Recombinant adeno-associated virus 8-mediated inhibition of microRNA let-7a ameliorates sclerosing cholangitis in a clinically relevant mouse model

BACKGROUND Primary sclerosing cholangitis(PSC)is characterized by chronic inflammation and it predisposes to cholangiocarcinoma due to lack of effective treatment options.Recombinant adeno-associated virus(rAAV)provides a promising platform for gene therapy on such kinds of diseases.A microRNA(miRNA)let-7a has been reported to be associated with the progress of PSC but the potential therapeutic implication of inhibition of let-7a on PSC has not been evaluated.AIM To investigate the therapeutic effects of inhibition of a miRNA let-7a transferred by recombinant adeno-associated virus 8(rAAV8)on a xenobiotic-induced mouse model of sclerosing cholangitis.METHODS A xenobiotic-induced mouse model of sclerosing cholangitis was induced by 0.1% 3,5-Diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-Dihydrocollidine(DDC)feeding for 2 wk or 6 wk.A single dose of rAAV8-mediated anti-let-7a-5p sponges or scramble control was injected in vivo into mice onset of DDC feeding.Upon sacrifice,the liver and the serum were collected from each mouse.The hepatobiliary injuries,hepatic inflammation and fibrosis were evaluated.The targets of let-7a-5p and downstream molecule NF-κB were detected using Western blot.RESULTS rAAV8-mediated anti-let-7a-5p sponges can depress the expression of let-7a-5p in mice after DDC feeding for 2 wk or 6 wk.The reduced expression of let-7a-5p can alleviate hepato-biliary injuries indicated by serum markers,and prevent the proliferation of cholangiocytes and biliary fibrosis.Furthermore,inhibition of let-7a mediated by rAAV8 can increase the expression of potential target molecules such as suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 and Dectin1,which consequently inhibit of NF-κB-mediated hepatic inflammation.CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates that a rAAV8 vector designed for liver-specific inhibition of let-7a-5p can potently ameliorate symptoms in a xenobiotic-induced mouse model of sclerosing cholangitis,which provides a possible clinical translation of PSC of human.

Effects of recombinant adeno-associated viruses expressing human vascular endothelial growth factor 165 on spinal cord injury

Numerous studies have confirmed that vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） improves the function of neural cells following spinal cord injury （SCI）. However, some studies have also verified that VEGF cannot significantly induce the increase in vascular density at or surrounding the lesion, and that VEGF therapy exacerbated secondary damage following SCI. Based on the dual effects of VEGF on SCI, we constructed the recombinant adeno-associated viruses （rAAV）-hVEGF165-IRES-human recombinant green fluorescent protein （hrGFP） （AAV-VEGF） and rAAV-IRES-hrGFP （AAV-GFP）. Our results suggested that rAAV expressed hVEGFles, and a low dose of VEGF relieved increased vascular permeability, improved microcirculation in the local spinal cord, lessened spinal cord edema, and decreased neuronal apoptosis. These results verified that the releasing effects of the rAAV virus vector had protective effects on the spinal cord.

The Helper Activities of Different Avian Viruses for Propagation of Recombinant Avian Adeno-Associated Virus

To compare the helper activities of different avian viruses for propagation of recombinant avian adeno-associated virus （rAAAV）, AAV-293 cells were cotransfected with the AAAV vector pAITR-GFP containing green fluorescent protein （GFP） gene, the AAAV helper vector pcDNA-ARC expressing the rep and cap genes, and the adenovirus helper vector pHelper expressing Ad5 E2A, E4, and VA-RNA genes. Chicken embryonic fibroblast （CEF） or chicken embryonic liver （CEL） cells were cotransfected with the AAAV vector and the AAAV helper vector, followed by infection with Marek＇s disease virus （MDV）, avian adenovirus, chicken embryo lethal orphan （CELO） virus or infectious bursal disease virus （IBDV）. Infectious rAAAV particles generated by the two strategies were harvested and titrated on CEF and CEL cells. A significantly higher viral titer was obtained with the helper activity provided by the pHelper vector than by MDV or CELO virus. Further experiments showed that rAAAV-mediated green fluorescent protein （gfp） expression was overtly enhanced by MDV or CELO virus super infection or treatment with sodium butyric acid, but not by IBDV super infection. These data demonstrated that MDV and CELO viruses could provide weak helper activity for propagation of rAAAV, and rAAAV- mediated transgene expression could be enhanced by super infection with the helper viruses.

