Mucopolysaccharidosis type 1 (MPSI) is one of approximately 50 genetic disorders collectively known as lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs). Like many LSDs, MPSI presents with progressive neurologic and systemic manifestations, and like most LSDs it lacks effective treatments. Current interventions for MPSI include allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) and enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). Both can slow the progression of the disease, but their therapeutic impact is limited, particularly on the neurologic and musculoskeletal systems. I propose a novel approach that overcomes the limitations of ERT and allo-HSCT by genetically engineering the patient?s own hematopoietic system to express high levels of the missing enzyme (IDUA). Specifically, CRISPR/Cas9 will be used to introduce IDUA into the CCR5 safe harbor locus in human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSCPs). A safe harbor approach can achieve high and sustained levels of enzyme expression, and is an adaptable platform for other lysosomal enzymes. The feasibility of this approach is supported by the preliminary data, describing an efficient method to target IDUA to the CCR5 locus in HSPCs. I show that the targeted cells secrete high levels of enzyme, differentiate into multiple hematopoietic lineages, and are capable of short-term engraftment in immunocompromised mice.
The specific aims are designed to ascertain the potential of these cells to safely and effectively alleviate the MPSI symptoms. This will be tested in our newly established MPSI mouse model, designed for human cell engraftment by 1) measuring biochemical and multi-systemic phenotype improvement after transplantation, 2) establishing the stem cell potential and multi-lineage differentiation capacity of the modified cells, and 3) unbiasedly searching for off-target sites of our CRISPR/Cas9 methodology. Successful completion of the proposed studies will have strong impact on the management of MPSI, and establish a new paradigm for delivering therapeutic proteins for the treatment of non-hematological and neurological diseases, including other LSDs. My ultimate goal is to become an independent physician-scientist who helps advance our treatments for diseases, like the LSDs, with unmet clinical needs. My clinical training as a medical geneticist and my basic science background in genetics, biochemistry, and molecular neurobiology, make me ideally suited to contribute in the area. The training plan outlined in this application will permit me to develop additional needed expertise, including: 1) genome-editing technologies, 2) hematopoietic stem cell biology and transplantation, 3) bioinformatics, 4) neuropathology, and 5) the practice of translational research. With this additional training, and career and scientific guidance from my advisory committee, I believe I can accomplish my goal.
Mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPSI) is a lysosomal storage disorder (LSDs) that affects multiple organ systems and for which existing therapies have significant limitations. This proposal is focused on the optimization and validation of a method to precisely and efficiently modify human blood stems cells to express the missing enzyme. This approach could have a significant impact on the management of MPSI, and establish a new paradigm for delivering therapeutic proteins for the treatment of non-hematological and neurological diseases, including other LSDs.
