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Cervia D, Zecchini S, Pincigher L, Roux-Biejat P, Zalambani C, Catalani E, Arcari A, Del Quondam S, Brunetti K, Ottria R, Casati S, Vanetti C, Barbalace MC, Prata C, Malaguti M, Casati SR, Lociuro L, Giovarelli M, Mocciaro E, Falcone S, Fenizia C, Moscheni C, Hrelia S, De Palma C, Clementi E, Perrotta C. Oral administration of plumbagin is beneficial in in vivo models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy through control of redox signaling. Free Radic Biol Med 2024; 225:193-207. [PMID: 39326684 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2024.09.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2024] [Revised: 09/12/2024] [Accepted: 09/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive muscle-wasting disease. Recently approved molecular/gene treatments do not solve the downstream inflammation-linked pathophysiological issues such that supportive therapies are required to improve therapeutic efficacy and patients' quality of life. Over the years, a plethora of bioactive natural compounds have been used for human healthcare. Among them, plumbagin, a plant-derived analog of vitamin K3, has shown interesting potential to counteract chronic inflammation with potential therapeutic significance. In this work we evaluated the effects of plumbagin on DMD by delivering it as an oral supplement within food to dystrophic mutant of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster and mdx mice. In both DMD models, plumbagin show no relevant adverse effect. In terms of efficacy plumbagin improved the climbing ability of the dystrophic flies and their muscle morphology also reducing oxidative stress in muscles. In mdx mice, plumbagin enhanced the running performance on the treadmill and the muscle strength along with muscle morphology. The molecular mechanism underpinning these actions was found to be the activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 pathway, the re-establishment of redox homeostasis and the reduction of inflammation thus generating a more favorable environment for skeletal muscles regeneration after damage. Our data provide evidence that food supplementation with plumbagin modulates the main, evolutionary conserved, mechanistic pathophysiological hallmarks of dystrophy, thus improving muscle function in vivo; the use of plumbagin as a therapeutic in humans should thus be explored further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Cervia
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems (DIBAF), Università Degli Studi Della Tuscia, Viterbo, 01100, Italy
| | - Silvia Zecchini
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (DIBIC), Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, 20157, Italy
| | - Luca Pincigher
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FABIT), Alma Mater Studiorum-Università di Bologna, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Paulina Roux-Biejat
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (DIBIC), Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, 20157, Italy
| | - Chiara Zalambani
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FABIT), Alma Mater Studiorum-Università di Bologna, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Catalani
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems (DIBAF), Università Degli Studi Della Tuscia, Viterbo, 01100, Italy
| | - Alessandro Arcari
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (DIBIC), Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, 20157, Italy
| | - Simona Del Quondam
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems (DIBAF), Università Degli Studi Della Tuscia, Viterbo, 01100, Italy
| | - Kashi Brunetti
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems (DIBAF), Università Degli Studi Della Tuscia, Viterbo, 01100, Italy
| | - Roberta Ottria
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (DIBIC), Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, 20157, Italy
| | - Sara Casati
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical, and Dental Science (DISBIOC), Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, 20133, Italy
| | - Claudia Vanetti
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (DIBIC), Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, 20157, Italy; Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, 20122, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Barbalace
- Department for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum-Università di Bologna, Rimini, 47921, Italy
| | - Cecilia Prata
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FABIT), Alma Mater Studiorum-Università di Bologna, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Marco Malaguti
- Department for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum-Università di Bologna, Rimini, 47921, Italy
| | - Silvia Rosanna Casati
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (BIOMETRA), Università Degli Studi di Milano, 20054, Segrate, Italy
| | - Laura Lociuro
- Department for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum-Università di Bologna, Rimini, 47921, Italy
| | - Matteo Giovarelli
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (DIBIC), Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, 20157, Italy
| | - Emanuele Mocciaro
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (DIBIC), Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, 20157, Italy; Gene Expression and Muscular Dystrophy Unit, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, 20132, Italy
| | - Sestina Falcone
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, F-75013, France
| | - Claudio Fenizia
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (DIBIC), Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, 20157, Italy; Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, 20122, Italy
| | - Claudia Moscheni
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (DIBIC), Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, 20157, Italy
| | - Silvana Hrelia
- Department for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum-Università di Bologna, Rimini, 47921, Italy
| | - Clara De Palma
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (BIOMETRA), Università Degli Studi di Milano, 20054, Segrate, Italy
| | - Emilio Clementi
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (DIBIC), Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, 20157, Italy; IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, 23842, Italy
| | - Cristiana Perrotta
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (DIBIC), Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, 20157, Italy.
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Tasfaout H, Halbert CL, McMillen TS, Allen JM, Reyes TR, Flint GV, Grimm D, Hauschka SD, Regnier M, Chamberlain JS. Split intein-mediated protein trans-splicing to express large dystrophins. Nature 2024; 632:192-200. [PMID: 39020181 PMCID: PMC11335042 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07710-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
Gene replacement using adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors is a promising therapeutic approach for many diseases1,2. However, this therapeutic modality is challenged by the packaging capacity of AAVs (approximately 4.7 kilobases)3, limiting its application for disorders involving large coding sequences, such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy, with a 14 kilobase messenger RNA. Here we developed a new method for expressing large dystrophins by utilizing the protein trans-splicing mechanism mediated by split inteins. We identified several split intein pairs that efficiently join two or three fragments to generate a large midi-dystrophin or the full-length protein. We show that delivery of two or three AAVs into dystrophic mice results in robust expression of large dystrophins and significant physiological improvements compared with micro-dystrophins. Moreover, using the potent myotropic AAVMYO4, we demonstrate that low total doses (2 × 1013 viral genomes per kg) are sufficient to express large dystrophins in striated muscles body-wide with significant physiological corrections in dystrophic mice. Our data show a clear functional superiority of large dystrophins over micro-dystrophins that are being tested in clinical trials. This method could benefit many patients with Duchenne or Becker muscular dystrophy, regardless of genotype, and could be adapted to numerous other disorders caused by mutations in large genes that exceed the AAV capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hichem Tasfaout
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Christine L Halbert
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Timothy S McMillen
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering and School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - James M Allen
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Theodore R Reyes
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Galina V Flint
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering and School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Dirk Grimm
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Section Viral Vector Technologies, Medical Faculty and Faculty of Engineering Sciences, Center for Integrative Infectious Disease Research (CIID), University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- BioQuant, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) and German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stephen D Hauschka
- Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Michael Regnier
- Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering and School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Center for Translational Muscle Research, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Chamberlain
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Center for Translational Muscle Research, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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3
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Hermes TDA, Fratini P, Nascimento BG, Ferreira LL, Petri G, Fonseca FLA, Carvalho AADS, Feder D. Trilobatin contributes to the improvement of myopathy in a mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Int J Exp Pathol 2024; 105:75-85. [PMID: 38477495 PMCID: PMC10951423 DOI: 10.1111/iep.12502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) occurs due to genetic mutations that lead to a deficiency in dystrophin production and consequent progressive degeneration of skeletal muscle fibres, through oxidative stress and an exacerbated inflammatory process. The flavonoid trilobatin (TLB) demonstrates antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. Its high safety profile and effective action make it a potent therapy for the process of dystrophic muscle myonecrosis. Thus, we sought to investigate the action of TLB on damage in a DMD model, the mdx mouse. Eight-week-old male animals were treated with 160 mg/kg/day of trilobatin for 8 weeks. Control animals were treated with saline. Following treatment, muscle strength, serum creatine kinase (CK) levels, histopathology (necrotic myofibres, regenerated fibres/central nuclei, Feret's diameter and inflammatory area) and the levels of catalase and NF-κB (western blotting) of the quadriceps (QUA), diaphragm (DIA) and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles were measured. TLB was able to significantly increase muscle strength and reduce serum CK levels in dystrophic animals. The QUA of mdx mice showed a reduction in catalase and the number of fibres with a centralized nucleus after treatment with TLB. In the DIA of dystrophic animals, TLB reduced the necrotic myofibres, inflammatory area and NF-κB and increased the number of regenerated fibres and the total fibre diameter. In TA, TLB increased the number of regenerated fibres and reduced catalase levels in these animals. It is concluded that in the mdx experimental model, treatment with TLB was beneficial in the treatment of DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Túlio de Almeida Hermes
- Department of Anatomy, ICBFederal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL‐MG)AlfenasMinas GeraisBrazil
| | - Paula Fratini
- Department of PharmacologyCentro Universitário FMABC (FMABC)Santo AndréSao PauloBrazil
| | | | - Laís Leite Ferreira
- Department of Anatomy, ICBFederal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL‐MG)AlfenasMinas GeraisBrazil
| | - Giuliana Petri
- Department of PharmacologyCentro Universitário FMABC (FMABC)Santo AndréSao PauloBrazil
| | | | | | - David Feder
- Department of PharmacologyCentro Universitário FMABC (FMABC)Santo AndréSao PauloBrazil
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Sun C, Serra C, Kalicharan BH, Harding J, Rao M. Challenges and Considerations of Preclinical Development for iPSC-Based Myogenic Cell Therapy. Cells 2024; 13:596. [PMID: 38607035 PMCID: PMC11011706 DOI: 10.3390/cells13070596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell therapies derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) offer a promising avenue in the field of regenerative medicine due to iPSCs' expandability, immune compatibility, and pluripotent potential. An increasing number of preclinical and clinical trials have been carried out, exploring the application of iPSC-based therapies for challenging diseases, such as muscular dystrophies. The unique syncytial nature of skeletal muscle allows stem/progenitor cells to integrate, forming new myonuclei and restoring the expression of genes affected by myopathies. This characteristic makes genome-editing techniques especially attractive in these therapies. With genetic modification and iPSC lineage specification methodologies, immune-compatible healthy iPSC-derived muscle cells can be manufactured to reverse the progression of muscle diseases or facilitate tissue regeneration. Despite this exciting advancement, much of the development of iPSC-based therapies for muscle diseases and tissue regeneration is limited to academic settings, with no successful clinical translation reported. The unknown differentiation process in vivo, potential tumorigenicity, and epigenetic abnormality of transplanted cells are preventing their clinical application. In this review, we give an overview on preclinical development of iPSC-derived myogenic cell transplantation therapies including processes related to iPSC-derived myogenic cells such as differentiation, scaling-up, delivery, and cGMP compliance. And we discuss the potential challenges of each step of clinical translation. Additionally, preclinical model systems for testing myogenic cells intended for clinical applications are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congshan Sun
- Vita Therapeutics, Baltimore, MD 21043, USA (M.R.)