Adeno-associated virus mediated interferon-gamma inhibits the progression of hepatic fibrosis in vitro and in vivo

AIM:To investigate the effects of adeno-associated virus (AAV) mediated expression of human interferon-γ for gene therapy in experimental hepatic fibrosis in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: We constructed the recombinant AAV encoding human INF-γ (rAAV- INF-γ) and took the primary rat hepatic stellate cells and carbon tetrachloride induced rats as the experimental hepatic fibrosis model in vitro and in vivo. Immunocytochemistry analysis was used to reveal the expression of α-SMA, the marker protein expressed in hepatic stellate cells. The mRNA expression of TGF-β, TIMP-1, and MMP-13 were analyzed by RT-PCR method. In vivo study, the hydroxyproline content in liver and serum AST, ALT were also detected. RESULTS: In vitro study, AAV vector could mediated efficient expression of human INF-γ, which inhibit the activation of hepatic stellate cells, decrease the expression of α-SMA and mRNA of TIMP-1, TGF-β, with the MMP-13 unchanged. In vivo study, the histological examination revealed that rAAV- INF-γ could inhibit the progression of the hepatic fibrosis. In the rAAV-INF-γ induced group, the hydroxyproline content and serum AST, ALT level were decreased to 177±28 μg/g wet liver, 668.5±140.0, 458.4±123.5 U/L, compare with the fibrosis control group 236±31 μg/g wet liver, 1 019.1±276.3, 770.5±154.3 U/L, respectively (P<0.01). mRNA expression of TIMP-1 in the rAAV-INF-γ induced rat liver was decreased while no significant change was observed in TGF-β and MMP-13. CONCLUSION: All these results indicated that rAAV-INF-γ has potential effects for gene therapy of hepatic fibrosis, which could inhibit the progression of hepatic fibrosis.

Inhibitory effect of adeno-associated virus-mediated gene transfer of human endostatin on hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM: To investigate the effect of adeno-associated virusmediated gene transfer of human endostatin on the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).METHODS: HCC cell line Hep3B was infected with recombinantadeno-associated virus containing human endostatin gene (rAAV2-hEndo). The results of transfection were detected by RT-PCR and SDS-PAGE assay. MTT assay was used to observe the effects of supernatant of transfected cells on ECV304 cell proliferation. An animal model of HCC was established by injecting Hep3B cells subcutaneously into the back of nude mice. Intratumoral injection of rAAV2hEndo, empty virus and phosphate-buffered saline were given sequentially. Serum endostatin was determined byELISA, the inhibitory effect of endostatin on the growth of xenograft was assessed in 3 wk.RESULTS: The results of RT-PCR and SDS-PAGE assay confirmed that rAAV2-hEndo successfully transfected Hep3B cells, and endostatin was secreted from Hep3B cells to medium. The supernatant of transfected cells markedly inhibited the proliferation of ECV304 cells (P＜0.01). Intratumoral injection of rAAV2-hEndo (2×1010v.g.) led to a sustained serum endostatin level ofapproximately (86.71±5.19) ng/mL. The tumor volumeand microvessel density were less in rAAV2-hEndo group than in control groups (P＜0.01).CONCLUSION: Human endostatin can be stably expressed by adeno-associated virus-mediated gene transfer and effectively inhibit the growth of HCC.

Adeno-associated virus-mediated heme oxygenase-1 gene transfer suppresses the progression of micronodular cirrhosis in rats

AIM： To test the hypothesis that enhancement of the activity of heine oxygenase can interfere with processes of fibrogenesis associated with recurrent liver injury, we investigated the therapeutic potential of over-expression of heine oxygense-1 in a CCl4-induced micronodular cirrhosis model. METHODS： Recombinant adeno-associated viruses carrying rat HO-1 or GFP gene were generated, 1×10^12 vg of adeno-associated viruses were administered through portal injection at the time of the induction of liver fibrosis. RESULTS： Conditioning the rat liver with over-expression of HO-1 by rAAV/HO-1 significantly increased the HO enzymatic activities in a stable manner. The development of micronodular cirrhosis was significantly inhibited in rAAV/HO-1-transduced animals as compared to controls. Portal hypertension was markedly diminished in rAAV/HO-1-transduced animals as compared to controls, whereas there are no significant changes in systolic blood pressure. This finding was accompanied with improved liver biochemistry, less infiltrating macrophages and less activated hepatic stellate cells （HSCs） in rAAV/ HO-1-transduced livers. CONCLUSIONS： Enhancement of HO activity in the livers suppresses the development of cirrhosis.

