Development Of Therapeutically Useful Human Artificial Chromosomes For Gene Delivery And Optimal Gene Expression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$496,986.00
Summary
Gene therapy is an exciting new form of treatment for genetic disorders aimed at providing long-term correction of the problems at source - namely the affected gene. The biggest technical hurdle facing gene therapy is to be able to deliver the therapeutic genes efficiently and safely into patient cells. Many gene therapy protocols are currently being trialled clinically. These protocols, based mostly on the use of attenuated viruses to deliver the genes, carry potential risks to the patients in ....Gene therapy is an exciting new form of treatment for genetic disorders aimed at providing long-term correction of the problems at source - namely the affected gene. The biggest technical hurdle facing gene therapy is to be able to deliver the therapeutic genes efficiently and safely into patient cells. Many gene therapy protocols are currently being trialled clinically. These protocols, based mostly on the use of attenuated viruses to deliver the genes, carry potential risks to the patients in terms of infection, immune response, and germline modification. We have developed the first stage of a new technology for gene delivery that does not require the use of viruses. This technology is based on the generation of human artificial chromosomes, which are smaller versions of the naturally occurring chromosomes that carry all the genes inside our cells. Safety in these artificial chromosomes comes from the use of entirely human materials for their engineering. These artificial chromosomes also have other advantages over the viral approaches, including allowing large genes to be carried, and providing a permanent cure in a single treatment. We have already successfully constructed, published, and patented a number of first-generation human artificial chromosomes. The current project aims to complete the next proof-of-concept milestone towards the further development of this technology. Specifically, we propose to demonstrate the ability of the artificial chromosomes to carry genes and provide sustainable expression of these genes in cells and in animal models. Success in this study will allow the technology to proceed rapidly into commercialisation and clinical trial as a new improved tool for gene delivery and gene therapy.Read moreRead less
Mechanically-restricted Percutaneous Gene Therapeutic Solutions For Heart Failure.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$187,000.00
Summary
We have developed a novel system for the localized delivery of specialised genes to the heart in order to improve contractility and function of a failing heart. Many genes, for reasons of toxicity, clearance, or uptake, require direct delivery to the target region without spillover to the systemic circulation. Our system addresses these issues by isolating the local circulation of the target organ and directly delivering the agent with minimal systemic loss and improved delivery and uptake effic ....We have developed a novel system for the localized delivery of specialised genes to the heart in order to improve contractility and function of a failing heart. Many genes, for reasons of toxicity, clearance, or uptake, require direct delivery to the target region without spillover to the systemic circulation. Our system addresses these issues by isolating the local circulation of the target organ and directly delivering the agent with minimal systemic loss and improved delivery and uptake efficiency, while minimizing potentially dangerous and toxic systemic effects.Read moreRead less
Oxidation Of Mismatch: A New Concept For Mutation Detection Which Avoides A Separation Method In Mutation Scanning
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$143,000.00
Summary
Detection of faults (mutations) in genes is expensive but essential for proper genetic health care. Because of the cost of such tests many people are not diagnosed either through diagnostic labs or research of the cost of such tests many people are not diagnosed either through diagnostic labs or research projects. Such research projects are inhibited due to the complexity of the current methods. Current methods are complex and expensive, especially looking for a possible fault, due to what is ca ....Detection of faults (mutations) in genes is expensive but essential for proper genetic health care. Because of the cost of such tests many people are not diagnosed either through diagnostic labs or research of the cost of such tests many people are not diagnosed either through diagnostic labs or research projects. Such research projects are inhibited due to the complexity of the current methods. Current methods are complex and expensive, especially looking for a possible fault, due to what is called a preparation step on complex and expensive equipment. We will develop and commercialise a simpler test because separation is avoided.Read moreRead less
Kunjin Replicons For Gene Therapy And Protein Manufacture
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$310,000.00
Summary
