Ribozyme uses in retinal gene therapy

Prog Retin Eye Res. 2000 Nov;19(6):689-710. doi: 10.1016/s1350-9462(00)00007-0.

Abstract

In this chapter we discuss the design, delivery and preclinical testing of mutation-specific ribozymes for the treatment of dominantly inherited retinal disease. We focus particular attention on the initial screening of ribozymes in vitro, because the activity of RNA enzymes in cell-free systems can be used to predict their suitability for animal experiments. Current techniques for delivering genes of interest to cells of the retina using viral vectors are then briefly surveyed emphasizing vector properties that best match to the needs of a ribozyme-based therapy. Using these considerations, analysis of ribozyme gene therapy for an autosomal dominant RP-like disease in a rodent model is outlined emphasizing the desirability of combining biochemical, morphological and electrophysiological measures of therapy. Finally, we describe alternative, perhaps more general, ribozyme approaches that have yet to be tested in the context of retinal disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Genes, Dominant
  • Genetic Therapy / methods*
  • Genetic Vectors
  • Humans
  • Protein Structure, Secondary
  • RNA, Catalytic / genetics
  • RNA, Catalytic / therapeutic use*
  • Retinal Diseases / therapy*
  • Retinitis Pigmentosa / genetics
  • Retinitis Pigmentosa / therapy

Substances

  • RNA, Catalytic