Investigating the potential of stem cell therapy for Sanfilippo Type B
The Sanfilippo Children’s Foundation has awarded
funding to a one-year stem cell therapy project, entitled, Neural and mesenchymal stem cell mediated gene therapy for MPS IIIB, led by Dr Coy Heldermon at the
University of Florida.
The researchers will investigate the potential of two
different types of stem cells as a therapy for Sanfilippo Type B. If
successful, this approach may be able to halt or slow the progression of
Sanfilippo by supplying the enzymes that are missing and reducing inflammation
in the brain. A major advantage over other potential therapies is that the stem
cells may also be able to reverse the damage already caused prior to diagnosis
and treatment.
The researchers will focus on two different types of stem cells – neural stem cells from the brain and mesenchymal stem cells that can be
obtained from bone marrow and other tissues. Stem cell therapy has not yet been
extensively studied in Sanfilippo, but the types of cells being investigated in
the project are currently in clinical trial for other conditions such as
multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury.
This project will use stem cells from mice that have been bred to
glow a green colour so that the cells can be tracked after transplant into
recipient mice. The cells will first be genetically altered so that they
produce large amounts of the enzyme that is missing in Sanfilippo type B
(NAGLU) before being transplanted, alone or in combination, into the brains of mice
with the condition.
After six months, the survival and distribution of transplanted
stem cells and the production of NAGLU enzyme in the brain, spinal cord and
other parts of the body will be assessed. The benefit of the therapy will also
be monitored by tests which measure the balance and agility of the mice.
“My lab is honored by the funding for this exciting potential
therapeutic approach. The use of stem cell approaches that do not require harsh
conditioning regimens should allow better tolerated treatments,” said Dr Coy
Heldermon.
“Although this is early stage research, and working with stem
cells can be very challenging, we are excited to fund this research because if
a type of stem cell, or combination of stem cells were found to be beneficial,
it could lead to a breakthrough therapy for Sanfilippo. If successful, this
approach could be applied to all types of Sanfilippo and other similar
conditions,” said Megan Donnell Founder and Executive Director of the Sanfilippo Children’s Foundation.
The Foundation is joined by Cure Sanfilippo (USA)
as a funding partner contributing a combined AUD$90,000 to this project.
"We are excited to support Dr Heldermon's investigation
of the use of non-embryonic stem cells in the Sanfilippo brain. Typically
by the time of diagnosis, children are already showing the detrimental effects
of Sanfilippo Syndrome on their young brains. Finding ways to restore
health to the affected brain is a critical mission for patients living with
neurodegenerative diseases today," said Cara O'Neill MD FAAP, Scientific
Director of Cure Sanfilippo.
Dr. Heldermon is a medical doctor and has a Ph.D. in Biochemistry
and Molecular Biology. His research expertise is in the use of gene replacement
and stem cell therapies for the treatment of inherited disorders such as
lysosomal storage diseases.
- Chief Investigator: Dr Coy Heldermon
- Project Title: Neural and mesenchymal stem cell mediated gene therapy for MPSIII B
- Amount: $90K (over 1 year)
- Location: University of Florida, USA
- Start date: March 2017