We propose to explore ways to use AAV-based gene delivery to restore and/or maintain retinal cone structure, function and vision-dependent behavior. Our overall hypothesis is that appropriately designed, gene-based therapies following intravitreal (IV) injection will be clinically useful for a wide variety of retinal diseases with cne dysfunctions. The need for developing the IV injection option is based on recently published results for 15 patients from the current NEI sponsored LCA2 clinical trial (NCT00481546). Single or multiple subretinal (SR) AAV vector injections resulting in vector blebs that detached the fovea resulted in little or no vision gain for the patient and in some a slight loss in visual acuiy. In contrast, equivalent subretinal vector doses that did not detach the fovea mediated substantial and persistent gains in vision. Therefore, developing alternative ways to more safely transduce foveal cones is the focus of this proposal. To that end, we will test the IV route of vector injection and employ novel AAV variants that we have just developed in an effort to validate and optimize the ability to correct cone defects in a mouse model of achromatopsia 2 without detaching the retina. For this investigation, we will use a mouse model of human achromatopsia with CNGA3 mutations using several novel tyrosine to phenylalanine plus threonine to valine mutant capsid AAV vectors as the gene delivery vehicles for intravitreal injection. Although IV injection of vector can transduce a large area of the inner retina without causing retinal detachment, conventional vectors in the vitreous cannot penetrate the inner retina and transduce rod or cone cells in outer retina. Developing and validating a retina-penetrating property for AAV vectors is therefore a key unmet need in the field and a challenge for current AAV-mediated gene replacement therapy. Another pivotal element of this project is the selection of an animal model that not only possesses a genetically and phenotypically well-characterized cone degeneration, but also has been established to respond well to SR gene-based therapy so that screening these novel AAV vectors for functional and structural cone rescue from the vitreous can be carried out with confidence with reference to an established therapeutic standard. We will therefore focus on a naturally occurring mouse model of human achromatopsia 2 (recessive CNGA3 mutations), the Cpfl5 mouse, that exhibits cone dysfunction/degeneration similar to that seen in humans and responds well to SR AAV vector gene therapy. Therapeutic success in this animal model will provide a template for safer IV treatment trials not only for human achromatopsia but also for other human retinal diseases affecting foveal function such as late stage retinitis pigmentosa, cone and cone/rod dystrophy and potentially macular degeneration.

Public Health Relevance

Our overall aim is to determine if intravitreal delivery of mutant capsid AAV vectors can achieve effective and safe therapy in this mouse model of human achromatopsia 2 as a prelude for seeking support for generating the formal safety/biodistribution data needed for an IND application to the FDA to gain approval to initiate an achromatopsia 2 gene therapy clinical trial. Moreover, therapeutic success in this animal model will provide a template for safer intravitreal treatment trials not only for human achromatopsia, but also for other human retinal diseases affecting foveal function such as late stage retinitis pigmentosa, cone and cone/rod dystrophy and potentially macular degeneration.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Type
Exploratory/Developmental Grants (R21)
Project #
5R21EY023543-02
Application #
8702185
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (DPVS)
Program Officer
Shen, Grace L
Project Start
2013-08-01
Project End
2015-07-31
Budget Start
2014-08-01
Budget End
2015-07-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2014
Total Cost
$183,750
Indirect Cost
$61,250
Name
University of Florida
Department
Ophthalmology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
969663814
City
Gainesville
State
FL
Country
United States
Zip Code
32611
Dai, Xufeng; Pang, Shiyi; Wang, Jieping et al. (2018) Photoreceptor degeneration in a new Cacna1f mutant mouse model. Exp Eye Res 179:106-114
Zhang, Yuxin; Deng, Wen-Tao; Du, Wei et al. (2017) Gene-based Therapy in a Mouse Model of Blue Cone Monochromacy. Sci Rep 7:6690
Zhang, Hua; Li, Xia; Dai, Xufeng et al. (2017) The Degeneration and Apoptosis Patterns of Cone Photoreceptors inrd11Mice. J Ophthalmol 2017:9721362
Yang, Shun-Fa; Roberts, Joan E; Liu, Qing-Huai et al. (2016) Zeaxanthin and Lutein in the Management of Eye Diseases. J Ophthalmol 2016:4915916
Shu, Xinhua; Pang, Ji-Jing; Zhang, Houbin et al. (2015) Retinitis Pigmentosa: Disease Mechanisms, Diagnosis, and Therapies. J Ophthalmol 2015:819452
Zhang, Hua; Dai, Xufeng; Qi, Yan et al. (2015) Histone Deacetylases Inhibitors in the Treatment of Retinal Degenerative Diseases: Overview and Perspectives. J Ophthalmol 2015:250812
Qi, Yan; Dai, Xufeng; Zhang, Hua et al. (2015) Trans-Corneal Subretinal Injection in Mice and Its Effect on the Function and Morphology of the Retina. PLoS One 10:e0136523
Zheng, Qinxiang; Ren, Yueping; Tzekov, Radouil et al. (2015) iTRAQ-Based Proteomic Analysis of Visual Cycle-Associated Proteins in RPE of rd12 Mice before and after RPE65 Gene Delivery. J Ophthalmol 2015:918473
Dai, Xufeng; Zhang, Hua; He, Ying et al. (2015) The frequency-response electroretinogram distinguishes cone and abnormal rod function in rd12 mice. PLoS One 10:e0117570
Du, Wei; Tao, Ye; Deng, Wen-Tao et al. (2015) Vitreal delivery of AAV vectored Cnga3 restores cone function in CNGA3-/-/Nrl-/- mice, an all-cone model of CNGA3 achromatopsia. Hum Mol Genet 24:3699-707

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