| | - Carlo Serra
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | | | | - Mahendra Rao
- Vita Therapeutics, Baltimore, MD 21043, USA (M.R.)
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Lorena MDSV, Santos EKD, Ferretti R, Nagana Gowda GA, Odom GL, Chamberlain JS, Matsumura CY. Biomarkers for Duchenne muscular dystrophy progression: impact of age in the mdx tongue spared muscle. Skelet Muscle 2023; 13:16. [PMID: 37705069 PMCID: PMC10500803 DOI: 10.1186/s13395-023-00325-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe form of muscular dystrophy without an effective treatment, caused by mutations in the DMD gene, leading to the absence of dystrophin. DMD results in muscle weakness, loss of ambulation, and death at an early age. Metabolomics studies in mdx mice, the most used model for DMD, reveal changes in metabolites associated with muscle degeneration and aging. In DMD, the tongue muscles exhibit unique behavior, initially showing partial protection against inflammation but later experiencing fibrosis and loss of muscle fibers. Certain metabolites and proteins, like TNF-α and TGF-β, are potential biomarkers for dystrophic muscle characterization. METHODS To investigate disease progression and aging, we utilized young (1 month old) and old (21-25 months old) mdx and wild-type tongue muscles. Metabolite changes were analyzed using 1H nuclear magnetic resonance, while TNF-α and TGF-β were assessed using Western blotting to examine inflammation and fibrosis. Morphometric analysis was conducted to assess the extent of myofiber damage between groups. RESULTS The histological analysis of the mid-belly tongue showed no differences between groups. No differences were found between the concentrations of metabolites from wild-type or mdx whole tongues of the same age. The metabolites alanine, methionine, and 3-methylhistidine were higher, and taurine and glycerol were lower in young tongues in both wild type and mdx (p < 0.001). The metabolites glycine (p < 0.001) and glutamic acid (p = 0.0018) were different only in the mdx groups, being higher in young mdx mice. Acetic acid, phosphocreatine, isoleucine, succinic acid, creatine, and the proteins TNF-α and TGF-β had no difference in the analysis between groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Surprisingly, histological, metabolite, and protein analysis reveal that the tongue of old mdx remains partially spared from the severe myonecrosis observed in other muscles. The metabolites alanine, methionine, 3-methylhistidine, taurine, and glycerol may be effective for specific assessments, although their use for disease progression monitoring should be cautious due to age-related changes in the tongue muscle. Acetic acid, phosphocreatine, isoleucine, succinate, creatine, TNF-α, and TGF-β do not vary with aging and remain constant in spared muscles, suggesting their potential as specific biomarkers for DMD progression independent of aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Dos Santos Voltani Lorena
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Estela Kato Dos Santos
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Renato Ferretti
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - G A Nagana Gowda
- Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Northwest Metabolomics Research Center, Mitochondria and Metabolism Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Guy L Odom
- Department of Neurology, Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Chamberlain
- Department of Neurology, Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Cintia Yuri Matsumura
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Terrill JR, Huchet C, Le Guiner C, Lafoux A, Caudal D, Tulangekar A, Bryson-Richardson RJ, Sztal TE, Grounds MD, Arthur PG. Muscle Pathology in Dystrophic Rats and Zebrafish Is Unresponsive to Taurine Treatment, Compared to the mdx Mouse Model for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Metabolites 2023; 13:metabo13020232. [PMID: 36837851 PMCID: PMC9963000 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13020232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation and oxidative stress are strongly implicated in the pathology of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), and the sulphur-containing amino acid taurine ameliorates both and decreases dystropathology in the mdx mouse model for DMD. We therefore further tested taurine as a therapy using dystrophic DMDmdx rats and dmd zebrafish models for DMD that have a more severe dystropathology. However, taurine treatment had little effect on the indices of dystropathology in both these models. While we and others have previously observed a deficiency in taurine in mdx mice, in the current study we show that the rat and zebrafish models had increased taurine content compared with wild-type, and taurine treatment did not increase muscle taurine levels. We therefore hypothesised that endogenous levels of taurine are a key determinate in potential taurine treatment efficacy. Because of this, we felt it important to measure taurine levels in DMD patient plasma samples and showed that in non-ambulant patients (but not in younger patients) there was a deficiency of taurine. These data suggest that taurine homeostasis varies greatly between species and may be influenced by age and disease progression. The potential for taurine to be an effective therapy may depend on such variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica R. Terrill
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth 6009, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - Corinne Huchet
- TaRGeT Lab, Translational Research for Gene Therapy, INSERM, UMR 1089, Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, 440200 Nantes, France
| | - Caroline Le Guiner
- TaRGeT Lab, Translational Research for Gene Therapy, INSERM, UMR 1089, Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, 440200 Nantes, France
| | - Aude Lafoux
- Therassay Platform, CAPACITES, Nantes Université, 44007 Nantes, France
| | - Dorian Caudal
- Therassay Platform, CAPACITES, Nantes Université, 44007 Nantes, France
| | - Ankita Tulangekar
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne 3800, Australia
| | | | - Tamar E. Sztal
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne 3800, Australia
| | - Miranda D. Grounds
- School of Human Sciences, the University of Western Australia, Perth 6009, Australia
| | - Peter G. Arthur
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth 6009, Australia
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7
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CRISPR-Based Therapeutic Gene Editing for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: Advances, Challenges and Perspectives. Cells 2022; 11:cells11192964. [PMID: 36230926 PMCID: PMC9564082 DOI: 10.3390/cells11192964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe neuromuscular disease arising from loss-of-function mutations in the dystrophin gene and characterized by progressive muscle degeneration, respiratory insufficiency, cardiac failure, and premature death by the age of thirty. Albeit DMD is one of the most common types of fatal genetic diseases, there is no curative treatment for this devastating disorder. In recent years, gene editing via the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) system has paved a new path toward correcting pathological mutations at the genetic source, thus enabling the permanent restoration of dystrophin expression and function throughout the musculature. To date, the therapeutic benefits of CRISPR genome-editing systems have been successfully demonstrated in human cells, rodents, canines, and piglets with diverse DMD mutations. Nevertheless, there remain some nonignorable challenges to be solved before the clinical application of CRISPR-based gene therapy. Herein, we provide an overview of therapeutic CRISPR genome-editing systems, summarize recent advancements in their applications in DMD contexts, and discuss several potential obstacles lying ahead of clinical translation.
