Long-term benefits of hematopoietic stem cell-based macrophage/microglia delivery of GDNF to the CNS in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease

Guo Ge, Barath P. Sivasubramanian, Bill D. Geng, Shujie Zhao, Qing Zhou, Gang Huang, Jason C. O’Connor, Robert A. Clark, Senlin Li

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) protects dopaminergic neurons in various models of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Cell-based GDNF gene delivery mitigates neurodegeneration and improves both motor and non-motor functions in PD mice. As PD is a chronic condition, this study aims to investigate the long-lasting benefits of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC)-based macrophage/microglia-mediated CNS GDNF (MMC-GDNF) delivery in an MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) mouse model. The results indicate that GDNF treatment effectively ameliorated MPTP-induced motor deficits for up to 12 months, which coincided with the protection of nigral dopaminergic neurons and their striatal terminals. Also, the HSC-derived macrophages/microglia were recruited selectively to the neurodegenerative areas of the substantia nigra. The therapeutic benefits appear to involve two mechanisms: (1) macrophage/microglia release of GDNF-containing exosomes, which are transferred to target neurons, and (2) direct release of GDNF by macrophage/microglia, which diffuses to target neurons. Furthermore, the study found that plasma GDNF levels were significantly increased from baseline and remained stable over time, potentially serving as a convenient biomarker for future clinical trials. Notably, no weight loss, altered food intake, cerebellar pathology, or other adverse effects were observed. Overall, this study provides compelling evidence for the long-term therapeutic efficacy and safety of HSC-based MMC-GDNF delivery in the treatment of PD.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)324-334
Number of pages11
JournalGene Therapy
Volume31
Issue number5-6
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2024

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Medicine
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

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