Immunological inhibition of transplanted liver allografts by adeno-associated virus vector encoding CTLA4Ig in rats

BACKGROUND: Blockade interaction between CD28 and B7 with CTLA4Ig has been shown to induce experimental transplantation tolerance. In order to prolong the inhibitory effect of CTLA4Ig, a recombinant adeno-associated virus vector pSNAV expressing CTLA4Ig was constructed, and its effects on transplanted liver allografts were investigated. METHODS: The pSNAV-CTLA4Ig construct was infused into partial liver allografts of rats via the portal vein during transplantation. CTLA4Ig expression in the transplanted livers was detected with reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis and immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, real-time quantitative PCR was used to measure the expression of IL-2, IFN-gamma, IL-4 and IL-10 in the allografts. RESULTS: The expression of CTLA4Ig in the partial allograft was detected successfully and pSNAV-CTLA4Ig improved the survival rate of rats after liver transplantation. Agarose gel analysis of RT-PCR products indicated the presence of CTLA4Ig in the pSNAV-CTLA4Ig treatment group. Cytokines expressed in allografts on day 7 after orthotopic liver transplantation showed that IL-2, IFN-gamma, IL-4 and IL-10 mRNA levels decreased in transplant recipients treated with pSNAV-CTLA4Ig compared with those treated with pSNAV-LacZ (1.62 +/- 0.09,1.52 +/- 0.11,1.50 +/- 0.07 and 1.43 +/- 0.07 versus 1.29 +/- 0.09, 1.32 +/- 0.07, 1.34 +/- 0.06 and 1.35 +/- 0.04, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: pSNAV-CTLA4Ig effectively expressed CTLA4Ig in liver allografts. CTLA4Ig improved the pathological findings after liver transplantation. CTLA4Ig induced immune tolerance of liver transplantation, and the mechanism involved induced alteration of Th1 and Th2 cytokine transcripts. The adeno-associated virus vector encoding CTLA4Ig may be useful in the clinical study of transplantation tolerance.

Characteristics and advantages of adeno-associated virus vector-mediated gene therapy for neurodegenerative diseases

Common neurodegenerative diseases of the central nervous system are characterized by progressive damage to the function of neurons, even leading to the permanent loss of function. Gene therapy via gene replacement or gene correction provides the potential for transformative therapies to delay or possibly stop further progression of the neurodegenerative disease in affected patients. Adeno-associated virus has been the vector of choice in recent clinical trials of therapies for neurodegenerative diseases due to its safety and efficiency in mediating gene transfer to the central nervous system. This review aims to discuss and summarize the progress and clinical applications of adeno-associated virus in neurodegenerative disease in central nervous system. Results from some clinical trials and successful cases of central neurodegenerative diseases deserve further study and exploration.

Anti-amyloid beta single-chain Fv ameliorates behavioral impairment in Alzheimer's disease mice via adeno-associated virus delivery

Intracranial delivery of human Fc-deleted antibody specific to amyloid-β peptide （Aβ, anti-Aβ single-chain Fv, scFv） via adeno-associated virus （AAV） inhibits amyloid deposition in transgenic mice. However, the effects of AAV-mediated Fc-deleted antibody on animal behavior remain unclear. In this study, the anti-Aβ scFv antibody gone, isolated from phage display, was fused to the 5＇ end of the scFv antibody gone for antibody secretion by 2 rounds of polymerase chain reaction amplification. The fused antibody cDNA was cloned into a pSNAV2 plasmid under the control of the cytomegalovirus promoter. The sequence verified expression vector pSNAV2/scFv was transferred to BHK-21 ceils, and stable transfected BHK-21/scFv cells were established by G418 selection and infected with the recombinant herpes simplex virus rHSV/repcap for AAV production. Recombinant AAV was injected into the left quadriceps femoris of PDAPP transgenic mice. After 3 months, Morris water-maze results confirmed significantly improved cognitive function in a mouse model of Alzheimer＇s disease. Key Words： Alzheimer＇s disease; adeno-associated virus; amyloid-β peptide; single-chain antibody; neurodegenerative diseases; neural regeneration

