CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing Protects from the A53T-SNCA Overexpression-Induced Pathology of Parkinson's Disease In Vivo

CRISPR J. 2022 Feb;5(1):95-108. doi: 10.1089/crispr.2021.0025.

Abstract

Mutations in specific genes, including synuclein alpha (SNCA) that encodes the α-synuclein protein, are known to be risk factors for sporadic Parkinson's disease (PD), as well as critical factors for familial PD. In particular, A53T-mutated SNCA (A53T-SNCA) is a well-studied familial pathologic mutation in PD. However, techniques for deletion of the mutated SNCA gene in vivo have not been developed. Here, we used the CRISPR-Cas9 system to delete A53T-SNCA in vitro as well as in vivo. Adeno-associated virus carrying SaCas9-KKH with a single-guide RNA targeting A53T-SNCA significantly reduced A53T-SNCA expression levels in vitro. Furthermore, we tested its therapeutic potential in vivo in a viral A53T-SNCA-overexpressing rat model of PD. Gene deletion of A53T-SNCA significantly rescued the overexpression of α-synuclein, reactive microgliosis, dopaminergic neurodegeneration, and parkinsonian motor symptoms. Our findings propose CRISPR-Cas9 system as a potential prevention strategy for A53T-SNCA-specific PD.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CRISPR-Cas Systems / genetics
  • Gene Editing*
  • Mutation
  • Parkinson Disease* / genetics
  • Parkinson Disease* / metabolism
  • Parkinson Disease* / pathology
  • Parkinson Disease* / therapy
  • Rats
  • alpha-Synuclein* / genetics
  • alpha-Synuclein* / metabolism

Substances

  • SNCA protein, human
  • alpha-Synuclein