In vivo genome editing of the albumin locus as a platform for protein replacement therapy

R Sharma, XM Anguela, Y Doyon… - Blood, The Journal …, 2015 - ashpublications.org
R Sharma, XM Anguela, Y Doyon, T Wechsler, RC DeKelver, S Sproul, DE Paschon…
Blood, The Journal of the American Society of Hematology, 2015ashpublications.org
Site-specific genome editing provides a promising approach for achieving long-term, stable
therapeutic gene expression. Genome editing has been successfully applied in a variety of
preclinical models, generally focused on targeting the diseased locus itself; however, limited
targeting efficiency or insufficient expression from the endogenous promoter may impede
the translation of these approaches, particularly if the desired editing event does not confer a
selective growth advantage. Here we report a general strategy for liver-directed protein …
Abstract
Site-specific genome editing provides a promising approach for achieving long-term, stable therapeutic gene expression. Genome editing has been successfully applied in a variety of preclinical models, generally focused on targeting the diseased locus itself; however, limited targeting efficiency or insufficient expression from the endogenous promoter may impede the translation of these approaches, particularly if the desired editing event does not confer a selective growth advantage. Here we report a general strategy for liver-directed protein replacement therapies that addresses these issues: zinc finger nuclease (ZFN) –mediated site-specific integration of therapeutic transgenes within the albumin gene. By using adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector delivery in vivo, we achieved long-term expression of human factors VIII and IX (hFVIII and hFIX) in mouse models of hemophilia A and B at therapeutic levels. By using the same targeting reagents in wild-type mice, lysosomal enzymes were expressed that are deficient in Fabry and Gaucher diseases and in Hurler and Hunter syndromes. The establishment of a universal nuclease-based platform for secreted protein production would represent a critical advance in the development of safe, permanent, and functional cures for diverse genetic and nongenetic diseases.
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