Research
Long term physiologic modification using rAAV in utero gene-therapy
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* Corresponding author: J Craig Cohen ccohen@lsuhsc.edu
1 Ochsner Children's Research Institute, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, LA 70121, USA
2 Departments of Medicine, Biochemistry, and Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
Genetic Vaccines and Therapy 2004, 2:4 doi:10.1186/1479-0556-2-4
Published: 19 May 2004Abstract
Background
Transfer of genes in utero via the amniotic fluid was shown previously with recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAV) to be highly efficient. Expression for over one year was demonstrated using reporter genes. In addition, it was shown previously that transgenes delivered by this method release protein into the general circulation. Given these results experiments were designed to test the hypothesis that in utero rAAV gene therapy could result in long term physiologic modification.
Methods
A rAAV recombinant expressing ciliary neurotrophic factor (cntf) and green fluorescent (gfp) in a polycistronic messenger was used to treat rat fetuses in utero. CNTF causes weight loss and decreased water consumption as a measurable physiologic effect. GFP was used as a marker of gene expression.
Results
In utero gene transfer with rAAV carrying human cntf and gfp resulted in long-term gene expression in rat. CNTF-specific physiologic effects of a decrease in weight and water intake were obtained. Expression of the GFP was documented in the treated animals at one year of age.
Conclusion
Given this data, in utero gene therapy with rAAV into multipotential stem cells resulted in long term systemic physiologic modification of the treated animals by the transgene product. In utero rAAV gene therapy potentially could be used for gene replacement therapy in metabolic disorders.