CELL SPECIFIC GENE THERAPY DELIVERY COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR TREATING HEARING LOSS

Information

  • Patent Application
  • 20240252685
  • Publication Number
    20240252685
  • Date Filed
    May 09, 2023
    a year ago
  • Date Published
    August 01, 2024
    5 months ago
Abstract
The present disclosure provides constructs comprising a coding sequence operably linked to a promoter, wherein the coding sequence encodes a polypeptide (e.g., a therapeutic polypeptide, e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide). Exemplary constructs include AAV constructs. Also provided are methods of using disclosed constructs for the treatment of hearing loss and/or deafness.
Description
REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY

The content of the electronically submitted sequence listing in XML format (Name: 4833_0150001_SequenceListing_ST26; Size: 307,903 bytes; and Date of Creation: May 9, 2023) filed with the application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.


BACKGROUND

Hearing loss can be conductive (arising from the ear canal or middle ear), sensorineural (arising from the inner ear or auditory nerve), or mixed. Most forms of nonsyndromic deafness are associated with permanent hearing loss caused by damage to structures in the inner ear (sensorineural deafness), although some forms may involve changes in the middle ear (conductive hearing loss). The great majority of human sensorineural hearing loss is caused by abnormalities in the hair cells of the organ of Corti in the cochlea (poor hair cell function). The hair cells may be abnormal at birth, or may be damaged during the lifetime of an individual (e.g., as a result of noise trauma or infection).


Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is the most common congenital sensory impairment, with the most common genetic cause being mutations in the gap junction β2 gene (GJB2) encoding the connexin 26 (Cx26) protein.


SUMMARY

Certain aspects of the disclosure are directed to promoters, e.g., cell specific promoters, which are derived from portions of GDF6, PARM1, MMP15, or VIM promoters, and are capable of directing transcription of the coding sequence (e.g., encoding Connexin 26 polypeptide or functional fragment thereof) in an inner ear support cell.


Certain aspects of the disclosure are directed to a polynucleotide comprising a sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NOs: 40, 90, 96, or 99.


In some aspects, the polynucleotide comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 90.


In some aspects, the polynucleotide comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 40.


In some aspects, the polynucleotide comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 96.


In some aspects, the polynucleotide comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 99.


In some aspects, the polynucleotide is capable of directing transcription of a coding sequence for a Connexin 26 polypeptide or a functional fragment thereof.


Certain aspects of the disclosure are directed to construct comprising the polynucleotide disclosed herein and a nucleic acid sequence comprising the coding sequence for a/the Connexin 26 polypeptide or functional fragment thereof. In some aspects, the construct is an expression cassette.


In some aspects, the polynucleotide of the construct is a promoter and is operably linked to a/the coding sequence. In some aspects, the polynucleotide is capable of directing transcription of the coding sequence in an inner ear support cell.


In some aspects, polypeptide of the construct is a Connexin 26 polypeptide or functional fragment thereof.


Certain aspects of the disclosure are directed to an expression construct comprising a coding sequence for a Connexin 26 polypeptide or a functional fragment thereof operably linked to a promoter, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NOs: 40, 90, 96, or 99, wherein the promoter is capable of directing transcription of the coding sequence.


In some aspects, the promoter of the expression construct comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 90.


In some aspects, the promoter of the expression construct comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 40.


In some aspects, the promoter of the expression construct comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 96.


In some aspects, the promoter of the expression construct comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 99.


In some aspects, the expression construct further comprises a second promoter operably linked to the coding sequence, wherein the second promoter is heterologous or homologous to the coding sequence.


In some aspects, the promoter of the expression construct is capable of directing transcription of the coding sequence in an inner ear support cell.


In some aspects, the inner ear support cell is selected from one or more of inner phalangeal cells/border cells (IPhC), inner pillar cells (IPC), outer pillar cells (OPC), Deiters' cells rows 1 and 2 (DC1/2), Deiters' cells row 3 (DC3), Hensen's cells (Hec), Claudius cells/outer sulcus cells (CC/OSC), interdental cells (Idc), inner sulcus cells (ISC), Kölliker's organ cells (KO), greater ridge epithelial ridge cells (GER) (including lateral greater epithelial ridge cells (LGER)), and OC90+ cells (OC90), fibroblasts, and other cells of the lateral wall.


In some aspects, the polynucleotide, construct, or the expression construct disclosed herein, further comprises a minimal GJB2 promoter which is operably linked to the coding sequence for the Connexin 26 polypeptide or functional fragment thereof.


In some aspects, the construct or the expression construct disclosed herein comprises a GJB2 nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NOs: 117-126.


Certain aspects of the disclosure are directed to an expression construct comprising a coding sequence for a Connexin 26 polypeptide or functional fragment thereof operably linked to an inner ear supporting cell selective promoter and a minimal GJB2 promoter, wherein the polynucleotide is expressed in an inner ear support cell. In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cell selective promoter is heterologous to the coding sequence for the Connexin 26 polypeptide or functional fragment thereof.


In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cell selective promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NOs: 40, 90, 96, or 99.


In some aspects, the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 90.


In some aspects, the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 40.


In some aspects, the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 96.


In some aspects, the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 99.


In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cell selective promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 95% identity to a sequence is selected from one or more of SEQ ID NO: 90, 40, 96, or 99.


In some aspects, the inner ear support cell is selected from one or more of inner phalangeal cells/border cells (IPhC), inner pillar cells (IPC), outer pillar cells (OPC), Deiters' cells rows 1 and 2 (DC1/2), Deiters' cells row 3 (DC3), Hensen's cells (Hec), Claudius cells/outer sulcus cells (CC/OSC), interdental cells (Idc), inner sulcus cells (ISC), Kölliker's organ cells (KO), greater ridge epithelial ridge cells (GER) (including lateral greater epithelial ridge cells (LGER)), and OC90+ cells (OC90), fibroblasts, and other cells of the lateral wall.


In some aspects, the polynucleotide, the construct, or expression construct of the disclosure comprises a minimal GJB2 promoter comprising a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86.


In some aspects, the expression construct comprises a GJB2 nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NOs: 117-126.


Certain aspects of the disclosure is directed to a viral vector construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a coding sequence for a Connexin 26 polypeptide or functional fragment thereof operably linked to a promoter which is capable of directing transcription of the coding sequence in an inner ear support cell, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter is heterologous to the coding sequence. In some aspects, the viral construct promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NOs: 40, 90, 96, or 99.


In some aspects, the viral construct promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 90.


In some aspects, the viral construct promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 40.


In some aspects, the viral construct promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 96.


In some aspects, the viral construct promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 99.


In some aspects, the viral vector construct further comprises a 5′ untranslated region (UTR.


In some aspects, the viral vector construct further comprises a 3′ untranslated region (UTR).


In some aspects, the viral vector construct comprises: (i) the 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a 5′ untranslated region (UTR), (iii) the coding sequence for the Connexin 26 polypeptide or functional fragment thereof operably linked to a promoter which expresses the polynucleotide in an inner ear support cell, (iv) a 3′ UTR, and (v) the 3′ ITR.


In some aspects, the viral vector construct comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NOs: 117-126.


In some aspects, the viral vector construct comprises: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a coding sequence for a Connexin 26 polypeptide or functional fragment thereof operably linked to an inner ear supporting cell selective promoter and a minimal GJB2 promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the inner ear supporting cell selective promoter is heterologous to the coding sequence.


In some aspects, the viral vector construct the inner ear supporting cell selective promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NOs: 40, 90, 96, or 99.


In some aspects, the viral vector construct comprises: (i) the 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a 5′ untranslated region (UTR), (iii) the coding sequence for the Connexin 26 polypeptide or functional fragment thereof operably linked to an inner ear supporting cell selective promoter and a minimal GJB2 promoter, (iv) a 3′ UTR, and (v) the 3′ ITR.


In some aspects, the viral vector construct comprises a GJB2 nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NOs: 117-126.


In some aspects, the viral vector construct comprises a minimal GJB2 promoter comprising a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86.


In some aspects, the promoter is capable of expressing the coding sequence for the Connexin 26 polypeptide or functional fragment thereof in an inner ear support cell selected from one or more of inner phalangeal cells/border cells (IPhC), inner pillar cells (IPC), outer pillar cells (OPC), Deiters' cells rows 1 and 2 (DC1/2), Deiters' cells row 3 (DC3), Hensen's cells (Hec), Claudius cells/outer sulcus cells (CC/OSC), interdental cells (Idc), inner sulcus cells (ISC), Kölliker's organ cells (KO), greater ridge epithelial ridge cells (GER) (including lateral greater epithelial ridge cells (LGER)), and OC90+ cells (OC90), fibroblasts, and other cells of the lateral wall.


In some aspects, the 5′ UTR comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or at least 100% identity to the sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 20, 21, or 66.


In some aspects, the 3′ UTR comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or at least 100% identity to the sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 22, 67, 68, or 69.


In some aspects, the polynucleotide, the construct, the expression construct, or viral vector construct disclosed herein, further comprises a polyA tail. In some aspects, the polyA tail is a bovine growth hormone, mouse-β-globin, mouse-α-globin, human collagen, polyoma virus, the Herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase gene (HSV TK), IgG heavy-chain gene, human growth hormone, or a SV40 late and early poly(A). In some aspects, the polyA tail is a bovine growth hormone polyA.


In some aspects, the viral vector construct disclosed herein, further comprises a 5′ and a 3′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR). In some aspects, the 5′ ITR and the 3′ ITR flank the promoter and coding sequence. In some aspects, the 5′ ITR and the 3′ ITR are AAV ITRs are derived from a serotype selected from AAV1, AAV2, AAV3, AAV4, AAV5, AAV6, AAV7, AAV8, AAV9, AAV10, AAV11, and AAV Anc80 ITRs. In some aspects, the AAV ITRs are derived from serotype AAV2.


In some aspects, the 5′ AAV ITR comprises the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8 or SEQ ID NO: 52.


In some aspects, the 3′ AAV ITR comprises the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 9 or SEQ ID NO: 53.


In some aspects, the viral vector construct disclosed herein comprises: a) the 5′ ITR comprises a nucleic acid sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 8 and the 3′ ITR comprises a nucleic acid sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 9; and/or b) the 5′ ITR comprises a nucleic acid sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 52 and the 3′ ITR comprises a nucleic acid sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 53.


In some aspects, the viral vector comprises (i) the 5′ ITR comprises the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 8 or 52, (ii) the 5′ UTR comprises the nucleic acid of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 20, 21, or 66, (iii) the promoter comprises the nucleic acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 10-16, 28, 40, 57, 90-99, (iv) the 3′ UTR comprises the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 22, 67, 68, or 69, and (v) the 3′ ITR comprises the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 9 or 53.


In some aspects, the viral vector comprises (i) the 5′ ITR comprises the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 8 or 52, (ii) the 5′ UTR comprises the nucleic acid of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 20, 21, or 66, (iii) the inner ear supporting cell selective promoter comprises the nucleic acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 10-16, 28, 40, 57, 90-99, the minimal GJB2 promoter comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 86, (v) the 3′ UTR comprises the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 22, 67, 68, or 69, and (vi) the 3′ ITR comprises the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 9 or 53.


In some aspects, the construct, the expression construct, or viral vector construct disclosed herein comprises a nucleic acid sequence according to any one of SEQ ID NOs: 7, 17, 38, 45-51, 54, 61, 82-84, 87-88, and 100-107.


In some aspects, the construct, the expression construct, or viral vector construct is selectively expressed in an inner ear supporting cell.


In some aspects, the construct, the expression construct, or viral vector construct comprises nucleotides 12-4557 of SEQ ID NO: 7, nucleotides 12-4338 of SEQ ID NO: 17, nucleotides 12-3976 of SEQ ID NO: 38, nucleotides 12-4754 of SEQ ID NO: 54, nucleotides 12-4429 of SEQ ID NO: 61, nucleotides 12-4645 of SEQ ID NO: 100, nucleotides 12-4708 of SEQ ID NO: 101, nucleotides 12-4993 of SEQ ID NO: 102, nucleotides 12-4496 of SEQ ID NO: 103, nucleotides 12-4253 of SEQ ID NO: 104, nucleotides 12-4320 of SEQ ID NO: 105, nucleotides 12-4464 of SEQ ID NO: 106, or nucleotides 12-4328 of SEQ ID NO: 107.


Certain aspects of the disclosure are directed to a viral vector or AAV particle comprising the polynucleotide, construct, expression construct, or viral vector construct disclosed herein. In some aspects, the viral vector is selected from the group consisting of an adeno-associated viral (AAV), adenovirus, or lentiviral vector. In some aspects, the viral vector is an AAV vector.


In some aspects, the viral vector or AAV particle comprises an AAV capsid, wherein the AAV capsid is or is derived from an AAV2, AAV3, AAV4, AAV5, AAV6, AAV7, AAV8, AAV9, AAV10, AAV-rh8, AAV-rh10, AAV-rh39, AAV-rh43 or AAV Anc80 serotype capsid. In some aspects, the AAV vector or AAV particle comprises an AAV capsid which an AAV Anc80 capsid.


Certain aspects of the disclosure are directed to a composition comprising the polynucleotide, the construct, the expression construct, viral vector construct, or AAV particle disclosed herein. In some aspects, the composition is a pharmaceutical composition further comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In some aspects, the pharmaceutical composition is a synthetic perilymph solution.


Certain aspects of the disclosure are directed to ex vivo cell comprising the polynucleotide, the construct, the expression construct, the viral vector construct, the viral vector, or the AAV particle disclosed herein.


In some aspects, the ex vivo cell is an inner ear cell. In some aspects, the ex vivo cell is an inner ear supporting cell. In some aspects, the supporting cell is selected from one or more of inner phalangeal cells/border cells (IPhC), inner pillar cells (IPC), outer pillar cells (OPC), Deiters' cells rows 1 and 2 (DC1/2), Deiters' cells row 3 (DC3), Hensen's cells (Hec), Claudius cells/outer sulcus cells (CC/OSC), interdental cells (Idc), inner sulcus cells (ISC), Kölliker's organ cells (KO), greater ridge epithelial ridge cells (GER) (including lateral greater epithelial ridge cells (LGER)), and OC90+ cells (OC90), fibroblasts, and other cells of the lateral wall.


Certain aspects of the disclosure are directed to a method comprising, transducing an ex vivo cell with: a. the polynucleotide, the construct, the expression construct, the viral vector construct, the viral vector, or the AAV particle disclosed herein; and b. one or more helper plasmids collectively comprising an AAV Rep gene, AAV Cap gene, AAV VA gene, AAV E2a gene, and AAV E4 gene.


Certain aspects of the disclosure are directed to a method of expressing the Connexin 26 polypeptide or functional fragment thereof in an inner ear supporting cell, comprising administering the polynucleotide, the construct, the expression construct, the viral vector construct, the viral vector, the AAV particle, or the ex vivo cell disclosed herein.


Certain aspects of the disclosure are directed to a method of increasing expression of the Connexin 26 polypeptide or functional fragment thereof in an inner ear supporting cell, comprising administering the polynucleotide, the construct, the expression construct, the viral vector construct, the viral vector, the AAV particle, or the ex vivo cell disclosed herein to the subject.


In some aspects, the expression of the Connexin 26 polypeptide or functional fragment thereof in the inner ear supporting cell is increased relative to endogenous expression of the polypeptide in the inner ear supporting cell.


Certain aspects of the disclosure are directed to a method of treating hearing loss in a subject suffering from or at risk of hearing loss, comprising administering the polynucleotide, the construct, the expression construct, the viral vector construct, the viral vector, the AAV particle, or the ex vivo cell disclosed herein to the subject.


In some aspects, (i) the Connexin 26 polypeptide or functional fragment thereof is predominately expressed in inner ear supporting cells, (ii) the Connexin 26 polypeptide or functional fragment thereof is selectively expressed at a higher level in inner ear supporting cells than in inner ear hair cells, (iii) the Connexin 26 polypeptide or functional fragment thereof not expressed at levels sufficient to cause toxicity in inner ear hair cells, or (iv) or any combination thereof.


In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cells are selected from one or more of inner phalangeal cells/border cells (IPhC), inner pillar cells (IPC), outer pillar cells (OPC), Deiters' cells rows 1 and 2 (DC1/2), Deiters' cells row 3 (DC3), Hensen's cells (Hec), Claudius cells/outer sulcus cells (CC/OSC), interdental cells (Idc), inner sulcus cells (ISC), Kölliker's organ cells (KO), and OC90+ cells (OC90).


In some aspects, the administration is to the inner ear of the subject.


In some aspects, the administration is to the cochlea of the subject.


In some aspects, the administration is via a round window membrane injection.


Certain aspects are directed to the use of the polynucleotide, the construct, the expression construct, the viral vector construct, the viral vector, the AAV particle, or the ex vivo cell disclosed herein, for the treatment of hearing loss in a subject suffering from or at risk of hearing loss.


Certain aspects are directed to the use of polynucleotide, the construct, the expression construct, the viral vector construct, the viral vector, the AAV particle, or the ex vivo cell disclosed herein, in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of hearing loss.


In some aspects, the polynucleotide, the construct, the expression construct, the viral vector construct, the viral vector, the AAV particle, or the ex vivo cell disclosed herein, for use as a medicament.


In some aspects, the polynucleotide, the construct, the expression construct, the viral vector construct, the viral vector, the AAV particle, or the ex vivo cell disclosed herein, for use in the treatment of hearing loss.


In some aspects, the construct, vector, AAV particle, composition or ex vivo cell is pre-loaded in a device for administration. In some aspects, the device is a microcatheter. In some aspects, the microcatheter is shaped such that it can enter the middle ear cavity via the external auditory canal and contact the end of the microcatheter with the RWM. In some aspects, a distal end of the microcatheter is comprised of at least one microneedle with diameter of between 10 and 1,000 microns. In some aspects, the kit further comprises a device. In some aspects, the device is a device described in any one of FIGS. 4-7. In some aspects, the device comprises a needle comprising a bent portion and an angled tip.


Certain aspects are directed to a kit comprising the polynucleotide, the construct, the expression construct, the viral vector construct, the viral vector, the AAV particle, or the ex vivo cell disclosed herein. In some aspects, the kid further comprises a device disclosed herein.





BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS


FIG. 1 panel (A) depicts a simplified endogenous AAV genome; panel (B) depicts a simplified recombinant AAV (rAAV) construct capable of expressing a therapeutic polypeptide (e.g., a GJB2 gene).



FIGS. 2A-G panels (A)-(H) depict alternative exemplary rAAV constructs comprising a therapeutic polypeptide FIG. 2A depicts an exemplary rAAV construct comprising a 5′ ITR, a CAG promoter, a nucleic acid encoding a therapeutic polypeptide (a hGJB2 gene), a bGH polyA, and a 3′ ITR. FIG. 2B depicts an exemplary rAAV construct comprising a 5′ ITR, a CAG promoter, a nucleic acid encoding a therapeutic polypeptide (a hGJB2 gene), a 3′ UTR, a bGH polyA, and a 3′ ITR. FIG. 2C depicts an exemplary rAAV construct comprising a 5′ ITR, a CAG promoter, a 5′ UTR, a nucleic acid encoding a therapeutic polypeptide (a hGJB2 gene), a FLAG tag, a 3′ UTR, a bGH polyA, and a 3′ ITR. FIG. 2D depicts an exemplary rAAV construct comprising a 5′ ITR, a smCBA promoter, a 5′ UTR, a nucleic acid encoding a therapeutic polypeptide (a hGJB2 gene), a FLAG tag, a 3′ UTR, a bGH polyA, and a 3′ ITR. FIG. 2E depicts an exemplary rAAV construct comprising a 5′ ITR, a promoter comprising a CMV promoter and a hGJB2 promoter, a 5′ UTR, a nucleic acid encoding a hGJB2 gene, a FLAG tag, a 3′ UTR, a bGH polyA, and a 3′ ITR. FIG. 2F depicts an exemplary rAAV construct comprising a 5′ ITR, a promoter comprising an inner ear supporting cell selective promoter and a hGJB2 minimal promoter, a nucleic acid encoding a therapeutic polypeptide (a hGJB2 gene), a FLAG tag, a 5′ UTR, a bGH polyA, and a 3′ ITR. FIG. 2G depicts an exemplary rAAV construct comprising a 5′ ITR, a CAG promoter, a nucleic acid encoding a therapeutic polypeptide (a hGJB2 gene), a FLAG tag, a T2A element, a nucleic acid encoding eGFP, a bGH polyA, and a 3′ ITR.



FIG. 3A-3C depicts FLAG protein expression in mouse cochlear explants transduced at P2 with exemplary rAAVAnc80 particles comprising constructs driven by CAG, CMVe-GJB2p, or smCBA promoter/enhancer sequences as noted, explants were fixed after 72h, immunostaining for FLAG is noted in green, immunostaining for hair cell marker Myo7a is noted in red, and nuclear marker DAPI is noted in blue. Panel (FIG. 3A) depicts exemplary explants transduced with AAVAnc80-CAG.5UTR.hGJB2.3F.3UTR (SEQ ID NO: 82) at 5.8E9 vg/explant. Panel (FIG. 3B) depicts exemplary explants transduced with AAVAnc80-smCBA.5UTR.hGJB2.3F.3UTR (SEQ ID NO: 83) at 1.4E10 vg/explant. Panel (FIG. 3C) depicts exemplary explants transduced with AAVAnc80-CMVeGFAPp.5UTR.hGJB2.3F.3UTR (SEQ ID NO: 84) at 1.8E10 vg/explant.



FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective of a device for delivering fluid to an inner ear, according to aspects of the present disclosure.



FIG. 5 illustrates a sideview of a bent needle sub-assembly, according to aspects of the present disclosure.



FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a device for delivering fluid to an inner ear, according to aspects of the present disclosure.



FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a bent needle sub-assembly coupled to the distal end of a device, according to aspects of the present disclosure.



FIGS. 8A-80 depicts in vivo expression of Connexin 26 in wild-type mice. Wild type mice (p20) were administered rAAVAnc80 particles comprising CAG.hGJB2.FLAG.GFP (schematic provided in FIG. 2G) to the cochlea (FIG. 8A). Expression of Connexin 26 in the supporting cells and inner hair cells was detected 10 days after administration. Immunostaining of actin filaments and hair cell stereocilia bundles by phalloidin is noted in blue, GFP is noted in green, FLAG is noted in purple, and endogenous Connexin 26 is noted in red. SC—supporting cells; IHC—inner hair cells; OHC—outer hair cells. Juvenile mice were administered rAAVAnc80 particles comprising AAVAnc80-CMVeGFAPp.mGJB2p.5UTR.hGJB2.FLAG.3UTR (FIG. 8B), AAVAnc80-GDF6p.mGJB2p.5UTR.hGJB2.FLAG.3UTR (FIGS. 8C and 8I) (schematic provided in FIG. 2F), AAVAnc80-IGFBP2p. mGJB2p.5UTR.hGJB2.FLAG.3UTR (FIG. 8D) (schematic provided in FIG. 2F), AAVAnc80-PARM1p.mGJB2p.5UTR.hGJB2.FLAG.3UTR (FIGS. 8E and 8J) (schematic provided in FIG. 2F), AAVAnc80-GFAPp.mGJB2p.hGJB2 (FIG. 8F), AAVAnc80-MMP15p.mGJB2p.hGJB2 (FIGS. 8G and 8L), AAVAnc80-VIMp.mGJB2p-hGJB2 (FIGS. 8H and 8K) to the cochlea. (VIM is also referred to as VIM1 in FIG. 8K.) Expression of Connexin 26 was detected two weeks after administration. Immunostaining of actin filaments and hair cell stereocilia bundles by phalloidin is noted in blue, FLAG is noted in green, and endogenous Connexin 26 or Myo7a is noted in red. FIG. 8M depicts in vivo expression of Connexin 26 in wild-type mice administered AAVAnc80 particles comprising AAVAnc80.CMVe.GFAP.mGJB2p.hGJB2.FLAG. Endogenous Connexin 26 is shown in white, flag-tagged Connexin 26 is shown in green, and hair cells are shown by phalloidin staining in blue. FIGS. 8N-8O depict in vivo expression of Connexin 26 in wild-type mice administered AAVAnc80 particles comprising AAVAnc80.CMVe.GDF6.mGJB2p.hGJB2.FLAG or AAVAnc80.CMVe.PARM1.mGJB2p.hGJB2.FLAG. Flag-tagged Connexin 26 is shown in green, phalloidin staining in blue, and Myo7a marking hair cells is shown in red.



FIGS. 9A-9C depicts in vitro expression of GJB2 mRNA and detection of Connexin 26 protein from constructs including supporting cell selective promoters. FIG. 9A shows Connexin 26-FLAG protein levels (“GJB2-FLAG”) in HEK293FT cells transduced with exemplary rAAVAnc80 particles comprising constructs driven by GJB6, IGFBP2, RPB7, PARM1, or GDF6 promoters in combination with a minimal GJB2 promoter. GAPDH is shown as a loading control. FIG. 9B shows GJB2 mRNA levels in HEK293FT cells transduced with rAAVAnc80 particles comprising constructs driven by GFAP and a minimal GJB2 promoter, CMV enhancer/GFAP, GJB2 enhancer/GJB2, CMV enhancer/GJB2, or CAG promoters. FIG. 9C shows Connexin 26-FLAG protein levels (GJB2-FLAG) in HEK293FT cells transfected with plasmids comprising constructs driven by FABP3, KLHL14, DBI2, TSPAN8, MMP15, SPARC, or VIM promoters in combination with a minimal GJB2 promoter. FLAG was used to distinguish protein levels between endogenous and transduced Connexin 26 expression. GAPDH is shown as a loading control.



FIG. 10 shows GJB2 mRNA levels in mouse cochlear explants transduced with rAAVAnc80 particles comprising constructs driven by a CAG promoter, a CMV enhancer/GFAP promoter, or a GFAP and a minimal GJB2 promoter. GJB2 mRNA levels were determined by qPCR.



FIGS. 11A-11B depicts in vivo expression of Connexin 26 and hearing restoration in inducible conditional GJB2 knockout mice. FIG. 11A shows expression of flag-tagged Connexin 26 in the cochlea of GJB2 knockout mice 60 days after administration of AAVAnc80.GDF6p.mGJB2.hGJB2.FLAG. Flag staining is indicated in green. Endogenous Connexin 26 is indicated in white. Phalloidin staining marking hair cells is shown in blue. FIG. 11B is a graph showing the Chirp stimulus level of GJB2 knockout mice 30 and 60 days after administration of AAVAnc80.GDF6p.mGJB2.hGJB2.FLAG.





DEFINITIONS

The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims appended hereto and is not limited by certain aspects described herein. Those skilled in the art, reading the present specification, will be aware of various modifications that may be equivalent to such described aspects, or otherwise within the scope of the claims. In general, terms used herein are in accordance with their understood meaning in the art, unless clearly indicated otherwise. Explicit definitions of certain terms are provided below; meanings of these and other terms in particular instances throughout this specification will be clear to those skilled in the art from context.


Use of ordinal terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., in the claims to modify a claim element does not by itself connote any priority, precedence, or order of one claim element over another or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed, but are used merely as labels to distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term) to distinguish the claim elements.


The articles “a” and “an,” as used herein, should be understood to include the plural referents unless clearly indicated to the contrary. Claims or descriptions that include “or” between one or more members of a group are considered satisfied if one, more than one, or all of the group members are present in, employed in, or otherwise relevant to a given product or process unless indicated to the contrary or otherwise evident from the context. In some aspects, exactly one member of a group is present in, employed in, or otherwise relevant to a given product or process. In some aspects, more than one, or all group members are present in, employed in, or otherwise relevant to a given product or process. It is to be understood that the present disclosure encompasses all variations, combinations, and permutations in which one or more limitations, elements, clauses, descriptive terms, etc., from one or more of the listed claims is introduced into another claim dependent on the same base claim (or, as relevant, any other claim) unless otherwise indicated or unless it would be evident to one of ordinary skill in the art that a contradiction or inconsistency would arise. Where elements are presented as lists (e.g., in Markush group or similar format), it is to be understood that each subgroup of the elements is also disclosed, and any element(s) can be removed from the group. It should be understood that, in general, where aspects or aspects are referred to as “comprising” particular elements, features, etc., certain aspects or aspects “consist,” or “consist essentially of,” such elements, features, etc. For purposes of simplicity, those aspects have not in every case been specifically set forth in so many words herein. It should also be understood that any embodiment or aspect can be explicitly excluded from the claims, regardless of whether the specific exclusion is recited in the specification.


Throughout the specification, whenever a polynucleotide or polypeptide is represented by a sequence of letters (e.g., A, C, G, and T, which denote adenosine, cytidine, guanosine, and thymidine, respectively in the case of a polynucleotide), such polynucleotides or polypeptides are presented in 5′ to 3′ or N-terminus to C-terminus order, from left to right.


Administration: As used herein, the term “administration” typically refers to administration of a construct or composition to a subject or system to achieve delivery of an agent to a subject or system. In some aspects, an agent is, or is included in, a composition; in some aspects, an agent is generated through metabolism of a composition or one or more components thereof. Those of ordinary skill in the art will be aware of a variety of routes that may, in appropriate circumstances, be utilized for administration to a subject, for example a human. For example, in some aspects, administration may be systematic or local. In some aspects, a systematic administration can be intravenous. In some aspects, administration can be local. Local administration can involve delivery to cochlear perilymph via, e.g., injection through a round-window membrane or into scala-tympani, a scala-media injection through endolymph, perilymph and/or endolymph following canalostomy. In some aspects, administration may involve only a single dose. In some aspects, administration may involve application of a fixed number of doses. In some aspects, administration may involve dosing that is intermittent (e.g., a plurality of doses separated in time) and/or periodic (e.g., individual doses separated by a common period of time) dosing. In some aspects, administration may involve continuous dosing (e.g., perfusion) for at least a selected period of time.


Allele: As used herein, the term “allele” refers to one of two or more existing genetic variants of a specific polymorphic genomic locus.


Amelioration: As used herein, the term “amelioration” refers to prevention, reduction or palliation of a state, or improvement of a state of a subject. Amelioration may include, but does not require, complete recovery or complete prevention of a disease, disorder or condition.


Amino acid: In its broadest sense, as used herein, the term “amino acid” refers to any compound and/or substance that can be incorporated into a polypeptide chain, e.g., through formation of one or more peptide bonds. In some aspects, an amino acid has a general structure, e.g., H2N—C(H)(R)—COOH. In some aspects, an amino acid is a naturally-occurring amino acid. In some aspects, an amino acid is a non-natural amino acid; in some aspects, an amino acid is a D-amino acid; in some aspects, an amino acid is an L-amino acid. “Standard amino acid” refers to any of the twenty standard L-amino acids commonly found in naturally occurring peptides. “Nonstandard amino acid” refers to any amino acid, other than standard amino acids, regardless of whether it is prepared synthetically or obtained from a natural source. In some aspects, an amino acid, including a carboxy- and/or amino-terminal amino acid in a polypeptide, can contain a structural modification as compared with general structure as shown above. For example, in some aspects, an amino acid may be modified by methylation, amidation, acetylation, pegylation, glycosylation, phosphorylation, and/or substitution (e.g., of an amino group, a carboxylic acid group, one or more protons, and/or a hydroxyl group) as compared with a general structure. In some aspects, such modification may, for example, alter circulating half-life of a polypeptide containing a modified amino acid as compared with one containing an otherwise identical unmodified amino acid. In some aspects, such modification does not significantly alter a relevant activity of a polypeptide containing a modified amino acid, as compared with one containing an otherwise identical unmodified amino acid.


Approximately or About: As used herein, the terms “approximately” or “about” may be applied to one or more values of interest, including a value that is similar to a stated reference value. In some aspects, the term “approximately” or “about” refers to a range of values that fall within ±10% (greater than or less than) of a stated reference value unless otherwise stated or otherwise evident from context (except where such number would exceed 100% of a possible value). For example, in some aspects, the term “approximately” or “about” may encompass a range of values that within 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, or less of a reference value.


Associated: As used herein, the term “associated” describes two events or entities as “associated” with one another, if the presence, level and/or form of one is correlated with that of the other. For example, a particular entity (e.g., polypeptide, genetic signature, metabolite, microbe, etc.) is considered to be associated with a particular disease, disorder, or condition, if its presence, level and/or form correlates with incidence of and/or susceptibility to the disease, disorder, or condition (e.g., across a relevant population). In some aspects, two or more entities are physically “associated” with one another if they interact, directly or indirectly, so that they are and/or remain in physical proximity with one another. In some aspects, two or more entities that are physically associated with one another are covalently linked to one another; in some aspects, two or more entities that are physically associated with one another are not covalently linked to one another but are non-covalently associated, for example by means of hydrogen bonds, van der Waals interaction, hydrophobic interactions, magnetism, and combinations thereof.


Biologically active: As used herein, the term “biologically active” refers to an observable biological effect or result achieved by an agent or entity of interest. For example, in some aspects, a specific binding interaction is a biological activity. In some aspects, modulation (e.g., induction, enhancement, or inhibition) of a biological pathway or event is a biological activity. In some aspects, presence or extent of a biological activity is assessed through detection of a direct or indirect product produced by a biological pathway or event of interest.


Cell Selective Promoter: As used herein, the term “cell selective promoter” refers to a promoter that is predominately active in certain cell types (e.g., transcription of a specific gene occurs only within cells expressing transcription regulatory and/or control proteins that bind to the tissue-specific promoter). In some aspects, an inner ear supporting cell selective promoter is a promoter that is predominately active in one or more supporting cells of the inner ear.


Characteristic portion: As used herein, the term “characteristic portion,” in the broadest sense, refers to a portion of a substance whose presence (or absence) correlates with presence (or absence) of a particular feature, attribute, or activity of the substance. In some aspects, a characteristic portion of a substance is a portion that is found in a given substance and in related substances that share a particular feature, attribute or activity, but not in those that do not share the particular feature, attribute or activity. In some aspects, a characteristic portion shares at least one functional characteristic with the intact substance. For example, in some aspects, a “characteristic portion” of a protein or polypeptide is one that contains a continuous stretch of amino acids, or a collection of continuous stretches of amino acids, that together are characteristic of a protein or polypeptide. In some aspects, each such continuous stretch generally contains at least 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 50, or more amino acids. In general, a characteristic portion of a substance (e.g., of a protein, antibody, etc.) is one that, in addition to a sequence and/or structural identity specified above, shares at least one functional characteristic with the relevant intact substance. In some aspects, a characteristic portion may be biologically active.


Characteristic sequence: As used herein, the term “characteristic sequence” is a sequence that is found in all members of a family of polypeptides or nucleic acids, and therefore can be used by those of ordinary skill in the art to define members of the family.


Characteristic sequence element: As used herein, the phrase “characteristic sequence element” refers to a sequence element found in a polymer (e.g., in a polypeptide or nucleic acid) that represents a characteristic portion of that polymer. In some aspects, presence of a characteristic sequence element correlates with presence or level of a particular activity or property of a polymer. In some aspects, presence (or absence) of a characteristic sequence element defines a particular polymer as a member (or not a member) of a particular family or group of such polymers. A characteristic sequence element typically comprises at least two monomers (e.g., amino acids or nucleotides). In some aspects, a characteristic sequence element includes at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, or more monomers (e.g., contiguously linked monomers). In some aspects, a characteristic sequence element includes at least first and second stretches of contiguous monomers spaced apart by one or more spacer regions whose length may or may not vary across polymers that share a sequence element.


Combination therapy: As used herein, the term “combination therapy” refers to those situations in which a subject is simultaneously exposed to two or more therapeutic regimens (e.g., two or more therapeutic agents). In some aspects, two or more agents may be administered simultaneously. In some aspects, two or more agents may be administered sequentially. In some aspects, two or more agents may be administered in overlapping dosing regimens.


Comparable: As used herein, the term “comparable” refers to two or more agents, entities, situations, sets of conditions, subjects, populations, etc., that may not be identical to one another but that are sufficiently similar to permit comparison therebetween so that one skilled in the art will appreciate that conclusions may reasonably be drawn based on differences or similarities observed. In some aspects, comparable sets of agents, entities, situations, sets of conditions, subjects, populations, etc. are characterized by a plurality of substantially identical features and one or a small number of varied features. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand, in context, what degree of identity is required in any given circumstance for two or more such agents, entities, situations, sets of conditions, subjects, populations, etc. to be considered comparable. For example, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that sets of agents, entities, situations, sets of conditions, subjects, populations, etc. are comparable to one another when characterized by a sufficient number and type of substantially identical features to warrant a reasonable conclusion that differences in results obtained or phenomena observed under or with different sets of circumstances, stimuli, agents, entities, situations, sets of conditions, subjects, populations, etc. are caused by or indicative of the variation in those features that are varied.


Construct: As used herein, the term “construct” refers to a composition including a polynucleotide capable of carrying at least one heterologous polynucleotide. In some aspects, a construct can be a plasmid, a transposon, a cosmid, an artificial chromosome (e.g., a human artificial chromosome (HAC), a yeast artificial chromosome (YAC), a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC), or a P1-derived artificial chromosome (PAC)) or a viral vector, capsid, viral particle and any Gateway® plasmids. A construct can, e.g., include sufficient cis-acting elements for expression; other elements for expression can be supplied by the host primate cell or in an in vitro expression system. A construct may include any genetic element (e.g., a plasmid, a transposon, a cosmid, an artificial chromosome, or a viral vector, capsid, viral particle etc.) that is capable of replicating when associated with proper control elements. Thus, in some aspects, “construct” may include a cloning and/or expression construct and/or a viral construct (e.g., an adeno-associated virus (AAV) construct, an adenovirus construct, a lentivirus construct, or a retrovirus construct).


Conservative: As used herein, the term “conservative” refers to instances describing a conservative amino acid substitution, including a substitution of an amino acid residue by another amino acid residue having a side chain R group with similar chemical properties (e.g., charge or hydrophobicity). In general, a conservative amino acid substitution will not substantially change functional properties of interest of a protein, for example, ability of a receptor to bind to a ligand. Examples of groups of amino acids that have side chains with similar chemical properties include: aliphatic side chains such as glycine (Gly, G), alanine (Ala, A), valine (Val, V), leucine (Leu, L), and isoleucine (Ile, I); aliphatic-hydroxyl side chains such as serine (Ser, S) and threonine (Thr, T); amide-containing side chains such as asparagine (Asn, N) and glutamine (Gln, Q); aromatic side chains such as phenylalanine (Phe, F), tyrosine (Tyr, Y), and tryptophan (Trp, W); basic side chains such as lysine (Lys, K), arginine (Arg, R), and histidine (His, H); acidic side chains such as aspartic acid (Asp, D) and glutamic acid (Glu, E); and sulfur-containing side chains such as cysteine (Cys, C) and methionine (Met, M). Conservative amino acids substitution groups include, for example, valine/leucine/isoleucine (Val/Leu/Ile, V/L/I), phenylalanine/tyrosine (Phe/Tyr, F/Y), lysine/arginine (Lys/Arg, K/R), alanine/valine (Ala/Val, A/V), glutamate/aspartate (Glu/Asp, E/D), and asparagine/glutamine (Asn/Gln, N/Q). In some aspects, a conservative amino acid substitution can be a substitution of any native residue in a protein with alanine, as used in, for example, alanine scanning mutagenesis. In some aspects, a conservative substitution is made that has a positive value in the PAM250 log-likelihood matrix disclosed in Gonnet et al., 1992, Science 256:1443-1445, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In some aspects, a substitution is a moderately conservative substitution wherein the substitution has a nonnegative value in the PAM250 log-likelihood matrix. One skilled in the art would appreciate that a change (e.g., substitution, addition, deletion, etc.) of amino acids that are not conserved between the same protein from different species is less likely to have an effect on the function of a protein and therefore, these amino acids should be selected for mutation. Amino acids that are conserved between the same protein from different species should not be changed (e.g., deleted, added, substituted, etc.), as these mutations are more likely to result in a change in function of a protein. Exemplary conservative amino acid substitutions are shown in Table 1.









TABLE 1







Conservative Amino Acid Substitutions


CONSERVATIVE AMINO ACID SUBSTITUTIONS









For Amino




Acid
Code
Replace With





Alanine
A
D-ala, Gly, Aib, β-Ala, Acp, L-Cys, D-Cys


Arginine
R
D-Arg, Lys, D-Lys, homo-Arg, D-homo-Arg,




Met, Ile, D-Met, D-Ile, Orn, D-Orn


Asparagine
N
D-Asn, Asp, D-Asp, Glu, D-Glu, Gln, D-Gln


Aspartic Acid
D
D-Asp, D-Asn, Asn, Glu, D-Glu, Gln, D-Gln


Cysteine
C
D-Cys, S-Me-Cys, Met, D-Met, Thr, D-Thr


Glutamine
Q
D-Gln, Asn, D-Asn, Glu, D-Glu, Asp, D-Asp


Glutamic Acid
E
D-Glu, D-Asp, Asp, Asn, D-Asn, Gln, D-Gln


Glycine
G
Ala, D-Ala, Pro, D-Pro, Aib, β-Ala, Acp


Isoleucine
I
D-Ile, Val, D-Val, AdaA, AdaG, Leu, D-Leu,




Met, D-Met


Leucine
L
D-Leu, Val, D-Val, AdaA, AdaG, Leu, D-Leu,




Met, D-Met


Lysine
K
D-Lys, Arg, D-Arg, homo-Arg, D-homo-Arg,




Met, D-Met, Ile, D-Ile, Orn, D-Orn


Methionine
M
D-Met, S-Me-Cys, Ile, D-Ile, Leu, D-Leu, Val,




D-Val


Phenylalanine
F
D-Phe, Tyr, D-Thr, L-Dopa, His, D-His, Trp,




D-Trp, Trans-3,4 or 5-phenylproline, AdaA,




AdaG, cis-3,4 or 5-phenylproline, Bpa, D-Bpa


Proline
P
D-Pro, L-I-thioazolidine-4-carboxylic acid, D-or-




L-1-oxazolidine-4-carboxylic acid (Kauer, U.S.




Pat. No. 4,511,390)


Serine
S
D-Ser, Thr, D-Thr, allo-Thr, Met, D-Met, Met




(O), D-Met (O), L-Cys, D-Cys


Threonine
T
D-Thr, Ser, D-Ser, allo-Thr, Met, D-Met, Met




(O), D-Met (O), Val, D-Val


Tyrosine
Y
D-Tyr, Phe, D-Phe, L-Dopa, His, D-His


Valine
V
D-Val, Leu, D-Leu, Ile, D-Ile, Met, D-Met,




AdaA, AdaG









Control: As used herein, the term “control” refers to the art-understood meaning of a “control” being a standard against which results are compared. Typically, controls are used to augment integrity in experiments by isolating variables in order to make a conclusion about such variables. In some aspects, a control is a reaction or assay that is performed simultaneously with a test reaction or assay to provide a comparator. For example, in one experiment, a “test” (i.e., a variable being tested) is applied. In a second experiment, a “control,” the variable being tested is not applied. In some aspects, a control is a historical control (e.g., of a test or assay performed previously, or an amount or result that is previously known). In some aspects, a control is or comprises a printed or otherwise saved record. In some aspects, a control is a positive control. In some aspects, a control is a negative control.


Determining, measuring, evaluating, assessing, assaying and analyzing: As used herein, the terms “determining,” “measuring,” “evaluating,” “assessing,” “assaying,” and “analyzing” may be used interchangeably to refer to any form of measurement, and include determining if an element is present or not. These terms include both quantitative and/or qualitative determinations. Assaying may be relative or absolute. For example, in some aspects, “Assaying for the presence of” can be determining an amount of something present and/or determining whether or not it is present or absent.


Endogenous: As used herein in reference to a substances or process refers to a naturally occurring substances or processes that originates from within a system such as an organism, tissue, or cell.


Engineered: In general, as used herein, the term “engineered” refers to an aspect of having been manipulated by the hand of man. For example, a cell or organism is considered to be “engineered” if it has been manipulated so that its genetic information is altered (e.g., new genetic material not previously present has been introduced, for example by transformation, mating, somatic hybridization, transfection, transduction, or other mechanism, or previously present genetic material is altered or removed, for example by substitution or deletion mutation, or by mating protocols). As is common practice and is understood by those in the art, progeny of an engineered polynucleotide or cell are typically still referred to as “engineered” even though the actual manipulation was performed on a prior entity.


Excipient: As used herein, the term “excipient” refers to an inactive (e.g., non-therapeutic) agent that may be included in a pharmaceutical composition, for example to provide or contribute to a desired consistency or stabilizing effect. In some aspects, suitable pharmaceutical excipients may include, for example, starch, glucose, lactose, sucrose, gelatin, malt, rice, flour, chalk, silica gel, sodium stearate, glycerol monostearate, talc, sodium chloride, dried skim milk, glycerol, propylene, glycol, water, ethanol and the like.


Expression: As used herein, the term “expression” of a nucleic acid sequence refers to generation of any gene product (e.g., transcript, e.g., mRNA, e.g., polypeptide, etc.) from a nucleic acid sequence. In some aspects, a gene product can be a transcript. In some aspects, a gene product can be a polypeptide. In some aspects, expression of a nucleic acid sequence involves one or more of the following: (1) production of an RNA template from a DNA sequence (e.g., by transcription); (2) processing of an RNA transcript (e.g., by splicing, editing, 5′ cap formation, and/or 3′ end formation); (3) translation of an RNA into a polypeptide or protein; and/or (4) post-translational modification of a polypeptide or protein.


Flanked: As used herein, the term “flanked” refers to a position relative to ends of a reference item. More specifically, in referring to reference nucleic acid sequence(s), “flanked” refers to having a sequences upstream and downstream of the reference nucleic acid sequence(s). In some aspects, a flanked referenced nucleic acid sequence has a first sequence or series of nucleotide residues positioned adjacent to the 5′ end of the referenced nucleic acid and a second sequence or series of nucleotide residues positioned adjacent to the 3′ end of the referenced nucleic acid. In some aspects, the upstream and/or downstream flanking sequences are immediately adjacent to the referenced nucleic acid sequence. In some aspects, there are intervening nucleic acids between the upstream and/or downstream flanking sequences and the referenced nucleic acid sequence.


Functional: As used herein, the term “functional” describes something that exists in a form in which it exhibits a property and/or activity by which it is characterized. For example, in some aspects, a “functional” biological molecule is a biological molecule in a form in which it exhibits a property and/or activity by which it is characterized. In some such aspects, a functional biological molecule is characterized relative to another biological molecule which is non-functional in that the “non-functional” version does not exhibit the same or equivalent property and/or activity as the “functional” molecule. A biological molecule may have one function, two functions (i.e., bifunctional) or many functions (i.e., multifunctional).


Gene: As used herein, the term “gene” refers to a DNA sequence in a chromosome that codes for a gene product (e.g., an RNA product, e.g., a polypeptide product). In some aspects, a gene includes coding sequence (i.e., sequence that encodes a particular product). In some aspects, a gene includes non-coding sequence. In some particular aspects, a gene may include both coding (e.g., exonic) and non-coding (e.g., intronic) sequence. In some aspects, a gene may include one or more regulatory sequences (e.g., promoters, enhancers, etc.) and/or intron sequences that, for example, may control or impact one or more aspects of gene expression (e.g., cell-type-specific expression, inducible expression, etc.). As used herein, the term “gene” generally refers to a portion of a nucleic acid that encodes a polypeptide or fragment thereof; the term may optionally encompass regulatory sequences, as will be clear from context to those of ordinary skill in the art. This definition is not intended to exclude application of the term “gene” to non-protein-coding expression units but rather to clarify that, in most cases, the term as used in this document refers to a polypeptide-coding nucleic acid. In some aspects, a gene may encode a polypeptide, but that polypeptide may not be functional, e.g., a gene variant may encode a polypeptide that does not function in the same way, or at all, relative to the wild-type gene. In some aspects, a gene may encode a transcript which, in some aspects, may be toxic beyond a threshold level. In some aspects, a gene may encode a polypeptide, but that polypeptide may not be functional and/or may be toxic beyond a threshold level.


Hearing loss: As used herein, the term “hearing loss” may be used to a partial or total inability of a living organism to hear. In some aspects, hearing loss may be acquired. In some aspects, hearing loss may be hereditary. In some aspects, hearing loss may be genetic. In some aspects, hearing loss may be as a result of disease or trauma (e.g., physical trauma, treatment with one or more agents resulting in hearing loss, etc.). In some aspects, hearing loss may be due to one or more known genetic causes and/or syndromes. In some aspects, hearing loss may be of unknown etiology. In some aspects, hearing loss may or may not be mitigated by use of hearing aids or other treatments.


Heterologous: As used herein, the term “heterologous” the relationship between two or more nucleic acid or protein sequences that are derived from different sources. In some aspects, the promoter operably linked to the nucleic acid encoding the therapeutic protein may be derived from a different gene other than the gene encoding the therapeutic protein.


Identity: As used herein, the term “identity” refers to overall relatedness between polymeric molecules, e.g., between nucleic acid molecules (e.g., DNA molecules and/or RNA molecules) and/or between polypeptide molecules. In some aspects, polymeric molecules are considered to be “substantially identical” to one another if their sequences are at least 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 99% identical. Calculation of percent identity of two nucleic acid or polypeptide sequences, for example, can be performed by aligning two sequences for optimal comparison purposes (e.g., gaps can be introduced in one or both of a first and a second sequences for optimal alignment and non-identical sequences can be disregarded for comparison purposes). In some aspects, a length of a sequence aligned for comparison purposes is at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or substantially 100% of length of a reference sequence; nucleotides at corresponding positions are then compared. When a position in the first sequence is occupied by the same residue (e.g., nucleotide or amino acid) as a corresponding position in the second sequence, then the two molecules (i.e., first and second) are identical at that position. Percent identity between two sequences is a function of the number of identical positions shared by the two sequences being compared, taking into account the number of gaps, and the length of each gap, which needs to be introduced for optimal alignment of the two sequences. Comparison of sequences and determination of percent identity between two sequences can be accomplished using a mathematical algorithm. For example, percent identity between two nucleotide sequences can be determined using the algorithm of Meyers and Miller (CABIOS, 1989, 4: 11-17, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety), which has been incorporated into the ALIGN program (version 2.0). In some aspects, nucleic acid sequence comparisons made with the ALIGN program use a PAM120 weight residue table, a gap length penalty of 12 and a gap penalty of 4.


Improve, increase, enhance, inhibit or reduce: As used herein, the terms “improve,” “increase,” “enhance,” “inhibit,” “reduce,” or grammatical equivalents thereof, indicate values that are relative to a baseline or other reference measurement. In some aspects, a value is statistically significantly difference that a baseline or other reference measurement. In some aspects, an appropriate reference measurement may be or comprise a measurement in a particular system (e.g., in a single individual) under otherwise comparable conditions absent presence of (e.g., prior to and/or after) a particular agent or treatment, or in presence of an appropriate comparable reference agent. In some aspects, an appropriate reference measurement may be or comprise a measurement in comparable system known or expected to respond in a particular way, in presence of the relevant agent or treatment. In some aspects, an appropriate reference is a negative reference; in some aspects, an appropriate reference is a positive reference.


Knockdown: As used herein, the term “knockdown” refers to a decrease in expression of one or more gene products. In some aspects, an inhibitory nucleic acid achieve knockdown. In some aspects, a genome editing system described herein achieves knockdown.


Knockout: As used herein, the term “knockout” refers to ablation of expression of one or more gene products. In some aspects, a genome editing system described herein achieve knockout.


Minimal Promoter: As used herein, the term “minimal promoter”, unless indicated otherwise, refers to a promoter that includes less than the full naturally occurring promoter sequence, which is still capable of directing transcription of a coding sequence (e.g., a heterogenous or homogenous coding sequence).


In some aspects, the minimal promoter can comprise one or more regions (including all regions) of the fully naturally occurring promoter that can direct transcription of a coding sequence.


In some aspects, the minimal promoter can comprise a portion or portions of the region(s) of the fully naturally occurring promoter that can direct transcription of a coding sequence.


Nucleic acid: As used herein, the term “nucleic acid”, in its broadest sense, refers to any compound and/or substance that is or can be incorporated into an oligonucleotide chain. In some aspects, a nucleic acid is a compound and/or substance that is or can be incorporated into an oligonucleotide chain via a phosphodiester linkage. As will be clear from context, in some aspects, “nucleic acid” refers to an individual nucleic acid residue (e.g., a nucleotide and/or nucleoside); in some aspects, “nucleic acid” refers to an oligonucleotide chain comprising individual nucleic acid residues. In some aspects, a “nucleic acid” is or comprises RNA; in some aspects, a “nucleic acid” is or comprises DNA. In some aspects, a nucleic acid is, comprises, or consists of one or more natural nucleic acid residues. In some aspects, a nucleic acid is, comprises, or consists of one or more nucleic acid analogs. In some aspects, a nucleic acid analog differs from a nucleic acid in that it does not utilize a phosphodiester backbone. Alternatively or additionally, in some aspects, a nucleic acid has one or more phosphorothioate and/or 5′-N-phosphoramidite linkages rather than phosphodiester bonds. In some aspects, a nucleic acid is, comprises, or consists of one or more natural nucleosides (e.g., adenosine, thymidine, guanosine, cytidine, uridine, deoxyadenosine, deoxythymidine, deoxy guanosine, and deoxycytidine). In some aspects, a nucleic acid is, comprises, or consists of one or more nucleoside analogs (e.g., 2-aminoadenosine, 2-thiothymidine, inosine, pyrrolo-pyrimidine, 3-methyl adenosine, 5-methylcytidine, C-5 propynyl-cytidine, C-5 propynyl-uridine, 2-aminoadenosine, C5-bromouridine, C5-fluorouridine, C5-iodouridine, C5-propynyl-uridine, C5-propynyl-cytidine, C5-methylcytidine, 2-aminoadenosine, 7-deazaadenosine, 7-deazaguanosine, 8-oxoadenosine, 8-oxoguanosine, 0(6)-methylguanine, 2-thiocytidine, methylated bases, intercalated bases, and combinations thereof). In some aspects, a nucleic acid comprises one or more modified sugars (e.g., 2′-fluororibose, ribose, 2′-deoxyribose, arabinose, and hexose) as compared with those in natural nucleic acids. In some aspects, a nucleic acid has a nucleotide sequence that encodes a functional gene product such as an RNA or protein. In some aspects, a nucleic acid includes one or more introns. In some aspects, nucleic acids are prepared by one or more of isolation from a natural source, enzymatic synthesis by polymerization based on a complementary template (in vivo or in vitro), reproduction in a recombinant cell or system, and chemical synthesis. In some aspects, a nucleic acid is at least 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 20, 225, 250, 275, 300, 325, 350, 375, 400, 425, 450, 475, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500, 3000, 3500, 4000, 4500, 5000 or more residues long. In some aspects, a nucleic acid is partly or wholly single stranded; in some aspects, a nucleic acid is partly or wholly double stranded. In some aspects, a nucleic acid has a nucleotide sequence comprising at least one element that encodes, or is complementary to a sequence that encodes, a polypeptide. In some aspects, a nucleic acid has enzymatic activity.


Operably linked: As used herein, refers to a juxtaposition wherein the components described are in a relationship permitting them to function in their intended manner. A control element “operably linked” to a functional element is associated in such a way that expression and/or activity of the functional element is achieved under conditions compatible with the control element. In some aspects, “operably linked” control elements are contiguous (e.g., covalently linked) with coding elements of interest; in some aspects, control elements act in trans to or otherwise at a from the functional element of interest. In some aspects, “operably linked” refers to functional linkage between a regulatory sequence and a heterologous nucleic acid sequence resulting in expression of the latter. For example, a first nucleic acid sequence is operably linked with a second nucleic acid sequence when the first nucleic acid sequence is placed in a functional relationship with the second nucleic acid sequence. In some aspects, for example, a functional linkage may include transcriptional control. For instance, a promoter is operably linked to a coding sequence if the promoter affects the transcription or expression of the coding sequence. Operably linked DNA sequences can be contiguous with each other and, e.g., where necessary to join two protein coding regions, are in the same reading frame.


Pharmaceutical composition: As used herein, the term “pharmaceutical composition” refers to a composition in which an active agent is formulated together with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. In some aspects, an active agent is present in unit dose amount appropriate for administration in a therapeutic regimen that shows a statistically significant probability of achieving a predetermined therapeutic effect when administered to a relevant population. In some aspects, a pharmaceutical composition may be specially formulated for administration in solid or liquid form, including those adapted for, e.g., administration, for example, an injectable formulation that is, e.g., an aqueous or non-aqueous solution or suspension or a liquid drop designed to be administered into an ear canal. In some aspects, a pharmaceutical composition may be formulated for administration via injection either in a particular organ or compartment, e.g., directly into an ear, or systemic, e.g., intravenously. In some aspects, a formulation may be or comprise drenches (aqueous or non-aqueous solutions or suspensions), tablets, boluses, powders, granules, pastes, capsules, powders, etc. In some aspects, an active agent may be or comprise an isolated, purified, or pure compound.


Pharmaceutically acceptable: As used herein, the term “pharmaceutically acceptable” which, for example, may be used in reference to a carrier, diluent, or excipient used to formulate a pharmaceutical composition as disclosed herein, means that a carrier, diluent, or excipient is compatible with other ingredients of a composition and not deleterious to a recipient thereof.


Pharmaceutically acceptable carrier: As used herein, the term “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” means a pharmaceutically-acceptable material, composition or vehicle, such as a liquid or solid filler, diluent, excipient, or solvent encapsulating material, involved in carrying or transporting a subject compound from one organ, or portion of a body, to another organ, or portion of a body. Each carrier must be is “acceptable” in the sense of being compatible with other ingredients of a formulation and not injurious to a patient. Some examples of materials which can serve as pharmaceutically-acceptable carriers include: sugars, such as lactose, glucose and sucrose; starches, such as corn starch and potato starch; cellulose, and its derivatives, such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose and cellulose acetate; powdered tragacanth; malt; gelatin; talc; excipients, such as cocoa butter and suppository waxes; oils, such as peanut oil, cottonseed oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, olive oil, corn oil and soybean oil; glycols, such as propylene glycol; polyols, such as glycerin, sorbitol, mannitol and polyethylene glycol; esters, such as ethyl oleate and ethyl laurate; agar; buffering agents, such as magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide; alginic acid; pyrogen-free water; isotonic saline; Ringer's solution; ethyl alcohol; pH buffered solutions; polyesters, polycarbonates and/or polyanhydrides; and other non-toxic compatible substances employed in pharmaceutical formulations.


Polyadenylation: As used herein, “polyadenylation” refers to the covalent linkage of a polyadenylyl moiety, or its modified variant, to a messenger RNA molecule. In eukaryotic organisms, most messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules are polyadenylated at the 3′ end. In some aspects, a 3′ poly(A) tail is a long sequence of adenine nucleotides (e.g., 50, 60, 70, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, or 5000) added to the pre-mRNA through the action of an enzyme, polyadenylate polymerase. In higher eukaryotes, a poly(A) tail can be added onto transcripts that contain a specific sequence, the polyadenylation signal or “poly(A) sequence.” A poly(A) tail and proteins bound to it aid in protecting mRNA from degradation by exonucleases. Polyadenylation can be affect transcription termination, export of the mRNA from the nucleus, and translation. Typically, polyadenylation occurs in the nucleus immediately after transcription of DNA into RNA, but additionally can also occur later in the cytoplasm. After transcription has been terminated, the mRNA chain can be cleaved through the action of an endonuclease complex associated with RNA polymerase. The cleavage site can be characterized by the presence of the base sequence AAUAAA near the cleavage site. After mRNA has been cleaved, adenosine residues can be added to the free 3′ end at the cleavage site. As used herein, a “poly(A) sequence” is a sequence that triggers the endonuclease cleavage of an mRNA and the additional of a series of adenosines to the 3′ end of the cleaved mRNA.


Polypeptide: As used herein, the term “polypeptide” refers to any polymeric chain of residues (e.g., amino acids) that are typically linked by peptide bonds. In some aspects, a polypeptide has an amino acid sequence that occurs in nature. In some aspects, a polypeptide has an amino acid sequence that does not occur in nature. In some aspects, a polypeptide has an amino acid sequence that is engineered in that it is designed and/or produced through action of the hand of man. In some aspects, a polypeptide may comprise or consist of natural amino acids, non-natural amino acids, or both. In some aspects, a polypeptide may include one or more pendant groups or other modifications, e.g., modifying or attached to one or more amino acid side chains, at a polypeptide's N-terminus, at a polypeptide's C-terminus, or any combination thereof. In some aspects, such pendant groups or modifications may be acetylation, amidation, lipidation, methylation, pegylation, etc., including combinations thereof. In some aspects, polypeptides may contain L-amino acids, D-amino acids, or both and may contain any of a variety of amino acid modifications or analogs known in the art. In some aspects, useful modifications may be or include, e.g., terminal acetylation, amidation, methylation, etc. In some aspects, a protein may comprise natural amino acids, non-natural amino acids, synthetic amino acids, and combinations thereof. The term “peptide” is generally used to refer to a polypeptide having a length of less than about 100 amino acids, less than about 50 amino acids, less than 20 amino acids, or less than 10 amino acids. In some aspects, a polypeptide can be a therapeutic polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide). In some aspects, a polypeptide can be a supporting cell polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide). In some aspects, a polypeptide can be a reporter polypeptide.


Polynucleotide: As used herein, the term “polynucleotide” refers to any polymeric chain of nucleic acids. In some aspects, a polynucleotide is or comprises RNA; in some aspects, a polynucleotide is or comprises DNA. In some aspects, a polynucleotide is, comprises, or consists of one or more natural nucleic acid residues. In some aspects, a polynucleotide is, comprises, or consists of one or more nucleic acid analogs. In some aspects, a polynucleotide analog differs from a nucleic acid in that it does not utilize a phosphodiester backbone. Alternatively or additionally, in some aspects, a polynucleotide has one or more phosphorothioate and/or 5′-N-phosphoramidite linkages rather than phosphodiester bonds. In some aspects, a polynucleotide is, comprises, or consists of one or more natural nucleosides (e.g., adenosine, thymidine, guanosine, cytidine, uridine, deoxyadenosine, deoxythymidine, deoxy guanosine, and deoxycytidine). In some aspects, a polynucleotide is, comprises, or consists of one or more nucleoside analogs (e.g., 2-aminoadenosine, 2-thiothymidine, inosine, pyrrolo-pyrimidine, 3-methyl adenosine, 5-methylcytidine, C-5 propynyl-cytidine, C-5 propynyl-uridine, 2-aminoadenosine, C5-bromouridine, C5-fluorouridine, C5-iodouridine, C5-propynyl-uridine, C5-propynyl-cytidine, C5-methylcytidine, 2-aminoadenosine, 7-deazaadenosine, 7-deazaguanosine, 8-oxoadenosine, 8-oxoguanosine, 0(6)-methylguanine, 2-thiocytidine, methylated bases, intercalated bases, and combinations thereof). In some aspects, a polynucleotide comprises one or more modified sugars (e.g., 2′-fluororibose, ribose, 2′-deoxyribose, arabinose, and hexose) as compared with those in natural nucleic acids. In some aspects, a polynucleotide has a nucleotide sequence that encodes a functional gene product such as an RNA or protein. In some aspects, a polynucleotide includes one or more introns. In some aspects, a polynucleotide is prepared by one or more of isolation from a natural source, enzymatic synthesis by polymerization based on a complementary template (in vivo or in vitro), reproduction in a recombinant cell or system, and chemical synthesis. In some aspects, a polynucleotide is at least 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 20, 225, 250, 275, 300, 325, 350, 375, 400, 425, 450, 475, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500, 3000, 3500, 4000, 4500, 5000 or more residues long. In some aspects, a polynucleotide is partly or wholly single stranded; in some aspects, a polynucleotide is partly or wholly double stranded. In some aspects, a polynucleotide has a nucleotide sequence comprising at least one element that encodes, or is the complement of a sequence that encodes, a polypeptide. In some aspects, a polynucleotide has enzymatic activity.


Promoter: As used herein, the term “promoter” refers to a nucleic acid sequence that functions to control the transcription of one or more coding sequences (e.g., a gene or transgene, e.g., encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a therapeutic polypeptide, a Connexin 26 polypeptide)), located upstream with respect to the direction of transcription of the transcription initiation site of the coding sequence. In some aspects, the promoter is structurally identified by the presence of a binding site for DNA-dependent RNA polymerase, transcription initiation sites or other DNA sequence (e.g., a transcription factor binding site, a repressor and/or activator protein binding site, or other sequences of nucleotides that act directly or indirectly to regulate the amount of transcription from the promoter). In some aspects, the promoter can comprise a naturally occurring promoter sequence, a functional fragment thereof, or a mutant of the naturally occurring promoter sequence or a functional fragment thereof.


Protein: As used herein, the term “protein” refers to a polypeptide (i.e., a string of at least two amino acids linked to one another by peptide bonds). Proteins may include moieties other than amino acids (e.g., may be glycoproteins, proteoglycans, etc.) and/or may be otherwise processed or modified. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a “protein” can be a complete polypeptide chain as produced by a cell (with or without a signal sequence), or can be a characteristic portion thereof. Those of ordinary skill will appreciate that a protein can sometimes include more than one polypeptide chain, for example linked by one or more disulfide bonds or associated by other means.


Recombinant: As used herein, the term “recombinant” is intended to refer to polypeptides that are designed, engineered, prepared, expressed, created, manufactured, and/or or isolated by recombinant means, such as polypeptides expressed using a recombinant expression construct transfected into a host cell; polypeptides isolated from a recombinant, combinatorial human polypeptide library; polypeptides isolated from an animal (e.g., a mouse, rabbit, sheep, fish, etc.) that is transgenic for or otherwise has been manipulated to express a gene or genes, or gene components that encode and/or direct expression of the polypeptide or one or more component(s), portion(s), element(s), or domain(s) thereof; and/or polypeptides prepared, expressed, created or isolated by any other means that involves splicing or ligating selected nucleic acid sequence elements to one another, chemically synthesizing selected sequence elements, and/or otherwise generating a nucleic acid that encodes and/or directs expression of a polypeptide or one or more component(s), portion(s), element(s), or domain(s) thereof. In some aspects, one or more of such selected sequence elements is found in nature. In some aspects, one or more of such selected sequence elements is designed in silico. In some aspects, one or more such selected sequence elements results from mutagenesis (e.g., in vivo or in vitro) of a known sequence element, e.g., from a natural or synthetic source such as, for example, in the germline of a source organism of interest (e.g., of a human, a mouse, etc).


Reference: As used herein, the term “reference” describes a standard or control relative to which a comparison is performed. For example, in some aspects, an agent, animal, individual, population, sample, sequence or value of interest is compared with a reference or control agent, animal, individual, population, sample, sequence or value. In some aspects, a reference or control is tested and/or determined substantially simultaneously with the testing or determination of interest. In some aspects, a reference or control is a historical reference or control, optionally embodied in a tangible medium. Typically, as would be understood by those skilled in the art, a reference or control is determined or characterized under comparable conditions or circumstances to those under assessment. Those skilled in the art will appreciate when sufficient similarities are present to justify reliance on and/or comparison to a particular possible reference or control. In some aspects, a reference is a negative control reference; in some aspects, a reference is a positive control reference. In some aspects, the reference can be a compound, a protein, a polypeptide, or a polynucleotide disclosed in the present disclosure.


Regulatory Element: As used herein, the term “regulatory element” or “regulatory sequence” refers to non-coding regions of DNA that regulate, in some way, expression of one or more particular genes. In some aspects, such genes are apposed or “in the neighborhood” of a given regulatory element. In some aspects, such genes are located quite far from a given regulatory element. In some aspects, a regulatory element impairs or enhances transcription of one or more genes. In some aspects, a regulatory element may be located in cis to a gene being regulated. In some aspects, a regulatory element may be located in trans to a gene being regulated. For example, in some aspects, a regulatory sequence refers to a nucleic acid sequence which is regulates expression of a gene product operably linked to a regulatory sequence. In some such aspects, this sequence may be an enhancer sequence and other regulatory elements which regulate expression of a gene product.


Sample: As used herein, the term “sample” typically refers to an aliquot of material obtained or derived from a source of interest. In some aspects, a source of interest is a biological or environmental source. In some aspects, a source of interest may be or comprise a cell or an organism, such as a microbe (e.g., virus), a plant, or an animal (e.g., a human). In some aspects, a source of interest is or comprises biological tissue or fluid. In some aspects, a biological tissue or fluid may be or comprise amniotic fluid, aqueous humor, ascites, bile, bone marrow, blood, breast milk, cerebrospinal fluid, cerumen, chyle, chime, ejaculate, endolymph, exudate, feces, gastric acid, gastric juice, lymph, mucus, pericardial fluid, perilymph, peritoneal fluid, pleural fluid, pus, rheum, saliva, sebum, semen, serum, smegma, sputum, synovial fluid, sweat, tears, urine, vaginal secretions, vitreous humour, vomit, and/or combinations or component(s) thereof. In some aspects, a biological fluid may be or comprise an intracellular fluid, an extracellular fluid, an intravascular fluid (blood plasma), an interstitial fluid, a lymphatic fluid, and/or a transcellular fluid. In some aspects, a biological fluid may be or comprise a plant exudate. In some aspects, a biological tissue or sample may be obtained, for example, by aspirate, biopsy (e.g., fine needle or tissue biopsy), swab (e.g., oral, nasal, skin, or vaginal swab), scraping, surgery, washing or lavage (e.g., bronchioalveolar, ductal, nasal, ocular, oral, uterine, vaginal, or other washing or lavage). In some aspects, a biological sample is or comprises cells obtained from an individual. In some aspects, a sample is a “primary sample” obtained directly from a source of interest by any appropriate means. In some aspects, as will be clear from context, the term “sample” refers to a preparation that is obtained by processing (e.g., by removing one or more components of and/or by adding one or more agents to) a primary sample. For example, filtering using a semi-permeable membrane. Such a “processed sample” may comprise, for example nucleic acids or proteins extracted from a sample or obtained by subjecting a primary sample to one or more techniques such as amplification or reverse transcription of nucleic acid, isolation and/or purification of certain components, etc.


Selective expression: As used herein, the term “selective expression” or “selectively expresses” refers to expression of a gene or polypeptide of interest predominately in certain specific cell types (e.g., inner ear cells, e.g., inner ear supporting cells).


Subject: As used herein, the term “subject” refers to an organism, typically a mammal (e.g., a human, in some aspects including prenatal human forms). In some aspects, a subject is suffering from a relevant disease, disorder or condition. In some aspects, a subject is susceptible to a disease, disorder, or condition. In some aspects, a subject displays one or more symptoms or characteristics of a disease, disorder or condition. In some aspects, a subject does not display any symptom or characteristic of a disease, disorder, or condition. In some aspects, a subject is someone with one or more features characteristic of susceptibility to or risk of a disease, disorder, or condition. In some aspects, a subject is a patient. In some aspects, a subject is an individual to whom diagnosis and/or therapy is and/or has been administered.


Substantially: As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to a qualitative condition of exhibiting total or near-total extent or degree of a characteristic or property of interest. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that biological and chemical phenomena rarely, if ever, go to completion and/or proceed to completeness or achieve or avoid an absolute result. The term “substantially” is therefore used herein to capture a potential lack of completeness inherent in many biological and chemical phenomena.


Supporting cell: As used herein, the term “support cell,” “supporting cell,” “inner ear support cell,” or “inner ear supporting cell” refers to cells of the inner ear that maintain the structure of the inner ear and maintain the environment of the sensory epithelium of the inner ear. In some aspects, inner ear supporting cells include, but are not limited to, inner phalangeal cells/border cells (IPhC), inner pillar cells (IPC), outer pillar cells (OPC), Deiters' cells rows 1 and 2 (DC1/2), Deiters' cells row 3 (DC3), Hensen's cells (Hec), Claudius cells/outer sulcus cells (CC/OSC), interdental cells (Idc), inner sulcus cells (ISC), Kölliker's organ cells (KO), greater ridge epithelial ridge cells (GER) (including lateral greater epithelial ridge cells (LGER)), and OC90+ cells (OC90), fibroblasts, and other cells of the lateral wall.


Supporting cell polypeptide: As used herein, the term “supporting cell polypeptide” or “support cell polypeptide” refers to a polypeptide that is endogenously expressed in a supporting cell of the inner ear.


Treatment: As used herein, the term “treatment” (also “treat” or “treating”) refers to any administration of a therapy that partially or completely alleviates, ameliorates, eliminates, reverses, relieves, inhibits, delays onset of, reduces severity of, and/or reduces incidence of one or more symptoms, features, and/or causes of a particular disease, disorder, and/or condition. In some aspects, such treatment may be of a subject who does not exhibit signs of the relevant disease, disorder and/or condition and/or of a subject who exhibits only early signs of the disease, disorder, and/or condition. Alternatively, or additionally, such treatment may be of a subject who exhibits one or more established signs of the relevant disease, disorder and/or condition. In some aspects, treatment may be of a subject who has been diagnosed as suffering from the relevant disease, disorder, and/or condition. In some aspects, treatment may be of a subject known to have one or more susceptibility factors that are statistically correlated with increased risk of development of a given disease, disorder, and/or condition.


Variant: As used herein, the term “variant” refers to a version of something, e.g., a gene sequence, that is different, in some way, from another version. To determine if something is a variant, a reference version is typically chosen and a variant is different relative to that reference version. In some aspects, a variant can have the same or a different (e.g., increased or decreased) level of activity or functionality than a wild type sequence. For example, in some aspects, a variant can have improved functionality as compared to a wild-type sequence if it is, e.g., codon-optimized to resist degradation, e.g., by an inhibitory nucleic acid, e.g., miRNA. Such a variant is referred to herein as a gain-of-function variant. In some aspects, a variant has a reduction or elimination in activity or functionality or a change in activity that results in a negative outcome (e.g., increased electrical activity resulting in chronic depolarization that leads to cell death). Such a variant is referred to herein as a loss-of-function variant. In some aspects, a gain-of-function variant is a codon-optimized sequence which encodes a transcript or polypeptide that may have improved properties (e.g., less susceptibility to degradation, e.g., less susceptibility to miRNA mediated degradation) than its corresponding wild type (e.g., non-codon optimized) version. In some aspects, a loss-of-function variant has one or more changes that result in a transcript or polypeptide that is defective in some way (e.g., decreased function, non-functioning) relative to the wild type transcript and/or polypeptide.


DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In certain aspects, the present disclosure is directed to promoters for selective transgene expression, e.g., preferential expression in inner ear supporting cells.


In some aspects, the present disclosure is directed to constructs comprising a polynucleotide encoding a therapeutic polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) and compositions comprising the same which are designed for selective transgene expression, e.g., preferential expression in inner ear supporting cells and/or reduced expression in other inner ear cells such as hair cells.


In some aspects, the present disclosure is also directed to constructs comprising a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide and compositions comprising the same which are designed for selective transgene expression, e.g., preferential expression in inner ear supporting cells and/or reduced expression in other inner ear cells such as hair cells.


In some aspects, the present disclosure is directed to constructs comprising a polynucleotide encoding a therapeutic polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) and compositions comprising the same which are designed for transgene expression in inner ear supporting cells, e.g., preferential expression in inner ear supporting cells and/or reduced expression in other inner ear cells such as hair cells. In some aspects, the preferential expression and/or reduced expression is relative to the corresponding endogenous expression.


In some aspects, the present disclosure is directed to AAV particles comprising the promoters or constructs disclosed herein.


In some aspects, the present disclosure is directed to methods of using the promoters, constructs, and AAV particles disclosed herein for treating hearing loss.


Hearing Loss

Generally, an ear can be described as including: an outer ear, middle ear, inner ear, hearing (acoustic) nerve, and auditory system (which processes sound as it travels from the ear to the brain). In addition to detecting sound, ears also help to maintain balance. Thus, in some aspects, disorders of the inner ear can cause hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, imbalance, or combinations thereof.


Hearing loss can be the result of genetic factors, environmental factors, or a combination of genetic and environmental factors. About half of all people who have tinnitus—phantom noises in their auditory system (ringing, buzzing, chirping, humming, or beating)—also have an over-sensitivity to/reduced tolerance for certain sound frequency and volume ranges, known as hyperacusis (also spelled hyperacousis). A variety of nonsyndromic and syndromic-related hearing losses will be known to those of skill in the art (e.g., DFNB1 and DFNA3; and Bart-Pumphrey syndrome, hystrix-like ichthyosis with deafness (HID), palmoplantar keratoderma with deafness, keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness (KID) syndrome and Vohwinkel syndrome, respectively). Environmental causes of hearing impairment or loss may include, e.g., certain medications, specific infections before or after birth, and/or exposure to loud noise over an extended period. In some aspects, hearing loss can result from noise, ototoxic agents, presbycusis, disease, infection or cancers that affect specific parts of the ear. In some aspects, ischemic damage can cause hearing loss via pathophysiological mechanisms. In some aspects, intrinsic abnormalities, like congenital mutations to genes that play an important role in cochlear anatomy or physiology, or genetic or anatomical changes in supporting and/or hair cells can be responsible for or contribute to hearing loss.


Hearing loss and/or deafness is one of the most common human sensory deficits, and can occur for many reasons. In some aspects, a subject may be born with hearing loss or without hearing, while others may lose hearing slowly over time. Approximately 36 million American adults report some degree of hearing loss, and one in three people older than 60 and half of those older than 85 experience hearing loss. Approximately 1.5 in 1,000 children are born with profound hearing loss, and another two to three per 1,000 children are born with partial hearing loss (Smith et al., 2005, Lancet 365:879-890, which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference). More than half of these cases are attributed to a genetic basis (Di Domenico, et al., 2011, J. Cell. Physiol. 226:2494-2499, which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference).


Treatments for hearing loss currently consist of hearing amplification for mild to severe losses and cochlear implantation for severe to profound losses (Kral and O'Donoghue, 2010, N. Engl. J. Med. 363:1438-1450, which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference). Recent research in this arena has focused on cochlear hair cell regeneration, applicable to the most common forms of hearing loss, including presbycusis, noise damage, infection, and ototoxicity. There remains a need for effective treatments, such as gene therapy, which can repair and/or mitigate a source of a hearing problem (see e.g., WO 2018/039375, WO 2019/165292, and PCT filing application US2019/060328, each of which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference).


In some aspects, nonsyndromic hearing loss and/or deafness is not associated with other signs and symptoms. In some aspects, syndromic hearing loss and/or deafness occurs in conjunction with abnormalities in other parts of the body. Approximately 70 percent to 80 percent of genetic hearing loss and/or deafness cases are nonsyndromic; remaining cases are often caused by specific genetic syndromes. Nonsyndromic deafness and/or hearing loss can have different patterns of inheritance, and can occur at any age. Types of nonsyndromic deafness and/or hearing loss are generally named according to their inheritance patterns. For example, autosomal dominant forms are designated DFNA, autosomal recessive forms are DFNB, and X-linked forms are DFN. Each type is also numbered in the order in which it was first described. For example, DFNA1 was the first described autosomal dominant type of nonsyndromic deafness. Between 75 percent and 80 percent of genetically causative hearing loss and/or deafness cases are inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, which means both copies of the gene in each cell have mutations. Usually, each parent of an individual with autosomal recessive hearing loss and/or deafness is a carrier of one copy of the mutated gene, but is not affected by this form of hearing loss. Another 20 percent to 25 percent of nonsyndromic hearing loss and/or deafness cases are autosomal dominant, which means one copy of the altered gene in each cell is sufficient to result in deafness and/or hearing loss. People with autosomal dominant deafness and/or hearing loss most often inherit an altered copy of the gene from a parent who is deaf and/or has hearing loss. Between 1 to 2 percent of cases of deafness and/or hearing loss show an X-linked pattern of inheritance, which means the mutated gene responsible for the condition is located on the X chromosome (one of the two sex chromosomes). Males with X-linked nonsyndromic hearing loss and/or deafness tend to develop more severe hearing loss earlier in life than females who inherit a copy of the same gene mutation. A characteristic of X-linked inheritance is that fathers cannot pass X-linked traits to their sons. Mitochondrial nonsyndromic deafness, which results from changes to mitochondrial DNA, occurs in less than one percent of cases in the United States. The altered mitochondrial DNA is passed from a mother to all of her sons and daughters. This type of deafness is not inherited from fathers. The causes of syndromic and nonsyndromic deafness and/or hearing loss are complex. Researchers have identified more than 30 genes that, when altered, are associated with syndromic and/or nonsyndromic deafness and/or hearing loss; however, some of these genes have not been fully characterized. Different mutations in the same gene can be associated with different types of deafness and/or hearing loss, and some genes are associated with both syndromic and nonsyndromic deafness and/or hearing loss.


In some aspects, deafness and/or hearing loss can be conductive (arising from the ear canal or middle ear), sensorineural (arising from the inner ear or auditory nerve), or mixed. In some aspects, nonsyndromic deafness and/or hearing loss is associated with permanent hearing loss caused by damage to structures in the inner ear (sensorineural deafness). In some aspects, sensorineural hearing loss can be due to poor hair cell function. In some aspects, sensorineural hearing impairments involve the eighth cranial nerve (the vestibulocochlear nerve) or the auditory portions of the brain. In some such aspects, only the auditory centers of the brain are affected. In such a situation, cortical deafness may occur, where sounds may be heard at normal thresholds, but quality of sound perceived is so poor that speech cannot be understood. Hearing loss that results from changes in the middle ear is called conductive hearing loss. Some forms of nonsyndromic deafness and/or hearing loss involve changes in both the inner ear and the middle ear, called mixed hearing loss. Hearing loss and/or deafness that is present before a child learns to speak can be classified as prelingual or congenital. Hearing loss and/or deafness that occurs after the development of speech can be classified as postlingual. Most autosomal recessive loci related to syndromic or nonsyndromic hearing loss cause prelingual severe-to-profound hearing loss.


As is known to those of skill in the art, hair cells are sensory receptors for both auditory and vestibular systems of vertebrate ears. Hair cells detect movement in the environment and, in mammals, hair cells are located within the cochlea of the ear, in the organ of Corti. Mammalian ears are known to have two types of hair cells—inner hair cells and outer hair cells. Outer hair cells can amplify low level sound frequencies, either through mechanical movement of hair cell bundles or electrically-driven movement of hair cell soma. Inner hair cells transform vibrations in cochlear fluid into electrical signals that the auditory nerve transmits to the brain. In some aspects, hair cells may be abnormal at birth, or damaged during the lifetime of an individual. In some aspects, outer hair cells may be able to regenerate. In some aspects, inner hair cells are not capable of regeneration after illness or injury. In some aspects, sensorineural hearing loss is due to abnormalities in hair cells.


As is known to those of skill in the art, hair cells do not occur in isolation, and their function is supported by a wide variety of cells which can collectively be referred to as supporting cells. Supporting cells may fulfill numerous functions, and include a number of cell types, including but not limited to inner phalangeal cells/border cells (IPhC), inner pillar cells (IPC), outer pillar cells (OPC), Deiters' cells rows 1 and 2 (DC1/2), Deiters' cells row 3 (DC3), Hensen's cells (Hec), Claudius cells/outer sulcus cells (CC/OSC), interdental cells (Idc), inner sulcus cells (ISC), Kölliker's organ cells (KO), greater ridge epithelial ridge cells (GER) (including lateral greater epithelial ridge cells (LGER)), and OC90+ cells (OC90), fibroblasts, and other cells of the lateral wall.


In some aspects, sensorineural hearing loss is due to abnormalities in supporting cells. In some aspects, supporting cells may be abnormal at birth, or damaged during the lifetime of an individual. In some aspects, supporting cells may be able to regenerate. In some aspects, certain supporting cells may not be capable of regeneration.


Polypeptides

Certain aspects of the disclosure are directed to polynucleotides encoding a polypeptide. The polynucleotide can encode a polypeptide that is capable of being expressed in a cell (e.g., an inner ear cell). The polynucleotide can encode a full length polypeptide or a functional fragment thereof.


Exemplary polypeptides encoded by the polynucleotide include, but are not limited to, transmembrane proteins, enzymes, growth factors, cytokines, receptors, receptor ligands, hormones, membrane proteins, membrane-associated proteins, antigens, and antibodies.


