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TRPV1-Targeted Gene Therapy: Novel Treatment for IC/BPS?

Majima T, Funahashi Y, Takai S, Goins WF, Gotoh M, Tyagi P, Glorioso JC, Yoshimura N. Herpes Simplex Virus Vector-Mediated Gene Delivery of Poreless TRPV1 Channels Reduces Bladder Overactivity and Nociception in Rats. Hum Gene Ther. 2015 Aug 31. [Epub ahead of print]

This animal study demonstrates the potential for using a specific type of gene therapy to treat bladder overactivity and pain. The investigators induced a form of cystitis in female rats, and then injected them with a gene therapy that targets a receptor known as TRPV1. For comparison purposes, they injected a second set of rats with a placebo treatment. They found that the rats receiving the active gene therapy had a response suggesting a therapeutic effect on bladder overactivity and pain behavior. While the findings are very preliminary, they do suggest that gene therapy targeting TRPV1 could be an innovative treatment for overactive bladder, interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome, and other bladder disorders.

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