Constant and steady transgene expression of interferon-γ by optimization of plasmid construct for safe and effective interferon-γ gene therapy.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Hydrodynamic injection of pmCMV(enh) -hEF-1(prom) -muIFN-γ, a plasmid DNA (pDNA) expressing murine interferon (IFN)-γ with a murine cytomegalovirus (mCMV) enhancer and a human elongation factor (EF)-1 promoter, has been proven effective for the treatment of cancer and atopic dermatitis in mice. However, the initial peak of IFN-γ soon after injection was quite high compared to the steady level for subsequent periods, which could cause unwanted adverse effects. Therefore, in the present study, aiming to optimize the efficacy/side-effect ratio of IFN-γ gene transfer, we have developed plasmid vectors encoding murine IFN-γ under the control of different combinations of promoter and enhancer sequences.

METHODS:

The promoter and enhancer sequence of pmCMV(enh) -hEF-1(prom) -huIFN-γ, a prototype plasmid expressing human IFN-γ, was replaced or deleted to obtain various pDNAs. To assess the transgene expression profile, each pDNA was delivered to mice by hydrodynamic injection and the serum IFN-γ concentration was measured periodically. On the basis of the results obtained, murine IFN-γ expressing pDNAs were constructed and the body weight change was monitored as an indicator of adverse effects.

RESULTS:

The prototype pmCMV(enh) -hEF-1(prom) -huIFN-γ showed a high but declining concentration of IFN-γ. Those containing hROSA26 promoter expressed the transgene in a more constant manner with no initial high concentrations and scarcely reduced the body weight.

CONCLUSIONS:

These results indicate that hROSA26 promoter, irrespective of the presence and type of enhancers, is suitable for achieving constant and steady level of transgene expression and effective in avoiding the body weight loss caused by high concentrations of IFN-γ.

• Authors: Mitsuru Ando, Yuki Takahashi, Makiya Nishikawa, Yoshihiko Watanabe, Yoshinobu Takakura
• Journal: The journal of gene medicine (J Gene Med) Vol. 14 Issue 4 Pg. 288-95 (Apr 2012) ISSN: 1521-2254 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 22359360 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Chemical References

• Interferon-gamma

Topics

• Animals
• Enhancer Elements, Genetic
• Gene Expression
• Gene Transfer Techniques
• Genetic Therapy (methods)
• Genetic Vectors
• Humans
• Interferon-gamma (genetics, metabolism)
• Male
• Mice
• Mice, Inbred ICR
• Plasmids
• Promoter Regions, Genetic
• Transgenes