Novel vectors and approaches for gene therapy in liver diseases

Gene therapy is becoming an increasingly valuable tool to treat many genetic diseases with no or limited treatment options. This is the case for hundreds of monogenic metabolic disorders of hepatic origin, for which liver transplantation remains the only cure. Furthermore, the liver contains 10-15% of the body's total blood volume, making it ideal for use as a factory to secrete proteins into the circulation. In recent decades, an expanding toolbox has become available for liver-directed gene delivery. Although viral vectors have long been the preferred approach to target hepatocytes, an increasing number of non-viral vectors are emerging as highly efficient vehicles for the delivery of genetic material. Herein, we review advances in gene delivery vectors targeting the liver and more specifically hepatocytes, covering strategies based on gene addition and gene editing, as well as the exciting results obtained with the use of RNA as a therapeutic molecule. Moreover, we will briefly summarise some of the limitations of current liver-directed gene therapy approaches and potential ways of overcoming them.

Gene therapy for neurodegenerative disorders: advances, insights and prospects

Gene therapy is rapidly emerging as a powerful therapeutic strategy for a wide range of neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD) and Huntington's disease (HD). Some early clinical trials have failed to achieve satisfactory therapeutic effects. Efforts to enhance effectiveness are now concentrating on three major fields: identification of new vectors, novel therapeutic targets, and reliable of delivery routes for transgenes. These approaches are being assessed closely in preclinical and clinical trials, which may ultimately provide powerful treatments for patients. Here, we discuss advances and challenges of gene therapy for neurodegenerative disorders, highlighting promising technologies, targets, and future prospects.