Following systemically administered adeno-associated virus gene therapy, vector particles are widely distributed, raising concerns about horizontal or germline vector transmission. Characterization of biodistribution and kinetics of vector DNA in body fluids can address these concerns and provide insights into vector behavior in accessible samples. We investigated biodistribution and vector shedding profile of valoctocogene roxaparvovec in men with severe hemophilia A enrolled in the phase 3 GENEr8-1 trial.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFHeparan sulfate (HS) is degraded in lysosome by a series of glycosidases. Before the glycosidases can act, the terminal glucosamine of HS must be acetylated by the integral lysosomal membrane enzyme heparan-α-glucosaminide N-acetyltransferase (HGSNAT). Mutations of HGSNAT cause HS accumulation and consequently mucopolysaccharidosis IIIC, a devastating lysosomal storage disease characterized by progressive neurological deterioration and early death where no treatment is available.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe COVID-19 pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is a grave threat to public health and the global economy. SARS-CoV-2 is closely related to the more lethal but less transmissible coronaviruses SARS-CoV-1 and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Here, we have carried out comparative viral-human protein-protein interaction and viral protein localization analyses for all three viruses.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSynaptic vesicles accumulate neurotransmitters, enabling the quantal release by exocytosis that underlies synaptic transmission. Specific neurotransmitter transporters are responsible for this activity and therefore are essential for brain function. The vesicular glutamate transporters (VGLUTs) concentrate the principal excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate into synaptic vesicles, driven by membrane potential.
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