In vivo correction of cystic fibrosis mediated by PNA nanoparticles

Abstract

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. We sought to correct the multiple organ dysfunction of the F508del CF-causing mutation using systemic delivery of peptide nucleic acid gene editing technology mediated by biocompatible polymeric nanoparticles. We confirmed phenotypic and genotypic modification in vitro in primary nasal epithelial cells from F508del mice grown at air-liquid interface and in vivo in F508del mice following intravenous delivery. In vivo treatment resulted in a partial gain of CFTR function in epithelia as measured by in situ potential differences and Ussing chamber assays and correction of CFTR in both airway and GI tissues with no off-target effects above background. This is the first report of systemic gene editing for CF. Our data suggest that systemic delivery of PNA NPs designed to correct CF-causing mutations is a viable option to ameliorate the disease in multiple affected organs.