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8
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Characterisation of Progressive Skeletal Muscle Fibrosis in the Mdx Mouse Model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: An In Vivo and In Vitro Study. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158735. [PMID: 35955872 PMCID: PMC9369129 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a rare genetic disease leading to progressive muscle wasting, respiratory failure, and cardiomyopathy. Although muscle fibrosis represents a DMD hallmark, the organisation of the extracellular matrix and the molecular changes in its turnover are still not fully understood. To define the architectural changes over time in muscle fibrosis, we used an mdx mouse model of DMD and analysed collagen and glycosaminoglycans/proteoglycans content in skeletal muscle sections at different time points during disease progression and in comparison with age-matched controls. Collagen significantly increased particularly in the diaphragm, quadriceps, and gastrocnemius in adult mdx, with fibrosis significantly correlating with muscle degeneration. We also analysed collagen turnover pathways underlying fibrosis development in cultured primary quadriceps-derived fibroblasts. Collagen secretion and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) remained unaffected in both young and adult mdx compared to wt fibroblasts, whereas collagen cross-linking and tissue inhibitors of MMP (TIMP) expression significantly increased. We conclude that, in the DMD model we used, fibrosis mostly affects diaphragm and quadriceps with a higher collagen cross-linking and inhibition of MMPs that contribute differently to progressive collagen accumulation during fibrotic remodelling. This study offers a comprehensive histological and molecular characterisation of DMD-associated muscle fibrosis; it may thus provide new targets for tailored therapeutic interventions.
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9
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Song MH, Yoo J, Oh JG, Kook H, Park WJ, Jeong D. Matricellular Protein CCN5 Gene Transfer Ameliorates Cardiac and Skeletal Dysfunction in mdx/utrn (±) Haploinsufficient Mice by Reducing Fibrosis and Upregulating Utrophin Expression. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:763544. [PMID: 35557546 PMCID: PMC9088811 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.763544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration due to dystrophin gene mutations. Patients with DMD initially experience muscle weakness in their limbs during adolescence. With age, patients develop fatal respiratory and cardiac dysfunctions. During the later stages of the disease, severe cardiac fibrosis occurs, compromising cardiac function. Previously, our research showed that the matricellular protein CCN5 has antifibrotic properties. Therefore, we hypothesized that CCN5 gene transfer would ameliorate cardiac fibrosis and thus improve cardiac function in DMD-induced cardiomyopathy. We utilized mdx/utrn (±) haploinsufficient mice that recapitulated the DMD-disease phenotypes and used an adeno-associated virus serotype-9 viral vector for CCN5 gene transfer. We evaluated the onset of cardiac dysfunction using echocardiography and determined the experimental starting point in 13-month-old mice. Two months after CCN5 gene transfer, cardiac function was significantly enhanced, and cardiac fibrosis was ameliorated. Additionally, running performance was improved in CCN5 gene-transfected mice. Furthermore, in silico gene profiling analysis identified utrophin as a novel transcriptional target of CCN5. This was supplemented by a utrophin promoter assay and RNA-seq analysis, which confirmed that CCN5 was directly associated with utrophin expression. Our results showed that CCN5 may be a promising therapeutic molecule for DMD-induced cardiac and skeletal dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Ho Song
- College of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Jimeen Yoo
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jae Gyun Oh
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Hyun Kook
- Basic Research Laboratory, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Woo Jin Park
- College of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Dongtak Jeong
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.,Department of Molecular and Life Science, College of Science and Convergence Technology, Hanyang University-ERICA, Ansan, South Korea
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Svetlove A, Albers J, Hülsmann S, Markus MA, Zschüntzsch J, Alves F, Dullin C. Non-Invasive Optical Motion Tracking Allows Monitoring of Respiratory Dynamics in Dystrophin-Deficient Mice. Cells 2022; 11:cells11050918. [PMID: 35269540 PMCID: PMC8909479 DOI: 10.3390/cells11050918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common x-chromosomal inherited dystrophinopathy which leads to progressive muscle weakness and a premature death due to cardiorespiratory dysfunction. The mdx mouse lacks functional dystrophin protein and has a comparatively human-like diaphragm phenotype. To date, diaphragm function can only be inadequately mapped in preclinical studies and a simple reliable translatable method of tracking the severity of the disease still lacks. We aimed to establish a sensitive, reliable, harmless and easy way to assess the effects of respiratory muscle weakness and subsequent irregularity in breathing pattern. Optical respiratory dynamics tracking (ORDT) was developed utilising a camera to track the movement of paper markers placed on the thoracic-abdominal region of the mouse. ORDT successfully distinguished diseased mdx phenotype from healthy controls by measuring significantly higher expiration constants (k) in mdx mice compared to wildtype (wt), which were also observed in the established X-ray based lung function (XLF). In contrast to XLF, with ORDT we were able to distinguish distinct fast and slow expiratory phases. In mdx mice, a larger part of the expiratory marker displacement was achieved in this initial fast phase as compared to wt mice. This phenomenon could not be observed in the XLF measurements. We further validated the simplicity and reliability of our approach by demonstrating that it can be performed using free-hand smartphone acquisition. We conclude that ORDT has a great preclinical potential to monitor DMD and other neuromuscular diseases based on changes in the breathing patterns with the future possibility to track therapy response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelika Svetlove
- Translational Molecular Imaging, Max-Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, City Campus, 37075 Göttingen, Germany; (A.S.); (M.A.M.); (F.A.)
| | - Jonas Albers
- X-ray Based Preclinical Imaging Technologies, Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center, 37075 Göttingen, Germany;
| | - Swen Hülsmann
- Central Breathing Control, Clinic for Anesthesiology, University Medical Center, 37075 Göttingen, Germany;
| | - Marietta Andrea Markus
- Translational Molecular Imaging, Max-Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, City Campus, 37075 Göttingen, Germany; (A.S.); (M.A.M.); (F.A.)
| | - Jana Zschüntzsch
- Neuromuscular Disease Research, Clinic for Neurology, University Medical Center, 37075 Göttingen, Germany;
| | - Frauke Alves
- Translational Molecular Imaging, Max-Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, City Campus, 37075 Göttingen, Germany; (A.S.); (M.A.M.); (F.A.)
- X-ray Based Preclinical Imaging Technologies, Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center, 37075 Göttingen, Germany;
- Clinic for Haematology and Medical Oncology, University Medical Center, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Multiscale Bioimaging—From Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells, Cluster of Excellence (MBExC), 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Christian Dullin
- X-ray Based Preclinical Imaging Technologies, Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center, 37075 Göttingen, Germany;
- Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Correspondence:
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11
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MUNNO PAULAM, BARROSO POLIANAR, VASCONCELOS BRUNAF, SILVA GEOVANNEBDA, SALGUEIRO THIAGOM, AGUIAR HELOISAH, VITORINO LETÍCIAM, OLIVEIRA MURILOX, MARTINS HELENR, GAIAD THAISP, MACHADO ALEXS. Acute toxicity and regenerative dose finding of an extract of Miconia ferruginata DC. in a mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2022; 94:e20210190. [DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765202220210190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- PAULA M. MUNNO
- Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - HELEN R. MARTINS
- Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Brazil
| | - THAIS P. GAIAD
- Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Brazil
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12
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Kiriaev L, Kueh S, Morley JW, North KN, Houweling PJ, Head SI. Lifespan Analysis of Dystrophic mdx Fast-Twitch Muscle Morphology and Its Impact on Contractile Function. Front Physiol 2021; 12:771499. [PMID: 34950049 PMCID: PMC8689589 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.771499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is caused by the absence of the protein dystrophin from skeletal muscle and is characterized by progressive cycles of necrosis/regeneration. Using the dystrophin deficient mdx mouse model, we studied the morphological and contractile chronology of dystrophic skeletal muscle pathology in fast-twitch Extensor Digitorum Longus muscles from animals 4–22 months of age containing 100% regenerated muscle fibers. Catastrophically, the older age groups lost ∼80% of their maximum force after one eccentric contraction (EC) of 20% strain with the greatest loss of ∼92% recorded in senescent 22-month-old mdx mice. In old age groups, there was minimal force recovery ∼24% after 120 min, correlated with a dramatic increase in the number and complexity of branched fibers. This data supports our two-phase model where a “tipping point” is reached when branched fibers rupture irrevocably on EC. These findings have important implications for pre-clinical drug studies and genetic rescue strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonit Kiriaev
- Myogenica Laboratory, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Leonit Kiriaev,
| | - Sindy Kueh
- Myogenica Laboratory, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - John W. Morley
- Myogenica Laboratory, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kathryn N. North
- Muscle Research Group, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Peter J. Houweling
- Muscle Research Group, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Stewart I. Head
- Myogenica Laboratory, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Muscle Research Group, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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13
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Kiriaev L, Kueh S, Morley JW, Houweling PJ, Chan S, North KN, Head SI. Dystrophin-negative slow-twitch soleus muscles are not susceptible to eccentric contraction induced injury over the lifespan of the mdx mouse. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2021; 321:C704-C720. [PMID: 34432537 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00122.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the second most common fatal genetic disease in humans and is characterized by the absence of a functional copy of the protein dystrophin from skeletal muscle. In dystrophin-negative humans and rodents, regenerated skeletal muscle fibers show abnormal branching. The number of fibers with branches and the complexity of branching increases with each cycle of degeneration/regeneration. Previously, using the mdx mouse model of DMD, we have proposed that once the number and complexity of branched fibers present in dystrophic fast-twitch EDL muscle surpasses a stable level, we term the "tipping point," the branches, in and of themselves, mechanically weaken the muscle by rupturing when subjected to high forces during eccentric contractions. Here, we use the slow-twitch soleus muscle from the dystrophic mdx mouse to study prediseased "periambulatory" dystrophy at 2-3 wk, the peak regenerative "adult" phase at 6-9 wk, and "old" at 58-112 wk. Using isolated mdx soleus muscles, we examined contractile function and response to eccentric contraction correlated with the amount and complexity of regenerated branched fibers. The intact muscle was enzymatically dispersed into individual fibers in order to count fiber branching and some muscles were optically cleared to allow laser scanning confocal microscopy. We demonstrate throughout the lifespan of the mdx mouse that dystrophic slow-twitch soleus muscle is no more susceptible to eccentric contraction-induced injury than age-matched littermate controls and that this is correlated with a reduction in the number and complexity of branched fibers compared with fast-twitch dystrophic EDL muscles.
