Superior neovascularization and muscle regeneration in ischemic skeletal muscles following VEGF gene transfer by rAAV1 pseudotyped vectors

• Recombinant adeno-associated virus serotype 2 (rAAV2) vector has been widely employed for gene therapy. Recent progress suggests that the new serotypes of AAV showed a better performance than did AAV2 in normal tissues. Here, we evaluate the potential role of human vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene transfer using rAAV vector pseudotyped with serotype I capsid proteins (rAAV1) in the treatment of muscle ischemia. In ischemic skeletal muscles, the rAAV1-LacZ vector allowed higher level, broader distribution, and long-lasting gene expression compared with the rAAV2-LacZ vector. Muscle VEGF165 production following the rAAV1-VEGF165 vector injection was 5-10 times higher than that following the rAAV2-VEGF165 vector injection. VEGF165 production mediated by the rAAV1-VEGF165 vector stimulated a large set of neovascularization with relatively mature vascular structures and enhanced muscle regeneration in the ischemic skeletal muscles. Thus, the rAAV1-NEGF165 vector mediated gene transfer may be a therapeutic approach to peripheral vascular diseases.

Ämnesord

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Biologi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Biological Sciences (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

endothelial growth factor

vascular

gene delivery

serotype 1

adeno-associated virus

muscle

ischemia

Publikations- och innehållstyp

art (ämneskategori)

ref (ämneskategori)