CONSTRUCTING ADENO-ASSOCIATED VIRUS-TGFβ_3 AND COMPARING ITS BIOLOGICAL EFFECT ON PROTEOGLYCAN SYNTHESIS IN DEDIFFERENTIATED NUCLEUS PULPOUS CELLS WITH ADENOVIRUS-TGFβ_1

Objective To construct adeno-associated virus (AAV) expression system for transforming growth factor β3 (TGFβ3) and detect its biological effect on proteoglycan synthesis of the earlier and later dedifferentiated rabbit lumbar disc nucleus pulpous (NP) cells, which was compared with that of adenovirus (AV) expression system for TGFβ1. Methods TGFβ3 gene was obtained using PCR. Its upstream contained restriction enzyme site Kpn Ⅰ, and its downstream contained restriction enzyme site SalⅠ. Using the restriction enzyme sites of PCR product of TGFβ3 and the corresponding multiple cloning site (MCS) in plasmid AAV, TGFβ3 was subcloned into AAV. The recombinant plasmid AAV-TGFβ3 was transfected into H293 cells with LipofectamineTM 2000, and the expression of TGFβ3 gene was detected using immunofluorescent analysis. After AAV-TGFβ3 virus particle with infectious activity was packaged, TGFβ3 expression in NP cells was detected by immunoblotting, and its biological effect on proteoglycan synthesis was detected by antonopulos method and compared with that of AV-TGFβ1 in the earlier and later dedifferentiated NP cells. Results For the earlier dedifferentiated NP cells, AAV-TGFβ3 slowly and stably enhanced proteoglycan synthesis, but AV-TGFβ1 rapidly and transiently enhanced its synthesis. For the later dedifferentiated NP cells, AAV-TGFβ3 stably enhanced proteoglycan synthesis, but AV-TGFβ1 inhibited its synthesis. Conclusion AAV expression system can mediate TGFβ3 gene to be expressed stably, and AAV-TGFβ3 can enhance proteoglycan synthesis of the earlier and later dedifferentiated NP cells.

Packaging and Functional Identification of Recombinant Adeno-associated Virus Encoding cdc2-siRNA

Cyclin dependent kinases （cdks） play an important role in the pathogenesis of multiple neurodegenerative diseases. To explore the possibility of cdks-related gene therapy for neurodegen-erative diseases, we packed recombinant adeno-associated virus （rAAV） encoding cdc2-siRNA. The expressing plasmid pAAV-MCS-EGFP-U6-cdc2-siRNA was constructed by using molecular biological techniques. The rAAV encoding cdc2-siRNA （rAAV-EGFP-U6-cdc2-siRNA） was packed by calcium phosphate mediated co-transfection of the plasmid pAAV-MCS-EGFP-U6-cdc2-siRNA, p-RC and p-Helper into AAV-293 cells. DNA sequencing proved the successful construction of U6-cdc2-siRNA in pAAV-MCS-EGFP. Seventy-two h after packaging, the expression of EGFP could be detected in AAV-293 cells. Western blotting revealed that cdc2 gene expression in AAV-293 cells was down-regulated markedly after transfection with rAAV-EGFP-U6-cdc2-siRNA, which evidenced the satisfactory silencing effect of this virus. It was concluded that the packaging of rAAV encoding cdc2-siRNA was successful. rAAV encoding cdc2-siRNA could silence cdc2 gene effectively, which might offer a novel means for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Construction of Adeno-associated Virus System for Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein 7 Gene