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MESH Headings
- Age Factors
- Animals
- Disease Models, Animal
- Dystrophin/deficiency
- Dystrophin/genetics
- Kinetics
- Male
- Mice, Inbred mdx
- Muscle Contraction
- Muscle Fibers, Fast-Twitch/metabolism
- Muscle Fibers, Fast-Twitch/pathology
- Muscle Fibers, Slow-Twitch/metabolism
- Muscle Fibers, Slow-Twitch/pathology
- Muscle Strength
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/genetics
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/metabolism
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/pathology
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/physiopathology
- Mutation
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonit Kiriaev
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sindy Kueh
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John W Morley
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Peter J Houweling
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephen Chan
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kathryn N North
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stewart I Head
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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14
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Saclier M, Ben Larbi S, My Ly H, Moulin E, Mounier R, Chazaud B, Juban G. Interplay between myofibers and pro-inflammatory macrophages controls muscle damage in mdx mice. J Cell Sci 2021; 134:272022. [PMID: 34471933 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.258429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a genetic muscle disease characterized by chronic inflammation and fibrosis mediated by a pro-fibrotic macrophage population expressing pro-inflammatory markers. Our aim was to characterize cellular events leading to the alteration of macrophage properties and to modulate macrophage inflammatory status using the gaseous mediator hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Using co-culture experiments, we first showed that myofibers derived from mdx mice strongly skewed the polarization of resting macrophages towards a pro-inflammatory phenotype. Treatment of mdx mice with NaHS, an H2S donor, reduced the number of pro-inflammatory macrophages in skeletal muscle, which was associated with a decreased number of nuclei per fiber, as well as reduced myofiber branching and fibrosis. Finally, we established the metabolic sensor AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) as a critical NaHS target in muscle macrophages. These results identify an interplay between myofibers and macrophages where dystrophic myofibers contribute to the maintenance of a highly inflammatory environment sustaining a pro-inflammatory macrophage status, which in turn favors myofiber damage, myofiber branching and establishment of fibrosis. Our results also highlight the use of H2S donors as a potential therapeutic strategy to improve the dystrophic muscle phenotype by dampening chronic inflammation. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marielle Saclier
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Sabrina Ben Larbi
- Institut NeuroMyoGène, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR 5310, INSERM U1217, Université de Lyon, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Ha My Ly
- Institut NeuroMyoGène, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR 5310, INSERM U1217, Université de Lyon, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Eugénie Moulin
- Institut NeuroMyoGène, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR 5310, INSERM U1217, Université de Lyon, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Rémi Mounier
- Institut NeuroMyoGène, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR 5310, INSERM U1217, Université de Lyon, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Bénédicte Chazaud
- Institut NeuroMyoGène, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR 5310, INSERM U1217, Université de Lyon, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Gaëtan Juban
- Institut NeuroMyoGène, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR 5310, INSERM U1217, Université de Lyon, 69008 Lyon, France
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15
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Animal models for researching approaches to therapy of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Transgenic Res 2021; 30:709-725. [PMID: 34409525 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-021-00278-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a relatively widespread genetic disease which develops as a result of a mutation in the gene DMD encoding dystrophin. In this review, animal models of DMD are described. These models are used in preclinical studies to elucidate the pathogenesis of the disease or to develop effective treatments; each animal model has its own advantages and disadvantages. For instance, Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila melanogaster, and zebrafish (sapje) are suitable for large-scale chemical screening of large numbers of small molecules, but their disease phenotype differs from that of mammals. The use of larger animals is important for understanding of the potential efficacy of various treatments for DMD. While mdx mice have their advantages, they exhibit a milder disease phenotype compared to humans or dogs, making it difficult to evaluate the efficacy of new treatment for DMD. The disease in dogs and pigs is more severe and progresses faster than in mice, but it is more difficult to breed and obtain sufficient numbers of specimens in order to achieve statistically significant results. Moreover, working with large animals is also more labor-intensive. Therefore, when choosing the optimal animal model for research, it is worth considering all the goals and objectives.
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16
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A Blood Biomarker for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Shows That Oxidation State of Albumin Correlates with Protein Oxidation and Damage in Mdx Muscle. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10081241. [PMID: 34439489 PMCID: PMC8389308 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10081241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe X-linked muscle wasting disease with no cure. While the precise mechanisms of progressive dystropathology remain unclear, oxidative stress caused by excessive generation of oxidants is strongly implicated. Blood biomarkers that could track oxidant levels in tissues would be valuable to measure the effectiveness of clinical treatments for DMD; our research has focused on developing such biomarkers. One target of oxidants that has the potential to be harnessed as a clinical biomarker is the thiol side chain of cysteine 34 (Cys34) of the blood protein albumin. This study using the mdx mouse model of DMD shows that in plasma, albumin Cys34 undergoes thiol oxidation and these changes correlate with levels of protein thiol oxidation and damage of the dystrophic muscles. A comparison with the commonly used biomarker protein carbonylation, confirmed that albumin thiol oxidation is the more sensitive plasma biomarker of oxidative stress occurring in muscle tissue. We show that plasma albumin oxidation reflects muscle dystropathology, as increased after exercise and decreased after taurine treatment of mdx mice. These data support the use of albumin thiol oxidation as a blood biomarker of dystropathology to assist with advancing clinical development of therapies for DMD.
