Peripheral nerve is capable of regenerating after injury, and after complete transection surgical repair is followed by axonal regeneration that often leads to functional recovery. However when the site of injury is in the spinal root, close to the cell body, axonal injury leads to neuron cell death and even prompt surgical anastomosis of the proximal root to the distal nerve is ineffective in restoring function. Several lines of evidence suggest that death of motor neurons, proceeding through apoptotic pathways, forestalls the possibility of successful regeneration after proximal axonal injury. We have developed genomic herpes simplex virus (HSV)-based vectors that are capable of delivering genes into neurons in an effective and efficient manner. We have demonstrated that stereotactic inoculation of HSV vectors engineered to express the anti-apoptotic peptide Bcl-2 or the glial cell derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) into the ventral horn of the spinal cord prevents death of motor neurons following proximal spinal root avulsion. Transduction with both Bcl-2 and GDNF expressing vectors together was required to preserve the neurotransmitter phenotype of the rescued neurons measured 2 weeks after the injury. But the most important outcome is functional recovery. Therefore we will test the hypothesis that: using HSV-based vectors to deliver and express a combination of anti-apoptotic and neurotrophic factors within the motor neurons of the spinal cord will improve cell survival and enhance functional recovery after proximal spinal root injury.
Five Specific Aims are proposed.
Specific Aim 1 : To assess the functional recovery mediated by HSV-mediated gene transfer of Bcl-2, GDNF, or both transgenes in combination following proximal spinal root injury.
Specific Aim 2 : To define the anatomic basis of the functional recovery produced by HSV-mediated gene transfer of Bcl-2, GDNF, or both transgenes in combination following proximal root injury.
Specific Aim 3 : To evaluate the effect of vector injection into spinal cord on recovery of sensory function after spinal root injury.
Specific Aim 4 : To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of transgene-mediated expression of Bcl-2 and GDNF on neuronal survival and axonal regeneration.
Specific Aim 5 : To define the temporal window following injury during which gene transfer therapy may be delivered. In clinical practice, spinal root injury is an important cause of morbidity and function. ? ?

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01NS043247-02
Application #
6719608
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-BDCN-2 (01))
Program Officer
Kleitman, Naomi
Project Start
2003-03-15
Project End
2004-06-30
Budget Start
2004-03-01
Budget End
2004-06-30
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2004
Total Cost
$17,776
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Pittsburgh
Department
Neurology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
004514360
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
15213
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Peng, Xiangmin; Kim, Jeeyong; Zhou, Zhigang et al. (2011) Neuronal Nogo-A regulates glutamate receptor subunit expression in hippocampal neurons. J Neurochem 119:1183-93
Koelsch, Angela; Feng, Yongjia; Fink, David J et al. (2010) Transgene-mediated GDNF expression enhances synaptic connectivity and GABA transmission to improve functional outcome after spinal cord contusion. J Neurochem 113:143-52
Zhou, Zhigang; Peng, Xiangmin; Insolera, Ryan et al. (2009) IL-10 promotes neuronal survival following spinal cord injury. Exp Neurol 220:183-90
Peng, Xiang-min; Zhou, Zhi-gang; Glorioso, Joseph C et al. (2006) Tumor necrosis factor-alpha contributes to below-level neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury. Ann Neurol 59:843-51
Chattopadhyay, M; Krisky, D; Wolfe, D et al. (2005) HSV-mediated gene transfer of vascular endothelial growth factor to dorsal root ganglia prevents diabetic neuropathy. Gene Ther 12:1377-84
Hao, Shuanglin; Mata, Marina; Wolfe, Darren et al. (2005) Gene transfer of glutamic acid decarboxylase reduces neuropathic pain. Ann Neurol 57:914-8
Chattopadhyay, Munmun; Wolfe, Darren; Mata, Marina et al. (2005) Long-term neuroprotection achieved with latency-associated promoter-driven herpes simplex virus gene transfer to the peripheral nervous system. Mol Ther 12:307-13