To construct the recombinant adeno-associated virus （rAAV） vector with human bone morphogenetic protein 7 （BMP7） and observe the BMP7 mRNA expression in vitro, BMP7 CDS sequence was cloned into expression plasmid pAAV-MCS of AAV Helper Free System. The recombinant plasmid was identified with enzyme digestion and sequencing. The recombinant plasmid, pAAV-RC, pHelper were co-transfected into AAV-293 cells according to the calcium phosphate-based protocol. The viral stock was collected by 4 rounds of freeze/thaw. After purified and concentrated, the recombinant virus titer was determined by dot-blot assay. HEK293 cells were transfected with the recombinant virus at different MOI, and the expression of BMP7 mRNA was detected by RT-PCR. The results showed rAAV-BMP7 was constructed and packaged successfully. The physical particle titer was 2.5×10^11 vector genomes/mL. There was different expression level of BMP7 mRNA after transfecton. These data suggested that recombinant AAV mediated a stable expression of hBMP7 mRNA in 293 cells. The AAV production method may pave the way of an effective strategy for the jaw bone defection around dental implants.

ADENO-ASSOCIATED VIRUS INTRODUCED INTEGRATION AND EXPRESSION OF FOREIGN GENES IN PC12 CELLS

Objective To investigate integration and expression of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors in neuronal PC12 cells,the result of which can be applied in further gene therapy of diseases of the central nervous sys- tem. Methods Human neurotrophin-3(hNT3)genes were inserted into AAV vectors. Then the recombinat AAV plas- mids were encapsidated as recombinant virions. PCl2 cells were transfected with the virions and the positive cells were selected by G418. The transfection positive (hNT3 modified)PC12 cells were cultured for several generations and the cellular genomic DNA and total RNA were extracted. We investigated the integration locus or AAV vectors by South- ern blot and transcript situation or foreign genes by dot blot. Results The hybridization tests showed that AAV in- troduced foreign genes were stably integrated, but at random locus, and robustly transcribed in hNT3 modified PCl2 cells. Conclusion AAV vectors can serve as high efficiency vectors or target genes in neuronal PC12 cells.

Engineered AAV13 variants with enhanced transduction and confined spread

Precise targeting of specific regions within the central nervous system(CNS)is crucial for both scientific research and gene therapy in the context of brain diseases.Adeno-associated virus 13(AAV13)is known for its restricted diffusion range within the CNS,making it an ideal choice for precise labeling and administration within small brain regions.However,AAV13 mediates relatively low expression of target genes.Here,we introduced specifically engineered modifications to the AAV13 capsid protein to enhance its transduction efficiency.We first constructed AAV13-YF by mutating tyrosine to phenylalanine on the surface of the AAV13 capsid.We then inserted the 7m8 peptide,known to enhance cell transduction,into positions 587/588 and 585/586 of the AAV13 capsid,resulting in two distinct variants named AAV13-587-7m8 and AAV13-585-7m8,respectively.We found that AAV13-YF exhibited superior in vitro infectivity in HEK293T cells compared to AAV13,while AAV13-587-7m8 and AAV13-585-7m8 showed enhanced CNS infection capabilities in C57BL/6 mice,with AAV13-587-7m8 infection retaining a limited spread range.These modified AAV13 variants hold promising potential for applications in gene therapy and neuroscience research.

Mucopolysaccharidosis typeⅢB:a current review and exploration of the AAV therapy landscape

Mucopolysaccharidoses typeⅢB is a rare genetic disorder caused by mutations in the gene that encodes for N-acetyl-alpha-glucosaminidase.This results in the aggregation of heparan sulfate polysaccharides within cell lysosomes that leads to progressive and severe debilitating neurological dysfunction.Current treatment options are expensive,limited,and presently there are no approved cures for mucopolysaccharidoses typeⅢB.Adeno-associated virus gene therapy has significantly advanced the field forward,allowing researchers to successfully design,enhance,and improve potential cures.Our group recently published an effective treatment using a codon-optimized triple mutant adeno-associated virus 8 vector that restores N-acetyl-alpha-glucosaminidase levels,auditory function,and lifespan in the murine model for mucopolysaccharidoses typeⅢB to that seen in healthy mice.Here,we review the current state of the field in relation to the capsid landscape,adeno-associated virus gene therapy and its successes and challenges in the clinic,and how novel adenoassociated virus capsid designs have evolved research in the mucopolysaccharidoses typeⅢB field.