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17
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Ben Larbi S, Saclier M, Fessard A, Juban G, Chazaud B. Histological Analysis of Tibialis Anterior Muscle of DMDmdx4Cv Mice from 1 to 24 Months. J Neuromuscul Dis 2021; 8:513-524. [PMID: 33843691 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-200562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mdx-C57/B6 mouse model does not show the clinical signs of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), although muscles exhibit hallmarks of permanent regeneration and alterations in muscle function. The DMDmdx4Cv strain exhibits very few revertant dystrophin positive myofibers, making that model suitable for studies on gene and cell therapies. OBJECTIVE The study appraises the histological evolution of the Tibialis Anterior muscle of WT and DMD mdx4Cv mutant from 1 to 24 months. METHODS Histological analysis included a series of immunostainings of muscle sections for assessing tissue features (fibrosis, lipid deposition, necrosis) and cellular characteristics (size of myofibers, number and distribution of myonuclei, number of satellite cells, vessels, macrophages). RESULTS None of the investigated cell types (satellite cells, endothelial cells, macrophages) showed variations in their density within the tissue in both WT and DMD mdx4Cv muscle. However, analyzing their number per myofiber showed that in DMD mdx4Cv, myofiber capillarization was increased from 1 to 6 months as compared with WT muscle, then dropped from 12 months. Macrophage number did not vary in WT muscle and peaked at 6 months in DMD mdx4Cv muscle. The number of satellite cells per myofiber did not vary in WT muscle while it remained high in DMD mdx4Cv muscle, starting to decrease from 12 months and being significantly lower at 24 months of age. Myofiber size was not different in DMD mdx4Cv from WT except at 24 months, when it strongly decreased in DMD mdx4Cv muscle. Necrosis and lipid deposition were rare in DMD mdx4Cv muscle. Fibrosis did not increase with age in DMD mdx4Cv muscle and was higher than in WT at 6 and 12 months of age. CONCLUSIONS As a whole, the results show a strong decrease of the myofiber size at 24 months, and an increased capillarization until 6 months of age in DMD mdx4Cv as compared with the WT. Thus, DMD mdx4Cv mice poorly recapitulates histological DMD features, and its use should take into account the age of the animals according to the purpose of the investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Ben Larbi
- Institut NeuroMyoGène, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR 2310, INSERM U1217, Université Lyon, Villeurbanne, France
| | | | - Aurélie Fessard
- Institut NeuroMyoGène, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR 2310, INSERM U1217, Université Lyon, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Gaëtan Juban
- Institut NeuroMyoGène, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR 2310, INSERM U1217, Université Lyon, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Bénédicte Chazaud
- Institut NeuroMyoGène, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR 2310, INSERM U1217, Université Lyon, Villeurbanne, France
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18
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Beneficial Role of Exercise in the Modulation of mdx Muscle Plastic Remodeling and Oxidative Stress. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10040558. [PMID: 33916762 PMCID: PMC8066278 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10040558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive progressive lethal disorder caused by the lack of dystrophin, which determines myofibers mechanical instability, oxidative stress, inflammation, and susceptibility to contraction-induced injuries. Unfortunately, at present, there is no efficient therapy for DMD. Beyond several promising gene- and stem cells-based strategies under investigation, physical activity may represent a valid noninvasive therapeutic approach to slow down the progression of the pathology. However, ethical issues, the limited number of studies in humans and the lack of consistency of the investigated training interventions generate loss of consensus regarding their efficacy, leaving exercise prescription still questionable. By an accurate analysis of data about the effects of different protocol of exercise on muscles of mdx mice, the most widely-used pre-clinical model for DMD research, we found that low intensity exercise, especially in the form of low speed treadmill running, likely represents the most suitable exercise modality associated to beneficial effects on mdx muscle. This protocol of training reduces muscle oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis process, and enhances muscle functionality, muscle regeneration, and hypertrophy. These conclusions can guide the design of appropriate studies on human, thereby providing new insights to translational therapeutic application of exercise to DMD patients.
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19
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van Westering TLE, Johansson HJ, Hanson B, Coenen-Stass AML, Lomonosova Y, Tanihata J, Motohashi N, Yokota T, Takeda S, Lehtiö J, Wood MJA, El Andaloussi S, Aoki Y, Roberts TC. Mutation-independent Proteomic Signatures of Pathological Progression in Murine Models of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Mol Cell Proteomics 2020; 19:2047-2068. [PMID: 32994316 PMCID: PMC7710136 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.ra120.002345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The absence of the dystrophin protein in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) results in myofiber fragility and a plethora of downstream secondary pathologies. Although a variety of experimental therapies are in development, achieving effective treatments for DMD remains exceptionally challenging, not least because the pathological consequences of dystrophin loss are incompletely understood. Here we have performed proteome profiling in tibialis anterior muscles from two murine DMD models (mdx and mdx52) at three ages (8, 16, and 80 weeks of age), all n = 3. High-resolution isoelectric focusing liquid chromatography-tandem MS (HiRIEF-LC-MS/MS) was used to quantify the expression of 4974 proteins across all 27 samples. The two dystrophic models were found to be highly similar, whereas multiple proteins were differentially expressed relative to WT (C57BL/6) controls at each age. Furthermore, 1795 proteins were differentially expressed when samples were pooled across ages and dystrophic strains. These included numerous proteins associated with the extracellular matrix and muscle function that have not been reported previously. Pathway analysis revealed multiple perturbed pathways and predicted upstream regulators, which together are indicative of cross-talk between inflammatory, metabolic, and muscle growth pathways (e.g. TNF, INFγ, NF-κB, SIRT1, AMPK, PGC-1α, PPARs, ILK, and AKT/PI3K). Upregulation of CAV3, MVP and PAK1 protein expression was validated in dystrophic muscle by Western blot. Furthermore, MVP was upregulated during, but not required for, the differentiation of C2C12 myoblasts suggesting that this protein may affect muscle regeneration. This study provides novel insights into mutation-independent proteomic signatures characteristic of the dystrophic phenotype and its progression with aging.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Henrik J Johansson
- Department of Oncology/Pathology, Cancer Proteomics Mass Spectrometry, SciLifeLab Stockholm, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Britt Hanson
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Yulia Lomonosova
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jun Tanihata
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), Kodaira, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Norio Motohashi
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), Kodaira, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshifumi Yokota
- Department of Medical, Genetics, School of Human Development Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Shin'ichi Takeda
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), Kodaira, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Janne Lehtiö
- Department of Oncology/Pathology, Cancer Proteomics Mass Spectrometry, SciLifeLab Stockholm, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Matthew J A Wood
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Yoshitsugu Aoki
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), Kodaira, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Thomas C Roberts
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden.
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20
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Sztretye M, Szabó L, Dobrosi N, Fodor J, Szentesi P, Almássy J, Magyar ZÉ, Dienes B, Csernoch L. From Mice to Humans: An Overview of the Potentials and Limitations of Current Transgenic Mouse Models of Major Muscular Dystrophies and Congenital Myopathies. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21238935. [PMID: 33255644 PMCID: PMC7728138 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21238935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Muscular dystrophies are a group of more than 160 different human neuromuscular disorders characterized by a progressive deterioration of muscle mass and strength. The causes, symptoms, age of onset, severity, and progression vary depending on the exact time point of diagnosis and the entity. Congenital myopathies are rare muscle diseases mostly present at birth that result from genetic defects. There are no known cures for congenital myopathies; however, recent advances in gene therapy are promising tools in providing treatment. This review gives an overview of the mouse models used to investigate the most common muscular dystrophies and congenital myopathies with emphasis on their potentials and limitations in respect to human applications.
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21
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Lifetime analysis of mdx skeletal muscle reveals a progressive pathology that leads to myofiber loss. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17248. [PMID: 33057110 PMCID: PMC7560899 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74192-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The muscular dystrophy X-linked mouse (mdx) is the most commonly used preclinical model for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Although disease progression in the mouse does not perfectly model the human disease, it shares many pathological features. Early characterizations of the model reported severe pathology through early adulthood followed by disease stabilization. As a result, research in the mdx mouse has largely focused on early adulthood. The overarching goal of this study is to improve the understanding of the mdx mouse model by tracking pathological features of the disease throughout life. We performed a thorough characterization of myofiber pathology in mdx mice from 2 weeks to 2 years of age. We report that individual mdx muscle fibers undergo progressive hypertrophy that continues through the lifespan. Despite massive hypertrophy on the myofiber level, we report no hypertrophy on the muscle level. These seemingly contradictory findings are explained by previously underappreciated myofiber loss in mdx mice. We conclude that due to myofiber loss, in combination with the progressive nature of other pathological features, aged mdx muscle tissue provides reliable benchmarks for disease progression that may be valuable in testing the efficacy of therapeutics for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
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22
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Krishnan VS, Thanigaiarasu LP, White R, Crew R, Larcher T, Le Guiner C, Grounds MD. Dystrophic Dmd mdx rats show early neuronal changes (increased S100β and Tau5) at 8 months, supporting severe dystropathology in this rodent model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Mol Cell Neurosci 2020; 108:103549. [PMID: 32890728 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2020.103549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The intrinsic necrosis of skeletal muscles in animal models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) damages neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) with progressively altered NMJs associated with denervation and premature changes in dystrophic nerves. In the mdx mouse model of DMD, the proteins S100β and Tau5 are significantly increased in sciatic nerves by 13 months (M) of age, far earlier (by 9 M) than in normal wildtype (WT) nerves. Since dystrophic Dmdmdx rats are reported to have a more severe dystropathology than mdx mice, we hypothesised that Dmdmdx rat nerves would show earlier neuronal changes compared with mdx nerves. We quantified levels of 8 proteins (by immunoblotting) in sciatic and radial nerves from young adult Dmdmdx rats (aged 8 M) and mdx mice (9 M), plus levels of 7 mRNAs (by qPCR) in rat nerves only. Sciatic nerves of 8 M Dmdmdx rats had more consistently increased levels of S100β and Tau5 proteins, compared with 9 M mdx mice, supporting pronounced dystropathology in the rat model. There were no differences for mRNA levels, apart from higher gelsolin mRNA in Dmdmdx sciatic nerves. The pronounced protein changes in Dmdmdx nerves indicate a severe ongoing myonecrosis, and likely consequent myofibre denervation, for the dystrophic rat model. These data support increased neuronal proteins in dystrophic nerves as a novel pre-clinical readout of ongoing myonecrosis for DMD research. In older DMD boys, such progressive neuronal changes over many years are likely to contribute to loss of muscle function, and may complicate evaluation of late-onset clinical therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vidya S Krishnan
- School of Human Sciences, the University of Western Australia, Australia, 6009
| | | | - Robert White
- School of Human Sciences, the University of Western Australia, Australia, 6009
| | - Rachael Crew
- School of Human Sciences, the University of Western Australia, Australia, 6009
| | | | - Caroline Le Guiner
- INSERM UMR1089, University of Nantes, Translational Research for Neuromuscular Diseases, Nantes, France
| | - Miranda D Grounds
- School of Human Sciences, the University of Western Australia, Australia, 6009.