Exemplary polynucleotides encoding polypeptides include, but are not limited to, ATPase Plasma Membrane Ca2+ Transporting 2 (ATP2B2), Cholinergic Receptor Nicotinic Alpha 9 Subunit (CHRNA9), Cadherin 23 (CDH23), Coiled-coil Glutamate Rich Protein 2 (CCER2), Clarin 1 (CLRN1), Clarin 2 (CLRN2), cochlin (COCH or DFNA9), Dystrotelin (DYTN), Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Pathway Substrate 8 (EPS8), EPS8 Like 2 (EPS8L2), Espin (ESPN), Espin Like (ESPNL), Gap junction protein beta 2 (GJB2), Gap junction protein beta 6 (GJB6), Gap junction protein beta 3 (GJB3), gasdermin E protein (GSDME or DFNA5), Insulinoma-associated 1 (INSM1), Ikaros family zinc finger 2 (IKZF2), LIM Homeobox Protein 3 (LHX3), Myosin 7A (MYO7A), Myosin 11 (MYO3A), Norrin cystine knot growth factor (NDP), Protocadherin 15 (PCDH15), Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase, Receptor Type Q (PTPRQ), Stereocilin (STRC), Protein Network Component Harmonin (USH1C), Usherin (USH2A), and Spectrin repeat containing nuclear envelope family member 4 (SYNE4). In some aspects, the polynucleotide can comprise a GJB2 gene. In some aspects, the polynucleotide can comprise a nucleic acid encoding a Connexin 26 polypeptide. In some aspects, the nucleic acid comprises a coding sequence for a Connexin 26 polypeptide.


In some aspects, the polynucleotide or nucleic acid comprises a gap junction beta-2 (GJB2) gene. The GJB2 gene is highly conserved across the mammalian class and encodes connexin 26 (Cx26) (also referred to as gap junction beta-2 (GJB2) protein). Connexin 26 is a member of the gap junction protein family, which is also known as the connexin family. Gap junction proteins are specialized proteins, involved in intracellular communication. Mutations in the human GJB2 gene have been associated with hearing loss and deafness (Amorini et al., Ann. Hum. Genet. 79(5):341-349, 2015; Qing et al., Genet. Test Mol. Biomarkers 19(1):52-58, 2015).


The human GJB2 gene is located on chromosome 13q12. It contains two transcriptional isoforms beginning from alternative transcriptional start sites, both of which contain two exons and a single intron encompassing a total of about 5 kilobases (kb) (approximately 5,469 or 4,675 nucleotides respectively) (NCBI Gene ID 2706, NCBI Reference Sequence: NG_008358.1). Both human GJB2 mRNA isoforms comprise a second exon, which completely encodes a full-length connexin 26 in exon two. This coding sequence is approximately 681 nucleotides, and encodes a connexin 26 that is 226 amino acids in length.


A monomer of connexin 26 includes four transmembrane helices linked by two extracellular loops and one shorter intracellular loop, with N- and C-termini on the cytosolic side of the plasma membrane. Gap junctions between cells can be formed in a homomeric and/or heteromeric manner. Connexin 26 has been shown to form functional homomeric channels, as well as functional heteromeric channels with at least connexin 30, connexin 32, connexin 46, and connexin 50. In some aspects, GJB2 gene associated sensorineural hearing loss (e.g., nonsyndromic or syndromic) may be due to compound heterozygous mutations in GJB2 and in an alternative connexin protein encoding gene. The gap junctions created with connexin 26 transport potassium ions and certain other small molecules across cells. Connexin 26 helps maintain the correct level of intracellular potassium ions, and is required for the maturation of certain cells in the cochlea.


A human GJB2 gene is expressed in a number of tissues, but is known to be involved in important cellular homeostasis functions in the epidermis and inner ear. Within the inner ear, connexin 26 is synthesized by all supporting cell types within the organ of corti, including the inner phalangeal cells/border cells (IPhC), inner pillar cells (IPC), outer pillar cells (OPC), Deiters' cells rows 1 and 2 (DC1/2), Deiters' cells row 3 (DC3), Hensen's cells (Hec), Claudius cells/outer sulcus cells (CC/OSC), interdental cells (Idc), inner sulcus cells (ISC), Kölliker's organ cells (KO), greater ridge epithelial ridge cells (GER) (including lateral greater epithelial ridge cells (LGER)), and OC90+ cells (OC90), root cells, fibrocytes, fibroblasts, basal and intermediate cells from the stria vascularis, and other cells of the lateral wall. In addition, connexin 26 is known to be present in mesenchymal cells in the lateral wall, and type 1 neurons in the spiral ganglion.


The human GJB2 gene has a defined 128 bp long basal/minimal promoter just upstream of the canonical first exon in the most abundant isoform. This sequence includes a TATA box and two GC boxes, which are known to be bound by the SpI and Sp3 TFs.


There are over 200 defined mutations of GJB2, which show some level of pathogenicity, and various mutations in the GJB2 gene have been associated with hearing loss (e.g., non-syndromic sensorineural hearing loss or syndromic sensorineural hearing loss). For example, the c.35delG allele was found on 65.5% of patients from Eastern Sicily (Amorini et al., Ann. Hum. Genet. 79(5):341-349, 2015). Additional exemplary mutations in a GJB2 gene detected in subjects having nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss or syndromic sensorineural hearing loss, and methods of sequencing a nucleic acid encoding GJB2 are described in, e.g., Snoeckx et al., Am. J. Hum. Genet 77: 945-957, 2005; Welch et al., Am. J. Med. Genet A 143: 1567-1573, 2007; Zelante et al., Hum. Mol. Genet. 6:1605-1609, 1997; and Tsukada et al., Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology. 2015, Vol. 124(5S) 61S-76S, each of which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference. Methods of detecting mutations in a gene are well-known in the art. Non-limiting examples of such techniques include: real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), PCR, Sanger sequencing, Next-generation sequencing, Southern blotting, and Northern blotting. Multiple disease states associated with sensorineural hearing loss with either nonsyndromic or syndromic manifestations have been linked with specific mutations of the human GJB2 gene (see Nickel & Forge, Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2008 October; 16(5):452-7, which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference). Human GBJ2 gene mutations which lead to syndromic or nonsyndromic hearing loss vary from large deletions that remove either the entirety of GJB2 or GJB2 gene regulatory regions, to hundreds of small scale alterations including nonsense, missense, indels (leading to phase shifting), and splice-site point mutations.


In some aspects, GJB2 gene mutations such as Gly59Ser, and Asn52Lys are associated with Bart-Pumphrey syndrome. A syndrome defined by manifestations of thickened skin, wart-like growths, and generally congenital moderate to profound sensorineural hearing loss. In other aspects, GJB2 gene mutations such as Aspn50Asn are associated with Hystrix-like Ichthyosis with deafness & Keratitisichthyosis-deafness syndrome. These syndromes are associated with dry scaly skin, generally congenital profound sensorineural hearing loss, and in Keratitis-ichthyosisdeafness syndrome, additional inflammation of the cornea.


In some aspects, GJB2 gene missense mutations are associated with Palmoplantar keratoderma with deafness. A syndrome associated with thick skin on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, and mild to profound sensorineural hearing loss which begins in early childhood and gets worse over time, affected individuals may have particular trouble hearing high-pitched sounds. While in other aspects, GJB2 gene missense mutations are associated with Vohwinkel syndrome. A syndrome associated with skin abnormalities (e.g., thick bands of fibrous tissue around their fingers and toes that may cut off the circulation to the digits and result in spontaneous amputation) and sensorineural hearing loss.


In some aspects, GJB2 gene mutations are associated with nonsyndromic hearing loss, which may be inherited in either a dominant (e.g., DFNA3) or recessive manner (DFNB1). In some aspects, loss of function GJB2 gene mutations are associated with nonsyndromic DFNB1 which is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner and presents as mild to profound hearing loss that is generally prelingual and does not become more severe over time. It is estimated that DFNB1 is present in approximately 14 out of every 100,000 live births in the US and EU5. It has been postulated that an early but not always congenital onset of DFNB1 hearing impairment could be followed by a quick progression of the hearing loss. In general, DFNB1 patents treatment options include education, hearing aids, and cochlear implants. Patients generally do not have additional symptoms, and live a normal lifespan. It is estimated that DFNB1 accounts for about 50% of congenital severe-to-profound autosomal recessive non-syndromic hearing loss in many first world countries (e.g., US, France, Britain, and Australia).


In some aspects, sensorineural hearing loss due to GJB2 gene mutations are inherited in an autosomal dominant manner as nonsyndromic DFNA3. These mutations are generally dominant negative missense mutations that prevent the formation of necessary functional gap junctions. This disease state presents with hearing loss that can be either prelingual or postlingual, ranging from mild to profound, which generally becomes more severe over time.


Among other things, the present disclosure provides polynucleotides, e.g., polynucleotides comprising a GJB2 gene or characteristic portion thereof, as well as compositions including such polynucleotides and methods utilizing such polynucleotides and/or compositions.


In some aspects, a polynucleotide comprising a GJB2 gene or characteristic portion thereof can be DNA or RNA. In some aspects, DNA can be genomic DNA or cDNA. In some aspects, RNA can be an mRNA. In some aspects, a polynucleotide comprises exons and/or introns of a GJB2 gene.


In some aspects, a gene product is expressed from a polynucleotide comprising a GJB2 gene or characteristic portion thereof. In some aspects, expression of such a polynucleotide can utilize one or more control elements (e.g., promoters, enhancers, splice sites, poly-adenylation sites, translation initiation sites, etc.). Thus, in some aspects, a polynucleotide provided herein can include one or more control elements.


In some aspects, a GJB2 gene is a mammalian GJB2 gene. In some aspects, a GJB2 gene is a murine GJB2 gene. In some aspects, a GJB2 gene is a primate GJB2 gene. In some aspects, a GJB2 gene is a human GJB2 gene. In some aspects, a GJB2 gene is codon optimized. An exemplary human GJB2 coding cDNA sequence is or includes the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 117 or SEQ ID NO: 118. An exemplary human GJB2 spliced cDNA sequence with untranslated regions is or includes the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 119. An alternative transcriptional start site exemplary human GJB2 spliced cDNA sequence with untranslated regions is or includes the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 120. An exemplary human GJB2 genomic DNA sequence can be found in SEQ ID NO: 121. Exemplary codon optimized GJB2 DNA sequences can be found in SEQ ID NOs: 123-126.









Exemplary Human GJB2 cDNA coding Sequence 


(SEQ ID NO: 117)


ATGGATTGGGGCACGCTGCAGACGATCCTGGGGGGTGTGAACAAACACTC





CACCAGCATTGGAAAGATCTGGCTCACCGTCCTCTTCATTTTTCGCATTA





TGATCCTCGTTGTGGCTGCAAAGGAGGTGTGGGGAGATGAGCAGGCCGAC





TTTGTCTGCAACACCCTGCAGCCAGGCTGCAAGAACGTGTGCTACGATCA





CTACTTCCCCATCTCCCACATCCGGCTATGGGCCCTGCAGCTGATCTTCG





TGTCCACGCCAGCGCTCCTAGTGGCCATGCACGTGGCCTACCGGAGACAT





GAGAAGAAGAGGAAGTTCATCAAGGGGGAGATAAAGAGTGAATTTAAGGA





CATCGAGGAGATCAAAACCCAGAAGGTCCGCATCGAAGGCTCCCTGTGGT





GGACCTACACAAGCAGCATCTTCTTCCGGGTCATCTTCGAAGCCGCCTTC





ATGTACGTCTTCTATGTCATGTACGACGGCTTCTCCATGCAGCGGCTGGT





GAAGTGCAACGCCTGGCCTTGTCCCAACACTGTGGACTGCTTTGTGTCCC





GGCCCACGGAGAAGACTGTCTTCACAGTGTTCATGATTGCAGTGTCTGGA





ATTTGCATCCTGCTGAATGTCACTGAATTGTGTTATTTGCTAATTAGATA





TTGTTCTGGGAAGTCAAAAAAGCCAGTT





Exemplary Human GJB2 cDNA coding Sequence 


(SEQ ID NO: 118)


ATGGATTGGGGCACGCTGCAGACGATCCTGGGGGGTGTGAACAAACACTC





CACCAGCATTGGAAAGATCTGGCTCACCGTCCTCTTCATTTTTCGCATTA





TGATCCTCGTTGTGGCTGCAAAGGAGGTGTGGGGAGATGAGCAGGCCGAC





TTTGTCTGCAACACCCTGCAGCCAGGCTGCAAGAACGTGTGCTACGATCA





CTACTTCCCCATCTCCCACATCCGGCTATGGGCCCTGCAGCTGATCTTCG





TGTCCACGCCAGCGCTCCTAGTGGCCATGCACGTGGCCTACCGGAGACAT





GAGAAGAAGAGGAAGTTCATCAAGGGGGAGATAAAGAGTGAATTTAAGGA





CATCGAGGAGATCAAAACCCAGAAGGTCCGCATCGAAGGCTCCCTGTGGT





GGACCTACACAAGCAGCATCTTCTTCCGGGTCATCTTCGAAGCCGCCTTC





ATGTACGTCTTCTATGTCATGTACGACGGCTTCTCCATGCAGCGGCTGGT





GAAGTGCAACGCCTGGCCTTGTCCCAACACTGTGGACTGCTTTGTGTCCC





GGCCCACGGAGAAGACTGTCTTCACAGTGTTCATGATTGCAGTGTCTGGA





ATTTGCATCCTGCTGAATGTCACTGAATTGTGTTATTTGCTAATTAGATA





TTGTTCTGGGAAGTCAAAAAAGCCAGTTTAA





Exemplary spliced Human GJB2 isoform 1 cDNA 


including untranslated regions Sequence 


(SEQ ID NO: 119)


GTTGCGGCCCCGCAGCGCCCGCGCGCTCCTCTCCCCGACTCGGAGCCCCT





CGGCGGCGCCCGGCCCAGGACCCGCCTAGGAGCGCAGGAGCCCCAGCGCA





GAGACCCCAACGCCGAGACCCCCGCCCCGGCCCCGCCGCGCTTCCTCCCG





ACGCAGAGCAAACCGCCCAGAGTAGAAGATGGATTGGGGCACGCTGCAGA





CGATCCTGGGGGGTGTGAACAAACACTCCACCAGCATTGGAAAGATCTGG





CTCACCGTCCTCTTCATTTTTCGCATTATGATCCTCGTTGTGGCTGCAAA





GGAGGTGTGGGGAGATGAGCAGGCCGACTTTGTCTGCAACACCCTGCAGC





CAGGCTGCAAGAACGTGTGCTACGATCACTACTTCCCCATCTCCCACATC





CGGCTATGGGCCCTGCAGCTGATCTTCGTGTCCACGCCAGCGCTCCTAGT





GGCCATGCACGTGGCCTACCGGAGACATGAGAAGAAGAGGAAGTTCATCA





AGGGGGAGATAAAGAGTGAATTTAAGGACATCGAGGAGATCAAAACCCAG





AAGGTCCGCATCGAAGGCTCCCTGTGGTGGACCTACACAAGCAGCATCTT





CTTCCGGGTCATCTTCGAAGCCGCCTTCATGTACGTCTTCTATGTCATGT





ACGACGGCTTCTCCATGCAGCGGCTGGTGAAGTGCAACGCCTGGCCTTGT





CCCAACACTGTGGACTGCTTTGTGTCCCGGCCCACGGAGAAGACTGTCTT





CACAGTGTTCATGATTGCAGTGTCTGGAATTTGCATCCTGCTGAATGTCA





CTGAATTGTGTTATTTGCTAATTAGATATTGTTCTGGGAAGTCAAAAAAG





CCAGTTTAACGCATTGCCCAGTTGTTAGATTAAGAAATAGACAGCATGAG





AGGGATGAGGCAACCCGTGCTCAGCTGTCAAGGCTCAGTCGCTAGCATTT





CCCAACACAAAGATTCTGACCTTAAATGCAACCATTTGAAACCCCTGTAG





GCCTCAGGTGAAACTCCAGATGCCACAATGGAGCTCTGCTCCCCTAAAGC





CTCAAAACAAAGGCCTAATTCTATGCCTGTCTTAATTTTCTTTCACTTAA





GTTAGTTCCACTGAGACCCCAGGCTGTTAGGGGTTATTGGTGTAAGGTAC





TTTCATATTTTAAACAGAGGATATCGGCATTTGTTTCTTTCTCTGAGGAC





AAGAGAAAAAAGCCAGGTTCCACAGAGGACACAGAGAAGGTTTGGGTGTC





CTCCTGGGGTTCTTTTTGCCAACTTTCCCCACGTTAAAGGTGAACATTGG





TTCTTTCATTTGCTTTGGAAGTTTTAATCTCTAACAGTGGACAAAGTTAC





CAGTGCCTTAAACTCTGTTACACTTTTTGGAAGTGAAAACTTTGTAGTAT





GATAGGTTATTTTGATGTAAAGATGTTCTGGATACCATTATATGTTCCCC





CTGTTTCAGAGGCTCAGATTGTAATATGTAAATGGTATGTCATTCGCTAC





TATGATTTAATTTGAAATATGGTCTTTTGGTTATGAATACTTTGCAGCAC





AGCTGAGAGGCTGTCTGTTGTATTCATTGTGGTCATAGCACCTAACAACA





TTGTAGCCTCAATCGAGTGAGACAGACTAGAAGTTCCTAGTGATGGCTTA





TGATAGCAAATGGCCTCATGTCAAATATTTAGATGTAATTTTGTGTAAGA





AATACAGACTGGATGTACCACCAACTACTACCTGTAATGACAGGCCTGTC





CAACACATCTCCCTTTTCCATGACTGTGGTAGCCAGCATCGGAAAGAACG





CTGATTTAAAGAGGTCGCTTGGGAATTTTATTGACACAGTACCATTTAAT





GGGGAGGACAAAATGGGGCAGGGGAGGGAGAAGTTTCTGTCGTTAAAAAC





AGATTTGGAAAGACTGGACTCTAAAGTCTGTTGATTAAAGATGAGCTTTG





TCTACTTCAAAAGTTTGTTTGCTTACCCCTTCAGCCTCCAATTTTTTAAG





TGAAAATATAGCTAATAACATGTGAAAAGAATAGAAGCTAAGGTTTAGAT





AAATATTGAGCAGATCTATAGGAAGATTGAACCTGAATATTGCCATTATG





CTTGACATGGTTTCCAAAAAATGGTACTCCACATATTTCAGTGAGGGTAA





GTATTTTCCTGTTGTCAAGAATAGCATTGTAAAAGCATTTTGTAATAATA





AAGAATAGCTTTAATGATATGCTTGTAACTAAAATAATTTTGTAATGTAT





CAAATACATTTAAAACATTAAAATATAATCTCTATAATAA





Exemplary spliced Human GJB2 isoform X1 cDNA


including untranslated regions Sequence


(SEQ ID NO: 120)


TTTAGGACCCTTGTTCGCGAAGAGGTGGTGTGCGGCTGAGACCCGCGTCC





TCAGGACGGTTCCATCAGTGCCTCGATCCTGCCCCACTGGAGGAGGAAGG





CAGCCCGAACAGCGCTCACCTAACTAACAGCTGCTGAGAGCTGGGTTCCG





TGGCCATGCACCTGGGACTGCCTTGAGAAGCGTGAGCAAACCGCCCAGAG





TAGAAGATGGATTGGGGCACGCTGCAGACGATCCTGGGGGGTGTGAACAA





ACACTCCACCAGCATTGGAAAGATCTGGCTCACCGTCCTCTTCATTTTTC





GCATTATGATCCTCGTTGTGGCTGCAAAGGAGGTGTGGGGAGATGAGCAG





GCCGACTTTGTCTGCAACACCCTGCAGCCAGGCTGCAAGAACGTGTGCTA





CGATCACTACTTCCCCATCTCCCACATCCGGCTATGGGCCCTGCAGCTGA





TCTTCGTGTCCACGCCAGCGCTCCTAGTGGCCATGCACGTGGCCTACCGG





AGACATGAGAAGAAGAGGAAGTTCATCAAGGGGGAGATAAAGAGTGAATT





TAAGGACATCGAGGAGATCAAAACCCAGAAGGTCCGCATCGAAGGCTCCC





TGTGGTGGACCTACACAAGCAGCATCTTCTTCCGGGTCATCTTCGAAGCC





GCCTTCATGTACGTCTTCTATGTCATGTACGACGGCTTCTCCATGCAGCG





GCTGGTGAAGTGCAACGCCTGGCCTTGTCCCAACACTGTGGACTGCTTTG





TGTCCCGGCCCACGGAGAAGACTGTCTTCACAGTGTTCATGATTGCAGTG





TCTGGAATTTGCATCCTGCTGAATGTCACTGAATTGTGTTATTTGCTAAT





TAGATATTGTTCTGGGAAGTCAAAAAAGCCAGTTTAACGCATTGCCCAGT





TGTTAGATTAAGAAATAGACAGCATGAGAGGGATGAGGCAACCCGTGCTC





AGCTGTCAAGGCTCAGTCGCTAGCATTTCCCAACACAAAGATTCTGACCT





TAAATGCAACCATTTGAAACCCCTGTAGGCCTCAGGTGAAACTCCAGATG





CCACAATGGAGCTCTGCTCCCCTAAAGCCTCAAAACAAAGGCCTAATTCT





ATGCCTGTCTTAATTTTCTTTCACTTAAGTTAGTTCCACTGAGACCCCAG





GCTGTTAGGGGTTATTGGTGTAAGGTACTTTCATATTTTAAACAGAGGAT





ATCGGCATTTGTTTCTTTCTCTGAGGACAAGAGAAAAAAGCCAGGTTCCA





CAGAGGACACAGAGAAGGTTTGGGTGTCCTCCTGGGGTTCTTTTTGCCAA





CTTTCCCCACGTTAAAGGTGAACATTGGTTCTTTCATTTGCTTTGGAAGT





TTTAATCTCTAACAGTGGACAAAGTTACCAGTGCCTTAAACTCTGTTACA





CTTTTTGGAAGTGAAAACTTTGTAGTATGATAGGTTATTTTGATGTAAAG





ATGTTCTGGATACCATTATATGTTCCCCCTGTTTCAGAGGCTCAGATTGT





AATATGTAAATGGTATGTCATTCGCTACTATGATTTAATTTGAAATATGG





TCTTTTGGTTATGAATACTTTGCAGCACAGCTGAGAGGCTGTCTGTTGTA





TTCATTGTGGTCATAGCACCTAACAACATTGTAGCCTCAATCGAGTGAGA





CAGACTAGAAGTTCCTAGTGATGGCTTATGATAGCAAATGGCCTCATGTC





AAATATTTAGATGTAATTTTGTGTAAGAAATACAGACTGGATGTACCACC





AACTACTACCTGTAATGACAGGCCTGTCCAACACATCTCCCTTTTCCATG





ACTGTGGTAGCCAGCATCGGAAAGAACGCTGATTTAAAGAGGTCGCTTGG





GAATTTTATTGACACAGTACCATTTAATGGGGAGGACAAAATGGGGCAGG





GGAGGGAGAAGTTTCTGTCGTTAAAAACAGATTTGGAAAGACTGGACTCT





AAAGTCTGTTGATTAAAGATGAGCTTTGTCTACTTCAAAAGTTTGTTTGC





TTACCCCTTCAGCCTCCAATTTTTTAAGTGAAAATATAGCTAATAACATG





TGAAAAGAATAGAAGCTAAGGTTTAGATAAATATTGAGCAGATCTATAGG





AAGATTGAACCTGAATATTGCCATTATGCTTGACATGGTTTCCAAAAAAT





GGTACTCCACATATTTCAGTGAGGGTAAGTATTTTCCTGTTGTCAAGAAT





AGCATTGTAAAAGCATTTTGTAATAATAAAGAATAGCTTTAATGATATGC





TTGTAACTAAAATAATTTTGTAATGTATCAAATACATTTAAAACATTAAA





ATATAATCTCTATAATAA





Exemplary Human GJB2 Genomic DNA Sequence 


(SEQ ID NO: 121)


GTTGCGGCCCCGCAGCGCCCGCGCGCTCCTCTCCCCGACTCGGAGCCCCT





CGGCGGCGCCCGGCCCAGGACCCGCCTAGGAGCGCAGGAGCCCCAGCGCA





GAGACCCCAACGCCGAGACCCCCGCCCCGGCCCCGCCGCGCTTCCTCCCG





ACGCAGGTGAGCCCGCCGGCCCCGGACTGCCCGGCCAGGAACCTGGCGCG





GGGAGGGACCGCGAGACCCAGAGCGGTTGCCCGGCCGCGTGGGTCTCGGG





GAACCGGGGGGCTGGACCAACACACGTCCTTGGGCCGGGGGGGGGGGGCC





GCCTTCTGGAGCGGGCGTTTCTGCGGCCGAGCTCCGGAGCTGGAATGGGG





CGGCCGGGGAAGTGGACGCGATGGCACCGCCCGGGGTGCGAGTGGGGCCG





GGCGCGCGCGGGAGGGGAAAAAGGCGCGGGCGAGCCGCCAGCGCGAGGTT





TGTGGTGTCGCCGATGTCCCTTCGGGGTACTCTAGCGCAGCCGCCTGGCT





ACTTGACCCACTGCCACCAAACGTTTTAAATTCACCGAAAGCTTAGCTTC





GAAGCAAAGCTCCGTTTCGCCGGTGAAGCAGGAAGCCTTCGCTGCAGGAA





CTGACCTTTACCTCTTGGAGCGGCTTCTGCAGAAAAATCCCCGGGCAGAG





ATTTGGGCGGAGTTTGCCTAGAACTAACGCGGAGCCAGCCGATCCCGGCC





TACCCCGGGGCCAAGATTTCAGTGGCTTCCCTTTTTCCTAAACACTTCAC





GAGGGTCTGTTTCCGGGCTGTGCTCCCCGCCTAGAAGGAAAATTTTTAGG





ACCCTTGTTCGCGAAGAGGTGGTGTGCGGCTGAGACCCGCGTCCTCAGGA





CGGTTCCATCAGTGCCTCGATCCTGCCCCACTGGAGGAGGAAGGCAGCCC





GAACAGCGCTCACCTAACTAACAGCTGCTGAGAGCTGGGTTCCGTGGCCA





TGCACCTGGGACTGCCTTGAGAAGCGTGGTACGGCCGTGTCCCCATGTGA





CCTTAGAGTCCCTTTCGAAACTGCTGTGCACAGTCGGTCACAATTTCAGA





CACTGGTGAGAAGGGTGGAGGAACCCTCTGGGGACAGCCAGGCAAGGTCG





ACCACCCATCACCTAAGGGTGGAGAAATTTAAGGGGTGAAGAGTCCCTTT





TGCCTTTTCTGGATCCTGGTGATTCACCTAGTGTCTTCCCTAAGGAACTG





AACCAACTCCTCCGCTGGCCTCTGGCAGCCCTCCAGGCGGTGCAGGATGG





CGTGGGCCCGGTAGGAAGCTGCATGTAACCGCCCAGGGTCGGGAGGCCAG





GAGGGCAGCTCCTCCTCTGACTTGAATATTGAAAACAACTTCGTCCTGCT





TCTGAGCCCCTCTTAACCCATGACCCCCTAGCCCATTGGGGAGTAAATCT





TAATTTACTCCTCTTCCTGAAAAAGGATCTTTAAAACAGGTAGCTTCAAC





TCAAGCTTTATAAAATAACAATATAGGGTTTCTCGGAACTGTATTTTTCT





CAGCTGATGGTAACTGGACAGGTCTGTAGAAGGGTGTATGACCTGGGTTT





GGCAGGTGGAAGAGGGCAAAGGATAAACCCCTCCTCCTGCAGCCCCATAT





TCTTGGCCAGGTGTATTGTTGTAAACCAGGAGAGAGTTTACTTCGGGGAG





TATCCTGTTTTCCACTCAGTGAGGGCCAATGAAGAATGTCTAATTCCATA





AGATGCTTTTGTTAAAATCGGAATGTTGCTGTCCTCGGTGGTTCTGCTGT





TGGGACGGGACTGGCCTGAGCTGTGGGTGCTGTAGCAGGACAACCAGCTC





ACCTAAGGGCCTCCCAGTCTGGATTATCAATGGGTCAGTGCTGAACCTGG





GCTAAAATATTGTTTTTTCCAATGATGTTGTCTTTCCCAAGCTCAGTGAA





GCTAAATGTTTCACAGGCCTATGTCAATCTGATGTAACTTTCGTGGCCAC





CTCTCTCCTGTTAGCCTCTGACCAAGGTGGCACTGGATGGTTTCTGCCTG





ACCTTGGTGCCCCGTGGCAGCGACTGTGGGTCATGAAAGACATTCACTAC





GAGCCTGCTTCTGGAGTCCATCAGAAAACGGGATGCAACTTGCCTAAAAT





GAGGAGAGGAGGATGCTTTTAAGAAAAAGAAGAAGGAGGATTCACTACCA





GCTCTGAAGGGTGGAAAAGAGATGATTCATCCGGATTGTGGAGAGGGTGG





AATCTTGTTTAGGAGAGCGTTGGTTGTGGCAGGCAGGGTGTAACTATGAA





TCAGTGAAGACAATTCACATCCTGGGATGAAAAGAAGGCCATGGGCTCAC





AGGAGATTATCCACTGGCCTCTCCACATCCGCTTGCAGTAAGGAGTGTGG





GACTCTCCCAAGCTTCAGCGCTGAACTGCAATGCAGTGACGTCGCTTAGC





TGGGCCAGTAACCGAGGGAGTTGAATTTTCTGTCATTTTAAAATAATGTG





TCTTTTAAGAAACACTTTGAAATTAAAACCACAGCCCACAATTATAATGC





ACTGTTGCAGCACTTATCAAAACAGATATGCTAACTGAGCCATCAGTGCC





AGCCTGACAGTGAGGCCACCAAGCCATCCACAAAGCCTACACGAAAGTCT





GTGCTCACAGTGGCTTTTCTCCATGAAGAGGGCATTCCTAACCTCTTCCT





TTCACGTAGGAGGAAGCAAGGTCCTTTGTAAAATTTTAACTCGGGGTGCC





TCAAATGTAAACTTAACCACTGGTAACAACAGTTTCACTGCTACATGCCA





CGTCTGTGAAAATTCATTCAAGACATTAAGGAAAGTGGCTCAGCAGAGAG





ACTAGACATCTTATCCTCACGGTTCTCCTGTACTTGGCCTCTCAGCCTTT





GAGCAAGGTTGGCCCAAGCTAGTATCGGCCCCAGTGGTACAGCCAAAACT





TGAGACTGCAAATGGATGCAGCTGTTGAACGCTGAGTAACTTCTGCAGAG





TCAGGAAGACCCAAGGAAGCTCTGCAGAGGATGCAGGGGTACGGTCAGAA





CCCCTGAGTGCCTTTCAGCTAACGAGGACTTTATGACACTCCCCAGCACA





GCAAATTTTTATGATGTGTTTAAAGATTGGGTGAATTACTCAGGTGAACA





AGCTACTTTTTATCAGAGAACACCTAAAAACACGTTCAAGAGGGTTTGGG





AACTATACATTTAATCCTATGACAAACTAAGTTGGTTCTGTCTTCACCTG





TTTTGGTGAGGTTGTGTAAGAGTTGGTGTTTGCTCAGGAAGAGATTTAAG





CATGCTTGCTTACCCAGACTCAGAGAAGTCTCCCTGTTCTGTCCTAGCTA





GTGATTCCTGTGTTGTGTGCATTCGTCTTTTCCAGAGCAAACCGCCCAGA





GTAGAAGATGGATTGGGGCACGCTGCAGACGATCCTGGGGGGTGTGAACA





AACACTCCACCAGCATTGGAAAGATCTGGCTCACCGTCCTCTTCATTTTT





CGCATTATGATCCTCGTTGTGGCTGCAAAGGAGGTGTGGGGAGATGAGCA





GGCCGACTTTGTCTGCAACACCCTGCAGCCAGGCTGCAAGAACGTGTGCT





ACGATCACTACTTCCCCATCTCCCACATCCGGCTATGGGCCCTGCAGCTG





ATCTTCGTGTCCACGCCAGCGCTCCTAGTGGCCATGCACGTGGCCTACCG





GAGACATGAGAAGAAGAGGAAGTTCATCAAGGGGGAGATAAAGAGTGAAT





TTAAGGACATCGAGGAGATCAAAACCCAGAAGGTCCGCATCGAAGGCTCC





CTGTGGTGGACCTACACAAGCAGCATCTTCTTCCGGGTCATCTTCGAAGC





CGCCTTCATGTACGTCTTCTATGTCATGTACGACGGCTTCTCCATGCAGC





GGCTGGTGAAGTGCAACGCCTGGCCTTGTCCCAACACTGTGGACTGCTTT





GTGTCCCGGCCCACGGAGAAGACTGTCTTCACAGTGTTCATGATTGCAGT





GTCTGGAATTTGCATCCTGCTGAATGTCACTGAATTGTGTTATTTGCTAA





TTAGATATTGTTCTGGGAAGTCAAAAAAGCCAGTTTAACGCATTGCCCAG





TTGTTAGATTAAGAAATAGACAGCATGAGAGGGATGAGGCAACCCGTGCT





CAGCTGTCAAGGCTCAGTCGCTAGCATTTCCCAACACAAAGATTCTGACC





TTAAATGCAACCATTTGAAACCCCTGTAGGCCTCAGGTGAAACTCCAGAT





GCCACAATGGAGCTCTGCTCCCCTAAAGCCTCAAAACAAAGGCCTAATTC





TATGCCTGTCTTAATTTTCTTTCACTTAAGTTAGTTCCACTGAGACCCCA





GGCTGTTAGGGGTTATTGGTGTAAGGTACTTTCATATTTTAAACAGAGGA





TATCGGCATTTGTTTCTTTCTCTGAGGACAAGAGAAAAAAGCCAGGTTCC





ACAGAGGACACAGAGAAGGTTTGGGTGTCCTCCTGGGGTTCTTTTTGCCA





ACTTTCCCCACGTTAAAGGTGAACATTGGTTCTTTCATTTGCTTTGGAAG





TTTTAATCTCTAACAGTGGACAAAGTTACCAGTGCCTTAAACTCTGTTAC





ACTTTTTGGAAGTGAAAACTTTGTAGTATGATAGGTTATTTTGATGTAAA





GATGTTCTGGATACCATTATATGTTCCCCCTGTTTCAGAGGCTCAGATTG





TAATATGTAAATGGTATGTCATTCGCTACTATGATTTAATTTGAAATATG





GTCTTTTGGTTATGAATACTTTGCAGCACAGCTGAGAGGCTGTCTGTTGT





ATTCATTGTGGTCATAGCACCTAACAACATTGTAGCCTCAATCGAGTGAG





ACAGACTAGAAGTTCCTAGTGATGGCTTATGATAGCAAATGGCCTCATGT





CAAATATTTAGATGTAATTTTGTGTAAGAAATACAGACTGGATGTACCAC





CAACTACTACCTGTAATGACAGGCCTGTCCAACACATCTCCCTTTTCCAT





GACTGTGGTAGCCAGCATCGGAAAGAACGCTGATTTAAAGAGGTCGCTTG





GGAATTTTATTGACACAGTACCATTTAATGGGGAGGACAAAATGGGGCAG





GGGAGGGAGAAGTTTCTGTCGTTAAAAACAGATTTGGAAAGACTGGACTC





TAAAGTCTGTTGATTAAAGATGAGCTTTGTCTACTTCAAAAGTTTGTTTG





CTTACCCCTTCAGCCTCCAATTTTTTAAGTGAAAATATAGCTAATAACAT





GTGAAAAGAATAGAAGCTAAGGTTTAGATAAATATTGAGCAGATCTATAG





GAAGATTGAACCTGAATATTGCCATTATGCTTGACATGGTTTCCAAAAAA





TGGTACTCCACATATTTCAGTGAGGGTAAGTATTTTCCTGTTGTCAAGAA





TAGCATTGTAAAAGCATTTTGTAATAATAAAGAATAGCTTTAATGATATG





CTTGTAACTAAAATAATTTTGTAATGTATCAAATACATTTAAAACATTAA





AATATAATCTCTATAATAA





Exemplary expanded Human GJB2 Genomic DNA 


Sequence including certain regulatory regions 


(SEQ ID NO: 122)


GACTGTGAACTTAAGGCACAGCAGAGCTGGGGCTGCTCTTAAGGCCCTGC





TGTCTCTCCTCTTAGTAACAACACCATTTCACATGAAGTGACAGTGGTAT





CTTTTGTTGCCCTGGAAATGGAATACAACAATGGCTTTCCAACTTTTCTG





TGGCAGAGACCTACAGACAGAAGTACATTTTACACTGGATCCAGGACACA





CATCAGTCTGAAAACACACACATGAACCAAACGTTTCCTAAAGCATTACT





TATCCTTGCTAATAGCAACACATTCTCATATTCTTTTATACTTCATTTAA





TTTCATATAAAAAAGAAAAGGAAAGGAAAGAAATCTATTTCTCAGCCCAT





TAATAAGGTCAGGAGCAGCAACACCAGACTAGAAGAAAAGCTTACCTATA





GATTTTTCTGCCACCTCTTGAGTGCGTCCAGCTTTCCGACAAGTCTCAGT





GCCATCTACTGTGCGCTCTGGGTATTGCAATTGCTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT





TTTTTTTTTTTAGAATGAGACTAAGTCAGAGAACACAAAGAACTTCTTTC





CCCACAGTGGAGATGGCTCTGAAAGCGTTTAAGGAATAGCTTAGATGAGT





GGCTAACACATTCTCCCGGTTCTGAATTCTAAGACCACAGACTCCATGTC





CAGTCCCCAAAGAGAGGCTTTGCAAGCTACAGAATACCCCTCTGACTGGG





ACCTCAGGAGCTAAACTGACCACGTAATTGGTTCTAGAAAGTGAAACGTT





TTAATTTGAAACATCCAAATGAGCATTTTGTGAAAAGCTACTGCCGTCCA





TCAAATACAACACAGCCAGGGAGTCATCGCTCTATTGCCCTTGTCAATCC





TACATCTATAGTTTTTTTTGCTACAGCAGTTCATGAGTGTTGACTCTATT





CTAACTTGTTCCAGAAGCCCTTCAAGATGATAGATAGCACAATATTTTTG





TAGCCAGAGCTAGAATGTAGAGCTCTTTTTGGCTTCCTTGTGAATGATCC





AGAATTTCCATGTTGGCAAGCCACCATAATTTACAGAATTTACTTTTTAT





ATTCAATAGAAGTAAAAAAAATTTACCTATTTAAGGAGTTATAGCTCTGG





ATTCATTTCTGACCAAAATGTGCTTTTTGACACAAATACAATTGGAAATG





TCTTTGTAATTTATCCACAGTCTGCCTAGATAATCATAAAAGAACTGCAT





GGATATATTTGTGAGTAAGAGCACGTGTCCATTCAGCAAAACCAAGGAGA





TCAACTAATTCTACCATTGCCTTGAAACGGAGACACATCTAGCAGTTTGA





ATTTCCCCCAAAAGATTGTATGTGTGAAAATAAGAATAGAATGAGGAAAA





TTTAAAAGCCTATATAATAATTTCAGTCACAACTTGGCAATTAGAATTTT





ATGAGATGTCTTTAATTTGGAAGCAAAGAACAATTAAATTATTGAAGGCT





GGAATTTTTTTTTAACTCTTTGAATGGAACAACAGATTTTCCCCAAAAGA





TTTGACTTTAACAATTTTCAGAAAACATAAGTCAGGGTGTGGTTCAATTA





CACAGAGAGAAATTGTAGTGAAATAGTGTTCCCTGTAATAATTACCCACA





AAGGAGCACAGTGGAGCCACTCCTGCATTAAAATTACAGTATCATATGTA





AGTTATTATTAATTAACCAGAGATGCCAGGAGCTTGTCAGTTTCCAACTG





CTATTTTGAGGAGAGCTAAAGTTTCTCTTTTTTTGCCAGTTATTATTATT





ATTAATATTTCAACAGCAAGGCAAGAAAAGGGAATGTGGTCCATTAACTA





ATGGCTCTTGAAAAGACACTCAATGAATCCAACTTGCCCTAAAACTGCCA





AGTGGTAGGACAGTCTCTTCGCGTCTTGCATCATTTTCTGCCATCACCTA





CGTGTGATTCGTGAGTCGGAAATTCAACCAAGACATGTTTAATGTATATT





TAGAGCATTCTTCCCGGCGGGAATTCACGGTGCCATTCCATCAGGCAGTT





GGCAAGCAGTCACTTGAAATATTAAGAAATATGATTTGTGTCACACTGAT





TTATTGCAAAACAGCAACTTCTTTCTTTTTGGTTCATTTATAAAACAACT





GTCAAATTAAAATGCCAAATAGCTTTAAACATTAGCATTTTCACCTTATA





ACCTTACAAGTGCATCACTTTAAACATCTGAGTAAAAGTTCAGCTCGATG





ACAATCACCTGGGATTTACCTGCATGGTACTAAGCATATATGTAAAAATA





TTACTGATGGGTATCTCTGGCACTCTGAAGTGACAAAGTGTAGCCTTCAC





AGATCTTTGTCAGTTAATCATCAATAGTTACCTGAAAAGTGCCCACTTGC





CATCATTCAAGATCAACCAGGCAGACACCACAGTGAGTTTTCCATCAAAA





AACCTTCTCTATCTGGTCAGTCTCTGCACGTCAATGAGACAAAGGTGTAT





GCTGCACGCAGCAGTACTATCCTAAGCTCCCTGTGTCCTCACCATGGGGC





TGGGTGGCTGGGGTGGAGGAACACAGGATTGGGCTTCAGCTTCTCTAGGG





ACTGGTACATTAAGAGATGAAGACATAAAAGGTGAGAAAAACATGGTTTA





TTTCCAATGTTTCCATTTCTGTTAAAAGTAATGCTTTCAACAGAAAAAAA





ATGCAGCAATATAAGTGTGTAATTTACAAAATAATTTCAGGATTTCTTTA





ATCATTAATTTGTGGTGTCATCTGTTAACTGGATTTACGTCTAAGCTCAT





TTGTAAATAACTTCAAATATCCAAGCCTTCCCTCACCCTTTTCCCACCTC





ACCTCTCCTCCTTCTCCTCCCCTACACTGGAGGACACTATGTACATGCAT





ATAATGTCCTGCCCTAGAGGAGTCCTGAGCCTACTTGGGAAGAAAACACC





AACTCACAGGAAAACAGCAGAAATCACACAAAACAGAATAAAAGCAAGCG





CTGATCTGTAAGTGAAGACTTAAGTGCTATAGGACTTCCAGCTACAAATC





CTGAAAACACGGAGTGGCTGTGATAATACGACTAGCCAACATCACACAGT





AATTTTGCACATAAGGAGAACTAAATCAAAGAAAACAAGGAAAAGAAAGT





TGAGCCTATAATCGTGATACAGGCACTAAAATCTCAGGTGACATTTTTCA





ATGGGGGAAAGTCAGTCAACTTCCGATCTCCAAACCATCTTTACTAGCGA





GCTTCCCACAATGGTTCTAGAACCTTCCTTCATTCCAACCCAACCAGGAT





TCCAACAGACTCATAAACACCACAGCCTTTGAGAAATTAAAGGGAGAACC





CACCAACCGGCGCCCCACTCCCCACCCCAAGTCACCTCTGGCTCAACCAA





GATGCGCTCAGGCCAAGAAAGCTGCCCCACCCCACAGGCTTTGCCTGTCA





TTTTTAACAAGCCGACTCAGCACATCTCTCAGATGGGCCATGCAAGGCTT





TTCGCAGCTCCTGGGGCTTTGCCTCTTCATGAGCAGACACTCCCTCTTAG





ACTAAGACCTGGAGCTGGAAAGTAGGTGGTAACCGCGGTACAAAACTCAC





GCTCGTCCCTGCAGAAACTGCCTAGGTCGGCCCATGGCCACGGGGCGCCA





ATTTTTCAAGGAAAAGTCAATGCTAATAATGGTGGCAATCACGGGAAATC





CATTCTGAGGCCAGATCTGACTTGTCAGGATTAATCATCATTTCCACTTA





ACTTCGAACTGACCTGGGTAAAAACGTGAGCGCGAGGGGACCAGGCTGCA





CCTCTGACCTGGCTCCCCTCTGCAAAAATCGCGAAGTGGGTGCCCGAGGT





GGGGCGGGGGTTGGGGGAGACCTCCCCGGGAGTCCCCACCCAGCCTGCTC





TGCACATCTTAGTCCCTCATCCGCTTGCGCTGTGCAAATCTGTCTTCTGT





CATTTGTATCGCAAGACATCAAAATCCCCAACCAAATGCAAATACTGAGA





CCTCATAATCTGAGACAAAGTTTCACGGTATCCAGAAAGCCCCCAGCAGG





TGTGCAGTGCAGAGCCAGCCCCCCAGCGGTCTTCCGCAGAATCCTATCAG





TTTCCCCCTTTCGTGCTGTGTGCATCGAGCAGGAAGGGGCTTGGCAGGTT





TTACCTGCCCTCTTTCCTTTCTGAAAAGTCTGGGCCTCCTCACCCCGAAA





GGAGTCACCTCCTTGCAGTTCCCCAGTTGCGAAAAGAGGAGGAAGTTGGC





TGGGCCGGGGGCCGCGGGGGGCACCCTCCGCAGATGGCGGGACCCCCCTG





CCGGCCATGGCAAAAACGAGGCTTGTCTCTCCCACCGCCCCCAACCTTAG





TCCTTGGCACATTGTTGAAAGTAATTGAATAAAATCGGAAATTCGAGAAG





GCGTTCGTTCGGATTGGTGAGATTTTGAGGGGAGAAAGAAGCGGGGACTT





CGCCGGCACCAGCGGCGCCCCCTCCTCGGCCACCGTTAACCCCCATTCCA





GAGGGCACTGCCCCGCCACCCAGCCTAGGTCCCCCTGCGAGAGCCTCGCG





GGCCCGCGCAGCCTCCGCGACTCGAACAGATCTTCAGTCCTTGGAGGAAT





GCCTGTTTCTCTAACAATAAAAAATTAAAGAAGCGCTCATAAATGCCAAG





TCCTCTCGCACTATGCGGAGTACAGAGGACAACGACCACAGCCATCCCTG





AACCCCGCCCACGGCACAGCGCCGGAGCCGGGGTCTGGGGCGCCGCTTCC





TGGGGGGTCCCGACTCTCAGCCGCCCCCGCTTCACCCGGGCCGCCAAGGG





GCTGGGGGAGGCGGCGCTCGGGGTAACCGGGGGAGACTCAGGGCGCTGGG





GGCACTTGGGGAACTCATGGGGGCTCAAAGGAACTAGGAGATCGGGACCT





CGAAGGGGACTTGGGGGGTTCGGGGCTTTCGGGGGCGGTCGGGGGTTCGC





GGACCCGGGAAGCTCTGAGGACCCAGAGGCCGGGCGCGCTCCGCCCGCGG





CGCCGCCCCCTCCGTAACTTTCCCAGTCTCCGAGGGAAGAGGCGGGGTGT





GGGGTGCGGTTAAAAGGCGCCACGGCGGGAGACAGGTGTTGCGGCCCCGC





AGCGCCCGCGCGCTCCTCTCCCCGACTCGGAGCCCCTCGGCGGCGCCCGG





CCCAGGACCCGCCTAGGAGCGCAGGAGCCCCAGCGCAGAGACCCCAACGC





CGAGACCCCCGCCCCGGCCCCGCCGCGCTTCCTCCCGACGCAGGTGAGCC





CGCCGGCCCCGGACTGCCCGGCCAGGAACCTGGCGCGGGGAGGGACCGCG





AGACCCAGAGCGGTTGCCCGGCCGCGTGGGTCTCGGGGAACCGGGGGGCT





GGACCAACACACGTCCTTGGGCCGGGGGGGGGGGGCCGCCTTCTGGAGCG





GGCGTTTCTGCGGCCGAGCTCCGGAGCTGGAATGGGGCGGCCGGGGAAGT





GGACGCGATGGCACCGCCCGGGGTGCGAGTGGGGCCGGGCGCGCGCGGGA





GGGGAAAAAGGCGCGGGCGAGCCGCCAGCGCGAGGTTTGTGGTGTCGCCG





ATGTCCCTTCGGGGTACTCTAGCGCAGCCGCCTGGCTACTTGACCCACTG





CCACCAAACGTTTTAAATTCACCGAAAGCTTAGCTTCGAAGCAAAGCTCC





GTTTCGCCGGTGAAGCAGGAAGCCTTCGCTGCAGGAACTGACCTTTACCT





CTTGGAGCGGCTTCTGCAGAAAAATCCCCGGGCAGAGATTTGGGCGGAGT





TTGCCTAGAACTAACGCGGAGCCAGCCGATCCCGGCCTACCCCGGGGCCA





AGATTTCAGTGGCTTCCCTTTTTCCTAAACACTTCACGAGGGTCTGTTTC





CGGGCTGTGCTCCCCGCCTAGAAGGAAAATTTTTAGGACCCTTGTTCGCG





AAGAGGTGGTGTGCGGCTGAGACCCGCGTCCTCAGGACGGTTCCATCAGT





GCCTCGATCCTGCCCCACTGGAGGAGGAAGGCAGCCCGAACAGCGCTCAC





CTAACTAACAGCTGCTGAGAGCTGGGTTCCGTGGCCATGCACCTGGGACT





GCCTTGAGAAGCGTGGTACGGCCGTGTCCCCATGTGACCTTAGAGTCCCT





TTCGAAACTGCTGTGCACAGTCGGTCACAATTTCAGACACTGGTGAGAAG





GGTGGAGGAACCCTCTGGGGACAGCCAGGCAAGGTCGACCACCCATCACC





TAAGGGTGGAGAAATTTAAGGGGTGAAGAGTCCCTTTTGCCTTTTCTGGA





TCCTGGTGATTCACCTAGTGTCTTCCCTAAGGAACTGAACCAACTCCTCC





GCTGGCCTCTGGCAGCCCTCCAGGCGGTGCAGGATGGCGTGGGCCCGGTA





GGAAGCTGCATGTAACCGCCCAGGGTCGGGAGGCCAGGAGGGCAGCTCCT





CCTCTGACTTGAATATTGAAAACAACTTCGTCCTGCTTCTGAGCCCCTCT





TAACCCATGACCCCCTAGCCCATTGGGGAGTAAATCTTAATTTACTCCTC





TTCCTGAAAAAGGATCTTTAAAACAGGTAGCTTCAACTCAAGCTTTATAA





AATAACAATATAGGGTTTCTCGGAACTGTATTTTTCTCAGCTGATGGTAA





CTGGACAGGTCTGTAGAAGGGTGTATGACCTGGGTTTGGCAGGTGGAAGA





GGGCAAAGGATAAACCCCTCCTCCTGCAGCCCCATATTCTTGGCCAGGTG





TATTGTTGTAAACCAGGAGAGAGTTTACTTCGGGGAGTATCCTGTTTTCC





ACTCAGTGAGGGCCAATGAAGAATGTCTAATTCCATAAGATGCTTTTGTT





AAAATCGGAATGTTGCTGTCCTCGGTGGTTCTGCTGTTGGGACGGGACTG





GCCTGAGCTGTGGGTGCTGTAGCAGGACAACCAGCTCACCTAAGGGCCTC





CCAGTCTGGATTATCAATGGGTCAGTGCTGAACCTGGGCTAAAATATTGT





TTTTTCCAATGATGTTGTCTTTCCCAAGCTCAGTGAAGCTAAATGTTTCA





CAGGCCTATGTCAATCTGATGTAACTTTCGTGGCCACCTCTCTCCTGTTA





GCCTCTGACCAAGGTGGCACTGGATGGTTTCTGCCTGACCTTGGTGCCCC





GTGGCAGCGACTGTGGGTCATGAAAGACATTCACTACGAGCCTGCTTCTG





GAGTCCATCAGAAAACGGGATGCAACTTGCCTAAAATGAGGAGAGGAGGA





TGCTTTTAAGAAAAAGAAGAAGGAGGATTCACTACCAGCTCTGAAGGGTG





GAAAAGAGATGATTCATCCGGATTGTGGAGAGGGTGGAATCTTGTTTAGG





AGAGCGTTGGTTGTGGCAGGCAGGGTGTAACTATGAATCAGTGAAGACAA





TTCACATCCTGGGATGAAAAGAAGGCCATGGGCTCACAGGAGATTATCCA





CTGGCCTCTCCACATCCGCTTGCAGTAAGGAGTGTGGGACTCTCCCAAGC





TTCAGCGCTGAACTGCAATGCAGTGACGTCGCTTAGCTGGGCCAGTAACC





GAGGGAGTTGAATTTTCTGTCATTTTAAAATAATGTGTCTTTTAAGAAAC





ACTTTGAAATTAAAACCACAGCCCACAATTATAATGCACTGTTGCAGCAC





TTATCAAAACAGATATGCTAACTGAGCCATCAGTGCCAGCCTGACAGTGA





GGCCACCAAGCCATCCACAAAGCCTACACGAAAGTCTGTGCTCACAGTGG





CTTTTCTCCATGAAGAGGGCATTCCTAACCTCTTCCTTTCACGTAGGAGG





AAGCAAGGTCCTTTGTAAAATTTTAACTCGGGGTGCCTCAAATGTAAACT





TAACCACTGGTAACAACAGTTTCACTGCTACATGCCACGTCTGTGAAAAT





TCATTCAAGACATTAAGGAAAGTGGCTCAGCAGAGAGACTAGACATCTTA





TCCTCACGGTTCTCCTGTACTTGGCCTCTCAGCCTTTGAGCAAGGTTGGC





CCAAGCTAGTATCGGCCCCAGTGGTACAGCCAAAACTTGAGACTGCAAAT





GGATGCAGCTGTTGAACGCTGAGTAACTTCTGCAGAGTCAGGAAGACCCA





AGGAAGCTCTGCAGAGGATGCAGGGGTACGGTCAGAACCCCTGAGTGCCT





TTCAGCTAACGAGGACTTTATGACACTCCCCAGCACAGCAAATTTTTATG





ATGTGTTTAAAGATTGGGTGAATTACTCAGGTGAACAAGCTACTTTTTAT





CAGAGAACACCTAAAAACACGTTCAAGAGGGTTTGGGAACTATACATTTA





ATCCTATGACAAACTAAGTTGGTTCTGTCTTCACCTGTTTTGGTGAGGTT





GTGTAAGAGTTGGTGTTTGCTCAGGAAGAGATTTAAGCATGCTTGCTTAC





CCAGACTCAGAGAAGTCTCCCTGTTCTGTCCTAGCTAGTGATTCCTGTGT





TGTGTGCATTCGTCTTTTCCAGAGCAAACCGCCCAGAGTAGAAGATGGAT





TGGGGCACGCTGCAGACGATCCTGGGGGGTGTGAACAAACACTCCACCAG





CATTGGAAAGATCTGGCTCACCGTCCTCTTCATTTTTCGCATTATGATCC





TCGTTGTGGCTGCAAAGGAGGTGTGGGGAGATGAGCAGGCCGACTTTGTC





TGCAACACCCTGCAGCCAGGCTGCAAGAACGTGTGCTACGATCACTACTT





CCCCATCTCCCACATCCGGCTATGGGCCCTGCAGCTGATCTTCGTGTCCA





CGCCAGCGCTCCTAGTGGCCATGCACGTGGCCTACCGGAGACATGAGAAG





AAGAGGAAGTTCATCAAGGGGGAGATAAAGAGTGAATTTAAGGACATCGA





GGAGATCAAAACCCAGAAGGTCCGCATCGAAGGCTCCCTGTGGTGGACCT





ACACAAGCAGCATCTTCTTCCGGGTCATCTTCGAAGCCGCCTTCATGTAC





GTCTTCTATGTCATGTACGACGGCTTCTCCATGCAGCGGCTGGTGAAGTG





CAACGCCTGGCCTTGTCCCAACACTGTGGACTGCTTTGTGTCCCGGCCCA





CGGAGAAGACTGTCTTCACAGTGTTCATGATTGCAGTGTCTGGAATTTGC





ATCCTGCTGAATGTCACTGAATTGTGTTATTTGCTAATTAGATATTGTTC





TGGGAAGTCAAAAAAGCCAGTTTAACGCATTGCCCAGTTGTTAGATTAAG





AAATAGACAGCATGAGAGGGATGAGGCAACCCGTGCTCAGCTGTCAAGGC





TCAGTCGCTAGCATTTCCCAACACAAAGATTCTGACCTTAAATGCAACCA





TTTGAAACCCCTGTAGGCCTCAGGTGAAACTCCAGATGCCACAATGGAGC





TCTGCTCCCCTAAAGCCTCAAAACAAAGGCCTAATTCTATGCCTGTCTTA





ATTTTCTTTCACTTAAGTTAGTTCCACTGAGACCCCAGGCTGTTAGGGGT





TATTGGTGTAAGGTACTTTCATATTTTAAACAGAGGATATCGGCATTTGT





TTCTTTCTCTGAGGACAAGAGAAAAAAGCCAGGTTCCACAGAGGACACAG





AGAAGGTTTGGGTGTCCTCCTGGGGTTCTTTTTGCCAACTTTCCCCACGT





TAAAGGTGAACATTGGTTCTTTCATTTGCTTTGGAAGTTTTAATCTCTAA





CAGTGGACAAAGTTACCAGTGCCTTAAACTCTGTTACACTTTTTGGAAGT





GAAAACTTTGTAGTATGATAGGTTATTTTGATGTAAAGATGTTCTGGATA





CCATTATATGTTCCCCCTGTTTCAGAGGCTCAGATTGTAATATGTAAATG





GTATGTCATTCGCTACTATGATTTAATTTGAAATATGGTCTTTTGGTTAT





GAATACTTTGCAGCACAGCTGAGAGGCTGTCTGTTGTATTCATTGTGGTC





ATAGCACCTAACAACATTGTAGCCTCAATCGAGTGAGACAGACTAGAAGT





TCCTAGTGATGGCTTATGATAGCAAATGGCCTCATGTCAAATATTTAGAT





GTAATTTTGTGTAAGAAATACAGACTGGATGTACCACCAACTACTACCTG





TAATGACAGGCCTGTCCAACACATCTCCCTTTTCCATGACTGTGGTAGCC





AGCATCGGAAAGAACGCTGATTTAAAGAGGTCGCTTGGGAATTTTATTGA





CACAGTACCATTTAATGGGGAGGACAAAATGGGGCAGGGGAGGGAGAAGT





TTCTGTCGTTAAAAACAGATTTGGAAAGACTGGACTCTAAAGTCTGTTGA





TTAAAGATGAGCTTTGTCTACTTCAAAAGTTTGTTTGCTTACCCCTTCAG





CCTCCAATTTTTTAAGTGAAAATATAGCTAATAACATGTGAAAAGAATAG





AAGCTAAGGTTTAGATAAATATTGAGCAGATCTATAGGAAGATTGAACCT





GAATATTGCCATTATGCTTGACATGGTTTCCAAAAAATGGTACTCCACAT





ATTTCAGTGAGGGTAAGTATTTTCCTGTTGTCAAGAATAGCATTGTAAAA





GCATTTTGTAATAATAAAGAATAGCTTTAATGATATGCTTGTAACTAAAA





TAATTTTGTAATGTATCAAATACATTTAAAACATTAAAATATAATCTCTA





TAATAATTTAAAATCTAATATGGTTTTAATAGAACAGCAAATTTTAATTT





CATCTATCACTTTTTATATAAATACATTAATGTTTTATATTTCATAACAC





CAATGGGTAAGTTGCCAGAGTGTCTGACCCCATTCTGCCCCAGTTACAGA





AAAGCTTCTGTCACCAGAAAGTTTGGTGGGGAAGGAAGGGAGGAAGATGA





TTTCTACCTAACCCCGTGCCCACCTCTACCAGGTTTTTGAGGCATATCAG





TCTATGGACAATGTGGTGTTTGGTCTGGAAACGTACCTTGGTGAATGCTG





AGTTGGCTGGACATGACCCGTTTAGCTCCTGGATGAATCCCAGAAGTGGA





CCTTCAAAATGTTACTCATAGCATGACCTTGGCTCACTGCAACCTCTGCC





TCCCAGGCTCAAGCGATCCTCCCACCTCAGCGTCCCAAGTAGCTGGGACC





ACTGGAGTGTGCCACCACACTCCACTAATTTTTTCATTTTTTGTAGAAAC





GAGGTCCCACTATATTGCCCAGTCTGGTCTCGAACTCCTGGGCTGAAGGG





ATCCCCCTGCCTCAGTCTCCTAAAGTGCAAGGATTACAGGCATGGGCCAC





CGCACCTGGCCTGAAACTGCTTTTTATTCCTCAGTGCCCACTTCCATGGG





AAATAAGCCTGCCAGGTCAGCCTGTCCCCATGGGAGTGACTGCCTGCTAC





CCCCACAGGCTTGCCCGGCCCTCGTGAGCCTCTCCCAGAGACACCACCAA





CAGTTCTGTTCTTTCATGGTACAAGATTTCCATCCAAGGATTTCAAAGCA





TTTCACACATCAATAATTAGAAGTATTTTCATAGAGGACCATACACTTTT





AAAATGGATTTCAAAGAACAAAAACCAGTCAACTATCACCCAGGTAATAG





AAAATGGGAAATGGTTTCTACCTGACTTCCAAAATGCTCTGCACATAGAC





TGTGAAAATAGGATTTTTTAAGCTGGGTGCAGAGGCTTATACCTATAATC





CCAACACTTTGGGAGGCTGAGACGAGAGGATCACTTGAGCCCAGGAGTTC





AAAACCAGCCTGGGCAATATAGGGAGACATTGTTTCTATAAAAAATAAAA





ATGTTAGCCAGGCAGGCGTGGTAACATGTGCCTGTAGTCTCAGCTACTCA





GGAGGCTGAGGTGGGAAGATTGCTTGAACCTGGGAGGTCCATGCTGCAGT





GAGCTGAGATTGTGCCACTGCACTCCAGCCTAGGCGACAGCAAGATCCTG





TCCCAAACAACAACAACATCAAAAAACACAGAACTTTTAAAATAAGTACA





TTCACTTCTACAAGCTATGTAGATTATTACTCTCAAGCTATTAAAAGACC





AAGCCAAAATAATTATGGGCTACTCTCGACCACTTGTAGGAATGGATAGA





GAGGTCTGGTCACATGCCTGGAAATTAGAGCTTGAGCTCTGAAAATGATA





ATCCTGACTATATCTCAAAGCATCAGTCTGCACTTTGTATGGAGCAAGAA





AAAGCCTTGTGGAAGCGGCCTCCCACCCAGCCGAGCCCTCGGCGTGGACA





AGCTCTGCTTTTTATGAGCAGTGGGTGCAGCCTCGCTGCTCCCTCCTCCT





GTCAAAAGACAGTCACAGCTGGGGTGAGCAGATCGGGCCCACTTGGGAGG





CCCCAAGGAATATGCTGCAGGGGTCGGGCCTGAGCCACCCCCACGGGTTG





GTCTTTGACAACTAGAGAGCAGCTGAGAGGTGGGTAAAAGCTCACTCACT





TACCCTGACCTCAGTGTCCTCATCTTAAAATGGGTTTCCTGAATCTTTCC





CCGGCTTAGTGGCAATGAAATAAGATAATTTATGTAAACGTTCTCCACAT





AGTAAAGCACTAAGTAACATATGACTGTCATCTGTTTTCCACTAGACAGA





TCCCAACCTGGAAGAGTGACAGATGGTATTTCAGATACAAGTGACTCAAG





CAAAGCTTGATAAACTGGGGGCTGGAAAAAAATGCACATTTACACAAAGC





CTGGAGTAACTGC






In some aspects, the GJB2 gene is codon optimized. In some aspects, the codon optimized GJB2 gene as at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100 identity to any one of SEQ ID NOs: 123-126. In some aspects, the codon optimized GJB2 gene has the sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 123-126.










Exemplary codon optimized Human GJB2 DNA Sequence



(SEQ ID NO: 123)



ATGGACTGGGGCACCCTGCAGACTATCCTGGGGGGCGTCAATAAGCATTCAA






CTAGCATCGGAAAGATTTGGCTGACTGTCCTGTTTATCTTTCGGATCATGATC





CTGGTGGTGGCAGCAAAGGAAGTGTGGGGCGACGAGCAGGCCGATTTCGTGT





GCAACACACTGCAGCCAGGCTGCAAGAACGTGTGCTACGACCACTATTTTCC





CATCTCTCACATCAGGCTGTGGGCCCTGCAGCTGATCTTCGTGAGCACCCCTG





CCCTGCTGGTGGCAATGCACGTGGCCTATCGGAGACACGAGAAGAAGCGCA





AGTTTATCAAGGGCGAGATCAAGAGCGAGTTCAAGGATATCGAGGAGATCA





AGACACAGAAGGTGAGGATCGAGGGCTCCCTGTGGTGGACCTACACAAGCTC





CATCTTCTTTCGCGTGATCTTCGAGGCCGCCTTTATGTACGTGTTCTATGTGAT





GTACGACGGCTTTTCTATGCAGCGGCTGGTGAAGTGCAACGCCTGGCCCTGTC





CTAATACAGTGGATTGTTTCGTGTCCAGACCCACCGAGAAGACAGTGTTCAC





CGTGTTTATGATCGCCGTGTCTGGCATCTGCATCCTGCTGAACGTGACCGAGC





TGTGCTATCTGCTGATCCGGTACTGTAGTGGAAAGAGCAAAAAACCCGTG





Exemplary codon optimized Human GJB2 DNA Sequence


(SEQ ID NO: 124)



ATGGACTGGGGAACATTGCAAACTATTTTGGGAGGAGTCAACAAGCATTCAA






CTAGCATCGGGAAGATCTGGCTGACCGTGCTGTTCATCTTTCGCATCATGATT





CTCGTGGTGGCCGCTAAGGAAGTCTGGGGCGATGAACAGGCCGACTTCGTGT





GTAACACGCTGCAGCCCGGTTGCAAAAACGTCTGCTACGATCACTACTTCCC





CATCTCACACATTAGACTGTGGGCGCTGCAGCTGATTTTCGTGTCCACCCCGG





CACTTCTTGTGGCGATGCACGTGGCCTACCGGCGGCACGAGAAGAAAAGGAA





GTTCATTAAGGGCGAAATCAAGTCCGAGTTCAAGGACATCGAAGAAATCAAG





ACCCAGAAGGTCCGCATTGAGGGCTCCCTCTGGTGGACCTACACCTCGTCCA





TCTTCTTCCGGGTCATATTCGAGGCCGCCTTTATGTACGTGTTTTACGTGATGT





ACGACGGTTTCAGCATGCAAAGACTCGTCAAGTGCAACGCTTGGCCTTGCCC





CAATACCGTGGATTGCTTCGTGTCCCGCCCGACCGAGAAAACTGTGTTCACTG





TGTTCATGATCGCCGTGTCCGGCATCTGCATCCTGCTGAACGTGACCGAGCTG





TGCTATCTCCTGATCCGGTACTGTAGCGGAAAGTCGAAGAAGCCTGTG





Exemplary codon optimized Human GJB2 DNA Sequence


(SEQ ID NO: 125)



ATGGATTGGGGGACGCTCCAGACTATACTTGGCGGGGTAAACAAACATTCCA






CCTCAATTGGCAAAATCTGGCTCACAGTCCTCTTCATCTTCAGAATAATGATA





CTCGTGGTTGCCGCTAAAGAAGTTTGGGGTGACGAGCAAGCCGATTTCGTCT





GTAACACCCTCCAACCAGGTTGCAAAAATGTCTGTTACGATCACTACTTTCCT





ATTAGCCATATTAGACTCTGGGCCCTGCAACTTATCTTCGTTTCCACTCCTGCT





CTGCTCGTCGCTATGCACGTTGCCTATCGCCGCCATGAAAAAAAACGGAAAT





TCATTAAGGGAGAGATTAAGAGTGAATTCAAGGATATTGAAGAGATTAAAAC





GCAAAAAGTTAGAATTGAGGGATCACTGTGGTGGACTTATACCAGTAGCATC





TTTTTTAGGGTCATTTTCGAAGCTGCTTTCATGTATGTTTTCTATGTAATGTAC





GACGGTTTCTCCATGCAACGCTTGGTTAAATGTAACGCCTGGCCATGCCCTAA





TACGGTTGATTGCTTTGTCTCCCGCCCTACTGAAAAGACAGTGTTTACCGTTT





TCATGATCGCCGTAAGTGGAATTTGTATCCTTCTTAACGTGACCGAGTTGTGC





TATCTCCTTATTCGCTACTGTTCAGGAAAAAGTAAAAAACCAGTA





Exemplary codon optimized Human GJB2 DNA Sequence


(SEQ ID NO: 126)



ATGGACTGGGGCACGCTGCAGACTATCCTGGGGGGTGTCAACAAGCATTCAA






CTAGCATCGGAAAGATCTGGCTGACCGTCCTGTTCATCTTTCGCATCATGATC





CTCGTGGTGGCCGCTAAGGAAGTGTGGGGCGACGAGCAGGCCGATTTCGTGT





GTAACACCCTGCAGCCAGGTTGCAAAAACGTCTGCTACGATCACTACTTTCCC





ATCTCCCACATTAGACTGTGGGCCCTGCAGCTGATCTTCGTGTCCACCCCTGC





GCTGCTAGTGGCCATGCACGTGGCCTATCGGCGACACGAGAAGAAACGGAA





GTTCATTAAGGGCGAGATCAAGAGCGAGTTCAAGGATATCGAAGAGATCAA





GACCCAGAAGGTCCGCATTGAGGGCTCCCTGTGGTGGACCTACACCAGCTCC





ATCTTCTTTCGGGTCATCTTCGAGGCCGCCTTTATGTACGTGTTCTATGTGATG





TACGACGGTTTCTCCATGCAACGGCTGGTGAAGTGCAACGCCTGGCCTTGCC





CTAATACTGTGGATTGCTTCGTGTCCCGCCCCACCGAGAAGACAGTGTTCACC





GTGTTCATGATCGCCGTGTCTGGCATCTGCATCCTGCTGAACGTGACCGAGCT





GTGCTATCTCCTGATCCGGTACTGTAGTGGAAAGTCAAAAAAACCAGTGTAA






The present disclosure recognizes that certain changes to a polynucleotide sequence will not impact its expression or a protein encoded by said polynucleotide. In some aspects, a polynucleotide comprises a GJB2 gene having one or more silent mutations. In some aspects, the disclosure provides a polynucleotide that comprises a GJB2 gene having one or more silent mutations, e.g., a GJB2 gene having a sequence different from SEQ ID NOs: 117-126 but encoding the same amino acid sequence as a functional GJB2 gene. In some aspects, the disclosure provides a polynucleotide that comprises a GJB2 gene having a sequence different from SEQ ID NO: 117-126 that encodes an amino acid sequence including one or more mutations (e.g., a different amino acid sequence when compared to that produced from a functional GJB2 gene), where the one or more mutations are conservative amino acid substitutions.


In some aspects, the disclosure provides a polynucleotide that comprises a GJB2 gene having a sequence different from SEQ ID NO: 117-126 that encodes an amino acid sequence including one or more mutations (e.g., a different amino acid sequence when compared to that produced from a functional GJB2 gene), where the one or more mutations are not within a characteristic portion of a GJB2 gene or an encoded connexin 26 protein. In some aspects, a polynucleotide in accordance with the present disclosure comprises a GJB2 gene that is at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% identical to a sequence of SEQ ID NO: 117-126. In some aspects, a polynucleotide in accordance with the present disclosure comprises a GJB2 gene that is identical to the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 117-126. As can be appreciated in the art, SEQ ID NO: 117-126 can be optimized (e.g., codon optimized) to achieve increased or optimal expression in an animal, e.g., a mammal, e.g., a human.


Among other things, the present disclosure provides polypeptides encoded by a GJB2 gene or characteristic portion thereof. In some aspects, a GJB2 gene is a mammalian GJB2 gene. In some aspects, a GJB2 gene is a murine GJB2 gene. In some aspects, a GJB2 gene is a primate GJB2 gene. In some aspects, a GJB2 gene is a human GJB2 gene.


In some aspects, a polypeptide comprises a connexin 26 protein or characteristic portion thereof. In some aspects, a connexin 26 protein or characteristic portion thereof is mammalian connexin 26 protein or characteristic portion thereof, e.g., primate connexin 26 protein or characteristic portion thereof. In some aspects, a connexin 26 protein or characteristic portion thereof is a human connexin 26 protein or characteristic portion thereof.


In some aspects, a polypeptide provided herein comprises post-translational modifications. In some aspects, a connexin 26 protein or characteristic portion thereof provided herein comprises post-translational modifications. In some aspects, post-translational modifications can comprise but is not limited to glycosylation (e.g., N-linked glycosylation, O-linked glycosylation), phosphorylation, acetylation, amidation, hydroxylation, methylation, ubiquitylation, sulfation, and/or a combination thereof. An exemplary human connexin 26 protein sequence is or includes the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 127.









Exemplary Human Connexin 26 Protein Sequence


(SEQ ID NO: 127)


MDWGTLQTILGGVNKHSTSIGKIWLTVLFIFRIMILVVAAKEVWGDEQA





DFVCNTLQPGCKNVCYDHYFPISHIRLWALQLIFVSTPALLVAMHVAYR





RHEKKRKFIKGEIKSEFKDIEEIKTQKVRIEGSLWWTYTSSIFFRVIFE





AAFMYVFYVMYDGFSMQRLVKCNAWPCPNTVDCFVSRPTEKTVFTVFMI





AVSGICILLNVTELCYLLIRYCSGKSKKPV






The present disclosure recognizes that certain mutations in an amino acid sequence of a polypeptide described herein (e.g., including connexin 26 or a characteristic portion thereof) will not impact the expression, folding, or activity of the polypeptide. In some aspects, a polypeptide (e.g., including connexin 26 or a characteristic portion thereof) includes one or more mutations, where the one or more mutations are conservative amino acid substitutions. In some aspects, a polypeptide in accordance with the present disclosure comprises a connexin 26 or a characteristic portion thereof that is at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% identical to a sequence of SEQ ID NO: 127. In some aspects, a polypeptide in accordance with the present disclosure comprises a connexin 26 or a characteristic portion thereof that is identical to the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 127. In some aspects, a polypeptide in accordance with the present disclosure comprises a connexin 26 or a characteristic portion thereof that is at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% identical to a sequence of SEQ ID NO: 127. In some aspects, a polypeptide in accordance with the present disclosure comprises a connexin 26 protein or a characteristic portion thereof that is identical to the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 127.


In some aspects, the polypeptide is a therapeutic polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide). In some aspects, the polypeptide is a supporting cell polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide). In some aspects, the polypeptide is a reporter polypeptide.


Constructs

Among other things, the present disclosure provides that some polynucleotides as described herein are polynucleotide constructs. Polynucleotide constructs according to the present disclosure include all those known in the art, including cosmids, plasmids (e.g., naked or contained in liposomes) and viral constructs (e.g., lentiviral, retroviral, adenoviral, and adeno-associated viral constructs) that incorporate a polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid sequence (e.g., GJB2 gene) or characteristic portion thereof encoding a polypeptide (e.g., Connexin 26). Those of skill in the art will be capable of selecting suitable constructs, as well as cells, for making any of the polynucleotides described herein. In some aspects, a construct is a plasmid (i.e., a circular DNA molecule that can autonomously replicate inside a cell). In some aspects, a construct can be a cosmid (e.g., pWE or sCos series). In some aspects, the construct is a mammalian or a viral vector.


In some aspects, a construct is a viral construct. In some aspects, a viral construct is a lentivirus, retrovirus, adenovirus, or adeno-associated virus construct. In some aspects, a construct is an adeno-associated virus (AAV) construct (see, e.g., Asokan et al., Mol. Ther. 20: 699-7080, 2012, which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference). In some aspects, the construct is a viral vector. In some aspects, the construct is a lentivirus, retrovirus, adenovirus, or adeno-associated virus vector. In some aspects, the construct is an AAV vector. In some aspects, a viral construct is an adenovirus construct. In some aspects, a viral construct may also be based on or derived from an alphavirus. Alphaviruses include Sindbis (and VEEV) virus, Aura virus, Babanki virus, Barmah Forest virus, Bebaru virus, Cabassou virus, Chikungunya virus, Eastern equine encephalitis virus, Everglades virus, Fort Morgan virus, Getah virus, Highlands J virus, Kyzylagach virus, Mayaro virus, Me Tri virus, Middelburg virus, Mosso das Pedras virus, Mucambo virus, Ndumu virus, O'nyong-nyong virus, Pixuna virus, Rio Negro virus, Ross River virus, Salmon pancreas disease virus, Semliki Forest virus, Southern elephant seal virus, Tonate virus, Trocara virus, Una virus, Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus, Western equine encephalitis virus, and Whataroa virus. Generally, the genome of such viruses encode nonstructural (e.g., replicon) and structural proteins (e.g., capsid and envelope) that can be translated in the cytoplasm of the host cell. Ross River virus, Sindbis virus, Semliki Forest virus (SFV), and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) have all been used to develop viral constructs for coding sequence delivery. Pseudotyped viruses may be formed by combining alphaviral envelope glycoproteins and retroviral capsids. Examples of alphaviral constructs can be found in U.S. Publication Nos. 20150050243, 20090305344, and 20060177819; constructs and methods of their making are incorporated herein by reference to each of the publications in its entirety.


Constructs provided herein can be of different sizes. In some aspects, a construct is a plasmid and can include a total length of up to about 1 kb, up to about 2 kb, up to about 3 kb, up to about 4 kb, up to about 5 kb, up to about 6 kb, up to about 7 kb, up to about 8 kb, up to about 9 kb, up to about 10 kb, up to about 11 kb, up to about 12 kb, up to about 13 kb, up to about 14 kb, or up to about 15 kb. In some aspects, a construct is a plasmid and can have a total length in a range of about 1 kb to about 2 kb, about 1 kb to about 3 kb, about 1 kb to about 4 kb, about 1 kb to about 5 kb, about 1 kb to about 6 kb, about 1 kb to about 7 kb, about 1 kb to about 8 kb, about 1 kb to about 9 kb, about 1 kb to about 10 kb, about 1 kb to about 11 kb, about 1 kb to about 12 kb, about 1 kb to about 13 kb, about 1 kb to about 14 kb, or about 1 kb to about 15 kb.


In some aspects, a construct is a viral construct and can have a total number of nucleotides of up to 10 kb. In some aspects, a viral construct can have a total number of nucleotides in the range of about 1 kb to about 2 kb, 1 kb to about 3 kb, about 1 kb to about 4 kb, about 1 kb to about 5 kb, about 1 kb to about 6 kb, about 1 kb to about 7 kb, about 1 kb to about 8 kb, about 1 kb to about 9 kb, about 1 kb to about 10 kb, about 2 kb to about 3 kb, about 2 kb to about 4 kb, about 2 kb to about 5 kb, about 2 kb to about 6 kb, about 2 kb to about 7 kb, about 2 kb to about 8 kb, about 2 kb to about 9 kb, about 2 kb to about 10 kb, about 3 kb to about 4 kb, about 3 kb to about 5 kb, about 3 kb to about 6 kb, about 3 kb to about 7 kb, about 3 kb to about 8 kb, about 3 kb to about 9 kb, about 3 kb to about 10 kb, about 4 kb to about 5 kb, about 4 kb to about 6 kb, about 4 kb to about 7 kb, about 4 kb to about 8 kb, about 4 kb to about 9 kb, about 4 kb to about 10 kb, about 5 kb to about 6 kb, about 5 kb to about 7 kb, about 5 kb to about 8 kb, about 5 kb to about 9 kb, about 5 kb to about 10 kb, about 6 kb to about 7 kb, about 6 kb to about 8 kb, about 6 kb to about 9 kb, about 6 kb to about 10 kb, about 7 kb to about 8 kb, about 7 kb to about 9 kb, about 7 kb to about 10 kb, about 8 kb to about 9 kb, about 8 kb to about 10 kb, or about 9 kb to about 10 kb.


In some aspects, a construct is a lentivirus construct and can have a total number of nucleotides of up to 8 kb. In some examples, a lentivirus construct can have a total number of nucleotides of about 1 kb to about 2 kb, about 1 kb to about 3 kb, about 1 kb to about 4 kb, about 1 kb to about 5 kb, about 1 kb to about 6 kb, about 1 kb to about 7 kb, about 1 kb to about 8 kb, about 2 kb to about 3 kb, about 2 kb to about 4 kb, about 2 kb to about 5 kb, about 2 kb to about 6 kb, about 2 kb to about 7 kb, about 2 kb to about 8 kb, about 3 kb to about 4 kb, about 3 kb to about 5 kb, about 3 kb to about 6 kb, about 3 kb to about 7 kb, about 3 kb to about 8 kb, about 4 kb to about 5 kb, about 4 kb to about 6 kb, about 4 kb to about 7 kb, about 4 kb to about 8 kb, about 5 kb to about 6 kb, about 5 kb to about 7 kb, about 5 kb to about 8 kb, about 6 kb to about 8 kb, about 6 kb to about 7 kb, or about 7 kb to about 8 kb.


In some aspects, a construct is an adeno-associated virus construct and can have a total number of nucleotides of up to 8 kb. In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus construct can have a total number of nucleotides in the range of about 1 kb to about 2 kb, about 1 kb to about 3 kb, about 1 kb to about 4 kb, about 1 kb to about 5 kb, about 1 kb to about 6 kb, about 1 kb to about 7 kb, about 1 kb to about 8 kb, about 2 kb to about 3 kb, about 2 kb to about 4 kb, about 2 kb to about 5 kb, about 2 kb to about 6 kb, about 2 kb to about 7 kb, about 2 kb to about 8 kb, about 3 kb to about 4 kb, about 3 kb to about 5 kb, about 3 kb to about 6 kb, about 3 kb to about 7 kb, about 3 kb to about 8 kb, about 4 kb to about 5 kb, about 4 kb to about 6 kb, about 4 kb to about 7 kb, about 4 kb to about 8 kb, about 5 kb to about 6 kb, about 5 kb to about 7 kb, about 5 kb to about 8 kb, about 6 kb to about 7 kb, about 6 kb to about 8 kb, or about 7 kb to about 8 kb.


In some aspects, a construct is an adenovirus construct and can have a total number of nucleotides of up to 8 kb. In some aspects, an adenovirus construct can have a total number of nucleotides in the range of about 1 kb to about 2 kb, about 1 kb to about 3 kb, about 1 kb to about 4 kb, about 1 kb to about 5 kb, about 1 kb to about 6 kb, about 1 kb to about 7 kb, about 1 kb to about 8 kb, about 2 kb to about 3 kb, about 2 kb to about 4 kb, about 2 kb to about 5 kb, about 2 kb to about 6 kb, about 2 kb to about 7 kb, about 2 kb to about 8 kb, about 3 kb to about 4 kb, about 3 kb to about 5 kb, about 3 kb to about 6 kb, about 3 kb to about 7 kb, about 3 kb to about 8 kb, about 4 kb to about 5 kb, about 4 kb to about 6 kb, about 4 kb to about 7 kb, about 4 kb to about 8 kb, about 5 kb to about 6 kb, about 5 kb to about 7 kb, about 5 kb to about 8 kb, about 6 kb to about 7 kb, about 6 kb to about 8 kb, or about 7 kb to about 8 kb.


Any of the constructs described herein can further include a control sequence, e.g., a control sequence selected from the group of a transcription initiation sequence, a transcription termination sequence, a promoter sequence, an enhancer sequence, an RNA splicing sequence, a polyadenylation (poly(A)) sequence, a Kozak consensus sequence, and/or additional untranslated regions which may house pre- or post-transcriptional regulatory and/or control elements. In some aspects, a promoter can be a native promoter, a constitutive promoter, an inducible promoter, and/or a tissue-specific promoter. Non-limiting examples of control sequences are described herein.


In some aspects, the construct comprises a polynucleotide encoding a therapeutic polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter which selectively expresses the polynucleotide in an inner ear support cell. In some aspects, the construct comprise a 5′ ITR, a promoter which selectively expresses the polynucleotide in an inner ear support cell, a 5′ UTR, a polynucleotide encoding a therapeutic polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide), a 3′ UTR, a polyA, and a 3′ ITR. In some aspects, the construct comprise a 5′ ITR, a promoter which selectively expresses the polynucleotide in an inner ear support cell, a 5′ UTR, a polynucleotide encoding a therapeutic polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide), a tag, a 3′ UTR, a polyA, and a 3′ ITR.


