Characterization of a novel mucopolysaccharidosis type II mouse model and recombinant AAV2/8 vector-mediated gene

Sung-Chul Jung1, Eun-Sook Park, Eun Nam Choi

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 158-710, Korea.

Molecules and Cells
|July 24, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Gene therapy using AAV2/8 vectors restored enzyme activity and cleared GAGs in a mouse model of Mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II), also known as Hunter syndrome. This study validates the mouse model for exploring MPS II treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics and Genetic Disorders
  • Lysosomal Storage Diseases
  • Gene Therapy

Background:

  • Mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II; Hunter syndrome) is an X-linked inherited disorder.
  • It is caused by a deficiency of iduronate-2-sulfatase (IDS) enzyme.
  • This deficiency leads to the accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in lysosomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To generate and characterize an IDS knockout mouse model for MPS II.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of gene therapy using a recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vector in this model.
  • To assess the potential of AAV2/8 vectors for clinical applications in MPS II treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Generation of IDS knockout mice to model human MPS II.
  • Administration of a pseudotyped, recombinant adeno-associated virus 2/8 vector encoding the human IDS gene (rAAV-hIDS).
  • Measurement of IDS activity and GAG levels in serum and tissues post-therapy.

Main Results:

  • Gene therapy completely restored IDS activity in plasma and tissues of IDS-deficient mice.
  • The restored enzymatic activity effectively cleared accumulated GAGs from all analyzed tissues.
  • The IDS knockout mouse model demonstrated a clear phenotype relevant to human MPS II.

Conclusions:

  • The IDS knockout mouse is a valuable model for studying MPS II and evaluating therapeutic strategies.
  • Gene therapy with rAAV-hIDS is highly effective in restoring enzyme function and clearing GAGs in this model.
  • AAV2/8 vectors show significant promise for future clinical applications in treating MPS II patients.

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