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23
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Rodgers BD, Bishaw Y, Kagel D, Ramos JN, Maricelli JW. Micro-dystrophin Gene Therapy Partially Enhances Exercise Capacity in Older Adult mdx Mice. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2020; 17:122-132. [PMID: 31909085 PMCID: PMC6939027 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2019.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Micro-dystrophin (μDys) gene therapeutics can improve striated muscle structure and function in different animal models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Most studies, however, used young mdx mice that lack a pronounced dystrophic phenotype, short treatment periods, and limited muscle function tests. We, therefore, determined the relative efficacy of two previously described μDys gene therapeutics (rAAV6:μDysH3 and rAAV6:μDys5) in 6-month-old mdx mice using a 6-month treatment regimen and forced exercise. Forelimb and hindlimb grip strength, metabolic rate (VO2 max), running efficiency (energy expenditure), and serum creatine kinase levels similarly improved in mdx mice treated with either vector. Both vectors produced nearly identical dose-responses in all assays. They also partially prevented the degenerative effects of repeated high-intensity exercise on muscle histology, although none of the metrics examined was restored to normal wild-type levels. Moreover, neither vector had any consistent effect on respiration while exercising. These data together suggest that, although μDys gene therapy can improve isolated and systemic muscle function, it may be only partially effective when dystrophinopathies are advanced or when muscle structure is significantly challenged, as with high-intensity exercise. This further suggests that restoring muscle function to near-normal levels will likely require ancillary or combinatorial treatments capable of enhancing muscle strength.
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Affiliation(s)
- Buel D. Rodgers
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington Center for Muscle Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Yemeserach Bishaw
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington Center for Muscle Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Denali Kagel
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington Center for Muscle Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Julian N. Ramos
- Department of Neurology, Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Joseph W. Maricelli
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington Center for Muscle Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
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24
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Implications of increased S100β and Tau5 proteins in dystrophic nerves of two mdx mouse models for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Mol Cell Neurosci 2020; 105:103484. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2020.103484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
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25
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Himelman E, Lillo MA, Nouet J, Gonzalez JP, Zhao Q, Xie LH, Li H, Liu T, Wehrens XH, Lampe PD, Fishman GI, Shirokova N, Contreras JE, Fraidenraich D. Prevention of connexin-43 remodeling protects against Duchenne muscular dystrophy cardiomyopathy. J Clin Invest 2020; 130:1713-1727. [PMID: 31910160 PMCID: PMC7108916 DOI: 10.1172/jci128190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant expression of the cardiac gap junction protein connexin-43 (Cx43) has been suggested as playing a role in the development of cardiac disease in the mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD); however, a mechanistic understanding of this association is lacking. Here, we identified a reduction of phosphorylation of Cx43 serines S325/S328/S330 in human and mouse DMD hearts. We hypothesized that hypophosphorylation of Cx43 serine-triplet triggers pathological Cx43 redistribution to the lateral sides of cardiomyocytes (remodeling). Therefore, we generated knockin mdx mice in which the Cx43 serine-triplet was replaced with either phospho-mimicking glutamic acids (mdxS3E) or nonphosphorylatable alanines (mdxS3A). The mdxS3E, but not mdxS3A, mice were resistant to Cx43 remodeling, with a corresponding reduction of Cx43 hemichannel activity. MdxS3E cardiomyocytes displayed improved intracellular Ca2+ signaling and a reduction of NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2)/ROS production. Furthermore, mdxS3E mice were protected against inducible arrhythmias, related lethality, and the development of cardiomyopathy. Inhibition of microtubule polymerization by colchicine reduced both NOX2/ROS and oxidized CaMKII, increased S325/S328/S330 phosphorylation, and prevented Cx43 remodeling in mdx hearts. Together, these results demonstrate a mechanism of dystrophic Cx43 remodeling and suggest that targeting Cx43 may be a therapeutic strategy for preventing heart dysfunction and arrhythmias in DMD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Julie Nouet
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine
| | | | - Qingshi Zhao
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine
| | - Lai-Hua Xie
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine
| | - Hong Li
- Center for Advanced Proteomics Research, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Tong Liu
- Center for Advanced Proteomics Research, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Xander H.T. Wehrens
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Medicine, Neuroscience, and Pediatrics, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Paul D. Lampe
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Translational Research Program, Public Health Sciences Division, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Glenn I. Fishman
- Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
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26
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Fajardo VA, Chambers PJ, Juracic ES, Rietze BA, Gamu D, Bellissimo C, Kwon F, Quadrilatero J, Russell Tupling A. Sarcolipin deletion in mdx mice impairs calcineurin signalling and worsens dystrophic pathology. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 27:4094-4102. [PMID: 30137316 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most severe form of muscular dystrophy affecting 1 in 3500 live male births. Although there is no cure for DMD, therapeutic strategies aimed at enhancing calcineurin signalling and promoting the slow fibre phenotype have shown promise in mdx mice, which is the classical mouse model for DMD. Sarcolipin (SLN) is a small protein that regulates the sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase pump and its expression is highly upregulated in dystrophic skeletal muscle. We have recently shown that SLN in skeletal muscle amplifies calcineurin signalling thereby increasing myofibre size and the slow fibre phenotype. Therefore, in the present study we sought to determine the physiological impact of genetic Sln deletion in mdx mice, particularly on calcineurin signalling, fibre-type distribution and size and dystrophic pathology. We generated an mdx/Sln-null (mdx/SlnKO) mouse colony and hypothesized that the soleus and diaphragm muscles from these mice would display blunted calcineurin signalling, smaller myofibre sizes, an increased proportion of fast fibres and worsened dystrophic pathology compared with mdx mice. Our results show that calcineurin signalling was impaired in mdx/SlnKO mice as indicated by reductions in utrophin, stabilin-2 and calcineurin expression. In addition, mdx/SlnKO muscles contained smaller myofibres, exhibited a slow-to-fast fibre-type switch that corresponded with reduced expression of mitochondrial proteins and displayed a worsened dystrophic pathology compared with mdx muscles. Altogether, our findings demonstrate a critical role for SLN upregulation in dystrophic muscles and suggest that SLN can be viewed as a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Val A Fajardo
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1 Canada
| | - Paige J Chambers
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1 Canada
| | - Emma S Juracic
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1 Canada
| | - Bradley A Rietze
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1 Canada
| | - Daniel Gamu
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1 Canada
| | | | - Frenk Kwon
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1 Canada
| | - Joe Quadrilatero
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1 Canada
| | - A Russell Tupling
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1 Canada
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27
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Nelson DM, Lindsay A, Judge LM, Duan D, Chamberlain JS, Lowe DA, Ervasti JM. Variable rescue of microtubule and physiological phenotypes in mdx muscle expressing different miniaturized dystrophins. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 27:2090-2100. [PMID: 29618008 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Delivery of miniaturized dystrophin genes via adeno-associated viral vectors is one leading approach in development to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Here we directly compared the functionality of five mini- and micro-dystrophins via skeletal muscle-specific transgenic expression in dystrophin-deficient mdx mice. We evaluated their ability to rescue defects in the microtubule network, passive stiffness and contractility of skeletal muscle. Transgenic mdx mice expressing the short dystrophin isoform Dp116 served as a negative control. All mini- and micro-dystrophins restored elevated detyrosinated α-tubulin and microtubule density of mdx muscle to values not different from C57BL/10, however, only mini-dystrophins restored the transverse component of the microtubule lattice back to C57BL/10. Passive stiffness values in mdx muscles expressing mini- or micro-dystrophins were not different from C57BL/10. While all mini- and micro-dystrophins conferred significant protection from eccentric contraction-induced force loss in vivo and ex vivo compared to mdx, removal of repeats two and three resulted in less protection from force drop caused by eccentric contraction ex vivo. Our data reveal subtle yet significant differences in the relative functionalities for different therapeutic constructs of miniaturized dystrophin in terms of protection from ex vivo eccentric contraction-induced force loss and restoration of an organized microtubule lattice.