In some aspects, the construct comprises a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide operably linked to a promoter which selectively expresses the polynucleotide in an inner ear support cell. In some aspects, the construct comprise a 5′ ITR, a promoter which selectively expresses the polynucleotide in an inner ear support cell, a 5′ UTR, a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide), a 3′ UTR, a polyA, and a 3′ ITR. In some aspects, the construct comprise a 5′ ITR, a promoter which selectively expresses the polynucleotide in an inner ear support cell, a 5′ UTR, a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide), a tag, a 3′ UTR, a polyA, and a 3′ ITR.


In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter which expresses the polynucleotide in an inner ear support cell, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter is heterologous to the polynucleotide.


In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NOs: 16, 28, 40, 57, or 90-99.


In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 40. In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 90. In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 96. In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 99.


In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 16. In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 28. In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 57. In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 91. In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 92. In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 93. In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 94. In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 95. In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 97. In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 98.


In some aspects, the construct further comprises a minimal GJB2 promoter. In some aspects, the minimal GJB2 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86.


In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 40 and a minimal GJB2 promoter comprising a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86. In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 90 and a minimal GJB2 promoter comprising a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86. In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 96 and a minimal GJB2 promoter comprising a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86. In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 99 and a minimal GJB2 promoter comprising a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86.


In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 16 and a minimal GJB2 promoter comprising a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86. In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 28 and a minimal GJB2 promoter comprising a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86. In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 57 and a minimal GJB2 promoter comprising a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86. In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 91 and a minimal GJB2 promoter comprising a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86. In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 92 and a minimal GJB2 promoter comprising a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86. In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 93 and a minimal GJB2 promoter comprising a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86. In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 94 and a minimal GJB2 promoter comprising a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86. In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 95 and a minimal GJB2 promoter comprising a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86. In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 97 and a minimal GJB2 promoter comprising a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86. In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 98 and a minimal GJB2 promoter comprising a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86.


In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) the 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a 5′ untranslated region (UTR), (iii) the polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter which expresses the polynucleotide in an inner ear support cell, and (iv) the 3′ ITR.


In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) the 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a 5′ untranslated region (UTR), (iii) the polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, and (iv) the 3′ ITR.


In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) the 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) the polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter which expresses the polynucleotide in an inner ear support cell, (iii) a 3′ untranslated region (UTR), and (iv) the 3′ ITR.


In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) the 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) the polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, (iii) a 3′ untranslated region (UTR), and (iv) the 3′ ITR.


In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) the 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a 5′ untranslated region (UTR), (iii) the polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter which expresses the polynucleotide in an inner ear support cell, (iv) a 3′ UTR, and (v) the 3′ ITR.


In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) the 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a 5′ untranslated region (UTR), (iii) the polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, (iv) a 3′ UTR, and (v) the 3′ ITR.


In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to an inner ear supporting cell selective promoter and a minimal GJB2 promoter which expresses the polynucleotide in an inner ear support cell, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the inner ear supporting cell selective promoter is heterologous to the polynucleotide.


In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to an inner ear supporting cell selective promoter and a minimal GJB2 promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the inner ear supporting cell selective promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NOs: 16, 28, 40, 57, or 90-99.


In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 40. In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 90. In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 96. In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 99.


In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 16. In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 28. In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 57. In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 91. In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 92. In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 93. In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 94. In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 95. In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 97. In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 98. In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) the 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a 5′ untranslated region (UTR), (iii) the polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to an inner ear supporting cell selective promoter and a minimal GJB2 promoter which expresses the polynucleotide in an inner ear support cell, and (iv) the 3′ ITR.


In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) the 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a 5′ untranslated region (UTR), (iii) the polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to an inner ear supporting cell selective promoter and a minimal GJB2 promoter, and (iv) the 3′ ITR.


In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) the 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) the polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to an inner ear supporting cell selective promoter and a minimal GJB2 promoter which expresses the polynucleotide in an inner ear support cell, (iii) a 3′ untranslated region (UTR), and (iv) the 3′ ITR.


In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) the 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) the polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to an inner ear supporting cell selective promoter and a minimal GJB2 promoter, (iii) a 3′ untranslated region (UTR), and (iv) the 3′ ITR.


In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) the 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a 5′ untranslated region (UTR), (iii) the polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to an inner ear supporting cell selective promoter and a minimal GJB2 promoter which expresses the polynucleotide in an inner ear support cell, (iv) a 3′ UTR, and (v) the 3′ ITR.


In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) the 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a 5′ untranslated region (UTR), (iii) the polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to an inner ear supporting cell selective promoter and a minimal GJB2 promoter, (iv) a 3′ UTR, and (v) the 3′ ITR.


In some aspects, the minimal GJB2 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86.


In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 40 and a minimal GJB2 promoter comprising a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86. In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 90 and a minimal GJB2 promoter comprising a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86. In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 96 and a minimal GJB2 promoter comprising a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86. In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 99 and a minimal GJB2 promoter comprising a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86.


In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 16 and a minimal GJB2 promoter comprising a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86. In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 28 and a minimal GJB2 promoter comprising a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86. In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 57 and a minimal GJB2 promoter comprising a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86. In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 91 and a minimal GJB2 promoter comprising a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86. In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 92 and a minimal GJB2 promoter comprising a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86. In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 93 and a minimal GJB2 promoter comprising a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86. In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 94 and a minimal GJB2 promoter comprising a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86. In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 95 and a minimal GJB2 promoter comprising a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86. In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 97 and a minimal GJB2 promoter comprising a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86. In some aspects, the construct comprises (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 98 and a minimal GJB2 promoter comprising a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86.


AAV Particles

Among other things, the present disclosure provides AAV particles that comprise a construct encoding a therapeutic polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide), and a capsid described herein. Among other things, the present disclosure provides AAV particles that comprise a construct comprising a nucleic acid sequence (e.g., a gene) encoding a polypeptide, and a capsid described herein. In some aspects, AAV particles can be described as having a serotype, which is a description of the construct strain and the capsid strain. In some aspects, the AAV particle has an AAV1, AAV2, AAV3 (e.g., AAV3B), AAV4, AAV5, AAV6, AAV7, AAV8, AAV9, AAV10, AAV11, AAV2-tYF, AAV2-P2V2, AAV2-P2V3, AAV2-MeBtYFTV, AAV2-MeB, AAV2-P2V6, AAV2-DGEDF, or an AAV Anc80 serotype. In some aspects, the AAV particle has an AAVAnc80 serotype (including, for example, an AAVAnc80L65). In some aspects an AAV particle may be described as AAV2, wherein the particle has an AAV2 capsid and a construct that comprises characteristic AAV2 Inverted Terminal Repeats (ITRs). In some aspects, an AAV particle may be described as a pseudotype, wherein the capsid and construct are derived from different AAV strains, for example, AAV2/9 would refer to an AAV particle that comprises a construct utilizing the AAV2 ITRs and an AAV9 capsid.


AAV Construct

The present disclosure provides constructs that comprise a nucleic acid sequence (e.g., a gene) encoding a polypeptide or characteristic portion thereof. In some aspects described herein, a construct comprising a nucleic acid sequence (e.g., a gene) encoding a polypeptide or characteristic portion thereof can be included in an AAV particle.


The present disclosure provides polynucleotide constructs that comprise a nucleic acid sequence (e.g., a gene) encoding a therapeutic polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) or characteristic portion thereof). In some aspects described herein, a polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid sequence (e.g., a gene) encoding a therapeutic polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) or characteristic portion thereof can be included in an AAV particle.


In some aspects, a polynucleotide construct comprises one or more components derived from or modified from naturally occurring AAV genomic construct. In some aspects, a sequence derived from an AAV construct is an AAV1 construct, an AAV2 construct, an AAV3 construct, an AAV4 construct, an AAV5 construct, an AAV6 construct, an AAV7 construct, an AAV8 construct, an AAV9 construct, an AAV2.7m8 construct, an AAV8BP2 construct, an AAV293 construct, an AAV2-tYF construct, an AAV2-P2V2 construct, an AAV2-P2V3 construct, an AAV2-MeBtYFTV construct, an AAV2-MeB construct, an AAV2-P2V6 construct, an AAV2-DGEDF construct, or AAV Anc80 construct. In some aspects, the construct is derived from an AAV Anc80 construct (including, for example, an AAVAnc80L65). Additional exemplary AAV constructs that can be used herein are known in the art. See, e.g., Kanaan et al., Mol. Ther. Nucleic Acids 8:184-197, 2017; Li et al., Mol. Ther. 16(7): 1252-1260, 2008; Adachi et al., Nat. Commun. 5: 3075, 2014; Isgrig et al., Nat. Commun. 10(1): 427, 2019; and Gao et al., J. Virol. 78(12): 6381-6388, 2004; each of which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference.


In some aspects, provided constructs comprise coding sequence, e.g., a nucleic acid encoding polypeptide (e.g., a therapeutic polypeptide, a Connexin 26 polypeptide), one or more regulatory and/or control sequences, and optionally 5′ and 3′ AAV derived inverted terminal repeats (ITRs). In some aspects wherein a 5′ and 3′ AAV derived ITR is utilized, the polynucleotide construct may be referred to as a recombinant AAV (rAAV) construct. In some aspects, provided rAAV constructs are packaged into an AAV capsid to form an AAV particle. In some aspects, an AAV capsid is an Anc80 capsid (e.g., an Anc80L65 capsid).


In some aspects, AAV derived sequences (which are comprised in a polynucleotide construct) typically include the cis-acting 5′ and 3′ ITR sequences (see, e.g., B. J. Carter, in “Handbook of Parvoviruses,” ed., P. Tijsser, CRC Press, pp. 155 168, 1990, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). Typical AAV2-derived ITR sequences are about 145 nucleotides in length. In some aspects, at least 75% of a typical ITR sequence (e.g., at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, or at least 95%) is incorporated into a construct provided herein. The ability to modify these ITR sequences is within the skill of the art. (See, e.g., texts such as Sambrook et al., “Molecular Cloning. A Laboratory Manual”, 2d ed., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, New York, 1989; and K. Fisher et al., J Virol. 70:520 532, 1996, each of which is incorporated in its entirety by reference). In some aspects, any of the coding sequences and/or constructs described herein are flanked by 5′ and 3′ AAV ITR sequences. The AAV ITR sequences may be obtained from any known AAV, including presently identified AAV types.


In some aspects, polynucleotide constructs described in accordance with this disclosure and in a pattern known to the art (see, e.g., Asokan et al., Mol. Ther. 20: 699-7080, 2012, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety) are typically comprised of, a coding sequence or a portion thereof, at least one and/or control sequence, and optionally 5′ and 3′ AAV inverted terminal repeats (ITRs). In some aspects, provided constructs can be packaged into a capsid to create an AAV particle. An AAV particle may be delivered to a selected target cell. In some aspects, provided constructs comprise an additional optional coding sequence that is a nucleic acid sequence (e.g., inhibitory nucleic acid sequence), heterologous to the construct sequences, which encodes a polypeptide, protein, functional RNA molecule or other gene product, of interest. In some aspects, a nucleic acid coding sequence is operatively linked to and/or control components in a manner that permits coding sequence transcription, translation, and/or expression in a cell of a target tissue.


As shown in FIG. 1A, an unmodified AAV endogenous genome includes two open reading frames, “cap” and “rep,” which are flanked by ITRs. As shown in FIG. 1, exemplary rAAV constructs similarly include ITRs flanking a coding region, e.g., a coding sequence (e.g., a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a therapeutic polypeptide, a Connexin 26 polypeptide)). In some aspects, a rAAV construct also comprises conventional control elements that are operably linked to the coding sequence in a manner that permits its transcription, translation and/or expression in a cell transfected with the plasmid construct or infected with the virus produced by the disclosure. In some aspects, a rAAV construct optionally comprises a promoter (shown in FIG. 1B, panel (B)), an enhancer, an untranslated region (e.g., a 5′ UTR, 3′ UTR), a Kozak sequence, an internal ribosomal entry site (IRES), splicing sites (e.g., an acceptor site, a donor site), a polyadenylation site (shown in FIG. 1B, panel (B)), or any combination thereof. In some aspects, an rAAV construct comprises a promoter, a 5′ UTR, and a polyadenylation site. In some aspects, an rAAV construct comprises a promoter, a 5′ UTR, a 3′ UTR, and a polyadenylation site. Such additional elements are described further herein.


In some aspects, a construct is an rAAV construct. In some aspects, an rAAV construct can include at least 500 bp, at least 1 kb, at least 1.5 kb, at least 2 kb, at least 2.5 kb, at least 3 kb, at least 3.5 kb, at least 4 kb, or at least 4.5 kb. In some aspects, an AAV construct can include at most 7.5 kb, at most 7 kb, at most 6.5 kb, at most 6 kb, at most 5.5 kb, at most 5 kb, at most 4.5 kb, at most 4 kb, at most 3.5 kb, at most 3 kb, or at most 2.5 kb. In some aspects, an AAV construct can include about 1 kb to about 2 kb, about 1 kb to about 3 kb, about 1 kb to about 4 kb, about 1 kb to about 5 kb, about 2 kb to about 3 kb, about 2 kb to about 4 kb, about 2 kb to about 5 kb, about 3 kb to about 4 kb, about 3 kb to about 5 kb, or about 4 kb to about 5 kb.


Any of the constructs described herein can further include regulatory and/or control sequences, e.g., a control sequence selected from the group of a transcription initiation sequence, a transcription termination sequence, a promoter sequence, an enhancer sequence, an RNA splicing sequence, a polyadenylation (poly(A)) sequence, a Kozak consensus sequence, and/or any combination thereof. In some aspects, a promoter can be a native promoter, a constitutive promoter, an inducible promoter, and/or a tissue-specific promoter. Non-limiting examples of control sequences are described herein.


In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter which expresses the polynucleotide in an inner ear support cell, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter is heterologous to the polynucleotide. In some aspects, the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NOs: 16, 28, 40, 57, or 90-99.


In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 40, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter is heterologous to the polynucleotide. In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 90, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter is heterologous to the polynucleotide. In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 96, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter is heterologous to the polynucleotide. In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 99, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter is heterologous to the polynucleotide.


In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 16, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter is heterologous to the polynucleotide. In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 28, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter is heterologous to the polynucleotide. In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 57, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter is heterologous to the polynucleotide. In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 91, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter is heterologous to the polynucleotide. In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 92, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter is heterologous to the polynucleotide. In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 93, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter is heterologous to the polynucleotide. In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 94, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter is heterologous to the polynucleotide. In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 95, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter is heterologous to the polynucleotide. In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 97, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter is heterologous to the polynucleotide. In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 98, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter is heterologous to the polynucleotide.


In some aspects, the construct further comprises a minimal GJB2 promoter. In some aspects, the minimal GJB2 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86.


In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 40 and a minimal GJB2 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter is heterologous to the polynucleotide. In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 90 and a minimal GJB2 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter is heterologous to the polynucleotide. In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 96 and a minimal GJB2 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter is heterologous to the polynucleotide. In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 99 and a minimal GJB2 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter is heterologous to the polynucleotide.


In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 16 and a minimal GJB2 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter is heterologous to the polynucleotide. In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 28 and a minimal GJB2 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter is heterologous to the polynucleotide. In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 57 and a minimal GJB2 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter is heterologous to the polynucleotide. In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 91 and a minimal GJB2 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter is heterologous to the polynucleotide. In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 92 and a minimal GJB2 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter is heterologous to the polynucleotide. In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 93 and a minimal GJB2 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter is heterologous to the polynucleotide. In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 94 and a minimal GJB2 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter is heterologous to the polynucleotide. In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 95 and a minimal GJB2 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter is heterologous to the polynucleotide. In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 97 and a minimal GJB2 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter is heterologous to the polynucleotide. In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 98 and a minimal GJB2 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86, and (iii) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter is heterologous to the polynucleotide. In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a 5′ untranslated region (UTR), (iii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter which expresses the polynucleotide in an inner ear support cell, (iv) a 3′ UTR, and (v) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter is heterologous to the polynucleotide.


In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a 5′ untranslated region (UTR), (iii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g. a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, (iv) a 3′ UTR, and (v) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NOs: 16, 28, 40, 57, or 90-99.


In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a 5′ untranslated region (UTR), (iii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g. a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, (iv) a 3′ UTR, and (v) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 40. In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a 5′ untranslated region (UTR), (iii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g. a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, (iv) a 3′ UTR, and (v) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 90. In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a 5′ untranslated region (UTR), (iii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g. a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, (iv) a 3′ UTR, and (v) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 96. In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a 5′ untranslated region (UTR), (iii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g. a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, (iv) a 3′ UTR, and (v) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 99.


In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a 5′ untranslated region (UTR), (iii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g. a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, (iv) a 3′ UTR, and (v) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 16. In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a 5′ untranslated region (UTR), (iii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g. a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, (iv) a 3′ UTR, and (v) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 28. In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a 5′ untranslated region (UTR), (iii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g. a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, (iv) a 3′ UTR, and (v) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 57. In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a 5′ untranslated region (UTR), (iii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g. a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, (iv) a 3′ UTR, and (v) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 91. In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a 5′ untranslated region (UTR), (iii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g. a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, (iv) a 3′ UTR, and (v) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 92. In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a 5′ untranslated region (UTR), (iii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g. a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, (iv) a 3′ UTR, and (v) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 93. In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a 5′ untranslated region (UTR), (iii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g. a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, (iv) a 3′ UTR, and (v) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 94. In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a 5′ untranslated region (UTR), (iii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g. a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, (iv) a 3′ UTR, and (v) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 96. In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a 5′ untranslated region (UTR), (iii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g. a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, (iv) a 3′ UTR, and (v) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 97. In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a 5′ untranslated region (UTR), (iii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g. a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, (iv) a 3′ UTR, and (v) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 98.


In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a 5′ untranslated region (UTR), (iii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to an inner ear supporting cell selective promoter and a minimal GJB2 promoter which expresses the polynucleotide in an inner ear support cell, (iv) a 3′ UTR, and (v) a 3′ ITR, wherein the inner ear supporting cell selective promoter is heterologous to the polynucleotide.


In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a 5′ untranslated region (UTR), (iii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to an inner ear supporting cell selective promoter and a minimal GJB2 promoter, (iv) a 3′ UTR, and (v) a 3′ ITR, wherein the inner ear supporting cell selective promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NOs: 16, 28, 40, 57, or 90-99.


In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a 5′ untranslated region (UTR), (iii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g. a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, (iv) a 3′ UTR, and (v) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 40 and a minimal GJB2 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86. In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a 5′ untranslated region (UTR), (iii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g. a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, (iv) a 3′ UTR, and (v) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 90 and a minimal GJB2 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86. In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a 5′ untranslated region (UTR), (iii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g. a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, (iv) a 3′ UTR, and (v) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 96 and a minimal GJB2 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86. In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a 5′ untranslated region (UTR), (iii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g. a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, (iv) a 3′ UTR, and (v) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 99 and a minimal GJB2 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86.


In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a 5′ untranslated region (UTR), (iii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g. a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, (iv) a 3′ UTR, and (v) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 16 and a minimal GJB2 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86. In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a 5′ untranslated region (UTR), (iii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g. a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, (iv) a 3′ UTR, and (v) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 28 and a minimal GJB2 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86. In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a 5′ untranslated region (UTR), (iii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g. a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, (iv) a 3′ UTR, and (v) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 57 and a minimal GJB2 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86. In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a 5′ untranslated region (UTR), (iii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g. a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, (iv) a 3′ UTR, and (v) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 91 and a minimal GJB2 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86. In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a 5′ untranslated region (UTR), (iii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g. a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, (iv) a 3′ UTR, and (v) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 92 and a minimal GJB2 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86. In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a 5′ untranslated region (UTR), (iii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g. a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, (iv) a 3′ UTR, and (v) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 93 and a minimal GJB2 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86. In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a 5′ untranslated region (UTR), (iii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g. a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, (iv) a 3′ UTR, and (v) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 94 and a minimal GJB2 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86. In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a 5′ untranslated region (UTR), (iii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g. a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, (iv) a 3′ UTR, and (v) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 96 and a minimal GJB2 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86. In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a 5′ untranslated region (UTR), (iii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g. a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, (iv) a 3′ UTR, and (v) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 97 and a minimal GJB2 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86. In some aspects, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) particle (e.g., an Anc80 particle) comprises a construct comprising: (i) a 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR), (ii) a 5′ untranslated region (UTR), (iii) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g. a Connexin 26 polypeptide) operably linked to a promoter, (iv) a 3′ UTR, and (v) a 3′ ITR, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 98 and a minimal GJB2 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86.


Exemplary Construct Components
Inverted Terminal Repeat Sequences (ITRs)

AAV derived sequences of a construct typically comprises the cis-acting 5′ and 3′ ITRs (See, e.g., B. J. Carter, in “Handbook of Parvoviruses”, ed., P. Tijsser, CRC Press, pp. 155 168 (1990), which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference). Generally, ITRs are able to form a hairpin. The ability to form a hairpin can contribute to an ITRs ability to self-prime, allowing primase-independent synthesis of a second DNA strand. ITRs also play a role in integration of AAV construct (e.g., a coding sequence, e.g., a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a therapeutic polypeptide, a Connexin 26 polypeptide) into a genome of a subject's cell. ITRs can also aid in efficient encapsidation of an AAV construct in an AAV particle.


An rAAV particle (e.g., an AAV2/Anc80 particle) of the present disclosure can comprise a rAAV construct comprising a coding sequence (e.g., a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a therapeutic polypeptide, a Connexin 26 polypeptide)) and associated elements flanked by a 5′ and a 3′ AAV ITR sequences. In some aspects, an ITR is or comprises about 145 nucleic acids. In some aspects, an ITR is or comprises about 119 nucleic acids. In some aspects, an ITR is or comprises about 130 nucleic acids. In some aspects, all or substantially all of a sequence encoding an ITR is used. An AAV ITR sequence may be obtained from any known AAV, including presently identified mammalian AAV types. In some aspects an ITR is an AAV2 ITR.


An example of a construct molecule employed in the present disclosure is a “cis-acting” construct containing a transgene, in which the selected transgene sequence and associated regulatory elements are flanked by 5′ or “left” and 3′ or “right” AAV ITR sequences. 5′ and left designations refer to a position of an ITR sequence relative to an entire construct, read left to right, in a sense direction. For example, in some aspects, a 5′ or left ITR is an ITR that is closest to a promoter (as opposed to a polyadenylation sequence) for a given construct, when a construct is depicted in a sense orientation, linearly. Concurrently, 3′ and right designations refer to a position of an ITR sequence relative to an entire construct, read left to right, in a sense direction. For example, in some aspects, a 3′ or right ITR is an ITR that is closest to a polyadenylation sequence (as opposed to a promoter sequence) for a given construct, when a construct is depicted in a sense orientation, linearly. ITRs as provided herein are depicted in 5′ to 3′ order in accordance with a sense strand. Accordingly, one of skill in the art will appreciate that a 5′ or “left” orientation ITR can also be depicted as a 3′ or “right” ITR when converting from sense to antisense direction. Further, it is well within the ability of one of skill in the art to transform a given sense ITR sequence (e.g., a 5′/left AAV ITR) into an antisense sequence (e.g., 3′/right ITR sequence). One of ordinary skill in the art would understand how to modify a given ITR sequence for use as either a 5′/left or 3′/right ITR, or an antisense version thereof.


For example, in some aspects an ITR (e.g., a 5′ ITR) can have a sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 8. In some aspects, an ITR (e.g., a 3′ ITR) can have a sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 9. In some aspects, an ITR includes one or more modifications, e.g., truncations, deletions, substitutions or insertions, as is known in the art. In some aspects, an ITR comprises fewer than 145 nucleotides, e.g., 119, 127, 130, 134 or 141 nucleotides. For example, in some aspects, an ITR comprises 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123,124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143 144, or 145 nucleotides. In some aspects, the ITR comprises about 119 nucleotides. In some aspects, the ITR comprises about 130 nucleotides. In some aspects an ITR (e.g., a 5′ ITR) can have a sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 52. In some aspects, an ITR (e.g., a 3′ ITR) can have a sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 53.


A non-limiting example of 5′ AAV ITR sequences includes SEQ ID NO: 8 or 52. A non-limiting example of 3′ AAV ITR sequences includes SEQ ID NO: 9 or 53. In some aspects, the 5′ and a 3′ AAV ITRs (e.g., SEQ ID NOs: 8 and 9, or SEQ ID NOs: 52 and 53) flank a portion of a coding sequence, e.g., all or a portion of a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a therapeutic polypeptide, a Connexin 26 polypeptide). The ability to modify these ITR sequences is within the skill of the art. (See, e.g., texts such as Sambrook et al. “Molecular Cloning. A Laboratory Manual”, 2d ed., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, New York (1989); and K. Fisher et al., J Virol., 70:520 532 (1996), each of which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference). In some aspects, a 5′ ITR sequence is at least at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% or at least 99%, or 100% identical to a 5′ ITR sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 8. In some aspects, a 3′ ITR sequence is at least at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identical to a 3′ ITR sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 9. In some aspects, a 5′ ITR sequence is at least at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identical to a 5′ ITR sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 52. In some aspects, a 3′ ITR sequence is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identical to a 3′ ITR sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 53.


In some aspects, a 3′ ITR sequence is at least at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identical to a 3′ ITR sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 116. In some aspects, a 3′ ITR sequence is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identical to a 3′ ITR sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 116.









Exemplary 5′ AAV ITR


(SEQ ID NO: 8)


TTGGCCACTCCCTCTCTGCGCGCTCGCTCGCTCACTGAGGCCGCCCGGG





CAAAGCCCGGGCGTCGGGCGACCTTTGGTCGCCCGGCCTCAGTGAGCGA





GCGAGCGCGCAGAGAGGGAGTGGCCAACTCCATCACTAGGGGTTCCT





Exemplary 3′ AAV ITR


(SEQ ID NO: 9)


AGGAACCCCTAGTGATGGAGTTGGCCACTCCCTCTCTGCGCGCTCGCTC





GCTCACTGAGGCCGGGCGACCAAAGGTCGCCCGACGCCCGGGCTTTGCC





CGGGCGGCCTCAGTGAGCGAGCGAGCGCGCAGAGAGGGAGTGGCCAA





Exemplary 5′ AAV ITR


(SEQ ID NO: 52)


CTGCGCGCTCGCTCGCTCACTGAGGCCGCCCGGGCGTCGGGCGACCTTT





GGTCGCCCGGCCTCAGTGAGCGAGCGAGCGCGCAGAGAGGGAGTGGCCA





ACTCCATCACTAGGGGTTCCT





Exemplary 3′ AAV ITR


(SEQ ID NO: 53)


AGGAACCCCTAGTGATGGAGTTGGCCACTCCCTCTCTGCGCGCTCGCTC





GCTCACTGAGGCCGGGCGACCAAAGGTCGCCCGACGCCCGGGCTTTGCC





CGGGCGGCCTCAGTGAGCGAGCGAGCGCGCAG





Exemplary 3′ ITR


(SEQ ID NO: 116)


AGGAACCCCTAGTGATGGAGTTGGCCACTCCCTCTCTGCGCGCTCGCTC





GCTCACTGAGGCCGCCCGGGCAAAGCCCGGGCGTCGGGCGACCTTTGGT





CGCCCGGCCTCAGTGAGCGAGCGAGCGCGCAGAGAGGGAGTGGCCAA






Promoters

In some aspects, the disclosure is directed to constructs comprising a cell selective promoter which can be used to regulate (e.g., increase) expression of a polynucleotide encoding a therapeutic polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) in a cell (e.g., an inner ear cell, e.g., a supporting cell). In some aspects, the constructs provide reduced toxicity associated with expression of the therapeutic polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) in some cells (e.g., an inner ear cell, e.g., a hair cell).


In some aspects, the disclosure is directed to constructs comprising a cell selective promoter which can be used to regulate (e.g., increase) expression of a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide in a cell (e.g., an inner ear cell, e.g., a supporting cell). In some aspects, the constructs provide reduced toxicity associated with expression of the polypeptide in some cells (e.g., an inner ear cell, e.g., a hair cell).


In some aspects, a construct (e.g., an rAAV construct) comprises a promoter. The term “promoter” refers to a DNA sequence recognized by enzymes/proteins that can promote and/or initiate transcription of an operably linked gene (e.g., a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a therapeutic polypeptide, a Connexin 26 polypeptide)). For example, a promoter typically refers to, e.g., a nucleotide sequence to which an RNA polymerase and/or any associated factor binds and from which it can initiate transcription. Thus, in some aspects, a construct (e.g., an rAAV construct) comprises a polynucleotide operably linked to one of the non-limiting example promoters described herein.


In some aspects, a promoter is an inducible promoter, a constitutive promoter, a mammalian cell promoter, a viral promoter, a chimeric promoter, an engineered promoter, a tissue-specific promoter, a cell-selective promoter or any other type of promoter known in the art. In some aspects, a promoter is a RNA polymerase II promoter, such as a mammalian RNA polymerase II promoter. In some aspects, a promoter is a RNA polymerase III promoter, including, but not limited to, a HI promoter, a human U6 promoter, a mouse U6 promoter, or a swine U6 promoter. A promoter will generally be one that is able to promote transcription in an inner ear cell. In some aspects, a promoter is a cochlea-selective promoter or a cochlea-oriented promoter. In some aspects, a promoter is a hair cell selective promoter, or a supporting cell selective promoter. In some aspects, a promoter is an inner ear supporting cell selective promoter.


The term “constitutive” promoter refers to a nucleotide sequence that, when operably linked with a nucleic acid encoding a protein (e.g., a polypeptide (e.g., a therapeutic polypeptide, a Connexn 26 polypeptide)), causes RNA to be transcribed from the nucleic acid in a cell under most or all physiological conditions.


Examples of constitutive promoters include, without limitation, the retroviral Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) LTR promoter, the cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter (see, e.g., Boshart et al., Cell 41:521-530, 1985, which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference), the SV40 promoter, the dihydrofolate reductase promoter, the beta-actin promoter, the phosphoglycerol kinase (PGK) promoter, and the EFl-alpha promoter (Invitrogen). In some aspects, the promoter is a constitutive promoter. In some aspects, the constitutive promoter is a CAG promoter, a CBA promoter, a CMV promoter, a CMV/CBA enhancer/promoter, or a CB7 promoter. In some aspects, the a CMV/CBA enhancer/promoter comprises a nucleic acid with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NOs: 12 or 13. In some aspects, the CMV/CBA enhancer/promoter comprises a nucleic acid of SEQ ID NO: 12. In some aspects, the CMV/CBA enhancer/promoter comprises a nucleic acid of SEQ ID NO: 13. In some aspects, the CBA promoter comprises a nucleic acid with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NOs: 10 or 11. In some aspects, the CBA promoter comprises a nucleic acid of SEQ ID NO: 10. In some aspects, the CBA promoter comprises a nucleic acid of SEQ ID NO: 11.


In some aspects, the CAG promoter comprises a nucleic acid with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NOs: 14 or 15. In some aspects, the CAG promoter comprises a nucleic acid of SEQ ID NO: 14. In some aspects, the CAG promoter comprises a nucleic acid of SEQ ID NO: 15.


In some aspects, regulatory and/or control sequences impart cell selective gene expression capabilities. In some cases, cell selective regulatory and/or control sequences bind cell selective transcription factors that induce transcription in a cell selective manner.


In some aspects, a cell selective promoter is an ear cell selective promoter. In some aspects, a cell selective promoter is an inner ear cell selective promoter. In some aspects, a promoter is a characteristic fragment of a cell selective promoter. In some aspects, the promoter is an inner ear supporting cell selective promoter.


In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cells are selected from one or more of inner phalangeal cells/border cells (IPhC), inner pillar cells (IPC), outer pillar cells (OPC), Deiters' cells rows 1 and 2 (DC1/2), Deiters' cells row 3 (DC3), Hensen's cells (Hec), Claudius cells/outer sulcus cells (CC/OSC), interdental cells (Idc), inner sulcus cells (ISC), Kölliker's organ cells (KO), greater ridge epithelial ridge cells (GER) (including lateral greater epithelial ridge cells (LGER)), and OC90+ cells (OC90), fibroblasts, and other cells of the lateral wall.


In some aspects, inner ear support cell selective promoters are selected from one or more of GJB2, GJB6, IGFBP2, RBP7, GDF6, PARM1, GFAP, BACE2, DBI2, FABP3, KLHL14, MMP15, SPARC, TSPAN8, VIM, derivatives thereof, or fragments thereof.


In some aspects, the inner ear support cell selective promoter is a GDF6 promoter. In some aspects, the inner ear support cell selective promoter is a PARM1 promoter. In some aspects, the inner ear support cell selective promoter is a MMP15 promoter. In some aspects, the inner ear support cell selective promoter is a VIM promoter.


In some aspects, the inner ear support cell selective promoter is a GJB2 promoter. In some aspects, the inner ear support cell selective promoter is a GJB6 promoter. In some aspects, the inner ear support cell selective promoter is a IGFBP2 promoter. In some aspects, the inner ear support cell selective promoter is a RBP7 promoter. In some aspects, the inner ear support cell selective promoter is a GFAP promoter. In some aspects, the inner ear support cell selective promoter is BACE2 promoter. In some aspects, the inner ear support cell selective promoter is a DBI2 promoter. In some aspects, the inner ear support cell selective promoter is a FABP3. In some aspects, the inner ear support cell selective promoter is a KLHL14 promoter. In some aspects, the inner ear support cell selective promoter is a SPARC promoter. In some aspects, the inner ear support cell selective promoter is a TSPAN8 promoter.


In some aspects, derivatives thereof can include a modified parent sequence (e.g., a naturally occurring promoter sequence), one or more portions of a parent sequence, fragments of a parent sequence, and the like.


In some aspects, the promoter is an inner ear medial support cell selective promoter. In some aspects, inner ear medial support cells are selected from one or more of lateral greater epithelial ridge cells and inner sulcus cells. In some aspects, inner ear medial support cell selective promoters are selected from one or more of GJB6, IGFBP2, GDF6, PARM1, derivatives thereof, or fragments thereof. In some aspects, the inner ear medial support cell selective promoter is a GDF6 promoter. In some aspects, the inner ear medial support cell selective promoter is a PARM1 promoter. In some aspects, the inner ear medial support cell selective promoter is a IGFBP2 promoter. In some aspects, the inner ear medial support cell selective promoter is a GJB6 promoter.


In some aspects, the promoter is an inner ear sensory epithelial support cell selective promoter. In some aspects, sensory epithelial support cells are selected from one or more of inner pillar cells, outer pillar cells, dieter cells, and inner phalangeal cells. In some aspects, a inner ear sensory epithelial support cell selective promoters are selected from one or more of GJB6, IGFBP2, RBP7, GDF6, PARM1, FABP3, BACE2 derivatives thereof, or fragments thereof.


In some aspects, a inner ear sensory epithelial support cell selective promoter is a GDF6 promoter. In some aspects, a inner ear sensory epithelial support cell selective promoter is a PARM1 promoter. In some aspects, a inner ear sensory epithelial support cell selective promoter is a GJB6 promoter. In some aspects, a inner ear sensory epithelial support cell selective promoter is a IGFBP2 promoter. In some aspects, a inner ear sensory epithelial support cell selective promoter is a RBP7 promoter. In some aspects, a inner ear sensory epithelial support cell selective promoter is a FABP3 promoter. In some aspects, a inner ear sensory epithelial support cell selective promoter is a BACE2 promoter.


In some aspects, the promoter is an inner phalangeal cell selective promoter. In some aspects, the inner phalangeal cell selective promoters are selected from one or more of IGFBP2, GDF6, FABP3, BACE2, derivatives thereof, or fragments thereof. In some aspects, the inner phalangeal cell selective promoter is a IGFBP2 promoter. In some aspects, the inner phalangeal cell selective promoter is a GDF6 promoter. In some aspects, the inner phalangeal cell selective promoter is a FABP3 promoter. In some aspects, the inner phalangeal cell selective promoter is a BACE2 promoter.


In some aspects, the promoter is an interdental cell selective promoter. In some aspects, the interdental cell promoter is IGFBP2, derivative thereof, or fragment thereof.


In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cell selective promoter is a GJB2 promoter. In some aspects, the GJB2 enhancer comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 65. In some aspects, the GJB2 enhancer comprises the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 65. In some aspects, the GJB2 minimal promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86. In some aspects, the GJB2 minimal promoter comprises the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 86.


In some aspects, the promoter is derived from a GJB2 promoter and has a length of 1000-1050 nucleotides. In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cell selective promoter is a GJB6 promoter. In some aspects, the GJB6 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 16. In some aspects, the GJB6 promoter comprises the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 16. In some aspects, the promoter is derived from a GJB6 promoter and has a length of 700-750 nucleotides.


In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cell selective promoter is an IGFBP2 promoter. In some aspects, the IGFBP2 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 57. In some aspects, the IGFBP2 promoter comprises the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 57. In some aspects, the promoter is derived from an IGFBP2 promoter and has a length of 1500-1550 nucleotides.


In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cell selective promoter is a RBP7 promoter. In some aspects, the RBP7 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 28. In some aspects, the RBP7 promoter comprises the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 28. In some aspects, the promoter is derived from a RBP7 promoter and has a length of 1050-1100 nucleotides.


In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cell selective promoter is a GDF6 promoter. In some aspects, the GDF6 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 90. In some aspects, the GDF6 promoter comprises the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 90. In some aspects, the promoter is derived from a GDF6 promoter and has a length of 1150-1200 nucleotides.


In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cell selective promoter is a PARM1 promoter. In some aspects, the PARM1 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 40. In some aspects, the PARM1 promoter comprises the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 40. In some aspects, the promoter is derived from a PARM1 promoter and has a length of 1300-1350 nucleotides.


In some aspects, the construct comprises two or more promoters. In some aspects, the first promoter is selected from a GJB6 promoter, a GDF6 promoter, a IGFBP2 promoter, a RBP7 promoter, a PARM1 promoter, a GFAP promoter, a BACE2 promoter, a DBI2 promoter, a FABP3 promoter, a KLHL14 promoter, a MMP15 promoter, a SPARC promoter, a TSPAN8 promoter, a VIM promoter, and any combination thereof. In some aspects, the second promoter is selected from a GJB2 promoter or a minimal GJB2 promoter.


In some aspects, the first promoter is a GDF6 promoter and the second promoter is a minimal GJB2 promoter. In some aspects, the first promoter is a PARM1 promoter and the second promoter is a minimal GJB2 promoter. In some aspects, the first promoter is a MMP15 promoter and the second promoter is a minimal GJB2 promoter. In some aspects, the first promoter is a VIM promoter and the second promoter is a minimal GJB2 promoter.


In some aspects, the first promoter is a GJB6 promoter and the second promoter is a minimal GJB2 promoter. In some aspects, the first promoter is a IGFBP2 promoter and the second promoter is a minimal GJB2 promoter. In some aspects, the first promoter is a GDF6 promoter and the second promoter is a minimal RBP7 promoter. In some aspects, the first promoter is a GFAP promoter and the second promoter is a minimal GJB2 promoter. In some aspects, the first promoter is a BACE2 promoter and the second promoter is a minimal GJB2 promoter. In some aspects, the first promoter is a DBI2 promoter and the second promoter is a minimal GJB2 promoter. In some aspects, the first promoter is a FABP3 promoter and the second promoter is a minimal GJB2 promoter. In some aspects, the first promoter is a KLHL14 promoter and the second promoter is a minimal GJB2 promoter. In some aspects, the first promoter is a SPARC promoter and the second promoter is a minimal GJB2 promoter. In some aspects, the first promoter is a TSPAN8 promoter and the second promoter is a minimal GJB2 promoter. In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cell selective promoter comprises a GJB6 and a hGJB2 minimal promoter. In some aspects, the GJB6 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 16 and the hGJB2 minimal promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% to SEQ ID NO: 86. In some aspects, the GJB6 has the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 16 and the hGJB2 minimal promoter has the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 86.


In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cell selective promoter comprises a IGFBP2 promoter and a hGJB2 minimal promoter. In some aspects, the IGFBP2 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 57 and the hGJB2 minimal promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% to SEQ ID NO: 86. In some aspects, the IGFBP2 has the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 57 and the hGJB2 minimal promoter has the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 86.


In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cell selective promoter comprises a RBP7 promoter and a hGJB2 minimal promoter. In some aspects, the RBP7 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 28 and the hGJB2 minimal promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% to SEQ ID NO: 86. In some aspects, the RBP7 has the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 28 and the hGJB2 minimal promoter has the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 86.


In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cell selective promoter comprises a GJB6 promoter and a hGJB2 minimal promoter. In some aspects, the GJB6 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 16 and the hGJB2 minimal promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% to SEQ ID NO: 86. In some aspects, the GJB6 has the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 16 and the hGJB2 minimal promoter has the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 86.


In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cell selective promoter comprises a PARM1 promoter and a hGJB2 minimal promoter. In some aspects, the PARM1 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 40 and the hGJB2 minimal promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% to SEQ ID NO: 86. In some aspects, the PARM1 has the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 40 and the hGJB2 minimal promoter has the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 86.


In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cell selective promoter is a BACE2 promoter. In some aspects, the BACE2 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 92. In some aspects, the BACE2 promoter comprises the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 92. In some aspects, the promoter is derived from a BACE2 promoter and has a length of 1400-1450 nucleotides.


In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cell selective promoter is a DBI2 promoter. In some aspects, the DBI2 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 93. In some aspects, the DBI2 promoter comprises the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 93. In some aspects, the promoter is derived from a DBI2 promoter and has a length of 1450-1500 nucleotides.


In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cell selective promoter is a FABP3 promoter. In some aspects, the FABP3 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 94. In some aspects, the FABP3 promoter comprises the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 94. In some aspects, the promoter is derived from a FABP3 promoter and has a length of 1750-1800 nucleotides.


In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cell selective promoter is a KLHL14 promoter. In some aspects, the KLHL14 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 95. In some aspects, the KLHL14 promoter comprises the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 95. In some aspects, the promoter is derived from a KLHL14 promoter and has a length of 1250-1300 nucleotides.


In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cell selective promoter is a MMP15 promoter. In some aspects, the MMP15 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 96. In some aspects, the MMP15 promoter comprises the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 96. In some aspects, the promoter is derived from a MMP15 promoter and has a length of 1000-1050 nucleotides.


In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cell selective promoter is a SPARC promoter. In some aspects, the SPARC promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 97. In some aspects, the SPARC promoter comprises the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 97. In some aspects, the promoter is derived from a SPARC promoter and has a length of 1000-1050 nucleotides.


In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cell selective promoter is a TSPAN8 promoter. In some aspects, the TSPAN8 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 98. In some aspects, the TSPAN8 promoter comprises the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 98. In some aspects, the promoter is derived from a TSPAN8 promoter and has a length of 1200-1250 nucleotides.


In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cell selective promoter is a GFAP promoter. In some aspects, the GFAP promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 91. In some aspects, the GFAP promoter comprises the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 91. In some aspects, the promoter is derived from a GFAP promoter and has a length of 650-700 nucleotides.


In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cell selective promoter is a VIM promoter. In some aspects, the VIM promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 99. In some aspects, the VIM promoter comprises the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 99. In some aspects, the promoter is derived from a VIM promoter and has a length of 1050-1100 nucleotides.


In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cell selective promoter comprises a BACE2 promoter and a hGJB2 minimal promoter. In some aspects, the BACE2 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 92 and the hGJB2 minimal promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% to SEQ ID NO: 86. In some aspects, the BACE2 promoter comprises the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 92 and the hGJB2 minimal promoter has the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 86.


In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cell selective promoter comprises a DBI2 promoter and a hGJB2 minimal promoter. In some aspects, the DBI2 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 93 and the hGJB2 minimal promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% to SEQ ID NO: 86. In some aspects, the DBI2 promoter comprises the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 93 and the hGJB2 minimal promoter has the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 86.


In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cell selective promoter comprises a FABP3 promoter and a hGJB2 minimal promoter. In some aspects, the FABP3 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 94 and the hGJB2 minimal promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% to SEQ ID NO: 86. In some aspects, the FABP3 promoter comprises the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 94 and the hGJB2 minimal promoter has the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 86.


In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cell selective promoter comprises a KLHL14 promoter and a hGJB2 minimal promoter. In some aspects, the KLHL14 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 95 and the hGJB2 minimal promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% to SEQ ID NO: 86. In some aspects, the KLHL14 promoter comprises the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 95 and the hGJB2 minimal promoter has the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 86.


In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cell selective promoter comprises a MMP15 promoter and a hGJB2 minimal promoter. In some aspects, the MMP15 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 96 and the hGJB2 minimal promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% to SEQ ID NO: 86. In some aspects, the MMP15 promoter comprises the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 96 and the hGJB2 minimal promoter has the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 86.


In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cell selective promoter comprises a SPARC promoter and a hGJB2 minimal promoter. In some aspects, the SPARC promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 97 and the hGJB2 minimal promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% to SEQ ID NO: 86. In some aspects, the SPARC promoter comprises the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 97 and the hGJB2 minimal promoter has the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 86.


In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cell selective promoter comprises a TSPAN8 promoter and a hGJB2 minimal promoter. In some aspects, the TSPAN8 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 98 and the hGJB2 minimal promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% to SEQ ID NO: 86. In some aspects, the TSPAN8 promoter comprises the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 98 and the hGJB2 minimal promoter has the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 86.


In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cell selective promoter comprises a VIM promoter and a hGJB2 minimal promoter. In some aspects, the VIM promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 99 and the hGJB2 minimal promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% to SEQ ID NO: 86. In some aspects, the VIM promoter comprises the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 99 and the hGJB2 minimal promoter has the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 86.










Exemplary CBA promoter



(SEQ ID NO: 10)



GTCGAGGTGAGCCCCACGTTCTGCTTCACTCTCCCCATCTCCCCCCCCTCCCCACCCCC






AATTTTGTATTTATTTATTTTTTAATTATTTTGTGCAGCGATGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG





GGGCGCGCGCCAGGCGGGGCGGGGCGGGGCGAGGGGGGGGGCGGGGCGAGGCGGAGAGG





TGCGGCGGCAGCCAATCAGAGCGGCGCGCTCCGAAAGTTTCCTTTTATGGCGAGGCGGC





GGCGGCGGCGGCCCTATAAAAAGCGAAGCGCGCGGCGGGCG





Exemplary CBA promoter


(SEQ ID NO: 11)



GTCGAGGTGAGCCCCACGTTCTGCTTCACTCTCCCCATCTCCCCCCCCTCCCCACCCCC






AATTTTGTATTTATTTATTTTTTAATTATTTTGTGCAGCGATGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG





GGGGGCGCGCGCCAGGCGGGGGGGGCGGGGCGAGGGGGGGGCGGGGCGAGGCGGAGA





GGTGCGGCGGCAGCCAATCAGAGCGGCGCGCTCCGAAAGTTTCCTTTTATGGCGAGGCG





GCGGCGGCGGCGGCCCTATAAAAAGCGAAGCGCGCGGCGGGCG





Exemplary CMV/CBA enhancer/promoter


(SEQ ID NO: 12)



GACATTGATTATTGACTAGTTATTAATAGTAATCAATTACGGGGTCATTAGTTCATAGC






CCATATATGGAGTTCCGCGTTACATAACTTACGGTAAATGGCCCGCCTGGCTGACCGCC





CAACGACCCCCGCCCATTGACGTCAATAATGACGTATGTTCCCATAGTAACGCCAATAG





GGACTTTCCATTGACGTCAATGGGTGGACTATTTACGGTAAACTGCCCACTTGGCAGTA





CATCAAGTGTATCATATGCCAAGTACGCCCCCTATTGACGTCAATGACGGTAAATGGCC





CGCCTGGCATTATGCCCAGTACATGACCTTATGGGACTTTCCTACTTGGCAGTACATCT





ACGTATTAGTCATCGCTATTACCATGGGTCGAGGTGAGCCCCACGTTCTGCTTCACTCT





CCCCATCTCCCCCCCCTCCCCACCCCCAATTTTGTATTTATTTATTTTTTAATTATTTT





GTGCAGCGATGGGGGCGGGGGGGGGGGGGGCGCGCGCCAGGCGGGGCGGGGCGGGGCGA





GGGGCGGGGCGGGGCGAGGCGGAGAGGTGCGGCGGCAGCCAATCAGAGCGGCGCGCTCC





GAAAGTTTCCTTTTATGGCGAGGCGGCGGCGGCGGCGGCCCTATAAAAAGCGAAGCGCG





CGGCGGGCG





Exemplary CMV/CBA enhancer/promoter


(SEQ ID NO: 13)



GACATTGATTATTGACTAGTTATTAATAGTAATCAATTACGGGGTCATTAGTTCATAGC






CCATATATGGAGTTCCGCGTTACATAACTTACGGTAAATGGCCCGCCTGGCTGACCGCC





CAACGACCCCCGCCCATTGACGTCAATAATGACGTATGTTCCCATAGTAACGCCAATAG





GGACTTTCCATTGACGTCAATGGGTGGACTATTTACGGTAAACTGCCCACTTGGCAGTA





CATCAAGTGTATCATATGCCAAGTACGCCCCCTATTGACGTCAATGACGGTAAATGGCC





CGCCTGGCATTATGCCCAGTACATGACCTTATGGGACTTTCCTACTTGGCAGTACATCT





ACGTATTAGTCATCGCTATTACCATGGGTCGAGGTGAGCCCCACGTTCTGCTTCACTCT





CCCCATCTCCCCCCCCTCCCCACCCCCAATTTTGTATTTATTTATTTTTTAATTATTTT





GTGCAGCGATGGGGGCGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGCGCGCGCCAGGCGGGGGGGGGCGGGGC





GAGGGGGGGGGCGGGGCGAGGCGGAGAGGTGCGGCGGCAGCCAATCAGAGCGGCGCGCT





CCGAAAGTTTCCTTTTATGGCGAGGCGGCGGCGGCGGCGGCCCTATAAAAAGCGAAGCG





CGCGGCGGGCG





Exemplary CAG enhancer/promoter


(SEQ ID NO: 14)



GACATTGATTATTGACTAGTTATTAATAGTAATCAATTACGGGGTCATTAGTTCATAGC






CCATATATGGAGTTCCGCGTTACATAACTTACGGTAAATGGCCCGCCTGGCTGACCGCC





CAACGACCCCCGCCCATTGACGTCAATAATGACGTATGTTCCCATAGTAACGCCAATAG





GGACTTTCCATTGACGTCAATGGGTGGACTATTTACGGTAAACTGCCCACTTGGCAGTA





CATCAAGTGTATCATATGCCAAGTACGCCCCCTATTGACGTCAATGACGGTAAATGGCC





CGCCTGGCATTATGCCCAGTACATGACCTTATGGGACTTTCCTACTTGGCAGTACATCT





ACGTATTAGTCATCGCTATTACCATGGGTCGAGGTGAGCCCCACGTTCTGCTTCACTCT





CCCCATCTCCCCCCCCTCCCCACCCCCAATTTTGTATTTATTTATTTTTTAATTATTTT





GTGCAGCGATGGGGGCGGGGGGGGGGGGGGCGCGCGCCAGGCGGGGGGGGGGGGGCGA





GGGGCGGGGCGGGGCGAGGCGGAGAGGTGCGGCGGCAGCCAATCAGAGCGGCGCGCTCC





GAAAGTTTCCTTTTATGGCGAGGCGGCGGCGGCGGCGGCCCTATAAAAAGCGAAGCGCG





CGGCGGGCGGGAGTCGCTGCGTTGCCTTCGCCCCGTGCCCCGCTCCGCGCCGCCTCGCG





CCGCCCGCCCCGGCTCTGACTGACCGCGTTACTCCCACAGGTGAGCGGGCGGGACGGCC





CTTCTCCTCCGGGCTGTAATTAGCGCTTGGTTTAATGACGGCTCGTTTCTTTTCTGTGG





CTGCGTGAAAGCCTTAAAGGGCTCCGGGAGGGCCCTTTGTGCGGGGGGGAGCGGCTCGG





GGGGTGCGTGCGTGTGTGTGTGCGTGGGGAGCGCCGCGTGCGGCCCGCGCTGCCCGGCG





GCTGTGAGCGCTGCGGGCGCGGCGCGGGGCTTTGTGCGCTCCGCGTGTGCGCGAGGGGA





GCGCGGCCGGGGGCGGTGCCCCGCGGTGGGGGGGGCTGCGAGGGGAACAAAGGCTGCG





TGCGGGGTGTGTGCGTGGGGGGGTGAGCAGGGGGTGTGGGCGCGGCGGTCGGGCTGTAA





CCCCCCCCTGCACCCCCCTCCCCGAGTTGCTGAGCACGGCCCGGCTTCGGGTGCGGGGC





TCCGTGCGGGGCGTGGCGCGGGGCTCGCCGTGCCGGGCGGGGGGTGGCGGCAGGTGGGG





GTGCCGGGGGGGGGGGGCCGCCTCGGGCCGGGGAGGGCTCGGGGGAGGGGCGCGGCGG





CCCCCGGAGCGCCGGCGGCTGTCGAGGCGCGGCGAGCCGCAGCCATTGCCTTTTATGGT





AATCGTGCGAGAGGGCGCAGGGACTTCCTTTGTCCCAAATCTGTGCGGAGCCGAAATCT





GGGAGGCGCCGCCGCACCCCCTCTAGCGGGCGCGGGGCGAAGCGGTGCGGCGCCGGCAG





GAAGGAAATGGGGGGGGAGGGCCTTCGTGCGTCGCCGCGCCGCCGTCCCCTTCTCCCTC





TCCAGCCTCGGGGCTGTCCGCGGGGGGACGGCTGCCTTCGGGGGGGACGGGGCAGGGCG





GGGTTCGGCTTCTGGCGTGTGACCGGCGGCTCTAGAGCCTCTGCTAACCATGTTCATGC





CTTCTTCTTTTTCCTACAG





Exemplary CAG enhancer/promoter


(SEQ ID NO: 15)



GACATTGATTATTGACTAGTTATTAATAGTAATCAATTACGGGGTCATTAGTTCATAGC






CCATATATGGAGTTCCGCGTTACATAACTTACGGTAAATGGCCCGCCTGGCTGACCGCC





CAACGACCCCCGCCCATTGACGTCAATAATGACGTATGTTCCCATAGTAACGCCAATAG





GGACTTTCCATTGACGTCAATGGGTGGACTATTTACGGTAAACTGCCCACTTGGCAGTA





CATCAAGTGTATCATATGCCAAGTACGCCCCCTATTGACGTCAATGACGGTAAATGGCC





CGCCTGGCATTATGCCCAGTACATGACCTTATGGGACTTTCCTACTTGGCAGTACATCT





ACGTATTAGTCATCGCTATTACCATGGGTCGAGGTGAGCCCCACGTTCTGCTTCACTCT





CCCCATCTCCCCCCCCTCCCCACCCCCAATTTTGTATTTATTTATTTTTTAATTATTTT





GTGCAGCGATGGGGGCGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGCGCGCGCCAGGCGGGGGGGGGGGGGC





GAGGGGGGGGGCGGGGCGAGGCGGAGAGGTGCGGCGGCAGCCAATCAGAGCGGCGCGCT





CCGAAAGTTTCCTTTTATGGCGAGGCGGCGGCGGCGGCGGCCCTATAAAAAGCGAAGCG





CGCGGCGGGCGGGAGTCGCTGCGTTGCCTTCGCCCCGTGCCCCGCTCCGCGCCGCCTCG





CGCCGCCCGCCCCGGCTCTGACTGACCGCGTTACTCCCACAGGTGAGCGGGCGGGACGG





CCCTTCTCCTCCGGGCTGTAATTAGCGCTTGGTTTAATGACGGCTCGTTTCTTTTCTGT





GGCTGCGTGAAAGCCTTAAAGGGCTCCGGGAGGGCCCTTTGTGCGGGGGGGAGCGGCTC





GGGGGGTGCGTGCGTGTGTGTGTGCGTGGGGAGCGCCGCGTGCGGCCCGCGCTGCCCGG





CGGCTGTGAGCGCTGCGGGCGCGGCGCGGGGCTTTGTGCGCTCCGCGTGTGCGCGAGGG





GAGCGCGGCCGGGGGGGGTGCCCCGCGGTGCGGGGGGGCTGCGAGGGGAACAAAGGCTG





CGTGCGGGGTGTGTGCGTGGGGGGGTGAGCAGGGGGTGTGGGCGCGGCGGTCGGGCTGT





AACCCCCCCCTGCACCCCCCTCCCCGAGTTGCTGAGCACGGCCCGGCTTCGGGTGCGGG





GCTCCGTGCGGGGCGTGGCGCGGGGCTCGCCGTGCCGGGCGGGGGGTGGCGGCAGGTGG





GGGTGCCGGGCGGGGCGGGGCCGCCTCGGGCCGGGGAGGGCTCGGGGGAGGGGCGCGGC





GGCCCCCGGAGCGCCGGCGGCTGTCGAGGCGCGGCGAGCCGCAGCCATTGCCTTTTATG





GTAATCGTGCGAGAGGGCGCAGGGACTTCCTTTGTCCCAAATCTGTGCGGAGCCGAAAT





CTGGGAGGCGCCGCCGCACCCCCTCTAGCGGGCGCGGGGCGAAGCGGTGCGGCGCCGGC





AGGAAGGAAATGGGCGGGGAGGGCCTTCGTGCGTCGCCGCGCCGCCGTCCCCTTCTCCC





TCTCCAGCCTCGGGGCTGTCCGCGGGGGGACGGCTGCCTTCGGGGGGGACGGGGCAGGG





CGGGGTTCGGCTTCTGGCGTGTGACCGGCGGCTCTAGAGCCTCTGCTAACCATGTTCAT





GCCTTCTTCTTTTTCCTACAG






In some aspects, the promoter is a GJB2 minimal promoter as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 86. In some aspects, a promoter is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 86.









Exemplary Human GJB2 minimal promoter


(SEQ ID NO: 86)


AAGCTCTGAGGACCCAGAGGCCGGGCGCGCTCCGCCCGCGGCGCCGCCC


CCTCCGTAACTTTCCCAGTCTCCGAGGGAAGAGGCGGGGTGTGGGGTGC


GGTTAAAAGGCGCCACGGCGGGAGACAGGT






In certain aspects, the promoter is a GDF6 promoter as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 90. In some aspects, an promoter sequence is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identical to a promoter sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 90. In some aspects, the promoter is a GDF6 promoter sequence comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 90.










Exemplary Human GDF6 promoter



(SEQ ID NO: 90)



CCACAGGTAACTCCGTCGGCGTCCACAGGGGGGCAGGAGATACCATACTGCACAGTTGT






ACGTCTTCCATCTGTTTGGTGTAGAAAAATCTAACCACTACAAGAATGCCACGGGCACT





GTGGCAGACAGAAGCAGCGCTACGCCGCATCGCCTTTCAGCGTGCAGGCCCAGGAATGA





GCGAGGCAGTGGGGGGGGAAGACAGGCACGGGGAATCTGGGGACAGATAAAGGAAACTC





GTGATGGGGCGAGGCTGGGCTGAAGAGAAACAGATTGGGGTAGAGCTGCAAAGGGAGGG





GTCCACTGGAAGGCGAGGGGGGAGGCCGGGAAGAGAGAGGGTGGGAAGGCAGTGTGAGA





TGGGAGGGCAGTGTGAGAAGAAAAGCAGGCTGGGGAAGAGGGATTGGAATGCAGAAGGA





ACTTGGGGAAGGAGGAAGTCCTGCAGGCGGGAGGGAAAGAAGAGAGGGGGAGCAGCTAA





AGTCTGCGTCAGAAGAGGTTGGGGACTGCGAGAGGAGAGGCTGGGGCCTGCAGGGGAGC





GCAGCAGCTTTTAGCATCGATCCAAACTCTAAAGACTCGTGGCCTTTGCCTGACCTCGA





GGGTCGGGAATAGACGCCTGTCTTTGTGGAGAGCGATACCCAACCGAGAAAATGGGGCT





GTTCCGAGCTGGGCCCTGCGCCTGGCCCAGGGCGAGGCTTCTCTGGCTCCGGGCTGGCC





CCTGAGGGGCAGCACGCAGCCTGCAGCAGAGGCGCCTGCTCCAAGCTGTCTCTTGGGGG





CGCCGCCGCCGCTTCCCTCCTCCGGGGCCGCTCGCTCCCAGGAAAGTGGAGGCGGCTGG





CGAGGACCGAGAGCCGGGGCCGCGCTGCGGAGGGACCACACCTCCGGGAGTTCGAGGGG





GACCCTGGCGCGGCGGGCCAGCCTTTCGGGCCGGCAGCGCCCGCCTTCCCCCGGTCAGC





GCTTGCGGCCCGCGCCGCGCGCACCGCCCGGCAACCCCGCGCGCGTCCCGCGGGGGCGC





TGCGTCTTCCTGCCACACCGGCGCACCGCGGCCCCTCTCCCCCACACCTCCGGCCCGCA





CCACCCGGCTCTCCTCCCACCCTCCCCACCCCTCCTCTGCCCTCCCTCCCCATTCCTCC





CCTCCCGGCGAGGGGCGGGAGGGGGCGTGGCGGGGCCGGGGTTTGTGTGGCTGGGACCC





GGCTCCTC






In certain aspects, the promoter is a human IGFBP2 promoter as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 57. In some aspects, an promoter sequence is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identical to a promoter sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 57. In some aspects, the promoter is a human IGFBP2 promoter sequence comprised within SEQ ID NO: 57.










Exemplary Human IGFBP2 promoter



(SEQ ID NO: 57)



AAGAAACTTGCCCGAGTTTACACAGCTAGTAAATGGTTGCATTAGTCAGGACAGCTAGC






CTATATTACAATAACAACCCTCTCAAATCCTAATGGCTTAAAACAACAGAGGTTTAATT





TATACTCATTAGCTGTTCAAGGCAGGAGGCTCTATTCTCTAATCCATACAGTCACTCAG





GATCCAGGCTGGTGGAGACCCTGCCATATTGTAGCCTCACCATTTAAAACATGAAGAAG





ATAGAAAGTGAGGAGTCATGTAGGTTTTGTTCCGTTGCCTCAGGCTAGGAGTGACAGGT





CACTTCATCTCACTCACAGCTCACTGCCCACAACTAGTCACTTGTGACTGTGCGAGTTA





AGCTTCTGTGTGTGAAGGAAGGAAAAGAGAATGGGATAAAGGTGAACATCAGCAGGCTC





TACCACAGTAGTTTGAACCAAGACTTGAGCCTAGGTCATGTGGCTTCAGAATCTTTGCT





CTTAATCACACTAAACAGCCTCTGTAAGTCATCTTTCCTTCATCCAGTGCCTAAGAACA





TGCAGTCCAATGCCCTCATCCTTCAGAAGAACTTGAGTGAACTCAGAGAAATTGAGTAG





AGTGCCACAGCATGCCCAAGGCCACACACCCTGAGGTTGGCAGTAGGTCCTGAGTTAGA





GTTGTCATTTCTTGGCTCCCCTGGTAGTAGTGGAAAGGTAAGGTTTTGACATACTAGTT





GGATGACCACGGGCAGGTCACTTAAATTGTCTAAGCATCGTTTGACCCTTGTAAGAATT





AAATGAAATAGCACCTGTAAAAGTGTCTGCACGGACTTACTGCTGTTAGTTTTGTTCCT





TTCTTCCTGTTGTCACTGCACTTCCCTGCCTGTTACCCAGGCCATGCAGACCAGCCAGG





CCTTCGACTTACAGTGCGGATAAGATTCCAAATCTCCACGGCTGGTTTCCATGCTTTCT





TCCAGGCTTCTGAGGACCCTGTGCTCTGGTTTCTTCTATTTCTTTTCTATTACTTTTCT





GTTACTCTTGAGCACACTTGCTGGAAGCAATATGCATCCAGTTCTCCCTCTCTTGCCTC





ATTACACTTTGCAGAACAACTCCAATCCCTTCCAACCAAGTAGTCCCTTTGAATTTCTT





GTCACCCAAGGAATCTCTCTGACAGGGGTCTTTGTTAGGGTCACACCCCAGGAGATGGT





TGATTATGGCTGAGTCCAGCCTGGAATGATGGGGGTTGGGGGCAGCTTGGGTAGATGAC





TCAGTAAATCAAACAGAACAATGAAAGGAGGTCATGCTTGTCCATCTGCATTATTGAAG





ACAGCCATAAATGGCCTTACCCCAGAGCGGGTCTGTCACACCTGGAGAGCTGATCTGAC





CTCTCCAAGACCCCTGCAACTGAGTGTTCTGGGATCTGTCCTGCAACAAGTGCCTCGAG





ATTTGTAGGTGGGGGCCCAGAGGGAGGGGGTCTGCAGACGAAGGGGGCAGGTTTTGCGG





GGCACTTAGGGTTCTCATAGGTTGTAGTCACGAGCTCC






In certain aspects, the promoter is a human RBP7 promoter as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 28. In some aspects, an promoter sequence is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identical to a promoter sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 28. In some aspects, the promoter is a human RBP7 promoter sequence comprised within SEQ ID NO: 28.










Exemplary Human RBP7 promoter



(SEQ ID NO: 28)



CCCATGGCTCTGTTAAAATCAAAGAAACATCTTTTCCAACAGCCCTTTCAAACTCCTCA






TCGCATCTCACTGGCTGATTCAGTCATTTAAACCTGCTTCTCCCTAAAGCTGATCACTG





GCTAAGCTAATAGGGTTTCCGGGATTGGTTTAGCCTGATACTAATCCAGGTCTACCTTC





AGGAGCCAGACCAAACTGCCTATTGGCATTGCATTCTTGCAGTAGGGAGGGGAGGTATG





GATGGTGTGGAGTCCACCACAAGGTCCATGCCAGTCTTTGCTGAACCAGCATCAGACTC





CATCAAGCAACAGATGAGAGGTTCCATGATAAAGTGGCCCTCAGCAATCCCCATCCATT





GCTGTCTAGGAAGAACAGTGCTTGTACACAGGTTTAGGACCTCAGTCTTGGCTGTAATC





TTCTGGTTTACTTTGCCAGCACCAAACAGAAGGAAAGAAAGGGCTCAAATTTGACCAAA





TAAATTATGCTTCTCCTTCCAGAGATAACCTTGAGTCCTGTCTAGGAAGATATTAGAAT





TGTAAAGAAAAAAAAAATTACTCCTTATCCTATGGCAAGTGGAGTCTATGTCTACTTCA





GCTGAAATTAAATCCTGTCCATAATAGATGACCCTTGCTCAAGCTGGCCAGAAGCCATA





CCAACCAGCACGAAGGTTAAAACTATTATTAGTTTTTTCTGTGATTTTCATTTTCAGGC





CAAGTTTTAGAACAATAAGATTTTAAGAATAGGAAGTAAGTAAGATTTCTGCATATCCT





GTTCTCTTAGTCAGCTGAATTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTAGTCCTAACTCAGCCTCCCAA





AGTGCTGGGATTACAGGCGTGAGCCACCGCACCAAGCCTGGAATCTATGTCTTACAGTT





ATGAGAATCAACAGCTAGCTCATTATGGGCAAGGTGATGTCACTCTGGCTTCTCAATGA





AAATGGCATTTCTCCCTTGGAAAAGGTCATAGCCAGTCAGTCAGTCAGTCACGGGAGCG





CAGCGGCTTCTAGGGGTGAGTGGGACCCACGCGGCCCCACCTGCTCCTCCCGCGCGCGG





CCCCACCCCCCTGCCCCGCCCCGCCTGGTTTATAG






In certain aspects, the promoter is a human GJB6 promoter as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 16. In some aspects, an promoter sequence is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identical to promoter sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 16. In some aspects, the promoter is a human GJB6 promoter sequence comprised within SEQ ID NO: 16.










Exemplary Human GJB6 promoter



(SEQ ID NO: 16)



AAATAGCTTCCAACGTTTCCACCCCACCAGCCCTTGCACCACTCCCTGTACTGGCCCTG






AGCTTTCTAGTCTTGACTGAAAAGCGGGGAGGCAATGTGGTCTCTCCTGGTGCACTGTC





CCGAGGAAGGCCTGCTCCGCTTCCCCGGAGGAGTCTTCAAAGGATGGAGGTAATTAATA





AAAACAACCCCTGTACCTCCTCTAAGTGGTCATTAATTAATAAAGAACCTCCAGGCTCC





TATAGGAGAGGTCTGTGCACCCCGCGGGCTATGAGAAGGCTGGATCACCCAGAAAGACT





GAGGATGTGTCCTGGCAAAAACACAGCCTGCCCCTCACACTGCTCCCCACGGGTGCACT





AGGGAGGAAGAGTTCCCTCGAGGGCCTGAGCAGGCGCCCCACACCTGCACCCGTGCAGA





GGGGGCTGGGCCCGCCCTCTGCGCTCCCGAGGGAGAGCCCTACCCCCTGCATCCCCGGT





ACCCCGTTCCCTCCAAGGGCCGGAAAGAGGGCCCCGCGCACTGTGCACTTCTTAGGGGT





CCCCCACCCTGCGCCCCCGCCACGGGAAAAAGGTCCCCGCTCTGCGCATCCGGCCCCGG





AGGGACAGCCCCGGTCCTGCACTCCTTGCTCCTCAGGGGGACGGTCCGCGCCCAGCGGC





TAGTGCGCCCCGGGTAGGTGGGGGGGGGGGGCTCGTCGAGTGACAGCGCTCGCCTCCCG





CAGCCCGCCCGAGCCGCGTCAGGGCAG






In certain aspects, the promoter is a human PARM1 promoter as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 40. In some aspects, a promoter sequence is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identical to promoter sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 40. In some aspects, the promoter is a human PARM1 promoter sequence comprised within SEQ ID NO: 40.










Exemplary Human PARMI promoter



(SEQ ID NO: 40)



TGTACAGGAGATAGTCAGGGAATTAGTAATTTTCAAAGAGGTGACTTTGAATTCAAACT






TAAATATCATCTTCAGCTGAAACAAAGAAGGGGTGCAGTTATGAGGAAGTGACCAGGTA





AAGCATGGCAAACAAAGGTAAAGTTTGTTATGCGTATTTAAGTCAGAGCCCTCTCCATT





GATAAGAGTTTCCAGTAATTTAGTGCCATCCTTTTCTTGCTATAGAGTTCTCGTCTCTA





TCTGAGCACGCAAAAATAACATGCTTTCTTGCTTTCTTGAAGTTGGGCATGGCCATTGA





CTTGCCTTAGCCCATATTTTTCTGTGAAGTGGTCTTCAAAAACCTATATTTCTGCCATA





GAGTCACTTACTTAACCTGCCCTATTTAAAGGGGCTAATGCCTGATAGAATGTCGCTGC





ATAACTCCATCTGTGTGTGGTCCCTGCATCCATGACAACCAAAACCCAGATGCAGAAAT





TGTTCCTAATCACATAGATTACCCTAGAAACCGGAAGGGCCTTGAAGTCAAAAGCATTC





AGAGAACATGCTGAACAAATTGAATTTGCAGTTTATCTGGCCAGGGAGGATGGAGAGGG





GATGGGCACTTGGTCTGAGTATTTTTTGTTTCTCATTCCAACAGAAATTACTAGATTTA





CCAAAAAATCTACAAGTGGTAGTGTGATAGAGTCAGGCAGAGGAATTGACCATAGATAA





GGTGCTCAGGACTCCTAGAGTCAGCTTCTGGTATGTGAGAAAGAAGTGAGAACAGAGCC





CATGGCATATGAAGAAGATATTACAGAAAAAAGAAAGCTGCCTTCCACGCAAATCATTT





CTTTACAAAGGCTTGTTAACTCCTGCAGTGCCAAGAAGCTGAATGCAGCGGCAGACATC





CTGGTTCGGGCCCCAGGAAGCTCAGCCGGGTTTAATGTGGATGAGGGTTTAATGATGTA





CACGCAGAAGTGTTTTGACAAATGAAGAAGGTCCTCATTCTTGGAACATGTGCCGGTTC





TCCGAGGGAACTCCTAAAAGGCTGTAAGCTCATGTAGGAAAAGCTGAGCTAGATTCCTA





AGGGCAGAGATGTGCTCACATTTCTTTGCATCCCTAGTTCCCAGCACAGTGCAAGGCGC





TGCAAACATTTGCTGAACCCAGGGTCTCGTGTCTTGACTGTCCAGCAGAGGCCGCTCTG





GGCCGGGGCTCTCGGGACCTGAGGGCTGAGAGAAGGAAGGCCAGGGGGTGGCCCAGTCA





TCGCCGCGGGGCCCGGGTGGGAGGGGTTTGGCAGCGGCAGGCGCGGCGGCGGCGGCGGA





GGCGGAGGCGGCCCCGGG






In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cell selective promoter is a BACE2 promoter. In some aspects, the BACE2 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 92. In some aspects, the BACE2 promoter comprises the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 92.









Exemplary BACE2 promoter


(SEQ ID NO: 92)


TGTGCTGCGAGGGCTTCATCTCCTAAGCACTAAATGCTAAATTCCCCCT





CCCACGCCCATCGCCACTGTCCTCACGGATCCTCGCAGCAGCTTCCCAA





TCGGTCTCCCTGTCTCCAGCCTCACCACCCCCAACTAAGACCATTCATG





AAAACAGAGACAACCAAGGAGACAGTCACCCAATGCTGTCCCTTCAGCT





TGCATTATTTTCTGACAAGACAGCTCTGCCATCCATGGAAGCCTGTGTT





TGAAGATCTCTGACATAAAGGTCCCTTGCAGAGCTAGACGTGATTCTAA





AATTGGGAACACAGGAATAAAAATCAAATCTTGAGTAGAAGTAGCTGAA





AATTGCAGTGATTCGGGGAAGCTTGGCTTCTAACTCCCCACTGTTTGAA





GATGGGCTTGTTTGTTTTTTAAAACAGCCAACATAATTCAGCTGGAGGA





GGTACAAAGAATTTTCTATTCCTTGTTTCTGTAGAAATCGATGGACTTT





AGCTTGTCTAATTGTCCCCCCTGCCTTTAGTATCTAAAATAAAATAACC





CTCGTTGCTTGCATTACTCAACGCATTTCTGCGTCTTGGCGTCTATGGC





TAAACGAGTATTAATTAGACAGTCCGCAGAGAGCTGGCTGGGGATAGAA





GGGGAGGTGGGGGAGAAGGGCAGGGATCACAGCAGGGTGGACTCGTGGC





CCTGATTTGGGATCCTGACAGCAACTTACTAGGTGGCCTGAGGGCTGGG





TGCCAGGGGAGGCAGCGGGTTCCAGTAGCATCTGACCTGCATTAGGGAC





AGGGGCGCGGCGGAGGGGGCGAAGGGGGCGGGGGTGGGGGGAAGGTGGC





TGGGGTGAAGCCCAGCTTCGCAGCTAGCTGTGGGCAACAGAGGGAGTAA





GGGGGGGCAATGAGGCTGGGGCCAGGCGCCAGCAGCAGCCACGCCCCCC





ACCTCCCCCGATTTTTAGGGAAAATTCTCCAAAGCTCTCGCATCCTCCT





CTGCCTCCTTCCACCCTCCACCCTCCCAGCCTCCACTGAGACCTCTTTA





AAACCACCCAGGGGCCGCCGGGGGATGAGGCCGGGGAACGGGCTGGACT





GAGGGCGGGGGCTCGGGGGCAGCGGACGGGAAACGCCTCGAAAGCAGCC





AGACCCGGCGACTGAAATGAGGCGGAGGAGCTTGGCGAGGGGAGGCGCA





GGCTCGGAAAGGCGCGCGAGGCTCCAGGCTCCTTCCCGATCCACCGCTC





TCCTCGCTGACCTCCGAGTCACCCCCGGAAGCTCCCGCCACTGCCGGGC





GAATAGACCCCCGCGGACCCCCAAGCGCGCGGGGCCGGGGCCCTAGTTC





AGGCCCTCGCTGCCCCTTTAAGGGTTCTCGAAACTTTCCCCCCGGTATC





AGATGAGCCTCGTCACATCCGTTGGCCGTGGC






In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cell selective promoter is a DBI2 promoter. In some aspects, the DBI2 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 93. In some aspects, the DBI2 promoter comprises the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 93.









Exemplary DBI2 promoter


(SEQ ID NO: 93)


GAAGAAACCTGCATTTCTTACACTTCAGTGTACTTTCCCCATATTTAAC





TCCAAGATTTTTGTTAATTTGTTTGGTTTTCCTTTCTCAAACAAAATTA





TGCTCAGACTGAAAACCCTAGATTTGTTCCCTATTGCATCTTCATTTCT





TCCCAAACATTCCATAAAACGTGACCTACATTAAGTTAGCAAGTTAAGT





CTGAAAGCGTCTACCTTCCCTGGGGAGGGGGAAGGTGTAGGCAGGGCAG





AGATTTGTAGTCCAGCCCTCTTGCCACAAATTATGAATTAGAGAGGAAT





GACTTTGCTTTTTTAATGATCTCCAGAGAATTTTCCATCATTTCCCTCT





CTTCACCCAGCTCCTTTGCAACCACTGCCAGAGAAGTCTTCCTTTAGCT





TCTTAAACATCGATCCTAAAACACTTCCAGACACCTGTGCTGCTCCTTT





CAGTTCCCATGGAGATTAGGCTGTGTAACAATCTCGCAAAGACGTTCCC





CTCCGTCTCCTCATCCTCTTTTCAAACCCTTTTACGATTTCCCATCTCA





CTCAGCATGACAGTCAAAGTCCCTGTGATGGCCAACTTCTGCATCACCT





AGCCAGTCTGCCACCGCCAAAACTCTCCAGCCTCATCTTACACTTGTTC





TCTGCTTGGAATCTTCCCTCCCCTCCTTGAGGAACTTTCTCAAATGTCA





CCTTCCCTCAATACTCCCCCTCCTCCATTTAAAACTATAAACTTCCAAC





TCTCTAAGCCCCTAAAGTACTCTATATTTAACTTATTGTATAAACTACT





GTCCCTACTTGTAAGTTCCAAGATTGCAGGGATTCACCCGCTTTGTTCA





CTGCTGTCTGCCAAGGTCTAGAACAGTGCAAGTTACCCAACAGGAGTTC





AATAAACAGCCATTCATTTAACAAATATTTGCTGAGCACTTCGTCCCGT





CCAAGTTTGTTAAATCAAGACAAATAAGACACCGTCCCTGCCTTTAACG





CACCAGATGGAGAAATGCACCACAGACATAAATGTGCAATACAGGCCTG





ACACTACGGCCACAAGCAAGTCAAAGAACGTGCCAAAAGTTCAGAGGAA





GAAGCCTCGGCTTCGCCTTTCGGGAGACCAGTCCAGCTTTCCACCATCA





CGCTGCTCATCAGGGACCATCTCCGGGGGTCTCCTCTAGACCCCAAGGG





AGGAGCGGGTCCCGCCCGCCATTCCCAGGTCTCAGAGTTTACTTGTCCA





GAGATGCAACTTCCGGCCTCTTCAGGCCGGGCAAGATTTAAGGAAAGAA





AAGAAACATAAGGACCTCCGTTCTTCGGTCTCCGTCCCCTCCCCTTCCC





CCGCGTGCCCCACCTGTTCCCGGCGTCCCCTTCGGCTACTCCCGGCGTT





TGCGCAAGCGGTCCCACGTGGGCTCGGGCGGGGCTAGCGCCGCGGCGGG





GGCTGGGCACGCCCCTAGCGCATAGCTGGCTTCTGATTGGCTTTCC






In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cell selective promoter is a FABP3 promoter. In some aspects, the FABP3 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 94. In some aspects, the FABP3 promoter comprises the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 94.









Exemplary FABP3 promoter


(SEQ ID NO: 94)


TACCATTCTGCCTTTCACCTGATGTTGCTATCCTCCTCCCTCTTGTTTC





CTTCCACCCATCCTTTCCCTCCCACATTACTCTCTTATCCCACCCTATT





TTACAACCAGTAGCCTAGGGAAAAGAGCATAGCTCAAATGAGGAAGAAG





GCAGGACAGGCAGTCATGGCTTAGCTGGACTGAGCTGCAGTGCTTCTCC





TTCTGGGGAAGGGGGTGCACTGTCATCTGCTACTGACACATCCCTCCAA





GGCACTCAGCCCTGCAGGGAGCAACCTGATTCTATGACTGACATCTAAT





CTTCACATTCACCTTGCAGGAAGGCAAGAAGTGATCCCAGCCTCCAGAT





GGAAAGATCAAGGCCCAGAGAAGGTCAGTGGTGGTTGGAGGCCTGAGGT





CACACAGCAGCCAAGTCTGGAGTCACTAGTCAAGGTGACCTTGACTAGC





CACCCCACCTCCCCTTCCCTGCCCCACCATGGCCCTGGGAGATCTGTTG





TCCTGTGAGGGAAAGGGGCTCCAGGCTGGGCTGCATCTGAAGCCCCTAG





ATCCAGAGACTTCATTTCTTAGGCTATCTATAAAATCCACCTTCCTTTC





TTTTCCCAGGACCCCCATACCCTGCTCCCAGCATCGTCTGCCTCAGCTA





AGCCATGGGGATTGAGAGACCAGGCCTGGTGCCCAGATAAACTGACCCT





GGGTGAGGGGACAGGGGCCCAGAATGGGCAGGTAGAGACTGAATACTGA





AGAAGAATCCTCTGGAGTCTGTTAGCAGAAGCAGATGGGCCTTGCCTGA





CTATTGGCAGGCGGACCTGGTGGTCAGACCTCAGTGATCCTCAGGGACC





AGTGAATATTTCAGGCTGGGGCTGAGCATCACCTGCTCCCTTGGCCCCA





CTTATAGGGCAAAGGGGAGTCTACCAGCCTACTCACTGATGACAAACTG





GAAAAGTTTGTCCTGTCTCTGCTCTGGCCCCACCTCGCCCTCTCCCCTA





CTTGGAAGTTCCTTTCCTGAACCACTGACTGCCAAAGCTTGAGGGATTA





AATAAATCATCTGGCCCAACCTCCTACCATAGAGTTGGGAACACTGAAG





AAAAGAGACTGGCCCAAGGTCACAGAGAAGGCAGGGTGAACACTGTCAC





AGGGAGAGCCAGTGTAGAATAATGGTTAAGCCACGCAAGCTCTAGAACC





ACTCTATCTGAGTGCAAATCCTGGCTGTCATCTGGTACTTGCTTCCTGG





AACACATCTGGCCTCAGACTCCTGAGGCCAAGACACACTCCCTGCCCTA





AGACTTGCTGGTTCTATGGCAGGCAGAGGCAGAAAGAGCCCCACCATCA





TTCCCAGCAAATGGGAAAAGTTCCCAGTTGCAGATATTAGGGGTGGGAT





GGGGCGGGGGTAGTCAGCAACCATAGACTTAGACCCTGAAGAGGCAAAA





AAGGAGGGCCATGTTCTTGGGTCAGCAGAGCTTCTACTCAGCTTCTTCA





GCCTCTAGCTCTTTCCTGGTGCTAGTAGCACATTCTCTAGTGGAGGCAT





CCAGATGGCAGGGAGGGTCCAGGAAACAGCTGAACATGCTGAGCAGGCC





TCCCTTGTCCCCGCTCCCCATGGCCCCATGGATCATCCGGTGCTGCAGC





TCATCTCATTGGCTGGCTTCTGGTTACTCATCTCTCCTCTTCTCCATCT





TCCCAGCCTGTGGTTGCCGTGGAAACATAGAACAGTGACCTCACCATAG





GATGAGGGCTGGGGAGATGCTGTTCTTGGCAGGCGCT






In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cell selective promoter is a KLHL14 promoter. In some aspects, the KLHL14 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 95. In some aspects, the KLHL14 promoter comprises the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 95.









