Base editing rescue of spinal muscular atrophy in cells and in mice.

Science (New York, N.Y.)
Authors
Abstract

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), the leading genetic cause of infant mortality, arises from SMN protein insufficiency following loss. Approved therapies circumvent endogenous SMN regulation and require repeated dosing or may wane. We describe genome editing of , an insufficient copy of harboring a C6>T mutation, to permanently restore SMN protein levels and rescue SMA phenotypes. We used nucleases or base editors to modify five regulatory regions. Base editing converted T6>C, restoring SMN protein levels to wild-type. AAV9-mediated base editor delivery in Δ7SMA mice yielded 87% average T6>C conversion, improved motor function, and extended average lifespan, which was enhanced by one-time base editor+nusinersen co-administration (111 versus 17 days untreated). These findings demonstrate the potential of a one-time base editing treatment for SMA.

Year of Publication
2023
Journal
Science (New York, N.Y.)
Pages
eadg6518
Date Published
03/2023
ISSN
1095-9203
DOI
10.1126/science.adg6518
PubMed ID
36996170
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