We use recombinant retrovirus vectors to genetically modify cells as a strategy of promoting survival of injured neurons and axon regeneration.
A retrovirus is a virus which has a genome consisting of two RNA molecules, which may or may not be identical to each other. It relies on the enzyme reverse transcriptase to perform reverse transcription of its genome from RNA to DNA, which can then be integrated into the host's genome with an integrase enzyme.
In our paradigm, we have used a retrovirus containing neurotrophic genes, either neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) or brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) a marker gene, which allows us to track the genetically modified cells with various staining methods.
Genetic modification and grafting of fibroblasts into the injured spinal cord
Using these methods, the comlete rescue of injured neurons in Clarke's Nucleus by genetically modified cells that express NT-3 and the ability of cells that express BDNF to rescue injured neurons in the Red Nucleus (Himes et. al., 2001), induce regeneration of rubrospinal axons and promote significant functional recovery (Liu et. al., 1999; Liu et. al. 2002).
References
(Abstract)
Himes BT1, Liu Y, Solowska JM, Snyder EY, Fischer I, Tessler A.
J Neurosci Res. 2001 Sep 15;65(6):549-64.
(Full Report)
Himes BT, Liu Y, Snyder EY, Fischer I, Tessler A.
J. Neurosci. Res. 2001:65:549-564
(Online Article)
Liu Y, Himes T, Solowska-Baird J, Moul J, Chow S, Tessler A, Snyder E, and Fischer I.
Experimental Neurology. 1999:158:9-26
(Online Article)
Liu Y, Kim Y, Himes T, Chow S, Murray M, Tessler A, Fischer I.
J. Neuroscience. 1999:19:4370-4387
(Abstract)
Liu Y, Himes T, Moul J, Chow S, Jin H, Murray M, Tessler A, Fischer I.
NeuroReport. 1998:9:1075-1079
Encapsulation of genetically modified fibroblasts
We have shown that the immune response of the host can be circumvented by encapsulating our genetically modified fibroblasts inside a semi-permeable alginate capsule. Normally, the immune response is one of the most limiting factors in cellular transplant therapies. In this system, however, with immune cells prohibited from entering the membrane, the genetically modified fibroblasts are able to survive and produce BDNF without immune suppression.
Reference
(Abstract)
Tobias CA, Dhoot NO, Wheatley MA, Tessler A, Murray M, Fischer I.
J. Neurotrauma. 2001:18:287-301