Study provides data to support gene supplementation as a treatment for autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa

A new study shows that total RPE65 protein levels in mice with autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa were doubled following subretinal delivery of adeno-associated virus (AAV)-RPE65 gene supplementation. The study is published in the peer-reviewed journal Human Gene Therapy.

Debra Thompson, from the University of Michigan Medical School, and coauthors, assessed gene supplementation in mice with a monoallelic mutation encoding a rare D477G RPE65 variant (D477G KI mice). Total RPE65 protein levels are decreased in heterozygous D477G KI mice. After treatment, recombinant RPE65 localized specifically to the retinal pigment epithelium and was stable for at least 6 months post-injection.

In addition, report the investigators, "rates of recovery of the chromophore 11-cis retinal after bleaching were significantly increased in eyes that received AAV-RPE65, consistent with increased RPE65 isomerase activity." They add, "It remains of significant interest to determine whether increase RPE65 expression can reduce the disease burden associated with D477G RPE65."

While patients with inherited retinal dystrophy due to RPE65 deficiency can benefit from the FDA approved gene therapy, it has been very unclear whether patients with autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa due to the D477G RPE65 mutation could be treated in a similar way. This study provides important initial proof-of-principle data in support of gene supplementation as a treatment for patients with this mutation."

Editor-in-Chief Terence R. Flotte, MD, Celia and Isaac Haidak Professor of Medical Education and Dean, Provost, and Executive Deputy Chancellor, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School

Source:
Journal reference:

Feathers, K. L., et al. (2023) Gene Supplementation in Mice Heterozygous for the D477G RPE65 Variant Implicated in Autosomal Dominant Retinitis Pigmentosa. Human Gene Therapy. doi.org/10.1089/hum.2022.240.

Comments

The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of News Medical.
Post a new comment
Post

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.

You might also like...
Gene therapy shows dramatic vision improvement for rare inherited condition