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Affiliation(s)
- D'anna M Nelson
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Angus Lindsay
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.,Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Luke M Judge
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Dongsheng Duan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | | | - Dawn A Lowe
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - James M Ervasti
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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28
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Lowe J, Kadakia FK, Zins JG, Haupt M, Peczkowski KK, Rastogi N, Floyd KT, Gomez-Sanchez EP, Gomez-Sanchez CE, Elnakish MT, Rafael-Fortney JA, Janssen PML. Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists in Muscular Dystrophy Mice During Aging and Exercise. J Neuromuscul Dis 2018; 5:295-306. [PMID: 30010143 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-180323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists added to angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors have shown preclinical efficacy for both skeletal and cardiac muscle outcomes in young sedentary dystrophin-deficient mdx mice also haploinsufficient for utrophin, a Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) model. The mdx genotypic DMD model has mild pathology, making non-curative therapeutic effects difficult to distinguish at baseline. Since the cardiac benefit of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists has been translated to DMD patients, it is important to optimize potential advantages for skeletal muscle by further defining efficacy parameters. OBJECTIVE We aimed to test whether therapeutic effects of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists added to angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors are detectable using three different reported methods of exacerbating the mdx phenotype. METHODS We tested treatment with lisinopril and the mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist spironolactone in: 10 week-old exercised, 1 year-old sedentary, and 5 month-old isoproterenol treated mdx mice and performed comprehensive functional and histological measurements. RESULTS None of the protocols to exacerbate mdx phenotypes resulted in dramatically enhanced pathology and no significant benefit was observed with treatment. CONCLUSIONS Since endogenous mineralocorticoid aldosterone production from immune cells in dystrophic muscle may explain antagonist efficacy, it is likely that these drugs work optimally during the narrow window of peak inflammation in mdx mice. Exercised and aged mdx mice do not display prolific damage and inflammation, likely explaining the absence of continued efficacy of these drugs. Since inflammation is more prevalent in DMD patients, the therapeutic window for mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in patients may be longer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeovanna Lowe
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Feni K Kadakia
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jonathan G Zins
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Michael Haupt
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Kyra K Peczkowski
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Neha Rastogi
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Kyle T Floyd
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Elise P Gomez-Sanchez
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Celso E Gomez-Sanchez
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Mohammad T Elnakish
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.,Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Jill A Rafael-Fortney
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Paul M L Janssen
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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29
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Abstract
The ability to efficiently modify the genome using CRISPR technology has rapidly revolutionized biology and genetics and will soon transform medicine. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) represents one of the first monogenic disorders that has been investigated with respect to CRISPR-mediated correction of causal genetic mutations. DMD results from mutations in the gene encoding dystrophin, a scaffolding protein that maintains the integrity of striated muscles. Thousands of different dystrophin mutations have been identified in DMD patients, who suffer from a loss of ambulation followed by respiratory insufficiency, heart failure, and death by the third decade of life. Using CRISPR to bypass DMD mutations, dystrophin expression has been efficiently restored in human cells and mouse models of DMD. Here, we review recent progress toward the development of possible CRISPR therapies for DMD and highlight opportunities and potential obstacles in attaining this goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Li Min
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, and Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA;
| | - Rhonda Bassel-Duby
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, and Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA;
| | - Eric N Olson
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, and Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA;
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30
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Shrader SM, Jung S, Denney TS, Smith BF. Characterization of Australian Labradoodle dystrophinopathy. Neuromuscul Disord 2018; 28:927-937. [PMID: 30286978 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2018.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Revised: 08/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
In humans, dystrophin mutations cause the X-linked recessive disorder known as Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). These mutations result in skeletal and cardiac muscle damage with mortality increasingly associated with cardiomyopathy. We have identified a novel dystrophin mutation in exon 21 in a line of Australian Labradoodles; affected dogs develop progressive clinical signs including poor weight gain and weight loss, gait abnormalities, exercise intolerance, skeletal muscle atrophy, macroglossa, ptyalism, dysphagia, kyphosis, and a plantigrade stance. Echocardiographic abnormalities include hyperechoic foci in the left ventricular papillary muscles, septal hypokinesis, and decreased left ventricular systolic and diastolic volume and internal diameter. Holter recordings found a Mobitz type II second-degree atrioventricular (AV) block in one affected dog. Analysis of phosphocreatine-to-ATP ratios (PCr/ATP) (obtained via cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy evaluation), found no statistically significant difference in the mean PCr/ATP between groups. Histopathologic skeletal muscle changes included fibrofatty infiltration, myocyte degeneration, necrosis, and regeneration, lymphohistiocytic inflammation, and mineralization; cardiac changes were limited to a focal area of mineralization adjacent to the sinoatrial node in the dog with a second-degree AV block. Due to rapidly progressive clinical signs, a severe phenotype, and potential for cardiac involvement, Australian Labradoodle dystrophinopathy may be a useful model to further study DMD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie M Shrader
- Department of Pathobiology, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
| | - SeungWoo Jung
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Thomas S Denney
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; Auburn University MRI Research Center, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Bruce F Smith
- Department of Pathobiology, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; Scott-Ritchey Research Center, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
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31
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Bersini S, Gilardi M, Mora M, Krol S, Arrigoni C, Candrian C, Zanotti S, Moretti M. Tackling muscle fibrosis: From molecular mechanisms to next generation engineered models to predict drug delivery. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2018. [PMID: 29518415 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2018.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Muscle fibrosis represents the end stage consequence of different diseases, among which muscular dystrophies, leading to severe impairment of muscle functions. Muscle fibrosis involves the production of several growth factors, cytokines and proteolytic enzymes and is strictly associated to inflammatory processes. Moreover, fibrosis causes profound changes in tissue properties, including increased stiffness and density, lower pH and oxygenation. Up to now, there is no therapeutic approach able to counteract the fibrotic process and treatments directed against muscle pathologies are severely impaired by the harsh conditions of the fibrotic environment. The design of new therapeutics thus need innovative tools mimicking the obstacles posed by the fibrotic environment to their delivery. This review will critically discuss the role of in vivo and 3D in vitro models in this context and the characteristics that an ideal model should possess to help the translation from bench to bedside of new candidate anti-fibrotic agents.
