Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 2, 2026

Adeno-Associated Virus-Mediated Delivery of CRISPR for Cardiac Gene Editing in Mice
Published on: August 2, 2018
Therapeutic base editing alleviates restrictive cardiomyopathy
Chong Chang1, Xiulin Zhang2, Xiaoqi Fan3
1College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; State Key Laboratory of Gene Expression, School of Medicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310030, China.
Insights
Adenine base editing (ABE) successfully corrected a mutation causing restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) in mice. This gene therapy approach improved cardiac function, offering hope for treating genetic heart conditions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Genetics
- Molecular Therapy
Background:
- Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is a severe heart condition impairing diastolic function, often caused by sarcomeric protein mutations.
- Mutations in the TNNI3 gene, such as p.R192H, are significant genetic drivers of RCM, especially in pediatric cases with poor outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of adenine base editing (ABE) in correcting the TNNI3 R193H mutation and alleviating RCM in a mouse model.
- To establish base editing as a potential therapeutic strategy for genetic cardiomyopathies.
Main Methods:
- Development of a murine model with the Tnni3R193H mutation mimicking human RCM.
- Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated delivery of ABE for targeted gene correction in adult RCM mice.
Main Results:
- ABE achieved efficient and precise correction of the Tnni3R193H mutation in the RCM mouse model.
- Significant improvement in cardiac function was observed following ABE treatment.
Conclusions:
- Adenine base editing demonstrates therapeutic potential for RCM by correcting causative mutations.
- This study supports the broader application of base editing for treating genetic cardiomyopathies.
Abstract:
Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is a severe cardiac disorder characterized by impaired ventricular filling and diastolic dysfunction, with mutations in sarcomeric proteins representing major causative factors. Mutations of TNNI3 gene (e.g., p.R192H) constitute major genetic causes of RCM, particularly affecting pediatric patients and being associated with poor prognosis. Here, we demonstrate that adenine base editor (ABE) can effectively correct RCM-causing mutation and alleviate RCM in a murine model. We develop a murine model harboring the Tnni3R193H mutation that recapitulates the hallmark features of human RCM. Importantly, targeted delivery of ABE via adeno-associated virus (AAV) can achieve efficient and precise correction of the Tnni3R193H mutation in adult RCM mice, leading to significant improvement of cardiac functions. Our findings establish base editing as a therapeutic strategy for RCM and highlight its broader potential for treating genetic cardiomyopathies in clinical settings.
Related Concept Videos
Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Heart Failure Drugs: Inhibitors of Renin-Angiotensin System
Cardiomyopathy VI: Nursing Management