Exemplary KLHL14 promoter


(SEQ ID NO: 95)


GAAACAGCAGCCATTGATGTAGCTCAGGGTTCTGTGGATCTGTCATTTG





GAGCATGTTGGTTCTCCTGTCTCAGCTGGGCTCATTCATGCATCTGAGT





TCAGCTATTGGGCAATCTGGGGAATGTTTTGTCCATGTGATGTGTCATC





TTCTACCAGGCTAGCCTGGGCTTCATCACATGGTATCTGGCAGGGCTCT





AAGAGGGAGAGTTGAAACACACAAGGCCTCTTGAAGCTTAGACTCAGAA





TTGGCACAAGGTCGCTTCTGGCACATTCCATTGGTCAAAGCAAGTTACA





AGGCCAGCTCACATTCAAGGATTAGGTAAGTCGATTCCACTCTTGATGA





GAAGTCTGAAGGATTTGGAACAGTGTCCACCATGCAGTAATAAACTCAA





TAAGTAGTAGCCATTATTATTCTGTTAGAGGTTGCCAGGAAAAGTTTTA





TAGTGGAAAGAAATCTGAGTTTACTCTTGAGAGGTAAGTGGAATTTCTA





TTTGTAGAGAATGAAGGCCTCTCAAAAAGACACAGCCTAACAATAGGTG





CTGCAGTTTAACAGTGGAGCGTGTCCAGAACAGGCTGCCCTTTTAGGCA





AGGGCTAGTGTCTTTCAGGACAGACCCAAACCCCAAATACCAAAACAGA





ATAAAGTAGTGTCTTAGCATACTTTGAGATCAGACTGTTTCTGCATTTC





ACAGTGCTGGGGGGGGGGGGAGGTGTGGGGGGAAGGGAAAAGCAGCATA





CCAATGTAGTGAAATCTGGAAACAACAGCCAAAAAAAGTTTGCATATTG





CACAGAGCACTTGAAGATCATAAATCTATGCATGAGAAAGATGTAGTGG





AAATTTTGGGGGGGATTAGAGTTTATTTTTGTCATCTCTGTGAGACAGC





TACTCATTCATCCAGATCACAGCTAAGAAAAAAGCTGGTCACAGAAATT





AGCAGTTTCAGCTCAGCAGCGAAGTCGCCAGCCTGTGAAGGCAGAGAGA





AATTGACTAATTAGCAATGCGCACTAAAACTTGACGGTTCTTTATAGAG





AGAGAGAAGAGAGAGGGAGAGAGAGGGAGAGGGAGGGAGGGGGGGCTCG





CTTTTTCCCCTTCTTTCTTCCAAAGATGTTTGAAATCGCAGTCATTTAC





GCTCGACAATTTTTACAATAGCCTTGAGCCATAATTTTGCGAGTCTCTC





CAGCATCCATCCCCCTGTATGGTCTCTCTCTACTGGCCAAGCACGACCG





TTTCTCTCCCCAACCGTGGATTTCCTATT






In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cell selective promoter is a MMP15 promoter. In some aspects, the MMP15 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 96. In some aspects, the MMP15 promoter comprises the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 96.










Exemplary MMP15 promoter



(SEQ ID NO: 96)



CCTTCCTCCTCCAGGGCCCTCTGCAGACCAGGCTGAGATGGAGGAACCTGCT






AAAATCGATGGAGATGCTTCTAGCCTCCCAGTAGGAGGCCCCAGCCATGCCT





TCAACCTGGCAGGAGGTGTAGCCACTCCTCATCCTTGGGTTGCAGGTTGGGTG





CTGCTGTTGTGGTCCTTCCCAGAAACTGCCAGTAGAGGGCAGCCTGGGCATC





CTAATGCTTACTCTGGTTGTTACACAAAGAAAATATTGGGGTCACTGGCGAG





CCCACCCACACTCACCAGAATCTCCACTGTAGTCCCCCTAACAAACAGCCCTT





CACTTCCTCTCCCACTTCAGCAATTTGTATTTTGATGCCATTGGCCTCAGATCA





GAGTGTTTTAAATCATCACGCCCTGGCTTATCCCTGGTCGAGCCAGGACACGG





GGTGCTTCAGTGGGTCTGTCACCCTCTCTCCTTGAAGCATGTTGCTTTTATTTA





TTTACTTTTACTCTCACCCTGCTCCTGTACCAGCAGGGGCCACTTCAAAGCCA





AGGTACAGGGTGATAACTTGTGGTCCAGCATCAGTTTTCTCCACTTCTTTCTC





CCACTCACCCCCAGCAAGGTGCCTGGGGAGACTTGAGCAGATGTTTCATTTTG





GCCTGGCCAGTGGCTGAAAGCCAGGCCTCCAATGCACTGTGACCTCTGGCTT





CCCCAGCAGCTTTCCCAGAGAGGCAGAGGGAGTCTTCATTCTTCCCAGGCGG





GGAGACCACGCCTTCCCTGCCTCCTCCCTCCGCGGGGGGTCGCGTTGGAGGT





CACCCCCGCCCCCTAGGCGCTGGGTTGGGAGTGACGCGGGGTGGGCTGGAGA





GGTTTCCTGCCGTCTGGGAAGCGTAAACGGACCGCCCACCTGTCGGGCCTCG





GCCGCCCGCACCTGCTTGTGAGAAGCCTGCGGCTGGGGCACCGCCCCCGGTC





CCCGCCCGGGTCCGCGCATTGGGAGCACACTGGCCCTTTAAGAGCGCGGCGG





CCGCGGCGCGCGGG






In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cell selective promoter is a SPARC promoter. In some aspects, the SPARC promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 97. In some aspects, the SPARC promoter comprises the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 97.










Exemplary SPARC promoter



(SEQ ID NO: 97)



CAGGCTACCTCTCAGGCTGACTGAGTCATGCAGCATAGGCTGCCACGTCTCT






GGGCTGGCGGGGCCGTCATTATTCCTGGCCTCACTGCAGCTAAATTGAAGAA





ACGTTTGGTTTGTGGGCCACGTCAAGGAATGTGTAAGAGCTGCCACGTTGTC





GGGTCTGGGTTATTGGGCTTTTCCCCTCCTTCAGAGAAGATTTCCAGGCGTGT





GGGTGGGGTTTCAGAAGAAAATTGATGCCTGCGTGTGAGTGTTCCCTGGACC





TGGACCAGCAGCGGCAATATTACAGACCCGGGGGTTGGGGCAGACTGAGCC





AATCTCTGCACCGTCAAAGTTATGGATACAGAGCCCTGGAAAAAGGCTGAAG





GATAAGATAGCTGACATTTATGAAGTGCTTCATTCATGTAGCAGTGGGCCAA





ATGCGTACTTTACACTTGAGGAAGCTGAGGCTGGAGGTTGATAACATGCCTC





AAGTCTTCTAGAGTTAAATAACTTTGACCCAGGACCCAAGCCCAGAGTTCTG





ACTCAAAAACTAGGCCTCCTAAACATCCTCTTATATGAGGTTAAATTTCATCT





TCCTCTGTTTGGCCTTGGCCTGGTTGGTGGATGCTCTGCTTCGGGGACCCAGG





GCCAGATGACAATGGGTTCTTTGTGCCCTTCAGACAATGGGAAGGGCTGCCT





GGGGAAAGATACAGTAACAAGGCAACAGGCTGAGTCAGCCTCCAATGTGCTT





GAACCTTCTTAGCTTGGCAGCCTTGACATTCAGCCAGCCACACAAAGGGTAT





ATCAAGGATGATACCACTAGTAGCAGCTTGTCTTGTCTGTACCTCTGAACAAG





AAAGAGGCTGTTCTGGGTCATCCCTCCAGGCCTGTCCAGCCCTGGCACTCTGT





GAGTCGGTTTAGGCAGCAGCCCCGGAACAGATGAGGCAGGCAGGGTTGGGA





CGTTTGGTCAGGACAGCCCACCAGGAGGAAAGAAATGAAAGACAGAGACAG





CTTTGGCTATGGGAGAAGGAGGAGGCCGGGGGAAGGAGGAGACAGGAGGAG





GAGGGACCACGGGGTGGAGGGGAGATAGACCCAGCCCA






In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cell selective promoter is a TSPAN8 promoter. In some aspects, the TSPAN8 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 98. In some aspects, the TSPAN8 promoter comprises the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 98.










Exemplary TSPAN8 promoter



(SEQ ID NO: 98)



CCAAGGACTCTTTTTTCTAAACTTCCCTTCATCTTCTAGTTTGACGCCCTTGGT






GGGAAAAGTGTCTGAGATAAGGAAAAGGCATCCTTTCAGTTCTCTGATACTA





TCTTGAAGCGAGGGATGGAGAAAGGCAAAGAGAGACACAGGAGAAGCGTAT





CCCCTGGGAACAGGTGTCTAGTGGAGTCCAGTAACTCACAGTCTCTCAGTTCC





GTCAGCACTGTCCCTTGGGTCGCAAATTTCTTCCATTAGCCCTTCCACCAGCT





GTATTTCAAATGGGGCTGGACAATAATTGTGGCCAGTGGCCTTGTGTTGTTTG





TACTTGCGGACTAGTAGTTCTCACCTGTCTTTCTCTGACTCCTATTAGCCACTG





GGATTTCAGCAGCTGGTTCAGCCAATTCTACTCAATTCAACATTAAGTTGCAG





TGGGCTAGAACTCATGGGCCGATTTAACAAGTGAAATTCTACCAAGATACAT





CAAAAATAGCAACAGGACTAGATACTCAGCTCATTTTGTTTTATTTGTAATAT





ACCAGTTGTGGCTTTAGTGCCAGTCTGATTCATCTCTCTACTACAAAATGAGG





CTCTATAAAGGAAAATATTGCAACTGGAGTGAGGAATTTGAATCTTATAGGA





AGGAATTTGTCTTCTCATGAAGACTTCAGTTTACCAGAAGTATCTATTGAGGA





AGTGTTTACAAGAAAATGTGCCATTTAGCTTTATTCTAAATTTGCATAATAAC





TGAACCAAACAAAAAAATATAGATAGATAGATTGTTCTATCTATAGATAGAT





AGGGAACATTGGCAGTAGGTGGCAGTAAGTTCCCCTGAGCACATGGAGGACA





CAGTTAAATGCATTTGAGGTATGTGGGAAATGGTTTAAAGCAGAATTTTATG





CCAACTTTTAGTAACGGAAGCCTAACAAATGTTTGTTCTTTCAAGTGAGAGAA





GCAAGCAATCTGGAACTATTCATAAGCTTATTTTCTGTATCCTTAAACATATT





TTATAATGAATGTATGATTTAAATAGTAAGTTAAGTGTCTGGGGGTACTGCAC





ACCTCCCTTGCATACAGTCAAACTTCTTCAGGGTGATGGGGAAGAGGAGTTA





TAGGCTGCCAAGCAAAATTGCCAAACTGGTCTCAGAAATTCACTGCATTGGA





GAGCGCGGGATCCTTGCAACACTGACTTTAGCAGTTAAACTAGAGTGGTTGG





GGATGAGTATTCT






In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cell selective promoter is a VIM promoter. In some aspects, the VIM promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 99. In some aspects, the VIM promoter comprises the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 99.










Exemplary VIM promoter



(SEQ ID NO: 99)



ATTCACAATGCATTCCCTCTGCCCACCACATTAATTATCAACTCCTTTTCCTGG






CATTTACTCATCCAACGCATGGCCCCACGTTAACTTTCAGTTCCCTTTCTCCCC





TACAAATACTCCATAATCCAGCAACCCTGGGATCCCTGAGATGATGAAGAGG





ACCAGTGCCCATTCCAGGAGACATCACCGCAGCCCTGAGGAATCGGCTATGG





GCACCAGCAGGGCACAGTGCCACACCTCGCCAATGCCTTGTCCTCCTTTTCCA





TAGTGAGTCAGTCAGCAAGCGTGTAGAAGTGAGTTCCACACTCTCTTCCTCCC





ATAGGGAGATCACTTTTCTCATTCTAAGGGTTCCAGGCACACTCACAATGGTG





GCATTTGCTGAGCAGTGGCTTGAATAAAGGGCTCTCAGAAAGCAAGATGTAA





CTCAGAGCATAGGCTAGCCCCAGGAATGCTCTTGGGGAATGACCTGCAGCCT





CCCAGTGAAAGAGAGAATAAAAGAAAGCCCCAGCAGGCGAGCTGGGCAGTA





GAGAGTCCTGTAATTCCACCTTGGCAAGCACCATTTGCAAGAACGAACTGGG





ATAAGGTAAACAAAATATTGCCTAAAAGAGGCTTGTCCAAAGAAGTCAGAAT





ACGCTCTTCATTTACCTCTAAATTTCAGTACACCATAAATCTAAATACTCAAA





AAAACCTGTGCCTTTTCAATCAAGGTCAATTGCACGAATTCTTTTGGAAAACA





GGACCTATGGCATTTCCCAGACAAATCACCGTGAACCCTGTACTGTGCATTGC





TGTCCTAAAATCCAAAGATTCTGTCATTTGTGTTACATAATTGCCTTTCATTTG





AACTCATTAATCAAATTGGGGTTTTTAAGCAACACCTAATTAATTCTTTAACT





GGCTCATCCACTGATCACTGAGTTCTATTTTGAAACTACGGACGTCGAGTTTC





CTCTTTCACCCAGAATTTTCAGATCTTGTTTAAAAAGTTGGGTGTGGTTTCAT





GGGGGGAGGGGGAAGAGCGAGAGGAGACCAGAGGGACGGGGGCGGGGACT





CTGCAAGAAAAACCTTCCCGGTGCAATCGTGATCT






In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cell selective promoter is a GFAP promoter. In some aspects, the GFAP promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 91. In some aspects, the GFAP promoter comprises the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 91.









Exemplary GFAP promoter


(SEQ ID NO: 91)


GAACATATCCTGGTGTGGAGTAGGGGACGCTGCTCTGACAGAGGCTCGG





GGGCCTGAGCTGGCTCTGTGAGCTGGGGAGGAGGCAGACAGCCAGGCCT





TGTCTGCAAGCAGACCTGGCAGCATTGGGCTGGCCGCCCCCCAGGGCCT





CCTCTTCATGCCCAGTGAATGACTCACCTTGGCACAGACACAATGTTCG





GGGTGGGCACAGTGCCTGCTTCCCGCCGCACCCCAGCCCCCCTCAAATG





CCTTCCGAGAAGCCCATTGAGCAGGGGGCTTGCATTGCACCCCAGCCTG





ACAGCCTGGCATCTTGGGATAAAAGCAGCACAGCCCCCTAGGGGCTGCC





CTTGCTGTGTGGCGCCACCGGCGGTGGAGAACAAGGCTCTATTCAGCCT





GTGCCCAGGAAAGGGGATCAGGGGATGCCCAGGCATGGACAGTGGGTGG





CAGGGGGGGAGAGGAGGGCTGTCTGCTTCCCAGAAGTCCAAGGACACAA





ATGGGTGAGGGGAGCTCTCCCCATAGCTGGGCTGCGGCCCAACCCCACC





CCCTCAGGCTATGCCAGGGGGTGTTGCCAGGGGCACCCGGGCATCGCCA





GTCTAGCCCACTCCTTCATAAAGCCCTCGCATCCCAGGAGCGAGCAGAG





CCAGAGCAGGTTGGAGAGGAGACGCATCACCTCCGCTGCTCGC













TABLE 2







Exemplary Promoters










Promoter
SEQ ID NO














PARM1 derivative
40



GJB6 derivative
16



RBP7 derivative
28



IGFBP2 derivative
57



GDF6 derivative
90



GFAP derivative
91



BACE2 derivative
92



DBI2 derivative
93



FABP3 derivative
94



KLHL14 derivative
95



MMP15 derivative
96



SPARC derivative
97



TSPAN8 derivative
98



VIM derivative
99



GJB2 minimal promoter
86



1. CAG enhancer/promoter
15



2. CAG enhancer/promoter
14



1. CMV/CBA enhancer/promoter
13



2. CMV/CBA enhancer/promoter
12



1. CBA promoter
11



2. CBA promoter
10










Enhancers

In some instances, a construct can include an enhancer sequence. The term “enhancer” refers to a nucleotide sequence that can increase the level of transcription of a nucleic acid encoding a protein of interest (e.g., a polypeptide (e.g., a therapeutic polypeptide, a Connexin 26 polypeptide)). Enhancer sequences (generally 50-1500 bp in length) generally increase the level of transcription by providing additional binding sites for transcription-associated proteins (e.g., transcription factors). In some aspects, an enhancer sequence is found within an intronic sequence. Unlike promoter sequences, enhancer sequences can act at much larger distance away from the transcription start site (e.g., as compared to a promoter). Non-limiting examples of enhancers include a RSV enhancer, a CMV enhancer, and/or a SV40 enhancer. In some aspects, a construct comprises a CMV enhancer exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 18. In some aspects, a construct comprises a CMV enhancer exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 63. In some aspects, a construct comprises a chimeric intron enhancer exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 64. In some aspects, an enhancer sequence is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identical to the enhancer sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 18. In some aspects, an enhancer sequence is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identical to the enhancer sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 63. In some aspects, an enhancer sequence is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identical to the enhancer sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 64. In some aspects, an enhancer sequence is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identical to the enhancer sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 65. In some aspects, an SV-40 derived enhancer is the SV-40 T intron sequence, which is exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 19. In some aspects, an enhancer sequence is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identical to the enhancer sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 19.


In some instances, the construct does not include an enhancer sequence.










Exemplary CMV enhancer



(SEQ ID NO: 18)



GACATTGATTATTGACTAGTTATTAATAGTAATCAATTACGGGGTCATTAGTTCATAGC






CCATATATGGAGTTCCGCGTTACATAACTTACGGTAAATGGCCCGCCTGGCTGACCGCC





CAACGACCCCCGCCCATTGACGTCAATAATGACGTATGTTCCCATAGTAACGCCAATAG





GGACTTTCCATTGACGTCAATGGGTGGACTATTTACGGTAAACTGCCCACTTGGCAGTA





CATCAAGTGTATCATATGCCAAGTACGCCCCCTATTGACGTCAATGACGGTAAATGGCC





CGCCTGGCATTATGCCCAGTACATGACCTTATGGGACTTTCCTACTTGGCAGTACATCT





ACGTATTAGTCATCGCTATTACCATGG





Exemplary CMV enhancer


(SEQ ID NO: 63)



GACATTGATTATTGACTAGTTATTAATAGTAATCAATTACGGGGTCATTAGTTCATAGC






CCATATATGGAGTTCCGCGTTACATAACTTACGGTAAATGGCCCGCCTGGCTGACCGCC





CAACGACCCCCGCCCATTGACGTCAATAATGACGTATGTTCCCATAGTAACGCCAATAG





GGACTTTCCATTGACGTCAATGGGTGGACTATTTACGGTAAACTGCCCACTTGGCAGTA





CATCAAGTGTATCATATGCCAAGTACGCCCCCTATTGACGTCAATGACGGTAAATGGCC





CGCCTGGCATTATGCCCAGTACATGACCTTATGGGACTTTCCTACTTGGCAGTACATCT





ACGTATTAGTCATCGCTATTACCATGGT





Exemplary SV-40 synthetic intron


(SEQ ID NO: 19)



GGAGTCGCTGCGTTGCCTTCGCCCCGTGCCCCGCTCCGCGCCGCCTCGCGCCGCCCGCC






CCGGCTCTGACTGACCGCGTTACTCCCACAGGTGAGCGGGCGGGACGGCCCTTCTCCTC





CGGGCTGTAATTAGCGCTTGGTTTAATGACGGCTCGTTTCTTTTCTGTGGCTGCGTGAA





AGCCTTAAAGGGCTCCGGGAGGGCCCTTTGTGCGGGGGGGAGCGGCTCGGGGGGTGCGT





GCGTGTGTGTGTGCGTGGGGAGCGCCGCGTGCGGCCCGCGCTGCCCGGCGGCTGTGAGC





GCTGCGGGCGCGGCGCGGGGCTTTGTGCGCTCCGCGTGTGCGCGAGGGGAGCGCGGCCG





GGGGCGGTGCCCCGCGGTGCGGGGGGGCTGCGAGGGGAACAAAGGCTGCGTGCGGGGTG





TGTGCGTGGGGGGGTGAGCAGGGGGTGTGGGCGCGGCGGTCGGGCTGTAACCCCCCCCT





GCACCCCCCTCCCCGAGTTGCTGAGCACGGCCCGGCTTCGGGTGCGGGGCTCCGTGCGG





GGCGTGGCGCGGGGCTCGCCGTGCCGGGCGGGGGGTGGCGGCAGGTGGGGGTGCCGGGC





GGGGGGGGGCCGCCTCGGGCCGGGGAGGGCTCGGGGGAGGGGCGCGGCGGCCCCCGGAG





CGCCGGCGGCTGTCGAGGCGCGGCGAGCCGCAGCCATTGCCTTTTATGGTAATCGTGCG





AGAGGGCGCAGGGACTTCCTTTGTCCCAAATCTGTGCGGAGCCGAAATCTGGGAGGCGC





CGCCGCACCCCCTCTAGCGGGCGCGGGGCGAAGCGGTGCGGCGCCGGCAGGAAGGAAAT





GGGGGGGGAGGGCCTTCGTGCGTCGCCGCGCCGCCGTCCCCTTCTCCCTCTCCAGCCTC





GGGGCTGTCCGCGGGGGGACGGCTGCCTTCGGGGGGGACGGGGCAGGGCGGGGTTCGGC





TTCTGGCGTGTGACCGGCGGCTCTAGAGCCTCTGCTAACCATGTTCATGCCTTCTTCTT





TTTCCTACAG





Exemplary chimeric intron


(SEQ ID NO: 64)



GGAGTCGCTGCGTTGCCTTCGCCCCGTGCCCCGCTCCGCGCCGCCTCGCGCCGCCCGCC






CCGGCTCTGACTGACCGCGTTACTCCCACAGGTGAGCGGGCGGGACGGCCCTTCTCCTC





CGGGCTGTAATTAGCGCTTGGTTTAATGACGGCTTGTTTCTTTTCTGTGGCTGCGTGAA





AGCCTTGAGGGGCTCCGGGAGCTAGAGCCTCTGCTAACCATGTTCATGCCTTCTTCTTT





TTCCTACAG






Flanking Untranslated Regions, 5′ UTRs and 3′ UTRs

In some aspects, any of the constructs described herein can include an untranslated region (UTR), such as a 5′ UTR or a 3′ UTR. UTRs of a gene are transcribed but not translated. A 5′ UTR starts at the transcription start site and continues to the start codon but does not include the start codon. A 3′ UTR starts immediately following the stop codon and continues until the transcriptional termination signal. The regulatory and/or control features of a UTR can be incorporated into any of the constructs, compositions, kits, or methods as described herein to enhance or otherwise modulate the expression of a polypeptide (e.g., a therapeutic polypeptide, a Connexin 26 polypeptide).


Natural 5′ UTRs include a sequence that plays a role in translation initiation. in some aspects, a 5′ UTR can comprise sequences, like Kozak sequences, which are commonly known to be involved in the process by which the ribosome initiates translation of many genes. Kozak sequences have the consensus sequence CCR(A/G)CCAUGG, where R is a purine (A or G) three bases upstream of the start codon (AUG), and the start codon is followed by another “G”. The 5′ UTRs have also been known to form secondary structures that are involved in elongation factor binding.


In some aspects, a 5′ UTR is included in any of the constructs described herein. Non-limiting examples of 5′ UTRs, including those from the following genes: albumin, serum amyloid A, Apolipoprotein A/B/E, transferrin, alpha fetoprotein, erythropoietin, and Factor VIII, can be used to enhance expression of a nucleic acid molecule, such as an mRNA.


In some aspects, a 5′ UTR from an mRNA that is transcribed by a cell in the cochlea can be included in any of the constructs, compositions, kits, and methods described herein. In some aspects, a 5′ UTR is derived from the endogenous GJB2 gene loci and may include all or part of the endogenous sequence exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 21, or SEQ ID NO: 66. In some aspects, a 5′ UTR sequence is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identical to the 5′ UTR sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 21, or SEQ ID NO: 66.


3′ UTRs are found immediately 3′ to the stop codon of the gene of interest. In some aspects, a 3′ UTR from an mRNA that is transcribed by a cell in the cochlea can be included in any of the constructs, compositions, kits, and methods described herein. In some aspects, a 3′ UTR is derived from the endogenous GJB2 gene loci and may include all or part of the endogenous sequence exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 22. In some aspects, a 3′ UTR sequence is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identical to the 3′ UTR sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 22. In some aspects, a 3′ UTR is derived from the endogenous GJB2 gene loci and may include all or part of the endogenous sequence exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 67, or SEQ ID NO: 68. In some aspects, a 3′ UTR sequence is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identical to the 3′ UTR sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 67, or SEQ ID NO: 68.


3′ UTRs are known to have stretches of adenosines and uridines (in the RNA form) or thymidines (in the DNA form) embedded in them. These AU-rich signatures are particularly prevalent in genes with high rates of turnover. Based on their sequence features and functional properties, the AU-rich elements (AREs) can be separated into three classes (Chen et al., Mol. Cell. Biol. 15:5777-5788, 1995; Chen et al., Mol. Cell Biol. 15:2010-2018, 1995, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety): Class I AREs contain several dispersed copies of an AUUUA motif within U-rich regions. For example, c-Myc and MyoD mRNAs contain class I AREs. Class II AREs possess two or more overlapping UUAUUUA(U/A) (U/A) nonamers. GM-CSF and TNF-alpha mRNAs are examples that contain class II AREs. Class III AREs are less well defined. These U-rich regions do not contain an AUUUA motif, two well-studied examples of this class are c-Jun and myogenin mRNAs.


Most proteins binding to the AREs are known to destabilize the messenger, whereas members of the ELAV family, most notably HuR, have been documented to increase the stability of mRNA. HuR binds to AREs of all the three classes. Engineering the HuR specific binding sites into the 3′ UTR of nucleic acid molecules will lead to HuR binding and thus, stabilization of the message in vivo.


In some aspects, the introduction, removal, or modification of 3′ UTR AREs can be used to modulate the stability of an mRNA encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a therapeutic polypeptide, a Connexin 26 polypeptide). In other aspects, AREs can be removed or mutated to increase the intracellular stability and thus increase translation and production of a polypeptide (e.g., a therapeutic polypeptide, a Connexin 26 polypeptide).


In other aspects, non-ARE sequences may be incorporated into the 5′ or 3′ UTRs. In some aspects, introns or portions of intron sequences may be incorporated into the flanking regions of the polynucleotides in any of the constructs, compositions, kits, and methods provided herein. Incorporation of intronic sequences may increase protein production as well as mRNA levels.










Exemplary 5′ UTR Sequence



(SEQ ID NO: 20)



GTTGCGGCCCCGCAGCGCCCGCGCGCTCCTCTCCCCGACTCGGAGCCCCTCGGCGGCGC






CCGGCCCAGGACCCGCCTAGGAGCGCAGGAGCCCCAGCGCAGAGACCCCAACGCCGAGA





CCCCCGCCCCGGCCCCGCCGCGCTTCCTCCCGACGCAGAGCAAACCGCCCAGAGTAGAA





G





Exemplary 5′ UTR Sequence


(SEQ ID NO: 21)



TTTAGGACCCTTGTTCGCGAAGAGGTGGTGTGCGGCTGAGACCCGCGTCCTCAGGACGG






TTCCATCAGTGCCTCGATCCTGCCCCACTGGAGGAGGAAGGCAGCCCGAACAGCGCTCA





CCTAACTAACAGCTGCTGAGAGCTGGGTTCCGTGGCCATGCACCTGGGACTGCCTTGAG





AAGCGTGAGCAAACCGCCCAGAGTAGAAG





Exemplary 5′ UTR Sequence


(SEQ ID NO: 66)



GTTGCGGCCCCGCAGCGCCCGCGCGCTCCTCTCCCCGACTCGGAGCCCCTCGGCGGCGC






CCGGCCCAGGACCCGCCTAGGAGCGCAGGAGCCCCAGCGCAGAGACCCCAACGCCGAGA





CCCCCGCCCCGGCCCCGCCGCGCTTCCTCCCGACGCAGTTTAGGACCCTTGTTCGCGAA





GAGGTGGTGTGCGGCTGAGACCCGCGTCCTCAGGACGGTTCCATCAGTGCCTCGATCCT





GCCCCACTGGAGGAGGAAGGCAGCCCGAACAGCGCTCACCTAACTAACAGCTGCTGAGA





GCTGGGTTCCGTGGCCATGCACCTGGGACTGCCTTGAGAAGCGTGAGCAAACCGCCCAG





AGTAGAAG





Exemplary 3′ UTR Sequence


(SEQ ID NO: 22)



CGCATTGCCCAGTTGTTAGATTAAGAAATAGACAGCATGAGAGGGATGAGGCAACCCGT






GCTCAGCTGTCAAGGCTCAGTCGCTAGCATTTCCCAACACAAAGATTCTGACCTTAAAT





GCAACCATTTGAAACCCCTGTAGGCCTCAGGTGAAACTCCAGATGCCACAATGGAGCCT





CTGCTCCCCTAAAGCCTCAAAACAAAGGCCTAATTCTATGCCTGTCTTAATTTTCTTTC





ACTTAAGTTAGTTCCACTGAGACCCCAGGCTGTTAGGGGTTATTGGTGTAAGGTACTTT





CATATTTTAAACAGAGGATATCGGCATTTGTTTCTTTCTCTGAGGACAAGAGAAAAAAG





CCAGGTTCCACAGAGGACACAGAGAAGGTTTGGGTGTCCTCCTGGGGTTCTTTTTGCCA





ACTTTCCCCACGTTAAAGGTGAACATTGGTTCTTTCATTTGCTTTGGAAGTTTTAATCT





CTAACAGTGGACAAAGTTACCAGTGCCTTAAACTCTGTTACACTTTTTGGAAGTGAAAA





CTTTGTAGTATGATAGGTTATTTTGATGTAAAGATGTTCTGGATACCATTATATGTTCC





CCCTGTTTCAGAGGCTCAGATTGTAATATGTAAATGGTATGTCATTCGCTACTATGATT





TAATTTGAAATATGGTCTTTTGGTTATGAATACTTTGCAGCACAGCTGAGAGGCTGTCT





GTTGTATTCATTGTGGTCATAGCACCTAACAACATTGTAGCCTCAATCGAGTGAGACAG





ACTAGAAGTTCCTAGTGATGGCTTATGATAGCAAATGGCCTCATGTCAAATATTTAGAT





GTAATTTTGTGTAAGAAATACAGACTGGATGTACCACCAACTACTACCTGTAATGACAG





GCCTGTCCAACACATCTCCCTTTTCCATGACTGTGGTAGCCAGCATCGGAAAGAACGCT





GATTTAAAGAGGTCGCTTGGGAATTTTATTGACACAGTACCATTTAATGGGGAGGACAA





AATGGGGCAGGGGAGGGAGAAGTTTCTGTCGTTAAAAACAGATTTGGAAAGACTGGACT





CTAAAGTCTGTTGATTAAAGATGAGCTTTGTCTACTTCAAAAGTTTGTTTGCTTACCCC





TTCAGCCTCCAATTTTTTAAGTGAAAATATAGCTAATAACATGTGAAAAGAATAGAAGC





TAAGGTTTAGATAAATATTGAGCAGATCTATAGGAAGATTGAACCTGAATATTGCCATT





ATGCTTGACATGGTTTCCAAAAAATGGTACTCCACATATTTCAGTGAGGGTAAGTATTT





TCCTGTTGTCAAGAATAGCATTGTAAAAGCATTTTGTAATAATAAAGAATAGCTTTAAT





GATATGCTTGTAACTAAAATAATTTTGTAATGTATCAAATACATTTAAAACATTAAAAT





ATAATCTCTATAATAA





Exemplary 3′ UTR Sequence


(SEQ ID NO: 67)



GAAATAGACAGCATGAGAGGGATGAGGCAACCCGTGCTCAGCTGTCAAGGCTCAGTCGC






TAGCATTTCCCAACACAAAGATTCTGACCTTAAATGCAACCATTTGAAACCCCTGTAGG





CCTCAGGTGAAACTCCAGATGCCACAATGGAGCTCTGCTCCCCTAAAGCCTCAAAACAA





AGGCCTAATTCTATGCCTGTCTTAATTTTCTTTCACTTAAGTTAGTTCCACTGAGACCC





CAGGCTGTTAGGGGTTATTGGTGTAAGGTACTTTCATATTTTAAACAGAGGATATCGGC





ATTTGTTTCTTTCTCTGAGGACAAGAGAAAAAAGCCAGGTTCCACAGAGGACACAGAGA





AGGTTTGGGTGTCCTCCTGGGGTTCTTTTTGCCAACTTTCCCCACGTTAAAGGTGAACA





TTGGTTCTTTCATTTGCTTTGGAAGTTTTAATCTCTAACAGTGGACAAAGTTACCAGTG





CCTTAAACTCTGTTACACTTTTTGGAAGTGAAAACTTTGTAGTATGATAGGTTATTTTG





ATGTAAAGATGTTCTGGATACCATTATATGTTCCCCCTGTTTCAGAGGCTCAGATTGTA





ATATGTAAATGGTATGTCATTCGCTACTATGATTTAATTTGAAATATGGTCTTTTGGTT





ATGAATACTTTGCAGCACAGCTGAGAGGCTGTCTGTTGTATTCATTGTGGTCATAGCAC





CTAACAACATTGTAGCCTCAATCGAGTGAGACAGACTAGAAGTTCCTAGTGATGGCTTA





TGATAGCAAATGGCCTCATGTCAAATATTTAGATGTAATTTTGTGTAAGAAATACAGAC





TGGATGTACCACCAACTACTACCTGTAATGACAGGCCTGTCCAACACATCTCCCTTTTC





CATGACTGTGGTAGCCAGCATCGGAAAGAACGCTGATTTAAAGAGGTCGCTTGGGAATT





TTATTGACACAGTACCATTTAATGGGGAGGACAAAATGGGGCAGGGGAGGGAGAAGTTT





CTGTCGTTAAAAACAGATTTGGAAAGACTGGACTCTAAAGTCTGTTGATTAAAGATGAG





CTTTGTCTACTTCAAAAGTTTGTTTGCTTACCCCTTCAGCCTCCAATTTTTTAAGTGAA





AATATAGCTAATAACATGTGAAAAGAATAGAAGCTAAGGTTTAGATAAATATTGAGCAG





ATCTATAGGAAGATTGAACCTGAATATTGCCATTATGCTTGACATGGTTTCCAAAAAAT





GGTACTCCACATATTTCAGTGAGGGTAAGTATTTTCCTGTTGTCAAGAATAGCATTGTA





AAAGCATTTTGTAATAATAAAGAATAGCTTTAATGATATGCTTGTAACTAAAATAATTT





TGTAATGTATCAAATACATTTAAAACATTAAAATATAATCTCTATAATAA





Exemplary 3′ UTR Sequence


(SEQ ID NO: 68)



CGCATTGCCCAGTTGTTAGATTAAGAAATAGACAGCATGAGAGGGATGAGGCAACCCGT






GCTCAGCTGTCAAGGCTCAGTCGCTAGCATTTCCCAACACAAAGATTCTGACCTTAAAT





GCAACCATTTGAAACCCCTGTAGGCCTCAGGTGAAACTCCAGATGCCACAATGGAGCCT





CTGCTCCCCTAAAGCCTCAAAACAAAGGCCTAATTCTATGCCTGTCTTAATTTTCTTTC





ACTTAAGTTAGTTCCACTGAGACCCCAGGCTGTTAGGGGTTATTGGTGTAAGGTACTTT





CATATTTTAAACAGAGGATATCGGCATTTGTTTCTTTCTCTGAGGACAAGAGAAAAAAG





CCAGGTTCCACAGAGGACACAGAGAAGGTTTGGGTGTCCTCCTGGGGTTCTTTTTGCCA





ACTTTCCCCACGTTAAAGGTGAACATTGGTTCTTTCATTTGCTTTGGAAGTTTTAATCT





CTAACAGTGGACAAAGTTACCAGTGCCTTAAACTCTGTTACACTTTTTGGAAGTGAAAA





CTTTGTAGTATGATAGGTTATTTTGATGTAAAGATGTTCTGGATACCATTATATGTTCC





CCCTGTTTCAGAGGCTCAGATTGTAATATGTAAATGGTATGTCATTCGCTACTATGATT





TAATTTGAAATATGGTCTTTTGGTTATGAATACTTTGCAGCACAGCTGAGAGGCTGTCT





GTTGTATTCATTGTGGTCATAGCACCTAACAACATTGTAGCCTCAATCGAGTGAGACAG





ACTAGAAGTTCCTAGTGATGGCTTATGATAGCAAATGGCCTCATGTCAAATATTTAGAT





GTAATTTTGTGTAAGAAATACAGACTGGATGTACCACCAACTACTACCTGTAATGACAG





GCCTGTCCAACACATCTCCCTTTTCCATGACTGTGGTAGCCAGCATCGGAAAGAACGCT





GATTTAAAGAGGTCGCTTGGGAATTTTATTGACACAGTACCATTTAATGGGGAGGACAA





AATGGGGCAGGGGAGGGAGAAGTTTCTGTCGTTAAAAACAGATTTGGAAAGACTGGACT





CTAAAGTCTGTTGATTAAAGATGAGCTTTGTCTACTTCAAAAGTTTGTTTGCTTACCCC





TTCAGCCTCCAATTTTTTAAGTGAAAATATAGCTAATAACATGTGAAAAGAATAGAAGC





TAAGGTTTAGATAAATATTGAGCAGATCTATAGGAAGATTGAACCTGAATATTGCCATT





ATGCTTGAC





Exemplary 3′ UTR Sequence


(SEQ ID NO: 69)



GAGCTCAGTGTGAGTTCTACCATTGCCAAACTCGAGCAGTGAATTCTACCAGTGCCATA






GGATCCAGTGTGAGTTCTACCATTGCCAAAGGTACCCAGTGAATTCTACCAGTGCCATA





GTTAACCGCATTGCCCAGTTGTTAGATTAAGAAATAGACAGCATGAGAGGGATGAGGCA





ACCCGTGCTCAGCTGTCAAGGCTCAGTCGCTAGCATTTCCCAACACAAAGATTCTGACC





TTAAATGCAACCATTTGAAACCCCTGTAGGCCTCAGGTGAAACTCCAGATGCCACAATG





GAGCCTCTGCTCCCCTAAAGCCTCAAAACAAAGGCCTAATTCTATGCCTGTCTTAATTT





TCTTTCACTTAAGTTAGTTCCACTGAGACCCCAGGCTGTTAGGGGTTATTGGTGTAAGG





TACTTTCATATTTTAAACAGAGGATATCGGCATTTGTTTCTTTCTCTGAGGACAAGAGA





AAAAAGCCAGGTTCCACAGAGGACACAGAGAAGGTTTGGGTGTCCTCCTGGGGTTCTTT





TTGCCAACTTTCCCCACGTTAAAGGTGAACATTGGTTCTTTCATTTGCTTTGGAAGTTT





TAATCTCTAACAGTGGACAAAGTTACCAGTGCCTTAAACTCTGTTACACTTTTTGGAAG





TGAAAACTTTGTAGTATGATAGGTTATTTTGATGTAAAGATGTTCTGGATACCATTATA





TGTTCCCCCTGTTTCAGAGGCTCAGATTGTAATATGTAAATGGTATGTCATTCGCTACT





ATGATTTAATTTGAAATATGGTCTTTTGGTTATGAATACTTTGCAGCACAGCTGAGAGG





CTGTCTGTTGTATTCATTGTGGTCATAGCACCTAACAACATTGTAGCCTCAATCGAGTG





AGACAGACTAGAAGTTCCTAGTGATGGCTTATGATAGCAAATGGCCTCATGTCAAATAT





TTAGATGTAATTTTGTGTAAGAAATACAGACTGGATGTACCACCAACTACTACCTGTAA





TGACAGGCCTGTCCAACACATCTCCCTTTTCCATGACTGTGGTAGCCAGCATCGGAAAG





AACGCTGATTTAAAGAGGTCGCTTGGGAATTTTATTGACACAGTACCATTTAATGGGGA





GGACAAAATGGGGCAGGGGAGGGAGAAGTTTCTGTCGTTAAAAACAGATTTGGAAAGAC





TGGACTCTAAAGTCTGTTGATTAAAGATGAGCTTTGTCTACTTCAAAAGTTTGTTTGCT





TACCCCTTCAGCCTCCAATTTTTTAAGTGAAAATATAGCTAATAACATGTGAAAAGAAT





AGAAGCTAAGGTTTAGATAAATATTGAGCAGATCTATAGGAAGATTGAACCTGAATATT





GCCATTATGCTTGAC






Internal Ribosome Entry Sites (IRES)

In some aspects, a construct encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a therapeutic polypeptide, a Connexin 26 polypeptide) can include an internal ribosome entry site (IRES). An IRES forms a complex secondary structure that allows translation initiation to occur from any position with an mRNA immediately downstream from where the IRES is located (see, e.g., Pelletier and Sonenberg, Mol. Cell. Biol. 8(3):1103-1112, 1988).


There are several IRES sequences known to those in skilled in the art, including those from, e.g., foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV), encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV), human rhinovirus (HRV), cricket paralysis virus, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and poliovirus (PV). See e.g., Alberts, Molecular Biology of the Cell, Garland Science, 2002; and Hellen et al., Genes Dev. 15(13):1593-612, 2001, each of which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference.


In some aspects, the IRES sequence that is incorporated into a construct that encodes a polypeptide (e.g., a therapeutic polypeptide, a Connexin 26 polypeptide) is the foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV) 2A sequence. The Foot and Mouth Disease Virus 2A sequence is a small peptide (approximately 18 amino acids in length) that has been shown to mediate the cleavage of polyproteins (Ryan, M D et al., EMBO 4:928-933, 1994; Mattion et al., J Virology 70:8124-8127, 1996; Furler et al., Gene Therapy 8:864-873, 2001; and Halpin et al., Plant Journal 4:453-459, 1999, each of which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference). The cleavage activity of the 2A sequence has previously been demonstrated in artificial systems including plasmids and gene therapy constructs (AAV and retroviruses) (Ryan et al., EMBO 4:928-933, 1994; Mattion et al., J Virology 70:8124-8127, 1996; Furler et al., Gene Therapy 8:864-873, 2001; and Halpin et al., Plant Journal 4:453-459, 1999; de Felipe et al., Gene Therapy 6:198-208, 1999; de Felipe et al., Human Gene Therapy 11: 1921-1931, 2000; and Klump et al., Gene Therapy 8:811-817, 2001, each of which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference).


Splice Sites

In some aspects, any of the constructs provided herein can include splice donor and/or splice acceptor sequences, which are functional during RNA processing occurring during transcription. In some aspects, splice sites are involved in trans-splicing.









Exemplary splice donor intron


(SEQ ID NO: SEQ ID NO: 23)


GTAAGTATCAAGGTTACAAGACAGGTTTAAGGAGACCAATAGAAACTGG


GCTTGTCGAGACAGAGAAGACTCTTGCGTTTCT





Exemplary splice acceptor intron


(SEQ ID NO: SEQ ID NO: 24)


GATAGGCACCTATTGGTCTTACTGACATCCACTTTGCCTTTCTCTCCAC


AG






Polyadenylation Sequences

In some aspects, a construct provided herein can include a polyadenylation (poly(A)) signal sequence. Most nascent eukaryotic mRNAs possess a poly(A) tail at their 3′ end, which is added during a complex process that includes cleavage of the primary transcript and a coupled polyadenylation reaction driven by the poly(A) signal sequence (see, e.g., Proudfoot et al., Cell 108:501-512, 2002, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). A poly(A) tail confers mRNA stability and transferability (Molecular Biology of the Cell, Third Edition by B. Alberts et al., Garland Publishing, 1994, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). In some aspects, a poly(A) signal sequence is positioned 3′ to the coding sequence.


As used herein, “polyadenylation” refers to the covalent linkage of a polyadenylyl moiety, or its modified variant, to a messenger RNA molecule. In eukaryotic organisms, most messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules are polyadenylated at the 3′ end. A 3′ poly(A) tail is a long sequence of adenine nucleotides (e.g., 50, 60, 70, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, or 5000) added to the pre-mRNA through the action of an enzyme, polyadenylate polymerase. In some aspects, a poly(A) tail is added onto transcripts that contain a specific sequence, e.g., a polyadenylation (or poly(A)) signal. A poly(A) tail and associated proteins aid in protecting mRNA from degradation by exonucleases. Polyadenylation also plays a role in transcription termination, export of the mRNA from the nucleus, and translation. Polyadenylation typically occurs in the nucleus immediately after transcription of DNA into RNA, but also can occur later in the cytoplasm. After transcription has been terminated, an mRNA chain is cleaved through the action of an endonuclease complex associated with RNA polymerase. A cleavage site is usually characterized by the presence of the base sequence AAUAAA near the cleavage site. After the mRNA has been cleaved, adenosine residues are added to the free 3′ end at the cleavage site.


As used herein, a “poly(A) signal sequence” or “polyadenylation signal sequence” is a sequence that triggers the endonuclease cleavage of an mRNA and the addition of a series of adenosines to the 3′ end of the cleaved mRNA.


There are several poly(A) signal sequences that can be used, including those derived from bovine growth hormone (bGH) (Woychik et al., Proc. Natl. Acad Sci. USA. 81(13):3944-3948, 1984; U.S. Pat. No. 5,122,458, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety), mouse-β-globin, mouse-α-globin (Orkin et al., EMBO J 4(2):453-456, 1985; Thein et al., Blood 71(2):313-319, 1988, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety), human collagen, polyoma virus (Batt et al., Mol. Cell Biol. 15(9):4783-4790, 1995, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety), the Herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase gene (HSV TK), IgG heavy-chain gene polyadenylation signal (US 2006/0040354, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety), human growth hormone (hGH) (Szymanski et al., Mol. Therapy 15(7):1340-1347, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety), the group comprising a SV40 poly(A) site, such as the SV40 late and early poly(A) site (Schek et al., Mol. Cell Biol. 12(12):5386-5393, 1992, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety).


The poly(A) signal sequence can be AATAAA. The AATAAA sequence may be substituted with other hexanucleotide sequences with homology to AATAAA and that are capable of signaling polyadenylation, including ATTAAA, AGTAAA, CATAAA, TATAAA, GATAAA, ACTAAA, AATATA, AAGAAA, AATAAT, AAAAAA, AATGAA, AATCAA, AACAAA, AATCAA, AATAAC, AATAGA, AATTAA, or AATAAG (see, e.g., WO 06/12414, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety).


In some aspects, a poly(A) signal sequence can be a synthetic polyadenylation site (see, e.g., the pCl-neo expression construct of Promega that is based on Levitt el al., Genes Dev. 3(7):1019-1025, 1989, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). In some aspects, a poly(A) signal sequence is the polyadenylation signal of soluble neuropilin-1 (sNRP) (AAATAAAATACGAAATG; SEQ ID NO: 89) (see, e.g., WO 05/073384, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). In some aspects, a poly(A) signal sequence comprises or consists of the SV40 poly(A) site. In some aspects, a poly(A) signal comprises or consists of SEQ ID NO: 25. In some aspects, a poly(A) signal sequence comprises or consists of bGHpA. In some aspects, a poly(A) signal comprises or consists of SEQ ID NO: 26. Additional examples of poly(A) signal sequences are known in the art. In some aspects, a poly(A) sequence is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identical to the poly(A) sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 25.









Exemplary bGH poly(A) signal sequence


(SEQ ID NO: 25)


CTGTGCCTTCTAGTTGCCAGCCATCTGTTGTTTGCCCCTCCCCCGTGCC





TTCCTTGACCCTGGAAGGTGCCACTCCCACTGTCCTTTCCTAATAAAAT





GAGGAAATTGCATCGCATTGTCTGAGTAGGTGTCATTCTATTCTGGGGG





GTGGGGTGGGGCAGGACAGCAAGGGGGAGGATTGGGAAGACAATAGCAG





GCATGCTGGGGATGCGGTGGGCTCTATGG





Exemplary SV40 poly(A) signal sequence


(SEQ ID NO: 26)


AACTTGTTTATTGCAGCTTATAATGGTTACAAATAAAGCAATAGCATCA





CAAATTTCACAAATAAAGCATTTTTTTCACTGCATTCTAGTTGTGGTTT





GTCCAAACTCATCAATGTATCTTA






Additional Sequences

In some aspects, constructs of the present disclosure may include one or more filler sequences. In some aspects, filler sequences may function as regulatory elements, altering construct expression. In some such aspects, filler sequences may not be fully removed prior to manufacturing for administration to a subject. In some aspects, filler sequences may have functional roles including as linker sequences, as regulatory regions, or as stabilizing regions. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, filler sequences may vary significantly in primary sequence while retaining their desired function. In some aspects, constructs may contain any combination of filler sequences, exemplary filler sequences which may function as regulatory sequences are represented by SEQ ID NO: 128, or 129.


In some aspects, constructs of the present disclosure may comprise a T2A element or sequence. In some aspects, constructs of the present disclosure may include one or more cloning sites. In some such aspects, cloning sites may not be fully removed prior to manufacturing for administration to a subject. In some aspects, cloning sites may have functional roles including as linker sequences, portions of a Kozak site, or as sites encoding a stop codon. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, cloning sites may vary significantly in primary sequence while retaining their desired function. In some aspects, constructs may contain any combination of cloning sites, exemplary cloning sites are represented by SEQ ID NO: 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, or 85. In some aspects, constructs may contain additional cloning sites less than five nucleotides in length.










Exemplary Regulatory sequence C3



(SEQ ID NO: 128)



CTTCTTCTGGAGTCTTTTCTGGAATAATTCTGGGAGTGGGCTCAGCCTGCGGGAGAGTA






ACATTTTTATAACTTGATAGATGTAGCTGAGATGCCTCCCAGAGGGGAGACCCGCCTCT





CCTCCGGCAGCTGTGCACGTAGGCTTGTTCCCAGCAGCCTGGCCAGGGTGGTCCACCTG





GTGTTTCTCATCTTCTTTCCCCGGAGCGCTGACTCCTGCGCGTCCTCTTGGAAGACTCT





TGACAGGACGGGTGTTTTATGGGTGTGATTCAGTGTCCTCTTGCATCAGTTCAATGTGG





TGGTGTTCAATCAACCCTTGTAGCGTTAGCAAAATTTGCTCAAGTCATTCCGCAGGAAT





GTCTGTGTCTTGCTTCCAAGAAAGCTTGTAAGTGCCGGCAACAGGCCAAGCAGCTCACA





AACCTGACCACAAGCCTGTGAGTAATTGTGGGGCAGCACTTAGCAGTCTTTTATTTTCG





ACTTATTAAAGTCTCATCTTGGCCTCACCTTCTCCCTGGAAGGTGGCGTGGGTGGGAAC





CACTGGGTCAGATCTTTTTCACCCTTGCCGTGGAGCCAGTTTCCTGTTGCATGTGGGGG





AAGCAACATGTGGTGAAGAGTATAGAAAACGAAAACATGTGGGTACAGTATGTATAAGT





GGAGGGAACAAACTCATAATTCCAACTAGTTTCTCATGAGAGACTCATGAATCATTGTG





GTAGTTCTCAATATAAACTTAATCTAGGCCGGATGTGGTGGCTCACACCTGTAATCTCA





GCACTCTGGGTGGATCACTTGAGGTCAGGAGTTTGAGACCAGTCTGACCAACATGGAGA





AACCCCATCGCTACTAAAAATACAAAATTATCCAGATGTGGTGGCTCACACCTGTAATC





CCAGCACTTTGGGAGGCTGAGGCGGGTGGATCACTTGAGGTCAGGAGTTTGAGACCAGC





CTGACCAACATGGAGAAACTGTGTCTCTACTAAAAATACAAAATTAGCTGGGCGTGGTG





ACGCATGCCTGTAATCCCAGCTATTTGGAGGCCGAAGCAGG





Exemplary Regulatory sequence D7


(SEQ ID NO: 129)



CTTCTTCTGGAGTCTTTTCTGGAATAATTCTGGGAGTGGGCTCAGCCTGCGGGAGAGTA






ACATTTTTATAACTTGATAGATGTAGCTGAGATGCCTCCCAGAGGGGAGACCCGCCTCT





CCTCCGGCAGCTGTGCACGTAGGCTTGTTCCCAGCAGCCTGGCCAGGGTGGTCCACCTG





GTGTTTCTCATCTTCTTTCCCCGGAGCGCTGACTCCTGCGCGTCCTCTTGGAAGACTCT





TGACAGGACGGGTGTTTTATGGGTGTGATTCAGTGTCCTCTTGCATCAGTTCAATGTGG





TGGTGTTCAATCAACCCTTGTAGCGTTAGCAAAATTTGCTCAAGTCATTCCGCAGGAAT





GTCTGTGTCTTGCTTCCAAGAAAGCTTGTAAGTGCCGGCAACAGGCCAAGCAGCTCACA





AACCTGACCACAAGCCTGTGAGTAATTGTGGGGCAGCACTTAGCAGTCTTTTATTTTCG





ACTTATTAAAGTCTCATCTTGGCCTCACCTTCTCCCTGGAAGGTGGCGTGGGTGGGAAC





CACTGGGTCAGATCTTTTTCACCCTTGCCGTGGAGCCAGTTTCCTGTTGCATGTGGGGG





AAGCAACATGTGGTGAAGAGTATAGAAAACGAAAACATGTGGGTACAGTATGTATAAGT





GGAGGGAACAAACTCATAATTCCAACTAGTTTCTCATGAGAGACTCATGAATCATTGTG





GTAGTTCTCAATATAAACTTAATCTAGGCCGGATGTGGTGGCTCACACCTGTAATCTCA





GCACTCTGGGTGGATCACTTGAGGTCAGGAGTTTGAGACCAGTCTGACCAACATGGAGA





AACCCCATCGCTACTAAAAATACAAAATTATCCAGATGTGGTGGCTCACACCTGTAATC





CCAGCACTTTGGGAGGCTGAGGCGGGTGGATCACTTGAGGTCAGGAGTTTGAGACCAGC





CTGACCAACATGGAGAAACTGTGTCTCTACTAAAAATACAAAATTAGCTGGGCGTGGTG





ACGCATGCCTGTAATCCCAGCTATTTGGAGGCCGAAGCAGG





Exemplary cloning site A


(SEQ ID NO: 29)



TTGTCGACGCGGCCGCACGCGT






Exemplary cloning site B


(SEQ ID NO: 30)



CTCCTGGGCAACGTGCTGGTTATTGTGACCGGTGCCACC






Exemplary cloning site C


(SEQ ID NO: 31)



TAAGAGCTCGCTGATCAGCCTCGA






Exemplary cloning site D


(SEQ ID NO: 32)



AAGCTTGAATTCAGCTGACGTGCCTCGGACCGCCTAGG






Exemplary cloning site E


(SEQ ID NO: 33)



TAAGAGCTC






Exemplary cloning site F


(SEQ ID NO: 34)



GCTGATCAGCCTCGA






Exemplary cloning site G


(SEQ ID NO: 35)



GGCATTCCGGTACTGTTGGTAAAGCCACCAGCAAACCGCCCAGAGTAGAAGACCGGTGG






CCACC





Exemplary cloning site H


(SEQ ID NO: 36)



AAGCTTGAATTC






Exemplary cloning site I


(SEQ ID NO: 37)



AGCTGACGTGCCTCGGACCGCCTAGG






Exemplary cloning site J


(SEQ ID NO: 70)



GCGGCCGCACGCGT






Exemplary cloning site K


(SEQ ID NO: 71)



GCGGCCGCACGCGTGGT






Exemplary cloning site L


(SEQ ID NO: 72)



CTCCTGGGCAACGTGCTGGTTATTGTGACCGGT






Exemplary cloning site M


(SEQ ID NO: 73)



CGCTAGCCACC






Exemplary cloning site N


(SEQ ID NO: 74)



ACCGGTCGCTAGCCACC






Exemplary cloning site O


(SEQ ID NO: 75)



GAGCTCGCTGATCAGCCTCGA






Exemplary cloning site P


(SEQ ID NO: 76)



AAGCTTGAATTCAGCTGACGTGCCTCGGACCGCT






Exemplary cloning site Q


(SEQ ID NO: 85)



CTCACCGGT






Exemplary linker sequence


(SEQ ID NO: 77)



GGATCCCGGGCT







Reporter Sequences, Elements, or Reporter Polypeptides

In some aspects, constructs provided herein can optionally include a sequence encoding a reporter polypeptide and/or protein (“a reporter sequence”). Non-limiting examples of reporter sequences include DNA sequences encoding: a beta-lactamase, a beta-galactosidase (LacZ), an alkaline phosphatase, a thymidine kinase, a green fluorescent protein (GFP), a red fluorescent protein, an mCherry fluorescent protein, a yellow fluorescent protein, a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT), FLAG, and a luciferase. Additional examples of reporter sequences are known in the art. Non-limiting examples of reporter polypeptides include a beta-lactamase, a beta-galactosidase (LacZ), an alkaline phosphatase, a thymidine kinase, a green fluorescent protein (GFP), a red fluorescent protein, an mCherry fluorescent protein, a yellow fluorescent protein, a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT), FLAG, and a luciferase. When associated with control elements which drive their expression, the reporter sequence can provide signals detectable by conventional means, including enzymatic, radiographic, colorimetric, fluorescence, or other spectrographic assays; fluorescent activating cell sorting (FACS) assays; immunological assays (e.g., enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), radioimmunoassay (RIA), and immunohistochemistry).


In some aspects, a reporter sequence is the LacZ gene, and the presence of a construct carrying the LacZ gene in a mammalian cell (e.g., a cochlear hair cell) is detected by assays for beta-galactosidase activity. When the reporter polypeptide is a fluorescent protein (e.g., green fluorescent protein) or luciferase, the presence of a construct carrying the fluorescent protein or luciferase in a mammalian cell (e.g., a cochlear hair cell) may be measured by fluorescent techniques (e.g., fluorescent microscopy or FACS) or light production in a luminometer (e.g., a spectrophotometer or an IVIS imaging instrument). In some aspects, a reporter sequence can be used to verify the tissue-specific targeting capabilities and tissue-specific promoter regulatory and/or control activity of any of the constructs described herein. In some aspects, a reporter polypeptide can be used to verify the tissue-specific targeting capabilities and tissue-specific promoter regulatory and/or control activity of any of the constructs described herein.


In some aspects, a reporter sequence is a FLAG tag (e.g., a 3×FLAG tag), and the presence of a construct carrying the FLAG tag in a mammalian cell (e.g., an inner ear cell, e.g., a cochlear hair or supporting cell) is detected by protein binding or detection assays (e.g., Western blots, immunohistochemistry, radioimmunoassay (RIA), mass spectrometry). An exemplary 3×FLAG tag sequence is provided as SEQ ID NO: 42.









Exemplary 3xFLAG tag sequence


(SEQ ID NO: 42)


GGATCCCGGGCTGACTACAAAGACCATGACGGTGATTATAAAGATCATG


ACATCGACTACAAGGATGACGATGACAAG





Exemplary 3xFLAG tag sequence with stop codon


(SEQ ID NO: 81)


GACTACAAAGACCATGACGGTGATTATAAAGATCATGACATCGACTACA


AGGATGACGATGACAAGTAA





Exemplary barcode tag


(SEQ ID NO: 62)


GTGTCACC





Exemplary barcode tag


(SEQ ID NO: 55)


CACAACCT





Exemplary barcode tag


(SEQ ID NO: 27)


CGTGTGTT





Exemplary barcode tag


(SEQ ID NO: 41)


TCGTGGGT





Exemplary barcode tag


(SEQ ID NO: 39)


GCAAACTG





Exemplary barcode tag


(SEQ ID NO: 108)


CCTACGCT





Exemplary barcode tag


(SEQ ID NO: 109)


GCCAAAGC





Exemplary barcode tag


(SEQ ID NO: 110)


CCATCCAC





Exemplary barcode tag


(SEQ ID NO: 111)


CCCGTTCT





Exemplary barcode tag


(SEQ ID NO: 112)


TTCACTGG





Exemplary barcode tag


(SEQ ID NO: 113)


ATACTCTC





Exemplary barcode tag


(SEQ ID NO: 114)


GGCACTTC





Exemplary barcode tag


(SEQ ID NO: 115)


TTTCAGGT






AAV Capsids

The present disclosure provides one or more polynucleotide constructs packaged into an AAV capsid. In some aspects, an AAV capsid is from or derived from an AAV capsid of an AAV2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, rh8, rh10, rh39, rh43, AAV2-tYF, AAV2-P2V2, AAV2-P2V3, AAV2-MeBtYFTV, AAV2-MeB, AAV2-P2V6, AAV2-DGEDF, or Anc80 serotype, or one or more hybrids thereof. In some aspects, an AAV capsid is from an AAV ancestral serotype. In some aspects, an AAV capsid is an ancestral (Anc) AAV capsid. An Anc capsid is created from a construct sequence that is constructed using evolutionary probabilities and evolutionary modeling to determine a probable ancestral sequence. Thus, an Anc capsid/construct sequence is not known to have existed in nature. For example, in some aspects, an AAV capsid is an Anc80 capsid (e.g., an Anc80L65 capsid). In some aspects, an AAV capsid is created using a template nucleotide coding sequence comprising SEQ ID NO: 43. In some aspects, the capsid comprises a polypeptide represented by SEQ ID NO: 44. In some aspects, the capsid comprises a polypeptide with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identical to the polypeptide represented by SEQ ID NO: 44.


As provided herein, any combination of AAV capsids and AAV constructs (e.g., comprising AAV ITRs) may be used in recombinant AAV (rAAV) particles of the present disclosure. For example, wild-type or variant AAV2 ITRs and Anc80 capsid (e.g., an Anc80L65 capsid), wild-type or variant AAV2 ITRs and AAV6 capsid, etc. In some aspects of the present disclosure, an AAV particle is wholly comprised of AAV2 components (e.g., capsid and ITRs are AAV2 serotype). In some aspects, an AAV particle is an AAV2/6, AAV2/8 or AAV2/9 particle (e.g., an AAV6, AAV8 or AAV9 capsid with an AAV construct having AAV2 ITRs). In some aspects of the present disclosure, an AAV particle is an AAV2/Anc80 particle that comprises an Anc80 capsid (e.g., comprising a polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 44) that encapsidates an AAV construct with AAV2 ITRs (e.g., SEQ ID NOs: 8 and 9) flanking a portion of a coding sequence, for example, a nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide (e.g., a therapeutic polypeptide, a Connexin 26 polypeptide). Other AAV particles are known in the art and are described in, e.g., Sharma et al., Brain Res Bull. 2010 Feb. 15; 81(2-3): 273, which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference. In some aspects, a capsid sequence is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identical to a capsid nucleotide or amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 43 or 44, respectively.










Exemplary AAV Anc80 Capsid DNA Sequence



(SEQ ID NO: 43)



ATGGCTGCCGATGGTTATCTTCCAGATTGGCTCGAGGACAACCTCTCTGAGGGCATTCG






CGAGTGGTGGGACTTGAAACCTGGAGCCCCGAAACCCAAAGCCAACCAGCAAAAGCAGG





ACGACGGCCGGGGTCTGGTGCTTCCTGGCTACAAGTACCTCGGACCCTTCAACGGACTC





GACAAGGGGGAGCCCGTCAACGCGGCGGACGCAGCGGCCCTCGAGCACGACAAGGCCTA





CGACCAGCAGCTCAAAGCGGGTGACAATCCGTACCTGCGGTATAACCACGCCGACGCCG





AGTTTCAGGAGCGTCTGCAAGAAGATACGTCTTTTGGGGGCAACCTCGGGCGAGCAGTC





TTCCAGGCCAAGAAGCGGGTTCTCGAACCTCTCGGTCTGGTTGAGGAAGGCGCTAAGAC





GGCTCCTGGAAAGAAGAGACCGGTAGAGCAATCACCCCAGGAACCAGACTCCTCTTCGG





GCATCGGCAAGAAAGGCCAGCAGCCCGCGAAGAAGAGACTCAACTTTGGGCAGACAGGC





GACTCAGAGTCAGTGCCCGACCCTCAACCACTCGGAGAACCCCCCGCAGCCCCCTCTGG





TGTGGGATCTAATACAATGGCAGCAGGCGGTGGCGCTCCAATGGCAGACAATAACGAAG





GCGCCGACGGAGTGGGTAACGCCTCAGGAAATTGGCATTGCGATTCCACATGGCTGGGC





GACAGAGTCATCACCACCAGCACCCGAACCTGGGCCCTCCCCACCTACAACAACCACCT





CTACAAGCAAATCTCCAGCCAATCGGGAGCAAGCACCAACGACAACACCTACTTCGGCT





ACAGCACCCCCTGGGGGTATTTTGACTTTAACAGATTCCACTGCCACTTCTCACCACGT





GACTGGCAGCGACTCATCAACAACAACTGGGGATTCCGGCCCAAGAGACTCAACTTCAA





GCTCTTCAACATCCAGGTCAAGGAGGTCACGACGAATGATGGCACCACGACCATCGCCA





ATAACCTTACCAGCACGGTTCAGGTCTTTACGGACTCGGAATACCAGCTCCCGTACGTC





CTCGGCTCTGCGCACCAGGGCTGCCTGCCTCCGTTCCCGGCGGACGTCTTCATGATTCC





TCAGTACGGGTACCTGACTCTGAACAATGGCAGTCAGGCCGTGGGCCGTTCCTCCTTCT





ACTGCCTGGAGTACTTTCCTTCTCAAATGCTGAGAACGGGCAACAACTTTGAGTTCAGC





TACACGTTTGAGGACGTGCCTTTTCACAGCAGCTACGCGCACAGCCAAAGCCTGGACCG





GCTGATGAACCCCCTCATCGACCAGTACCTGTACTACCTGTCTCGGACTCAGACCACGA





GTGGTACCGCAGGAAATCGGACGTTGCAATTTTCTCAGGCCGGGCCTAGTAGCATGGCG





AATCAGGCCAAAAACTGGCTACCCGGGCCCTGCTACCGGCAGCAACGCGTCTCCAAGAC





AGCGAATCAAAATAACAACAGCAACTTTGCCTGGACCGGTGCCACCAAGTATCATCTGA





ATGGCAGAGACTCTCTGGTAAATCCCGGTCCCGCTATGGCAACCCACAAGGACGACGAA





GACAAATTTTTTCCGATGAGCGGAGTCTTAATATTTGGGAAACAGGGAGCTGGAAATAG





CAACGTGGACCTTGACAACGTTATGATAACCAGTGAGGAAGAAATTAAAACCACCAACC





CAGTGGCCACAGAACAGTACGGCACGGTGGCCACTAACCTGCAATCGTCAAACACCGCT





CCTGCTACAGGGACCGTCAACAGTCAAGGAGCCTTACCTGGCATGGTCTGGCAGAACCG





GGACGTGTACCTGCAGGGTCCTATCTGGGCCAAGATTCCTCACACGGACGGACACTTTC





ATCCCTCGCCGCTGATGGGAGGCTTTGGACTGAAACACCCGCCTCCTCAGATCCTGATT





AAGAATACACCTGTTCCCGCGAATCCTCCAACTACCTTCAGTCCAGCTAAGTTTGCGTC





GTTCATCACGCAGTACAGCACCGGACAGGTCAGCGTGGAAATTGAATGGGAGCTGCAGA





AAGAAAACAGCAAACGCTGGAACCCAGAGATTCAATACACTTCCAACTACAACAAATCT





ACAAATGTGGACTTTGCTGTTGACACAAATGGCGTTTATTCTGAGCCTCGCCCCATCGG





CACCCGTTACCTCACCCGTAATCTG





Exemplary AAV Anc80 Capsid Amino Acid Sequence


(SEQ ID NO: 44)



MAADGYLPDWLEDNLSEGIREWWDLKPGAPKPKANQQKQDDGRGLVLPGYKYLGPFNGL






DKGEPVNAADAAALEHDKAYDQQLKAGDNPYLRYNHADAEFQERLQEDTSFGGNLGRAV





FQAKKRVLEPLGLVEEGAKTAPGKKRPVEQSPQEPDSSSGIGKKGQQPAKKRLNFGQTG





DSESVPDPQPLGEPPAAPSGVGSNTMAAGGGAPMADNNEGADGVGNASGNWHCDSTWLG





DRVITTSTRTWALPTYNNHLYKQISSQSGASTNDNTYFGYSTPWGYFDFNRFHCHFSPR





DWQRLINNNWGFRPKRLNFKLFNIQVKEVTTNDGTTTIANNLTSTVQVFTDSEYQLPYV





LGSAHQGCLPPFPADVFMIPQYGYLTLNNGSQAVGRSSFYCLEYFPSQMLRTGNNFEFS





YTFEDVPFHSSYAHSQSLDRLMNPLIDQYLYYLSRTQTTSGTAGNRTLQFSQAGPSSMA





NQAKNWLPGPCYRQQRVSKTANQNNNSNFAWTGATKYHLNGRDSLVNPGPAMATHKDDE





DKFFPMSGVLIFGKQGAGNSNVDLDNVMITSEEEIKTTNPVATEQYGTVATNLQSSNTA





PATGTVNSQGALPGMVWQNRDVYLQGPIWAKIPHTDGHFHPSPLMGGFGLKHPPPQILI





KNTPVPANPPTTFSPAKFASFITQYSTGQVSVEIEWELQKENSKRWNPEIQYTSNYNKS





TNVDFAVDTNGVYSEPRPIGTRYLTRNL






Compositions

Among other things, the present disclosure provides compositions. In some aspects, a composition comprises a construct as described herein. In some aspects, a composition comprises one or more constructs as described herein. In some aspects, a composition comprises a plurality of constructs as described herein. In some aspects, when more than one construct is included in the composition, the constructs are each different.


In some aspects, a composition comprises an AAV particle as described herein. In some aspects, a composition comprises one or more AAV particles as described herein. In some aspects, a composition comprises a plurality of AAV particles. In come aspects, when more than one AAV particle is included in the composition, the AAV particles are each different.


In some aspects, a composition comprises a vector as described herein.


In some aspects, a composition comprises a cell.


In some aspects, a composition is or comprises a pharmaceutical composition. In some aspects, the pharmaceutic composition comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In some aspects, a composition is or comprises a synthetic perilymph solution. In some aspects, a synthetic perilymph solution comprises 20-200 mM NaCl; 1-5 mM KCl; 0.1-10 mM CaCl2); 1-10 mM glucose; and 2-50 mM HEPES, with a pH between about 6 and about 9.


Dosing and Volume of Administration

In some aspects, a composition disclosed herein, e.g., one or a plurality of AAV vectors disclosed herein, is administered as a single dose or as a plurality of doses.


In some aspects, a composition disclosed herein is administered as a single dose. In some aspects, a composition disclosed herein is administered as a plurality of doses, e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 doses.


In some aspects, a composition disclosed herein (e.g., a composition comprising one or a plurality of rAAV constructs disclosed herein) is administered at a volume of about 0.01 mL, about 0.02 mL, about 0.03 mL, about 0.04 mL, about 0.05 mL, about 0.06 mL, about 0.07 mL, about 0.08 mL, about 0.09 mL, about 1.00 mL, about 1.10 mL, about 1.20 mL, about 1.30 mL, about 1.40 mL, about 1.50 mL, about 1.60 mL, about 1.70 mL, about 1.80 mL, about 1.90 mL, or about 2.00 mL. In some aspects, a composition disclosed herein is administered at a volume of about 0.01 mL. In some aspects, a composition disclosed herein is administered at a volume of about 0.02 mL. In some aspects, a composition disclosed herein is administered at a volume of about 0.03 mL. In some aspects, a composition disclosed herein is administered at a volume of about 0.04 mL. In some aspects, a composition disclosed herein is administered at a volume of about 0.05 mL. In some aspects, a composition disclosed herein is administered at a volume of about 0.06 mL. In some aspects, a composition disclosed herein is administered at a volume of about 0.07 mL. In some aspects, a composition disclosed herein is administered at a volume of about 0.08 mL. In some aspects, a composition disclosed herein is administered at a volume of about 0.09 mL. In some aspects, a composition disclosed herein is administered at a volume of about 1.00 mL. In some aspects, a composition disclosed herein is administered at a volume of about 1.10 mL. In some aspects, a composition disclosed herein is administered at a volume of about 1.20 mL. In some aspects, a composition disclosed herein is administered at a volume of about 1.30 mL. In some aspects, a composition disclosed herein is administered at a volume of about 1.40 mL. In some aspects, a composition disclosed herein is administered at a volume of about 1.50 mL. In some aspects, a composition disclosed herein is administered at a volume of about 1.60 mL. In some aspects, a composition disclosed herein is administered at a volume of about 1.70 mL. In some aspects, a composition disclosed herein is administered at a volume of about 1.80 mL. In some aspects, a composition disclosed herein is administered at a volume of about 1.90 mL. In some aspects, a composition disclosed herein is administered at a volume of about 2.00 mL.


In some aspects, a composition disclosed herein (e.g., a composition comprising one or a plurality of rAAV constructs disclosed herein) is administered at a volume of about 0.01 to 2.00 mL, about 0.02 to 1.90 mL, about 0.03 to 1.8 mL, about 0.04 to 1.70 mL, about 0.05 to 1.60 mL, about 0.06 to 1.50 mL, about 0.06 to 1.40 mL, about 0.07 to 1.30 mL, about 0.08 to 1.20 mL, or about 0.09 to 1.10 mL. In some aspects a composition disclosed herein (e.g., a composition comprising one or a plurality of rAAV constructs disclosed herein) is administered at a volume of about 0.01 to 2.00 mL, about 0.02 to 2.00 mL, about 0.03 to 2.00 mL, about 0.04 to 2.00 mL, about 0.05 to 2.00 mL, about 0.06 to 2.00 mL, about 0.07 to 2.00 mL, about 0.08 to 2.00 mL, about 0.09 to 2.00 mL, about 0.01 to 1.90 mL, about 0.01 to 1.80 mL, about 0.01 to 1.70 mL, about 0.01 to 1.60 mL, about 0.01 to 1.50 mL, about 0.01 to 1.40 mL, about 0.01 to 1.30 mL, about 0.01 to 1.20 mL, about 0.01 to 1.10 mL, about 0.01 to 1.00 mL, about 0.01 to 0.09 mL.


In some aspects, a dosing regimen comprises delivery in a volume of at least 0.01 mL, at least 0.02 mL, at least 0.03 mL, at least 0.04 mL, at least 0.05 mL, at least 0.06 mL, at least 0.07 mL, at least 0.08 mL, at least 0.09 mL, at least 0.10 mL, at least 0.11 mL, at least 0.12 mL, at least 0.13 mL, at least 0.14 mL, at least 0.15 mL, at least 0.16 mL, at least 0.17 mL, at least 0.18 mL, at least 0.19 mL, or at least 0.20 mL per cochlea. In some aspects, a dosing regimen comprises delivery in a volume of at most 0.30 mL, at most 0.25 mL, at most 0.20 mL, at most 0.15 mL, at most 0.14 mL, at most 0.13 mL, at most 0.12 mL, at most 0.11 mL, at most 0.10 mL, at most 0.09 mL, at most 0.08 mL, at most 0.07 mL, at most 0.06 mL, or at most 0.05 mL per cochlea. In some aspects, the dosing regimen comprises delivery in a volume of about 0.05 mL, about 0.06 mL, about 0.07 mL, about 0.08 mL, about 0.09 mL, about 0.10 mL, about 0.11 mL, about 0.12 mL, about 0.13 mL, about 0.14 mL, or about 0.15 mL per cochlea, depending on the population.


Single AAV Construct Compositions

In some aspects, the present disclosure provides compositions or systems comprising AAV particles comprised of a single construct. In some such aspects, a single construct may deliver a polynucleotide that encodes a functional (e.g., wild-type or otherwise functional, e.g., codon optimized) polypeptide (e.g., a therapeutic polypeptide, a Connexin 26 polypeptide). In some aspects, a construct is or comprises an rAAV construct. In some aspects described herein, a single rAAV construct is capable of expressing a polypeptide (e.g., a therapeutic polypeptide, a Connexin 26 polypeptide) thereof in a target cell (e.g., an inner ear supporting cell).


In some aspects, a single construct composition or system may comprise any or all of the exemplary construct components described herein. In some aspects, the, the construct comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NOs: 45-51, 82-84, 88, or 100-107. In some aspects, the, the construct comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 82. In some aspects, an exemplary single construct is represented by SEQ ID NO: 82. In some aspects, the, the construct comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 83. In some aspects, an exemplary single construct is represented by SEQ ID NO: 83. In some aspects, the, the construct comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 84. In some aspects, an exemplary single construct is represented by SEQ ID NO: 84. In some aspects, the, the construct comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 87. In some aspects, an exemplary single construct is represented by SEQ ID NO: 87.


In some aspects, the construct comprises the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 54. In some aspects, the, the construct comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 54. In some aspects, the construct comprises the nucleic acid sequence of nucleotides 12-4754 of SEQ ID NO: 54. In some aspects, the, the construct comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to 12-4754 of SEQ ID NO: 54.


In some aspects, the construct comprises the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17. In some aspects, the, the construct comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 17. In some aspects, the construct comprises nucleotides 12-4338 of SEQ ID NO: 17. In some aspects, the, the construct comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to nucleotides 12-4338 of SEQ ID NO: 17.


In some aspects, the construct comprises the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7. In some aspects, the, the construct comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 7. [0363]. In some aspects, the construct comprises nucleotides 12-4557 of SEQ ID NO: 7. In some aspects, the, the construct comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity nucleotides 12-4557 of SEQ ID NO: 7.


In some aspects, the construct comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 61. In some aspects, the construct comprises the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 61. In some aspects, the construct comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to nucleotides 12-4429 of SEQ ID NO: 61. In some aspects, the construct comprises the nucleic acid sequence of nucleotides 12-4429 of SEQ ID NO: 61.


In some aspects, the construct comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 38. In some aspects, the construct comprises the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 38. In some aspects, the construct comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to nucleotides 12-3976 of SEQ ID NO: 38. In some aspects, the construct comprises the nucleic acid sequence of nucleotides 12-3976 of SEQ ID NO: 38.


In some aspects, the construct comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 100. In some aspects, the construct comprises SEQ ID NO: 100. In some aspects, the construct comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to nucleotides 12-4645 of SEQ ID NO: 100. In some aspects, the construct comprises nucleotides 12-4645 of SEQ ID NO: 100.


In some aspects, the construct comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 101. In some aspects, the construct comprises SEQ ID NO: 101. In some aspects, the construct comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to nucleotides 12-4708 of SEQ ID NO: 101. In some aspects, the construct comprises nucleotides 12-4708 SEQ ID NO: 101.


In some aspects, the construct comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 102. In some aspects, the construct comprises SEQ ID NO: 102. In some aspects, the construct comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to nucleotides 12-4993 of SEQ ID NO: 102. In some aspects, the construct comprises nucleotides 12-4993 of SEQ ID NO: 102.


In some aspects, the construct comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 103. In some aspects, the construct comprises SEQ ID NO: 103. In some aspects, the construct comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to nucleotides 12-4496 of SEQ ID NO: 103. In some aspects, the construct comprises nucleotides 12-4496 of SEQ ID NO: 103.


In some aspects, the construct comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 104 In some aspects, the construct comprises SEQ ID NO: 104. In some aspects, the construct comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to nucleotides 12-4253 of SEQ ID NO: 104 In some aspects, the construct comprises nucleotides 12-4253 of SEQ ID NO: 104.


In some aspects, the construct comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 105. In some aspects, the construct comprises SEQ ID NO: 105. In some aspects, the construct comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to nucleotides 12-4320 of SEQ ID NO: 105. In some aspects, the construct comprises nucleotides 12-4320 SEQ ID NO: 105.


In some aspects, the construct comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 106. In some aspects, the construct comprises SEQ ID NO: 106. In some aspects, the construct comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to nucleotides 12-4464 of SEQ ID NO: 106. In some aspects, the construct comprises nucleotides 12-4464 of SEQ ID NO: 106.


In some aspects, the construct comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 107 In some aspects, the construct comprises SEQ ID NO: 107. In some aspects, the construct comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to nucleotides 12-4328 of SEQ ID NO: 107 In some aspects, the construct comprises nucleotides 12-4328 of SEQ ID NO: 107.


One skilled in the art would recognize that constructs may undergo additional modifications including codon-optimization, introduction of novel but functionally equivalent (e.g., silent mutations), addition of reporter sequences, and/or other routine modification.


In some aspects, an exemplary rAAVAnc80 particle comprises a construct represented by SEQ ID NO: 82.


In one aspect, an exemplary construct comprises: a 5′ ITR exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 52, optionally a cloning site exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 70, a CAG enhancer/promoter exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 14, optionally a cloning site exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 72, a GJB2 5′UTR sequence exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 66, optionally a cloning site exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 73, a GJB2 coding region, a linker sequence exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 77, a FLAG sequence with stop codon exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 81, a 3′ UTR exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 67, optionally a cloning site exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 75, a poly(A) site exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 25, optionally a cloning site exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 76, and a 3′ ITR exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 53.


In some aspects, an exemplary rAAVAnc80 particle comprises a construct represented by SEQ ID NO: 83.


In one aspect, an exemplary construct comprises: a 5′ ITR exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 52, optionally a cloning site exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 70, a CMV/CBA enhancer/promoter exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 12, a chimeric intron exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 64, optionally a cloning site exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 72, a GJB2 5′UTR sequence exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 66, optionally a cloning site exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 73, a GJB2 coding region, a linker sequence exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 77, optionally a FLAG sequence with stop codon exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 81, a 3′ UTR exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 67, optionally a cloning site exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 75, a poly(A) site exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 25, optionally a cloning site exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 76, and a 3′ ITR exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 53.


In some aspects, an exemplary rAAVAnc80 particle comprises a construct represented by SEQ ID NO: 84.


In one aspect, an exemplary construct comprises: a 5′ ITR exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 52, optionally a cloning site exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 70, a CMV enhancer exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 63, a human GJB2 promoter exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 61, optionally a cloning site exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 72, a GJB2 5′UTR sequence exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 66, optionally a cloning site exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 73, a GJB2 coding region, a linker sequence exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 77, optionally a FLAG sequence with stop codon exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 81, a 3′ UTR exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 67, optionally a cloning site exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 75, a poly(A) site exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 25, optionally a cloning site exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 76, and a 3′ ITR exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 53.


In some aspects, an exemplary rAAVAnc80 particle comprises a construct represented by SEQ ID NO: 87.


In one aspect, an exemplary construct comprises: a 5′ ITR exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 52, optionally a cloning site exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 70, a human GFAP enhancer-promoter exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 62, optionally a cloning site exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 72, a GJB2 5′UTR sequence exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 66, optionally a cloning site exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 73, a GJB2 coding region, a linker sequence exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 77, optionally a FLAG sequence with stop codon exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 81, a destabilization domain exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 80, a 3′ UTR exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 68, optionally a cloning site exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 34, a poly(A) site exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 25, optionally a cloning site exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 76, and a 3′ ITR exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 53.


In some aspects, the rAAVAnc80 particle comprises a construct comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 61.


In one aspect, the construct comprises a 5′ ITR comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 52, optionally a cloning site comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 71, a GDF6 promoter sequence comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 90; a hGJB2 minimal promoter comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 86, optionally a cloning site comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 85; optionally a synthetic barcode comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 62; a 5′UTR sequence comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 66, a GJB2 coding region, a linker sequence exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 77, optionally a FLAG sequence with stop codon comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 81, a 3′ UTR comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 67, a poly(A) comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 25, optionally a cloning site comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 76, and a 3′ ITR comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 53.


In some aspects, the rAAVAnc80 particle comprises a construct comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 54.


In one aspect, the construct comprises a 5′ ITR comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 52, optionally a cloning site comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 71, a IGFBP2 promoter sequence comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 57; a hGJB2 minimal promoter comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 86, optionally a cloning site comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 85; optionally a synthetic barcode comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 55; a 5′UTR sequence comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 66, a GJB2 coding region comp, a linker sequence exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 77, optionally a FLAG sequence with stop codon comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 81, a 3′ UTR comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 67, a poly(A) comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 25, optionally a cloning site comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 76, and a 3′ ITR comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 53.


In some aspects, the rAAVAnc80 particle comprises a construct comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17.


In one aspect, the construct comprises a 5′ ITR comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 52, optionally a cloning site comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 71, a RBP7 promoter sequence comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 28; a hGJB2 minimal promoter comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 86, optionally a cloning site comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 85; optionally a synthetic barcode comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 27; a 5′UTR sequence comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 66, a GJB2 coding region, a linker sequence exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 77, optionally a FLAG sequence with stop codon comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 81, a 3′ UTR comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 67, a poly(A) comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 25, optionally a cloning site comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 76, and a 3′ ITR comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 53.


In some aspects, the rAAVAnc80 particle comprises a construct comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17.


