. The diagnostic errors and their consequences are analysed. Operation was conducted on 104 patients. In ruptures of the diaphragm in the zone of the esophageal hiatus the cardia was drawn downwards and fastened under the diaphragm; in cases of fractures of the bony framework of the chest with the formation of fragments, panel fixation of the costal fragments and the sternum was carried out by the authors' methods. The results of the surgical interventions are shown (18 patients--17.4% died) with emphasis on the character of the disorders and the lapse of time from the development of the emergency to the application of therapeutic aid.