AAV mediated carboxyl terminus of Hsp70 interacting protein overexpression mitigates the cognitive and pathological phenotypes of APP/PS1 mice

The E3 ubiquitin ligase,carboxyl terminus of heat shock protein 70(Hsp70)interacting protein(CHIP),also functions as a co-chaperone and plays a crucial role in the protein quality control system.In this study,we aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effect of overexpressed CHIP on Alzheimer’s disease.We used an adeno-associated virus vector that can cross the blood-brain barrier to mediate CHIP overexpression in APP/PS1 mouse brain.CHIP overexpression significantly ameliorated the performance of APP/PS1 mice in the Morris water maze and nest building tests,reduced amyloid-βplaques,and decreased the expression of both amyloid-βand phosphorylated tau.CHIP also alleviated the concentration of microglia and astrocytes around plaques.In APP/PS1 mice of a younger age,CHIP overexpression promoted an increase in ADAM10 expression and inhibitedβ-site APP cleaving enzyme 1,insulin degrading enzyme,and neprilysin expression.Levels of HSP70 and HSP40,which have functional relevance to CHIP,were also increased.Single nuclei transcriptome sequencing in the hippocampus of CHIP overexpressed mice showed that the lysosomal pathway and oligodendrocyte-related biological processes were up-regulated,which may also reflect a potential mechanism for the neuroprotective effect of CHIP.Our research shows that CHIP effectively reduces the behavior and pathological manifestations of APP/PS1 mice.Indeed,overexpression of CHIP could be a beneficial approach for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

AAV-mediated expression of p65shRNA and bone morphogenetic protein 4 synergistically enhances chondrocyte regeneration

BACKGROUND:Adeno-associated virus(AAV)gene therapy has been proven to be reliable and safe for the treatment of osteoarthritis in recent years.However,given the complexity of osteoarthritis pathogenesis,single gene manipulation for the treatment of osteoarthritis may not produce satisfactory results.Previous studies have shown that nuclear factorκB could promote the inflammatory pathway in osteoarthritic chondrocytes,and bone morphogenetic protein 4(BMP4)could promote cartilage regeneration.OBJECTIVE:To test whether combined application of AAV-p65shRNA and AAV-BMP4 will yield the synergistic effect on chondrocytes regeneration and osteoarthritis treatment.METHODS:Viral particles containing AAV-p65-shRNA and AAV-BMP4 were prepared.Their efficacy in inhibiting inflammation in chondrocytes and promoting chondrogenesis was assessed in vitro and in vivo by transfecting AAV-p65-shRNA or AAV-BMP4 into cells.The experiments were divided into five groups:PBS group;osteoarthritis group;AAV-BMP4 group;AAV-p65shRNA group;and BMP4-p65shRNA 1:1 group.Samples were collected at 4,12,and 24 weeks postoperatively.Tissue staining,including safranin O and Alcian blue,was applied after collecting articular tissue.Then,the optimal ratio between the two types of transfected viral particles was further investigated to improve the chondrogenic potential of mixed cells in vivo.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The combined application of AAV-p65shRNA and AAV-BMP4 together showed a synergistic effect on cartilage regeneration and osteoarthritis treatment.Mixed cells transfected with AAV-p65shRNA and AAV-BMP4 at a 1:1 ratio produced the most extracellular matrix synthesis(P<0.05).In vivo results also revealed that the combination of the two viruses had the highest regenerative potential for osteoarthritic cartilage(P<0.05).In the present study,we also discovered that the combined therapy had the maximum effect when the two viruses were administered in equal proportions.Decreasing either p65shRNA or BMP4 transfected cells resulted in less collagen II synthesis.This implies that inhibiting inflammation by p65shRNA and promoting regeneration by BMP4 are equally important for osteoarthritis treatment.These findings provide a new strategy for the treatment of early osteoarthritis by simultaneously inhibiting cartilage inflammation and promoting cartilage repair.

