Gene Therapy for Retinitis Pigmentosa Caused by MFRP Mutations: Human Phenotype and Preliminary Proof of Concept
HUMAN GENE THERAPY
Authors: Dinculescu, Astra; Estreicher, Jackie; Zenteno, Juan C.; Aleman, Tomas S.; Schwartz, Sharon B.; Huang, Wei Chieh; Roman, Alejandro J.; Sumaroka, Alexander; Li, Qiuhong; Deng, Wen-Tao; Min, Seok-Hong; Chiodo, Vince A.; Neeley, Andy; Liu, Xuan; Shu, Xinhua; Matias-Florentino, Margarita; Buentello-Volante, Beatriz; Boye, Sanford L.; Cideciyan, Artur V.; Hauswirth, William W.; Jacobson, Samuel G.
Abstract
Autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a heterogeneous group of degenerations of the retina, can be due to mutations in the MFRP (membrane-type frizzled-related protein) gene. A patient with RP with MFRP mutations, one of which is novel and the first splice site mutation reported, was characterized by noninvasive retinal and visual studies. The phenotype, albeit complex, suggested that this retinal degeneration may be a candidate for gene-based therapy. Proof-of-concept studies were performed in the rd6 Mfrp mutant mouse model. The fast-acting tyrosine-capsid mutant AAV8 (Y733F) vector containing the small chicken beta-actin promoter driving the wild-type mouse Mfrp gene was used. Subretinal vector delivery on postnatal day 14 prevented retinal degeneration. Treatment rescued rod and cone photoreceptors, as assessed by electroretinography and retinal histology at 2 months of age. This AAV-mediated gene delivery also resulted in robust MFRP expression predominantly in its normal location within the retinal pigment epithelium apical membrane and its microvilli. The clinical features of MFRP-RP and our preliminary data indicating a response to gene therapy in the rd6 mouse suggest that this form of RP is a potential target for gene-based therapy.
Membrane-type frizzled-related protein regulates lipidome and transcription for photoreceptor function
FASEB JOURNAL
Authors: Kautzmann, Marie-Audrey I.; Gordon, William C.; Jun, Bokkyoo; Do, Khanh V.; Matherne, Blake J.; Fang, Zhide; Bazan, Nicolas G.
Abstract
Molecular decision-makers of photoreceptor (PRC) membrane organization and gene regulation are critical to understanding sight and retinal degenerations that lead to blindness. Using Mfrp(rd6) mice, which develop PRC degeneration, we uncovered that membrane-type frizzled-related protein (MFRP) participates in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6) enrichment in a manner similar to adiponectin receptor 1 (AdipoR1). Untargeted imaging mass spectrometry demonstrates cell-specific reduction of phospholipids containing 22:6 and very long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (VLC-PUFAs) in Adipor1(-/-) and Mfrp(rd6 )retinas. Gene expression of pro-inflammatory signaling pathways is increased and gene-encoding proteins for PRC function decrease in both mutants. Thus, we propose that both proteins are necessary for retinal lipidome membrane organization, visual function, and to the understanding of the early pathology of retinal degenerative diseases.
COA
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