| 1. |
- Kagiava, Alexia, et al.
(author)
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AAV9-mediated Schwann cell-targeted gene therapy rescues a model of demyelinating neuropathy.
- 2021
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In: Gene therapy. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1476-5462 .- 0969-7128. ; 28:10-11, s. 659-675
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Mutations in the GJB1 gene, encoding the gap junction (GJ) protein connexin32 (Cx32), cause X-linked Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT1X), an inherited demyelinating neuropathy. We developed a gene therapy approach for CMT1X using an AAV9 vector to deliver the GJB1/Cx32 gene under the myelin protein zero (Mpz) promoter for targeted expression in Schwann cells. Lumbar intrathecal injection of the AAV9-Mpz.GJB1 resulted in widespread biodistribution in the peripheral nervous system including lumbar roots, sciatic and femoral nerves, as well as in Cx32 expression in the paranodal non-compact myelin areas of myelinated fibers. A pre-, as well as post-onset treatment trial in Gjb1-null mice, demonstrated improved motor performance and sciatic nerve conduction velocities along with improved myelination and reduced inflammation in peripheral nerve tissues. Blood biomarker levels were also significantly ameliorated in treated mice. This study provides evidence that a clinically translatable AAV9-mediated gene therapy approach targeting Schwann cells could potentially treat CMT1X.
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| 2. |
- Kagiava, Alexia, et al.
(author)
-
Gene replacement therapy in two Golgi-retained CMT1X mutants before and after the onset of demyelinating neuropathy
- 2023
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In: MOLECULAR THERAPY METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT. - 2329-0501. ; 30, s. 377-393
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- X-linked Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1 (CMT1X) is a demyelinating neuropathy resulting from loss-of-function mu-tations affecting the GJB1/connexin 32 (Cx32) gene. We previ-ously showed functional and morphological improvement in Gjb1-null mice following AAV9-mediated delivery of human Cx32 driven by the myelin protein zero (Mpz) promoter in Schwann cells. However, CMT1X mutants may interfere with virally delivered wild-type (WT) Cx32. To confirm the efficacy of this vector also in the presence of CMT1X mutants, we deliv-ered AAV9-Mpz-GJB1 by lumbar intrathecal injection in R75W/Gjb1-null and N175D/Gjb1-null transgenic lines ex-pressing Golgi-retained mutations, before and after the onset of the neuropathy. Widespread expression of virally delivered Cx32 was demonstrated in both genotypes. Re-establishment of WT Cx32 function resulted in improved muscle strength and increased sciatic nerve motor conduction velocities in all treated groups from both mutant lines when treated before as well as after the onset of the neuropathy. Furthermore, morphological analysis showed improvement of myelination and reduction of inflammation in lumbar motor roots and pe-ripheral nerves. In conclusion, this study provides proof of principle for a clinically translatable gene therapy approach to treat CMT1X before and after the onset of the neuropathy, even in the presence of endogenously expressed Golgi-retained Cx32 mutants.
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