In one aspect, the construct comprises a 5′ ITR comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 52, optionally a cloning site comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 71, a GJB6 promoter sequence comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 16; a hGJB2 minimal promoter comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 86, optionally a cloning site comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 85; optionally a synthetic barcode comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 41; a 5′UTR sequence comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 66, a GJB2 coding region, a linker sequence exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 77, optionally a FLAG sequence with stop codon comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 81, a 3′ UTR comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 67, a poly(A) comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 25, optionally a cloning site comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 76, and a 3′ ITR comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 53.


In some aspects, the rAAVAnc80 particle comprises a construct comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7.


In one aspect, the construct comprises a 5′ ITR comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 52, optionally a cloning site comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 71, a PARM1 promoter sequence comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 40; a hGJB2 minimal promoter comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 86, optionally a cloning site comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 85; optionally a synthetic barcode comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 39; a 5′UTR sequence comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 66, a GJB2 coding region, a linker sequence exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 77, optionally a FLAG sequence with stop codon comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 81, a 3′ UTR comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 67, a poly(A) comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 25, optionally a cloning site comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 76, and a 3′ ITR comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 53.


In some aspects, the rAAVAnc80 particle comprises a construct comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 100.


In one aspect, the construct comprises a 5′ ITR comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 52, optionally a cloning site comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 71, a BACE2 promoter sequence comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 92; a hGJB2 minimal promoter comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 86, optionally a cloning site comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 85, optionally a synthetic barcode comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 108; a 5′UTR sequence comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 66, a GJB2 coding region, optionally a FLAG sequence with stop codon comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 81, a 3′ UTR comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 67, a poly(A) comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 25, optionally a cloning site comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 76, and a 3′ ITR comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 53.


In some aspects, the rAAVAnc80 particle comprises a construct comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 101.


In one aspect, the construct comprises a 5′ ITR comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 52, optionally a cloning site comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 71, a DBI2 promoter sequence comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 93; a hGJB2 minimal promoter comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 86, optionally a cloning site comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 85, optionally a synthetic barcode comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 109; a 5′UTR sequence comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 66, a GJB2 coding region, optionally a FLAG sequence with stop codon comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 81, a 3′ UTR comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 67, a poly(A) comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 25, optionally a cloning site comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 76, and a 3′ ITR comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 53.


In some aspects, the rAAVAnc80 particle comprises a construct comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 102.


In one aspect, the construct comprises a 5′ ITR comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 52, optionally a cloning site comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 71, a FABP3 promoter sequence comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 94; a hGJB2 minimal promoter comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 86, optionally a cloning site comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 85, optionally a synthetic barcode comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 110; a 5′UTR sequence comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 66, a GJB2 coding region, optionally a FLAG sequence with stop codon comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 81, a 3′ UTR comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 67, a poly(A) comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 25, optionally a cloning site comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 76, and a 3′ ITR comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 53.


In some aspects, the rAAVAnc80 particle comprises a construct comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 103.


In one aspect, the construct comprises a 5′ ITR comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 52, optionally a cloning site comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 71, a KLHL14 promoter sequence comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 95; a hGJB2 minimal promoter comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 86, optionally a cloning site comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 85, optionally a synthetic barcode comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 111; a 5′UTR sequence comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 66, a GJB2 coding region, optionally a FLAG sequence with stop codon comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 81, a 3′ UTR comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 67, a poly(A) comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 25, optionally a cloning site comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 76, and a 3′ ITR comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 53.


In some aspects, the rAAVAnc80 particle comprises a construct comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 104.


In one aspect, the construct comprises a 5′ ITR comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 52, optionally a cloning site comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 71, a MMP15 promoter sequence comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 96; a hGJB2 minimal promoter comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 86, optionally a cloning site comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 85, optionally a synthetic barcode comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 112; a 5′UTR sequence comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 66, a GJB2 coding region, optionally a FLAG sequence with stop codon comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 81, a 3′ UTR comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 67, a poly(A) comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 25, optionally a cloning site comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 76, and a 3′ ITR comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 53.


In some aspects, the rAAVAnc80 particle comprises a construct comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 105.


In one aspect, the construct comprises a 5′ ITR comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 52, optionally a cloning site comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 71, a SPARC promoter sequence comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 97; a hGJB2 minimal promoter comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 86, optionally a cloning site comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 85, optionally a synthetic barcode comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 113; a 5′UTR sequence comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 66, a GJB2 coding region, optionally a FLAG sequence with stop codon comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 81, a 3′ UTR comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 67, a poly(A) comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 25, optionally a cloning site comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 76, and a 3′ ITR comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 53.


In some aspects, the rAAVAnc80 particle comprises a construct comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 106.


In one aspect, the construct comprises a 5′ ITR comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 52, optionally a cloning site comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 71, a TSPAN8 promoter sequence comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 98; a hGJB2 minimal promoter comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 86, optionally a cloning site comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 85, optionally a synthetic barcode comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 124; a 5′UTR sequence comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 66, a GJB2 coding region, optionally a FLAG sequence with stop codon comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 81, a 3′ UTR comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 67, a poly(A) comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 25, optionally a cloning site comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 76, and a 3′ ITR comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 53.


In some aspects, the rAAVAnc80 particle comprises a construct comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 107.


In one aspect, the construct comprises a 5′ ITR comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 52, optionally a cloning site comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 71, a VIM promoter sequence comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 99; a hGJB2 minimal promoter comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 86, optionally a cloning site comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 85, optionally a synthetic barcode comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 115; a 5′UTR sequence comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 66, a GJB2 coding region, optionally a FLAG sequence with stop codon comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 81, a 3′ UTR comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 67, a poly(A) comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 25, optionally a cloning site comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 76, and a 3′ ITR comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 53.










Exemplary Construct sequence



(SEQ ID NO: 82)



CTGCGCGCTCGCTCGCTCACTGAGGCCGCCCGGGCGTCGGGCGACCTTTGGTCGCCCGG






CCTCAGTGAGCGAGCGAGCGCGCAGAGAGGGAGTGGCCAACTCCATCACTAGGGGTTCC





TGCGGCCGCACGCGTGACATTGATTATTGACTAGTTATTAATAGTAATCAATTACGGGG





TCATTAGTTCATAGCCCATATATGGAGTTCCGCGTTACATAACTTACGGTAAATGGCCC





GCCTGGCTGACCGCCCAACGACCCCCGCCCATTGACGTCAATAATGACGTATGTTCCCA





TAGTAACGCCAATAGGGACTTTCCATTGACGTCAATGGGTGGACTATTTACGGTAAACT





GCCCACTTGGCAGTACATCAAGTGTATCATATGCCAAGTACGCCCCCTATTGACGTCAA





TGACGGTAAATGGCCCGCCTGGCATTATGCCCAGTACATGACCTTATGGGACTTTCCTA





CTTGGCAGTACATCTACGTATTAGTCATCGCTATTACCATGGGTCGAGGTGAGCCCCAC





GTTCTGCTTCACTCTCCCCATCTCCCCCCCCTCCCCACCCCCAATTTTGTATTTATTTA





TTTTTTAATTATTTTGTGCAGCGATGGGGGCGGGGGGGGGGGGGGCGCGCGCCAGGCGG





GGCGGGGCGGGGCGAGGGGGGGGGCGGGGCGAGGCGGAGAGGTGCGGCGGCAGCCAATC





AGAGCGGCGCGCTCCGAAAGTTTCCTTTTATGGCGAGGCGGCGGCGGCGGCGGCCCTAT





AAAAAGCGAAGCGCGCGGCGGGCGGGAGTCGCTGCGTTGCCTTCGCCCCGTGCCCCGCT





CCGCGCCGCCTCGCGCCGCCCGCCCCGGCTCTGACTGACCGCGTTACTCCCACAGGTGA





GCGGGCGGGACGGCCCTTCTCCTCCGGGCTGTAATTAGCGCTTGGTTTAATGACGGCTC





GTTTCTTTTCTGTGGCTGCGTGAAAGCCTTAAAGGGCTCCGGGAGGGCCCTTTGTGCGG





GGGGGAGCGGCTCGGGGGGTGCGTGCGTGTGTGTGTGCGTGGGGAGCGCCGCGTGCGGC





CCGCGCTGCCCGGCGGCTGTGAGCGCTGCGGGCGCGGCGCGGGGCTTTGTGCGCTCCGC





GTGTGCGCGAGGGGAGCGCGGCCGGGGGCGGTGCCCCGCGGTGCGGGGGGGCTGCGAGG





GGAACAAAGGCTGCGTGCGGGGTGTGTGCGTGGGGGGGTGAGCAGGGGGTGTGGGCGCG





GCGGTCGGGCTGTAACCCCCCCCTGCACCCCCCTCCCCGAGTTGCTGAGCACGGCCCGG





CTTCGGGTGCGGGGCTCCGTGCGGGGCGTGGCGCGGGGCTCGCCGTGCCGGGCGGGGGG





TGGCGGCAGGTGGGGGTGCCGGGCGGGGGGGGGCCGCCTCGGGCCGGGGAGGGCTCGGG





GGAGGGGCGCGGCGGCCCCCGGAGCGCCGGCGGCTGTCGAGGCGCGGCGAGCCGCAGCC





ATTGCCTTTTATGGTAATCGTGCGAGAGGGCGCAGGGACTTCCTTTGTCCCAAATCTGT





GCGGAGCCGAAATCTGGGAGGCGCCGCCGCACCCCCTCTAGCGGGCGCGGGGCGAAGCG





GTGCGGCGCCGGCAGGAAGGAAATGGGGGGGGAGGGCCTTCGTGCGTCGCCGCGCCGCC





GTCCCCTTCTCCCTCTCCAGCCTCGGGGCTGTCCGCGGGGGGACGGCTGCCTTCGGGGG





GGACGGGGCAGGGGGGGGTTCGGCTTCTGGCGTGTGACCGGCGGCTCTAGAGCCTCTGC





TAACCATGTTCATGCCTTCTTCTTTTTCCTACAGCTCCTGGGCAACGTGCTGGTTATTG





TGACCGGTGTTGCGGCCCCGCAGCGCCCGCGCGCTCCTCTCCCCGACTCGGAGCCCCTC





GGCGGCGCCCGGCCCAGGACCCGCCTAGGAGCGCAGGAGCCCCAGCGCAGAGACCCCAA





CGCCGAGACCCCCGCCCCGGCCCCGCCGCGCTTCCTCCCGACGCAGTTTAGGACCCTTG





TTCGCGAAGAGGTGGTGTGCGGCTGAGACCCGCGTCCTCAGGACGGTTCCATCAGTGCC





TCGATCCTGCCCCACTGGAGGAGGAAGGCAGCCCGAACAGCGCTCACCTAACTAACAGC





TGCTGAGAGCTGGGTTCCGTGGCCATGCACCTGGGACTGCCTTGAGAAGCGTGAGCAAA





CCGCCCAGAGTAGAAGCGCTAGCCACCATGGATTGGGGCACGCTGCAGACGATCCTGGG





GGGTGTGAACAAACACTCCACCAGCATTGGAAAGATCTGGCTCACCGTCCTCTTCATTT





TTCGCATTATGATCCTCGTTGTGGCTGCAAAGGAGGTGTGGGGAGATGAGCAGGCCGAC





TTTGTCTGCAACACCCTGCAGCCAGGCTGCAAGAACGTGTGCTACGATCACTACTTCCC





CATCTCCCACATCCGGCTATGGGCCCTGCAGCTGATCTTCGTGTCCACGCCAGCGCTCC





TAGTGGCCATGCACGTGGCCTACCGGAGACATGAGAAGAAGAGGAAGTTCATCAAGGGG





GAGATAAAGAGTGAATTTAAGGACATCGAGGAGATCAAAACCCAGAAGGTCCGCATCGA





AGGCTCCCTGTGGTGGACCTACACAAGCAGCATCTTCTTCCGGGTCATCTTCGAAGCCG





CCTTCATGTACGTCTTCTATGTCATGTACGACGGCTTCTCCATGCAGCGGCTGGTGAAG





TGCAACGCCTGGCCTTGTCCCAACACTGTGGACTGCTTTGTGTCCCGGCCCACGGAGAA





GACTGTCTTCACAGTGTTCATGATTGCAGTGTCTGGAATTTGCATCCTGCTGAATGTCA





CTGAATTGTGTTATTTGCTAATTAGATATTGTTCTGGGAAGTCAAAAAAGCCAGTTGGA





TCCCGGGCTGACTACAAAGACCATGACGGTGATTATAAAGATCATGACATCGACTACAA





GGATGACGATGACAAGTAAGAAATAGACAGCATGAGAGGGATGAGGCAACCCGTGCTCA





GCTGTCAAGGCTCAGTCGCTAGCATTTCCCAACACAAAGATTCTGACCTTAAATGCAAC





CATTTGAAACCCCTGTAGGCCTCAGGTGAAACTCCAGATGCCACAATGGAGCTCTGCTC





CCCTAAAGCCTCAAAACAAAGGCCTAATTCTATGCCTGTCTTAATTTTCTTTCACTTAA





GTTAGTTCCACTGAGACCCCAGGCTGTTAGGGGTTATTGGTGTAAGGTACTTTCATATT





TTAAACAGAGGATATCGGCATTTGTTTCTTTCTCTGAGGACAAGAGAAAAAAGCCAGGT





TCCACAGAGGACACAGAGAAGGTTTGGGTGTCCTCCTGGGGTTCTTTTTGCCAACTTTC





CCCACGTTAAAGGTGAACATTGGTTCTTTCATTTGCTTTGGAAGTTTTAATCTCTAACA





GTGGACAAAGTTACCAGTGCCTTAAACTCTGTTACACTTTTTGGAAGTGAAAACTTTGT





AGTATGATAGGTTATTTTGATGTAAAGATGTTCTGGATACCATTATATGTTCCCCCTGT





TTCAGAGGCTCAGATTGTAATATGTAAATGGTATGTCATTCGCTACTATGATTTAATTT





GAAATATGGTCTTTTGGTTATGAATACTTTGCAGCACAGCTGAGAGGCTGTCTGTTGTA





TTCATTGTGGTCATAGCACCTAACAACATTGTAGCCTCAATCGAGTGAGACAGACTAGA





AGTTCCTAGTGATGGCTTATGATAGCAAATGGCCTCATGTCAAATATTTAGATGTAATT





TTGTGTAAGAAATACAGACTGGATGTACCACCAACTACTACCTGTAATGACAGGCCTGT





CCAACACATCTCCCTTTTCCATGACTGTGGTAGCCAGCATCGGAAAGAACGCTGATTTA





AAGAGGTCGCTTGGGAATTTTATTGACACAGTACCATTTAATGGGGAGGACAAAATGGG





GCAGGGGAGGGAGAAGTTTCTGTCGTTAAAAACAGATTTGGAAAGACTGGACTCTAAAG





TCTGTTGATTAAAGATGAGCTTTGTCTACTTCAAAAGTTTGTTTGCTTACCCCTTCAGC





CTCCAATTTTTTAAGTGAAAATATAGCTAATAACATGTGAAAAGAATAGAAGCTAAGGT





TTAGATAAATATTGAGCAGATCTATAGGAAGATTGAACCTGAATATTGCCATTATGCTT





GACATGGTTTCCAAAAAATGGTACTCCACATATTTCAGTGAGGGTAAGTATTTTCCTGT





TGTCAAGAATAGCATTGTAAAAGCATTTTGTAATAATAAAGAATAGCTTTAATGATATG





CTTGTAACTAAAATAATTTTGTAATGTATCAAATACATTTAAAACATTAAAATATAATC





TCTATAATAAGAGCTCGCTGATCAGCCTCGACTGTGCCTTCTAGTTGCCAGCCATCTGT





TGTTTGCCCCTCCCCCGTGCCTTCCTTGACCCTGGAAGGTGCCACTCCCACTGTCCTTT





CCTAATAAAATGAGGAAATTGCATCGCATTGTCTGAGTAGGTGTCATTCTATTCTGGGG





GGTGGGGTGGGGCAGGACAGCAAGGGGGAGGATTGGGAAGACAATAGCAGGCATGCTGG





GGATGCGGTGGGCTCTATGGAAGCTTGAATTCAGCTGACGTGCCTCGGACCGCTAGGAA





CCCCTAGTGATGGAGTTGGCCACTCCCTCTCTGCGCGCTCGCTCGCTCACTGAGGCCGG





GCGACCAAAGGTCGCCCGACGCCCGGGCTTTGCCCGGGCGGCCTCAGTGAGCGAGCGAG





CGCGCAG





Exemplary Construct sequence


(SEQ ID NO: 83)



CTGCGCGCTCGCTCGCTCACTGAGGCCGCCCGGGCGTCGGGCGACCTTTGGTCGCCCGG






CCTCAGTGAGCGAGCGAGCGCGCAGAGAGGGAGTGGCCAACTCCATCACTAGGGGTTCC





TGCGGCCGCACGCGTGACATTGATTATTGACTAGTTATTAATAGTAATCAATTACGGGG





TCATTAGTTCATAGCCCATATATGGAGTTCCGCGTTACATAACTTACGGTAAATGGCCC





GCCTGGCTGACCGCCCAACGACCCCCGCCCATTGACGTCAATAATGACGTATGTTCCCA





TAGTAACGCCAATAGGGACTTTCCATTGACGTCAATGGGTGGACTATTTACGGTAAACT





GCCCACTTGGCAGTACATCAAGTGTATCATATGCCAAGTACGCCCCCTATTGACGTCAA





TGACGGTAAATGGCCCGCCTGGCATTATGCCCAGTACATGACCTTATGGGACTTTCCTA





CTTGGCAGTACATCTACGTATTAGTCATCGCTATTACCATGGGTCGAGGTGAGCCCCAC





GTTCTGCTTCACTCTCCCCATCTCCCCCCCCTCCCCACCCCCAATTTTGTATTTATTTA





TTTTTTAATTATTTTGTGCAGCGATGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGCGCGCGCCAGGCGG





GGCGGGGCGGGGCGAGGGGCGGGGCGGGGCGAGGCGGAGAGGTGCGGCGGCAGCCAATC





AGAGCGGCGCGCTCCGAAAGTTTCCTTTTATGGCGAGGCGGCGGCGGCGGCGGCCCTAT





AAAAAGCGAAGCGCGCGGCGGGCGGGAGTCGCTGCGTTGCCTTCGCCCCGTGCCCCGCT





CCGCGCCGCCTCGCGCCGCCCGCCCCGGCTCTGACTGACCGCGTTACTCCCACAGGTGA





GCGGGCGGGACGGCCCTTCTCCTCCGGGCTGTAATTAGCGCTTGGTTTAATGACGGCTT





GTTTCTTTTCTGTGGCTGCGTGAAAGCCTTGAGGGGCTCCGGGAGCTAGAGCCTCTGCT





AACCATGTTCATGCCTTCTTCTTTTTCCTACAGCTCCTGGGCAACGTGCTGGTTATTGT





GACCGGTGTTGCGGCCCCGCAGCGCCCGCGCGCTCCTCTCCCCGACTCGGAGCCCCTCG





GCGGCGCCCGGCCCAGGACCCGCCTAGGAGCGCAGGAGCCCCAGCGCAGAGACCCCAAC





GCCGAGACCCCCGCCCCGGCCCCGCCGCGCTTCCTCCCGACGCAGTTTAGGACCCTTGT





TCGCGAAGAGGTGGTGTGCGGCTGAGACCCGCGTCCTCAGGACGGTTCCATCAGTGCCT





CGATCCTGCCCCACTGGAGGAGGAAGGCAGCCCGAACAGCGCTCACCTAACTAACAGCT





GCTGAGAGCTGGGTTCCGTGGCCATGCACCTGGGACTGCCTTGAGAAGCGTGAGCAAAC





CGCCCAGAGTAGAAGCGCTAGCCACCATGGATTGGGGCACGCTGCAGACGATCCTGGGG





GGTGTGAACAAACACTCCACCAGCATTGGAAAGATCTGGCTCACCGTCCTCTTCATTTT





TCGCATTATGATCCTCGTTGTGGCTGCAAAGGAGGTGTGGGGAGATGAGCAGGCCGACT





TTGTCTGCAACACCCTGCAGCCAGGCTGCAAGAACGTGTGCTACGATCACTACTTCCCC





ATCTCCCACATCCGGCTATGGGCCCTGCAGCTGATCTTCGTGTCCACGCCAGCGCTCCT





AGTGGCCATGCACGTGGCCTACCGGAGACATGAGAAGAAGAGGAAGTTCATCAAGGGGG





AGATAAAGAGTGAATTTAAGGACATCGAGGAGATCAAAACCCAGAAGGTCCGCATCGAA





GGCTCCCTGTGGTGGACCTACACAAGCAGCATCTTCTTCCGGGTCATCTTCGAAGCCGC





CTTCATGTACGTCTTCTATGTCATGTACGACGGCTTCTCCATGCAGCGGCTGGTGAAGT





GCAACGCCTGGCCTTGTCCCAACACTGTGGACTGCTTTGTGTCCCGGCCCACGGAGAAG





ACTGTCTTCACAGTGTTCATGATTGCAGTGTCTGGAATTTGCATCCTGCTGAATGTCAC





TGAATTGTGTTATTTGCTAATTAGATATTGTTCTGGGAAGTCAAAAAAGCCAGTTGGAT





CCCGGGCTGACTACAAAGACCATGACGGTGATTATAAAGATCATGACATCGACTACAAG





GATGACGATGACAAGTAAGAAATAGACAGCATGAGAGGGATGAGGCAACCCGTGCTCAG





CTGTCAAGGCTCAGTCGCTAGCATTTCCCAACACAAAGATTCTGACCTTAAATGCAACC





ATTTGAAACCCCTGTAGGCCTCAGGTGAAACTCCAGATGCCACAATGGAGCTCTGCTCC





CCTAAAGCCTCAAAACAAAGGCCTAATTCTATGCCTGTCTTAATTTTCTTTCACTTAAG





TTAGTTCCACTGAGACCCCAGGCTGTTAGGGGTTATTGGTGTAAGGTACTTTCATATTT





TAAACAGAGGATATCGGCATTTGTTTCTTTCTCTGAGGACAAGAGAAAAAAGCCAGGTT





CCACAGAGGACACAGAGAAGGTTTGGGTGTCCTCCTGGGGTTCTTTTTGCCAACTTTCC





CCACGTTAAAGGTGAACATTGGTTCTTTCATTTGCTTTGGAAGTTTTAATCTCTAACAG





TGGACAAAGTTACCAGTGCCTTAAACTCTGTTACACTTTTTGGAAGTGAAAACTTTGTA





GTATGATAGGTTATTTTGATGTAAAGATGTTCTGGATACCATTATATGTTCCCCCTGTT





TCAGAGGCTCAGATTGTAATATGTAAATGGTATGTCATTCGCTACTATGATTTAATTTG





AAATATGGTCTTTTGGTTATGAATACTTTGCAGCACAGCTGAGAGGCTGTCTGTTGTAT





TCATTGTGGTCATAGCACCTAACAACATTGTAGCCTCAATCGAGTGAGACAGACTAGAA





GTTCCTAGTGATGGCTTATGATAGCAAATGGCCTCATGTCAAATATTTAGATGTAATTT





TGTGTAAGAAATACAGACTGGATGTACCACCAACTACTACCTGTAATGACAGGCCTGTC





CAACACATCTCCCTTTTCCATGACTGTGGTAGCCAGCATCGGAAAGAACGCTGATTTAA





AGAGGTCGCTTGGGAATTTTATTGACACAGTACCATTTAATGGGGAGGACAAAATGGGG





CAGGGGAGGGAGAAGTTTCTGTCGTTAAAAACAGATTTGGAAAGACTGGACTCTAAAGT





CTGTTGATTAAAGATGAGCTTTGTCTACTTCAAAAGTTTGTTTGCTTACCCCTTCAGCC





TCCAATTTTTTAAGTGAAAATATAGCTAATAACATGTGAAAAGAATAGAAGCTAAGGTT





TAGATAAATATTGAGCAGATCTATAGGAAGATTGAACCTGAATATTGCCATTATGCTTG





ACATGGTTTCCAAAAAATGGTACTCCACATATTTCAGTGAGGGTAAGTATTTTCCTGTT





GTCAAGAATAGCATTGTAAAAGCATTTTGTAATAATAAAGAATAGCTTTAATGATATGC





TTGTAACTAAAATAATTTTGTAATGTATCAAATACATTTAAAACATTAAAATATAATCT





CTATAATAAGAGCTCGCTGATCAGCCTCGACTGTGCCTTCTAGTTGCCAGCCATCTGTT





GTTTGCCCCTCCCCCGTGCCTTCCTTGACCCTGGAAGGTGCCACTCCCACTGTCCTTTC





CTAATAAAATGAGGAAATTGCATCGCATTGTCTGAGTAGGTGTCATTCTATTCTGGGGG





GTGGGGTGGGGCAGGACAGCAAGGGGGAGGATTGGGAAGACAATAGCAGGCATGCTGGG





GATGCGGTGGGCTCTATGGAAGCTTGAATTCAGCTGACGTGCCTCGGACCGCTAGGAAC





CCCTAGTGATGGAGTTGGCCACTCCCTCTCTGCGCGCTCGCTCGCTCACTGAGGCCGGG





CGACCAAAGGTCGCCCGACGCCCGGGCTTTGCCCGGGCGGCCTCAGTGAGCGAGCGAGC





GCGCAG





Exemplary Construct sequence


(SEQ ID NO: 84)



CTGCGCGCTCGCTCGCTCACTGAGGCCGCCCGGGCGTCGGGCGACCTTTGGTCGCCCGG






CCTCAGTGAGCGAGCGAGCGCGCAGAGAGGGAGTGGCCAACTCCATCACTAGGGGTTCC





TGCGGCCGCACGCGTGACATTGATTATTGACTAGTTATTAATAGTAATCAATTACGGGG





TCATTAGTTCATAGCCCATATATGGAGTTCCGCGTTACATAACTTACGGTAAATGGCCC





GCCTGGCTGACCGCCCAACGACCCCCGCCCATTGACGTCAATAATGACGTATGTTCCCA





TAGTAACGCCAATAGGGACTTTCCATTGACGTCAATGGGTGGACTATTTACGGTAAACT





GCCCACTTGGCAGTACATCAAGTGTATCATATGCCAAGTACGCCCCCTATTGACGTCAA





TGACGGTAAATGGCCCGCCTGGCATTATGCCCAGTACATGACCTTATGGGACTTTCCTA





CTTGGCAGTACATCTACGTATTAGTCATCGCTATTACCATGGGTAAGCTTCCGCAGAAT





CCTATCAGTTTCCCCCTTTCGTGCTGTGTGCATCGAGCAGGAAGGGGCTTGGCAGGTTT





TACCTGCCCTCTTTCCTTTCTGAAAAGTCTGGGCCTCCTCACCCCGAAAGGAGTCACCT





CCTTGCAGTTCCCCAGTTGCGAAAAGAGGAGGAAGTTGGCTGGGCCGGGGGCCGCGGGG





GGCACCCTCCGCAGATGGCGGGACCCCCCTGCCGGCCATGGCAAAAACGAGGCTTGTCT





CTCCCACCGCCCCCAACCTTAGTCCTTGGCACATTGTTGAAAGTAATTGAATAAAATCG





GAAATTCGAGAAGGCGTTCGTTCGGATTGGTGAGATTTTGAGGGGAGAAAGAAGCGGGG





ACTTCGCCGGCACCAGCGGCGCCCCCTCCTCGGCCACCGTTAACCCCCATTCCAGAGGG





CACTGCCCCGCCACCCAGCCTAGGTCCCCCTGCGAGAGCCTCGCGGGCCCGCGCAGCCT





CCGCGACTCGAACAGATCTTCAGTCCTTGGAGGAATGCCTGTTTCTCTAACAATAAAAA





ATTAAAGAAGCGCTCATAAATGCCAAGTCCTCTCGCACTATGCGGAGTACAGAGGACAA





CGACCACAGCCATCCCTGAACCCCGCCCACGGCACAGCGCCGGAGCCGGGGTCTGGGGC





GCCGCTTCCTGGGGGGTCCCGACTCTCAGCCGCCCCCGCTTCACCCGGGCCGCCAAGGG





GCTGGGGGAGGCGGCGCTCGGGGTAACCGGGGGAGACTCAGGGCGCTGGGGGCACTTGG





GGAACTCATGGGGGCTCAAAGGAACTAGGAGATCGGGACCTCGAAGGGGACTTGGGGGG





TTCGGGGCTTTCGGGGGCGGTCGGGGGTTCGCGGACCCGGGAAGCTCTGAGGACCCAGA





GGCCGGGCGCGCTCCGCCCGCGGCGCCGCCCCCTCCGTAACTTTCCCAGTCTCCGAGGG





AAGAGGCGGGGTGTGGGGTGCGGTTAAAAGGCGCCACGGCGGGAGACAGGTCTCCTGGG





CAACGTGCTGGTTATTGTGACCGGTGTTGCGGCCCCGCAGCGCCCGCGCGCTCCTCTCC





CCGACTCGGAGCCCCTCGGCGGCGCCCGGCCCAGGACCCGCCTAGGAGCGCAGGAGCCC





CAGCGCAGAGACCCCAACGCCGAGACCCCCGCCCCGGCCCCGCCGCGCTTCCTCCCGAC





GCAGTTTAGGACCCTTGTTCGCGAAGAGGTGGTGTGCGGCTGAGACCCGCGTCCTCAGG





ACGGTTCCATCAGTGCCTCGATCCTGCCCCACTGGAGGAGGAAGGCAGCCCGAACAGCG





CTCACCTAACTAACAGCTGCTGAGAGCTGGGTTCCGTGGCCATGCACCTGGGACTGCCT





TGAGAAGCGTGAGCAAACCGCCCAGAGTAGAAGCGCTAGCCACCATGGATTGGGGCACG





CTGCAGACGATCCTGGGGGGTGTGAACAAACACTCCACCAGCATTGGAAAGATCTGGCT





CACCGTCCTCTTCATTTTTCGCATTATGATCCTCGTTGTGGCTGCAAAGGAGGTGTGGG





GAGATGAGCAGGCCGACTTTGTCTGCAACACCCTGCAGCCAGGCTGCAAGAACGTGTGC





TACGATCACTACTTCCCCATCTCCCACATCCGGCTATGGGCCCTGCAGCTGATCTTCGT





GTCCACGCCAGCGCTCCTAGTGGCCATGCACGTGGCCTACCGGAGACATGAGAAGAAGA





GGAAGTTCATCAAGGGGGAGATAAAGAGTGAATTTAAGGACATCGAGGAGATCAAAACC





CAGAAGGTCCGCATCGAAGGCTCCCTGTGGTGGACCTACACAAGCAGCATCTTCTTCCG





GGTCATCTTCGAAGCCGCCTTCATGTACGTCTTCTATGTCATGTACGACGGCTTCTCCA





TGCAGCGGCTGGTGAAGTGCAACGCCTGGCCTTGTCCCAACACTGTGGACTGCTTTGTG





TCCCGGCCCACGGAGAAGACTGTCTTCACAGTGTTCATGATTGCAGTGTCTGGAATTTG





CATCCTGCTGAATGTCACTGAATTGTGTTATTTGCTAATTAGATATTGTTCTGGGAAGT





CAAAAAAGCCAGTTGGATCCCGGGCTGACTACAAAGACCATGACGGTGATTATAAAGAT





CATGACATCGACTACAAGGATGACGATGACAAGTAAGAAATAGACAGCATGAGAGGGAT





GAGGCAACCCGTGCTCAGCTGTCAAGGCTCAGTCGCTAGCATTTCCCAACACAAAGATT





CTGACCTTAAATGCAACCATTTGAAACCCCTGTAGGCCTCAGGTGAAACTCCAGATGCC





ACAATGGAGCTCTGCTCCCCTAAAGCCTCAAAACAAAGGCCTAATTCTATGCCTGTCTT





AATTTTCTTTCACTTAAGTTAGTTCCACTGAGACCCCAGGCTGTTAGGGGTTATTGGTG





TAAGGTACTTTCATATTTTAAACAGAGGATATCGGCATTTGTTTCTTTCTCTGAGGACA





AGAGAAAAAAGCCAGGTTCCACAGAGGACACAGAGAAGGTTTGGGTGTCCTCCTGGGGT





TCTTTTTGCCAACTTTCCCCACGTTAAAGGTGAACATTGGTTCTTTCATTTGCTTTGGA





AGTTTTAATCTCTAACAGTGGACAAAGTTACCAGTGCCTTAAACTCTGTTACACTTTTT





GGAAGTGAAAACTTTGTAGTATGATAGGTTATTTTGATGTAAAGATGTTCTGGATACCA





TTATATGTTCCCCCTGTTTCAGAGGCTCAGATTGTAATATGTAAATGGTATGTCATTCG





CTACTATGATTTAATTTGAAATATGGTCTTTTGGTTATGAATACTTTGCAGCACAGCTG





AGAGGCTGTCTGTTGTATTCATTGTGGTCATAGCACCTAACAACATTGTAGCCTCAATC





GAGTGAGACAGACTAGAAGTTCCTAGTGATGGCTTATGATAGCAAATGGCCTCATGTCA





AATATTTAGATGTAATTTTGTGTAAGAAATACAGACTGGATGTACCACCAACTACTACC





TGTAATGACAGGCCTGTCCAACACATCTCCCTTTTCCATGACTGTGGTAGCCAGCATCG





GAAAGAACGCTGATTTAAAGAGGTCGCTTGGGAATTTTATTGACACAGTACCATTTAAT





GGGGAGGACAAAATGGGGCAGGGGAGGGAGAAGTTTCTGTCGTTAAAAACAGATTTGGA





AAGACTGGACTCTAAAGTCTGTTGATTAAAGATGAGCTTTGTCTACTTCAAAAGTTTGT





TTGCTTACCCCTTCAGCCTCCAATTTTTTAAGTGAAAATATAGCTAATAACATGTGAAA





AGAATAGAAGCTAAGGTTTAGATAAATATTGAGCAGATCTATAGGAAGATTGAACCTGA





ATATTGCCATTATGCTTGACATGGTTTCCAAAAAATGGTACTCCACATATTTCAGTGAG





GGTAAGTATTTTCCTGTTGTCAAGAATAGCATTGTAAAAGCATTTTGTAATAATAAAGA





ATAGCTTTAATGATATGCTTGTAACTAAAATAATTTTGTAATGTATCAAATACATTTAA





AACATTAAAATATAATCTCTATAATAAGAGCTCGCTGATCAGCCTCGACTGTGCCTTCT





AGTTGCCAGCCATCTGTTGTTTGCCCCTCCCCCGTGCCTTCCTTGACCCTGGAAGGTGC





CACTCCCACTGTCCTTTCCTAATAAAATGAGGAAATTGCATCGCATTGTCTGAGTAGGT





GTCATTCTATTCTGGGGGGTGGGGTGGGGCAGGACAGCAAGGGGGAGGATTGGGAAGAC





AATAGCAGGCATGCTGGGGATGCGGTGGGCTCTATGGAAGCTTGAATTCAGCTGACGTG





CCTCGGACCGCTAGGAACCCCTAGTGATGGAGTTGGCCACTCCCTCTCTGCGCGCTCGC





TCGCTCACTGAGGCCGGGCGACCAAAGGTCGCCCGACGCCCGGGCTTTGCCCGGGCGGC





CTCAGTGAGCGAGCGAGCGCGCAG





Exemplary Construct sequence


(SEQ ID NO: 87)



CTGCGCGCTCGCTCGCTCACTGAGGCCGCCCGGGCGTCGGGCGACCTTTGGTCGCCCGG






CCTCAGTGAGCGAGCGAGCGCGCAGAGAGGGAGTGGCCAACTCCATCACTAGGGGTTCC





TGCGGCCGCACGCGTGACATTGATTATTGACTAGTTATTAATAGTAATCAATTACGGGG





TCATTAGTTCATAGCCCATATATGGAGTTCCGCGTTACATAACTTACGGTAAATGGCCC





GCCTGGCTGACCGCCCAACGACCCCCGCCCATTGACGTCAATAATGACGTATGTTCCCA





TAGTAACGCCAATAGGGACTTTCCATTGACGTCAATGGGTGGACTATTTACGGTAAACT





GCCCACTTGGCAGTACATCAAGTGTATCATATGCCAAGTACGCCCCCTATTGACGTCAA





TGACGGTAAATGGCCCGCCTGGCATTATGCCCAGTACATGACCTTATGGGACTTTCCTA





CTTGGCAGTACATCTACGTATTAGTCATCGCTATTACCATGGGTCGAGGTGAGCCCCAC





GTTCTGCTTCACTCTCCCCATCTCCCCCCCCTCCCCACCCCCAATTTTGTATTTATTTA





TTTTTTAATTATTTTGTGCAGCGATGGGGGCGGGGGGGGGGGGGGCGCGCGCCAGGCGG





GGCGGGGCGGGGCGAGGGGCGGGGGGGGCGAGGCGGAGAGGTGCGGCGGCAGCCAATC





AGAGCGGCGCGCTCCGAAAGTTTCCTTTTATGGCGAGGCGGCGGCGGCGGCGGCCCTAT





AAAAAGCGAAGCGCGCGGCGGGCGGGAGTCGCTGCGTTGCCTTCGCCCCGTGCCCCGCT





CCGCGCCGCCTCGCGCCGCCCGCCCCGGCTCTGACTGACCGCGTTACTCCCACAGGTGA





GCGGGCGGGACGGCCCTTCTCCTCCGGGCTGTAATTAGCGCTTGGTTTAATGACGGCTC





GTTTCTTTTCTGTGGCTGCGTGAAAGCCTTAAAGGGCTCCGGGAGGGCCCTTTGTGCGG





GGGGGAGCGGCTCGGGGGGTGCGTGCGTGTGTGTGTGCGTGGGGAGCGCCGCGTGCGGC





CCGCGCTGCCCGGCGGCTGTGAGCGCTGCGGGCGCGGCGCGGGGCTTTGTGCGCTCCGC





GTGTGCGCGAGGGGAGCGCGGCCGGGGGCGGTGCCCCGCGGTGCGGGGGGGCTGCGAGG





GGAACAAAGGCTGCGTGCGGGGTGTGTGCGTGGGGGGGTGAGCAGGGGGTGTGGGCGCG





GCGGTCGGGCTGTAACCCCCCCCTGCACCCCCCTCCCCGAGTTGCTGAGCACGGCCCGG





CTTCGGGTGCGGGGCTCCGTGCGGGGCGTGGCGCGGGGCTCGCCGTGCCGGGCGGGGGG





TGGCGGCAGGTGGGGGTGCCGGGCGGGGGGGGCCGCCTCGGGCCGGGGAGGGCTCGGG





GGAGGGGCGCGGCGGCCCCCGGAGCGCCGGCGGCTGTCGAGGCGCGGCGAGCCGCAGCC





ATTGCCTTTTATGGTAATCGTGCGAGAGGGCGCAGGGACTTCCTTTGTCCCAAATCTGT





GCGGAGCCGAAATCTGGGAGGCGCCGCCGCACCCCCTCTAGCGGGCGCGGGGCGAAGCG





GTGCGGCGCCGGCAGGAAGGAAATGGGGGGGGAGGGCCTTCGTGCGTCGCCGCGCCGCC





GTCCCCTTCTCCCTCTCCAGCCTCGGGGCTGTCCGCGGGGGGACGGCTGCCTTCGGGGG





GGACGGGGCAGGGCGGGGTTCGGCTTCTGGCGTGTGACCGGCGGCTCTAGAGCCTCTGC





TAACCATGTTCATGCCTTCTTCTTTTTCCTACAGCTCCTGGGCAACGTGCTGGTTATTG





TGACCGGTGTTGCGGCCCCGCAGCGCCCGCGCGCTCCTCTCCCCGACTCGGAGCCCCTC





GGCGGCGCCCGGCCCAGGACCCGCCTAGGAGCGCAGGAGCCCCAGCGCAGAGACCCCAA





CGCCGAGACCCCCGCCCCGGCCCCGCCGCGCTTCCTCCCGACGCAGTTTAGGACCCTTG





TTCGCGAAGAGGTGGTGTGCGGCTGAGACCCGCGTCCTCAGGACGGTTCCATCAGTGCC





TCGATCCTGCCCCACTGGAGGAGGAAGGCAGCCCGAACAGCGCTCACCTAACTAACAGC





TGCTGAGAGCTGGGTTCCGTGGCCATGCACCTGGGACTGCCTTGAGAAGCGTGAGCAAA





CCGCCCAGAGTAGAAGCGCTAGCCACCATGGATTGGGGCACGCTGCAGACGATCCTGGG





GGGTGTGAACAAACACTCCACCAGCATTGGAAAGATCTGGCTCACCGTCCTCTTCATTT





TTCGCATTATGATCCTCGTTGTGGCTGCAAAGGAGGTGTGGGGAGATGAGCAGGCCGAC





TTTGTCTGCAACACCCTGCAGCCAGGCTGCAAGAACGTGTGCTACGATCACTACTTCCC





CATCTCCCACATCCGGCTATGGGCCCTGCAGCTGATCTTCGTGTCCACGCCAGCGCTCC





TAGTGGCCATGCACGTGGCCTACCGGAGACATGAGAAGAAGAGGAAGTTCATCAAGGGG





GAGATAAAGAGTGAATTTAAGGACATCGAGGAGATCAAAACCCAGAAGGTCCGCATCGA





AGGCTCCCTGTGGTGGACCTACACAAGCAGCATCTTCTTCCGGGTCATCTTCGAAGCCG





CCTTCATGTACGTCTTCTATGTCATGTACGACGGCTTCTCCATGCAGCGGCTGGTGAAG





TGCAACGCCTGGCCTTGTCCCAACACTGTGGACTGCTTTGTGTCCCGGCCCACGGAGAA





GACTGTCTTCACAGTGTTCATGATTGCAGTGTCTGGAATTTGCATCCTGCTGAATGTCA





CTGAATTGTGTTATTTGCTAATTAGATATTGTTCTGGGAAGTCAAAAAAGCCAGTTGGA





TCCCGGGCTGACTACAAAGACCATGACGGTGATTATAAAGATCATGACATCGACTACAA





GGATGACGATGACAAGTAAGAGCTCAGTGTGAGTTCTACCATTGCCAAACTCGAGCAGT





GAATTCTACCAGTGCCATAGGATCCAGTGTGAGTTCTACCATTGCCAAAGGTACCCAGT





GAATTCTACCAGTGCCATAGTTAACCGCATTGCCCAGTTGTTAGATTAAGAAATAGACA





GCATGAGAGGGATGAGGCAACCCGTGCTCAGCTGTCAAGGCTCAGTCGCTAGCATTTCC





CAACACAAAGATTCTGACCTTAAATGCAACCATTTGAAACCCCTGTAGGCCTCAGGTGA





AACTCCAGATGCCACAATGGAGCCTCTGCTCCCCTAAAGCCTCAAAACAAAGGCCTAAT





TCTATGCCTGTCTTAATTTTCTTTCACTTAAGTTAGTTCCACTGAGACCCCAGGCTGTT





AGGGGTTATTGGTGTAAGGTACTTTCATATTTTAAACAGAGGATATCGGCATTTGTTTC





TTTCTCTGAGGACAAGAGAAAAAAGCCAGGTTCCACAGAGGACACAGAGAAGGTTTGGG





TGTCCTCCTGGGGTTCTTTTTGCCAACTTTCCCCACGTTAAAGGTGAACATTGGTTCTT





TCATTTGCTTTGGAAGTTTTAATCTCTAACAGTGGACAAAGTTACCAGTGCCTTAAACT





CTGTTACACTTTTTGGAAGTGAAAACTTTGTAGTATGATAGGTTATTTTGATGTAAAGA





TGTTCTGGATACCATTATATGTTCCCCCTGTTTCAGAGGCTCAGATTGTAATATGTAAA





TGGTATGTCATTCGCTACTATGATTTAATTTGAAATATGGTCTTTTGGTTATGAATACT





TTGCAGCACAGCTGAGAGGCTGTCTGTTGTATTCATTGTGGTCATAGCACCTAACAACA





TTGTAGCCTCAATCGAGTGAGACAGACTAGAAGTTCCTAGTGATGGCTTATGATAGCAA





ATGGCCTCATGTCAAATATTTAGATGTAATTTTGTGTAAGAAATACAGACTGGATGTAC





CACCAACTACTACCTGTAATGACAGGCCTGTCCAACACATCTCCCTTTTCCATGACTGT





GGTAGCCAGCATCGGAAAGAACGCTGATTTAAAGAGGTCGCTTGGGAATTTTATTGACA





CAGTACCATTTAATGGGGAGGACAAAATGGGGCAGGGGAGGGAGAAGTTTCTGTCGTTA





AAAACAGATTTGGAAAGACTGGACTCTAAAGTCTGTTGATTAAAGATGAGCTTTGTCTA





CTTCAAAAGTTTGTTTGCTTACCCCTTCAGCCTCCAATTTTTTAAGTGAAAATATAGCT





AATAACATGTGAAAAGAATAGAAGCTAAGGTTTAGATAAATATTGAGCAGATCTATAGG





AAGATTGAACCTGAATATTGCCATTATGCTTGACGCTGATCAGCCTCGACTGTGCCTTC





TAGTTGCCAGCCATCTGTTGTTTGCCCCTCCCCCGTGCCTTCCTTGACCCTGGAAGGTG





CCACTCCCACTGTCCTTTCCTAATAAAATGAGGAAATTGCATCGCATTGTCTGAGTAGG





TGTCATTCTATTCTGGGGGGTGGGGTGGGGCAGGACAGCAAGGGGGAGGATTGGGAAGA





CAATAGCAGGCATGCTGGGGATGCGGTGGGCTCTATGGAAGCTTGAATTCAGCTGACGT





GCCTCGGACCGCTAGGAACCCCTAGTGATGGAGTTGGCCACTCCCTCTCTGCGCGCTCG





CTCGCTCACTGAGGCCGGGCGACCAAAGGTCGCCCGACGCCCGGGCTTTGCCCGGGCGG





CCTCAGTGAGCGAGCGAGCGCGCAG





Exemplary Construct sequence


(SEQ ID NO: 61)



CCTGCAGGCAGCTGCGCGCTCGCTCGCTCACTGAGGCCGCCCGGGCGTCGGG






CGACCTTTGGTCGCCCGGCCTCAGTGAGCGAGCGAGCGCGCAGAGAGGGAGT





GGCCAACTCCATCACTAGGGGTTCCTGCGGCCGCACGCGTGGTCCACAGGTA





ACTCCGTCGGCGTCCACAGGGGGGCAGGAGATACCATACTGCACAGTTGTAC





GTCTTCCATCTGTTTGGTGTAGAAAAATCTAACCACTACAAGAATGCCACGG





GCACTGTGGCAGACAGAAGCAGCGCTACGCCGCATCGCCTTTCAGCGTGCAG





GCCCAGGAATGAGCGAGGCAGTGGGCGGGGAAGACAGGCACGGGGAATCTG





GGGACAGATAAAGGAAACTCGTGATGGGGCGAGGCTGGGCTGAAGAGAAAC





AGATTGGGGTAGAGCTGCAAAGGGAGGGGTCCACTGGAAGGCGAGGGGGGA





GGCCGGGAAGAGAGAGGGTGGGAAGGCAGTGTGAGATGGGAGGGCAGTGTG





AGAAGAAAAGCAGGCTGGGGAAGAGGGATTGGAATGCAGAAGGAACTTGGG





GAAGGAGGAAGTCCTGCAGGCGGGAGGGAAAGAAGAGAGGGGGAGCAGCT





AAAGTCTGCGTCAGAAGAGGTTGGGGACTGCGAGAGGAGAGGCTGGGGCCT





GCAGGGGAGCGCAGCAGCTTTTAGCATCGATCCAAACTCTAAAGACTCGTGG





CCTTTGCCTGACCTCGAGGGTCGGGAATAGACGCCTGTCTTTGTGGAGAGCG





ATACCCAACCGAGAAAATGGGGCTGTTCCGAGCTGGGCCCTGCGCCTGGCCC





AGGGCGAGGCTTCTCTGGCTCCGGGCTGGCCCCTGAGGGGCAGCACGCAGCC





TGCAGCAGAGGCGCCTGCTCCAAGCTGTCTCTTGGGGGCGCCGCCGCCGCTT





CCCTCCTCCGGGGCCGCTCGCTCCCAGGAAAGTGGAGGCGGCTGGCGAGGAC





CGAGAGCCGGGGCCGCGCTGCGGAGGGACCACACCTCCGGGAGTTCGAGGG





GGACCCTGGCGCGGCGGGCCAGCCTTTCGGGCCGGCAGCGCCCGCCTTCCCC





CGGTCAGCGCTTGCGGCCCGCGCCGCGCGCACCGCCCGGCAACCCCGCGCGC





GTCCCGCGGGGGCGCTGCGTCTTCCTGCCACACCGGCGCACCGCGGCCCCTC





TCCCCCACACCTCCGGCCCGCACCACCCGGCTCTCCTCCCACCCTCCCCACCC





CTCCTCTGCCCTCCCTCCCCATTCCTCCCCTCCCGGCGAGGGGGGGGAGGGGG





CGTGGCGGGGCCGGGGTTTGTGTGGCTGGGACCCGGCTCCTCAAGCTCTGAG





GACCCAGAGGCCGGGCGCGCTCCGCCCGCGGCGCCGCCCCCTCCGTAACTTT





CCCAGTCTCCGAGGGAAGAGGCGGGGTGTGGGGTGCGGTTAAAAGGCGCCA





CGGCGGGAGACAGGTCTCACCGGTGTGTCACCGTTGCGGCCCCGCAGCGCCC





GCGCGCTCCTCTCCCCGACTCGGAGCCCCTCGGCGGCGCCCGGCCCAGGACC





CGCCTAGGAGCGCAGGAGCCCCAGCGCAGAGACCCCAACGCCGAGACCCCC





GCCCCGGCCCCGCCGCGCTTCCTCCCGACGCAGTTTAGGACCCTTGTTCGCGA





AGAGGTGGTGTGCGGCTGAGACCCGCGTCCTCAGGACGGTTCCATCAGTGCC





TCGATCCTGCCCCACTGGAGGAGGAAGGCAGCCCGAACAGCGCTCACCTAAC





TAACAGCTGCTGAGAGCTGGGTTCCGTGGCCATGCACCTGGGACTGCCTTGA





GAAGCGTGAGCAAACCGCCCAGAGTAGAAGCGCTAGCCACCATGGATTGGG





GCACGCTGCAGACGATCCTGGGGGGTGTGAACAAACACTCCACCAGCATTGG





AAAGATCTGGCTCACCGTCCTCTTCATTTTTCGCATTATGATCCTCGTTGTGGC





TGCAAAGGAGGTGTGGGGAGATGAGCAGGCCGACTTTGTCTGCAACACCCTG





CAGCCAGGCTGCAAGAACGTGTGCTACGATCACTACTTCCCCATCTCCCACAT





CCGGCTATGGGCCCTGCAGCTGATCTTCGTGTCCACGCCAGCGCTCCTAGTGG





CCATGCACGTGGCCTACCGGAGACATGAGAAGAAGAGGAAGTTCATCAAGG





GGGAGATAAAGAGTGAATTTAAGGACATCGAGGAGATCAAAACCCAGAAGG





TCCGCATCGAAGGCTCCCTGTGGTGGACCTACACAAGCAGCATCTTCTTCCGG





GTCATCTTCGAAGCCGCCTTCATGTACGTCTTCTATGTCATGTACGACGGCTT





CTCCATGCAGCGGCTGGTGAAGTGCAACGCCTGGCCTTGTCCCAACACTGTG





GACTGCTTTGTGTCCCGGCCCACGGAGAAGACTGTCTTCACAGTGTTCATGAT





TGCAGTGTCTGGAATTTGCATCCTGCTGAATGTCACTGAATTGTGTTATTTGC





TAATTAGATATTGTTCTGGGAAGTCAAAAAAGCCAGTTGGATCCCGGGCTGA





CTACAAAGACCATGACGGTGATTATAAAGATCATGACATCGACTACAAGGAT





GACGATGACAAGTAAGAAATAGACAGCATGAGAGGGATGAGGCAACCCGTG





CTCAGCTGTCAAGGCTCAGTCGCTAGCATTTCCCAACACAAAGATTCTGACCT





TAAATGCAACCATTTGAAACCCCTGTAGGCCTCAGGTGAAACTCCAGATGCC





ACAATGGAGCTCTGCTCCCCTAAAGCCTCAAAACAAAGGCCTAATTCTATGC





CTGTCTTAATTTTCTTTCACTTAAGTTAGTTCCACTGAGACCCCAGGCTGTTAG





GGGTTATTGGTGTAAGGTACTTTCATATTTTAAACAGAGGATATCGGCATTTG





TTTCTTTCTCTGAGGACAAGAGAAAAAAGCCAGGTTCCACAGAGGACACAGA





GAAGGTTTGGGTGTCCTCCTGGGGTTCTTTTTGCCAACTTTCCCCACGTTAAA





GGTGAACATTGGTTCTTTCATTTGCTTTGGAAGTTTTAATCTCTAACAGTGGA





CAAAGTTACCAGTGCCTTAAACTCTGTTACACTTTTTGGAAGTGAAAACTTTG





TAGTATGATAGGTTATTTTGATGTAAAGATGTTCTGGATACCATTATATGTTC





CCCCTGTTTCAGAGGCTCAGATTGTAATATGTAAATGGTATGTCATTCGCTAC





TATGATTTAATTTGAAATATGGTCTTTTGGTTATGAATACTTTGCAGCACAGC





TGAGAGGCTGTCTGTTGTATTCATTGTGGTCATAGCACCTAACAACATTGTAG





CCTCAATCGAGTGAGACAGACTAGAAGTTCCTAGTGATGGCTTATGATAGCA





AATGGCCTCATGTCAAATATTTAGATGTAATTTTGTGTAAGAAATACAGACTG





GATGTACCACCAACTACTACCTGTAATGACAGGCCTGTCCAACACATCTCCCT





TTTCCATGACTGTGGTAGCCAGCATCGGAAAGAACGCTGATTTAAAGAGGTC





GCTTGGGAATTTTATTGACACAGTACCATTTAATGGGGAGGACAAAATGGGG





CAGGGGAGGGAGAAGTTTCTGTCGTTAAAAACAGATTTGGAAAGACTGGACT





CTAAAGTCTGTTGATTAAAGATGAGCTTTGTCTACTTCAAAAGTTTGTTTGCT





TACCCCTTCAGCCTCCAATTTTTTAAGTGAAAATATAGCTAATAACATGTGAA





AAGAATAGAAGCTAAGGTTTAGATAAATATTGAGCAGATCTATAGGAAGATT





GAACCTGAATATTGCCATTATGCTTGACATGGTTTCCAAAAAATGGTACTCCA





CATATTTCAGTGAGGGTAAGTATTTTCCTGTTGTCAAGAATAGCATTGTAAAA





GCATTTTGTAATAATAAAGAATAGCTTTAATGATATGCTTGTAACTAAAATAA





TTTTGTAATGTATCAAATACATTTAAAACATTAAAATATAATCTCTATAATAA





GAGCTCGCTGATCAGCCTCGACTGTGCCTTCTAGTTGCCAGCCATCTGTTGTT





TGCCCCTCCCCCGTGCCTTCCTTGACCCTGGAAGGTGCCACTCCCACTGTCCT





TTCCTAATAAAATGAGGAAATTGCATCGCATTGTCTGAGTAGGTGTCATTCTA





TTCTGGGGGGGGGGTGGGGCAGGACAGCAAGGGGGAGGATTGGGAAGACA





ATAGCAGGCATGCTGGGGATGCGGTGGGCTCTATGGAAGCTTGAATTCAGCT





GACGTGCCTCGGACCGCTAGGAACCCCTAGTGATGGAGTTGGCCACTCCCTC





TCTGCGCGCTCGCTCGCTCACTGAGGCCGGGCGACCAAAGGTCGCCCGACGC





CCGGGCTTTGCCCGGGCGGCCTCAGTGAGCGAGCGAGCGCGCAGCTGCCTGC





AGGGGCGCCTGATGCGGTATTTTCTCCTTACGCATCTGTGCGGTATTTCACAC





CGCATACGTCAAAGCAACCATAGTACGCGCCCTGTAGCGGCGCATTAAGCGC





GGCGGGTGTGGTGGTTACGCGCAGCGTGACCGCTACACTTGCCAGCGCCCTA





GCGCCCGCTCCTTTCGCTTTCTTCCCTTCCTTTCTCGCCACGTTCGCCGGCTTT





CCCCGTCAAGCTCTAAATCGGGGGCTCCCTTTAGGGTTCCGATTTAGTGCTTT





ACGGCACCTCGACCCCAAAAAACTTGATTTGGGTGATGGTTCACGTAGTGGG





CCATCGCCCTGATAGACGGTTTTTCGCCCTTTGACGTTGGAGTCCACGTTCTTT





AATAGTGGACTCTTGTTCCAAACTGGAACAACACTCAACCCTATCTCGGGCTA





TTCTTTTGATTTATAAGGGATTTTGCCGATTTCGGCCTATTGGTTAAAAAATG





AGCTGATTTAACAAAAATTTAACGCGAATTTTAACAAAATATTAACGTTTACA





ATTTTATGGTGCACTCTCAGTACAATCTGCTCTGATGCCGCATAGTTAAGCCA





GCCCCGACACCCGCCAACACCCGCTGACGCGCCCTGACGGGCTTGTCTGCTC





CCGGCATCCGCTTACAGACAAGCTGTGACCGTCTCCGGGAGCTGCATGTGTC





AGAGGTTTTCACCGTCATCACCGAAACGCGCGAGACGAAAGGGCCTCGTGAT





ACGCCTATTTTTATAGGTTAATGTCATGAACAATAAAACTGTCTGCTTACATA





AACAGTAATACAAGGGGTGTTATGAGCCATATTCAACGGGAAACGTCGAGGC





CGCGATTAAATTCCAACATGGATGCTGATTTATATGGGTATAAATGGGCTCGC





GATAATGTCGGGCAATCAGGTGCGACAATCTATCGCTTGTATGGGAAGCCCG





ATGCGCCAGAGTTGTTTCTGAAACATGGCAAAGGTAGCGTTGCCAATGATGT





TACAGATGAGATGGTCAGACTAAACTGGCTGACGGAATTTATGCCTCTTCCG





ACCATCAAGCATTTTATCCGTACTCCTGATGATGCATGGTTACTCACCACTGC





GATCCCCGGAAAAACAGCATTCCAGGTATTAGAAGAATATCCTGATTCAGGT





GAAAATATTGTTGATGCGCTGGCAGTGTTCCTGCGCCGGTTGCATTCGATTCC





TGTTTGTAATTGTCCTTTTAACAGCGATCGCGTATTTCGTCTCGCTCAGGCGC





AATCACGAATGAATAACGGTTTGGTTGATGCGAGTGATTTTGATGACGAGCG





TAATGGCTGGCCTGTTGAACAAGTCTGGAAAGAAATGCATAAACTTTTGCCA





TTCTCACCGGATTCAGTCGTCACTCATGGTGATTTCTCACTTGATAACCTTATT





TTTGACGAGGGGAAATTAATAGGTTGTATTGATGTTGGACGAGTCGGAATCG





CAGACCGATACCAGGATCTTGCCATCCTATGGAACTGCCTCGGTGAGTTTTCT





CCTTCATTACAGAAACGGCTTTTTCAAAAATATGGTATTGATAATCCTGATAT





GAATAAATTGCAGTTTCATTTGATGCTCGATGAGTTTTTCTAATCTCATGACC





AAAATCCCTTAACGTGAGTTTTCGTTCCACTGAGCGTCAGACCCCGTAGAAA





AGATCAAAGGATCTTCTTGAGATCCTTTTTTTCTGCGCGTAATCTGCTGCTTGC





AAACAAAAAAACCACCGCTACCAGCGGTGGTTTGTTTGCCGGATCAAGAGCT





ACCAACTCTTTTTCCGAAGGTAACTGGCTTCAGCAGAGCGCAGATACCAAAT





ACTGTCCTTCTAGTGTAGCCGTAGTTAGGCCACCACTTCAAGAACTCTGTAGC





ACCGCCTACATACCTCGCTCTGCTAATCCTGTTACCAGTGGCTGCTGCCAGTG





GCGATAAGTCGTGTCTTACCGGGTTGGACTCAAGACGATAGTTACCGGATAA





GGCGCAGCGGTCGGGCTGAACGGGGGGTTCGTGCACACAGCCCAGCTTGGA





GCGAACGACCTACACCGAACTGAGATACCTACAGCGTGAGCTATGAGAAAG





CGCCACGCTTCCCGAAGGGAGAAAGGCGGACAGGTATCCGGTAAGCGGCAG





GGTCGGAACAGGAGAGCGCACGAGGGAGCTTCCAGGGGGAAACGCCTGGTA





TCTTTATAGTCCTGTCGGGTTTCGCCACCTCTGACTTGAGCGTCGATTTTTGTG





ATGCTCGTCAGGGGGGCGGAGCCTATGGAAAAACGCCAGCAACGCGGCCTTT





TTACGGTTCCTGGCCTTTTGCTGGCCTTTTGCTCACATGT













TABLE 3







Components of Construct Sequence (SEQ ID NO: 61)










Components
Position in construct







5′ITR
 12-130



Cloning site
131-147



GDF6 promoter
 148-1335



hGJB2 minimal promoter
1336-1463



Cloning site
1464-1472



Synthetic barcode
1473-1480



5′UTR
1481-1842



GJB2 (exon2)
1854-2531



3xFLAG
2544-2609



3′UTR (exon2)
2613-4019



bGHpA
4041-4265



Cloning site
4266-4299



3′ITR
4300-4429


















Exemplary Construct sequence



(SEQ ID NO: 54)



CCTGCAGGCAGCTGCGCGCTCGCTCGCTCACTGAGGCCGCCCGGGCGTCGGG






CGACCTTTGGTCGCCCGGCCTCAGTGAGCGAGCGAGCGCGCAGAGAGGGAGT





GGCCAACTCCATCACTAGGGGTTCCTGCGGCCGCACGCGTGGTAAGAAACTT





GCCCGAGTTTACACAGCTAGTAAATGGTTGCATTAGTCAGGACAGCTAGCCT





ATATTACAATAACAACCCTCTCAAATCCTAATGGCTTAAAACAACAGAGGTT





TAATTTATACTCATTAGCTGTTCAAGGCAGGAGGCTCTATTCTCTAATCCATA





CAGTCACTCAGGATCCAGGCTGGTGGAGACCCTGCCATATTGTAGCCTCACC





ATTTAAAACATGAAGAAGATAGAAAGTGAGGAGTCATGTAGGTTTTGTTCCG





TTGCCTCAGGCTAGGAGTGACAGGTCACTTCATCTCACTCACAGCTCACTGCC





CACAACTAGTCACTTGTGACTGTGCGAGTTAAGCTTCTGTGTGTGAAGGAAG





GAAAAGAGAATGGGATAAAGGTGAACATCAGCAGGCTCTACCACAGTAGTTT





GAACCAAGACTTGAGCCTAGGTCATGTGGCTTCAGAATCTTTGCTCTTAATCA





CACTAAACAGCCTCTGTAAGTCATCTTTCCTTCATCCAGTGCCTAAGAACATG





CAGTCCAATGCCCTCATCCTTCAGAAGAACTTGAGTGAACTCAGAGAAATTG





AGTAGAGTGCCACAGCATGCCCAAGGCCACACACCCTGAGGTTGGCAGTAGG





TCCTGAGTTAGAGTTGTCATTTCTTGGCTCCCCTGGTAGTAGTGGAAAGGTAA





GGTTTTGACATACTAGTTGGATGACCACGGGCAGGTCACTTAAATTGTCTAAG





CATCGTTTGACCCTTGTAAGAATTAAATGAAATAGCACCTGTAAAAGTGTCTG





CACGGACTTACTGCTGTTAGTTTTGTTCCTTTCTTCCTGTTGTCACTGCACTTC





CCTGCCTGTTACCCAGGCCATGCAGACCAGCCAGGCCTTCGACTTACAGTGC





GGATAAGATTCCAAATCTCCACGGCTGGTTTCCATGCTTTCTTCCAGGCTTCT





GAGGACCCTGTGCTCTGGTTTCTTCTATTTCTTTTCTATTACTTTTCTGTTACTC





TTGAGCACACTTGCTGGAAGCAATATGCATCCAGTTCTCCCTCTCTTGCCTCA





TTACACTTTGCAGAACAACTCCAATCCCTTCCAACCAAGTAGTCCCTTTGAAT





TTCTTGTCACCCAAGGAATCTCTCTGACAGGGGTCTTTGTTAGGGTCACACCC





CAGGAGATGGTTGATTATGGCTGAGTCCAGCCTGGAATGATGGGGGTTGGGG





GCAGCTTGGGTAGATGACTCAGTAAATCAAACAGAACAATGAAAGGAGGTC





ATGCTTGTCCATCTGCATTATTGAAGACAGCCATAAATGGCCTTACCCCAGAG





CGGGTCTGTCACACCTGGAGAGCTGATCTGACCTCTCCAAGACCCCTGCAAC





TGAGTGTTCTGGGATCTGTCCTGCAACAAGTGCCTCGAGATTTGTAGGTGGGG





GCCCAGAGGGAGGGGGTCTGCAGACGAAGGGGGCAGGTTTTGCGGGGCACT





TAGGGTTCTCATAGGTTGTAGTCACGAGCTCCAAGCTCTGAGGACCCAGAGG





CCGGGCGCGCTCCGCCCGCGGCGCCGCCCCCTCCGTAACTTTCCCAGTCTCCG





AGGGAAGAGGCGGGGTGTGGGGTGCGGTTAAAAGGCGCCACGGCGGGAGAC





AGGTCTCACCGGTCACAACCTGTTGCGGCCCCGCAGCGCCCGCGCGCTCCTCT





CCCCGACTCGGAGCCCCTCGGCGGCGCCCGGCCCAGGACCCGCCTAGGAGCG





CAGGAGCCCCAGCGCAGAGACCCCAACGCCGAGACCCCCGCCCCGGCCCCG





CCGCGCTTCCTCCCGACGCAGTTTAGGACCCTTGTTCGCGAAGAGGTGGTGTG





CGGCTGAGACCCGCGTCCTCAGGACGGTTCCATCAGTGCCTCGATCCTGCCCC





ACTGGAGGAGGAAGGCAGCCCGAACAGCGCTCACCTAACTAACAGCTGCTG





AGAGCTGGGTTCCGTGGCCATGCACCTGGGACTGCCTTGAGAAGCGTGAGCA





AACCGCCCAGAGTAGAAGCGCTAGCCACCATGGATTGGGGCACGCTGCAGA





CGATCCTGGGGGGTGTGAACAAACACTCCACCAGCATTGGAAAGATCTGGCT





CACCGTCCTCTTCATTTTTCGCATTATGATCCTCGTTGTGGCTGCAAAGGAGG





TGTGGGGAGATGAGCAGGCCGACTTTGTCTGCAACACCCTGCAGCCAGGCTG





CAAGAACGTGTGCTACGATCACTACTTCCCCATCTCCCACATCCGGCTATGGG





CCCTGCAGCTGATCTTCGTGTCCACGCCAGCGCTCCTAGTGGCCATGCACGTG





GCCTACCGGAGACATGAGAAGAAGAGGAAGTTCATCAAGGGGGAGATAAAG





AGTGAATTTAAGGACATCGAGGAGATCAAAACCCAGAAGGTCCGCATCGAA





GGCTCCCTGTGGTGGACCTACACAAGCAGCATCTTCTTCCGGGTCATCTTCGA





AGCCGCCTTCATGTACGTCTTCTATGTCATGTACGACGGCTTCTCCATGCAGC





GGCTGGTGAAGTGCAACGCCTGGCCTTGTCCCAACACTGTGGACTGCTTTGTG





TCCCGGCCCACGGAGAAGACTGTCTTCACAGTGTTCATGATTGCAGTGTCTGG





AATTTGCATCCTGCTGAATGTCACTGAATTGTGTTATTTGCTAATTAGATATT





GTTCTGGGAAGTCAAAAAAGCCAGTTGGATCCCGGGCTGACTACAAAGACCA





TGACGGTGATTATAAAGATCATGACATCGACTACAAGGATGACGATGACAAG





TAAGAAATAGACAGCATGAGAGGGATGAGGCAACCCGTGCTCAGCTGTCAA





GGCTCAGTCGCTAGCATTTCCCAACACAAAGATTCTGACCTTAAATGCAACC





ATTTGAAACCCCTGTAGGCCTCAGGTGAAACTCCAGATGCCACAATGGAGCT





CTGCTCCCCTAAAGCCTCAAAACAAAGGCCTAATTCTATGCCTGTCTTAATTT





TCTTTCACTTAAGTTAGTTCCACTGAGACCCCAGGCTGTTAGGGGTTATTGGT





GTAAGGTACTTTCATATTTTAAACAGAGGATATCGGCATTTGTTTCTTTCTCTG





AGGACAAGAGAAAAAAGCCAGGTTCCACAGAGGACACAGAGAAGGTTTGGG





TGTCCTCCTGGGGTTCTTTTTGCCAACTTTCCCCACGTTAAAGGTGAACATTG





GTTCTTTCATTTGCTTTGGAAGTTTTAATCTCTAACAGTGGACAAAGTTACCA





GTGCCTTAAACTCTGTTACACTTTTTGGAAGTGAAAACTTTGTAGTATGATAG





GTTATTTTGATGTAAAGATGTTCTGGATACCATTATATGTTCCCCCTGTTTCAG





AGGCTCAGATTGTAATATGTAAATGGTATGTCATTCGCTACTATGATTTAATT





TGAAATATGGTCTTTTGGTTATGAATACTTTGCAGCACAGCTGAGAGGCTGTC





TGTTGTATTCATTGTGGTCATAGCACCTAACAACATTGTAGCCTCAATCGAGT





GAGACAGACTAGAAGTTCCTAGTGATGGCTTATGATAGCAAATGGCCTCATG





TCAAATATTTAGATGTAATTTTGTGTAAGAAATACAGACTGGATGTACCACCA





ACTACTACCTGTAATGACAGGCCTGTCCAACACATCTCCCTTTTCCATGACTG





TGGTAGCCAGCATCGGAAAGAACGCTGATTTAAAGAGGTCGCTTGGGAATTT





TATTGACACAGTACCATTTAATGGGGAGGACAAAATGGGGCAGGGGAGGGA





GAAGTTTCTGTCGTTAAAAACAGATTTGGAAAGACTGGACTCTAAAGTCTGTT





GATTAAAGATGAGCTTTGTCTACTTCAAAAGTTTGTTTGCTTACCCCTTCAGC





CTCCAATTTTTTAAGTGAAAATATAGCTAATAACATGTGAAAAGAATAGAAG





CTAAGGTTTAGATAAATATTGAGCAGATCTATAGGAAGATTGAACCTGAATA





TTGCCATTATGCTTGACATGGTTTCCAAAAAATGGTACTCCACATATTTCAGT





GAGGGTAAGTATTTTCCTGTTGTCAAGAATAGCATTGTAAAAGCATTTTGTAA





TAATAAAGAATAGCTTTAATGATATGCTTGTAACTAAAATAATTTTGTAATGT





ATCAAATACATTTAAAACATTAAAATATAATCTCTATAATAAGAGCTCGCTG





ATCAGCCTCGACTGTGCCTTCTAGTTGCCAGCCATCTGTTGTTTGCCCCTCCCC





CGTGCCTTCCTTGACCCTGGAAGGTGCCACTCCCACTGTCCTTTCCTAATAAA





ATGAGGAAATTGCATCGCATTGTCTGAGTAGGTGTCATTCTATTCTGGGGGGT





GGGGTGGGGCAGGACAGCAAGGGGGAGGATTGGGAAGACAATAGCAGGCAT





GCTGGGGATGCGGTGGGCTCTATGGAAGCTTGAATTCAGCTGACGTGCCTCG





GACCGCTAGGAACCCCTAGTGATGGAGTTGGCCACTCCCTCTCTGCGCGCTC





GCTCGCTCACTGAGGCCGGGCGACCAAAGGTCGCCCGACGCCCGGGCTTTGC





CCGGGCGGCCTCAGTGAGCGAGCGAGCGCGCAGCTGCCTGCAGGGGCGCCT





GATGCGGTATTTTCTCCTTACGCATCTGTGCGGTATTTCACACCGCATACGTC





AAAGCAACCATAGTACGCGCCCTGTAGCGGCGCATTAAGCGCGGCGGGTGTG





GTGGTTACGCGCAGCGTGACCGCTACACTTGCCAGCGCCCTAGCGCCCGCTC





CTTTCGCTTTCTTCCCTTCCTTTCTCGCCACGTTCGCCGGCTTTCCCCGTCAAG





CTCTAAATCGGGGGCTCCCTTTAGGGTTCCGATTTAGTGCTTTACGGCACCTC





GACCCCAAAAAACTTGATTTGGGTGATGGTTCACGTAGTGGGCCATCGCCCT





GATAGACGGTTTTTCGCCCTTTGACGTTGGAGTCCACGTTCTTTAATAGTGGA





CTCTTGTTCCAAACTGGAACAACACTCAACCCTATCTCGGGCTATTCTTTTGA





TTTATAAGGGATTTTGCCGATTTCGGCCTATTGGTTAAAAAATGAGCTGATTT





AACAAAAATTTAACGCGAATTTTAACAAAATATTAACGTTTACAATTTTATGG





TGCACTCTCAGTACAATCTGCTCTGATGCCGCATAGTTAAGCCAGCCCCGACA





CCCGCCAACACCCGCTGACGCGCCCTGACGGGCTTGTCTGCTCCCGGCATCC





GCTTACAGACAAGCTGTGACCGTCTCCGGGAGCTGCATGTGTCAGAGGTTTTC





ACCGTCATCACCGAAACGCGCGAGACGAAAGGGCCTCGTGATACGCCTATTT





TTATAGGTTAATGTCATGAACAATAAAACTGTCTGCTTACATAAACAGTAATA





CAAGGGGTGTTATGAGCCATATTCAACGGGAAACGTCGAGGCCGCGATTAAA





TTCCAACATGGATGCTGATTTATATGGGTATAAATGGGCTCGCGATAATGTCG





GGCAATCAGGTGCGACAATCTATCGCTTGTATGGGAAGCCCGATGCGCCAGA





GTTGTTTCTGAAACATGGCAAAGGTAGCGTTGCCAATGATGTTACAGATGAG





ATGGTCAGACTAAACTGGCTGACGGAATTTATGCCTCTTCCGACCATCAAGC





ATTTTATCCGTACTCCTGATGATGCATGGTTACTCACCACTGCGATCCCCGGA





AAAACAGCATTCCAGGTATTAGAAGAATATCCTGATTCAGGTGAAAATATTG





TTGATGCGCTGGCAGTGTTCCTGCGCCGGTTGCATTCGATTCCTGTTTGTAATT





GTCCTTTTAACAGCGATCGCGTATTTCGTCTCGCTCAGGCGCAATCACGAATG





AATAACGGTTTGGTTGATGCGAGTGATTTTGATGACGAGCGTAATGGCTGGC





CTGTTGAACAAGTCTGGAAAGAAATGCATAAACTTTTGCCATTCTCACCGGAT





TCAGTCGTCACTCATGGTGATTTCTCACTTGATAACCTTATTTTTGACGAGGG





GAAATTAATAGGTTGTATTGATGTTGGACGAGTCGGAATCGCAGACCGATAC





CAGGATCTTGCCATCCTATGGAACTGCCTCGGTGAGTTTTCTCCTTCATTACA





GAAACGGCTTTTTCAAAAATATGGTATTGATAATCCTGATATGAATAAATTGC





AGTTTCATTTGATGCTCGATGAGTTTTTCTAATCTCATGACCAAAATCCCTTA





ACGTGAGTTTTCGTTCCACTGAGCGTCAGACCCCGTAGAAAAGATCAAAGGA





TCTTCTTGAGATCCTTTTTTTCTGCGCGTAATCTGCTGCTTGCAAACAAAAAA





ACCACCGCTACCAGCGGTGGTTTGTTTGCCGGATCAAGAGCTACCAACTCTTT





TTCCGAAGGTAACTGGCTTCAGCAGAGCGCAGATACCAAATACTGTCCTTCT





AGTGTAGCCGTAGTTAGGCCACCACTTCAAGAACTCTGTAGCACCGCCTACA





TACCTCGCTCTGCTAATCCTGTTACCAGTGGCTGCTGCCAGTGGCGATAAGTC





GTGTCTTACCGGGTTGGACTCAAGACGATAGTTACCGGATAAGGCGCAGCGG





TCGGGCTGAACGGGGGGTTCGTGCACACAGCCCAGCTTGGAGCGAACGACCT





ACACCGAACTGAGATACCTACAGCGTGAGCTATGAGAAAGCGCCACGCTTCC





CGAAGGGAGAAAGGCGGACAGGTATCCGGTAAGCGGCAGGGTCGGAACAGG





AGAGCGCACGAGGGAGCTTCCAGGGGGAAACGCCTGGTATCTTTATAGTCCT





GTCGGGTTTCGCCACCTCTGACTTGAGCGTCGATTTTTGTGATGCTCGTCAGG





GGGGCGGAGCCTATGGAAAAACGCCAGCAACGCGGCCTTTTTACGGTTCCTG





GCCTTTTGCTGGCCTTTTGCTCACATGT













TABLE 4







Components of Construct Sequence (SEQ ID NO: 54)










Components
Position in construct







5′ITR
 12-130



Cloning site
131-147



IGFBP2 promoter
 148-1660



hGJB2 minimal promoter
1661-1788



Cloning site
1789-1797



Synthetic barcode
1798-1805



5′UTR
1806-2167



GJB2 (exon2)
2179-2856



3xFLAG
2869-2934



3′UTR (exon2)
2938-4344



bGHpA
4366-4590



Cloning site
4591-4624



3′ITR
4625-4754


















Exemplary Construct sequence



(SEQ ID NO: 17)