Establishment of a recombinant adeno-associated virus expressing hVEGF_(165)

BACKGROUND： Because certain gene vectors could have deleterious effects in the central nervous system, the choice of a safe and effective vector system has become more important for gene therapy of nerve regeneration. OBJECTIVE： To construct a non-pathogenic, recombinant adeno-associated virus （AAV） simultaneously expressing human vascular endothelial growth factor 165 （hVEGF165） and green fluorescent protein （GFP）. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A randomized controlled experiment was performed at the Virology Laboratory of Shaanxi Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention between March and September 2007. MATERIALS： AAV helper-free system, AAV-293 packaging cell line, and AAV HT-1080 cells were purchased from Stratagene, USA. E. coli DH5α was a stocked strain from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of Shaanxi, China. Plasmid pUC18-hHVEGF165 was a gift from Zhibin Shi. METHODS： The hVEGF165 gene was amplified by PCR from pUC18-hHVEGF165 and inserted into plasmid pAAV-IRES-hrGFP to construct recombinant plasmid pAAV-hVEGF165-IRES-hrGFP. Subsequently pAAV-hVEGF165-IRES-hrGFP, pAAV-RC （the rep/cap-gene containing plasmid）, and pHelper were co-transfected into AAV-293 cells to complete rAAV-hVEGF165-IRES-hrGFP packaging through homologous recombination. The efficiency of AAV packaging was monitored under a fluorescent microscope, and the recombinant viral particles were harvested from infected AAV-293 cells, and further concentrated and purified. AAV HT-1080 cells were infected with the recombinant virus AAV-hVEGF165-IRES-hrGFP. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Recombinant virus titer was measured by fluorescent cell counting, and infection efficiency was detected by Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorter （FACS） upon infecting AAV-HT1080 cells. The recombination with the exogenous gene was verified by PCR. RESULTS： The PCR amplified products were verified as hVEGF165 gene by DNA sequencing, and the recombinant pAAV-hVEGF165-IRES-GFP was confirmed by double digestion. The system provided a high packaging ratio of 95%, and the purified recombinant virus had a high titer of 5.5×1011 virus particles/mL. The AAV-HT1080 cells were infected at a ratio of 90.4%. The recombinant virus was confirmed by PCR to contain the exogenous hVEGF165 gene. CONCLUSION： The non-pathogenic rAAV-hVEGF165-GFP vector, carrying hVEGF165 and GFP reporter gene, was successfully constructed with a high titer and infection efficiency.

Recombinant adeno-associated virus delivered human thioredoxin-PR39 prevents hypoxia-induced apoptosis of ECV304 cells

Human thioredoxin and antibacterial peptide, PR39, have been shown to have potent antioxidant effects that may prolong survival of cells during hypoxia. The pSSCMV/human thioredoxin-PR39 vector was successfully constructed in this study and used to infect ECV304 cells. Transfected ECV304 cells were incubated at 1%, 5% hypoxic, and normal oxygen conditions. We found that the number of apoptotic cells after transfection with recombinant adeno-associated virus-human thioredoxin -PR39 was significantly lower than controls, suggesting a protective effect of the recombinant human thioredoxin-PR39 protein on hypoxic cells.

Construction of genetically engineered macrophages expressing Smad6 and Smad7 genes with adeno-associated virus

Objective: To construct the genetically engineered macrophages expressing Smad6 and Smad7 genes with adeno-associated virus (AAV). Methods: The plasmids containing pcDNA3-Smad6/Flag and pcDNA3-Smad7/Flag were digested with BamHⅠ and XhoⅠ, respectively. Then the Smad6/Flag and Smad7/Flag gene segments obtained were cloned into plasmid pAAV-MCS respectively to construct the recombinant pAAV-Smad6/Flag and pAAV-Smad7/Flag plasmids. The resulting recombinant plasmids (pAAV-Smad6/Flag or pAAV-Smad7/Flag) or pAAV-LacZ plasmid were co-transfected into the HEK 293cells with pHelper and pAAV-RC by calcium-phosphate precipitation method. Recombinant AAV-2 viral particles were prepared from infected HEK293 cells and then were used to infect mouse macrophages. The expressions of Smad6 and Smad7 in macrophages were detected by immunocytochemical staining and expression of b-galactosidase was evaluated by X-gal staining. Results: The recombinant AAV vector containing Smad6 or Smad7 genes was successfully constructed. More than 95% macrophage cells expressed X-gal and Smad6 and Smad7 genes at 72 h after infection. Conclusion: These results indicate that the genetically engineered macrophages can express Smad6 and Smad7 proteins effectively, laying the foundation for the studies of TGF-β-induced diseases in vivo and highlighting the feasibility of macrophage-based gene therapy.