Systemic AAV8-Mediated Gene Therapy Drives Whole-Body Correction of Myotubular Myopathy in Dogs.

Journal: Molecular Therapy : The Journal Of The American Society Of Gene Therapy
Published:
Abstract

X-linked myotubular myopathy (XLMTM) results from MTM1 gene mutations and myotubularin deficiency. Most XLMTM patients develop severe muscle weakness leading to respiratory failure and death, typically within 2 years of age. Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of systemic gene therapy in the p.N155K canine model of XLMTM by performing a dose escalation study. A recombinant adeno-associated virus serotype 8 (rAAV8) vector expressing canine myotubularin (cMTM1) under the muscle-specific desmin promoter (rAAV8-cMTM1) was administered by simple peripheral venous infusion in XLMTM dogs at 10 weeks of age, when signs of the disease are already present. A comprehensive analysis of survival, limb strength, gait, respiratory function, neurological assessment, histology, vector biodistribution, transgene expression, and immune response was performed over a 9-month study period. Results indicate that systemic gene therapy was well tolerated, prolonged lifespan, and corrected the skeletal musculature throughout the body in a dose-dependent manner, defining an efficacious dose in this large-animal model of the disease. These results support the development of gene therapy clinical trials for XLMTM.

Authors
David Mack, Karine Poulard, Melissa Goddard, Virginie Latournerie, Jessica Snyder, Robert Grange, Matthew Elverman, Jérôme Denard, Philippe Veron, Laurine Buscara, Christine Le Bec, Jean-yves Hogrel, Annie Brezovec, Hui Meng, Lin Yang, Fujun Liu, Michael O'callaghan, Nikhil Gopal, Valerie Kelly, Barbara Smith, Jennifer Strande, Fulvio Mavilio, Alan Beggs, Federico Mingozzi, Michael Lawlor, Ana Buj Bello, Martin Childers