CCTGCAGGCAGCTGCGCGCTCGCTCGCTCACTGAGGCCGCCCGGGCGTCGGG






CGACCTTTGGTCGCCCGGCCTCAGTGAGCGAGCGAGCGCGCAGAGAGGGAGT





GGCCAACTCCATCACTAGGGGTTCCTGCGGCCGCACGCGTGGTCCCATGGCT





CTGTTAAAATCAAAGAAACATCTTTTCCAACAGCCCTTTCAAACTCCTCATCG





CATCTCACTGGCTGATTCAGTCATTTAAACCTGCTTCTCCCTAAAGCTGATCA





CTGGCTAAGCTAATAGGGTTTCCGGGATTGGTTTAGCCTGATACTAATCCAGG





TCTACCTTCAGGAGCCAGACCAAACTGCCTATTGGCATTGCATTCTTGCAGTA





GGGAGGGGAGGTATGGATGGTGTGGAGTCCACCACAAGGTCCATGCCAGTCT





TTGCTGAACCAGCATCAGACTCCATCAAGCAACAGATGAGAGGTTCCATGAT





AAAGTGGCCCTCAGCAATCCCCATCCATTGCTGTCTAGGAAGAACAGTGCTT





GTACACAGGTTTAGGACCTCAGTCTTGGCTGTAATCTTCTGGTTTACTTTGCC





AGCACCAAACAGAAGGAAAGAAAGGGCTCAAATTTGACCAAATAAATTATG





CTTCTCCTTCCAGAGATAACCTTGAGTCCTGTCTAGGAAGATATTAGAATTGT





AAAGAAAAAAAAAATTACTCCTTATCCTATGGCAAGTGGAGTCTATGTCTAC





TTCAGCTGAAATTAAATCCTGTCCATAATAGATGACCCTTGCTCAAGCTGGCC





AGAAGCCATACCAACCAGCACGAAGGTTAAAACTATTATTAGTTTTTTCTGTG





ATTTTCATTTTCAGGCCAAGTTTTAGAACAATAAGATTTTAAGAATAGGAAGT





AAGTAAGATTTCTGCATATCCTGTTCTCTTAGTCAGCTGAATTTTTTTTTTTTT





TTTTTTAGTCCTAACTCAGCCTCCCAAAGTGCTGGGATTACAGGCGTGAGCCA





CCGCACCAAGCCTGGAATCTATGTCTTACAGTTATGAGAATCAACAGCTAGC





TCATTATGGGCAAGGTGATGTCACTCTGGCTTCTCAATGAAAATGGCATTTCT





CCCTTGGAAAAGGTCATAGCCAGTCAGTCAGTCAGTCACGGGAGCGCAGCGG





CTTCTAGGGGTGAGTGGGACCCACGCGGCCCCACCTGCTCCTCCCGCGCGCG





GCCCCACCCCCCTGCCCCGCCCCGCCTGGTTTATAGAAGCTCTGAGGACCCA





GAGGCCGGGCGCGCTCCGCCCGCGGCGCCGCCCCCTCCGTAACTTTCCCAGT





CTCCGAGGGAAGAGGCGGGGTGTGGGGTGCGGTTAAAAGGCGCCACGGCGG





GAGACAGGTCTCACCGGTCGTGTGTTGTTGCGGCCCCGCAGCGCCCGCGCGC





TCCTCTCCCCGACTCGGAGCCCCTCGGCGGCGCCCGGCCCAGGACCCGCCTA





GGAGCGCAGGAGCCCCAGCGCAGAGACCCCAACGCCGAGACCCCCGCCCCG





GCCCCGCCGCGCTTCCTCCCGACGCAGTTTAGGACCCTTGTTCGCGAAGAGGT





GGTGTGCGGCTGAGACCCGCGTCCTCAGGACGGTTCCATCAGTGCCTCGATC





CTGCCCCACTGGAGGAGGAAGGCAGCCCGAACAGCGCTCACCTAACTAACA





GCTGCTGAGAGCTGGGTTCCGTGGCCATGCACCTGGGACTGCCTTGAGAAGC





GTGAGCAAACCGCCCAGAGTAGAAGCGCTAGCCACCATGGATTGGGGCACG





CTGCAGACGATCCTGGGGGGTGTGAACAAACACTCCACCAGCATTGGAAAGA





TCTGGCTCACCGTCCTCTTCATTTTTCGCATTATGATCCTCGTTGTGGCTGCAA





AGGAGGTGTGGGGAGATGAGCAGGCCGACTTTGTCTGCAACACCCTGCAGCC





AGGCTGCAAGAACGTGTGCTACGATCACTACTTCCCCATCTCCCACATCCGGC





TATGGGCCCTGCAGCTGATCTTCGTGTCCACGCCAGCGCTCCTAGTGGCCATG





CACGTGGCCTACCGGAGACATGAGAAGAAGAGGAAGTTCATCAAGGGGGAG





ATAAAGAGTGAATTTAAGGACATCGAGGAGATCAAAACCCAGAAGGTCCGC





ATCGAAGGCTCCCTGTGGTGGACCTACACAAGCAGCATCTTCTTCCGGGTCAT





CTTCGAAGCCGCCTTCATGTACGTCTTCTATGTCATGTACGACGGCTTCTCCA





TGCAGCGGCTGGTGAAGTGCAACGCCTGGCCTTGTCCCAACACTGTGGACTG





CTTTGTGTCCCGGCCCACGGAGAAGACTGTCTTCACAGTGTTCATGATTGCAG





TGTCTGGAATTTGCATCCTGCTGAATGTCACTGAATTGTGTTATTTGCTAATTA





GATATTGTTCTGGGAAGTCAAAAAAGCCAGTTGGATCCCGGGCTGACTACAA





AGACCATGACGGTGATTATAAAGATCATGACATCGACTACAAGGATGACGAT





GACAAGTAAGAAATAGACAGCATGAGAGGGATGAGGCAACCCGTGCTCAGC





TGTCAAGGCTCAGTCGCTAGCATTTCCCAACACAAAGATTCTGACCTTAAATG





CAACCATTTGAAACCCCTGTAGGCCTCAGGTGAAACTCCAGATGCCACAATG





GAGCTCTGCTCCCCTAAAGCCTCAAAACAAAGGCCTAATTCTATGCCTGTCTT





AATTTTCTTTCACTTAAGTTAGTTCCACTGAGACCCCAGGCTGTTAGGGGTTA





TTGGTGTAAGGTACTTTCATATTTTAAACAGAGGATATCGGCATTTGTTTCTTT





CTCTGAGGACAAGAGAAAAAAGCCAGGTTCCACAGAGGACACAGAGAAGGT





TTGGGTGTCCTCCTGGGGTTCTTTTTGCCAACTTTCCCCACGTTAAAGGTGAA





CATTGGTTCTTTCATTTGCTTTGGAAGTTTTAATCTCTAACAGTGGACAAAGTT





ACCAGTGCCTTAAACTCTGTTACACTTTTTGGAAGTGAAAACTTTGTAGTATG





ATAGGTTATTTTGATGTAAAGATGTTCTGGATACCATTATATGTTCCCCCTGTT





TCAGAGGCTCAGATTGTAATATGTAAATGGTATGTCATTCGCTACTATGATTT





AATTTGAAATATGGTCTTTTGGTTATGAATACTTTGCAGCACAGCTGAGAGGC





TGTCTGTTGTATTCATTGTGGTCATAGCACCTAACAACATTGTAGCCTCAATC





GAGTGAGACAGACTAGAAGTTCCTAGTGATGGCTTATGATAGCAAATGGCCT





CATGTCAAATATTTAGATGTAATTTTGTGTAAGAAATACAGACTGGATGTACC





ACCAACTACTACCTGTAATGACAGGCCTGTCCAACACATCTCCCTTTTCCATG





ACTGTGGTAGCCAGCATCGGAAAGAACGCTGATTTAAAGAGGTCGCTTGGGA





ATTTTATTGACACAGTACCATTTAATGGGGAGGACAAAATGGGGCAGGGGAG





GGAGAAGTTTCTGTCGTTAAAAACAGATTTGGAAAGACTGGACTCTAAAGTC





TGTTGATTAAAGATGAGCTTTGTCTACTTCAAAAGTTTGTTTGCTTACCCCTTC





AGCCTCCAATTTTTTAAGTGAAAATATAGCTAATAACATGTGAAAAGAATAG





AAGCTAAGGTTTAGATAAATATTGAGCAGATCTATAGGAAGATTGAACCTGA





ATATTGCCATTATGCTTGACATGGTTTCCAAAAAATGGTACTCCACATATTTC





AGTGAGGGTAAGTATTTTCCTGTTGTCAAGAATAGCATTGTAAAAGCATTTTG





TAATAATAAAGAATAGCTTTAATGATATGCTTGTAACTAAAATAATTTTGTAA





TGTATCAAATACATTTAAAACATTAAAATATAATCTCTATAATAAGAGCTCGC





TGATCAGCCTCGACTGTGCCTTCTAGTTGCCAGCCATCTGTTGTTTGCCCCTCC





CCCGTGCCTTCCTTGACCCTGGAAGGTGCCACTCCCACTGTCCTTTCCTAATA





AAATGAGGAAATTGCATCGCATTGTCTGAGTAGGTGTCATTCTATTCTGGGGG





GTGGGGTGGGGCAGGACAGCAAGGGGGAGGATTGGGAAGACAATAGCAGGC





ATGCTGGGGATGCGGTGGGCTCTATGGAAGCTTGAATTCAGCTGACGTGCCT





CGGACCGCTAGGAACCCCTAGTGATGGAGTTGGCCACTCCCTCTCTGCGCGC





TCGCTCGCTCACTGAGGCCGGGCGACCAAAGGTCGCCCGACGCCCGGGCTTT





GCCCGGGCGGCCTCAGTGAGCGAGCGAGCGCGCAGCTGCCTGCAGGGGCGC





CTGATGCGGTATTTTCTCCTTACGCATCTGTGCGGTATTTCACACCGCATACG





TCAAAGCAACCATAGTACGCGCCCTGTAGCGGCGCATTAAGCGCGGCGGGTG





TGGTGGTTACGCGCAGCGTGACCGCTACACTTGCCAGCGCCCTAGCGCCCGC





TCCTTTCGCTTTCTTCCCTTCCTTTCTCGCCACGTTCGCCGGCTTTCCCCGTCA





AGCTCTAAATCGGGGGCTCCCTTTAGGGTTCCGATTTAGTGCTTTACGGCACC





TCGACCCCAAAAAACTTGATTTGGGTGATGGTTCACGTAGTGGGCCATCGCC





CTGATAGACGGTTTTTCGCCCTTTGACGTTGGAGTCCACGTTCTTTAATAGTG





GACTCTTGTTCCAAACTGGAACAACACTCAACCCTATCTCGGGCTATTCTTTT





GATTTATAAGGGATTTTGCCGATTTCGGCCTATTGGTTAAAAAATGAGCTGAT





TTAACAAAAATTTAACGCGAATTTTAACAAAATATTAACGTTTACAATTTTAT





GGTGCACTCTCAGTACAATCTGCTCTGATGCCGCATAGTTAAGCCAGCCCCG





ACACCCGCCAACACCCGCTGACGCGCCCTGACGGGCTTGTCTGCTCCCGGCA





TCCGCTTACAGACAAGCTGTGACCGTCTCCGGGAGCTGCATGTGTCAGAGGT





TTTCACCGTCATCACCGAAACGCGCGAGACGAAAGGGCCTCGTGATACGCCT





ATTTTTATAGGTTAATGTCATGAACAATAAAACTGTCTGCTTACATAAACAGT





AATACAAGGGGTGTTATGAGCCATATTCAACGGGAAACGTCGAGGCCGCGAT





TAAATTCCAACATGGATGCTGATTTATATGGGTATAAATGGGCTCGCGATAAT





GTCGGGCAATCAGGTGCGACAATCTATCGCTTGTATGGGAAGCCCGATGCGC





CAGAGTTGTTTCTGAAACATGGCAAAGGTAGCGTTGCCAATGATGTTACAGA





TGAGATGGTCAGACTAAACTGGCTGACGGAATTTATGCCTCTTCCGACCATCA





AGCATTTTATCCGTACTCCTGATGATGCATGGTTACTCACCACTGCGATCCCC





GGAAAAACAGCATTCCAGGTATTAGAAGAATATCCTGATTCAGGTGAAAATA





TTGTTGATGCGCTGGCAGTGTTCCTGCGCCGGTTGCATTCGATTCCTGTTTGTA





ATTGTCCTTTTAACAGCGATCGCGTATTTCGTCTCGCTCAGGCGCAATCACGA





ATGAATAACGGTTTGGTTGATGCGAGTGATTTTGATGACGAGCGTAATGGCT





GGCCTGTTGAACAAGTCTGGAAAGAAATGCATAAACTTTTGCCATTCTCACC





GGATTCAGTCGTCACTCATGGTGATTTCTCACTTGATAACCTTATTTTTGACG





AGGGGAAATTAATAGGTTGTATTGATGTTGGACGAGTCGGAATCGCAGACCG





ATACCAGGATCTTGCCATCCTATGGAACTGCCTCGGTGAGTTTTCTCCTTCAT





TACAGAAACGGCTTTTTCAAAAATATGGTATTGATAATCCTGATATGAATAA





ATTGCAGTTTCATTTGATGCTCGATGAGTTTTTCTAATCTCATGACCAAAATC





CCTTAACGTGAGTTTTCGTTCCACTGAGCGTCAGACCCCGTAGAAAAGATCA





AAGGATCTTCTTGAGATCCTTTTTTTCTGCGCGTAATCTGCTGCTTGCAAACA





AAAAAACCACCGCTACCAGCGGTGGTTTGTTTGCCGGATCAAGAGCTACCAA





CTCTTTTTCCGAAGGTAACTGGCTTCAGCAGAGCGCAGATACCAAATACTGTC





CTTCTAGTGTAGCCGTAGTTAGGCCACCACTTCAAGAACTCTGTAGCACCGCC





TACATACCTCGCTCTGCTAATCCTGTTACCAGTGGCTGCTGCCAGTGGCGATA





AGTCGTGTCTTACCGGGTTGGACTCAAGACGATAGTTACCGGATAAGGCGCA





GCGGTCGGGCTGAACGGGGGGTTCGTGCACACAGCCCAGCTTGGAGCGAAC





GACCTACACCGAACTGAGATACCTACAGCGTGAGCTATGAGAAAGCGCCACG





CTTCCCGAAGGGAGAAAGGCGGACAGGTATCCGGTAAGCGGCAGGGTCGGA





ACAGGAGAGCGCACGAGGGAGCTTCCAGGGGGAAACGCCTGGTATCTTTATA





GTCCTGTCGGGTTTCGCCACCTCTGACTTGAGCGTCGATTTTTGTGATGCTCGT





CAGGGGGGCGGAGCCTATGGAAAAACGCCAGCAACGCGGCCTTTTTACGGTT





CCTGGCCTTTTGCTGGCCTTTTGCTCACATGT













TABLE 5







Components of Construct Sequence (SEQ ID NO: 17)










Components
Position in construct







5′ITR
 12-130



Cloning site
131-147



RBP7 promoter
 148-1244



hGJB2 minimal promoter
1245-1372



Cloning site
1373-1381



Synthetic barcode
1382-1389



5′UTR
1390-1751



GJB2 (exon2)
1763-2440



3xFLAG
2453-2518



3′UTR (exon2)
2522-3928



bGHpA
3950-4174



Cloning site
4175-4208



3′ITR
4209-4338


















Exemplary Construct sequence



(SEQ ID NO: 38)



CCTGCAGGCAGCTGCGCGCTCGCTCGCTCACTGAGGCCGCCCGGGCGTCGGG






CGACCTTTGGTCGCCCGGCCTCAGTGAGCGAGCGAGCGCGCAGAGAGGGAGT





GGCCAACTCCATCACTAGGGGTTCCTGCGGCCGCACGCGTGGTAAATAGCTT





CCAACGTTTCCACCCCACCAGCCCTTGCACCACTCCCTGTACTGGCCCTGAGC





TTTCTAGTCTTGACTGAAAAGCGGGGAGGCAATGTGGTCTCTCCTGGTGCACT





GTCCCGAGGAAGGCCTGCTCCGCTTCCCCGGAGGAGTCTTCAAAGGATGGAG





GTAATTAATAAAAACAACCCCTGTACCTCCTCTAAGTGGTCATTAATTAATAA





AGAACCTCCAGGCTCCTATAGGAGAGGTCTGTGCACCCCGCGGGCTATGAGA





AGGCTGGATCACCCAGAAAGACTGAGGATGTGTCCTGGCAAAAACACAGCCT





GCCCCTCACACTGCTCCCCACGGGTGCACTAGGGAGGAAGAGTTCCCTCGAG





GGCCTGAGCAGGCGCCCCACACCTGCACCCGTGCAGAGGGGGCTGGGCCCGC





CCTCTGCGCTCCCGAGGGAGAGCCCTACCCCCTGCATCCCCGGTACCCCGTTC





CCTCCAAGGGCCGGAAAGAGGGCCCCGCGCACTGTGCACTTCTTAGGGGTCC





CCCACCCTGCGCCCCCGCCACGGGAAAAAGGTCCCCGCTCTGCGCATCCGGC





CCCGGAGGGACAGCCCCGGTCCTGCACTCCTTGCTCCTCAGGGGGACGGTCC





GCGCCCAGCGGCTAGTGCGCCCCGGGTAGGTGGGGGCGGGGGGCTCGTCGA





GTGACAGCGCTCGCCTCCCGCAGCCCGCCCGAGCCGCGTCAGGGCAGAAGCT





CTGAGGACCCAGAGGCCGGGCGCGCTCCGCCCGCGGCGCCGCCCCCTCCGTA





ACTTTCCCAGTCTCCGAGGGAAGAGGCGGGGTGTGGGGTGCGGTTAAAAGGC





GCCACGGCGGGAGACAGGTCTCACCGGTTCGTGGGTGTTGCGGCCCCGCAGC





GCCCGCGCGCTCCTCTCCCCGACTCGGAGCCCCTCGGCGGCGCCCGGCCCAG





GACCCGCCTAGGAGCGCAGGAGCCCCAGCGCAGAGACCCCAACGCCGAGAC





CCCCGCCCCGGCCCCGCCGCGCTTCCTCCCGACGCAGTTTAGGACCCTTGTTC





GCGAAGAGGTGGTGTGCGGCTGAGACCCGCGTCCTCAGGACGGTTCCATCAG





TGCCTCGATCCTGCCCCACTGGAGGAGGAAGGCAGCCCGAACAGCGCTCACC





TAACTAACAGCTGCTGAGAGCTGGGTTCCGTGGCCATGCACCTGGGACTGCC





TTGAGAAGCGTGAGCAAACCGCCCAGAGTAGAAGCGCTAGCCACCATGGATT





GGGGCACGCTGCAGACGATCCTGGGGGGTGTGAACAAACACTCCACCAGCAT





TGGAAAGATCTGGCTCACCGTCCTCTTCATTTTTCGCATTATGATCCTCGTTGT





GGCTGCAAAGGAGGTGTGGGGAGATGAGCAGGCCGACTTTGTCTGCAACACC





CTGCAGCCAGGCTGCAAGAACGTGTGCTACGATCACTACTTCCCCATCTCCCA





CATCCGGCTATGGGCCCTGCAGCTGATCTTCGTGTCCACGCCAGCGCTCCTAG





TGGCCATGCACGTGGCCTACCGGAGACATGAGAAGAAGAGGAAGTTCATCA





AGGGGGAGATAAAGAGTGAATTTAAGGACATCGAGGAGATCAAAACCCAGA





AGGTCCGCATCGAAGGCTCCCTGTGGTGGACCTACACAAGCAGCATCTTCTT





CCGGGTCATCTTCGAAGCCGCCTTCATGTACGTCTTCTATGTCATGTACGACG





GCTTCTCCATGCAGCGGCTGGTGAAGTGCAACGCCTGGCCTTGTCCCAACACT





GTGGACTGCTTTGTGTCCCGGCCCACGGAGAAGACTGTCTTCACAGTGTTCAT





GATTGCAGTGTCTGGAATTTGCATCCTGCTGAATGTCACTGAATTGTGTTATT





TGCTAATTAGATATTGTTCTGGGAAGTCAAAAAAGCCAGTTGGATCCCGGGC





TGACTACAAAGACCATGACGGTGATTATAAAGATCATGACATCGACTACAAG





GATGACGATGACAAGTAAGAAATAGACAGCATGAGAGGGATGAGGCAACCC





GTGCTCAGCTGTCAAGGCTCAGTCGCTAGCATTTCCCAACACAAAGATTCTGA





CCTTAAATGCAACCATTTGAAACCCCTGTAGGCCTCAGGTGAAACTCCAGAT





GCCACAATGGAGCTCTGCTCCCCTAAAGCCTCAAAACAAAGGCCTAATTCTA





TGCCTGTCTTAATTTTCTTTCACTTAAGTTAGTTCCACTGAGACCCCAGGCTGT





TAGGGGTTATTGGTGTAAGGTACTTTCATATTTTAAACAGAGGATATCGGCAT





TTGTTTCTTTCTCTGAGGACAAGAGAAAAAAGCCAGGTTCCACAGAGGACAC





AGAGAAGGTTTGGGTGTCCTCCTGGGGTTCTTTTTGCCAACTTTCCCCACGTT





AAAGGTGAACATTGGTTCTTTCATTTGCTTTGGAAGTTTTAATCTCTAACAGT





GGACAAAGTTACCAGTGCCTTAAACTCTGTTACACTTTTTGGAAGTGAAAACT





TTGTAGTATGATAGGTTATTTTGATGTAAAGATGTTCTGGATACCATTATATG





TTCCCCCTGTTTCAGAGGCTCAGATTGTAATATGTAAATGGTATGTCATTCGC





TACTATGATTTAATTTGAAATATGGTCTTTTGGTTATGAATACTTTGCAGCAC





AGCTGAGAGGCTGTCTGTTGTATTCATTGTGGTCATAGCACCTAACAACATTG





TAGCCTCAATCGAGTGAGACAGACTAGAAGTTCCTAGTGATGGCTTATGATA





GCAAATGGCCTCATGTCAAATATTTAGATGTAATTTTGTGTAAGAAATACAG





ACTGGATGTACCACCAACTACTACCTGTAATGACAGGCCTGTCCAACACATC





TCCCTTTTCCATGACTGTGGTAGCCAGCATCGGAAAGAACGCTGATTTAAAG





AGGTCGCTTGGGAATTTTATTGACACAGTACCATTTAATGGGGAGGACAAAA





TGGGGCAGGGGAGGGAGAAGTTTCTGTCGTTAAAAACAGATTTGGAAAGACT





GGACTCTAAAGTCTGTTGATTAAAGATGAGCTTTGTCTACTTCAAAAGTTTGT





TTGCTTACCCCTTCAGCCTCCAATTTTTTAAGTGAAAATATAGCTAATAACAT





GTGAAAAGAATAGAAGCTAAGGTTTAGATAAATATTGAGCAGATCTATAGGA





AGATTGAACCTGAATATTGCCATTATGCTTGACATGGTTTCCAAAAAATGGTA





CTCCACATATTTCAGTGAGGGTAAGTATTTTCCTGTTGTCAAGAATAGCATTG





TAAAAGCATTTTGTAATAATAAAGAATAGCTTTAATGATATGCTTGTAACTAA





AATAATTTTGTAATGTATCAAATACATTTAAAACATTAAAATATAATCTCTAT





AATAAGAGCTCGCTGATCAGCCTCGACTGTGCCTTCTAGTTGCCAGCCATCTG





TTGTTTGCCCCTCCCCCGTGCCTTCCTTGACCCTGGAAGGTGCCACTCCCACT





GTCCTTTCCTAATAAAATGAGGAAATTGCATCGCATTGTCTGAGTAGGTGTCA





TTCTATTCTGGGGGGTGGGGTGGGGCAGGACAGCAAGGGGGAGGATTGGGA





AGACAATAGCAGGCATGCTGGGGATGCGGTGGGCTCTATGGAAGCTTGAATT





CAGCTGACGTGCCTCGGACCGCTAGGAACCCCTAGTGATGGAGTTGGCCACT





CCCTCTCTGCGCGCTCGCTCGCTCACTGAGGCCGGGCGACCAAAGGTCGCCC





GACGCCCGGGCTTTGCCCGGGCGGCCTCAGTGAGCGAGCGAGCGCGCAGCTG





CCTGCAGGGGCGCCTGATGCGGTATTTTCTCCTTACGCATCTGTGCGGTATTT





CACACCGCATACGTCAAAGCAACCATAGTACGCGCCCTGTAGCGGCGCATTA





AGCGCGGCGGGTGTGGTGGTTACGCGCAGCGTGACCGCTACACTTGCCAGCG





CCCTAGCGCCCGCTCCTTTCGCTTTCTTCCCTTCCTTTCTCGCCACGTTCGCCG





GCTTTCCCCGTCAAGCTCTAAATCGGGGGCTCCCTTTAGGGTTCCGATTTAGT





GCTTTACGGCACCTCGACCCCAAAAAACTTGATTTGGGTGATGGTTCACGTAG





TGGGCCATCGCCCTGATAGACGGTTTTTCGCCCTTTGACGTTGGAGTCCACGT





TCTTTAATAGTGGACTCTTGTTCCAAACTGGAACAACACTCAACCCTATCTCG





GGCTATTCTTTTGATTTATAAGGGATTTTGCCGATTTCGGCCTATTGGTTAAA





AAATGAGCTGATTTAACAAAAATTTAACGCGAATTTTAACAAAATATTAACG





TTTACAATTTTATGGTGCACTCTCAGTACAATCTGCTCTGATGCCGCATAGTT





AAGCCAGCCCCGACACCCGCCAACACCCGCTGACGCGCCCTGACGGGCTTGT





CTGCTCCCGGCATCCGCTTACAGACAAGCTGTGACCGTCTCCGGGAGCTGCA





TGTGTCAGAGGTTTTCACCGTCATCACCGAAACGCGCGAGACGAAAGGGCCT





CGTGATACGCCTATTTTTATAGGTTAATGTCATGAACAATAAAACTGTCTGCT





TACATAAACAGTAATACAAGGGGTGTTATGAGCCATATTCAACGGGAAACGT





CGAGGCCGCGATTAAATTCCAACATGGATGCTGATTTATATGGGTATAAATG





GGCTCGCGATAATGTCGGGCAATCAGGTGCGACAATCTATCGCTTGTATGGG





AAGCCCGATGCGCCAGAGTTGTTTCTGAAACATGGCAAAGGTAGCGTTGCCA





ATGATGTTACAGATGAGATGGTCAGACTAAACTGGCTGACGGAATTTATGCC





TCTTCCGACCATCAAGCATTTTATCCGTACTCCTGATGATGCATGGTTACTCA





CCACTGCGATCCCCGGAAAAACAGCATTCCAGGTATTAGAAGAATATCCTGA





TTCAGGTGAAAATATTGTTGATGCGCTGGCAGTGTTCCTGCGCCGGTTGCATT





CGATTCCTGTTTGTAATTGTCCTTTTAACAGCGATCGCGTATTTCGTCTCGCTC





AGGCGCAATCACGAATGAATAACGGTTTGGTTGATGCGAGTGATTTTGATGA





CGAGCGTAATGGCTGGCCTGTTGAACAAGTCTGGAAAGAAATGCATAAACTT





TTGCCATTCTCACCGGATTCAGTCGTCACTCATGGTGATTTCTCACTTGATAA





CCTTATTTTTGACGAGGGGAAATTAATAGGTTGTATTGATGTTGGACGAGTCG





GAATCGCAGACCGATACCAGGATCTTGCCATCCTATGGAACTGCCTCGGTGA





GTTTTCTCCTTCATTACAGAAACGGCTTTTTCAAAAATATGGTATTGATAATC





CTGATATGAATAAATTGCAGTTTCATTTGATGCTCGATGAGTTTTTCTAATCTC





ATGACCAAAATCCCTTAACGTGAGTTTTCGTTCCACTGAGCGTCAGACCCCGT





AGAAAAGATCAAAGGATCTTCTTGAGATCCTTTTTTTCTGCGCGTAATCTGCT





GCTTGCAAACAAAAAAACCACCGCTACCAGCGGTGGTTTGTTTGCCGGATCA





AGAGCTACCAACTCTTTTTCCGAAGGTAACTGGCTTCAGCAGAGCGCAGATA





CCAAATACTGTCCTTCTAGTGTAGCCGTAGTTAGGCCACCACTTCAAGAACTC





TGTAGCACCGCCTACATACCTCGCTCTGCTAATCCTGTTACCAGTGGCTGCTG





CCAGTGGCGATAAGTCGTGTCTTACCGGGTTGGACTCAAGACGATAGTTACC





GGATAAGGCGCAGCGGTCGGGCTGAACGGGGGGTTCGTGCACACAGCCCAG





CTTGGAGCGAACGACCTACACCGAACTGAGATACCTACAGCGTGAGCTATGA





GAAAGCGCCACGCTTCCCGAAGGGAGAAAGGCGGACAGGTATCCGGTAAGC





GGCAGGGTCGGAACAGGAGAGCGCACGAGGGAGCTTCCAGGGGGAAACGCC





TGGTATCTTTATAGTCCTGTCGGGTTTCGCCACCTCTGACTTGAGCGTCGATTT





TTGTGATGCTCGTCAGGGGGGCGGAGCCTATGGAAAAACGCCAGCAACGCGG





CCTTTTTACGGTTCCTGGCCTTTTGCTGGCCTTTTGCTCACATGT













TABLE 6







Components of Construct Sequence (SEQ ID NO: 38)










Components
Position in construct







5′ITR
 12-130



Cloning site
131-147



GJB6 promoter
148-882



hGJB2 minimal promoter
 883-1010



Cloning site
1011-1019



Synthetic barcode
1020-1027



5′UTR
1028-1389



GJB2 (exon2)
1401-2078



3xFLAG
2091-2156



3′UTR (exon2)
2160-3566



bGHpA
3588-3812



Cloning site
3813-3846



3′ITR
3847-3976

















Exemplary Construct sequence 


(SEQ ID NO: 7)


CCTGCAGGCAGCTGCGCGCTCGCTCGCTCACTGAGGCCGCCCGGGCGTCG





GGCGACCTTTGGTCGCCCGGCCTCAGTGAGCGAGCGAGCGCGCAGAGAGG





GAGTGGCCAACTCCATCACTAGGGGTTCCTGCGGCCGCACGCGTGGTTGT





ACAGGAGATAGTCAGGGAATTAGTAATTTTCAAAGAGGTGACTTTGAATT





CAAACTTAAATATCATCTTCAGCTGAAACAAAGAAGGGGTGCAGTTATGA





GGAAGTGACCAGGTAAAGCATGGCAAACAAAGGTAAAGTTTGTTATGCGT





ATTTAAGTCAGAGCCCTCTCCATTGATAAGAGTTTCCAGTAATTTAGTGC





CATCCTTTTCTTGCTATAGAGTTCTCGTCTCTATCTGAGCACGCAAAAAT





AACATGCTTTCTTGCTTTCTTGAAGTTGGGCATGGCCATTGACTTGCCTT





AGCCCATATTTTTCTGTGAAGTGGTCTTCAAAAACCTATATTTCTGCCAT





AGAGTCACTTACTTAACCTGCCCTATTTAAAGGGGCTAATGCCTGATAGA





ATGTCGCTGCATAACTCCATCTGTGTGTGGTCCCTGCATCCATGACAACC





AAAACCCAGATGCAGAAATTGTTCCTAATCACATAGATTACCCTAGAAAC





CGGAAGGGCCTTGAAGTCAAAAGCATTCAGAGAACATGCTGAACAAATTG





AATTTGCAGTTTATCTGGCCAGGGAGGATGGAGAGGGGATGGGCACTTGG





TCTGAGTATTTTTTGTTTCTCATTCCAACAGAAATTACTAGATTTACCAA





AAAATCTACAAGTGGTAGTGTGATAGAGTCAGGCAGAGGAATTGACCATA





GATAAGGTGCTCAGGACTCCTAGAGTCAGCTTCTGGTATGTGAGAAAGAA





GTGAGAACAGAGCCCATGGCATATGAAGAAGATATTACAGAAAAAAGAAA





GCTGCCTTCCACGCAAATCATTTCTTTACAAAGGCTTGTTAACTCCTGCA





GTGCCAAGAAGCTGAATGCAGCGGCAGACATCCTGGTTCGGGCCCCAGGA





AGCTCAGCCGGGTTTAATGTGGATGAGGGTTTAATGATGTACACGCAGAA





GTGTTTTGACAAATGAAGAAGGTCCTCATTCTTGGAACATGTGCCGGTTC





TCCGAGGGAACTCCTAAAAGGCTGTAAGCTCATGTAGGAAAAGCTGAGCT





AGATTCCTAAGGGCAGAGATGTGCTCACATTTCTTTGCATCCCTAGTTCC





CAGCACAGTGCAAGGCGCTGCAAACATTTGCTGAACCCAGGGTCTCGTGT





CTT7GACTGTCCAGCAGAGGCCGCTCTGGGCCGGGGCTCTCGGGACCTGA





GGGCTGAGAGAAGGAAGGCCAGGGGGTGGCCCAGTCATCGCCGCGGGGCC





CGGGTGGGAGGGGTTTGGCAGCGGCAGGCGCGGCGGCGGCGGCGGAGGCG





GAGGCGGCCCCGGGAAGCTCTGAGGACCCAGAGGCCGGGCGCGCTCCGCC





CGCGGCGCCGCCCCCTCCGTAACTTTCCCAGTCTCCGAGGGAAGAGGCGG





GGTGTGGGGTGCGGTTAAAAGGCGCCACGGCGGGAGACAGGTCTCACCGG





TGCAAACTGGTTGCGGCCCCGCAGCGCCCGCGCGCTCCTCTCCCCGACTC





GGAGCCCCTCGGCGGCGCCCGGCCCAGGACCCGCCTAGGAGCGCAGGAGC





CCCAGCGCAGAGACCCCAACGCCGAGACCCCCGCCCCGGCCCCGCCGCGC





TTCCTCCCGACGCAGTTTAGGACCCTTGTTCGCGAAGAGGTGGTGTGCGG





CTGAGACCCGCGTCCTCAGGACGGTTCCATCAGTGCCTCGATCCTGCCCC





ACTGGAGGAGGAAGGCAGCCCGAACAGCGCTCACCTAACTAACAGCTGCT





GAGAGCTGGGTTCCGTGGCCATGCACCTGGGACTGCCTTGAGAAGCGTGA





GCAAACCGCCCAGAGTAGAAGCGCTAGCCACCATGGATTGGGGCACGCTG





CAGACGATCCTGGGGGGTGTGAACAAACACTCCACCAGCATTGGAAAGAT





CTGGCTCACCGTCCTCTTCATTTTTCGCATTATGATCCTCGTTGTGGCTG





CAAAGGAGGTGTGGGGAGATGAGCAGGCCGACTTTGTCTGCAACACCCTG





CAGCCAGGCTGCAAGAACGTGTGCTACGATCACTACTTCCCCATCTCCCA





CATCCGGCTATGGGCCCTGCAGCTGATCTTCGTGTCCACGCCAGCGCTCC





TAGTGGCCATGCACGTGGCCTACCGGAGACATGAGAAGAAGAGGAAGTTC





ATCAAGGGGGAGATAAAGAGTGAATTTAAGGACATCGAGGAGATCAAAAC





CCAGAAGGTCCGCATCGAAGGCTCCCTGTGGTGGACCTACACAAGCAGCA





TCTTCTTCCGGGTCATCTTCGAAGCCGCCTTCATGTACGTCTTCTATGTC





ATGTACGACGGCTTCTCCATGCAGCGGCTGGTGAAGTGCAACGCCTGGCC





TTGTCCCAACACTGTGGACTGCTTTGTGTCCCGGCCCACGGAGAAGACTG





TCTTCACAGTGTTCATGATTGCAGTGTCTGGAATTTGCATCCTGCTGAAT





GTCACTGAATTGTGTTATTTGCTAATTAGATATTGTTCTGGGAAGTCAAA





AAAGCCAGTTGGATCCCGGGCTGACTACAAAGACCATGACGGTGATTATA





AAGATCATGACATCGACTACAAGGATGACGATGACAAGTAAGAAATAGAC





AGCATGAGAGGGATGAGGCAACCCGTGCTCAGCTGTCAAGGCTCAGTCGC





TAGCATTTCCCAACACAAAGATTCTGACCTTAAATGCAACCATTTGAAAC





CCCTGTAGGCCTCAGGTGAAACTCCAGATGCCACAATGGAGCTCTGCTCC





CCTAAAGCCTCAAAACAAAGGCCTAATTCTATGCCTGTCTTAATTTTCTT





TCACTTAAGTTAGTTCCACTGAGACCCCAGGCTGTTAGGGGTTATTGGTG





TAAGGTACTTTCATATTTTAAACAGAGGATATCGGCATTTGTTTCTTTCT





CTGAGGACAAGAGAAAAAAGCCAGGTTCCACAGAGGACACAGAGAAGGTT





TGGGTGTCCTCCTGGGGTTCTTTTTGCCAACTTTCCCCACGTTAAAGGTG





AACATTGGTTCTTTCATTTGCTTTGGAAGTTTTAATCTCTAACAGTGGAC





AAAGTTACCAGTGCCTTAAACTCTGTTACACTTTTTGGAAGTGAAAACTT





TGTAGTATGATAGGTTATTTTGATGTAAAGATGTTCTGGATACCATTATA





TGTTCCCCCTGTTTCAGAGGCTCAGATTGTAATATGTAAATGGTATGTCA





TTCGCTACTATGATTTAATTTGAAATATGGTCTTTTGGTTATGAATACTT





TGCAGCACAGCTGAGAGGCTGTCTGTTGTATTCATTGTGGTCATAGCACC





TAACAACATTGTAGCCTCAATCGAGTGAGACAGACTAGAAGTTCCTAGTG





ATGGCTTATGATAGCAAATGGCCTCATGTCAAATATTTAGATGTAATTTT





GTGTAAGAAATACAGACTGGATGTACCACCAACTACTACCTGTAATGACA





GGCCTGTCCAACACATCTCCCTTTTCCATGACTGTGGTAGCCAGCATCGG





AAAGAACGCTGATTTAAAGAGGTCGCTTGGGAATTTTATTGACACAGTAC





CATTTAATGGGGAGGACAAAATGGGGCAGGGGAGGGAGAAGTTTCTGTCG





TTAAAAACAGATTTGGAAAGACTGGACTCTAAAGTCTGTTGATTAAAGAT





GAGCTTTGTCTACTTCAAAAGTTTGTTTGCTTACCCCTTCAGCCTCCAAT





TTTTTAAGTGAAAATATAGCTAATAACATGTGAAAAGAATAGAAGCTAAG





GTTTAGATAAATATTGAGCAGATCTATAGGAAGATTGAACCTGAATATTG





CCATTATGCTTGACATGGTTTCCAAAAAATGGTACTCCACATATTTCAGT





GAGGGTAAGTATTTTCCTGTTGTCAAGAATAGCATTGTAAAAGCATTTTG





TAATAATAAAGAATAGCTTTAATGATATGCTTGTAACTAAAATAATTTTG





TAATGTATCAAATACATTTAAAACATTAAAATATAATCTCTATAATAAGA





GCTCGCTGATCAGCCTCGACTGTGCCTTCTAGTTGCCAGCCATCTGTTGT





TTGCCCCTCCCCCGTGCCTTCCTTGACCCTGGAAGGTGCCACTCCCACTG





TCCTTTCCTAATAAAATGAGGAAATTGCATCGCATTGTCTGAGTAGGTGT





CATTCTATTCTGGGGGGTGGGGTGGGGCAGGACAGCAAGGGGGAGGATTG





GGAAGACAATAGCAGGCATGCTGGGGATGCGGTGGGCTCTATGGAAGCTT





GAATTCAGCTGACGTGCCTCGGACCGCTAGGAACCCCTAGTGATGGAGTT





GGCCACTCCCTCTCTGCGCGCTCGCTCGCTCACTGAGGCCGGGCGACCAA





AGGTCGCCCGACGCCCGGGCTTTGCCCGGGCGGCCTCAGTGAGCGAGCGA





GCGCGCAGCTGCCTGCAGGGGCGCCTGATGCGGTATTTTCTCCTTACGCA





TCTGTGCGGTATTTCACACCGCATACGTCAAAGCAACCATAGTACGCGCC





CTGTAGCGGCGCATTAAGCGCGGCGGGTGTGGTGGTTACGCGCAGCGTGA





CCGCTACACTTGCCAGCGCCCTAGCGCCCGCTCCTTTCGCTTTCTTCCCT





TCCTTTCTCGCCACGTTCGCCGGCTTTCCCCGTCAAGCTCTAAATCGGGG





GCTCCCTTTAGGGTTCCGATTTAGTGCTTTACGGCACCTCGACCCCAAAA





AACTTGATTTGGGTGATGGTTCACGTAGTGGGCCATCGCCCTGATAGACG





GTTTTTCGCCCTTTGACGTTGGAGTCCACGTTCTTTAATAGTGGACTCTT





GTTCCAAACTGGAACAACACTCAACCCTATCTCGGGCTATTCTTTTGATT





TATAAGGGATTTTGCCGATTTCGGCCTATTGGTTAAAAAATGAGCTGATT





TAACAAAAATTTAACGCGAATTTTAACAAAATATTAACGTTTACAATTTT





ATGGTGCACTCTCAGTACAATCTGCTCTGATGCCGCATAGTTAAGCCAGC





CCCGACACCCGCCAACACCCGCTGACGCGCCCTGACGGGCTTGTCTGCTC





CCGGCATCCGCTTACAGACAAGCTGTGACCGTCTCCGGGAGCTGCATGTG





TCAGAGGTTTTCACCGTCATCACCGAAACGCGCGAGACGAAAGGGCCTCG





TGATACGCCTATTTTTATAGGTTAATGTCATGAACAATAAAACTGTCTGC





TTACATAAACAGTAATACAAGGGGTGTTATGAGCCATATTCAACGGGAAA





CGTCGAGGCCGCGATTAAATTCCAACATGGATGCTGATTTATATGGGTAT





AAATGGGCTCGCGATAATGTCGGGCAATCAGGTGCGACAATCTATCGCTT





GTATGGGAAGCCCGATGCGCCAGAGTTGTTTCTGAAACATGGCAAAGGTA





GCGTTGCCAATGATGTTACAGATGAGATGGTCAGACTAAACTGGCTGACG





GAATTTATGCCTCTTCCGACCATCAAGCATTTTATCCGTACTCCTGATGA





TGCATGGTTACTCACCACTGCGATCCCCGGAAAAACAGCATTCCAGGTAT





TAGAAGAATATCCTGATTCAGGTGAAAATATTGTTGATGCGCTGGCAGTG





TTCCTGCGCCGGTTGCATTCGATTCCTGTTTGTAATTGTCCTTTTAACAG





CGATCGCGTATTTCGTCTCGCTCAGGCGCAATCACGAATGAATAACGGTT





TGGTTGATGCGAGTGATTTTGATGACGAGCGTAATGGCTGGCCTGTTGAA





CAAGTCTGGAAAGAAATGCATAAACTTTTGCCATTCTCACCGGATTCAGT





CGTCACTCATGGTGATTTCTCACTTGATAACCTTATTTTTGACGAGGGGA





AATTAATAGGTTGTATTGATGTTGGACGAGTCGGAATCGCAGACCGATAC





CAGGATCTTGCCATCCTATGGAACTGCCTCGGTGAGTTTTCTCCTTCATT





ACAGAAACGGCTTTTTCAAAAATATGGTATTGATAATCCTGATATGAATA





AATTGCAGTTTCATTTGATGCTCGATGAGTTTTTCTAATCTCATGACCAA





AATCCCTTAACGTGAGTTTTCGTTCCACTGAGCGTCAGACCCCGTAGAAA





AGATCAAAGGATCTTCTTGAGATCCTTTTTTTCTGCGCGTAATCTGCTGC





TTGCAAACAAAAAAACCACCGCTACCAGCGGTGGTTTGTTTGCCGGATCA





AGAGCTACCAACTCTTTTTCCGAAGGTAACTGGCTTCAGCAGAGCGCAGA





TACCAAATACTGTCCTTCTAGTGTAGCCGTAGTTAGGCCACCACTTCAAG





AACTCTGTAGCACCGCCTACATACCTCGCTCTGCTAATCCTGTTACCAGT





GGCTGCTGCCAGTGGCGATAAGTCGTGTCTTACCGGGTTGGACTCAAGAC





GATAGTTACCGGATAAGGCGCAGCGGTCGGGCTGAACGGGGGGTTCGTGC





ACACAGCCCAGCTTGGAGCGAACGACCTACACCGAACTGAGATACCTACA





GCGTGAGCTATGAGAAAGCGCCACGCTTCCCGAAGGGAGAAAGGCGGACA





GGTATCCGGTAAGCGGCAGGGTCGGAACAGGAGAGCGCACGAGGGAGCTT





CCAGGGGGAAACGCCTGGTATCTTTATAGTCCTGTCGGGTTTCGCCACCT





CTGACTTGAGCGTCGATTTTTGTGATGCTCGTCAGGGGGGCGGAGCCTAT





GGAAAAACGCCAGCAACGCGGCCTTTTTACGGTTCCTGGCCTTTTGCTGG





CCTTTTGCTCACATGT













TABLE 7







Components of Construct Sequence (SEQ ID NO: 7)










Components
Position in construct







5′ITR
 12-130



Cloning site
131-147



PARM1 promoter
 148-1463



hGJB2 minimal promoter
1464-1591



Cloning site
1592-1600



Synthetic barcode
1601-1608



5′UTR
1609-1970



GJB2 (exon2)
1982-2659



3xFLAG
2672-2737



3′UTR (exon2)
2741-4147



bGHpA
4169-4393



Cloning site
4394-4427



3′ITR
4428-4557

















Exemplary Construct sequence 


(SEQ ID NO: 100)


CCTGCAGGCAGCTGCGCGCTCGCTCGCTCACTGAGGCCGCCCGGGCGTCG





GGCGACCTTTGGTCGCCCGGCCTCAGTGAGCGAGCGAGCGCGCAGAGAGG





GAGTGGCCAACTCCATCACTAGGGGTTCCTGCGGCCGCACGCGTGGTTGT





GCTGCGAGGGCTTCATCTCCTAAGCACTAAATGCTAAATTCCCCCTCCCA





CGCCCATCGCCACTGTCCTCACGGATCCTCGCAGCAGCTTCCCAATCGGT





CTCCCTGTCTCCAGCCTCACCACCCCCAACTAAGACCATTCATGAAAACA





GAGACAACCAAGGAGACAGTCACCCAATGCTGTCCCTTCAGCTTGCATTA





TTTTCTGACAAGACAGCTCTGCCATCCATGGAAGCCTGTGTTTGAAGATC





TCTGACATAAAGGTCCCTTGCAGAGCTAGACGTGATTCTAAAATTGGGAA





CACAGGAATAAAAATCAAATCTTGAGTAGAAGTAGCTGAAAATTGCAGTG





ATTCGGGGAAGCTTGGCTTCTAACTCCCCACTGTTTGAAGATGGGCTTGT





TTGTTTTTTAAAACAGCCAACATAATTCAGCTGGAGGAGGTACAAAGAAT





TTTCTATTCCTTGTTTCTGTAGAAATCGATGGACTTTAGCTTGTCTAATT





GTCCCCCCTGCCTTTAGTATCTAAAATAAAATAACCCTCGTTGCTTGCAT





TACTCAACGCATTTCTGCGTCTTGGCGTCTATGGCTAAACGAGTATTAAT





TAGACAGTCCGCAGAGAGCTGGCTGGGGATAGAAGGGGAGGTGGGGGAGA





AGGGCAGGGATCACAGCAGGGTGGACTCGTGGCCCTGATTTGGGATCCTG





ACAGCAACTTACTAGGTGGCCTGAGGGCTGGGTGCCAGGGGAGGCAGCGG





GTTCCAGTAGCATCTGACCTGCATTAGGGACAGGGGCGCGGCGGAGGGGG





CGAAGGGGGCGGGGGTGGGGGGAAGGTGGCTGGGGTGAAGCCCAGCTTCG





CAGCTAGCTGTGGGCAACAGAGGGAGTAAGGGGGGGCAATGAGGCTGGGG





CCAGGCGCCAGCAGCAGCCACGCCCCCCACCTCCCCCGATTTTTAGGGAA





AATTCTCCAAAGCTCTCGCATCCTCCTCTGCCTCCTTCCACCCTCCACCC





TCCCAGCCTCCACTGAGACCTCTTTAAAACCACCCAGGGGCCGCCGGGGG





ATGAGGCCGGGGAACGGGCTGGACTGAGGGCGGGGGCTCGGGGGCAGCGG





ACGGGAAACGCCTCGAAAGCAGCCAGACCCGGCGACTGAAATGAGGCGGA





GGAGCTTGGCGAGGGGAGGCGCAGGCTCGGAAAGGCGCGCGAGGCTCCAG





GCTCCTTCCCGATCCACCGCTCTCCTCGCTGACCTCCGAGTCACCCCCGG





AAGCTCCCGCCACTGCCGGGCGAATAGACCCCCGCGGACCCCCAAGCGCG





CGGGGCCGGGGCCCTAGTTCAGGCCCTCGCTGCCCCTTTAAGGGTTCTCG





AAACTTTCCCCCCGGTATCAGATGAGCCTCGTCACATCCGTTGGCCGTGG





CAAGCTCTGAGGACCCAGAGGCCGGGCGCGCTCCGCCCGCGGCGCCGCCC





CCTCCGTAACTTTCCCAGTCTCCGAGGGAAGAGGCGGGGTGTGGGGTGCG





GTTAAAAGGCGCCACGGCGGGAGACAGGTCTCACCGGTCCTACGCTGTTG





CGGCCCCGCAGCGCCCGCGCGCTCCTCTCCCCGACTCGGAGCCCCTCGGC





GGCGCCCGGCCCAGGACCCGCCTAGGAGCGCAGGAGCCCCAGCGCAGAGA





CCCCAACGCCGAGACCCCCGCCCCGGCCCCGCCGCGCTTCCTCCCGACGC





AGTTTAGGACCCTTGTTCGCGAAGAGGTGGTGTGCGGCTGAGACCCGCGT





CCTCAGGACGGTTCCATCAGTGCCTCGATCCTGCCCCACTGGAGGAGGAA





GGCAGCCCGAACAGCGCTCACCTAACTAACAGCTGCTGAGAGCTGGGTTC





CGTGGCCATGCACCTGGGACTGCCTTGAGAAGCGTGAGCAAACCGCCCAG





AGTAGAAGCGCTAGCCACCATGGATTGGGGCACGCTGCAGACGATCCTGG





GGGGTGTGAACAAACACTCCACCAGCATTGGAAAGATCTGGCTCACCGTC





CTCTTCATTTTTCGCATTATGATCCTCGTTGTGGCTGCAAAGGAGGTGTG





GGGAGATGAGCAGGCCGACTTTGTCTGCAACACCCTGCAGCCAGGCTGCA





AGAACGTGTGCTACGATCACTACTTCCCCATCTCCCACATCCGGCTATGG





GCCCTGCAGCTGATCTTCGTGTCCACGCCAGCGCTCCTAGTGGCCATGCA





CGTGGCCTACCGGAGACATGAGAAGAAGAGGAAGTTCATCAAGGGGGAGA





TAAAGAGTGAATTTAAGGACATCGAGGAGATCAAAACCCAGAAGGTCCGC





ATCGAAGGCTCCCTGTGGTGGACCTACACAAGCAGCATCTTCTTCCGGGT





CATCTTCGAAGCCGCCTTCATGTACGTCTTCTATGTCATGTACGACGGCT





TCTCCATGCAGCGGCTGGTGAAGTGCAACGCCTGGCCTTGTCCCAACACT





GTGGACTGCTTTGTGTCCCGGCCCACGGAGAAGACTGTCTTCACAGTGTT





CATGATTGCAGTGTCTGGAATTTGCATCCTGCTGAATGTCACTGAATTGT





GTTATTTGCTAATTAGATATTGTTCTGGGAAGTCAAAAAAGCCAGTTGGA





TCCCGGGCTGACTACAAAGACCATGACGGTGATTATAAAGATCATGACAT





CGACTACAAGGATGACGATGACAAGTAAGAAATAGACAGCATGAGAGGGA





TGAGGCAACCCGTGCTCAGCTGTCAAGGCTCAGTCGCTAGCATTTCCCAA





CACAAAGATTCTGACCTTAAATGCAACCATTTGAAACCCCTGTAGGCCTC





AGGTGAAACTCCAGATGCCACAATGGAGCTCTGCTCCCCTAAAGCCTCAA





AACAAAGGCCTAATTCTATGCCTGTCTTAATTTTCTTTCACTTAAGTTAG





TTCCACTGAGACCCCAGGCTGTTAGGGGTTATTGGTGTAAGGTACTTTCA





TATTTTAAACAGAGGATATCGGCATTTGTTTCTTTCTCTGAGGACAAGAG





AAAAAAGCCAGGTTCCACAGAGGACACAGAGAAGGTTTGGGTGTCCTCCT





GGGGTTCTTTTTGCCAACTTTCCCCACGTTAAAGGTGAACATTGGTTCTT





TCATTTGCTTTGGAAGTTTTAATCTCTAACAGTGGACAAAGTTACCAGTG





CCTTAAACTCTGTTACACTTTTTGGAAGTGAAAACTTTGTAGTATGATAG





GTTATTTTGATGTAAAGATGTTCTGGATACCATTATATGTTCCCCCTGTT





TCAGAGGCTCAGATTGTAATATGTAAATGGTATGTCATTCGCTACTATGA





TTTAATTTGAAATATGGTCTTTTGGTTATGAATACTTTGCAGCACAGCTG





AGAGGCTGTCTGTTGTATTCATTGTGGTCATAGCACCTAACAACATTGTA





GCCTCAATCGAGTGAGACAGACTAGAAGTTCCTAGTGATGGCTTATGATA





GCAAATGGCCTCATGTCAAATATTTAGATGTAATTTTGTGTAAGAAATAC





AGACTGGATGTACCACCAACTACTACCTGTAATGACAGGCCTGTCCAACA





CATCTCCCTTTTCCATGACTGTGGTAGCCAGCATCGGAAAGAACGCTGAT





TTAAAGAGGTCGCTTGGGAATTTTATTGACACAGTACCATTTAATGGGGA





GGACAAAATGGGGCAGGGGAGGGAGAAGTTTCTGTCGTTAAAAACAGATT





TGGAAAGACTGGACTCTAAAGTCTGTTGATTAAAGATGAGCTTTGTCTAC





TTCAAAAGTTTGTTTGCTTACCCCTTCAGCCTCCAATTTTTTAAGTGAAA





ATATAGCTAATAACATGTGAAAAGAATAGAAGCTAAGGTTTAGATAAATA





TTGAGCAGATCTATAGGAAGATTGAACCTGAATATTGCCATTATGCTTGA





CATGGTTTCCAAAAAATGGTACTCCACATATTTCAGTGAGGGTAAGTATT





TTCCTGTTGTCAAGAATAGCATTGTAAAAGCATTTTGTAATAATAAAGAA





TAGCTTTAATGATATGCTTGTAACTAAAATAATTTTGTAATGTATCAAAT





ACATTTAAAACATTAAAATATAATCTCTATAATAAGAGCTCGCTGATCAG





CCTCGACTGTGCCTTCTAGTTGCCAGCCATCTGTTGTTTGCCCCTCCCCC





GTGCCTTCCTTGACCCTGGAAGGTGCCACTCCCACTGTCCTTTCCTAATA





AAATGAGGAAATTGCATCGCATTGTCTGAGTAGGTGTCATTCTATTCTGG





GGGGTGGGGTGGGGCAGGACAGCAAGGGGGAGGATTGGGAAGACAATAGC





AGGCATGCTGGGGATGCGGTGGGCTCTATGGAAGCTTGAATTCAGCTGAC





GTGCCTCGGACCGCTAGGAACCCCTAGTGATGGAGTTGGCCACTCCCTCT





CTGCGCGCTCGCTCGCTCACTGAGGCCGGGCGACCAAAGGTCGCCCGACG





CCCGGGCTTTGCCCGGGCGGCCTCAGTGAGCGAGCGAGCGCGCAGCTGCC





TGCAGGGGCGCCTGATGCGGTATTTTCTCCTTACGCATCTGTGCGGTATT





TCACACCGCATACGTCAAAGCAACCATAGTACGCGCCCTGTAGCGGCGCA





TTAAGCGCGGCGGGTGTGGTGGTTACGCGCAGCGTGACCGCTACACTTGC





CAGCGCCCTAGCGCCCGCTCCTTTCGCTTTCTTCCCTTCCTTTCTCGCCA





CGTTCGCCGGCTTTCCCCGTCAAGCTCTAAATCGGGGGCTCCCTTTAGGG





TTCCGATTTAGTGCTTTACGGCACCTCGACCCCAAAAAACTTGATTTGGG





TGATGGTTCACGTAGTGGGCCATCGCCCTGATAGACGGTTTTTCGCCCTT





TGACGTTGGAGTCCACGTTCTTTAATAGTGGACTCTTGTTCCAAACTGGA





ACAACACTCAACCCTATCTCGGGCTATTCTTTTGATTTATAAGGGATTTT





GCCGATTTCGGCCTATTGGTTAAAAAATGAGCTGATTTAACAAAAATTTA





ACGCGAATTTTAACAAAATATTAACGTTTACAATTTTATGGTGCACTCTC





AGTACAATCTGCTCTGATGCCGCATAGTTAAGCCAGCCCCGACACCCGCC





AACACCCGCTGACGCGCCCTGACGGGCTTGTCTGCTCCCGGCATCCGCTT





ACAGACAAGCTGTGACCGTCTCCGGGAGCTGCATGTGTCAGAGGTTTTCA





CCGTCATCACCGAAACGCGCGAGACGAAAGGGCCTCGTGATACGCCTATT





TTTATAGGTTAATGTCATGAACAATAAAACTGTCTGCTTACATAAACAGT





AATACAAGGGGTGTTATGAGCCATATTCAACGGGAAACGTCGAGGCCGCG





ATTAAATTCCAACATGGATGCTGATTTATATGGGTATAAATGGGCTCGCG





ATAATGTCGGGCAATCAGGTGCGACAATCTATCGCTTGTATGGGAAGCCC





GATGCGCCAGAGTTGTTTCTGAAACATGGCAAAGGTAGCGTTGCCAATGA





TGTTACAGATGAGATGGTCAGACTAAACTGGCTGACGGAATTTATGCCTC





TTCCGACCATCAAGCATTTTATCCGTACTCCTGATGATGCATGGTTACTC





ACCACTGCGATCCCCGGAAAAACAGCATTCCAGGTATTAGAAGAATATCC





TGATTCAGGTGAAAATATTGTTGATGCGCTGGCAGTGTTCCTGCGCCGGT





TGCATTCGATTCCTGTTTGTAATTGTCCTTTTAACAGCGATCGCGTATTT





CGTCTCGCTCAGGCGCAATCACGAATGAATAACGGTTTGGTTGATGCGAG





TGATTTTGATGACGAGCGTAATGGCTGGCCTGTTGAACAAGTCTGGAAAG





AAATGCATAAACTTTTGCCATTCTCACCGGATTCAGTCGTCACTCATGGT





GATTTCTCACTTGATAACCTTATTTTTGACGAGGGGAAATTAATAGGTTG





TATTGATGTTGGACGAGTCGGAATCGCAGACCGATACCAGGATCTTGCCA





TCCTATGGAACTGCCTCGGTGAGTTTTCTCCTTCATTACAGAAACGGCTT





TTTCAAAAATATGGTATTGATAATCCTGATATGAATAAATTGCAGTTTCA





TTTGATGCTCGATGAGTTTTTCTAATCTCATGACCAAAATCCCTTAACGT





GAGTTTTCGTTCCACTGAGCGTCAGACCCCGTAGAAAAGATCAAAGGATC





TTCTTGAGATCCTTTTTTTCTGCGCGTAATCTGCTGCTTGCAAACAAAAA





AACCACCGCTACCAGCGGTGGTTTGTTTGCCGGATCAAGAGCTACCAACT





CTTTTTCCGAAGGTAACTGGCTTCAGCAGAGCGCAGATACCAAATACTGT





CCTTCTAGTGTAGCCGTAGTTAGGCCACCACTTCAAGAACTCTGTAGCAC





CGCCTACATACCTCGCTCTGCTAATCCTGTTACCAGTGGCTGCTGCCAGT





GGCGATAAGTCGTGTCTTACCGGGTTGGACTCAAGACGATAGTTACCGGA





TAAGGCGCAGCGGTCGGGCTGAACGGGGGGTTCGTGCACACAGCCCAGCT





TGGAGCGAACGACCTACACCGAACTGAGATACCTACAGCGTGAGCTATGA





GAAAGCGCCACGCTTCCCGAAGGGAGAAAGGCGGACAGGTATCCGGTAAG





CGGCAGGGTCGGAACAGGAGAGCGCACGAGGGAGCTTCCAGGGGGAAACG





CCTGGTATCTTTATAGTCCTGTCGGGTTTCGCCACCTCTGACTTGAGCGT





CGATTTTTGTGATGCTCGTCAGGGGGGCGGAGCCTATGGAAAAACGCCAG





CAACGCGGCCTTTTTACGGTTCCTGGCCTTTTGCTGGCCTTTTGCTCACA





TGT













TABLE 8







Components of Construct Sequence (SEQ ID NO: 100)










Components
Position in construct







5′ITR
 12-130



Cloning site
121-147



BACE2 promoter
 148-1551



hGJB2 minimal promoter
1552-1679



Cloning site
1680-1688



Synthetic barcode
1689-1696



5′UTR
1697-2058



GJB2 (exon2)
2070-2747



3xFLAG
2760-2825



3′UTR (exon2)
2829-4235



bGHpA
4255-4481



Cloning site
4482-4515



3′ITR
4516-4645

















Exemplary Construct sequence 


(SEQ ID NO: 101)


CCTGCAGGCAGCTGCGCGCTCGCTCGCTCACTGAGGCCGCCCGGGCGTCG





GGCGACCTTTGGTCGCCCGGCCTCAGTGAGCGAGCGAGCGCGCAGAGAGG





GAGTGGCCAACTCCATCACTAGGGGTTCCTGCGGCCGCACGCGTGGTGAA





GAAACCTGCATTTCTTACACTTCAGTGTACTTTCCCCATATTTAACTCCA





AGATTTTTGTTAATTTGTTTGGTTTTCCTTTCTCAAACAAAATTATGCTC





AGACTGAAAACCCTAGATTTGTTCCCTATTGCATCTTCATTTCTTCCCAA





ACATTCCATAAAACGTGACCTACATTAAGTTAGCAAGTTAAGTCTGAAAG





CGTCTACCTTCCCTGGGGAGGGGGAAGGTGTAGGCAGGGCAGAGATTTGT





AGTCCAGCCCTCTTGCCACAAATTATGAATTAGAGAGGAATGACTTTGCT





TTTTTAATGATCTCCAGAGAATTTTCCATCATTTCCCTCTCTTCACCCAG





CTCCTTTGCAACCACTGCCAGAGAAGTCTTCCTTTAGCTTCTTAAACATC





GATCCTAAAACACTTCCAGACACCTGTGCTGCTCCTTTCAGTTCCCATGG





AGATTAGGCTGTGTAACAATCTCGCAAAGACGTTCCCCTCCGTCTCCTCA





TCCTCTTTTCAAACCCTTTTACGATTTCCCATCTCACTCAGCATGACAGT





CAAAGTCCCTGTGATGGCCAACTTCTGCATCACCTAGCCAGTCTGCCACC





GCCAAAACTCTCCAGCCTCATCTTACACTTGTTCTCTGCTTGGAATCTTC





CCTCCCCTCCTTGAGGAACTTTCTCAAATGTCACCTTCCCTCAATACTCC





CCCTCCTCCATTTAAAACTATAAACTTCCAACTCTCTAAGCCCCTAAAGT





ACTCTATATTTAACTTATTGTATAAACTACTGTCCCTACTTGTAAGTTCC





AAGATTGCAGGGATTCACCCGCTTTGTTCACTGCTGTCTGCCAAGGTCTA





GAACAGTGCAAGTTACCCAACAGGAGTTCAATAAACAGCCATTCATTTAA





CAAATATTTGCTGAGCACTTCGTCCCGTCCAAGTTTGTTAAATCAAGACA





AATAAGACACCGTCCCTGCCTTTAACGCACCAGATGGAGAAATGCACCAC





AGACATAAATGTGCAATACAGGCCTGACACTACGGCCACAAGCAAGTCAA





AGAACGTGCCAAAAGTTCAGAGGAAGAAGCCTCGGCTTCGCCTTTCGGGA





GACCAGTCCAGCTTTCCACCATCACGCTGCTCATCAGGGACCATCTCCGG





GGGTCTCCTCTAGACCCCAAGGGAGGAGCGGGTCCCGCCCGCCATTCCCA





GGTCTCAGAGTTTACTTGTCCAGAGATGCAACTTCCGGCCTCTTCAGGCC





GGGCAAGATTTAAGGAAAGAAAAGAAACATAAGGACCTCCGTTCTTCGGT





CTCCGTCCCCTCCCCTTCCCCCGCGTGCCCCACCTGTTCCCGGCGTCCCC





TTCGGCTACTCCCGGCGTTTGCGCAAGCGGTCCCACGTGGGCTCGGGCGG





GGCTAGCGCCGCGGCGGGGGCTGGGCACGCCCCTAGCGCATAGCTGGCTT





CTGATTGGCTTTCCAAGCTCTGAGGACCCAGAGGCCGGGCGCGCTCCGCC





CGCGGCGCCGCCCCCTCCGTAACTTTCCCAGTCTCCGAGGGAAGAGGCGG





GGTGTGGGGTGCGGTTAAAAGGCGCCACGGCGGGAGACAGGTCTCACCGG





TGCCAAAGCGTTGCGGCCCCGCAGCGCCCGCGCGCTCCTCTCCCCGACTC





GGAGCCCCTCGGCGGCGCCCGGCCCAGGACCCGCCTAGGAGCGCAGGAGC





CCCAGCGCAGAGACCCCAACGCCGAGACCCCCGCCCCGGCCCCGCCGCGC





TTCCTCCCGACGCAGTTTAGGACCCTTGTTCGCGAAGAGGTGGTGTGCGG





CTGAGACCCGCGTCCTCAGGACGGTTCCATCAGTGCCTCGATCCTGCCCC





ACTGGAGGAGGAAGGCAGCCCGAACAGCGCTCACCTAACTAACAGCTGCT





GAGAGCTGGGTTCCGTGGCCATGCACCTGGGACTGCCTTGAGAAGCGTGA





GCAAACCGCCCAGAGTAGAAGCGCTAGCCACCATGGATTGGGGCACGCTG





CAGACGATCCTGGGGGGTGTGAACAAACACTCCACCAGCATTGGAAAGAT





CTGGCTCACCGTCCTCTTCATTTTTCGCATTATGATCCTCGTTGTGGCTG





CAAAGGAGGTGTGGGGAGATGAGCAGGCCGACTTTGTCTGCAACACCCTG





CAGCCAGGCTGCAAGAACGTGTGCTACGATCACTACTTCCCCATCTCCCA





CATCCGGCTATGGGCCCTGCAGCTGATCTTCGTGTCCACGCCAGCGCTCC





TAGTGGCCATGCACGTGGCCTACCGGAGACATGAGAAGAAGAGGAAGTTC





ATCAAGGGGGAGATAAAGAGTGAATTTAAGGACATCGAGGAGATCAAAAC





CCAGAAGGTCCGCATCGAAGGCTCCCTGTGGTGGACCTACACAAGCAGCA





TCTTCTTCCGGGTCATCTTCGAAGCCGCCTTCATGTACGTCTTCTATGTC





ATGTACGACGGCTTCTCCATGCAGCGGCTGGTGAAGTGCAACGCCTGGCC





TTGTCCCAACACTGTGGACTGCTTTGTGTCCCGGCCCACGGAGAAGACTG





TCTTCACAGTGTTCATGATTGCAGTGTCTGGAATTTGCATCCTGCTGAAT





GTCACTGAATTGTGTTATTTGCTAATTAGATATTGTTCTGGGAAGTCAAA





AAAGCCAGTTGGATCCCGGGCTGACTACAAAGACCATGACGGTGATTATA





AAGATCATGACATCGACTACAAGGATGACGATGACAAGTAAGAAATAGAC





AGCATGAGAGGGATGAGGCAACCCGTGCTCAGCTGTCAAGGCTCAGTCGC





TAGCATTTCCCAACACAAAGATTCTGACCTTAAATGCAACCATTTGAAAC





CCCTGTAGGCCTCAGGTGAAACTCCAGATGCCACAATGGAGCTCTGCTCC





CCTAAAGCCTCAAAACAAAGGCCTAATTCTATGCCTGTCTTAATTTTCTT





TCACTTAAGTTAGTTCCACTGAGACCCCAGGCTGTTAGGGGTTATTGGTG





TAAGGTACTTTCATATTTTAAACAGAGGATATCGGCATTTGTTTCTTTCT





CTGAGGACAAGAGAAAAAAGCCAGGTTCCACAGAGGACACAGAGAAGGTT





TGGGTGTCCTCCTGGGGTTCTTTTTGCCAACTTTCCCCACGTTAAAGGTG





AACATTGGTTCTTTCATTTGCTTTGGAAGTTTTAATCTCTAACAGTGGAC





AAAGTTACCAGTGCCTTAAACTCTGTTACACTTTTTGGAAGTGAAAACTT





TGTAGTATGATAGGTTATTTTGATGTAAAGATGTTCTGGATACCATTATA





TGTTCCCCCTGTTTCAGAGGCTCAGATTGTAATATGTAAATGGTATGTCA





TTCGCTACTATGATTTAATTTGAAATATGGTCTTTTGGTTATGAATACTT





TGCAGCACAGCTGAGAGGCTGTCTGTTGTATTCATTGTGGTCATAGCACC





TAACAACATTGTAGCCTCAATCGAGTGAGACAGACTAGAAGTTCCTAGTG





ATGGCTTATGATAGCAAATGGCCTCATGTCAAATATTTAGATGTAATTTT





GTGTAAGAAATACAGACTGGATGTACCACCAACTACTACCTGTAATGACA





GGCCTGTCCAACACATCTCCCTTTTCCATGACTGTGGTAGCCAGCATCGG





AAAGAACGCTGATTTAAAGAGGTCGCTTGGGAATTTTATTGACACAGTAC





CATTTAATGGGGAGGACAAAATGGGGCAGGGGAGGGAGAAGTTTCTGTCG





TTAAAAACAGATTTGGAAAGACTGGACTCTAAAGTCTGTTGATTAAAGAT





GAGCTTTGTCTACTTCAAAAGTTTGTTTGCTTACCCCTTCAGCCTCCAAT





TTTTTAAGTGAAAATATAGCTAATAACATGTGAAAAGAATAGAAGCTAAG





GTTTAGATAAATATTGAGCAGATCTATAGGAAGATTGAACCTGAATATTG





CCATTATGCTTGACATGGTTTCCAAAAAATGGTACTCCACATATTTCAGT





GAGGGTAAGTATTTTCCTGTTGTCAAGAATAGCATTGTAAAAGCATTTTG





TAATAATAAAGAATAGCTTTAATGATATGCTTGTAACTAAAATAATTTTG





TAATGTATCAAATACATTTAAAACATTAAAATATAATCTCTATAATAAGA





GCTCGCTGATCAGCCTCGACTGTGCCTTCTAGTTGCCAGCCATCTGTTGT





TTGCCCCTCCCCCGTGCCTTCCTTGACCCTGGAAGGTGCCACTCCCACTG





TCCTTTCCTAATAAAATGAGGAAATTGCATCGCATTGTCTGAGTAGGTGT





CATTCTATTCTGGGGGGTGGGGTGGGGCAGGACAGCAAGGGGGAGGATTG





GGAAGACAATAGCAGGCATGCTGGGGATGCGGTGGGCTCTATGGAAGCTT





GAATTCAGCTGACGTGCCTCGGACCGCTAGGAACCCCTAGTGATGGAGTT





GGCCACTCCCTCTCTGCGCGCTCGCTCGCTCACTGAGGCCGGGCGACCAA





AGGTCGCCCGACGCCCGGGCTTTGCCCGGGCGGCCTCAGTGAGCGAGCGA





GCGCGCAGCTGCCTGCAGGGGCGCCTGATGCGGTATTTTCTCCTTACGCA





TCTGTGCGGTATTTCACACCGCATACGTCAAAGCAACCATAGTACGCGCC





CTGTAGCGGCGCATTAAGCGCGGCGGGTGTGGTGGTTACGCGCAGCGTGA





CCGCTACACTTGCCAGCGCCCTAGCGCCCGCTCCTTTCGCTTTCTTCCCT





TCCTTTCTCGCCACGTTCGCCGGCTTTCCCCGTCAAGCTCTAAATCGGGG





GCTCCCTTTAGGGTTCCGATTTAGTGCTTTACGGCACCTCGACCCCAAAA





AACTTGATTTGGGTGATGGTTCACGTAGTGGGCCATCGCCCTGATAGACG





GTTTTTCGCCCTTTGACGTTGGAGTCCACGTTCTTTAATAGTGGACTCTT





GTTCCAAACTGGAACAACACTCAACCCTATCTCGGGCTATTCTTTTGATT





TATAAGGGATTTTGCCGATTTCGGCCTATTGGTTAAAAAATGAGCTGATT





TAACAAAAATTTAACGCGAATTTTAACAAAATATTAACGTTTACAATTTT





ATGGTGCACTCTCAGTACAATCTGCTCTGATGCCGCATAGTTAAGCCAGC





CCCGACACCCGCCAACACCCGCTGACGCGCCCTGACGGGCTTGTCTGCTC





CCGGCATCCGCTTACAGACAAGCTGTGACCGTCTCCGGGAGCTGCATGTG





TCAGAGGTTTTCACCGTCATCACCGAAACGCGCGAGACGAAAGGGCCTCG





TGATACGCCTATTTTTATAGGTTAATGTCATGAACAATAAAACTGTCTGC





TTACATAAACAGTAATACAAGGGGTGTTATGAGCCATATTCAACGGGAAA





CGTCGAGGCCGCGATTAAATTCCAACATGGATGCTGATTTATATGGGTAT





AAATGGGCTCGCGATAATGTCGGGCAATCAGGTGCGACAATCTATCGCTT





GTATGGGAAGCCCGATGCGCCAGAGTTGTTTCTGAAACATGGCAAAGGTA





GCGTTGCCAATGATGTTACAGATGAGATGGTCAGACTAAACTGGCTGACG





GAATTTATGCCTCTTCCGACCATCAAGCATTTTATCCGTACTCCTGATGA





TGCATGGTTACTCACCACTGCGATCCCCGGAAAAACAGCATTCCAGGTAT





TAGAAGAATATCCTGATTCAGGTGAAAATATTGTTGATGCGCTGGCAGTG





TTCCTGCGCCGGTTGCATTCGATTCCTGTTTGTAATTGTCCTTTTAACAG





CGATCGCGTATTTCGTCTCGCTCAGGCGCAATCACGAATGAATAACGGTT





TGGTTGATGCGAGTGATTTTGATGACGAGCGTAATGGCTGGCCTGTTGAA





CAAGTCTGGAAAGAAATGCATAAACTTTTGCCATTCTCACCGGATTCAGT





CGTCACTCATGGTGATTTCTCACTTGATAACCTTATTTTTGACGAGGGGA





AATTAATAGGTTGTATTGATGTTGGACGAGTCGGAATCGCAGACCGATAC





CAGGATCTTGCCATCCTATGGAACTGCCTCGGTGAGTTTTCTCCTTCATT





ACAGAAACGGCTTTTTCAAAAATATGGTATTGATAATCCTGATATGAATA





AATTGCAGTTTCATTTGATGCTCGATGAGTTTTTCTAATCTCATGACCAA





AATCCCTTAACGTGAGTTTTCGTTCCACTGAGCGTCAGACCCCGTAGAAA





AGATCAAAGGATCTTCTTGAGATCCTTTTTTTCTGCGCGTAATCTGCTGC





TTGCAAACAAAAAAACCACCGCTACCAGCGGTGGTTTGTTTGCCGGATCA





AGAGCTACCAACTCTTTTTCCGAAGGTAACTGGCTTCAGCAGAGCGCAGA





TACCAAATACTGTCCTTCTAGTGTAGCCGTAGTTAGGCCACCACTTCAAG





AACTCTGTAGCACCGCCTACATACCTCGCTCTGCTAATCCTGTTACCAGT





GGCTGCTGCCAGTGGCGATAAGTCGTGTCTTACCGGGTTGGACTCAAGAC





GATAGTTACCGGATAAGGCGCAGCGGTCGGGCTGAACGGGGGGTTCGTGC





ACACAGCCCAGCTTGGAGCGAACGACCTACACCGAACTGAGATACCTACA





GCGTGAGCTATGAGAAAGCGCCACGCTTCCCGAAGGGAGAAAGGCGGACA





GGTATCCGGTAAGCGGCAGGGTCGGAACAGGAGAGCGCACGAGGGAGCTT





CCAGGGGGAAACGCCTGGTATCTTTATAGTCCTGTCGGGTTTCGCCACCT





CTGACTTGAGCGTCGATTTTTGTGATGCTCGTCAGGGGGGCGGAGCCTAT





GGAAAAACGCCAGCAACGCGGCCTTTTTACGGTTCCTGGCCTTTTGCTGG





CCTTTTGCTCACATGT













TABLE 9







Components of Construct Sequence (SEQ ID NO: 101)










Components
Position in construct







5′ITR
 12-130



Cloning site
131-147



DBI2 promoter
 148-1614



hGJB2 minimal promoter
1615-1742



Cloning site
1743-1751



Synthetic barcode
1752-1759



5′UTR
1760-2121



GJB2 (exon2)
2133-2810



3xFLAG
2823-2888



3′UTR (exon2)
2892-4298



bGHpA
4320-4544



Cloning site
4545-4578



3′ITR
4579-4708

















Exemplary Construct sequence 


(SEQ ID NO: 102)


CCTGCAGGCAGCTGCGCGCTCGCTCGCTCACTGAGGCCGCCCGGGCGTCG





GGCGACCTTTGGTCGCCCGGCCTCAGTGAGCGAGCGAGCGCGCAGAGAGG





GAGTGGCCAACTCCATCACTAGGGGTTCCTGCGGCCGCACGCGTGGTTAC





CATTCTGCCTTTCACCTGATGTTGCTATCCTCCTCCCTCTTGTTTCCTTC





CACCCATCCTTTCCCTCCCACATTACTCTCTTATCCCACCCTATTTTACA





ACCAGTAGCCTAGGGAAAAGAGCATAGCTCAAATGAGGAAGAAGGCAGGA





CAGGCAGTCATGGCTTAGCTGGACTGAGCTGCAGTGCTTCTCCTTCTGGG





GAAGGGGGTGCACTGTCATCTGCTACTGACACATCCCTCCAAGGCACTCA





GCCCTGCAGGGAGCAACCTGATTCTATGACTGACATCTAATCTTCACATT





CACCTTGCAGGAAGGCAAGAAGTGATCCCAGCCTCCAGATGGAAAGATCA





AGGCCCAGAGAAGGTCAGTGGTGGTTGGAGGCCTGAGGTCACACAGCAGC





CAAGTCTGGAGTCACTAGTCAAGGTGACCTTGACTAGCCACCCCACCTCC





CCTTCCCTGCCCCACCATGGCCCTGGGAGATCTGTTGTCCTGTGAGGGAA





AGGGGCTCCAGGCTGGGCTGCATCTGAAGCCCCTAGATCCAGAGACTTCA





TTTCTTAGGCTATCTATAAAATCCACCTTCCTTTCTTTTCCCAGGACCCC





CATACCCTGCTCCCAGCATCGTCTGCCTCAGCTAAGCCATGGGGATTGAG





AGACCAGGCCTGGTGCCCAGATAAACTGACCCTGGGTGAGGGGACAGGGG





CCCAGAATGGGCAGGTAGAGACTGAATACTGAAGAAGAATCCTCTGGAGT





CTGTTAGCAGAAGCAGATGGGCCTTGCCTGACTATTGGCAGGCGGACCTG





GTGGTCAGACCTCAGTGATCCTCAGGGACCAGTGAATATTTCAGGCTGGG





GCTGAGCATCACCTGCTCCCTTGGCCCCACTTATAGGGCAAAGGGGAGTC





TACCAGCCTACTCACTGATGACAAACTGGAAAAGTTTGTCCTGTCTCTGC





TCTGGCCCCACCTCGCCCTCTCCCCTACTTGGAAGTTCCTTTCCTGAACC





ACTGACTGCCAAAGCTTGAGGGATTAAATAAATCATCTGGCCCAACCTCC





TACCATAGAGTTGGGAACACTGAAGAAAAGAGACTGGCCCAAGGTCACAG





AGAAGGCAGGGTGAACACTGTCACAGGGAGAGCCAGTGTAGAATAATGGT





TAAGCCACGCAAGCTCTAGAACCACTCTATCTGAGTGCAAATCCTGGCTG





TCATCTGGTACTTGCTTCCTGGAACACATCTGGCCTCAGACTCCTGAGGC





CAAGACACACTCCCTGCCCTAAGACTTGCTGGTTCTATGGCAGGCAGAGG





CAGAAAGAGCCCCACCATCATTCCCAGCAAATGGGAAAAGTTCCCAGTTG





CAGATATTAGGGGTGGGATGGGGCGGGGGTAGTCAGCAACCATAGACTTA





GACCCTGAAGAGGCAAAAAAGGAGGGCCATGTTCTTGGGTCAGCAGAGCT





TCTACTCAGCTTCTTCAGCCTCTAGCTCTTTCCTGGTGCTAGTAGCACAT





TCTCTAGTGGAGGCATCCAGATGGCAGGGAGGGTCCAGGAAACAGCTGAA





CATGCTGAGCAGGCCTCCCTTGTCCCCGCTCCCCATGGCCCCATGGATCA





TCCGGTGCTGCAGCTCATCTCATTGGCTGGCTTCTGGTTACTCATCTCTC





CTCTTCTCCATCTTCCCAGCCTGTGGTTGCCGTGGAAACATAGAACAGTG





ACCTCACCATAGGATGAGGGCTGGGGAGATGCTGTTCTTGGCAGGCGCTA





AGCTCTGAGGACCCAGAGGCCGGGCGCGCTCCGCCCGCGGCGCCGCCCCC





TCCGTAACTTTCCCAGTCTCCGAGGGAAGAGGCGGGGTGTGGGGTGCGGT





TAAAAGGCGCCACGGCGGGAGACAGGTCTCACCGGTCCATCCACGTTGCG





GCCCCGCAGCGCCCGCGCGCTCCTCTCCCCGACTCGGAGCCCCTCGGCGG





CGCCCGGCCCAGGACCCGCCTAGGAGCGCAGGAGCCCCAGCGCAGAGACC





CCAACGCCGAGACCCCCGCCCCGGCCCCGCCGCGCTTCCTCCCGACGCAG





TTTAGGACCCTTGTTCGCGAAGAGGTGGTGTGCGGCTGAGACCCGCGTCC





TCAGGACGGTTCCATCAGTGCCTCGATCCTGCCCCACTGGAGGAGGAAGG





CAGCCCGAACAGCGCTCACCTAACTAACAGCTGCTGAGAGCTGGGTTCCG





TGGCCATGCACCTGGGACTGCCTTGAGAAGCGTGAGCAAACCGCCCAGAG





TAGAAGCGCTAGCCACCATGGATTGGGGCACGCTGCAGACGATCCTGGGG





GGTGTGAACAAACACTCCACCAGCATTGGAAAGATCTGGCTCACCGTCCT





CTTCATTTTTCGCATTATGATCCTCGTTGTGGCTGCAAAGGAGGTGTGGG





GAGATGAGCAGGCCGACTTTGTCTGCAACACCCTGCAGCCAGGCTGCAAG





AACGTGTGCTACGATCACTACTTCCCCATCTCCCACATCCGGCTATGGGC





CCTGCAGCTGATCTTCGTGTCCACGCCAGCGCTCCTAGTGGCCATGCACG





TGGCCTACCGGAGACATGAGAAGAAGAGGAAGTTCATCAAGGGGGAGATA





AAGAGTGAATTTAAGGACATCGAGGAGATCAAAACCCAGAAGGTCCGCAT





CGAAGGCTCCCTGTGGTGGACCTACACAAGCAGCATCTTCTTCCGGGTCA





TCTTCGAAGCCGCCTTCATGTACGTCTTCTATGTCATGTACGACGGCTTC





TCCATGCAGCGGCTGGTGAAGTGCAACGCCTGGCCTTGTCCCAACACTGT





GGACTGCTTTGTGTCCCGGCCCACGGAGAAGACTGTCTTCACAGTGTTCA





TGATTGCAGTGTCTGGAATTTGCATCCTGCTGAATGTCACTGAATTGTGT





TATTTGCTAATTAGATATTGTTCTGGGAAGTCAAAAAAGCCAGTTGGATC





CCGGGCTGACTACAAAGACCATGACGGTGATTATAAAGATCATGACATCG





ACTACAAGGATGACGATGACAAGTAAGAAATAGACAGCATGAGAGGGATG





AGGCAACCCGTGCTCAGCTGTCAAGGCTCAGTCGCTAGCATTTCCCAACA





CAAAGATTCTGACCTTAAATGCAACCATTTGAAACCCCTGTAGGCCTCAG





GTGAAACTCCAGATGCCACAATGGAGCTCTGCTCCCCTAAAGCCTCAAAA





CAAAGGCCTAATTCTATGCCTGTCTTAATTTTCTTTCACTTAAGTTAGTT





CCACTGAGACCCCAGGCTGTTAGGGGTTATTGGTGTAAGGTACTTTCATA





TTTTAAACAGAGGATATCGGCATTTGTTTCTTTCTCTGAGGACAAGAGAA





AAAAGCCAGGTTCCACAGAGGACACAGAGAAGGTTTGGGTGTCCTCCTGG





GGTTCTTTTTGCCAACTTTCCCCACGTTAAAGGTGAACATTGGTTCTTTC





ATTTGCTTTGGAAGTTTTAATCTCTAACAGTGGACAAAGTTACCAGTGCC





TTAAACTCTGTTACACTTTTTGGAAGTGAAAACTTTGTAGTATGATAGGT





TATTTTGATGTAAAGATGTTCTGGATACCATTATATGTTCCCCCTGTTTC





AGAGGCTCAGATTGTAATATGTAAATGGTATGTCATTCGCTACTATGATT





TAATTTGAAATATGGTCTTTTGGTTATGAATACTTTGCAGCACAGCTGAG





AGGCTGTCTGTTGTATTCATTGTGGTCATAGCACCTAACAACATTGTAGC





CTCAATCGAGTGAGACAGACTAGAAGTTCCTAGTGATGGCTTATGATAGC





AAATGGCCTCATGTCAAATATTTAGATGTAATTTTGTGTAAGAAATACAG





ACTGGATGTACCACCAACTACTACCTGTAATGACAGGCCTGTCCAACACA





TCTCCCTTTTCCATGACTGTGGTAGCCAGCATCGGAAAGAACGCTGATTT





AAAGAGGTCGCTTGGGAATTTTATTGACACAGTACCATTTAATGGGGAGG





ACAAAATGGGGCAGGGGAGGGAGAAGTTTCTGTCGTTAAAAACAGATTTG





GAAAGACTGGACTCTAAAGTCTGTTGATTAAAGATGAGCTTTGTCTACTT





CAAAAGTTTGTTTGCTTACCCCTTCAGCCTCCAATTTTTTAAGTGAAAAT





ATAGCTAATAACATGTGAAAAGAATAGAAGCTAAGGTTTAGATAAATATT





GAGCAGATCTATAGGAAGATTGAACCTGAATATTGCCATTATGCTTGACA





TGGTTTCCAAAAAATGGTACTCCACATATTTCAGTGAGGGTAAGTATTTT





CCTGTTGTCAAGAATAGCATTGTAAAAGCATTTTGTAATAATAAAGAATA





GCTTTAATGATATGCTTGTAACTAAAATAATTTTGTAATGTATCAAATAC





ATTTAAAACATTAAAATATAATCTCTATAATAAGAGCTCGCTGATCAGCC





TCGACTGTGCCTTCTAGTTGCCAGCCATCTGTTGTTTGCCCCTCCCCCGT





GCCTTCCTTGACCCTGGAAGGTGCCACTCCCACTGTCCTTTCCTAATAAA





ATGAGGAAATTGCATCGCATTGTCTGAGTAGGTGTCATTCTATTCTGGGG





GGTGGGGTGGGGCAGGACAGCAAGGGGGAGGATTGGGAAGACAATAGCAG





GCATGCTGGGGATGCGGTGGGCTCTATGGAAGCTTGAATTCAGCTGACGT





GCCTCGGACCGCTAGGAACCCCTAGTGATGGAGTTGGCCACTCCCTCTCT





GCGCGCTCGCTCGCTCACTGAGGCCGGGCGACCAAAGGTCGCCCGACGCC





CGGGCTTTGCCCGGGCGGCCTCAGTGAGCGAGCGAGCGCGCAGCTGCCTG





CAGGGGCGCCTGATGCGGTATTTTCTCCTTACGCATCTGTGCGGTATTTC





ACACCGCATACGTCAAAGCAACCATAGTACGCGCCCTGTAGCGGCGCATT





AAGCGCGGCGGGTGTGGTGGTTACGCGCAGCGTGACCGCTACACTTGCCA





GCGCCCTAGCGCCCGCTCCTTTCGCTTTCTTCCCTTCCTTTCTCGCCACG





TTCGCCGGCTTTCCCCGTCAAGCTCTAAATCGGGGGCTCCCTTTAGGGTT





CCGATTTAGTGCTTTACGGCACCTCGACCCCAAAAAACTTGATTTGGGTG





ATGGTTCACGTAGTGGGCCATCGCCCTGATAGACGGTTTTTCGCCCTTTG





ACGTTGGAGTCCACGTTCTTTAATAGTGGACTCTTGTTCCAAACTGGAAC





AACACTCAACCCTATCTCGGGCTATTCTTTTGATTTATAAGGGATTTTGC





CGATTTCGGCCTATTGGTTAAAAAATGAGCTGATTTAACAAAAATTTAAC





GCGAATTTTAACAAAATATTAACGTTTACAATTTTATGGTGCACTCTCAG





TACAATCTGCTCTGATGCCGCATAGTTAAGCCAGCCCCGACACCCGCCAA





CACCCGCTGACGCGCCCTGACGGGCTTGTCTGCTCCCGGCATCCGCTTAC





AGACAAGCTGTGACCGTCTCCGGGAGCTGCATGTGTCAGAGGTTTTCACC





GTCATCACCGAAACGCGCGAGACGAAAGGGCCTCGTGATACGCCTATTTT





TATAGGTTAATGTCATGAACAATAAAACTGTCTGCTTACATAAACAGTAA





TACAAGGGGTGTTATGAGCCATATTCAACGGGAAACGTCGAGGCCGCGAT





TAAATTCCAACATGGATGCTGATTTATATGGGTATAAATGGGCTCGCGAT





AATGTCGGGCAATCAGGTGCGACAATCTATCGCTTGTATGGGAAGCCCGA





TGCGCCAGAGTTGTTTCTGAAACATGGCAAAGGTAGCGTTGCCAATGATG





TTACAGATGAGATGGTCAGACTAAACTGGCTGACGGAATTTATGCCTCTT





CCGACCATCAAGCATTTTATCCGTACTCCTGATGATGCATGGTTACTCAC





CACTGCGATCCCCGGAAAAACAGCATTCCAGGTATTAGAAGAATATCCTG





ATTCAGGTGAAAATATTGTTGATGCGCTGGCAGTGTTCCTGCGCCGGTTG





CATTCGATTCCTGTTTGTAATTGTCCTTTTAACAGCGATCGCGTATTTCG





TCTCGCTCAGGCGCAATCACGAATGAATAACGGTTTGGTTGATGCGAGTG





ATTTTGATGACGAGCGTAATGGCTGGCCTGTTGAACAAGTCTGGAAAGAA





ATGCATAAACTTTTGCCATTCTCACCGGATTCAGTCGTCACTCATGGTGA





TTTCTCACTTGATAACCTTATTTTTGACGAGGGGAAATTAATAGGTTGTA





TTGATGTTGGACGAGTCGGAATCGCAGACCGATACCAGGATCTTGCCATC





CTATGGAACTGCCTCGGTGAGTTTTCTCCTTCATTACAGAAACGGCTTTT





TCAAAAATATGGTATTGATAATCCTGATATGAATAAATTGCAGTTTCATT





TGATGCTCGATGAGTTTTTCTAATCTCATGACCAAAATCCCTTAACGTGA





GTTTTCGTTCCACTGAGCGTCAGACCCCGTAGAAAAGATCAAAGGATCTT





CTTGAGATCCTTTTTTTCTGCGCGTAATCTGCTGCTTGCAAACAAAAAAA





CCACCGCTACCAGCGGTGGTTTGTTTGCCGGATCAAGAGCTACCAACTCT





TTTTCCGAAGGTAACTGGCTTCAGCAGAGCGCAGATACCAAATACTGTCC





TTCTAGTGTAGCCGTAGTTAGGCCACCACTTCAAGAACTCTGTAGCACCG





CCTACATACCTCGCTCTGCTAATCCTGTTACCAGTGGCTGCTGCCAGTGG





CGATAAGTCGTGTCTTACCGGGTTGGACTCAAGACGATAGTTACCGGATA





AGGCGCAGCGGTCGGGCTGAACGGGGGGTTCGTGCACACAGCCCAGCTTG





GAGCGAACGACCTACACCGAACTGAGATACCTACAGCGTGAGCTATGAGA





AAGCGCCACGCTTCCCGAAGGGAGAAAGGCGGACAGGTATCCGGTAAGCG





GCAGGGTCGGAACAGGAGAGCGCACGAGGGAGCTTCCAGGGGGAAACGCC





TGGTATCTTTATAGTCCTGTCGGGTTTCGCCACCTCTGACTTGAGCGTCG





ATTTTTGTGATGCTCGTCAGGGGGGCGGAGCCTATGGAAAAACGCCAGCA





ACGCGGCCTTTTTACGGTTCCTGGCCTTTTGCTGGCCTTTTGCTCACATG





T













TABLE 10







Components of Construct Sequence (SEQ ID NO: 102)










