Splice-Modulating Oligonucleotide QR-110 Restores CEP290 mRNA and Function in Human c.2991+1655A>G LCA10 Models.


Type
Article
Change log
Authors
Dulla, Kalyan 
Aguila, Monica 
Lane, Amelia 
Jovanovic, Katarina 
Parfitt, David A 
Abstract

Leber congenital amaurosis type 10 (LCA10) is a severe inherited retinal dystrophy associated with mutations in CEP290. The deep intronic c.2991+1655A>G mutation in CEP290 is the most common mutation in LCA10 individuals and represents an ideal target for oligonucleotide therapeutics. Here, a panel of antisense oligonucleotides was designed to correct the splicing defect associated with the mutation and screened for efficacy and safety. This identified QR-110 as the best-performing molecule. QR-110 restored wild-type CEP290 mRNA and protein expression levels in CEP290 c.2991+1655A>G homozygous and compound heterozygous LCA10 primary fibroblasts. Furthermore, in homozygous three-dimensional iPSC-derived retinal organoids, QR-110 showed a dose-dependent restoration of mRNA and protein function, as measured by percentage and length of photoreceptor cilia, without off-target effects. Localization studies in wild-type mice and rabbits showed that QR-110 readily reached all retinal layers, with an estimated half-life of 58 days. It was well tolerated following intravitreal injection in monkeys. In conclusion, the pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic, and safety properties make QR-110 a promising candidate for treating LCA10, and clinical development is currently ongoing.

Description
Keywords
QR-110, oligonucleotide, organoid, retinal dystrophy, stem cell, therapy
Journal Title
Molecular Therapy: Nucleic Acids
Conference Name
Journal ISSN
2162-2531
2162-2531
Volume Title
12
Publisher
Elsevier
Sponsorship
This study was funded by ProQR. iPSC work in the Cheetham lab is also supported by the Wellcome Trust, Fight for Sight, RP Fighting Blindness, and Moorfields Eye Charity.