The present disclosure relates generally to compositions and methods for inhibiting exon 3 skipping in the 6-pyruvoyltetrahydropterin synthase (PTS) gene in monocytes, monocyte-derived cells such as macrophages and dendritic cells of the precursor cells thereof. The inhibition can be achieved with genome editing of the genomic sequence to remove certain splicing factor recognition sites or inhibiting the expression or activity of the splicing factors that contribute to the cell-specific exon skipping. Monocytes and monocyte-derived cells that have reduced exon skipping in the PTS gene can generate more potent immune response and thus are useful in preventing or treating diseases such as infectious diseases and cancer.

Provided herein are biocatalysts and systems thereof for pterin-dependent enzymes and pathways and methods of making and using the same. Provided herein in some embodiments are biocatalysts having a pterin source and a pterin-dependent enzymatic pathway biologically coupled to the pterin source. Tetrahydrobiopterin (referred to herein as BH4 or BH 4) can be the pterin source. The BH4 can be synthesized by a tetrahydrobiopterin synthesis pathway. The tetrahydrobiopterin synthesis pathway can include a GTP cyclohydrase; a pyruvoyl tetrahydropterin synthase; a sepiapterin reductase, and/or any combination thereof. The biocatalyst can further contain a pterin-dependent enzymatic pathway. The pterin-dependent enzymatic pathway can be amino acid mono-oxygenase, phenylalanine hydroxylase, tryptophan hydroxylase, tyrosine hydroxylase, nitric oxide synthase, alkylglycerol monooxygenase, and/or any combination thereof.

The invention relates to the use of genetic constructs, expression cassettes and recombinant vectors comprising such constructs and cassettes for gene therapy and methods for treating neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's disease (PD). The constructs comprise a promoter operably linked to a first coding sequence, which encodes tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and a second coding sequence, which encodes GTP cyclohydrolase 1 (GCH1). The second coding sequence is 3′ to the first coding sequence, and the first and second coding sequences are part of a single operon, wherein the genetic construct does not encode aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (AADC). The construct is delivered to the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of the subject.

Provided herein are biocatalysts and systems thereof for pterin-dependent enzymes and pathways and methods of making and using the same.

Provided herein are biocatalysts and systems thereof for pterin-dependent enzymes and pathways and methods of making and using the same. Provided herein in some embodiments are biocatalysts having a pterin source and a pterin-dependent enzymatic pathway biologically coupled to the pterin source. Tetrahydrobiopterin (referred to herein as BH4 or BH 4) can be the pterin source. The BH4 can be synthesized by a tetrahydrobiopterin synthesis pathway. The tetrahydrobiopterin synthesis pathway can include a GTP cyclohydrase; a pyruvoyl tetrahydropterin synthase; a sepiapterin reductase, and/or any combination thereof. The biocatalyst can further contain a pterin-dependent enzymatic pathway. The pterin-dependent enzymatic pathway can be amino acid mono-oxygenase, phenylalanine hydroxylase, tryptophan hydroxylase, tyrosine hydroxylase, nitric oxide synthase, alkylglycerol monooxygenase, and/or any combination thereof.

The present invention relates to an expression system for enzyme replacement therapy with the aim of obtaining or maintaining a steady level of L-DOPA in the blood of an individual, achieved through systemic administration of the expression system. The invention is thus useful in the treatment of catecholamine deficient disorders, such as dopamine deficient disorders including Parkinson's Disease.

Provided herein are biocatalysts and systems thereof for pterin-dependent enzymes and pathways and methods of making and using the same.