This grant seeks to provide proof of concept (PoC) for the use of the Kunjin replicon technology for gene therapy and protein production. (A) Protein production. Two Kunjin replicon constructs expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) and secreted alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) are to be constructed and protein production monitored using FACS and SEAP bioactivity reporter kit (Roche), respectively. Protein production and biological activity of the proteins will be monitored in transient transfecti ....This grant seeks to provide proof of concept (PoC) for the use of the Kunjin replicon technology for gene therapy and protein production. (A) Protein production. Two Kunjin replicon constructs expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) and secreted alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) are to be constructed and protein production monitored using FACS and SEAP bioactivity reporter kit (Roche), respectively. Protein production and biological activity of the proteins will be monitored in transient transfections and over an extended time period. Several cell lines, culture conditions and Kunjin replicon vector modifications will be tested. Arrangements have also been made to send the constructs to Roche, GSK, Eli Lilly, and Exelixis for side by side comparisons of this system with existing proprietary protein production echnologies. (B) Gene therapy. Two PoC gene therapy systems are proposed to be used for evaluation of Kunjin replicon vectors. (i) Tumours expressing granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GMCSF) by transfection cause the generation of anti-tumour CD8 T cells and subsequent tumour rejection. Current approaches include adoptive transfer of adeno-GM-CSF transfected tumour cells, a costly and laborious process resulting in only transient expression (Can. Imm. Immunother 2001 50:373). We intend to inject Kunjin replicon virus like particles into growing s.c. B16 melanomas and expect to see a high infection rate, a sustained high-level expression of GMCSF, and rejection of the tumour. In contrast to Kunjin, nearly all humans have antibody responses to adenovirus, and very high titres of adenovirus are required to obtain high infection and GM-CSF expression. Both factors limit adenovirus use in vivo. (ii) Transplant rejection can be inhibited by expression in the graft of CTLA4-Fc a reagent that blocks T cell co-stimulation enhancing allo-graft acceptance (Transplantation 2000 69:1806). High-level expression for over 100 days is expected to correlate with optimal graft acceptance. Our ability to use Kunjin to express beta galactosidase for several months in vivo without inflammation illustrates the potential for this approach (CIB ref 15). Initially we intend to use P815 cells injected i.p. into C57BL-6, where they are usually rejected within a few days. In contrast, P815 cells with Kunjin replicon-mediated CTLA4-Fc expression should survive for an extended period. Graft survival is easily monitored using FACS and anti-H-2d antibodies.Read moreRead less
Assessment Of Bilateral Oedema By Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$180,000.00
Summary
Swelling of tissue due to fluid accumulation, known as oedema, is one of the earliest signs of diseases such as kidney failure, burn injury or lymphedema. All of these are not uncommon conditions. Lymphedema, for example, is a common sequela of radiotherapy or surgery in the treatment of malignancies such as breast, uterine, and prostatic carcinoma. It is reported to occur in up to 40% of patients depending on the type of surgery and whether or not the patient received radiotherapy. It is estima ....Swelling of tissue due to fluid accumulation, known as oedema, is one of the earliest signs of diseases such as kidney failure, burn injury or lymphedema. All of these are not uncommon conditions. Lymphedema, for example, is a common sequela of radiotherapy or surgery in the treatment of malignancies such as breast, uterine, and prostatic carcinoma. It is reported to occur in up to 40% of patients depending on the type of surgery and whether or not the patient received radiotherapy. It is estimated that at any time 100000 women are suffering from post- mastectomy lymphedema in Australia alone. Treatment of breast cancer alone therefore, given the incidence of the disease, produces a large at-risk population. Add to this other causes of oedema and the magnitude of the problem becomes clearly apparent. The presence of chronic oedema is often a disfiguring and disabling disorder, usually accompanied by pain, recurrent infection, reduced mobility and impaired function. In acute oedema the problem often resolves with recovery from the underlying pathology. In chronic oedema, progression may be arrested by early intervention including complex physical therapy (exercise regimen, compression bandaging, and massage) which is effective in reducing limb volume, in improving the quality of life, function and body image of patients. Although the assessment of oedema is clearly of clinical importance, relatively few objective and accurate techniques for its measurement exist. Research conducted over the past decade by the applicants has pioneered the Use of Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis for the assessment of lymphedema. This study aims to translate this basic research into clinical practice. Sensitivity and specificity studies will establish normative and threshold values for impedance measurements that can be used as presumptive indicators of oedema. User friendly technology and equipment suitable for clinical use will be developed which should improve treatment therapies.Read moreRead less
Development And Evaluation Of Novel Fetal Haemoglobin Inducers For The Therapy Of Beta-thalassaemia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$288,899.00
Summary
