Future Applications of Intravesical SCL Gene Transfer for the Treatment of Diabetic Neurogenic Bladder

Diabetic cystopathy, a complication of diabetes affecting the bladder, is mainly characterized as reduced contractility of the detrusor and increased post-voiding residual volume, which is induced by the reduction of the interstitial cells of Cajal. The c-KIT protein is a specific marker of the interstitial cells of Cajal and the product of a c-KIT proto-oncogene. The interstitial cells of Cajal in high glucose medium express less c-KIT mRNA and protein. SCL gene, serves to assemble SCL complexes on the c-KIT promoter, sustaining c-KIT transcription. Proper transduction of exogenous SCL genetic material, increases c-KIT expression and leads to synthesis of the functional SCL protein. Intravesical, lentiviral vector-mediated gene transfer has been shown efficacious and safe. Therefore, proper intravesical transfer of RNA encoding SCL to the interstitial cells of Cajal may enhance c-KIT transcription and activity in the interstitial cells of Cajal of diabetic bladders, which may improve bladder activity.