Systemic in utero gene editing as a treatment for cystic fibrosis

Abstract

In utero gene editing has the potential to modify disease-causing genes in multiple developing tissues before birth, possibly allowing for normal organ development, disease improvement, and conceivably, cure. In cystic fibrosis (CF), a disease that arises from mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, there are signs of multiorgan disease affecting the function of the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and reproductive systems already present at birth. Thus, treating CF patients early is crucial for preventing or delaying irreversible organ damage. Here, we demonstrate proof-of-concept of multiorgan mutation correction in CF using peptide nucleic acids encapsulated in polymeric nanoparticles and delivered systemically in utero. In utero editing was associated with sustained postnatal CFTR activity, at a level similar to that of wild-type mice, in both respiratory and gastrointestinal tissues, without detection of off-target mutations in partially homologous loci. This work suggests that systemic in utero gene editing represents a viable strategy for treating monogenic diseases before birth that impact multiple tissue types.

Keywords: cystic fibrosis; gene editing; in utero; nanoparticles; systemic delivery.