CRISPR-free RNA base editing mediated PTC-readthrough restores hearing in mice with Otof nonsense mutation #MMPMID41353207
Sun H; Teng Q; Liu W; Guo R; Li M; Xiong W; Huang Q; Yu Q; Luo N; Li Y; Song J; Gong S; Shi X; Yi C; Liu K
Nat Commun 2025[Dec]; ? (?): ? PMID41353207show ga
The gene therapy achieved by AAV-mediated otoferlin-overexpression is an effective therapeutic strategy for congenital deafness. However, achieving its physiological and endogenous patterns of expression remains challenging. Here, we generate the homologous mutation Otof c.1315 C > T (p.R439*), equivalent to OTOF c.1273 C > T (p.R425*) found in humans with profound deafness, to create a nonsense mutation-induced deaf mouse model. We then deliver the 'RESTART v3' system, which is a CRISPR-free RNA base editor for nonsense mutation suppression, into the cochlea of the mice. We achieve physiological otoferlin expression, and the edited premature termination codon is reverse-mutated to the original amino acid. We observe significant hearing restoration and enhancement of the behavioral auditory startle reflex. Thus, our study presents a successful RNA editing strategy to significantly restore hereditary deafness in mice carrying the specific Otof nonsense mutation, which holds great promise for future clinical translation.