Abstract:
Targeted non-surgical administration of a nucleic acid formulation to the suprachoroidal space (SCS) of the eye of a human subject permits effective treatment of ocular disorders, including posterior ocular or choroidal maladies. In one embodiment, the method comprises inserting a hollow microneedle into the eye at an insertion site and infusing a nucleic acid formulation through the inserted microneedle and into the suprachoroidal space of the eye. The infused nucleic acid formulation flows within the suprachoroidal space away from the insertion site. In one embodiment, the fluid nucleic acid formulation comprises nucleic acid nanoparticles consisting of one molecule of nucleic acid.
Abstract:
The present application discloses a recombinant AAV vector comprising a promoter that targets gene expression to myofibroblast-like lineage of cells in the heart. The present application, also discloses the preparation and use of AAV expression cassettes using a modified periostin promoter that successfully drives gene expression in cardiac myofibroblast-like cells. The present invention encompasses compositions and methods useful for treating myocardial infarction. Further comprising compositions and methods for preparing and using AAV vectors for targeting cells and inducing gene expression. The compositions and methods of the invention are useful for efficiently targeting cardiac myofibroblasts following a cardiac injury, disease, or disorder. Further comprising a kit for effecting alleviation of the various diseases or disorders recited herein.
Abstract:
Provided are nucleic acid constructs and systems which comprise (i) a first nucleic acid construct encoding a toxin operatively linked to a first promoter and at least one cancer-associated signaling responsive enhancer element; and (ii) a second nucleic acid construct encoding an anti-toxin operatively linked to a second promoter, the second promoter being stronger than the first promoter. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising same and methods of using same for treating cancer.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to particles comprising protamine, RNA and at least one endosome destabilizing agent, to methods of their production and to pharmaceutical compositions or kits containing the particles. It further relates to particles comprising protamine and RNA for use in methods of treatment or prevention of diseases and to kits comprising such particles together with at least one endosome destabilizing agent.
Abstract:
A recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) having an AAV capsid and packaged therein a heterologous nucleic acid which expresses two functional antibody constructs in a cell is described. Also described are antibodies comprising a heavy chain and a light chain from a heterologous antibody. In one embodiment, the antibodies are co-expressed from a vector containing: a first expression cassette which encodes at least a first open reading frame (ORF) for a first immunoglobulin under the control of regulatory control sequences which direct expression thereof; and a second expression cassette which comprises a second ORF, a linker, and a third ORF under the control of regulatory control sequences which direct expression thereof, wherein the second and third ORF for a second and third immunoglobulin construct. The vector co-expressing these two antibody constructs is in one embodiment an AAV, in which the 5 ' and 3 ' ITRs flank the expression cassettes and regulatory sequences.
Abstract:
Methods and compositions are provided for editing the genome of a cell without the use of an exogenously supplied nuclease. Aspects of the methods include contacting a cell with a targeting vector comprising nucleic acid sequence to be integrated into the target locus, where the cell is not also contacted with a nuclease. In addition, reagents, devices and kits thereof that find use in practicing the subject methods are provided.
Abstract:
The present invention provides compositions comprising mRNA molecules encapsulated within lipid particles. The lipid particles comprise a cationic lipid, a non-cationic lipid, and an mRNA molecule that is encapsulated within the lipid particle. The compositions are useful, for example, to introduce the mRNA molecules into a human subject where they are translated to produce a polypeptide that functions to ameliorate one or more symptoms of a disease. The invention also provides cationic lipids that are useful for preparing the compositions of the invention.
Abstract:
This invention provides liposomes for delivering to target cells in a subject, nucleic acids for expressing telomerase reverse transcriptase and/or telomerase RNA component. Expression of active telomerase can extend the length of telomeres in the cell. Such lengthening can be useful in subjects suffering from diseases associated with shortened telomeres.
Abstract:
The present disclosure describes improved adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors for gene therapy applications in the treatment of glycogen storage disease, particularly glycogen storage disease type la (GSD-Ia). Described are recombinant nucleic acid molecules, vectors and recombinant AAV that include a G6PC promoter/enhancer, a synthetic intron, a G6PC coding sequence (such as a wild-type or codon-optimized G6PC coding sequence), and stuffer nucleic acid sequence situated between the G6PC promoter/enhancer and the intron, as well as between the intron and the G6PC coding sequence. The recombinant AAVs disclosed herein exhibit highly efficient liver transduction and are capable of correcting metabolic abnormalities in an animal model of GSD-Ia.
Abstract:
The invention provides methods for enhancing the delivery of therapeutic compounds to the eye of a subject by administering plasmin or derivatives thereof and the therapeutic compounds to the eye.