The assessment of the risk of germline transmission of vector-coded sequences is critical for clinical translation of gene transfer strategies. We used rabbit models to analyze the risk of germline transmission of adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors. Intravenous injection of AAV-2 or AAV-8 resulted in liver-mediated, long-term expression of therapeutic levels of human factor IX (hFIX) in a dose-dependent manner. In high-dose cohorts, AAV-8 resulted in twofold higher levels of circulating hFIX and of vector DNA in liver compared to AAV-2. Vector sequences were found in the semen of all rabbits. The kinetics of vector clearance from semen was dose- and time-dependent but serotype-independent. No late recurrence of AAV-8 sequences was found in the semen over several consecutive cycles of spermatogenesis. In a novel rabbit model, AAV-2 or AAV-8 sequences were detected in the semen of vasectomized animals that lack germ cells. Therefore, structures of the genitourinary (GU) tract, as well as the testis, contribute significantly to vector shedding in the semen. Collectively, data from these two models suggest that the risk of inadvertent germline transmission in males by AAV-8 vectors is low, similar to that of AAV-2, and that AAV dissemination to the semen is in part modulated by host-dependent factors.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2835193PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/mt.2009.56DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

germline transmission
16
risk germline
12
aav vectors
8
aav-2 aav-8
8
sequences semen
8
aav-8 sequences
8
semen
6
aav-8
5
host vector-dependent
4
vector-dependent effects
4

Similar Publications

Background: We report findings from an experimental medicine study of rationally designed prefusion stabilised native-like HIV envelope glycoprotein (Env) immunogens, representative of global circulating strains, delivered by sequential intramuscular injection.

Methods: Healthy adult volunteers were enrolled into one of five groups (A to E) each receiving a different schedule of one of two consensus Env immunogens (ConM SOSIP, ConS UFO, either unmodified or stabilised by chemical cross-linking, followed by a boost with two mosaic Env immunogens (Mos3.1 and Mos3.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • Wolbachia pipientis are bacteria that manipulate the reproduction of their arthropod and nematode hosts to enhance their own transmission, particularly favoring infected females.
  • Research reveals that these bacteria can improve fertility in Drosophila melanogaster females with specific mutations affecting germline stem cell differentiation.
  • Further analysis shows that W. pipientis infection alters the expression of key genetic interactors and impacts genes involved in ubiquitination and histone modification, suggesting these processes play a role in how W. pipientis influences germline stem cell functions.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Offspring of older breeders frequently show reduced longevity, which has been linked to shorter offspring telomere length. It is currently unknown whether such telomere reduction persists beyond a single generation, as would be the case if germline transmission is involved. In a within-grandmother, multi-generational study using zebra finches, we show that the shorter telomeres observed in F1 offspring of older mothers are still present in the F2 generation even when the breeding age of their F1 mothers is young.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Epigenetic inheritance of PCOS by developmental programming and germline transmission.

Trends Endocrinol Metab

December 2024

Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden. Electronic address:

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine and metabolic disorder, affecting approximately 11-13% of women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS experience a higher prevalence of infertility, pregnancy complications, and cardiometabolic disorders such as obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Furthermore, psychiatric comorbidities, including depression and anxiety, significantly impact the quality of life in this population.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Symbiotic Bacteria: Wolbachia, Midgut Microbiota in Mosquitoes and Their Importance for Vector Prevention Strategies.

Microb Ecol

December 2024

Department of Biotechnology, Periyar University, Centre for Postgraduate and Research Studies, Dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu, 635205, India.

Mosquito-borne illnesses pose a significant threat to eradication under existing vector management measures. Chemo-based vector control strategies (use of insecticides) raise a complication of resistance and environmental pollution. Biological control methods are an alternative approach to overcoming this complication arising from insecticides.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!