Components
Position in construct







5′ITR
 12-130



Cloning site
131-147



FABP3 promoter
 148-1899



hGJB2 minimal promoter
1900-2027



Cloning site
2028-2036



Synthetic barcode
2037-2044



5′UTR
2045-2406



GJB2 (exon2)
2418-3095



3xFLAG
3108-3173



3′UTR (exon2)
3177-4583



bGHpA
4605-4829



Cloning site
4830-4863



3′ITR
4864-4993

















Exemplary Construct sequence 


(SEQ ID NO: 103)


CCTGCAGGCAGCTGCGCGCTCGCTCGCTCACTGAGGCCGCCCGGGCGTCG





GGCGACCTTTGGTCGCCCGGCCTCAGTGAGCGAGCGAGCGCGCAGAGAGG





GAGTGGCCAACTCCATCACTAGGGGTTCCTGCGGCCGCACGCGTGGTGAA





ACAGCAGCCATTGATGTAGCTCAGGGTTCTGTGGATCTGTCATTTGGAGC





ATGTTGGTTCTCCTGTCTCAGCTGGGCTCATTCATGCATCTGAGTTCAGC





TATTGGGCAATCTGGGGAATGTTTTGTCCATGTGATGTGTCATCTTCTAC





CAGGCTAGCCTGGGCTTCATCACATGGTATCTGGCAGGGCTCTAAGAGGG





AGAGTTGAAACACACAAGGCCTCTTGAAGCTTAGACTCAGAATTGGCACA





AGGTCGCTTCTGGCACATTCCATTGGTCAAAGCAAGTTACAAGGCCAGCT





CACATTCAAGGATTAGGTAAGTCGATTCCACTCTTGATGAGAAGTCTGAA





GGATTTGGAACAGTGTCCACCATGCAGTAATAAACTCAATAAGTAGTAGC





CATTATTATTCTGTTAGAGGTTGCCAGGAAAAGTTTTATAGTGGAAAGAA





ATCTGAGTTTACTCTTGAGAGGTAAGTGGAATTTCTATTTGTAGAGAATG





AAGGCCTCTCAAAAAGACACAGCCTAACAATAGGTGCTGCAGTTTAACAG





TGGAGCGTGTCCAGAACAGGCTGCCCTTTTAGGCAAGGGCTAGTGTCTTT





CAGGACAGACCCAAACCCCAAATACCAAAACAGAATAAAGTAGTGTCTTA





GCATACTTTGAGATCAGACTGTTTCTGCATTTCACAGTGCTGGGGGTGGG





GGGGAGGTGTGGGGGGAAGGGAAAAGCAGCATACCAATGTAGTGAAATCT





GGAAACAACAGCCAAAAAAAGTTTGCATATTGCACAGAGCACTTGAAGAT





CATAAATCTATGCATGAGAAAGATGTAGTGGAAATTTTGGGGGGGATTAG





AGTTTATTTTTGTCATCTCTGTGAGACAGCTACTCATTCATCCAGATCAC





AGCTAAGAAAAAAGCTGGTCACAGAAATTAGCAGTTTCAGCTCAGCAGCG





AAGTCGCCAGCCTGTGAAGGCAGAGAGAAATTGACTAATTAGCAATGCGC





ACTAAAACTTGACGGTTCTTTATAGAGAGAGAGAAGAGAGAGGGAGAGAG





AGGGAGAGGGAGGGAGGGGGGGCTCGCTTTTTCCCCTTCTTTCTTCCAAA





GATGTTTGAAATCGCAGTCATTTACGCTCGACAATTTTTACAATAGCCTT





GAGCCATAATTTTGCGAGTCTCTCCAGCATCCATCCCCCTGTATGGTCTC





TCTCTACTGGCCAAGCACGACCGTTTCTCTCCCCAACCGTGGATTTCCTA





TTAAGCTCTGAGGACCCAGAGGCCGGGCGCGCTCCGCCCGCGGCGCCGCC





CCCTCCGTAACTTTCCCAGTCTCCGAGGGAAGAGGCGGGGTGTGGGGTGC





GGTTAAAAGGCGCCACGGCGGGAGACAGGTCTCACCGGTCCCGTTCTGTT





GCGGCCCCGCAGCGCCCGCGCGCTCCTCTCCCCGACTCGGAGCCCCTCGG





CGGCGCCCGGCCCAGGACCCGCCTAGGAGCGCAGGAGCCCCAGCGCAGAG





ACCCCAACGCCGAGACCCCCGCCCCGGCCCCGCCGCGCTTCCTCCCGACG





CAGTTTAGGACCCTTGTTCGCGAAGAGGTGGTGTGCGGCTGAGACCCGCG





TCCTCAGGACGGTTCCATCAGTGCCTCGATCCTGCCCCACTGGAGGAGGA





AGGCAGCCCGAACAGCGCTCACCTAACTAACAGCTGCTGAGAGCTGGGTT





CCGTGGCCATGCACCTGGGACTGCCTTGAGAAGCGTGAGCAAACCGCCCA





GAGTAGAAGCGCTAGCCACCATGGATTGGGGCACGCTGCAGACGATCCTG





GGGGGTGTGAACAAACACTCCACCAGCATTGGAAAGATCTGGCTCACCGT





CCTCTTCATTTTTCGCATTATGATCCTCGTTGTGGCTGCAAAGGAGGTGT





GGGGAGATGAGCAGGCCGACTTTGTCTGCAACACCCTGCAGCCAGGCTGC





AAGAACGTGTGCTACGATCACTACTTCCCCATCTCCCACATCCGGCTATG





GGCCCTGCAGCTGATCTTCGTGTCCACGCCAGCGCTCCTAGTGGCCATGC





ACGTGGCCTACCGGAGACATGAGAAGAAGAGGAAGTTCATCAAGGGGGAG





ATAAAGAGTGAATTTAAGGACATCGAGGAGATCAAAACCCAGAAGGTCCG





CATCGAAGGCTCCCTGTGGTGGACCTACACAAGCAGCATCTTCTTCCGGG





TCATCTTCGAAGCCGCCTTCATGTACGTCTTCTATGTCATGTACGACGGC





TTCTCCATGCAGCGGCTGGTGAAGTGCAACGCCTGGCCTTGTCCCAACAC





TGTGGACTGCTTTGTGTCCCGGCCCACGGAGAAGACTGTCTTCACAGTGT





TCATGATTGCAGTGTCTGGAATTTGCATCCTGCTGAATGTCACTGAATTG





TGTTATTTGCTAATTAGATATTGTTCTGGGAAGTCAAAAAAGCCAGTTGG





ATCCCGGGCTGACTACAAAGACCATGACGGTGATTATAAAGATCATGACA





TCGACTACAAGGATGACGATGACAAGTAAGAAATAGACAGCATGAGAGGG





ATGAGGCAACCCGTGCTCAGCTGTCAAGGCTCAGTCGCTAGCATTTCCCA





ACACAAAGATTCTGACCTTAAATGCAACCATTTGAAACCCCTGTAGGCCT





CAGGTGAAACTCCAGATGCCACAATGGAGCTCTGCTCCCCTAAAGCCTCA





AAACAAAGGCCTAATTCTATGCCTGTCTTAATTTTCTTTCACTTAAGTTA





GTTCCACTGAGACCCCAGGCTGTTAGGGGTTATTGGTGTAAGGTACTTTC





ATATTTTAAACAGAGGATATCGGCATTTGTTTCTTTCTCTGAGGACAAGA





GAAAAAAGCCAGGTTCCACAGAGGACACAGAGAAGGTTTGGGTGTCCTCC





TGGGGTTCTTTTTGCCAACTTTCCCCACGTTAAAGGTGAACATTGGTTCT





TTCATTTGCTTTGGAAGTTTTAATCTCTAACAGTGGACAAAGTTACCAGT





GCCTTAAACTCTGTTACACTTTTTGGAAGTGAAAACTTTGTAGTATGATA





GGTTATTTTGATGTAAAGATGTTCTGGATACCATTATATGTTCCCCCTGT





TTCAGAGGCTCAGATTGTAATATGTAAATGGTATGTCATTCGCTACTATG





ATTTAATTTGAAATATGGTCTTTTGGTTATGAATACTTTGCAGCACAGCT





GAGAGGCTGTCTGTTGTATTCATTGTGGTCATAGCACCTAACAACATTGT





AGCCTCAATCGAGTGAGACAGACTAGAAGTTCCTAGTGATGGCTTATGAT





AGCAAATGGCCTCATGTCAAATATTTAGATGTAATTTTGTGTAAGAAATA





CAGACTGGATGTACCACCAACTACTACCTGTAATGACAGGCCTGTCCAAC





ACATCTCCCTTTTCCATGACTGTGGTAGCCAGCATCGGAAAGAACGCTGA





TTTAAAGAGGTCGCTTGGGAATTTTATTGACACAGTACCATTTAATGGGG





AGGACAAAATGGGGCAGGGGAGGGAGAAGTTTCTGTCGTTAAAAACAGAT





TTGGAAAGACTGGACTCTAAAGTCTGTTGATTAAAGATGAGCTTTGTCTA





CTTCAAAAGTTTGTTTGCTTACCCCTTCAGCCTCCAATTTTTTAAGTGAA





AATATAGCTAATAACATGTGAAAAGAATAGAAGCTAAGGTTTAGATAAAT





ATTGAGCAGATCTATAGGAAGATTGAACCTGAATATTGCCATTATGCTTG





ACATGGTTTCCAAAAAATGGTACTCCACATATTTCAGTGAGGGTAAGTAT





TTTCCTGTTGTCAAGAATAGCATTGTAAAAGCATTTTGTAATAATAAAGA





ATAGCTTTAATGATATGCTTGTAACTAAAATAATTTTGTAATGTATCAAA





TACATTTAAAACATTAAAATATAATCTCTATAATAAGAGCTCGCTGATCA





GCCTCGACTGTGCCTTCTAGTTGCCAGCCATCTGTTGTTTGCCCCTCCCC





CGTGCCTTCCTTGACCCTGGAAGGTGCCACTCCCACTGTCCTTTCCTAAT





AAAATGAGGAAATTGCATCGCATTGTCTGAGTAGGTGTCATTCTATTCTG





GGGGGTGGGGTGGGGCAGGACAGCAAGGGGGAGGATTGGGAAGACAATAG





CAGGCATGCTGGGGATGCGGTGGGCTCTATGGAAGCTTGAATTCAGCTGA





CGTGCCTCGGACCGCTAGGAACCCCTAGTGATGGAGTTGGCCACTCCCTC





TCTGCGCGCTCGCTCGCTCACTGAGGCCGGGCGACCAAAGGTCGCCCGAC





GCCCGGGCTTTGCCCGGGCGGCCTCAGTGAGCGAGCGAGCGCGCAGCTGC





CTGCAGGGGCGCCTGATGCGGTATTTTCTCCTTACGCATCTGTGCGGTAT





TTCACACCGCATACGTCAAAGCAACCATAGTACGCGCCCTGTAGCGGCGC





ATTAAGCGCGGCGGGTGTGGTGGTTACGCGCAGCGTGACCGCTACACTTG





CCAGCGCCCTAGCGCCCGCTCCTTTCGCTTTCTTCCCTTCCTTTCTCGCC





ACGTTCGCCGGCTTTCCCCGTCAAGCTCTAAATCGGGGGCTCCCTTTAGG





GTTCCGATTTAGTGCTTTACGGCACCTCGACCCCAAAAAACTTGATTTGG





GTGATGGTTCACGTAGTGGGCCATCGCCCTGATAGACGGTTTTTCGCCCT





TTGACGTTGGAGTCCACGTTCTTTAATAGTGGACTCTTGTTCCAAACTGG





AACAACACTCAACCCTATCTCGGGCTATTCTTTTGATTTATAAGGGATTT





TGCCGATTTCGGCCTATTGGTTAAAAAATGAGCTGATTTAACAAAAATTT





AACGCGAATTTTAACAAAATATTAACGTTTACAATTTTATGGTGCACTCT





CAGTACAATCTGCTCTGATGCCGCATAGTTAAGCCAGCCCCGACACCCGC





CAACACCCGCTGACGCGCCCTGACGGGCTTGTCTGCTCCCGGCATCCGCT





TACAGACAAGCTGTGACCGTCTCCGGGAGCTGCATGTGTCAGAGGTTTTC





ACCGTCATCACCGAAACGCGCGAGACGAAAGGGCCTCGTGATACGCCTAT





TTTTATAGGTTAATGTCATGAACAATAAAACTGTCTGCTTACATAAACAG





TAATACAAGGGGTGTTATGAGCCATATTCAACGGGAAACGTCGAGGCCGC





GATTAAATTCCAACATGGATGCTGATTTATATGGGTATAAATGGGCTCGC





GATAATGTCGGGCAATCAGGTGCGACAATCTATCGCTTGTATGGGAAGCC





CGATGCGCCAGAGTTGTTTCTGAAACATGGCAAAGGTAGCGTTGCCAATG





ATGTTACAGATGAGATGGTCAGACTAAACTGGCTGACGGAATTTATGCCT





CTTCCGACCATCAAGCATTTTATCCGTACTCCTGATGATGCATGGTTACT





CACCACTGCGATCCCCGGAAAAACAGCATTCCAGGTATTAGAAGAATATC





CTGATTCAGGTGAAAATATTGTTGATGCGCTGGCAGTGTTCCTGCGCCGG





TTGCATTCGATTCCTGTTTGTAATTGTCCTTTTAACAGCGATCGCGTATT





TCGTCTCGCTCAGGCGCAATCACGAATGAATAACGGTTTGGTTGATGCGA





GTGATTTTGATGACGAGCGTAATGGCTGGCCTGTTGAACAAGTCTGGAAA





GAAATGCATAAACTTTTGCCATTCTCACCGGATTCAGTCGTCACTCATGG





TGATTTCTCACTTGATAACCTTATTTTTGACGAGGGGAAATTAATAGGTT





GTATTGATGTTGGACGAGTCGGAATCGCAGACCGATACCAGGATCTTGCC





ATCCTATGGAACTGCCTCGGTGAGTTTTCTCCTTCATTACAGAAACGGCT





TTTTCAAAAATATGGTATTGATAATCCTGATATGAATAAATTGCAGTTTC





ATTTGATGCTCGATGAGTTTTTCTAATCTCATGACCAAAATCCCTTAACG





TGAGTTTTCGTTCCACTGAGCGTCAGACCCCGTAGAAAAGATCAAAGGAT





CTTCTTGAGATCCTTTTTTTCTGCGCGTAATCTGCTGCTTGCAAACAAAA





AAACCACCGCTACCAGCGGTGGTTTGTTTGCCGGATCAAGAGCTACCAAC





TCTTTTTCCGAAGGTAACTGGCTTCAGCAGAGCGCAGATACCAAATACTG





TCCTTCTAGTGTAGCCGTAGTTAGGCCACCACTTCAAGAACTCTGTAGCA





CCGCCTACATACCTCGCTCTGCTAATCCTGTTACCAGTGGCTGCTGCCAG





TGGCGATAAGTCGTGTCTTACCGGGTTGGACTCAAGACGATAGTTACCGG





ATAAGGCGCAGCGGTCGGGCTGAACGGGGGGTTCGTGCACACAGCCCAGC





TTGGAGCGAACGACCTACACCGAACTGAGATACCTACAGCGTGAGCTATG





AGAAAGCGCCACGCTTCCCGAAGGGAGAAAGGCGGACAGGTATCCGGTAA





GCGGCAGGGTCGGAACAGGAGAGCGCACGAGGGAGCTTCCAGGGGGAAAC





GCCTGGTATCTTTATAGTCCTGTCGGGTTTCGCCACCTCTGACTTGAGCG





TCGATTTTTGTGATGCTCGTCAGGGGGGCGGAGCCTATGGAAAAACGCCA





GCAACGCGGCCTTTTTACGGTTCCTGGCCTTTTGCTGGCCTTTTGCTCAC





ATGT













TABLE 11







Components of Construct Sequence (SEQ ID NO: 103)










Components
Position in construct







5′ITR
 12-130



Cloning site
131-147



KLHL14 promoter
 148-1402



hGJB2 minimal promoter
1403-1530



Cloning site
1531-1539



Synthetic barcode
1540-1547



5′UTR
1548-1909



GJB2 (exon2)
1921-2598



3xFLAG
2611-2676



3′UTR (exon2)
2680-4086



bGHpA
4108-4332



Cloning site
4333-4366



3′ITR
4367-4496


















Exemplary Construct sequence



(SEQ ID NO: 104)



CCTGCAGGCAGCTGCGCGCTCGCTCGCTCACTGAGGCCGCCCGGGCGTCGGG






CGACCTTTGGTCGCCCGGCCTCAGTGAGCGAGCGAGCGCGCAGAGAGGGAGT





GGCCAACTCCATCACTAGGGGTTCCTGCGGCCGCACGCGTGGTCCTTCCTCCT





CCAGGGCCCTCTGCAGACCAGGCTGAGATGGAGGAACCTGCTAAAATCGATG





GAGATGCTTCTAGCCTCCCAGTAGGAGGCCCCAGCCATGCCTTCAACCTGGC





AGGAGGTGTAGCCACTCCTCATCCTTGGGTTGCAGGTTGGGTGCTGCTGTTGT





GGTCCTTCCCAGAAACTGCCAGTAGAGGGCAGCCTGGGCATCCTAATGCTTA





CTCTGGTTGTTACACAAAGAAAATATTGGGGTCACTGGCGAGCCCACCCACA





CTCACCAGAATCTCCACTGTAGTCCCCCTAACAAACAGCCCTTCACTTCCTCT





CCCACTTCAGCAATTTGTATTTTGATGCCATTGGCCTCAGATCAGAGTGTTTT





AAATCATCACGCCCTGGCTTATCCCTGGTCGAGCCAGGACACGGGGTGCTTC





AGTGGGTCTGTCACCCTCTCTCCTTGAAGCATGTTGCTTTTATTTATTTACTTT





TACTCTCACCCTGCTCCTGTACCAGCAGGGGCCACTTCAAAGCCAAGGTACA





GGGTGATAACTTGTGGTCCAGCATCAGTTTTCTCCACTTCTTTCTCCCACTCAC





CCCCAGCAAGGTGCCTGGGGAGACTTGAGCAGATGTTTCATTTTGGCCTGGC





CAGTGGCTGAAAGCCAGGCCTCCAATGCACTGTGACCTCTGGCTTCCCCAGC





AGCTTTCCCAGAGAGGCAGAGGGAGTCTTCATTCTTCCCAGGCGGGGAGACC





ACGCCTTCCCTGCCTCCTCCCTCCGCGGGGGGTCGCGTTGGAGGTCACCCCCG





CCCCCTAGGCGCTGGGTTGGGAGTGACGCGGGGTGGGCTGGAGAGGTTTCCT





GCCGTCTGGGAAGCGTAAACGGACCGCCCACCTGTCGGGCCTCGGCCGCCCG





CACCTGCTTGTGAGAAGCCTGCGGCTGGGGCACCGCCCCCGGTCCCCGCCCG





GGTCCGCGCATTGGGAGCACACTGGCCCTTTAAGAGCGCGGCGGCCGCGGCG





CGCGGGAAGCTCTGAGGACCCAGAGGCCGGGCGCGCTCCGCCCGCGGCGCC





GCCCCCTCCGTAACTTTCCCAGTCTCCGAGGGAAGAGGCGGGGTGTGGGGTG





CGGTTAAAAGGCGCCACGGCGGGAGACAGGTCTCACCGGTTTCACTGGGTTG





CGGCCCCGCAGCGCCCGCGCGCTCCTCTCCCCGACTCGGAGCCCCTCGGCGG





CGCCCGGCCCAGGACCCGCCTAGGAGCGCAGGAGCCCCAGCGCAGAGACCC





CAACGCCGAGACCCCCGCCCCGGCCCCGCCGCGCTTCCTCCCGACGCAGTTT





AGGACCCTTGTTCGCGAAGAGGTGGTGTGCGGCTGAGACCCGCGTCCTCAGG





ACGGTTCCATCAGTGCCTCGATCCTGCCCCACTGGAGGAGGAAGGCAGCCCG





AACAGCGCTCACCTAACTAACAGCTGCTGAGAGCTGGGTTCCGTGGCCATGC





ACCTGGGACTGCCTTGAGAAGCGTGAGCAAACCGCCCAGAGTAGAAGCGCT





AGCCACCATGGATTGGGGCACGCTGCAGACGATCCTGGGGGGTGTGAACAAA





CACTCCACCAGCATTGGAAAGATCTGGCTCACCGTCCTCTTCATTTTTCGCAT





TATGATCCTCGTTGTGGCTGCAAAGGAGGTGTGGGGAGATGAGCAGGCCGAC





TTTGTCTGCAACACCCTGCAGCCAGGCTGCAAGAACGTGTGCTACGATCACT





ACTTCCCCATCTCCCACATCCGGCTATGGGCCCTGCAGCTGATCTTCGTGTCC





ACGCCAGCGCTCCTAGTGGCCATGCACGTGGCCTACCGGAGACATGAGAAGA





AGAGGAAGTTCATCAAGGGGGAGATAAAGAGTGAATTTAAGGACATCGAGG





AGATCAAAACCCAGAAGGTCCGCATCGAAGGCTCCCTGTGGTGGACCTACAC





AAGCAGCATCTTCTTCCGGGTCATCTTCGAAGCCGCCTTCATGTACGTCTTCT





ATGTCATGTACGACGGCTTCTCCATGCAGCGGCTGGTGAAGTGCAACGCCTG





GCCTTGTCCCAACACTGTGGACTGCTTTGTGTCCCGGCCCACGGAGAAGACT





GTCTTCACAGTGTTCATGATTGCAGTGTCTGGAATTTGCATCCTGCTGAATGT





CACTGAATTGTGTTATTTGCTAATTAGATATTGTTCTGGGAAGTCAAAAAAGC





CAGTTGGATCCCGGGCTGACTACAAAGACCATGACGGTGATTATAAAGATCA





TGACATCGACTACAAGGATGACGATGACAAGTAAGAAATAGACAGCATGAG





AGGGATGAGGCAACCCGTGCTCAGCTGTCAAGGCTCAGTCGCTAGCATTTCC





CAACACAAAGATTCTGACCTTAAATGCAACCATTTGAAACCCCTGTAGGCCT





CAGGTGAAACTCCAGATGCCACAATGGAGCTCTGCTCCCCTAAAGCCTCAAA





ACAAAGGCCTAATTCTATGCCTGTCTTAATTTTCTTTCACTTAAGTTAGTTCCA





CTGAGACCCCAGGCTGTTAGGGGTTATTGGTGTAAGGTACTTTCATATTTTAA





ACAGAGGATATCGGCATTTGTTTCTTTCTCTGAGGACAAGAGAAAAAAGCCA





GGTTCCACAGAGGACACAGAGAAGGTTTGGGTGTCCTCCTGGGGTTCTTTTTG





CCAACTTTCCCCACGTTAAAGGTGAACATTGGTTCTTTCATTTGCTTTGGAAG





TTTTAATCTCTAACAGTGGACAAAGTTACCAGTGCCTTAAACTCTGTTACACT





TTTTGGAAGTGAAAACTTTGTAGTATGATAGGTTATTTTGATGTAAAGATGTT





CTGGATACCATTATATGTTCCCCCTGTTTCAGAGGCTCAGATTGTAATATGTA





AATGGTATGTCATTCGCTACTATGATTTAATTTGAAATATGGTCTTTTGGTTAT





GAATACTTTGCAGCACAGCTGAGAGGCTGTCTGTTGTATTCATTGTGGTCATA





GCACCTAACAACATTGTAGCCTCAATCGAGTGAGACAGACTAGAAGTTCCTA





GTGATGGCTTATGATAGCAAATGGCCTCATGTCAAATATTTAGATGTAATTTT





GTGTAAGAAATACAGACTGGATGTACCACCAACTACTACCTGTAATGACAGG





CCTGTCCAACACATCTCCCTTTTCCATGACTGTGGTAGCCAGCATCGGAAAGA





ACGCTGATTTAAAGAGGTCGCTTGGGAATTTTATTGACACAGTACCATTTAAT





GGGGAGGACAAAATGGGGCAGGGGAGGGAGAAGTTTCTGTCGTTAAAAACA





GATTTGGAAAGACTGGACTCTAAAGTCTGTTGATTAAAGATGAGCTTTGTCTA





CTTCAAAAGTTTGTTTGCTTACCCCTTCAGCCTCCAATTTTTTAAGTGAAAATA





TAGCTAATAACATGTGAAAAGAATAGAAGCTAAGGTTTAGATAAATATTGAG





CAGATCTATAGGAAGATTGAACCTGAATATTGCCATTATGCTTGACATGGTTT





CCAAAAAATGGTACTCCACATATTTCAGTGAGGGTAAGTATTTTCCTGTTGTC





AAGAATAGCATTGTAAAAGCATTTTGTAATAATAAAGAATAGCTTTAATGAT





ATGCTTGTAACTAAAATAATTTTGTAATGTATCAAATACATTTAAAACATTAA





AATATAATCTCTATAATAAGAGCTCGCTGATCAGCCTCGACTGTGCCTTCTAG





TTGCCAGCCATCTGTTGTTTGCCCCTCCCCCGTGCCTTCCTTGACCCTGGAAG





GTGCCACTCCCACTGTCCTTTCCTAATAAAATGAGGAAATTGCATCGCATTGT





CTGAGTAGGTGTCATTCTATTCTGGGGGGTGGGGGGGGCAGGACAGCAAGG





GGGAGGATTGGGAAGACAATAGCAGGCATGCTGGGGATGCGGTGGGCTCTA





TGGAAGCTTGAATTCAGCTGACGTGCCTCGGACCGCTAGGAACCCCTAGTGA





TGGAGTTGGCCACTCCCTCTCTGCGCGCTCGCTCGCTCACTGAGGCCGGGCGA





CCAAAGGTCGCCCGACGCCCGGGCTTTGCCCGGGCGGCCTCAGTGAGCGAGC





GAGCGCGCAGCTGCCTGCAGGGGCGCCTGATGCGGTATTTTCTCCTTACGCAT





CTGTGCGGTATTTCACACCGCATACGTCAAAGCAACCATAGTACGCGCCCTG





TAGCGGCGCATTAAGCGCGGCGGGTGTGGTGGTTACGCGCAGCGTGACCGCT





ACACTTGCCAGCGCCCTAGCGCCCGCTCCTTTCGCTTTCTTCCCTTCCTTTCTC





GCCACGTTCGCCGGCTTTCCCCGTCAAGCTCTAAATCGGGGGCTCCCTTTAGG





GTTCCGATTTAGTGCTTTACGGCACCTCGACCCCAAAAAACTTGATTTGGGTG





ATGGTTCACGTAGTGGGCCATCGCCCTGATAGACGGTTTTTCGCCCTTTGACG





TTGGAGTCCACGTTCTTTAATAGTGGACTCTTGTTCCAAACTGGAACAACACT





CAACCCTATCTCGGGCTATTCTTTTGATTTATAAGGGATTTTGCCGATTTCGGC





CTATTGGTTAAAAAATGAGCTGATTTAACAAAAATTTAACGCGAATTTTAAC





AAAATATTAACGTTTACAATTTTATGGTGCACTCTCAGTACAATCTGCTCTGA





TGCCGCATAGTTAAGCCAGCCCCGACACCCGCCAACACCCGCTGACGCGCCC





TGACGGGCTTGTCTGCTCCCGGCATCCGCTTACAGACAAGCTGTGACCGTCTC





CGGGAGCTGCATGTGTCAGAGGTTTTCACCGTCATCACCGAAACGCGCGAGA





CGAAAGGGCCTCGTGATACGCCTATTTTTATAGGTTAATGTCATGAACAATAA





AACTGTCTGCTTACATAAACAGTAATACAAGGGGTGTTATGAGCCATATTCA





ACGGGAAACGTCGAGGCCGCGATTAAATTCCAACATGGATGCTGATTTATAT





GGGTATAAATGGGCTCGCGATAATGTCGGGCAATCAGGTGCGACAATCTATC





GCTTGTATGGGAAGCCCGATGCGCCAGAGTTGTTTCTGAAACATGGCAAAGG





TAGCGTTGCCAATGATGTTACAGATGAGATGGTCAGACTAAACTGGCTGACG





GAATTTATGCCTCTTCCGACCATCAAGCATTTTATCCGTACTCCTGATGATGC





ATGGTTACTCACCACTGCGATCCCCGGAAAAACAGCATTCCAGGTATTAGAA





GAATATCCTGATTCAGGTGAAAATATTGTTGATGCGCTGGCAGTGTTCCTGCG





CCGGTTGCATTCGATTCCTGTTTGTAATTGTCCTTTTAACAGCGATCGCGTATT





TCGTCTCGCTCAGGCGCAATCACGAATGAATAACGGTTTGGTTGATGCGAGT





GATTTTGATGACGAGCGTAATGGCTGGCCTGTTGAACAAGTCTGGAAAGAAA





TGCATAAACTTTTGCCATTCTCACCGGATTCAGTCGTCACTCATGGTGATTTCT





CACTTGATAACCTTATTTTTGACGAGGGGAAATTAATAGGTTGTATTGATGTT





GGACGAGTCGGAATCGCAGACCGATACCAGGATCTTGCCATCCTATGGAACT





GCCTCGGTGAGTTTTCTCCTTCATTACAGAAACGGCTTTTTCAAAAATATGGT





ATTGATAATCCTGATATGAATAAATTGCAGTTTCATTTGATGCTCGATGAGTT





TTTCTAATCTCATGACCAAAATCCCTTAACGTGAGTTTTCGTTCCACTGAGCG





TCAGACCCCGTAGAAAAGATCAAAGGATCTTCTTGAGATCCTTTTTTTCTGCG





CGTAATCTGCTGCTTGCAAACAAAAAAACCACCGCTACCAGCGGTGGTTTGT





TTGCCGGATCAAGAGCTACCAACTCTTTTTCCGAAGGTAACTGGCTTCAGCAG





AGCGCAGATACCAAATACTGTCCTTCTAGTGTAGCCGTAGTTAGGCCACCACT





TCAAGAACTCTGTAGCACCGCCTACATACCTCGCTCTGCTAATCCTGTTACCA





GTGGCTGCTGCCAGTGGCGATAAGTCGTGTCTTACCGGGTTGGACTCAAGAC





GATAGTTACCGGATAAGGCGCAGCGGTCGGGCTGAACGGGGGGTTCGTGCAC





ACAGCCCAGCTTGGAGCGAACGACCTACACCGAACTGAGATACCTACAGCGT





GAGCTATGAGAAAGCGCCACGCTTCCCGAAGGGAGAAAGGCGGACAGGTAT





CCGGTAAGCGGCAGGGTCGGAACAGGAGAGCGCACGAGGGAGCTTCCAGGG





GGAAACGCCTGGTATCTTTATAGTCCTGTCGGGTTTCGCCACCTCTGACTTGA





GCGTCGATTTTTGTGATGCTCGTCAGGGGGGCGGAGCCTATGGAAAAACGCC





AGCAACGCGGCCTTTTTACGGTTCCTGGCCTTTTGCTGGCCTTTTGCTCACATG





T













TABLE 12







Components of Construct Sequence (SEQ ID NO: 104)










Components
Position in construct







5′ITR
 12-130



Cloning site
131-147



MMP15 promoter
 148-1159



hGJB2 minimal promoter
1160-1287



Cloning site
1288-1296



Synthetic barcode
1297-1304



5′UTR
1305-1666



GJB2 (exon2)
1678-2355



3xFLAG
2368-2433



3′UTR (exon2)
2437-3843



bGHpA
3865-4089



Cloning site
4090-4123



3′ITR
4124-4253


















Exemplary Construct sequence



(SEQ ID NO: 105)



CCTGCAGGCAGCTGCGCGCTCGCTCGCTCACTGAGGCCGCCCGGGCGTCGGG






CGACCTTTGGTCGCCCGGCCTCAGTGAGCGAGCGAGCGCGCAGAGAGGGAGT





GGCCAACTCCATCACTAGGGGTTCCTGCGGCCGCACGCGTGGTCAGGCTACC





TCTCAGGCTGACTGAGTCATGCAGCATAGGCTGCCACGTCTCTGGGCTGGCG





GGGCCGTCATTATTCCTGGCCTCACTGCAGCTAAATTGAAGAAACGTTTGGTT





TGTGGGCCACGTCAAGGAATGTGTAAGAGCTGCCACGTTGTCGGGTCTGGGT





TATTGGGCTTTTCCCCTCCTTCAGAGAAGATTTCCAGGCGTGTGGGTGGGGTT





TCAGAAGAAAATTGATGCCTGCGTGTGAGTGTTCCCTGGACCTGGACCAGCA





GCGGCAATATTACAGACCCGGGGGTTGGGGCAGACTGAGCCAATCTCTGCAC





CGTCAAAGTTATGGATACAGAGCCCTGGAAAAAGGCTGAAGGATAAGATAG





CTGACATTTATGAAGTGCTTCATTCATGTAGCAGTGGGCCAAATGCGTACTTT





ACACTTGAGGAAGCTGAGGCTGGAGGTTGATAACATGCCTCAAGTCTTCTAG





AGTTAAATAACTTTGACCCAGGACCCAAGCCCAGAGTTCTGACTCAAAAACT





AGGCCTCCTAAACATCCTCTTATATGAGGTTAAATTTCATCTTCCTCTGTTTGG





CCTTGGCCTGGTTGGTGGATGCTCTGCTTCGGGGACCCAGGGCCAGATGACA





ATGGGTTCTTTGTGCCCTTCAGACAATGGGAAGGGCTGCCTGGGGAAAGATA





CAGTAACAAGGCAACAGGCTGAGTCAGCCTCCAATGTGCTTGAACCTTCTTA





GCTTGGCAGCCTTGACATTCAGCCAGCCACACAAAGGGTATATCAAGGATGA





TACCACTAGTAGCAGCTTGTCTTGTCTGTACCTCTGAACAAGAAAGAGGCTGT





TCTGGGTCATCCCTCCAGGCCTGTCCAGCCCTGGCACTCTGTGAGTCGGTTTA





GGCAGCAGCCCCGGAACAGATGAGGCAGGCAGGGTTGGGACGTTTGGTCAG





GACAGCCCACCAGGAGGAAAGAAATGAAAGACAGAGACAGCTTTGGCTATG





GGAGAAGGAGGAGGCCGGGGGAAGGAGGAGACAGGAGGAGGAGGGACCAC





GGGGTGGAGGGGAGATAGACCCAGCCCAAAGCTCTGAGGACCCAGAGGCCG





GGCGCGCTCCGCCCGCGGCGCCGCCCCCTCCGTAACTTTCCCAGTCTCCGAGG





GAAGAGGCGGGGTGTGGGGTGCGGTTAAAAGGCGCCACGGCGGGAGACAGG





TCTCACCGGTATACTCTCGTTGCGGCCCCGCAGCGCCCGCGCGCTCCTCTCCC





CGACTCGGAGCCCCTCGGCGGCGCCCGGCCCAGGACCCGCCTAGGAGCGCAG





GAGCCCCAGCGCAGAGACCCCAACGCCGAGACCCCCGCCCCGGCCCCGCCGC





GCTTCCTCCCGACGCAGTTTAGGACCCTTGTTCGCGAAGAGGTGGTGTGCGGC





TGAGACCCGCGTCCTCAGGACGGTTCCATCAGTGCCTCGATCCTGCCCCACTG





GAGGAGGAAGGCAGCCCGAACAGCGCTCACCTAACTAACAGCTGCTGAGAG





CTGGGTTCCGTGGCCATGCACCTGGGACTGCCTTGAGAAGCGTGAGCAAACC





GCCCAGAGTAGAAGCGCTAGCCACCATGGATTGGGGCACGCTGCAGACGATC





CTGGGGGGTGTGAACAAACACTCCACCAGCATTGGAAAGATCTGGCTCACCG





TCCTCTTCATTTTTCGCATTATGATCCTCGTTGTGGCTGCAAAGGAGGTGTGG





GGAGATGAGCAGGCCGACTTTGTCTGCAACACCCTGCAGCCAGGCTGCAAGA





ACGTGTGCTACGATCACTACTTCCCCATCTCCCACATCCGGCTATGGGCCCTG





CAGCTGATCTTCGTGTCCACGCCAGCGCTCCTAGTGGCCATGCACGTGGCCTA





CCGGAGACATGAGAAGAAGAGGAAGTTCATCAAGGGGGAGATAAAGAGTGA





ATTTAAGGACATCGAGGAGATCAAAACCCAGAAGGTCCGCATCGAAGGCTCC





CTGTGGTGGACCTACACAAGCAGCATCTTCTTCCGGGTCATCTTCGAAGCCGC





CTTCATGTACGTCTTCTATGTCATGTACGACGGCTTCTCCATGCAGCGGCTGG





TGAAGTGCAACGCCTGGCCTTGTCCCAACACTGTGGACTGCTTTGTGTCCCGG





CCCACGGAGAAGACTGTCTTCACAGTGTTCATGATTGCAGTGTCTGGAATTTG





CATCCTGCTGAATGTCACTGAATTGTGTTATTTGCTAATTAGATATTGTTCTGG





GAAGTCAAAAAAGCCAGTTGGATCCCGGGCTGACTACAAAGACCATGACGGT





GATTATAAAGATCATGACATCGACTACAAGGATGACGATGACAAGTAAGAA





ATAGACAGCATGAGAGGGATGAGGCAACCCGTGCTCAGCTGTCAAGGCTCAG





TCGCTAGCATTTCCCAACACAAAGATTCTGACCTTAAATGCAACCATTIGAAA





CCCCTGTAGGCCTCAGGTGAAACTCCAGATGCCACAATGGAGCTCTGCTCCC





CTAAAGCCTCAAAACAAAGGCCTAATTCTATGCCTGTCTTAATTTTCTTTCAC





TTAAGTTAGTTCCACTGAGACCCCAGGCTGTTAGGGGTTATTGGTGTAAGGTA





CTTTCATATTTTAAACAGAGGATATCGGCATTTGTTTCTTTCTCTGAGGACAA





GAGAAAAAAGCCAGGTTCCACAGAGGACACAGAGAAGGTTTGGGTGTCCTC





CTGGGGTTCTTTTTGCCAACTTTCCCCACGTTAAAGGTGAACATTGGTTCTTTC





ATTTGCTTTGGAAGTTTTAATCTCTAACAGTGGACAAAGTTACCAGTGCCTTA





AACTCTGTTACACTTTTTGGAAGTGAAAACTTTGTAGTATGATAGGTTATTTT





GATGTAAAGATGTTCTGGATACCATTATATGTTCCCCCTGTTTCAGAGGCTCA





GATTGTAATATGTAAATGGTATGTCATTCGCTACTATGATTTAATTTGAAATA





TGGTCTTTTGGTTATGAATACTTTGCAGCACAGCTGAGAGGCTGTCTGTTGTA





TTCATTGTGGTCATAGCACCTAACAACATTGTAGCCTCAATCGAGTGAGACA





GACTAGAAGTTCCTAGTGATGGCTTATGATAGCAAATGGCCTCATGTCAAAT





ATTTAGATGTAATTTTGTGTAAGAAATACAGACTGGATGTACCACCAACTACT





ACCTGTAATGACAGGCCTGTCCAACACATCTCCCTTTTCCATGACTGTGGTAG





CCAGCATCGGAAAGAACGCTGATTTAAAGAGGTCGCTTGGGAATTTTATTGA





CACAGTACCATTTAATGGGGAGGACAAAATGGGGCAGGGGAGGGAGAAGTT





TCTGTCGTTAAAAACAGATTTGGAAAGACTGGACTCTAAAGTCTGTTGATTAA





AGATGAGCTTTGTCTACTTCAAAAGTTTGTTTGCTTACCCCTTCAGCCTCCAAT





TTTTTAAGTGAAAATATAGCTAATAACATGTGAAAAGAATAGAAGCTAAGGT





TTAGATAAATATTGAGCAGATCTATAGGAAGATTGAACCTGAATATTGCCAT





TATGCTTGACATGGTTTCCAAAAAATGGTACTCCACATATTTCAGTGAGGGTA





AGTATTTTCCTGTTGTCAAGAATAGCATTGTAAAAGCATTTTGTAATAATAAA





GAATAGCTTTAATGATATGCTTGTAACTAAAATAATTTTGTAATGTATCAAAT





ACATTTAAAACATTAAAATATAATCTCTATAATAAGAGCTCGCTGATCAGCCT





CGACTGTGCCTTCTAGTTGCCAGCCATCTGTTGTTTGCCCCTCCCCCGTGCCTT





CCTTGACCCTGGAAGGTGCCACTCCCACTGTCCTTTCCTAATAAAATGAGGAA





ATTGCATCGCATTGTCTGAGTAGGTGTCATTCTATTCTGGGGGGTGGGGTGGG





GCAGGACAGCAAGGGGGAGGATTGGGAAGACAATAGCAGGCATGCTGGGGA





TGCGGTGGGCTCTATGGAAGCTTGAATTCAGCTGACGTGCCTCGGACCGCTA





GGAACCCCTAGTGATGGAGTTGGCCACTCCCTCTCTGCGCGCTCGCTCGCTCA





CTGAGGCCGGGCGACCAAAGGTCGCCCGACGCCCGGGCTTTGCCCGGGCGGC





CTCAGTGAGCGAGCGAGCGCGCAGCTGCCTGCAGGGGCGCCTGATGCGGTAT





TTTCTCCTTACGCATCTGTGCGGTATTTCACACCGCATACGTCAAAGCAACCA





TAGTACGCGCCCTGTAGCGGCGCATTAAGCGCGGCGGGTGTGGTGGTTACGC





GCAGCGTGACCGCTACACTTGCCAGCGCCCTAGCGCCCGCTCCTTTCGCTTTC





TTCCCTTCCTTTCTCGCCACGTTCGCCGGCTTTCCCCGTCAAGCTCTAAATCGG





GGGCTCCCTTTAGGGTTCCGATTTAGTGCTTTACGGCACCTCGACCCCAAAAA





ACTTGATTTGGGTGATGGTTCACGTAGTGGGCCATCGCCCTGATAGACGGTTT





TTCGCCCTTTGACGTTGGAGTCCACGTTCTTTAATAGTGGACTCTTGTTCCAA





ACTGGAACAACACTCAACCCTATCTCGGGCTATTCTTTTGATTTATAAGGGAT





TTTGCCGATTTCGGCCTATTGGTTAAAAAATGAGCTGATTTAACAAAAATTTA





ACGCGAATTTTAACAAAATATTAACGTTTACAATTTTATGGTGCACTCTCAGT





ACAATCTGCTCTGATGCCGCATAGTTAAGCCAGCCCCGACACCCGCCAACAC





CCGCTGACGCGCCCTGACGGGCTTGTCTGCTCCCGGCATCCGCTTACAGACA





AGCTGTGACCGTCTCCGGGAGCTGCATGTGTCAGAGGTTTTCACCGTCATCAC





CGAAACGCGCGAGACGAAAGGGCCTCGTGATACGCCTATTTTTATAGGTTAA





TGTCATGAACAATAAAACTGTCTGCTTACATAAACAGTAATACAAGGGGTGT





TATGAGCCATATTCAACGGGAAACGTCGAGGCCGCGATTAAATTCCAACATG





GATGCTGATTTATATGGGTATAAATGGGCTCGCGATAATGTCGGGCAATCAG





GTGCGACAATCTATCGCTTGTATGGGAAGCCCGATGCGCCAGAGTTGTTTCTG





AAACATGGCAAAGGTAGCGTTGCCAATGATGTTACAGATGAGATGGTCAGAC





TAAACTGGCTGACGGAATTTATGCCTCTTCCGACCATCAAGCATTTTATCCGT





ACTCCTGATGATGCATGGTTACTCACCACTGCGATCCCCGGAAAAACAGCAT





TCCAGGTATTAGAAGAATATCCTGATTCAGGTGAAAATATTGTTGATGCGCTG





GCAGTGTTCCTGCGCCGGTTGCATTCGATTCCTGTTTGTAATTGTCCTTTTAAC





AGCGATCGCGTATTTCGTCTCGCTCAGGCGCAATCACGAATGAATAACGGTTT





GGTTGATGCGAGTGATTTTGATGACGAGCGTAATGGCTGGCCTGTTGAACAA





GTCTGGAAAGAAATGCATAAACTTTTGCCATTCTCACCGGATTCAGTCGTCAC





TCATGGTGATTTCTCACTTGATAACCTTATTTTTGACGAGGGGAAATTAATAG





GTTGTATTGATGTTGGACGAGTCGGAATCGCAGACCGATACCAGGATCTTGC





CATCCTATGGAACTGCCTCGGTGAGTTTTCTCCTTCATTACAGAAACGGCTTT





TTCAAAAATATGGTATTGATAATCCTGATATGAATAAATTGCAGTTTCATTTG





ATGCTCGATGAGTTTTTCTAATCTCATGACCAAAATCCCTTAACGTGAGTTTT





CGTTCCACTGAGCGTCAGACCCCGTAGAAAAGATCAAAGGATCTTCTTGAGA





TCCTTTTTTTCTGCGCGTAATCTGCTGCTTGCAAACAAAAAAACCACCGCTAC





CAGCGGTGGTTTGTTTGCCGGATCAAGAGCTACCAACTCTTTTTCCGAAGGTA





ACTGGCTTCAGCAGAGCGCAGATACCAAATACTGTCCTTCTAGTGTAGCCGT





AGTTAGGCCACCACTTCAAGAACTCTGTAGCACCGCCTACATACCTCGCTCTG





CTAATCCTGTTACCAGTGGCTGCTGCCAGTGGCGATAAGTCGTGTCTTACCGG





GTTGGACTCAAGACGATAGTTACCGGATAAGGCGCAGCGGTCGGGCTGAACG





GGGGGTTCGTGCACACAGCCCAGCTTGGAGCGAACGACCTACACCGAACTGA





GATACCTACAGCGTGAGCTATGAGAAAGCGCCACGCTTCCCGAAGGGAGAA





AGGCGGACAGGTATCCGGTAAGCGGCAGGGTCGGAACAGGAGAGCGCACGA





GGGAGCTTCCAGGGGGAAACGCCTGGTATCTTTATAGTCCTGTCGGGTTTCGC





CACCTCTGACTTGAGCGTCGATTTTTGTGATGCTCGTCAGGGGGGCGGAGCCT





ATGGAAAAACGCCAGCAACGCGGCCTTTTTACGGTTCCTGGCCTTTTGCTGGC





CTTTTGCTCACATGT













TABLE 13







Components of Construct Sequence (SEQ ID NO: 105)










Components
Position in construct







5′ITR
 12-130



Cloning site
131-147



SPARC promoter
 148-1226



hGJB2 minimal promoter
1227-1354



Cloning site
1355-1363



Synthetic barcode
1364-1371



5′UTR
1372-1733



GJB2 (exon2)
1745-2422



3xFLAG
2435-2500



3′UTR (exon2)
2504-3910



bGHpA
3932-4156



Cloning site
4157-4190



3′ITR
4191-4320


















Exemplary Construct sequence



(SEQ ID NO: 106)



CCTGCAGGCAGCTGCGCGCTCGCTCGCTCACTGAGGCCGCCCGGGCGTCGGG






CGACCTTTGGTCGCCCGGCCTCAGTGAGCGAGCGAGCGCGCAGAGAGGGAGT





GGCCAACTCCATCACTAGGGGTTCCTGCGGCCGCACGCGTGGTCCAAGGACT





CTTTTTTCTAAACTTCCCTTCATCTTCTAGTTTGACGCCCTTGGTGGGAAAAGT





GTCTGAGATAAGGAAAAGGCATCCTTTCAGTTCTCTGATACTATCTTGAAGCG





AGGGATGGAGAAAGGCAAAGAGAGACACAGGAGAAGCGTATCCCCTGGGAA





CAGGTGTCTAGTGGAGTCCAGTAACTCACAGTCTCTCAGTTCCGTCAGCACTG





TCCCTTGGGTCGCAAATTTCTTCCATTAGCCCTTCCACCAGCTGTATTTCAAAT





GGGGCTGGACAATAATTGTGGCCAGTGGCCTTGTGTTGTTTGTACTTGCGGAC





TAGTAGTTCTCACCTGTCTTTCTCTGACTCCTATTAGCCACTGGGATTTCAGCA





GCTGGTTCAGCCAATTCTACTCAATTCAACATTAAGTTGCAGTGGGCTAGAAC





TCATGGGCCGATTTAACAAGTGAAATTCTACCAAGATACATCAAAAATAGCA





ACAGGACTAGATACTCAGCTCATTTTGTTTTATTTGTAATATACCAGTTGTGG





CTTTAGTGCCAGTCTGATTCATCTCTCTACTACAAAATGAGGCTCTATAAAGG





AAAATATTGCAACTGGAGTGAGGAATTTGAATCTTATAGGAAGGAATTTGTC





TTCTCATGAAGACTTCAGTTTACCAGAAGTATCTATTGAGGAAGTGTTTACAA





GAAAATGTGCCATTTAGCTTTATTCTAAATTTGCATAATAACTGAACCAAACA





AAAAAATATAGATAGATAGATTGTTCTATCTATAGATAGATAGGGAACATTG





GCAGTAGGTGGCAGTAAGTTCCCCTGAGCACATGGAGGACACAGTTAAATGC





ATTTGAGGTATGTGGGAAATGGTTTAAAGCAGAATTTTATGCCAACTTTTAGT





AACGGAAGCCTAACAAATGTTTGTTCTTTCAAGTGAGAGAAGCAAGCAATCT





GGAACTATTCATAAGCTTATTTTCTGTATCCTTAAACATATTTTATAATGAAT





GTATGATTTAAATAGTAAGTTAAGTGTCTGGGGGTACTGCACACCTCCCTTGC





ATACAGTCAAACTTCTTCAGGGTGATGGGGAAGAGGAGTTATAGGCTGCCAA





GCAAAATTGCCAAACTGGTCTCAGAAATTCACTGCATTGGAGAGCGCGGGAT





CCTTGCAACACTGACTTTAGCAGTTAAACTAGAGTGGTTGGGGATGAGTATTC





TAAGCTCTGAGGACCCAGAGGCCGGGCGCGCTCCGCCCGCGGCGCCGCCCCC





TCCGTAACTTTCCCAGTCTCCGAGGGAAGAGGCGGGGTGTGGGGTGCGGTTA





AAAGGCGCCACGGCGGGAGACAGGTCTCACCGGTGGCACTTCGTTGCGGCCC





CGCAGCGCCCGCGCGCTCCTCTCCCCGACTCGGAGCCCCTCGGCGGCGCCCG





GCCCAGGACCCGCCTAGGAGCGCAGGAGCCCCAGCGCAGAGACCCCAACGC





CGAGACCCCCGCCCCGGCCCCGCCGCGCTTCCTCCCGACGCAGTTTAGGACC





CTTGTTCGCGAAGAGGTGGTGTGCGGCTGAGACCCGCGTCCTCAGGACGGTT





CCATCAGTGCCTCGATCCTGCCCCACTGGAGGAGGAAGGCAGCCCGAACAGC





GCTCACCTAACTAACAGCTGCTGAGAGCTGGGTTCCGTGGCCATGCACCTGG





GACTGCCTTGAGAAGCGTGAGCAAACCGCCCAGAGTAGAAGCGCTAGCCAC





CATGGATTGGGGCACGCTGCAGACGATCCTGGGGGGTGTGAACAAACACTCC





ACCAGCATTGGAAAGATCTGGCTCACCGTCCTCTTCATTTTTCGCATTATGAT





CCTCGTTGTGGCTGCAAAGGAGGTGTGGGGAGATGAGCAGGCCGACTTTGTC





TGCAACACCCTGCAGCCAGGCTGCAAGAACGTGTGCTACGATCACTACTTCC





CCATCTCCCACATCCGGCTATGGGCCCTGCAGCTGATCTTCGTGTCCACGCCA





GCGCTCCTAGTGGCCATGCACGTGGCCTACCGGAGACATGAGAAGAAGAGG





AAGTTCATCAAGGGGGAGATAAAGAGTGAATTTAAGGACATCGAGGAGATC





AAAACCCAGAAGGTCCGCATCGAAGGCTCCCTGTGGTGGACCTACACAAGCA





GCATCTTCTTCCGGGTCATCTTCGAAGCCGCCTTCATGTACGTCTTCTATGTCA





TGTACGACGGCTTCTCCATGCAGCGGCTGGTGAAGTGCAACGCCTGGCCTTGT





CCCAACACTGTGGACTGCTTTGTGTCCCGGCCCACGGAGAAGACTGTCTTCAC





AGTGTTCATGATTGCAGTGTCTGGAATTTGCATCCTGCTGAATGTCACTGAAT





TGTGTTATTTGCTAATTAGATATTGTTCTGGGAAGTCAAAAAAGCCAGTTGGA





TCCCGGGCTGACTACAAAGACCATGACGGTGATTATAAAGATCATGACATCG





ACTACAAGGATGACGATGACAAGTAAGAAATAGACAGCATGAGAGGGATGA





GGCAACCCGTGCTCAGCTGTCAAGGCTCAGTCGCTAGCATTTCCCAACACAA





AGATTCTGACCTTAAATGCAACCATTTGAAACCCCTGTAGGCCTCAGGTGAA





ACTCCAGATGCCACAATGGAGCTCTGCTCCCCTAAAGCCTCAAAACAAAGGC





CTAATTCTATGCCTGTCTTAATTTTCTTTCACTTAAGTTAGTTCCACTGAGACC





CCAGGCTGTTAGGGGTTATTGGTGTAAGGTACTTTCATATTTTAAACAGAGGA





TATCGGCATTTGTTTCTTTCTCTGAGGACAAGAGAAAAAAGCCAGGTTCCACA





GAGGACACAGAGAAGGTTTGGGTGTCCTCCTGGGGTTCTTTTTGCCAACTTTC





CCCACGTTAAAGGTGAACATTGGTTCTTTCATTTGCTTTGGAAGTTTTAATCTC





TAACAGTGGACAAAGTTACCAGTGCCTTAAACTCTGTTACACTTTTTGGAAGT





GAAAACTTTGTAGTATGATAGGTTATTTTGATGTAAAGATGTTCTGGATACCA





TTATATGTTCCCCCTGTTTCAGAGGCTCAGATTGTAATATGTAAATGGTATGT





CATTCGCTACTATGATTTAATTTGAAATATGGTCTTTTGGTTATGAATACTTTG





CAGCACAGCTGAGAGGCTGTCTGTTGTATTCATTGTGGTCATAGCACCTAACA





ACATTGTAGCCTCAATCGAGTGAGACAGACTAGAAGTTCCTAGTGATGGCTT





ATGATAGCAAATGGCCTCATGTCAAATATTTAGATGTAATTTTGTGTAAGAAA





TACAGACTGGATGTACCACCAACTACTACCTGTAATGACAGGCCTGTCCAAC





ACATCTCCCTTTTCCATGACTGTGGTAGCCAGCATCGGAAAGAACGCTGATTT





AAAGAGGTCGCTTGGGAATTTTATTGACACAGTACCATTTAATGGGGAGGAC





AAAATGGGGCAGGGGAGGGAGAAGTTTCTGTCGTTAAAAACAGATTTGGAA





AGACTGGACTCTAAAGTCTGTTGATTAAAGATGAGCTTTGTCTACTTCAAAAG





TTTGTTTGCTTACCCCTTCAGCCTCCAATTTTTTAAGTGAAAATATAGCTAATA





ACATGTGAAAAGAATAGAAGCTAAGGTTTAGATAAATATTGAGCAGATCTAT





AGGAAGATTGAACCTGAATATTGCCATTATGCTTGACATGGTTTCCAAAAAA





TGGTACTCCACATATTTCAGTGAGGGTAAGTATTTTCCTGTTGTCAAGAATAG





CATTGTAAAAGCATTTTGTAATAATAAAGAATAGCTTTAATGATATGCTTGTA





ACTAAAATAATTTTGTAATGTATCAAATACATTTAAAACATTAAAATATAATC





TCTATAATAAGAGCTCGCTGATCAGCCTCGACTGTGCCTTCTAGTTGCCAGCC





ATCTGTTGTTTGCCCCTCCCCCGTGCCTTCCTTGACCCTGGAAGGTGCCACTC





CCACTGTCCTTTCCTAATAAAATGAGGAAATTGCATCGCATTGTCTGAGTAGG





TGTCATTCTATTCTGGGGGGTGGGGTGGGGCAGGACAGCAAGGGGGAGGATT





GGGAAGACAATAGCAGGCATGCTGGGGATGCGGTGGGCTCTATGGAAGCTTG





AATTCAGCTGACGTGCCTCGGACCGCTAGGAACCCCTAGTGATGGAGTTGGC





CACTCCCTCTCTGCGCGCTCGCTCGCTCACTGAGGCCGGGCGACCAAAGGTC





GCCCGACGCCCGGGCTTTGCCCGGGCGGCCTCAGTGAGCGAGCGAGCGCGCA





GCTGCCTGCAGGGGCGCCTGATGCGGTATTTTCTCCTTACGCATCTGTGCGGT





ATTTCACACCGCATACGTCAAAGCAACCATAGTACGCGCCCTGTAGCGGCGC





ATTAAGCGCGGCGGGTGTGGTGGTTACGCGCAGCGTGACCGCTACACTTGCC





AGCGCCCTAGCGCCCGCTCCTTTCGCTTTCTTCCCTTCCTTTCTCGCCACGTTC





GCCGGCTTTCCCCGTCAAGCTCTAAATCGGGGGCTCCCTTTAGGGTTCCGATT





TAGTGCTTTACGGCACCTCGACCCCAAAAAACTTGATTTGGGTGATGGTTCAC





GTAGTGGGCCATCGCCCTGATAGACGGTTTTTCGCCCTTTGACGTTGGAGTCC





ACGTTCTTTAATAGTGGACTCTTGTTCCAAACTGGAACAACACTCAACCCTAT





CTCGGGCTATTCTTTTGATTTATAAGGGATTTTGCCGATTTCGGCCTATTGGTT





AAAAAATGAGCTGATTTAACAAAAATTTAACGCGAATTTTAACAAAATATTA





ACGTTTACAATTTTATGGTGCACTCTCAGTACAATCTGCTCTGATGCCGCATA





GTTAAGCCAGCCCCGACACCCGCCAACACCCGCTGACGCGCCCTGACGGGCT





TGTCTGCTCCCGGCATCCGCTTACAGACAAGCTGTGACCGTCTCCGGGAGCTG





CATGTGTCAGAGGTTTTCACCGTCATCACCGAAACGCGCGAGACGAAAGGGC





CTCGTGATACGCCTATTTTTATAGGTTAATGTCATGAACAATAAAACTGTCTG





CTTACATAAACAGTAATACAAGGGGTGTTATGAGCCATATTCAACGGGAAAC





GTCGAGGCCGCGATTAAATTCCAACATGGATGCTGATTTATATGGGTATAAA





TGGGCTCGCGATAATGTCGGGCAATCAGGTGCGACAATCTATCGCTTGTATG





GGAAGCCCGATGCGCCAGAGTTGTTTCTGAAACATGGCAAAGGTAGCGTTGC





CAATGATGTTACAGATGAGATGGTCAGACTAAACTGGCTGACGGAATTTATG





CCTCTTCCGACCATCAAGCATTTTATCCGTACTCCTGATGATGCATGGTTACT





CACCACTGCGATCCCCGGAAAAACAGCATTCCAGGTATTAGAAGAATATCCT





GATTCAGGTGAAAATATTGTTGATGCGCTGGCAGTGTTCCTGCGCCGGTTGCA





TTCGATTCCTGTTTGTAATTGTCCTTTTAACAGCGATCGCGTATTTCGTCTCGC





TCAGGCGCAATCACGAATGAATAACGGTTTGGTTGATGCGAGTGATTTTGAT





GACGAGCGTAATGGCTGGCCTGTTGAACAAGTCTGGAAAGAAATGCATAAAC





TTTTGCCATTCTCACCGGATTCAGTCGTCACTCATGGTGATTTCTCACTTGATA





ACCTTATTTTTGACGAGGGGAAATTAATAGGTTGTATTGATGTTGGACGAGTC





GGAATCGCAGACCGATACCAGGATCTTGCCATCCTATGGAACTGCCTCGGTG





AGTTTTCTCCTTCATTACAGAAACGGCTTTTTCAAAAATATGGTATTGATAAT





CCTGATATGAATAAATTGCAGTTTCATTTGATGCTCGATGAGTTTTTCTAATCT





CATGACCAAAATCCCTTAACGTGAGTTTTCGTTCCACTGAGCGTCAGACCCCG





TAGAAAAGATCAAAGGATCTTCTTGAGATCCTTTTTTTCTGCGCGTAATCTGC





TGCTTGCAAACAAAAAAACCACCGCTACCAGCGGTGGTTTGTTTGCCGGATC





AAGAGCTACCAACTCTTTTTCCGAAGGTAACTGGCTTCAGCAGAGCGCAGAT





ACCAAATACTGTCCTTCTAGTGTAGCCGTAGTTAGGCCACCACTTCAAGAACT





CTGTAGCACCGCCTACATACCTCGCTCTGCTAATCCTGTTACCAGTGGCTGCT





GCCAGTGGCGATAAGTCGTGTCTTACCGGGTTGGACTCAAGACGATAGTTAC





CGGATAAGGCGCAGCGGTCGGGCTGAACGGGGGGTTCGTGCACACAGCCCA





GCTTGGAGCGAACGACCTACACCGAACTGAGATACCTACAGCGTGAGCTATG





AGAAAGCGCCACGCTTCCCGAAGGGAGAAAGGCGGACAGGTATCCGGTAAG





CGGCAGGGTCGGAACAGGAGAGCGCACGAGGGAGCTTCCAGGGGGAAACGC





CTGGTATCTTTATAGTCCTGTCGGGTTTCGCCACCTCTGACTTGAGCGTCGATT





TTTGTGATGCTCGTCAGGGGGGCGGAGCCTATGGAAAAACGCCAGCAACGCG





GCCTTTTTACGGTTCCTGGCCTTTTGCTGGCCTTTTGCTCACATGT













TABLE 14







Components of Construct Sequence (SEQ ID NO: 106)










Components
Position in construct







5′ITR
 12-130



Cloning site
131-147



TSPAN8 promoter
 148-1370



hGJB2 minimal promoter
1371-1498



Cloning site
1499-1507



Synthetic barcode
1508-1515



5′UTR
1516-1877



GJB2 (exon2)
1889-2566



3xFLAG
2579-2644



3′UTR (exon2)
2648-4054



bGHpA
4076-4300



Cloning site
4301-4334



3′ITR
4335-4464


















Exemplary Construct sequence



(SEQ ID NO: 107)



CCTGCAGGCAGCTGCGCGCTCGCTCGCTCACTGAGGCCGCCCGGGCGTCGGG






CGACCTTTGGTCGCCCGGCCTCAGTGAGCGAGCGAGCGCGCAGAGAGGGAGT





GGCCAACTCCATCACTAGGGGTTCCTGCGGCCGCACGCGTGGTATTCACAAT





GCATTCCCTCTGCCCACCACATTAATTATCAACTCCTTTTCCTGGCATTTACTC





ATCCAACGCATGGCCCCACGTTAACTTTCAGTTCCCTTTCTCCCCTACAAATA





CTCCATAATCCAGCAACCCTGGGATCCCTGAGATGATGAAGAGGACCAGTGC





CCATTCCAGGAGACATCACCGCAGCCCTGAGGAATCGGCTATGGGCACCAGC





AGGGCACAGTGCCACACCTCGCCAATGCCTTGTCCTCCTTTTCCATAGTGAGT





CAGTCAGCAAGCGTGTAGAAGTGAGTTCCACACTCTCTTCCTCCCATAGGGA





GATCACTTTTCTCATTCTAAGGGTTCCAGGCACACTCACAATGGTGGCATTTG





CTGAGCAGTGGCTTGAATAAAGGGCTCTCAGAAAGCAAGATGTAACTCAGAG





CATAGGCTAGCCCCAGGAATGCTCTTGGGGAATGACCTGCAGCCTCCCAGTG





AAAGAGAGAATAAAAGAAAGCCCCAGCAGGCGAGCTGGGCAGTAGAGAGTC





CTGTAATTCCACCTTGGCAAGCACCATTTGCAAGAACGAACTGGGATAAGGT





AAACAAAATATTGCCTAAAAGAGGCTTGTCCAAAGAAGTCAGAATACGCTCT





TCATTTACCTCTAAATTTCAGTACACCATAAATCTAAATACTCAAAAAAACCT





GTGCCTTTTCAATCAAGGTCAATTGCACGAATTCTTTTGGAAAACAGGACCTA





TGGCATTTCCCAGACAAATCACCGTGAACCCTGTACTGTGCATTGCTGTCCTA





AAATCCAAAGATTCTGTCATTTGTGTTACATAATTGCCTTTCATTTGAACTCAT





TAATCAAATTGGGGTTTTTAAGCAACACCTAATTAATTCTTTAACTGGCTCAT





CCACTGATCACTGAGTTCTATTTTGAAACTACGGACGTCGAGTTTCCTCTTTC





ACCCAGAATTTTCAGATCTTGTTTAAAAAGTTGGGTGTGGTTTCATGGGGGGA





GGGGGAAGAGCGAGAGGAGACCAGAGGGACGGGGGCGGGGACTCTGCAAG





AAAAACCTTCCCGGTGCAATCGTGATCTAAGCTCTGAGGACCCAGAGGCCGG





GCGCGCTCCGCCCGCGGCGCCGCCCCCTCCGTAACTTTCCCAGTCTCCGAGGG





AAGAGGCGGGGTGTGGGGTGCGGTTAAAAGGCGCCACGGCGGGAGACAGGT





CTCACCGGTTTTCAGGTGTTGCGGCCCCGCAGCGCCCGCGCGCTCCTCTCCCC





GACTCGGAGCCCCTCGGCGGCGCCCGGCCCAGGACCCGCCTAGGAGCGCAG





GAGCCCCAGCGCAGAGACCCCAACGCCGAGACCCCCGCCCCGGCCCCGCCGC





GCTTCCTCCCGACGCAGTTTAGGACCCTTGTTCGCGAAGAGGTGGTGTGCGGC





TGAGACCCGCGTCCTCAGGACGGTTCCATCAGTGCCTCGATCCTGCCCCACTG





GAGGAGGAAGGCAGCCCGAACAGCGCTCACCTAACTAACAGCTGCTGAGAG





CTGGGTTCCGTGGCCATGCACCTGGGACTGCCTTGAGAAGCGTGAGCAAACC





GCCCAGAGTAGAAGCGCTAGCCACCATGGATTGGGGCACGCTGCAGACGATC





CTGGGGGGTGTGAACAAACACTCCACCAGCATTGGAAAGATCTGGCTCACCG





TCCTCTTCATTTTTCGCATTATGATCCTCGTTGTGGCTGCAAAGGAGGTGTGG





GGAGATGAGCAGGCCGACTTTGTCTGCAACACCCTGCAGCCAGGCTGCAAGA





ACGTGTGCTACGATCACTACTTCCCCATCTCCCACATCCGGCTATGGGCCCTG





CAGCTGATCTTCGTGTCCACGCCAGCGCTCCTAGTGGCCATGCACGTGGCCTA





CCGGAGACATGAGAAGAAGAGGAAGTTCATCAAGGGGGAGATAAAGAGTGA





ATTTAAGGACATCGAGGAGATCAAAACCCAGAAGGTCCGCATCGAAGGCTCC





CTGTGGTGGACCTACACAAGCAGCATCTTCTTCCGGGTCATCTTCGAAGCCGC





CTTCATGTACGTCTTCTATGTCATGTACGACGGCTTCTCCATGCAGCGGCTGG





TGAAGTGCAACGCCTGGCCTTGTCCCAACACTGTGGACTGCTTTGTGTCCCGG





CCCACGGAGAAGACTGTCTTCACAGTGTTCATGATTGCAGTGTCTGGAATTTG





CATCCTGCTGAATGTCACTGAATTGTGTTATTTGCTAATTAGATATTGTTCTGG





GAAGTCAAAAAAGCCAGTTGGATCCCGGGCTGACTACAAAGACCATGACGGT





GATTATAAAGATCATGACATCGACTACAAGGATGACGATGACAAGTAAGAA





ATAGACAGCATGAGAGGGATGAGGCAACCCGTGCTCAGCTGTCAAGGCTCAG





TCGCTAGCATTTCCCAACACAAAGATTCTGACCTTAAATGCAACCATTTGAAA





CCCCTGTAGGCCTCAGGTGAAACTCCAGATGCCACAATGGAGCTCTGCTCCC





CTAAAGCCTCAAAACAAAGGCCTAATTCTATGCCTGTCTTAATTTTCTTTCAC





TTAAGTTAGTTCCACTGAGACCCCAGGCTGTTAGGGGTTATTGGTGTAAGGTA





CTTTCATATTTTAAACAGAGGATATCGGCATTTGTTTCTTTCTCTGAGGACAA





GAGAAAAAAGCCAGGTTCCACAGAGGACACAGAGAAGGTTTGGGTGTCCTC





CTGGGGTTCTTTTTGCCAACTTTCCCCACGTTAAAGGTGAACATTGGTTCTTTC





ATTTGCTTTGGAAGTTTTAATCTCTAACAGTGGACAAAGTTACCAGTGCCTTA





AACTCTGTTACACTTTTTGGAAGTGAAAACTTTGTAGTATGATAGGTTATTTT





GATGTAAAGATGTTCTGGATACCATTATATGTTCCCCCTGTTTCAGAGGCTCA





GATTGTAATATGTAAATGGTATGTCATTCGCTACTATGATTTAATTTGAAATA





TGGTCTTTTGGTTATGAATACTTTGCAGCACAGCTGAGAGGCTGTCTGTTGTA





TTCATTGTGGTCATAGCACCTAACAACATTGTAGCCTCAATCGAGTGAGACA





GACTAGAAGTTCCTAGTGATGGCTTATGATAGCAAATGGCCTCATGTCAAAT





ATTTAGATGTAATTTTGTGTAAGAAATACAGACTGGATGTACCACCAACTACT





ACCTGTAATGACAGGCCTGTCCAACACATCTCCCTTTTCCATGACTGTGGTAG





CCAGCATCGGAAAGAACGCTGATTTAAAGAGGTCGCTTGGGAATTTTATTGA





CACAGTACCATTTAATGGGGAGGACAAAATGGGGCAGGGGAGGGAGAAGTT





TCTGTCGTTAAAAACAGATTTGGAAAGACTGGACTCTAAAGTCTGTTGATTAA





AGATGAGCTTTGTCTACTTCAAAAGTTTGTTTGCTTACCCCTTCAGCCTCCAAT





TTTTTAAGTGAAAATATAGCTAATAACATGTGAAAAGAATAGAAGCTAAGGT





TTAGATAAATATTGAGCAGATCTATAGGAAGATTGAACCTGAATATTGCCAT





TATGCTTGACATGGTTTCCAAAAAATGGTACTCCACATATTTCAGTGAGGGTA





AGTATTTTCCTGTTGTCAAGAATAGCATTGTAAAAGCATTTTGTAATAATAAA





GAATAGCTTTAATGATATGCTTGTAACTAAAATAATTTTGTAATGTATCAAAT





ACATTTAAAACATTAAAATATAATCTCTATAATAAGAGCTCGCTGATCAGCCT





CGACTGTGCCTTCTAGTTGCCAGCCATCTGTTGTTTGCCCCTCCCCCGTGCCTT





CCTTGACCCTGGAAGGTGCCACTCCCACTGTCCTTTCCTAATAAAATGAGGAA





ATTGCATCGCATTGTCTGAGTAGGTGTCATTCTATTCTGGGGGGTGGGGTGGG





GCAGGACAGCAAGGGGGAGGATTGGGAAGACAATAGCAGGCATGCTGGGGA





TGCGGTGGGCTCTATGGAAGCTTGAATTCAGCTGACGTGCCTCGGACCGCTA





GGAACCCCTAGTGATGGAGTTGGCCACTCCCTCTCTGCGCGCTCGCTCGCTCA





CTGAGGCCGGGCGACCAAAGGTCGCCCGACGCCCGGGCTTTGCCCGGGCGGC





CTCAGTGAGCGAGCGAGCGCGCAGCTGCCTGCAGGGGCGCCTGATGCGGTAT





TTTCTCCTTACGCATCTGTGCGGTATTTCACACCGCATACGTCAAAGCAACCA





TAGTACGCGCCCTGTAGCGGCGCATTAAGCGCGGCGGGTGTGGTGGTTACGC





GCAGCGTGACCGCTACACTTGCCAGCGCCCTAGCGCCCGCTCCTTTCGCTTTC





TTCCCTTCCTTTCTCGCCACGTTCGCCGGCTTTCCCCGTCAAGCTCTAAATCGG





GGGCTCCCTTTAGGGTTCCGATTTAGTGCTTTACGGCACCTCGACCCCAAAAA





ACTTGATTTGGGTGATGGTTCACGTAGTGGGCCATCGCCCTGATAGACGGTTT





TTCGCCCTTTGACGTTGGAGTCCACGTTCTTTAATAGTGGACTCTTGTTCCAA





ACTGGAACAACACTCAACCCTATCTCGGGCTATTCTTTTGATTTATAAGGGAT





TTTGCCGATTTCGGCCTATTGGTTAAAAAATGAGCTGATTTAACAAAAATTTA





ACGCGAATTTTAACAAAATATTAACGTTTACAATTTTATGGTGCACTCTCAGT





ACAATCTGCTCTGATGCCGCATAGTTAAGCCAGCCCCGACACCCGCCAACAC





CCGCTGACGCGCCCTGACGGGCTTGTCTGCTCCCGGCATCCGCTTACAGACA





AGCTGTGACCGTCTCCGGGAGCTGCATGTGTCAGAGGTTTTCACCGTCATCAC





CGAAACGCGCGAGACGAAAGGGCCTCGTGATACGCCTATTTTTATAGGTTAA





TGTCATGAACAATAAAACTGTCTGCTTACATAAACAGTAATACAAGGGGTGT





TATGAGCCATATTCAACGGGAAACGTCGAGGCCGCGATTAAATTCCAACATG





GATGCTGATTTATATGGGTATAAATGGGCTCGCGATAATGTCGGGCAATCAG





GTGCGACAATCTATCGCTTGTATGGGAAGCCCGATGCGCCAGAGTTGTTTCTG





AAACATGGCAAAGGTAGCGTTGCCAATGATGTTACAGATGAGATGGTCAGAC





TAAACTGGCTGACGGAATTTATGCCTCTTCCGACCATCAAGCATTTTATCCGT





ACTCCTGATGATGCATGGTTACTCACCACTGCGATCCCCGGAAAAACAGCAT





TCCAGGTATTAGAAGAATATCCTGATTCAGGTGAAAATATTGTTGATGCGCTG





GCAGTGTTCCTGCGCCGGTTGCATTCGATTCCTGTTTGTAATTGTCCTTTTAAC





AGCGATCGCGTATTTCGTCTCGCTCAGGCGCAATCACGAATGAATAACGGTTT





GGTTGATGCGAGTGATTTTGATGACGAGCGTAATGGCTGGCCTGTTGAACAA





GTCTGGAAAGAAATGCATAAACTTTTGCCATTCTCACCGGATTCAGTCGTCAC





TCATGGTGATTTCTCACTTGATAACCTTATTTTTGACGAGGGGAAATTAATAG





GTTGTATTGATGTTGGACGAGTCGGAATCGCAGACCGATACCAGGATCTTGC





CATCCTATGGAACTGCCTCGGTGAGTTTTCTCCTTCATTACAGAAACGGCTTT





TTCAAAAATATGGTATTGATAATCCTGATATGAATAAATTGCAGTTTCATTTG





ATGCTCGATGAGTTTTTCTAATCTCATGACCAAAATCCCTTAACGTGAGTTTT





CGTTCCACTGAGCGTCAGACCCCGTAGAAAAGATCAAAGGATCTTCTTGAGA





TCCTTTTTTTCTGCGCGTAATCTGCTGCTTGCAAACAAAAAAACCACCGCTAC





CAGCGGTGGTTTGTTTGCCGGATCAAGAGCTACCAACTCTTTTTCCGAAGGTA





ACTGGCTTCAGCAGAGCGCAGATACCAAATACTGTCCTTCTAGTGTAGCCGT





AGTTAGGCCACCACTTCAAGAACTCTGTAGCACCGCCTACATACCTCGCTCTG





CTAATCCTGTTACCAGTGGCTGCTGCCAGTGGCGATAAGTCGTGTCTTACCGG





GTTGGACTCAAGACGATAGTTACCGGATAAGGCGCAGCGGTCGGGCTGAACG





GGGGGTTCGTGCACACAGCCCAGCTTGGAGCGAACGACCTACACCGAACTGA





GATACCTACAGCGTGAGCTATGAGAAAGCGCCACGCTTCCCGAAGGGAGAA





AGGCGGACAGGTATCCGGTAAGCGGCAGGGTCGGAACAGGAGAGCGCACGA





GGGAGCTTCCAGGGGGAAACGCCTGGTATCTTTATAGTCCTGTCGGGTTTCGC





CACCTCTGACTTGAGCGTCGATTTTTGTGATGCTCGTCAGGGGGGCGGAGCCT





ATGGAAAAACGCCAGCAACGCGGCCTTTTTACGGTTCCTGGCCTTTTGCTGGC





CTTTTGCTCACATGT













TABLE 15







Components of Construct Sequence (SEQ ID NO: 107)










Components
Position in construct







5′ITR
 12-130



Cloning site
131-147



VIM promoter
 148-1234



hGJB2 minimal promoter
1235-1362



Cloning site
1363-1371



Synthetic barcode
1372-1379



5′UTR
1380-1741



GJB2 (exon2)
1753-2430



3xFLAG
2443-2508



3′UTR (exon2)
2512-3918



bGHpA
3940-4164



Cloning site
4165-4198



3′ITR
4199-4328










Pharmaceutical Compositions

Among other things, the present disclosure provides pharmaceutical compositions. In some aspects, compositions provided herein are suitable for administration to an animal for the amelioration of symptoms associated with syndromic and/or nonsyndromic hearing loss.


In some aspects, pharmaceutical compositions of the present disclosure may comprise, e.g., a polynucleotide, e.g., one or more constructs, as described herein. In some aspects, a pharmaceutical composition may comprise one or more AAV particles, e.g., one or more rAAV construct encapsidated by one or more AAV serotype capsids, as described herein.


In some aspects, a pharmaceutical composition comprises one or more pharmaceutically or physiologically acceptable carriers, diluents or excipients. As used herein, the term “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” includes solvents, dispersion media, coatings, antibacterial agents, antifungal agents, and the like that are compatible with pharmaceutical administration. Supplementary active compounds can also be incorporated into any of the compositions described herein. Such compositions may include one or more buffers, such as neutral-buffered saline, phosphate-buffered saline, and the like; one or more carbohydrates, such as glucose, mannose, sucrose, and dextran; mannitol; one or more proteins, polypeptides, or amino acids, such as glycine; one or more antioxidants; one or more chelating agents, such as EDTA or glutathione; and/or one or more preservatives. In some aspects, formulations are in a dosage forms, such as injectable solutions, injectable gels, drug-release capsules, and the like.


In some aspects, compositions of the present disclosure are formulated for intravenous administration. In some aspects compositions of the present disclosure are formulated for intra-cochlear administration. In some aspects, a composition (e.g., a therapeutic composition) is formulated to comprise a lipid nanoparticle, a polymeric nanoparticle, a mini-circle DNA and/or a CELiD DNA.


In some aspects, a composition disclosed herein is formulated as a sterile suspension for intracochlear administration. In some aspects, a composition comprises constructs in an amount of at least 1E11, at least 5E11, at least 1E12, at least 5E12, at least 1E13, at least 2E13, at least 3E13, at least 4E13, at least 5E13, at least 6E13, at least 7E13, at least 8E13, at least 9E13, or at least 1E14 vector genomes (vg) per milliliter (mL). In some aspects, a composition comprises constructs in an amount of at most 1E15, at most 5E14, at most 1E14, at most 5E13, at most 1E13, at most 9E12, at most 8E12, at most 7E12, at most 6E12, at most 5E12, at most 4E12, at most 3E12, at most 2E12, or at most 1E12 vector genomes (vg) per milliliter (mL). In some aspects, a composition comprises constructs in an amount of 1E12 to 1E13, 5E12 to 5E13, or 1E13 to 2E13 vector genomes (vg) per milliliter (mL).


In some aspects, a therapeutic composition is formulated to comprise a synthetic perilymph solution. For example, in some aspects, a synthetic perilymph solution includes 20-200 mM NaCl; 1-5 mM KCl; 0.1-10 mM CaCl2); 1-10 mM glucose; and 2-50 mM HEPES, with a pH between about 6 and about 9. In some aspects, a therapeutic composition is formulated to comprise a physiologically suitable solution. For example, in some aspects, a physiologically suitable solution comprises commercially available 1×PBS with pluronic acid F68, prepared to a final concentration of: 8.10 mM Sodium Phosphate Dibasic, 1.5 mM Monopotassium Phosphate, 2.7 mM Potassium Chloride, 172 mM Sodium Chloride, and 0.001% Pluronic Acid F68). In some aspects, alternative pluronic acids are utilized. In some aspects, alternative ion concentrations are utilized.


