AAV2-mediated ABD-FGF21 gene delivery produces a sustained anti-hyperglycemic effect in type 2 diabetic mouse

• Published in: Life sciences (1973) 2025-02, Vol.362, p.123344, Article 123344
• Main Authors: Lu, Sen-lin, Pan, Zhi-hao, Cui, Zhi, Wang, Ji-li, Yang, Jian-lin, Lv, Ya-feng, Cao, Chun-yu, Huang, Xiao-fei
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adeno-associated virus type 2; Albumin-binding domain; Animals; Blood Glucose - metabolism; Dependovirus - genetics; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental - genetics; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental - metabolism; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental - therapy; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 - genetics; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 - metabolism; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 - therapy; Fibroblast Growth Factor 21; Fibroblast Growth Factors - genetics; Fibroblast Growth Factors - metabolism; Gene Transfer Techniques; Genetic Therapy - methods; Genetic Vectors - administration & dosage; HEK293 Cells; Humans; Hypoglycemic Agents; Liver - metabolism; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Type 2 diabetes mellitus
• ISSN: 0024-3205; 1879-0631; 1879-0631
• DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.123344

Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF21) is a naturally occurring peptide hormone involved in the regulation of glycolipid metabolism, and it shows promise as a potential treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the short half-life and poor pharmacokinetics of native FGF21 limit its efficacy in reducing hyperglycemia in vivo. Therefore, maintaining stable and sustained blood concentrations of FGF21 is crucial for its role as an effective regulator of glycolipid metabolism in vivo. In this study, we developed an AAV2-mediated gene delivery system incorporating an Albumin-binding domain (ABD) fused to FGF21, and we evaluated its effects in a type 2 diabetic mouse model. The plasmids pAAV-FGF21-Luciferase, pHelper, and the capsid plasmid were transfected into HEK293T cells to generate recombinant AAV (rAAV) virus. A type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mouse model was established for evaluation. The rAAV was administered via tail vein injection into the mice. The effects of rAAV injection on various parameters were assessed using commercial kits. Histological changes in the liver and adipose tissue of T2DM mice were examined using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The data showed that the inclusion of ABD significantly prolonged the half-life of FGF21 in the serum of mice. Additionally, AAV2-mediated delivery of ABD-FGF21 to the liver resulted in sustained gene expression and a significant increase in circulating FGF21 levels in mice. Treatment with AAV2-ABD-FGF21 led to several benefits, including reduced fasting glucose, improved insulin sensitivity, decreased triglyceride and total cholesterol levels, and improved body weight in T2DM mice. Furthermore, serum analysis and histological examination showed no significant liver damage at the study endpoint after seven weeks. In conclusion, we have developed a novel strategy for producing long-acting FGF21 using the AAV vector, and AAV2-ABD-FGF21 shows promise as a therapeutic approach for type 2 diabetes mellitus and other glycolipid metabolic disorders. •This study seeks to achieve sustained high-level expression of ABD-FGF21 in liver cells by transfecting the target gene using AAV2 as a vector.•In this study, the half-life of FGF21 was prolonged by the coupling of ABD to FGF21.