The most important haemoglobinopathies from the clinical point of view are the beta-thalassaemias, sickle cell disease (SCD), HbE disease and the interactions between them. These beta-haemoglobinopathies are the result of mutations in the beta-globin gene, causing beta-globin chain synthesis that is abnormal, low or absent leading to life-threatening severe anaemia, and blood transfusion-dependency for life. An alternative approach to the therapy of beta-thalassemia is to reactivate fetal haemog ....The most important haemoglobinopathies from the clinical point of view are the beta-thalassaemias, sickle cell disease (SCD), HbE disease and the interactions between them. These beta-haemoglobinopathies are the result of mutations in the beta-globin gene, causing beta-globin chain synthesis that is abnormal, low or absent leading to life-threatening severe anaemia, and blood transfusion-dependency for life. An alternative approach to the therapy of beta-thalassemia is to reactivate fetal haemoglobin (HbF) synthesis. Some chemical agents have been identified to induce HbF and significantly reduce the need for blood transfusion in some thalassaemia patients, while in SCD patients it can ameliorate the clinical symptoms. Despite a number of clinical trials investigating the potential of HbF-inducing agents, many of these drugs have low efficacy, specificity, and cytotoxicity. There is therefore an urgent need to identify novel pharmacological agents with greater efficacy and reduced toxicity. Without a clear understanding of the underlying mechanism(s) involved in the induction of HbF, it is virtually impossible to focus on any molecular target. A promising approach is the use of chemical libraries in a high-throughput (HTP) screening to identify positive regulators of gene products. Our research group created an assay that has allowed us for the first time to perform a side-by-side comparison of several previously described fetal hemoglobin inducers including 2000 existing pharmaceuticals used by patients unrelated to thalassaemia. The screen identified a distinct group of compounds that induced the gamma-globin promoter in primary and secondary screens. The identification of novel inducers of HbF warrants further investigation as alternative therapies for beta-thalassemia. This project will evaluate novel inducers of HbF in our thalassaemia mouse model and provide early 'proof-of-concept' and enable the initiation of preclinical and clinical studies.Read moreRead less
Prevention Of Neuron Death By Targeted Gene Delivery
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$195,691.00
Summary
Neurotrophic factors are potent proteins that have the ability to keep nerves alive. They have therefore been used in clinical trials to treat motor neuron disease, but without success. A major reason for this appears to be the way in which the neurotrophic factors are delivered. Direct injections into the blood stream are a convenient way of getting these large proteins into the bloodstream, but this is not their normal mode of action. These proteins are normally provided by cells adjacent to t ....Neurotrophic factors are potent proteins that have the ability to keep nerves alive. They have therefore been used in clinical trials to treat motor neuron disease, but without success. A major reason for this appears to be the way in which the neurotrophic factors are delivered. Direct injections into the blood stream are a convenient way of getting these large proteins into the bloodstream, but this is not their normal mode of action. These proteins are normally provided by cells adjacent to the nerves. We have designed a system that more closely resembles this physiological mode of action which involves the delivery of neurotrophic factor genes, via the bloodstream, to the affected nerves. Once inside the nerves the factors are produced on site and, following their secretion, act locally and directly on the injured nerves.Read moreRead less
Development Of A Multiplex Assay For The Identification Of Women At Risk Of Preterm Labour.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$202,350.00
Summary
Preterm birth (ie birth before the 37th week of gestation) is the most significant problem facing contemporary clinical obstetrics in the developed world and occurs in approximately 5% to 12% of all deliveries. Being born too early is the major cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Data from Australia indicate that each year, more than 17,000 babies will be born prematurely. Of these infants, over 10,000 will suffer respiratory complications and about 1300 will die during the first 21 days ....Preterm birth (ie birth before the 37th week of gestation) is the most significant problem facing contemporary clinical obstetrics in the developed world and occurs in approximately 5% to 12% of all deliveries. Being born too early is the major cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Data from Australia indicate that each year, more than 17,000 babies will be born prematurely. Of these infants, over 10,000 will suffer respiratory complications and about 1300 will die during the first 21 days of life. The sickest and most premature of these infants require admission to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in a tertiary hospital. Aside from the medical implications of premature delivery, there is also a considerable fiscal challenge to society. While treatments for the prevention of labour have improved considerably over the past decade, current screening tests of preterm labour (ie Fetal Fibronectin test) are unreliable and have poor positive predictive values. The principal objective of this project is to develop and deliver a multiplex assay for the prediction and diagnosis of human preterm labour. Through the successful application of our own proteomic discovery programmes using both ovine and human cervico-vaginal fluid samples, we have identified several new protein markers of labour. Having completed this Phase 1 biomarker trial and established proof-of-concept, we are now well positioned to initiate a Phase 2 biomarker trial to determine reliable estimates of assay sensitivity and specificity. This project targets the development of a new diagnostic to meet a recognised market gap. Delivery of such a test will create a new market in pregnancy-based clinical diagnostics and significantly impact on improving health care and quality of life for many preterm babies. Should the project be completed as detailed and mitigate some of the risk of commercial development, it would then be realistic to seek substantial funding from the private sector.Read moreRead less