In some aspects, any of the pharmaceutical compositions described herein may further comprise one or more agents that promote the entry of a nucleic acid or any of the constructs described herein into a mammalian cell (e.g., a liposome or cationic lipid). In some aspects, any of the constructs described herein can be formulated using natural and/or synthetic polymers. Non-limiting examples of polymers that may be included in any of the compositions described herein can include, but are not limited to, DYNAMIC POLYCONJUGATE® (Arrowhead Research Corp., Pasadena, Calif.), formulations from Mirus Bio (Madison, Wis.) and Roche Madison (Madison, Wis.), PhaseRX polymer formulations such as, without limitation, SMARTT POLYMER TECHNOLOGY® (PhaseRX, Seattle, Wash.), DMRI/DOPE, poloxamer, VAXFECTIN® adjuvant from Vical (San Diego, Calif.), chitosan, cyclodextrin from Calando Pharmaceuticals (Pasadena, Calif.), dendrimers and poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) polymers, RONDEL™ (RNAi/Oligonucleotide Nanoparticle Delivery) polymers (Arrowhead Research Corporation, Pasadena, Calif), and pH responsive co-block polymers, such as, but not limited to, those produced by PhaseRX (Seattle, Wash.). Many of these polymers have demonstrated efficacy in delivering oligonucleotides in vivo into a mammalian cell (see, e.g., deFougerolles, Human Gene Ther. 19:125-132, 2008; Rozema et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 104:12982-12887, 2007; Rozema et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 104:12982-12887, 2007; Hu-Lieskovan et al., Cancer Res. 65:8984-8982, 2005; Heidel et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 104:5715-5721, 2007, each of which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference).


In some aspects, a composition includes a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier (e.g., phosphate buffered saline, saline, or bacteriostatic water). Upon formulation, solutions will be administered in a manner compatible with a dosage formulation and in such amount as is therapeutically effective. Formulations are easily administered in a variety of dosage forms such as injectable solutions, injectable gels, drug-release capsules, and the like.


In some aspects, a composition provided herein can be, e.g., formulated to be compatible with their intended route of administration. A non-limiting example of an intended route of administration is local administration (e.g., intra-cochlear administration). In some aspects, a provided composition comprises one nucleic acid construct. In some aspects, a provided composition comprises two or more different constructs. In some aspects, a composition that include a single nucleic acid construct comprising a coding sequence that encodes a polypeptide (e.g., a therapeutic polypeptide, a Connexin 26 polypeptide) and/or a functional characteristic portion thereof. In some aspects, compositions comprise a single nucleic acid construct comprising a coding sequence that encodes a polypeptide (e.g., a therapeutic polypeptide, a Connexin 26 polypeptide) and/or a functional characteristic portion thereof, which, when introduced into a mammalian cell, that coding sequence is integrated into the genome of the mammalian cell.


Also provided are kits including any of the compositions described herein. In some aspects, a kit can include a solid composition (e.g., a lyophilized composition including the at least two different constructs described herein) and a liquid for solubilizing the lyophilized composition. In some aspects, a kit can include a pre-loaded syringe including any of the compositions described herein.


In some aspects, the kit includes a vial comprising any of the compositions described herein (e.g., formulated as an aqueous composition, e.g., an aqueous pharmaceutical composition).


In some aspects, the kits can include instructions for performing any of the methods described herein.


Genetically Modified Cells

The present disclosure also provides a cell (e.g., an animal cell, e.g., a mammalian cell, e.g., a primate cell, e.g., a human cell) that includes any of the nucleic acids, constructs or compositions described herein. In some aspects, an animal cell is a human cell (e.g., a human supporting cell or a human hair cell). In other aspects, an animal cell is a non-human mammal (e.g., Simian cell, Felidae cell, Canidae cell etc.). A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the nucleic acids and constructs described herein can be introduced into any animal cell (e.g., the supporting or hair cells of any animal suitable for veterinary intervention). Non-limiting examples of constructs and methods for introducing constructs into animal cells are described herein.


In some aspects, an animal cell can be any cell of the inner ear, including hair and/or supporting cells. Non-limiting examples such cells include: Hensen's cells, Deiters' cells, cells of the endolymphatic sac and duct, transitional cells in the saccule, utricle, and ampulla, inner and outer hair cells, spiral ligament cells, spiral ganglion cells, spiral prominence cells, external saccule cells, marginal cells, intermediate cells, basal cells, inner pillar cells, outer pillar cells, Claudius cells, inner border cells, inner phalangeal cells, or cells of the stria vascularis.


In some aspects, an animal cell is a specialized cell of the cochlea. In some aspects, an animal cell is a hair cell. In some aspects, an animal cell is a cochlear inner hair cell or a cochlear outer hair cell. In some aspects, an animal cell is a cochlear inner hair cell. In some aspects, an animal cell is a cochlear outer hair cell.


In some aspects, an animal cell is in vitro. In some aspects, an animal cell is of a cell type which is endogenously present in an animal, e.g., in a primate and/or human. In some aspects, an animal cell is an autologous cell obtained from an animal and cultured ex vivo. In some aspects, the ex vivo cell is an inner ear cell. In some aspects, the ex vivo cell is an inner ear supporting cell. In some aspects, the ex vivo cell is an inner phalangeal cells/border cells (IPhC), inner pillar cells (IPC), outer pillar cells (OPC), Deiters' cells rows 1 and 2 (DC1/2), Deiters' cells row 3 (DC3), Hensen's cells (Hec), Claudius cells/outer sulcus cells (CC/OSC), interdental cells (Idc), inner sulcus cells (ISC), Kölliker's organ cells (KO), Lateral greater epithelial ridge cells (LGER), and OC90+ cells (OC90). In some aspects, the ex vivo cell is an inner phalangeal cells/border cells (IPhC), inner pillar cells (IPC), outer pillar cells (OPC), Deiters' cells rows 1 and 2 (DC1/2), Deiters' cells row 3 (DC3), Hensen's cells (Hec), Claudius cells/outer sulcus cells (CC/OSC), interdental cells (Idc), inner sulcus cells (ISC), Kölliker's organ cells (KO), greater ridge epithelial ridge cells (GER) (including lateral greater epithelial ridge cells (LGER)), and OC90+ cells (OC90), fibroblasts, and other cells of the lateral wall.


Methods

Among other things, the present disclosure provides methods. In some aspects, a method comprises introducing a composition, construct, or polynucleotide as described herein into the inner ear (e.g., a cochlea) of a subject. For example, provided herein are methods that in some aspects include administering to an inner ear (e.g., cochlea) of a subject (e.g., an animal, e.g., a mammal, e.g., a primate, e.g., a human) a therapeutically effective amount of any composition, construct, or polynucleotide described herein. In some aspects of any of these methods, the subject has been previously identified as having a defective inner ear cell target gene (e.g., a supporting and/or hearing cell target gene having a mutation that results in a decrease in the expression and/or activity of a supporting and/or hearing cell target protein encoded by the gene). Some aspects of any of these methods further include, prior to the introducing or administering step, determining that the subject has a defective inner ear cell target gene. Some aspects of any of these methods can further include detecting a mutation in an inner ear cell target gene in a subject. Some aspects of any of the methods can further include identifying or diagnosing a subject as having nonsyndromic or syndromic sensorineural hearing loss.


In some aspects, provided herein are methods of correcting an inner ear cell target gene defect in an inner ear of a subject, e.g., an animal, e.g., a mammal, e.g., a primate, e.g., a human. In some aspects, methods include administering to the inner ear of a subject a therapeutically effective amount of any of the compositions described herein, where the administering repairs and or ameliorates the inner ear cell target gene defect in any cell subset of the inner ear of a subject. In some aspects, the inner ear target cell may be a sensory cell, e.g., a hair cell, and/or a non-sensory cell, e.g., a supporting cell, and/or all or any subset of inner ear cells.


Also provided herein are methods of promoting expression (e.g., increasing the expression level) of an inner ear cell target protein in any subset of inner ear cells of a subject (e.g., an animal, e.g., a mammal, e.g., a primate, e.g., a human) that include: administering to the inner ear of the subject a therapeutically effective amount of any of the compositions described herein, where the administering results in an increase in the expression level of the inner ear cell target protein (e.g., a polypeptide (e.g., a therapeutic polypeptide, a Connexin 26 polypeptide)) in any cell subset of the inner ear of a subject. In some aspects, the inner ear target cell may be a sensory cell, e.g., a hair cell, and/or a non-sensory cell, e.g., a supporting cell, and/or all or any subset of inner ear cells.


Also provided herein are methods of treating hearing loss, e.g., nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss or syndromic sensorineural hearing loss, in a subject (e.g., an animal, e.g., a mammal, e.g., a primate, e.g., a human) identified as having a defective inner ear cell target gene that include: administering to the inner ear of the subject a therapeutically effective amount of any of the compositions described herein.


Also provided herein are methods of restoring synapses and/or preserving spiral ganglion nerves in a subject identified or diagnosed as having an inner ear disorder that include: administering to the inner ear of the subject a therapeutically effective amount of any of the compositions described herein.


Also provided herein are methods of reducing the size of, and/or restoring the vestibular aqueduct to an appropriate size. Also provided herein are methods of restoring endolymphatic pH to an appropriate and/or acceptable level in a subject identified or diagnosed as having an inner ear disorder that include: administering to the inner ear of the subject a therapeutically effective amount of any of the compositions described herein.


Also provided herein are methods of expressing a polypeptide (e.g., a therapeutic polypeptide, a Connexin 26 polypeptide) in an inner ear supporting cell of a subject in need thereof. In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cells are selected from one or more of inner phalangeal cells/border cells (IPhC), inner pillar cells (IPC), outer pillar cells (OPC), Deiters' cells rows 1 and 2 (DC1/2), Deiters' cells row 3 (DC3), Hensen's cells (Hec), Claudius cells/outer sulcus cells (CC/OSC), interdental cells (Idc), inner sulcus cells (ISC), Kölliker's organ cells (KO), Lateral greater epithelial ridge cells (LGER), and OC90+ cells (OC90). In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cells are selected from one or more of inner phalangeal cells/border cells (IPhC), inner pillar cells (IPC), outer pillar cells (OPC), Deiters' cells rows 1 and 2 (DC1/2), Deiters' cells row 3 (DC3), Hensen's cells (Hec), Claudius cells/outer sulcus cells (CC/OSC), interdental cells (Idc), inner sulcus cells (ISC), Kölliker's organ cells (KO), greater ridge epithelial ridge cells (GER) (including lateral greater epithelial ridge cells (LGER)), and OC90+ cells (OC90), fibroblasts, and other cells of the lateral wall.


In some aspects, expression of the polypeptide (e.g., therapeutic polypeptide, a Connexin 26 polypeptide) is reduced, suppressed, or eliminated in inner ear hair cells, spiral ganglion cells, lateral supporting cells, basilar membrane cells, medial supporting cells, spiral limbus cells, or any combination thereof. In some aspects, toxicity due to expression of the therapeutic polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) is reduced in inner ear hair cells, spiral ganglion cells, lateral supporting cells, basilar membrane cells, medial supporting cells, spiral limbus cells, or any combination thereof. In some aspects, the therapeutic protein is predominately expressed in inner ear supporting cells. In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cells are selected from one or more of inner phalangeal cells/border cells (IPhC), inner pillar cells (IPC), outer pillar cells (OPC), Deiters' cells rows 1 and 2 (DC1/2), Deiters' cells row 3 (DC3), Hensen's cells (Hec), Claudius cells/outer sulcus cells (CC/OSC), interdental cells (Idc), inner sulcus cells (ISC), Kölliker's organ cells (KO), greater ridge epithelial ridge cells (GER) (including lateral greater epithelial ridge cells (LGER)), and OC90+ cells (OC90), fibroblasts, and other cells of the lateral wall.


In some aspects, expression of the polypeptide is reduced, suppressed, or eliminated in inner ear hair cells, spiral ganglion cells, lateral supporting cells, basilar membrane cells, medial supporting cells, spiral limbus cells, or any combination thereof. In some aspects, toxicity due to expression of the polypeptide is reduced in inner ear hair cells, spiral ganglion cells, lateral supporting cells, basilar membrane cells, medial supporting cells, spiral limbus cells, or any combination thereof. In some aspects, the protein is predominately expressed in inner ear supporting cells. In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cells are selected from one or more of inner phalangeal cells/border cells (IPhC), inner pillar cells (IPC), outer pillar cells (OPC), Deiters' cells rows 1 and 2 (DC1/2), Deiters' cells row 3 (DC3), Hensen's cells (Hec), Claudius cells/outer sulcus cells (CC/OSC), interdental cells (Idc), inner sulcus cells (ISC), Kölliker's organ cells (KO), greater ridge epithelial ridge cells (GER) (including lateral greater epithelial ridge cells (LGER)), and OC90+ cells (OC90), fibroblasts, and other cells of the lateral wall.


In some aspects, administration is to the inner ear of the subject. In some aspects, the administration is to the cochlea of the subject. In some aspects, the administration is via a round window membrane injection.


Also provided herein are methods of increasing expression of a therapeutic polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) in an inner ear supporting cell of a subject in need thereof. In some aspects, the expression of the therapeutic polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) is reduced, suppressed, or eliminated in non-inner ear supporting cells. In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cells are selected from one or more of inner phalangeal cells/border cells (IPhC), inner pillar cells (IPC), outer pillar cells (OPC), Deiters' cells rows 1 and 2 (DC1/2), Deiters' cells row 3 (DC3), Hensen's cells (Hec), Claudius cells/outer sulcus cells (CC/OSC), interdental cells (Idc), inner sulcus cells (ISC), Kölliker's organ cells (KO), greater ridge epithelial ridge cells (GER) (including lateral greater epithelial ridge cells (LGER)), and OC90+ cells (OC90), fibroblasts, and other cells of the lateral wall. In some aspects, expression of the therapeutic polypeptide (e.g., a Connexin 26 polypeptide) is reduced, suppressed, or eliminated in inner ear hair cells, spiral ganglion cells, lateral supporting cells, basilar membrane cells, medial supporting cells, spiral limbus cells, or any combination thereof. In some aspects, toxicity due to expression of the therapeutic polypeptide (e.g., Connexin 26 polypeptide) is reduced in inner ear hair cells, spiral ganglion cells, lateral supporting cells, basilar membrane cells, medial supporting cells, spiral limbus cells, or any combination thereof. In some aspects, the therapeutic protein is predominately expressed in inner ear supporting cells. In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cells are selected from one or more of inner phalangeal cells/border cells (IPhC), inner pillar cells (IPC), outer pillar cells (OPC), Deiters' cells rows 1 and 2 (DC1/2), Deiters' cells row 3 (DC3), Hensen's cells (Hec), Claudius cells/outer sulcus cells (CC/OSC), interdental cells (Idc), inner sulcus cells (ISC), Kölliker's organ cells (KO), greater ridge epithelial ridge cells (GER) (including lateral greater epithelial ridge cells (LGER)), and OC90+ cells (OC90), fibroblasts, and other cells of the lateral wall.


Also provided herein are methods of promoting expression (e.g., increasing expression) of a polypeptide in an inner ear supporting cell of a subject in need thereof. In some aspects, the expression of the polypeptide is reduced, suppressed, or eliminated in non-inner ear supporting cells. In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cells are selected from one or more of inner phalangeal cells/border cells (IPhC), inner pillar cells (IPC), outer pillar cells (OPC), Deiters' cells rows 1 and 2 (DC1/2), Deiters' cells row 3 (DC3), Hensen's cells (Hec), Claudius cells/outer sulcus cells (CC/OSC), interdental cells (Idc), inner sulcus cells (ISC), Kölliker's organ cells (KO), greater ridge epithelial ridge cells (GER) (including lateral greater epithelial ridge cells (LGER)), and OC90+ cells (OC90), fibroblasts, and other cells of the lateral wall. In some aspects, expression of the polypeptide is reduced, suppressed, or eliminated in inner ear hair cells, spiral ganglion cells, lateral supporting cells, basilar membrane cells, medial supporting cells, spiral limbus cells, or any combination thereof. In some aspects, toxicity due to expression of the polypeptide is reduced in inner ear hair cells, spiral ganglion cells, lateral supporting cells, basilar membrane cells, medial supporting cells, spiral limbus cells, or any combination thereof. In some aspects, the protein is predominately expressed in inner ear supporting cells. In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cells are selected from one or more of inner phalangeal cells/border cells (IPhC), inner pillar cells (IPC), outer pillar cells (OPC), Deiters' cells rows 1 and 2 (DC1/2), Deiters' cells row 3 (DC3), Hensen's cells (Hec), Claudius cells/outer sulcus cells (CC/OSC), interdental cells (Idc), inner sulcus cells (ISC), Kölliker's organ cells (KO), greater ridge epithelial ridge cells (GER) (including lateral greater epithelial ridge cells (LGER)), and OC90+ cells (OC90), fibroblasts, and other cells of the lateral wall.


In some aspects, administration is to the inner ear of the subject. In some aspects, the administration is to the cochlea of the subject. In some aspects, the administration is via a round window membrane injection.


Also provided herein are methods of decreasing expression of the therapeutic polypeptide (e.g., Connexin 26 polypeptide) in non-inner ear supporting cells. In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cells are selected from one or more of inner phalangeal cells/border cells (IPhC), inner pillar cells (IPC), outer pillar cells (OPC), Deiters' cells rows 1 and 2 (DC1/2), Deiters' cells row 3 (DC3), Hensen's cells (Hec), Claudius cells/outer sulcus cells (CC/OSC), interdental cells (Idc), inner sulcus cells (ISC), Kölliker's organ cells (KO), Lateral greater epithelial ridge cells (LGER), and OC90+ cells (OC90). In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cells are selected from one or more of inner phalangeal cells/border cells (IPhC), inner pillar cells (IPC), outer pillar cells (OPC), Deiters' cells rows 1 and 2 (DC1/2), Deiters' cells row 3 (DC3), Hensen's cells (Hec), Claudius cells/outer sulcus cells (CC/OSC), interdental cells (Idc), inner sulcus cells (ISC), Kölliker's organ cells (KO), greater ridge epithelial ridge cells (GER) (including lateral greater epithelial ridge cells (LGER)), and OC90+ cells (OC90), fibroblasts, and other cells of the lateral wall.


Also provided herein are methods of decreasing expression of the polypeptide in non-inner ear supporting cells. In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cells are selected from one or more of inner phalangeal cells/border cells (IPhC), inner pillar cells (IPC), outer pillar cells (OPC), Deiters' cells rows 1 and 2 (DC1/2), Deiters' cells row 3 (DC3), Hensen's cells (Hec), Claudius cells/outer sulcus cells (CC/OSC), interdental cells (Idc), inner sulcus cells (ISC), Kölliker's organ cells (KO), Lateral greater epithelial ridge cells (LGER), and OC90+ cells (OC90). In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cells are selected from one or more of inner phalangeal cells/border cells (IPhC), inner pillar cells (IPC), outer pillar cells (OPC), Deiters' cells rows 1 and 2 (DC1/2), Deiters' cells row 3 (DC3), Hensen's cells (Hec), Claudius cells/outer sulcus cells (CC/OSC), interdental cells (Idc), inner sulcus cells (ISC), Kölliker's organ cells (KO), greater ridge epithelial ridge cells (GER) (including lateral greater epithelial ridge cells (LGER)), and OC90+ cells (OC90), fibroblasts, and other cells of the lateral wall.


In some aspects, expression of the therapeutic polypeptide (e.g., Connexin 26 polypeptide) is reduced, suppressed, or eliminated in inner ear hair cells, spiral ganglion cells, lateral supporting cells, basilar membrane cells, medial supporting cells, spiral limbus cells, or any combination thereof. In some aspects, toxicity due to expression of the therapeutic polypeptide (e.g., Connexin 26 polypeptide) is reduced in inner ear hair cells, spiral ganglion cells, lateral supporting cells, basilar membrane cells, medial supporting cells, spiral limbus cells, or any combination thereof. In some aspects, the therapeutic protein is predominately expressed in inner ear supporting cells. In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cells are selected from one or more of inner phalangeal cells/border cells (IPhC), inner pillar cells (IPC), outer pillar cells (OPC), Deiters' cells rows 1 and 2 (DC1/2), Deiters' cells row 3 (DC3), Hensen's cells (Hec), Claudius cells/outer sulcus cells (CC/OSC), interdental cells (Idc), inner sulcus cells (ISC), Kölliker's organ cells (KO), greater ridge epithelial ridge cells (GER) (including lateral greater epithelial ridge cells (LGER)), and OC90+ cells (OC90), fibroblasts, and other cells of the lateral wall. In some aspects, administration is to the inner ear of the subject. In some aspects, the administration is to the cochlea of the subject. In some aspects, the administration is via a round window membrane injection.


In some aspects, expression of the polypeptide is reduced, suppressed, or eliminated in inner ear hair cells, spiral ganglion cells, lateral supporting cells, basilar membrane cells, medial supporting cells, spiral limbus cells, or any combination thereof. In some aspects, toxicity due to expression of the polypeptide is reduced in inner ear hair cells, spiral ganglion cells, lateral supporting cells, basilar membrane cells, medial supporting cells, spiral limbus cells, or any combination thereof. In some aspects, the protein is predominately expressed in inner ear supporting cells. In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cells are selected from one or more of inner phalangeal cells/border cells (IPhC), inner pillar cells (IPC), outer pillar cells (OPC), Deiters' cells rows 1 and 2 (DC1/2), Deiters' cells row 3 (DC3), Hensen's cells (Hec), Claudius cells/outer sulcus cells (CC/OSC), interdental cells (Idc), inner sulcus cells (ISC), Kölliker's organ cells (KO), greater ridge epithelial ridge cells (GER) (including lateral greater epithelial ridge cells (LGER)), and OC90+ cells (OC90), fibroblasts, and other cells of the lateral wall. In some aspects, administration is to the inner ear of the subject. In some aspects, the administration is to the cochlea of the subject. In some aspects, the administration is via a round window membrane injection.


Also provided herein are methods of reducing toxicity associated with expression of the therapeutic polypeptide (e.g., Connexin 26 polypeptide) in an inner ear cell. In some aspects, the inner ear cells are inner ear hair cells, spiral ganglion cells, lateral supporting cells, basilar membrane cells, medial supporting cells, spiral limbus cells, or any combination thereof. In some aspects, expression of the therapeutic polypeptide (e.g., Connexin 26 polypeptide) is reduced, suppressed, or eliminated in inner ear hair cells, spiral ganglion cells, lateral supporting cells, basilar membrane cells, medial supporting cells, spiral limbus cells, or any combination thereof. In some aspects, toxicity due to expression of the therapeutic polypeptide (e.g., Connexin 26 polypeptide) is reduced in inner ear hair cells, spiral ganglion cells, lateral supporting cells, basilar membrane cells, medial supporting cells, spiral limbus cells, or any combination thereof. In some aspects, the therapeutic protein (e.g., Connexin 26 polypeptide) is predominately expressed in inner ear supporting cells. In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cells are selected from one or more of inner phalangeal cells/border cells (IPhC), inner pillar cells (IPC), outer pillar cells (OPC), Deiters' cells rows 1 and 2 (DC1/2), Deiters' cells row 3 (DC3), Hensen's cells (Hec), Claudius cells/outer sulcus cells (CC/OSC), interdental cells (Idc), inner sulcus cells (ISC), Kölliker's organ cells (KO), greater ridge epithelial ridge cells (GER) (including lateral greater epithelial ridge cells (LGER)), and OC90+ cells (OC90), fibroblasts, and other cells of the lateral wall. In some aspects, administration is to the inner ear of the subject. In some aspects, the administration is to the cochlea of the subject. In some aspects, the administration is via a round window membrane injection.


Also provided herein are methods of reducing toxicity associated with expression of the polypeptide in an inner ear cell. In some aspects, the inner ear cells are inner ear hair cells, spiral ganglion cells, lateral supporting cells, basilar membrane cells, medial supporting cells, spiral limbus cells, or any combination thereof. In some aspects, expression of the polypeptide is reduced, suppressed, or eliminated in inner ear hair cells, spiral ganglion cells, lateral supporting cells, basilar membrane cells, medial supporting cells, spiral limbus cells, or any combination thereof. In some aspects, toxicity due to expression of the polypeptide is reduced in inner ear hair cells, spiral ganglion cells, lateral supporting cells, basilar membrane cells, medial supporting cells, spiral limbus cells, or any combination thereof. In some aspects, the protein is predominately expressed in inner ear supporting cells. In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cells are selected from one or more of inner phalangeal cells/border cells (IPhC), inner pillar cells (IPC), outer pillar cells (OPC), Deiters' cells rows 1 and 2 (DC1/2), Deiters' cells row 3 (DC3), Hensen's cells (Hec), Claudius cells/outer sulcus cells (CC/OSC), interdental cells (Idc), inner sulcus cells (ISC), Kölliker's organ cells (KO), greater ridge epithelial ridge cells (GER) (including lateral greater epithelial ridge cells (LGER)), and OC90+ cells (OC90), fibroblasts, and other cells of the lateral wall. In some aspects, administration is to the inner ear of the subject. In some aspects, the administration is to the cochlea of the subject. In some aspects, the administration is via a round window membrane injection.


Also provided herein are methods of treating hearing loss in a subject suffering from or at risk of hearing loss. In some aspects, expression of the therapeutic polypeptide (e.g., Connexin 26 polypeptide) is reduced, suppressed, or eliminated in inner ear hair cells, spiral ganglion cells, lateral supporting cells, basilar membrane cells, medial supporting cells, spiral limbus cells, or any combination thereof. In some aspects, toxicity due to expression of the therapeutic polypeptide (e.g., Connexin 26 polypeptide) is reduced in inner ear hair cells, spiral ganglion cells, lateral supporting cells, basilar membrane cells, medial supporting cells, spiral limbus cells, or any combination thereof. In some aspects, the therapeutic protein (e.g., Connexin 26) is predominately expressed in inner ear supporting cells. In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cells are selected from one or more of inner phalangeal cells/border cells (IPhC), inner pillar cells (IPC), outer pillar cells (OPC), Deiters' cells rows 1 and 2 (DC1/2), Deiters' cells row 3 (DC3), Hensen's cells (Hec), Claudius cells/outer sulcus cells (CC/OSC), interdental cells (Idc), inner sulcus cells (ISC), Kölliker's organ cells (KO), greater ridge epithelial ridge cells (GER) (including lateral greater epithelial ridge cells (LGER)), and OC90+ cells (OC90), fibroblasts, and other cells of the lateral wall.


Also provided herein are methods of treating hearing loss in a subject suffering from or at risk of hearing loss. In some aspects, expression of the polypeptide is reduced, suppressed, or eliminated in inner ear hair cells, spiral ganglion cells, lateral supporting cells, basilar membrane cells, medial supporting cells, spiral limbus cells, or any combination thereof. In some aspects, toxicity due to expression of the polypeptide is reduced in inner ear hair cells, spiral ganglion cells, lateral supporting cells, basilar membrane cells, medial supporting cells, spiral limbus cells, or any combination thereof. In some aspects, the protein is predominately expressed in inner ear supporting cells. In some aspects, the inner ear supporting cells are selected from one or more of inner phalangeal cells/border cells (IPhC), inner pillar cells (IPC), outer pillar cells (OPC), Deiters' cells rows 1 and 2 (DC1/2), Deiters' cells row 3 (DC3), Hensen's cells (Hec), Claudius cells/outer sulcus cells (CC/OSC), interdental cells (Idc), inner sulcus cells (ISC), Kölliker's organ cells (KO), greater ridge epithelial ridge cells (GER) (including lateral greater epithelial ridge cells (LGER)), and OC90+ cells (OC90), fibroblasts, and other cells of the lateral wall.


In some aspects, administration is to the inner ear of the subject. In some aspects, the administration is to the cochlea of the subject. In some aspects, the administration is via a round window membrane injection.


Also provided herein are methods that include administering to an inner ear of a subject a therapeutically effective amount of any of the compositions described herein.


Also provided herein are surgical methods for treatment of hearing loss (e.g., nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss or syndromic sensorineural hearing loss). In some aspects, the methods include the steps of: introducing into a cochlea of a subject a first incision at a first incision point; and administering intra-cochlearly a therapeutically effective amount of any of the compositions provided herein. In some aspects, the composition is administered to the subject at the first incision point. In some aspects, the composition is administered to the subject into or through the first incision.


In some aspects of any of the methods described herein, any composition described herein is administered to the subject into or through the cochlea oval window membrane. In some aspects of any of the methods described herein, any of the compositions described herein is administered to the subject into or through the cochlea round window membrane. In some aspects of any of the methods described herein, the composition is administered using a medical device capable of creating a plurality of incisions in the round window membrane. In some aspects, the medical device includes a plurality of micro-needles. In some aspects, the medical device includes a plurality of micro-needles including a generally circular first aspect, where each micro-needle has a diameter of at least about 10 microns. In some aspects, the medical device includes a base and/or a reservoir capable of holding the composition. In some aspects, the medical device includes a plurality of hollow micro-needles individually including a lumen capable of transferring the composition. In some aspects, the medical device includes a means for generating at least a partial vacuum.


In some aspects, technologies of the present disclosure are used to treat subjects with or at risk of hearing loss. In some such aspects, a pathogenic variant causes or is at risk of causing hearing loss.


In some aspects, a subject experiencing hearing loss will be evaluated to determine if and where one or more mutations may exist that may cause hearing loss. In some aspects of any of the methods described herein, the subject or animal is a mammal, in some aspects the mammal is a domestic animal, a farm animal, a zoo animal, a non-human primate, or a human. In some aspects of any of the methods described herein, the animal, subject, or mammal is an adult, a teenager, a juvenile, a child, a toddler, an infant, or a newborn. In some aspects of any of the methods described herein, the animal, subject, or mammal is 1-5, 1-10, 1-20, 1-30, 1-40, 1-50, 1-60, 1-70, 1-80, 1-90, 1-100, 1-110, 2-5, 2-10, 10-20, 20-30, 30-40, 40-50, 50-60, 60-70, 70-80, 80-90, 90-100, 100-110, 10-30, 10-40, 10-50, 10-60, 10-70, 10-80, 10-90, 10-100, 10-110, 20-40, 20-50, 20-60, 20-70, 20-80, 20-90, 20-100, 20-110, 30-50, 30-60, 30-70, 30-80, 30-90, 30-100, 40-60, 40-70, 40-80, 40-90, 40-100, 50-70, 50-80, 50-90, 50-100, 60-80, 60-90, 60-100, 70-90, 70-100, 70-110, 80-100, 80-110, or 90-110 years of age. In some aspects of any of the methods described herein, the subject or mammal is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11 months of age.


In some aspects of any of the methods described herein, the methods result in improvement in hearing (e.g., any of the metrics for determining improvement in hearing described herein) in a subject in need thereof for at least 10 days, at least 15 days, at least 20 days, at least 25 days, at least 30 days, at least 35 days, at least 40 days, at least 45 days, at least 50 days, at least 55 days, at least 60 days, at least 65 days, at least 70 days, at least 75 days, at least 80 days, at least 85 days, at least 100 days, at least 105 days, at least 110 days, at least 115 days, at least 120 days, at least 5 months, at least 6 months, at least 7 months, at least 8 months, at least 9 months, at least 10 months, at least 11 months, or at least 12 months.


In some aspects a subject (e.g., an animal, e.g., a mammal, e.g., a human) has or is at risk of developing syndromic or nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss.


In some aspects, a subject (e.g., an animal, e.g., a mammal, e.g., a human) has been identified as having syndromic or nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss.


In some aspects, a subject (e.g., an animal, e.g., a mammal, e.g., a human) has been identified as being at risk of hearing loss (e.g., at risk of being a carrier of a gene mutation,). In some such aspects, a subject (e.g., an animal, e.g., a mammal, e.g., a human) may have certain risk factors of hearing loss or risk of hearing loss (e.g., known parental carrier, afflicted sibling, or symptoms of hearing loss). In some such aspects, a subject (e.g., an animal, e.g., a mammal, e.g., a human) has been identified as being a carrier of a mutation in a gene (e.g., via genetic testing) that has not previously been identified ( ). In some such aspects, identified mutations may be novel (i.e., not previously described in the literature), and methods of treatment for a subject suffering from or susceptible to hearing loss will be personalized to the mutation(s) of the particular patient.


In some aspects, successful treatment of syndromic or nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss can be determined in a subject using any of the conventional functional hearing tests known in the art. Non-limiting examples of functional hearing tests are various types of audiometric assays (e.g., pure-tone testing, speech testing, test of the middle ear, auditory brainstem response, and optoacoustic emissions).


In some aspects of any method provided herein, two or more doses of any composition described herein are introduced or administered into a cochlea of a subject. Some aspects of any of these methods can include introducing or administering a first dose of a composition into a cochlea of a subject, assessing hearing function of the subject following introduction or administration of a first dose, and administering an additional dose of a composition into the cochlea of the subject found not to have a hearing function within a normal range (e.g., as determined using any test for hearing known in the art).


In some aspects of any method provided herein, the composition can be formulated for intra-cochlear administration. In some aspects of any of the methods described herein, the compositions described herein can be administered via intra-cochlear administration or local administration. In some aspects of any of the methods described herein, the compositions are administered through the use of a medical device (e.g., any of the exemplary medical devices described herein).


In some aspects, intra-cochlear administration can be performed using any of the methods described herein or known in the art. For example, in some aspects, a composition can be administered or introduced into the cochlea using the following surgical technique: first using visualization with a 0 degree, 2.5-mm rigid endoscope, the external auditory canal is cleared and a round knife is used to sharply delineate an approximately 5-mm tympanomeatal flap. The tympanomeatal flap is then elevated and the middle ear is entered posteriorly. The chorda tympani nerve is identified and divided, and a curette is used to remove the scutal bone, exposing the round window membrane. To enhance apical distribution of the administered or introduced composition, a surgical laser may be used to make a small 2-mm fenestration in the oval window to allow for perilymph displacement during trans-round window membrane infusion of the composition. The microinfusion device is then primed and brought into the surgical field. The device is maneuvered to the round window, and the tip is seated within the bony round window overhang to allow for penetration of the membrane by the microneedle(s). The footpedal is engaged to allow for a measured, steady infusion of the composition. The device is then withdrawn and the round window and stapes foot plate are sealed with a gelfoam patch.


In some aspects of any method provided herein, a subject has or is at risk of developing syndromic or nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss. In some aspects of any method provided herein, a subject has been previously identified as having a mutation in an inner ear cell target gene, a gene which may be expressed in supporting cells and/or hair cells.


In some aspects of any method provided herein, a subject has been identified as being a carrier of a mutation in an inner ear cell target gene (e.g., via genetic testing). In some aspects of any method provided herein, a subject has been identified as having a mutation in an inner ear cell target gene and has been diagnosed with hearing loss (e.g., nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss or syndromic sensorineural hearing loss, e.g., DFNB1, DFNA3). Bart-Pumphrey syndrome, hystrix-like ichthyosis with deafness (HID), palmoplantar keratoderma with deafness, keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness (KID) syndrome, or Vohwinkel syndrome, respectively). In some aspects of any of the methods described herein, the subject has been identified as having hearing loss (e.g., nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss or syndromic sensorineural hearing loss). In some aspects, successful treatment of hearing loss (e.g., nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss or syndromic sensorineural hearing loss) can be determined in a subject using any of the conventional functional hearing tests known in the art. Non-limiting examples of functional hearing tests include various types of audiometric assays (e.g., pure-tone testing, speech testing, test of the middle ear, auditory brainstem response, and otoacoustic emissions).


In some aspects, a subject cell is in vitro. In some aspects, a subject cell is originally obtained from a subject and is cultured ex vivo. In some aspects, the ex vivo cell is an inner ear cell. In some aspects, the ex vivo cell is an inner phalangeal cells/border cells (IPhC), inner pillar cells (IPC), outer pillar cells (OPC), Deiters' cells rows 1 and 2 (DC1/2), Deiters' cells row 3 (DC3), Hensen's cells (Hec), Claudius cells/outer sulcus cells (CC/OSC), interdental cells (Idc), inner sulcus cells (ISC), Kölliker's organ cells (KO), greater ridge epithelial ridge cells (GER) (including lateral greater epithelial ridge cells (LGER)), and OC90+ cells (OC90), fibroblasts, and other cells of the lateral wall.


In some aspects, a subject cell has previously been determined to have a defective inner ear cell target gene. In some aspects, a subject cell has previously been determined to have a defective hair cell target gene. In some aspects, a subject cell has previously been determined to have a defective supporting cell target gene.


In some aspects of these methods, following treatment e.g., one or two or more administrations of compositions described herein, there is an increase in expression of an active inner ear cell target protein (e.g., a polypeptide (e.g., a therapeutic polypeptide, a Connexin 26 polypeptide)). In some aspects, an increase in expression of an active inner ear target protein as described herein (e.g., a polypeptide (e.g., a therapeutic polypeptide, a Connexin 26 polypeptide)) is relative to a control level, e.g., as compared to the level of expression of an inner ear cell target protein prior to introduction of the compositions comprising any construct(s) as described herein.


Methods of detecting expression and/or activity of a target protein (e.g., a polypeptide (e.g., a therapeutic polypeptide, a Connexin 26 polypeptide)) are known in the art. In some aspects, a level of expression of an inner ear cell target protein can be detected directly (e.g., detecting inner ear cell target protein or target mRNA. Non-limiting examples of techniques that can be used to detect expression and/or activity of a target RNA or protein (e.g., a polypeptide (e.g., a therapeutic polypeptide, a Connexin 26 polypeptide)) directly include: real-time PCR, Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, immunohistochemistry, mass spectrometry, or immunofluorescence. In some aspects, expression of an inner ear cell target protein can be detected indirectly (e.g., through functional hearing tests).


Devices, Administration, and Surgical Methods

Provided herein are therapeutic delivery systems for treating hearing loss (e.g., nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss or syndromic sensorineural hearing loss). In one aspect, a therapeutic delivery system includes: i) a medical device capable of creating one or a plurality of incisions in a round window membrane of an inner ear of a subject in need thereof, and ii) an effective dose of a composition (e.g., any of the compositions described herein). In some aspects, a medical device includes a plurality of micro-needles.


Also provided herein are surgical methods for treatment of hearing loss (e.g., nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss or syndromic sensorineural hearing loss). In some aspects, a method the steps of: introducing into a cochlea of a subject a first incision at a first incision point; and administering intra-cochlearly a therapeutically effective amount of any of the compositions provided herein. In some aspects, a composition is administered to a subject at the first incision point. In some aspects, a composition is administered to a subject into or through the first incision.


In some aspects of any method provided herein, any of the compositions described herein is administered to the subject into or through the cochlea oval window membrane. In some aspects of any method provided herein, any of the compositions described herein is administered to the subject into or through the cochlea round window membrane. In some aspects of any method provided herein, the composition is administered using a medical device capable of creating a plurality of incisions in the round window membrane. In some aspects, a medical device includes a plurality of micro-needles. In some aspects, a medical device includes a plurality of micro-needles including a generally circular first aspect, where each micro-needle has a diameter of at least about 10 microns. In some aspects, a medical device includes a base and/or a reservoir capable of holding a composition. In some aspects, a medical device includes a plurality of hollow micro-needles individually including a lumen capable of transferring a composition. In some aspects, a medical device includes a means for generating at least a partial vacuum.


In some aspects, the present disclosure describes a delivery approach that utilizes a minimally invasive, well-accepted surgical technique for accessing the middle ear and/or inner ear through the external auditory canal. The procedure includes opening one of the physical barriers between the middle and inner ear at the oval window, and subsequently using a device disclosed herein, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 4-7 (or microcatheter) to deliver a composition disclosed herein at a controlled flow rate and in a fixed volume, via the round window membrane.


In some aspects, surgical procedures for mammals (e.g., rodents (e.g., mice, rats, hamsters, or rabbits), primates (e.g., NHP (e.g., macaque, chimpanzees, monkeys, or apes) or humans) may include venting to increase AAV vector transduction rates along the length of the cochlea. In some aspects, absence of venting during surgery may result in lower AAV vector cochlear cell transduction rates when compared to AAV vector cochlear cell transduction rates following surgeries performed with venting. In some aspects, venting facilitates transduction rates of about 75-100% of IHCs throughout the cochlea. In some aspects, venting permits IHC transduction rates of about 50-70%, about 60-80%, about 70-90%, or about 80-100% at the base of the cochlea. In some aspects, venting permits IHC transduction rates of about 50-70%, about 60-80%, about 70-90%, or about 80-100% at the apex of the cochlea.


A delivery device described herein may be placed in a sterile field of an operating room and the end of a tubing may be removed from the sterile field and connected to a syringe that has been loaded with a composition disclosed herein (e.g., one or more AAV vectors) and mounted in the pump. After appropriate priming of the system in order to remove any air, a needle may then be passed through the middle ear under visualization (surgical microscope, endoscope, and/or distal tip camera). A needle (or microneedle) may be used to puncture the RWM. The needle may be inserted until a stopper contacts the RWM. The device may then be held in that position while a composition disclosed herein is delivered at a controlled flow rate to the inner ear, for a selected duration of time. In some aspects, the flow rate (or infusion rate) may include a rate of about 30 μL/min, or from about 25 μL/min to about 35 μL/min, or from about 20 μL/min to about 40 L/min, or from about 20 L/min to about 70 L/min, or from about 20 L/min to about 90 μL/min, or from about 20 μL/min to about 100 μL/min. In some aspects, the flow rate is about 20 μL/min, about 30 μL/min, about 40 μL/min, about 50 μL/min, about 60 L/min, about 70 μL/min, about 80 μL/min, about 90 μL/min or about 100 μL/min. In some aspects, the selected duration of time (that is, the time during which a composition disclosed herein is flowing) may be about 3 minutes, or from about 2.5 minutes to about 3.5 minutes, or from about 2 minutes to about 4 minutes, or from about 1.5 minutes to about 4.5 minutes, or from about 1 minute to about 5 minutes. In some aspects, the total volume of a composition disclosed herein that flows to the inner ear may be about 0.09 mL, or from about 0.08 mL to about 0.10 mL, or from about 0.07 mL to about 0.11 mL. In some aspects, the total volume of a composition disclosed herein equates to from about 40% to about 50% of the volume of the inner ear.


Once the delivery has been completed, the device may be removed. In some aspects, a device described herein, may be configured as a single-use disposable product. In other aspects, a device described herein may be configured as a multi-use, sterilizable product, for example, with a replaceable and/or sterilizable needle sub-assembly. Single use devices may be appropriately discarded (for example, in a biohazard sharps container) after administration is complete.


In some aspects, a composition disclosed herein comprises one or a plurality of rAAV constructs. In some aspects, when more than one rAAV construct is included in the composition, the rAAV constructs are each different. In some aspects, an rAAV construct comprises an anti-VEGF coding region, e.g., as described herein. In some aspects, a composition comprises an rAAV particle comprising an AAV construct described herein. In some aspects, the rAAV particle is encapsidated by an Anc80 capsid (e.g., an Anc80L65 capsid). In some aspects, the Anc80 capsid comprises a polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 44.


In some aspects, a composition disclosed herein can be administered to a subject with a surgical procedure. In some aspects, administration, e.g., via a surgical procedure, comprises injecting a composition disclosed herein via a delivery device as described herein into the inner ear. In some aspects, a surgical procedure disclosed herein comprises performing a transcanal tympanotomy; performing a laser-assisted micro-stapedotomy; and injecting a composition disclosed herein via a delivery device as described herein into the inner ear.


In some aspects, a surgical procedure comprises performing a transcanal tympanotomy; performing a laser-assisted micro-stapedotomy; injecting a composition disclosed herein via a delivery device as described herein into the inner ear; applying sealant around the round window and/or an oval window of the subject; and lowering a tympanomeatal flap of the subject to the anatomical position.


In some aspects, a surgical procedure comprises performing a transcanal tympanotomy; preparing a round window of the subject; performing a laser-assisted micro-stapedotomy; preparing both a delivery device as described herein and a composition disclosed herein for delivery to the inner ear; injecting a composition disclosed herein via the delivery device into the inner ear; applying sealant around the round window and/or an oval window of the subject; and lowering a tympanomeatal flap of the subject to the anatomical position.


In some aspects, performing a laser-assisted micro-stapedotomy includes using a KTP otologic laser and/or a CO2 otologic laser.


As another example, a composition disclosed herein is administered using a device and/or system specifically designed for intracochlear route of administration. In some aspects, design elements of a device described herein may include: maintenance of sterility of injected fluid; minimization of air bubbles introduced to the inner ear; ability to precisely deliver small volumes at a controlled rate; delivery through the external auditory canal by the surgeon; minimization of damage to the round window membrane (RWM), or to inner ear, e.g., cochlear structures beyond the RWM; and/or minimization of injected fluid leaking back out through the RWM.


The devices, systems, and methods provided herein also describe the potential for delivering a composition safely and efficiently into the inner ear, in order to treat conditions and disorders that would benefit from delivery of a composition disclosed herein to the inner ear, including, but not limited to, hearing disorders, e.g., as described herein. As another example, by placing a vent in the stapes footplate and injecting through the RWM, a composition disclosed herein is dispersed throughout the cochlea with minimal dilution at the site of action. The development of the described devices allows the surgical administration procedure to be performed through the external auditory canal in humans. The described devices can be removed from the ear following infusion of an amount of fluid into the perilymph of the cochlea. In subjects, the device may be advanced through the external auditory canal, either under surgical microscopic control or along with an endoscope.


An exemplary device for use in any of the methods disclosed herein is described in FIGS. 4-7. FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary device 10 for delivering fluid to an inner ear. Device 10 includes a knurled handle 12, and a distal handle adhesive 14 (for example, an epoxy such as Loctite 4014) that couples to a telescoping hypotube needle support 24. The knurled handle 12 (or handle portion) may include kurling features and/or grooves to enhance the grip. The knurled handle 12 (or handle portion) may be from about 5 mm to about 15 mm thick or from about 5 mm to about 12 mm thick, or from about 6 mm to about 10 mm thick, or from about 6 mm to about 9 mm thick, or from about 7 mm to about 8 mm thick. The knurled handle 12 (or handle portion) may be hollow such that fluid may pass through the device 10 during use. The device 10 may also include a proximal handle adhesive 16 at a proximal end 18 of the knurled handle 12, a needle sub-assembly 26 (shown in FIG. 5) with stopper 28 (shown in FIG. 34) at a distal end 20 of the device 10, and a strain relief feature 22. Strain relief feature 22 may be composed of a Santoprene material, a Pebax material, a polyurethane material, a silicone material, a nylon material, and/or a thermoplastic elastomer. The telescoping hypotube needle support 24 surrounds and supports a bent needle 38 (shown in FIG. 5) disposed therewithin.


Referring still to FIG. 4, the stopper 28 may be composed of a thermoplastic material or plastic polymer (such as a UV-cured polymer), as well as other suitable materials, and may be used to prevent the bent needle 38 from being inserted too far into the ear canal (for example, to prevent insertion of bent needle 38 into the lateral wall or other inner ear structure). Device 10 also may include a tapered portion 23 disposed between the knurled handle 12 and the distal handle adhesive 14 that is coupled to the telescoping hypotube needle support 24. The knurled handle 12 (or handle portion) may include the tapered portion 23 at the distal end of the handle portion 12. Device 10 may also include tubing 36 fluidly connected to the proximal end 16 the device 10 and acts as a fluid inlet line connecting the device to upstream components (for example, a pump, a syringe, and/or upstream components which, in some aspects, may be coupled to a control system and/or power supply (not shown)). In some aspects, the bent needle 38 (shown in FIG. 5) extends from the distal end 20, through the telescoping hypotube needle support 24, through the tapered portion 23, through the knurled handle 12, and through the strain relief feature 22 and fluidly connects directly to the tubing 36. In other aspects, the bent needle 38 fluidly connects with the hollow interior of the knurled handle (for example, via the telescoping hypotube needle support 24) which in turn fluidly connects at a proximal end 16 with tubing 36. In aspects where the bent needle 38 does not extend all the way through the interior of the device 10, the contact area (for example, between overlapping nested hypotubes 42), the tolerances, and/or sealants between interfacing components must be sufficient to prevent therapeutic fluid from leaking out of the device 10 (which operates at a relatively low pressure (for example, from about 1 Pascal to about 50 Pa, or from about 2 Pa to about 20 Pa, or from about 3 Pa to about 10 Pa)).



FIG. 5 illustrates a sideview of the bent needle sub-assembly 26, according to aspects of the present disclosed aspects. Bent needle sub-assembly 26 includes a needle 38 that has a bent portion 32. Bent needle sub-assembly 26 may also include a stopper 28 coupled to the bent portion 32. The bent portion 32 includes an angled tip 34 at the distal end 20 of the device 10 for piercing a membrane of the ear (for example, the RWM). The needle 38, bent portion 32, and angled top 34 are hollow such that fluid may flow therethrough. The angle 46 (as shown in FIG. 7) of the bent portion 32 may vary. A stopper 28 geometry may be cylindrical, disk-shaped, annulus-shaped, dome-shaped, and/or other suitable shapes. Stopper 28 may be molded into place onto bent portion 32. For example, stopper 28 may be positioned concentrically around the bent portion 32 using adhesives or compression fitting. Examples of adhesives include an UV cure adhesive (such as Dymax 203A-CTH-F-T), elastomer adhesives, thermoset adhesives (such as epoxy or polyurethane), or emulsion adhesives (such as polyvinyl acetate). Stopper 28 fits concentrically around the bent portion 32 such that angled tip 34 is inserted into the ear at a desired insertion depth. The bent needle 38 may be formed from a straight needle using incremental forming, as well as other suitable techniques.



FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of exemplary device 10 for delivering fluid to an inner ear. Tubing 36 may be from about 1300 mm in length (dimension 11 in FIG. 6) to about 1600 mm, or from about 1400 mm to about 1500 mm, or from about 1430 mm to about 1450 mm. Strain release feature 22 may be from about 25 mm to about 30 mm in length (dimension 15 in FIG. 6), or from about 20 mm to about 35 mm in length. Handle 12 may be about 155.4 mm in length (dimension 13 in FIG. 6), or from about 150 mm to about 160 mm, or from about 140 mm to about 170 mm. The telescoping hypotube needle support 24 may have two or more nested hypotubes, for example three nested hypotubes 42A, 42B, and 42C, or four nested hypotubes 42A, 42B, 42C, and 42D. The total length of hypotubes 42A, 42B, 42C and tip assembly 26 (dimension 17 in FIG. 6) may be from about 25 mm to about 45 mm, or from about 30 mm to about 40 mm, or about 35 mm. In addition, telescoping hypotube needle support 24 may have a length of about 36 mm, or from about 25 mm to about 45 mm, or form about 30 mm to about 40 mm. The three nested hypotubes 42A, 42B, and 42C each may have a length of 3.5 mm, 8.0 mm, and 19.8 mm, respectively, plus or minus about 20%. The inner-most nested hypotube (or most narrow portion) of the telescoping hypotube needle support 24 may be concentrically disposed around needle 38.



FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of bent needle sub-assembly 26 coupled to the distal end 20 of device 10, according to aspects of the present disclosed aspects. As shown in FIG. 7, bent needle sub-assembly 26 may include a needle 38 coupled to a bent portion 32. In other aspects, the bent needle 38 may be a single needle (for example, a straight needle that is then bent such that it includes the desired angle 46). Needle 38 may be a 33-gauge needle, or may include a gauge from about 32 to about 34, or from about 31 to 35. At finer gauges, care must be taken to ensure tubing 36 is not kinked or damaged. Needle 38 may be attached to handle 12 for safe and accurate placement of needle 38 into the inner ear. As shown in FIG. 7, bent needle sub-assembly 26 may also include a stopper 28 disposed around bent portion 32. FIG. 7 also shows that bent portion 32 may include an angled tip 34 for piercing a membrane of the ear (for example, the RWM). Stopper 28 may have a height 48 of about 0.5 mm, or from about 0.4 mm to about 0.6 mm, or from about 0.3 mm to about 0.7 mm. Bent portion 32 may have a length 52 of about 1.45 mm, or from about 1.35 mm to about 1.55 mm, or from about 1.2 mm to about 1.7 mm. In other aspects, the bent portion 32 may have a length greater than 2.0 mm such that the distance between the distal end of the stopper 28 and the distal end of the angled tip 34 is from about 0.5 mm to about 1.7 mm, or from about 0.6 mm to about 1.5 mm, or from about 0.7 mm to about 1.3 mm, or from about 0.8 mm to about 1.2 mm. FIG. 7 shows that stopper 28 may have a geometry that is cylindrical, disk-shaped, and/or dome-shaped. A person of ordinary skill will appreciate that other geometries could be used.


Evaluating Hearing Loss and Recovery

In some aspects, hearing function is determined using auditory brainstem response measurements (ABR). In some aspects, hearing is tested by measuring distortion product optoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs). In some such aspects, measurements are taken from one or both ears of a subject. In some such aspects, recordings are compared to prior recordings for the same subject and/or known thresholds on such response measurements used to define, e.g., hearing loss versus acceptable hearing ranges to be defined as normal hearing. In some aspects, a subject has ABR and/or DPOAE measurements recorded prior to receiving any treatment. In some aspects, a subject treated with one or more technologies described herein will have improvements on ABR and/or DPOAE measurements after treatment as compared to before treatment. In some aspects, ABR and/or DPOAE measurements are taken after treatment is administered and at regular follow-up intervals post-treatment.


In some aspects, hearing function is determined using speech pattern recognition or is determined by a speech therapist. In some aspects, hearing function is determined by pure tone testing. In some aspects, hearing function is determined by bone conduction testing. In some aspects, hearing function is determined by acoustic reflex testing. In some aspects hearing function is determined by tympanometry. In some aspects, hearing function is determined by any combination of hearing analysis known in the art. In some such aspects, measurements are taken holistically, and/or from one or both ears of a subject. In some such aspects, recordings and/or professional analysis are compared to prior recordings and/or analysis for the same subject and/or known thresholds on such response measurements used to define, e.g., hearing loss versus acceptable hearing ranges to be defined as normal hearing. In some aspects, a subject has speech pattern recognition, pure tone testing, bone conduction testing, acoustic reflex testing and/or tympanometry measurements and/or analysis conducted prior to receiving any treatment. In some aspects a subject treated with one or more technologies described herein will have improvements on speech pattern recognition, pure tone testing, bone conduction testing, acoustic reflex testing and/or tympanometry measurements after treatment as compared to before treatment. In some aspects, speech pattern recognition, pure tone testing, bone conduction testing, acoustic reflex testing and/or tympanometry measurements are taken after treatment is administered and at regular follow-up intervals post-treatment.


Production Methods

AAV systems are generally well known in the art (see, e.g., Kelleher and Vos, Biotechniques, 17(6):1110-17 (1994); Cotton et al., P.N.A.S. U.S.A., 89(13):6094-98 (1992); Curiel, Nat Immun, 13(2-3):141-64 (1994); Muzyczka, Curr Top Microbiol Immunol, 158:97-129 (1992); and Asokan A, et al., Mol. Ther., 20(4):699-708 (2012), each of which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference). Methods for generating and using AAV constructs are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,139,941, 4,797,368 and PCT filing application US2019/060328, each of which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference.


Methods for obtaining viral constructs are known in the art. For example, to produce AAV constructs, the methods typically involve culturing a host cell which contains a nucleic acid sequence encoding an AAV capsid protein or fragment thereof; a functional rep gene; a recombinant AAV construct composed of AAV inverted terminal repeats (ITRs) and a coding sequence; and/or sufficient helper functions to permit packaging of the recombinant AAV construct into the AAV capsid proteins.


In some aspects, components to be cultured in a host cell to package an AAV construct in an AAV capsid may be provided to the host cell in trans. Alternatively, any one or more components (e.g., recombinant AAV construct, rep sequences, cap sequences, and/or helper functions) may be provided by a stable host cell that has been engineered to contain one or more such components using methods known to those of skill in the art. In some aspects, such a stable host cell contains such component(s) under the control of an inducible promoter. In some aspects, such component(s) may be under the control of a constitutive promoter. In some aspects, a selected stable host cell may contain selected component(s) under the control of a constitutive promoter and other selected component(s) under the control of one or more inducible promoters. For example, a stable host cell may be generated that is derived from HEK293 cells (which contain E1 helper functions under the control of a constitutive promoter), but that contain the rep and/or cap proteins under the control of inducible promoters. Other stable host cells may be generated by one of skill in the art using routine methods.


Recombinant AAV construct, rep sequences, cap sequences, and helper functions required for producing an AAV of the disclosure may be delivered to a packaging host cell using any appropriate genetic element (e.g., construct). A selected genetic element may be delivered by any suitable method known in the art, e.g., to those with skill in nucleic acid manipulation and include genetic engineering, recombinant engineering, and synthetic techniques (see, e.g., Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference). Similarly, methods of generating AAV particles are well known and any suitable method can be used with the present disclosure (see, e.g., K. Fisher et al., J. Virol., 70:520-532 (1993) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,478,745, which are incorporated in their entirety herein by reference).


In some aspects, recombinant AAVs may be produced using a triple transfection method (e.g., as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,001,650, which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference). In some aspects, recombinant AAVs are produced by transfecting a host cell with a recombinant AAV construct (comprising a coding sequence) to be packaged into AAV particles, an AAV helper function construct, and an accessory function construct. An AAV helper function construct encodes “AAV helper function” sequences (i.e., rep and cap), which function in trans for productive AAV replication and encapsidation. In some aspects, the AAV helper function construct supports efficient AAV construct production without generating any detectable wild-type AAV particles (i.e., AAV particles containing functional rep and cap genes). Non-limiting examples of constructs suitable for use with the present disclosure include pHLP19 (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,001,650, which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference) and pRep6cap6 construct (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,156,303, which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference). An accessory function construct encodes nucleotide sequences for non-AAV derived viral and/or cellular functions upon which AAV is dependent for replication (i.e., “accessory functions”). Accessory functions may include those functions required for AAV replication, including, without limitation, those moieties involved in activation of AAV gene transcription, stage specific AAV mRNA splicing, AAV DNA replication, synthesis of cap expression products, and AAV capsid assembly. Viral-based accessory functions can be derived from any known helper viruses such as adenovirus, herpesvirus (other than herpes simplex virus type-1), and vaccinia virus.


Additional methods for generating and isolating AAV viral constructs suitable for delivery to a subject are described in, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,790,449; 7,282,199; WO 2003/042397; WO 2005/033321, WO 2006/110689; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,588,772, each of which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference. In one system, a producer cell line is transiently transfected with a construct that encodes a coding sequence flanked by ITRs and a construct(s) that encodes rep and cap. In another system, a packaging cell line that stably supplies rep and cap is transiently transfected with a construct encoding a coding sequence flanked by ITRs. In each of these systems, AAV particles are produced in response to infection with helper adenovirus or herpesvirus, and AAVs are separated from contaminating virus. Other systems do not require infection with helper virus to recover the virus particles—the helper functions (i.e., adenovirus E1, E2a, VA, and E4 or herpesvirus UL5, UL8, UL52, and UL29, and herpesvirus polymerase) are also supplied, in trans, by the system. In such systems, helper functions can be supplied by transient transfection of the cells with constructs that encode the helper functions, or the cells can be engineered to stably contain genes encoding the helper functions, the expression of which can be controlled at the transcriptional or posttranscriptional level.


In some aspects, viral construct titers post-purification are determined. In some aspects, titers are determined using quantitative PCR. In certain aspects, a TaqMan probe specific to a construct is utilized to determine construct levels. In certain aspects, the TaqMan probe is represented by SEQ ID NO: 58, while forward and reverse amplifying primers are exemplified by SEQ ID NO: 59 and 60 respectively.










Exemplary Taqman probe for quantification of constructs



(SEQ ID NO: 58)



/56-FAM/TCTGGCTCA/ZEN/CCGTCCTCTTCATTT/3IABKFQ/






Exemplary forward qPCR primer for quantification of constructs


(SEQ ID NO: 59)



CAAACACTCCACCAGCATTG






Exemplary reverse qPCR primer for quantification of constructs


(SEQ ID NO: 60)



CAGCCACAACGAGGATCATA







As described herein, in some aspects, a viral construct of the present disclosure is an adeno-associated virus (AAV) construct. Several AAV serotypes have been characterized, including AAV1, AAV2, AAV3 (e.g., AAV3B), AAV4, AAV5, AAV6, AAV7, AAV8, AAV9, AAV10, AAV11, and AAV Anc80, as well as variants thereof. In some aspects, an AAV particle is an AAV2/6, AAV2/8, AAV2/9, or AAV2/Anc80 particle (e.g., with AAV6, AAV8, AAV9, or Anc80 capsid (e.g., an Anc80L65 capsid) and construct with AAV2 ITR). Other AAV particles and constructs are described in, e.g., Sharma et al., Brain Res Bull. 2010 Feb. 15; 81(2-3): 273, which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference. Generally, any AAV serotype may be used to deliver a coding sequence described herein. However, the serotypes have different tropisms, e.g., they preferentially infect different tissues. In some aspects, an AAV construct is a self-complementary AAV construct.


The present disclosure provides, among other things, methods of making AAV-based constructs. In some aspects, such methods include use of host cells. In some aspects, a host cell is a mammalian cell. A host cell may be used as a recipient of an AAV helper construct, an AAV minigene plasmid, an accessory function construct, and/or other transfer DNA associated with the production of recombinant AAVs. The term includes the progeny of an original cell that has been transfected. Thus, a “host cell” as used herein may refer to a cell that has been transfected with an exogenous DNA sequence. It is understood that the progeny of a single parental cell may not necessarily be completely identical in morphology or in genomic or total DNA complement as the original parent, due to natural, accidental, or deliberate mutation.


Additional methods for generating and isolating AAV particles suitable for delivery to a subject are described in, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,790,449; 7,282,199; WO 2003/042397; WO 2005/033321, WO 2006/110689; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,588,772, each of which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference. In one system, a producer cell line is transiently transfected with a construct that encodes a coding sequence flanked by ITRs and a construct(s) that encodes rep and cap. In another system, a packaging cell line that stably supplies rep and cap is transiently transfected with a construct encoding a coding sequence flanked by ITRs. In each of these systems, AAV particles are produced in response to infection with helper adenovirus or herpesvirus, and AAV particles are separated from contaminating virus. Other systems do not require infection with helper virus to recover the AAV particles—the helper functions (i.e., adenovirus E1, E2a, VA, and E4 or herpesvirus UL5, UL8, UL52, and UL29, and herpesvirus polymerase) are also supplied, in trans, by the system. In such systems, helper functions can be supplied by transient transfection of the cells with constructs that encode the helper functions, or the cells can be engineered to stably contain genes encoding the helper functions, the expression of which can be controlled at the transcriptional or posttranscriptional level.


In yet another system, a coding sequence flanked by ITRs and rep/cap genes are introduced into insect host cells by infection with baculovirus-based constructs. Such production systems are known in the art (see generally, e.g., Zhang et al., 2009, Human Gene Therapy 20:922-929, which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference). Methods of making and using these and other AAV production systems are also described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,139,941; 5,741,683; 6,057,152; 6,204,059; 6,268,213; 6,491,907; 6,660,514; 6,951,753; 7,094,604; 7,172,893; 7,201,898; 7,229,823; and 7,439,065, each of which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference.


EXAMPLES

The disclosure is further described in detail by reference to the following experimental examples. These examples are provided for purposes of illustration only, and are not intended to be limiting unless otherwise specified. Thus, the disclosure should in no way be construed as being limited to the following examples, but rather should be construed to encompass any and all variations that become evident as a result of the teaching provided herein.


It is believed that one or ordinary skill in the art can, using the preceding description and following Examples, as well as what is known in the art, make and utilize technologies of the present disclosure.


Example 1: Construction of Viral Constructs Comprising a Polypeptide or Therapeutic Polypeptide

This example provides a description of generating a viral construct as described herein. A recombinant AAV (rAAV) particle was generated by transfection with an adenovirus-free method as used by Xiao et al., J Virol. 73(5):3994-4003, 1999, which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference. The cis plasmids with AAV ITRs, the trans plasmid with AAV Rep and Cap genes, and a helper plasmid with an essential region from an adenovirus genome were co-transfected in HEK293 cells. The rAAV construct expressed human connexin 26 under a single construct strategy using the constructs described. AAV Anc80 capsid was prepared to encapsulate a unique rAAV connexin 26 protein encoding construct.


Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that similar constructs can be made in accordance with this example. For instance, rAAV constructs that express mammalian, primate, or human connexin 26 under single, dual, or multi construct strategies can be generated. AAV serotypes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, rh8, rh10, rh39, rh43, and Anc80 can each be prepared to encapsulate four sets of connexin 26 constructs to test (i) a concatemerization-transplicing strategy, (ii) a hybrid intronic-homologous recombination-transplicing strategy, (iii) an exonic homologous recombination strategy, as summarized by Pryadkina et al., Meth. Clin. Devel. 2:15009, 2015, which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference, and (iv) a single construct strategy. In some aspects, a recombinant AAV (rAAV) particle is generated by transfection with an adenovirus-free method as used by Xiao et al., J Virol. 73(5):3994-4003, 1999, which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference.


Example 2: Generating and Purifying Viral Particles

This example provides a description of purification of a viral construct. A recombinant AAV (rAAV) is produced using a triple transfection protocol and purified. The fractions are analyzed by dot blot to determine those containing rAAV genomes. The viral genome number (vg) of each preparation is determined by a quantitative real-time PCR-based titration method using primers and probe corresponding to the ITR region of the AAV construct genome (Bartoli et al., Gene. Ther. 13:20-28, 2006, which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference).


In some aspects of this example, a recombinant AAV (rAAV) was produced using a standard triple transfection protocol and purified by two sequential cesium chloride (CsCl) density gradients, as described by Pryadkina et al., Mol. Ther. 2:15009, 2015, which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference. At the end of second centrifugation, 11 fractions of 500 μl were recovered from the CsCl density gradient tube and purified through dialysis in 1×PBS. The fractions were analyzed by dot blot to determine those containing rAAV genomes. The viral genome number (vg) of each preparation was determined by a quantitative real-time PCR-based titration method using primers and probe corresponding to the ITR region of the AAV construct genome (Bartoli et al., Gene. Ther. 13:20-28, 2006, which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference).


Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that similar production and purifying processes can be conducted in accordance with this example. For instance, rAAV particles may be purified using various column chromatography methods known in the art, and/or viral genomes may be quantified using alternative primer sets.


Example 3: Formulation of Viral Particles

This example relates to the preparation of compositions comprising rAAV particles, and a physiologically acceptable solution. An rAAV particle was produced and purified to a titer of 1.2×1013 vg/mL and was then prepared at dilutions of 6×104, 1.3×105, 1.8×105, 4.5×109, and 1.3×1010, vg/mL in a physiologically acceptable solution (e.g., commercially available 1×PBS with pluronic acid F68, prepared to a final concentration of: 8.10 mM Sodium Phosphate Dibasic, 1.5 mM Monopotassium Phosphate, 2.7 mM Potassium Chloride, 172 mM Sodium Chloride, and 0.001% Pluronic Acid F68).


In alternative aspects, an rAAV is produced and purified to a known concentration (e.g., a titer of approximately 1×1013 vg/mL) and is then prepared at desired concentrations (e.g., dilutions of 6×104, 1.3×105, 1.8×105, 4.5×109, and 1.3×1010, vg/mL) in a physiologically acceptable buffer (e.g., commercially available 1×PBS with pluronic acid F68, prepared to a final concentration of: 8.10 mM Sodium Phosphate Dibasic, 1.5 mM Monopotassium Phosphate, 2.7 mM Potassium Chloride, 172 mM Sodium Chloride, and 0.001% Pluronic Acid F68; or e.g., artificial perilymph comprising NaCl, 120 mM; KCl, 3.5 mM; CaCl2), 1.5 mM; glucose, 5.5 mM; HEPES, 20 mM. which is titrated with NaOH to adjust its pH to 7.5 (total Na+ concentration of 130 mM) as described in Chen et al., J Controlled Rel. 110:1-19, 2005, which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference). Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that alternative formulations can be prepared in accordance with this example. For instance, rAAV particles may be purified to an alternative titer, prepared at alternative dilutions, and suspended in alternative suitable solutions.


Example 4: Device Description

This example relates to a device suitable for the delivery of rAAV particles to the inner ear. A composition comprising rAAV particles is delivered to the cochlea of a subject using a specialized microcatheter designed for consistent and safe penetration of the round window membrane (RWM). The microcatheter is shaped such that the surgeon performing the delivery procedure can enter the middle ear cavity via the external auditory canal and contact the end of the microcatheter with the RWM. The distal end of the microcatheter may include at least one microneedle with a diameter from about 10 microns to about 1,000 microns, which produces perforations in the RWM that are sufficient to allow a construct as described (e.g., an rAAV construct) to enter the cochlear perilymph of the scala tympani at a rate which does not damage the inner ear (e.g., a physiologically acceptable rate, e.g., a rate of approximately 30 μL/min to approximately 90 μL/min), but small enough to heal without surgical repair. The remaining portion of the microcatheter, proximal to the microneedle(s), is loaded with the rAAV/artificial perilymph formulation at a defined titer (e.g., approximately 1×1012 to 5×1013 vg/mL). The proximal end of the microcatheter is connected to a micromanipulator that allows for precise, low volume infusions of approximately 30 μL to approximately 100 μL.


Example 5: In-Vitro Demonstration of GJB2 mRNA and Connexin 26 Protein Production (Anti-FLAG Antibody)

This example relates to the introduction, regulation, and expression analysis of rAAV constructs expressing a supporting cell protein (e.g., a hGJB2 gene) in mammalian cells grown in vitro or ex vivo. rAAV particles comprising rAAV constructs containing a GJB2 flag tagged polynucleotide operably linked to a supporting cell selective promoter (GFAP, GJB6, IGFBP2, RPB7, PARM1, or GDF6) in combination with a minimal GJB2 promoter were transduced into HEK293FT cells. Expression by a CAG promoter was used as a positive control. Protein and RNA analysis shows that each these constructs were able to express Connexin 26 (FIGS. 9A-9B).


Plasmids comprising a GJB2 flag tagged polynucleotide operably linked to a supporting cell selective promoter (FABP3, KLHL14, DBI2, TSPAN8, MMP15, SPARC, or VIM) in combination with a minimal GJB2 promoter were transfected into HEK293FT cells. Connexin 26 expression was observed from all constructs by western blot (FIG. 9C).


rAAV particles comprising rAAV constructs were encapsidated by Anc80 capsids and transduced into neonate cochlear explants at different doses. RNA analysis shows that GJB2 mRNA expression increased with dosing (FIG. 10).


Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that there are alternative methods of conducting the experiments associated with the current example, for instance, alternative viral titers, MOIs, cell concentrations, time to cellular harvest, reagents utilized for cellular harvesting or mRNA or protein analysis, AAV serotypes, and/or standard modifications to a construct comprising an gene are practical and expected alterations of the current example.


Example 6: Preliminary Hair Cell Tolerability Assessment of Transgenic GJB2 mRNA Expression and Connexin 26 Protein Production in Neonate Cochlear Explants

This example relates to the introduction, and expression analysis of rAAV constructs overexpressing a GJB2 gene in neonatal cochlear explants. Mock rAAV particles or rAAV particles comprising rAAV constructs (FIG. 2A-2H, panels (A)-(H)) encapsidated by Anc80 capsids are prepared and transduced into neonate cochlear explants at a known MOI (e.g., approximately 4.5×109 or 1.3×1010 vg/per cochlea). Explants are grown to levels appropriate for harvest (e.g., for 72 hours post transduction), and are then prepared for immunofluorescence staining/imaging through fixation using 4% PFA or RNA extraction. RNA samples are prepared and GJB2 gene overexpression is confirmed using quantitative PCR with appropriate reagents in a manner described in a published method (e.g., appropriate according to the RNeasy Micro Kit and quantitative real-time PCR) using construct specific primers and relative to a control. Robust GJB2 mRNA production is observed in explants transduced with test rAAV when compared to mock transduction events. Tolerability and lack of hair cell toxicity is determined using immunofluorescence staining/imaging, antibodies targeting Myo7a (Proteus Biosciences) are utilized to depict inner ear hair cells, while DAPI staining is used to define nuclear positioning. No or low hair cell (Myo7) toxicity is observed after GJB2 overexpression.


rAAV Anc80 particles comprising rAAV constructs driven by CAG, CMVe-GJB2p, or smCBA promoter/enhancer combinations were prepared and transduced into mouse neonate (P2) cochlear explants at a known MOI (approximately 5.8×109, 1.4×1010, or 1.8×1010 vg/per cochlea respectively). Explants were grown to levels appropriate for harvest (e.g., for 72 hours post transduction), and were then prepared for immunofluorescence staining/imaging through fixation using 4% PFA. Explants were then DAPI stained (presented in blue) and immunostained using anti-FLAG antibodies (presented in green), and hair cell specific anti-Myo7a antibodies (presented in red), explants were subsequently imaged (exemplary data presented in FIG. 3A-3C). Robust FLAG signal was observed in the supporting cells of the explants transduced with rAAV particles comprising AAVAnc80-CAG.5UTR.hGJB2.3F.3UTR (as depicted in FIG. 2C, panel (C), SEQ ID NO: 82) at 5.8E9 vg/explant (see FIG. 3A, panel (A)). Robust FLAG signal was observed in the supporting cells in explants transduced with rAAV particles comprising AAVAnc80-smCBA.5UTR.hGJB2.3F.3UTR (as depicted in FIG. 2D, panel (D), SEQ ID NO: 83) at 1.4E10 vg/explant (see FIG. 3B, panel (B)). Robust FLAG signal was observed in the supporting cells of the explants transduced with rAAV particles comprising AAVAnc80-CMVeGFAPp.5UTR.hGJB2.3F.3UTR (as depicted in FIG. 2E, panel (E), SEQ ID NO: 84) at 1.8E10 vg/explant (see FIG. 3C, panel (C)). Variation in FLAG expression was detected across samples, likely the results of variability in vector titer.


Example 7: Surgical Method in Aged Mice

The current example relates to the introduction of constructs described herein to the inner ear of aged mice. rAAV particles comprising an AAV capsid and a construct encoding a connexin 26 protein or characteristic functional portion thereof are prepared in formulation buffer (e.g., artificial perilymph or 1×PBS with pluronic acid F68) and then administered to the scala tympani in mice as described by Shu et al., Human Gene Therapy, 27(9):687-699, 2016, which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference). Male and female mice older than P15 are anesthetized using an intraperitoneal injection of xylazine (e.g., approximately 5-10 mg/kg) and ketamine (e.g., approximately 90-120 mg/kg). Body temperature is maintained at 37° C. using an electric heating pad. An incision is made from the right post-auricular region and the tympanic bulla and posterior semicircular canal are exposed. The bulla is perforated with a surgical needle and the small hole is expanded to provide access to the cochlea. The bone of the cochlear lateral wall of the scala tympani is thinned with a dental drill so that the membranous lateral wall is left intact. A small hole is then drilled in the posterior semicircular canal (PSCC). Patency of the canalostomy is confirmed by visualization of a slow leak of perilymph. A Nanoliter Microinjection System in conjunction with glass micropipette is used to deliver a total of approximately 1 μL of construct containing buffer (e.g., rAAV constructs described herein at approximately 4.5×109 to 5×1010 vg/per cochlea in artificial perilymph or 1×PBS with pluronic acid F68) to the scala tympani at a rate of approximately 2 nL/second. The glass micropipette is left in place for 5 minutes post-injection. Following cochleostomy and injection, the opening in the tympanic bulla and the PSCC are sealed with small pieces of fat, and the muscle and skin are sutured. The mice are allowed to awaken from anesthesia and their pain is controlled with 0.15 mg/kg buprenorphine hydrochloride for 3 days.


Example 8: Transgenic Expression and Imaging of Connexin 26 Protein in Wild-Type Mice

This example relates to the transgenic expression and analysis of transgenic connexin 26 protein in wild-type mice and GJB2 inducible conditional knockout mice. Wild-type mice were administered AAVAnc80 particles (1.2×1010 vg/cochlea) comprising CAG.hGJB2.FLAG.GFP (schematic provided in FIG. 2G) to the cochlea by the method described in Example 7. 10 days after administration clear and robust of exogenous Connexin 26 (FLAG; purple) was detected in the membrane of the supporting cells of the sensory epithelia (FIG. 8A, middle and right panels). Expression of exogenous Connexin 26 was also detected in the inner hair cells. Endogenous Connexin 26 (red) was detected in all supporting cells (FIG. 8A, left and right panels).


Juvenile wild-type mice were administered 1 μl of AAVAnc80 particles comprising AAVAnc80-CMVeGFAPp.5UTR.hGJB2.FLAG.3UTR (SEQ ID NO: 84), AAVAnc80-GDF6p.mGJB2p.5UTR.hGJB2.FLAG.3UTR (construct comprising SEQ ID NO: 61 and supporting cell selective promoter comprising SEQ ID NO: 90), AAVAnc80-IGFBP2p.mGJB2p.5UTR.hGJB2.FLAG.3UTR (construct comprising SEQ ID NO: 54 and supporting cell selective promoter comprising SEQ ID NO: 57), AAVAnc80-PARM1p.mGJB2p.5UTR.hGJB2.FLAG.3UTR (construct comprising SEQ ID NO: 7 and supporting cell selective promoter comprising SEQ ID NO: 40), AAVAnc80-GFAPp.mGJB2p.hGJB2, AAVAnc80-MMP15p.mGJB2p.hGJB2, or AAVAnc80-VIMp.mGJB2p.hGJB2. Administration of a hGJB2 construct with a promoter incorporating the CMV-enhancer resulted in supporting cell expression that colocalized with endogenous connexin 26 expression (FIG. 8B; asterisk). However, inner hair cell expression was still detected (arrowhead). In contrast, administration of a hGJB2 construct with promoters derived from supporting cell genes GDF6 (FIG. 8C), IGFBP2 (FIG. 8D), and PARM1 (FIG. 8E) in combination with a minimal GJB2 promoter resulted in supporting cell expression without detection of inner hair cell expression.


Administration of AAVAnc80 particles comprising AAVAnc80-GFAPp.mGJB2p.hGJB2 did not result in supporting cell expression of GJB2 (FIG. 8F). Administration of AAVAnc80 particles comprising AAVAnc80-MMP15p.mGJB2p.hGJB2 or AAVAnc80-VIMp.mGJB2p.hGJB2 resulted in supporting cell expression of flag-tagged hGJB2. Expression of flag-tagged hGJB2 not detected in hair cells as noted by Myo7a staining. Likewise, administration of a hGJB2 construct with promoters derived from supporting cell genes GDF6 (FIG. 8I), PARM1 (FIG. 8J), VIM (FIG. 8K), and MMP15p (FIG. 8L) resulted in supporting cell expression without detection of inner hair cell expression.


Juvenile WT mice were administered with AAVAnc80 particles comprising AAVAnc80.CMVe.GFAP.mGJB2p.hGJB2.FLAG, AAVAnc80.CMVe.GDF6.mGJB2p.hGJB2.FLAG, or AAVAnc80.CMVe.PARM1.mGJB2p.hGJB2.FLAG through the round window membrane with posterior semicircular canal fenestration. 4 weeks post administration, the mice were euthanized, the inner ears were harvested in fixed in PFA, and the injected (left) ear was processed for immunofluorescent staining using phalloidin to label all cells and hair-cells stereocilia bundle, anti-FLAG to label the transgene and the hair cell marker Myo7a. Anti-Cx26 antibody was also used in some of the samples to colocalize the expression of the transgene with endogenous Cx26 expression. Multiple regions from the base, middle and apex of the cochlea were imaged and represented images are presented in FIGS. 8M-8O.


Expression of the Cx26-FLAG transgene (green) was detected in supporting cells, overlapping with endogenous Cx26 expression (asterisk), and in some cases, was also observed in inner hair cells (arrowhead) (FIG. 8M). FIGS. 8N and 8O demonstrate robust FLAG expression in supporting cells (green) with no apparent expression in IHCs or hair cell loss. Further, differential expression patterns were observed between supporting cell subtypes.


Next, the ability of AAVAnc80 constructs expressing GJB2 from supporting cell specific promoters was assessed. Inducible conditional GJB2 knockout mice were administered AAVAnc80 particles comprising AAVAnc80-GDF6p.mGJB2p.hGJB2.FLAG resulted in supporting cell expression that colocalized with endogenous connexin 26 expression (FIG. 11A). The auditory brainstem response (ABR) was assessed 30 and 60 days after vector administration. Chirp stimulus showed an improvement in signal quality at both timepoints after administration of GJB2 (FIG. 11B).

Claims
  • 1.-11. (canceled)
  • 12. An expression construct comprising a coding sequence for a Connexin 26 polypeptide or a functional fragment thereof operably linked to a promoter, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 96 or 99, wherein the promoter is capable of directing transcription of the coding sequence.
  • 13.-14. (canceled)
  • 15. The expression construct of claim 12, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 96.
  • 16. The expression construct of claim 12, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 99.
  • 17. The expression construct of claim 12, wherein the expression construct further comprises a second promoter operably linked to the coding sequence, wherein the second promoter is heterologous or homologous to the coding sequence.
  • 18. The expression construct of claim 12, wherein the promoter is capable of directing transcription of the coding sequence in an inner ear support cell.
  • 19. The polynucleotide of any one of claims 1-6, construct of any one of claims 7-11, or the expression construct of claim 12 any one of claims 12-18, wherein the promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 95% identity to a sequence selected from one or more of according to any one of SEQ ID NO: 90, 40, 96 or 99.
  • 20. The expression construct of claim 18, wherein the inner ear support cell is selected from one or more of inner phalangeal cells/border cells (IPhC), inner pillar cells (IPC), outer pillar cells (OPC), Deiters' cells rows 1 and 2 (DC1/2), Deiters' cells row 3 (DC3), Hensen's cells (Hec), Claudius cells/outer sulcus cells (CC/OSC), interdental cells (Idc), inner sulcus cells (ISC), Kölliker's organ cells (KO), greater ridge epithelial ridge cells (GER) (including lateral greater epithelial ridge cells (LGER)), and OC90+ cells (OC90), fibroblasts, and other cells of the lateral wall.
  • 21. The expression construct of claim 17, wherein the second promoter is a minimal GJB2 promoter.
  • 22. The expression construct of claim 12, which comprises a GJB2 nucleic acid sequence having at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity to any one of SEQ ID NOs: 117-126.
  • 23.-31. (canceled)
  • 32. The expression construct of claim 21, wherein the minimal GJB2 promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% at least 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 86.
  • 33.-61. (canceled)
  • 62. The expression construct of claim 12, wherein the construct further comprises a 5′ UTR and a 3′ UTR.
  • 63.-65. (canceled)
  • 66. The expression construct of claim 12, further comprising a polyA tail.
  • 67.-78. (canceled)
  • 79. The expression construct of claim 12, wherein the construct is selectively expressed in an inner ear supporting cell.
  • 80. (canceled)
  • 81. A viral vector comprising the expression construct of claim 12.
  • 82. (canceled)
  • 83. The vector of claim 81, wherein the viral vector is an AAV vector.
  • 84. An AAV particle comprising the expression construct of claim 12.
  • 85.-86. (canceled)
  • 87. A composition comprising the expression construct of claim 12.
  • 88. The composition of claim 87, wherein the composition is a pharmaceutical composition further comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
  • 89. (canceled)
  • 90. An ex vivo cell comprising the expression construct of claim 12.
  • 91.-97. (canceled)
  • 98. A method of expressing the Connexin 26 polypeptide or functional fragment thereof in an inner ear supporting cell, comprising administering the expression construct of claim 12 to the subject.
  • 99. A method of increasing expression of the Connexin 26 polypeptide or functional fragment thereof in an inner ear supporting cell, comprising administering the expression construct of claim 12 to the subject.
  • 100. (canceled)
  • 101. A method of treating hearing loss in a subject suffering from or at risk of hearing loss, comprising administering the expression construct of claim 12 to the subject.
  • 102-110. (canceled)
  • 111. A kit comprising the expression construct of claim 12.
  • 112-120. (canceled)
  • 121. The expression construct of claim 12, wherein the connexin 26 polypeptide comprises a sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 127.
  • 122. The viral vector of claim 81, further comprising a 5′ and a 3′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR).
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/339,919, filed May 9, 2022; the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

Provisional Applications (1)
Number Date Country
63339919 May 2022 US