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32
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Kiriaev L, Kueh S, Morley JW, North KN, Houweling PJ, Head SI. Branched fibers from old fast-twitch dystrophic muscles are the sites of terminal damage in muscular dystrophy. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2018; 314:C662-C674. [PMID: 29412689 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00161.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
A striking pathological feature of dystrophinopathies is the presence of morphologically abnormal branched skeletal muscle fibers. The deterioration of muscle contractile function in Duchenne muscular dystrophy is accompanied by both an increase in number and complexity of these branched fibers. We propose that when number and complexity of branched fibers reaches a critical threshold, or "tipping point," the branches in and of themselves are the site of contraction-induced rupture. In the present study, we use the dystrophic mdx mouse and littermate controls to study the prediseased dystrophic fast-twitch extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle at 2-3 wk, the peak myonecrotic phase at 6-9 wk, and finally, "old," at 58-112 wk. Using a combination of isolated muscle function contractile measurements coupled with single-fiber imaging and confocal microscope imaging of cleared whole muscles, we identified a distinct pathophysiology, acute fiber rupture at branch nodes, which occurs in "old" fast-twitch EDL muscle approaching the end stage of the dystrophinopathy muscle disease, where the EDL muscles are entirely composed of complexed branched fibers. This evidence supports our concept of "tipping point" where the number and extent of fiber branching reach a level where the branching itself terminally compromises muscle function, irrespective of the absence of dystrophin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonit Kiriaev
- School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales , Sidney, New South Wales , Australia
| | - Sindy Kueh
- School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales , Sidney, New South Wales , Australia.,School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales , Australia
| | - John W Morley
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales , Australia
| | - Kathryn N North
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute , Melbourne, Victoria , Australia
| | - Peter J Houweling
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute , Melbourne, Victoria , Australia
| | - Stewart I Head
- School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales , Sidney, New South Wales , Australia.,School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales , Australia
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33
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Vohra R, Batra A, Forbes SC, Vandenborne K, Walter GA. Magnetic Resonance Monitoring of Disease Progression in mdx Mice on Different Genetic Backgrounds. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2017; 187:2060-2070. [PMID: 28826559 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2017.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Genetic modifiers alter disease progression in both preclinical models and subjects with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Using multiparametric magnetic resonance (MR) techniques, we compared the skeletal and cardiac muscles of two different dystrophic mouse models of DMD, which are on different genetic backgrounds, the C57BL/10ScSn-Dmdmdx (B10-mdx) and D2.B10-Dmdmdx (D2-mdx). The proton transverse relaxation constant (T2) using both MR imaging and spectroscopy revealed significant age-related differences in dystrophic skeletal and cardiac muscles as compared with their age-matched controls. D2-mdx muscles demonstrated an earlier and accelerated decrease in muscle T2 compared with age-matched B10-mdx muscles. Diffusion-weighted MR imaging indicated differences in the underlying muscle structure between the mouse strains. The fractional anisotropy, mean diffusion, and radial diffusion of water varied significantly between the two dystrophic strains. Muscle structural differences were confirmed by histological analyses of the gastrocnemius, revealing a decreased muscle fiber size and increased fibrosis in skeletal muscle fibers of D2-mdx mice compared with B10-mdx and control. Cardiac involvement was also detected in D2-mdx myocardium based on both decreased function and myocardial T2. These data indicate that MR parameters may be used as sensitive biomarkers to detect fibrotic tissue deposition and fiber atrophy in dystrophic strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravneet Vohra
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Abhinandan Batra
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Sean C Forbes
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Krista Vandenborne
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Glenn A Walter
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
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34
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Spassov A, Toro-Ibacache V, Krautwald M, Brinkmeier H, Kupczik K. Congenital muscle dystrophy and diet consistency affect mouse skull shape differently. J Anat 2017; 231:736-748. [PMID: 28762259 DOI: 10.1111/joa.12664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The bones of the mammalian skull respond plastically to changes in masticatory function. However, the extent to which muscle function affects the growth and development of the skull, whose regions have different maturity patterns, remains unclear. Using muscle dissection and 3D landmark-based geometric morphometrics we investigated the effect of changes in muscle function established either before or after weaning, on skull shape and muscle mass in adult mice. We compared temporalis and masseter mass and skull shape in mice with a congenital muscle dystrophy (mdx) and wild type (wt) mice fed on either a hard or a soft diet. We found that dystrophy and diet have distinct effects on the morphology of the skull and the masticatory muscles. Mdx mice show a flattened neurocranium with a more dorsally displaced foramen magnum and an anteriorly placed mandibular condyle compared with wt mice. Compared with hard diet mice, soft diet mice had lower masseter mass and a face with more gracile features as well as labially inclined incisors, suggesting reduced bite strength. Thus, while the early-maturing neurocranium and the posterior portion of the mandible are affected by the congenital dystrophy, the late-maturing face including the anterior part of the mandible responds to dietary differences irrespective of the mdx mutation. Our study confirms a hierarchical, tripartite organisation of the skull (comprising neurocranium, face and mandible) with a modular division based on development and function. Moreover, we provide further experimental evidence that masticatory loading is one of the main environmental stimuli that generate craniofacial variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Spassov
- Department of Orthodontics, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany.,Institute of Pathophysiology, University Medicine Greifswald, Karlsburg, Germany
| | - Viviana Toro-Ibacache
- Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile, Chile.,Department of Human Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Mirjam Krautwald
- Institute of Pathophysiology, University Medicine Greifswald, Karlsburg, Germany
| | - Heinrich Brinkmeier
- Institute of Pathophysiology, University Medicine Greifswald, Karlsburg, Germany
| | - Kornelius Kupczik
- Max Planck Weizmann Center for Integrative Archaeology and Anthropology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
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Supplementation action with ascorbic acid in the morphology of the muscular layer and reactive acetylcholinesterase neurons of ileum of mdx mice. Auton Neurosci 2017; 205:57-66. [PMID: 28539233 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2017.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Revised: 04/30/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disorder characterized by the absence of dystrophin protein, causing severe myopathy from increases of oxidative stress. Injuries of intestinal muscle can compromise the myenteric plexus. This study aimed to evaluate the disorders occurred in the muscular layer and in the acetylcholinesterase myenteric neurons (ACHE-r) of ileum of mdx mice, and the effects of supplementation with ascorbic acid (AA) in both components. 30 male mice C57BL/10, and 30 male mice C57BL/10Mdx were separated according to the age and treatment (n=10/group): 30-days-old control group (C30); 30-days-old dystrophic group (D30); 60-days-old control group (C60); 60-days-old dystrophic group (D60); 60-days-old control group supplemented with AA (CS60); and 60-days-old dystrophic group supplemented with AA (DS60). The animals were euthanized and the ileum was collected and processed. Semi-serial sections were stained by Masson's trichrome, and acetylcholinesterase histochemical technique in whole-mounts preparations to identify the myenteric neurons. The muscular layer thickness and the area of smooth muscle of ileum were lower in dystrophic groups, especially in D30 group. The DS60 group showed the muscular layer thickness similar to C60. The density of ACHE-r neurons of myenteric plexus of ileum was lower in D30 animals; however, it was similar in animals of 60-days-old without treatment (C60 and D60) and, higher in DS60. The cell body profile area of ACHE-r neurons was similar in C30-D30 and C60-D60; however, it was higher in DS60. DMD caused damage to the ileum's musculature and myenteric plexus, and the AA prevented the ACHE-r neuronal loss.
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Jørgensen LH, Jepsen PL, Boysen A, Dalgaard LB, Hvid LG, Ørtenblad N, Ravn D, Sellathurai J, Møller-Jensen J, Lochmüller H, Schrøder HD. SPARC Interacts with Actin in Skeletal Muscle in Vitro and in Vivo. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2017; 187:457-474. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2016.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Revised: 09/30/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Kennedy TL, Swiderski K, Murphy KT, Gehrig SM, Curl CL, Chandramouli C, Febbraio MA, Delbridge LMD, Koopman R, Lynch GS. BGP-15 Improves Aspects of the Dystrophic Pathology in mdx and dko Mice with Differing Efficacies in Heart and Skeletal Muscle. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2016; 186:3246-3260. [PMID: 27750047 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2016.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Revised: 08/14/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a severe and progressive striated muscle wasting disorder that leads to premature death from respiratory and/or cardiac failure. We have previously shown that treatment of young dystrophic mdx and dystrophin/utrophin null (dko) mice with BGP-15, a coinducer of heat shock protein 72, ameliorated the dystrophic pathology. We therefore tested the hypothesis that later-stage BGP-15 treatment would similarly benefit older mdx and dko mice when the dystrophic pathology was already well established. Later stage treatment of mdx or dko mice with BGP-15 did not improve maximal force of tibialis anterior (TA) muscles (in situ) or diaphragm muscle strips (in vitro). However, collagen deposition (fibrosis) was reduced in TA muscles of BGP-15-treated dko mice but unchanged in TA muscles of treated mdx mice and diaphragm of treated mdx and dko mice. We also examined whether BGP-15 treatment could ameliorate aspects of the cardiac pathology, and in young dko mice it reduced collagen deposition and improved both membrane integrity and systolic function. These results confirm BGP-15's ability to improve aspects of the dystrophic pathology but with differing efficacies in heart and skeletal muscles at different stages of the disease progression. These findings support a role for BGP-15 among a suite of pharmacological therapies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy and related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahnee L Kennedy
- Basic and Clinical Myology Laboratory, Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria
| | - Kristy Swiderski
- Basic and Clinical Myology Laboratory, Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria
| | - Kate T Murphy
- Basic and Clinical Myology Laboratory, Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria
| | - Stefan M Gehrig
- Basic and Clinical Myology Laboratory, Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria
| | - Claire L Curl
- Cardiac Phenomics Laboratory, Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria
| | - Chanchal Chandramouli
- Cardiac Phenomics Laboratory, Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria
| | - Mark A Febbraio
- Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lea M D Delbridge
- Cardiac Phenomics Laboratory, Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria
| | - René Koopman
- Basic and Clinical Myology Laboratory, Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria
| | - Gordon S Lynch
- Basic and Clinical Myology Laboratory, Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria.
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Coenen-Stass AML, Betts CA, Lee YF, Mäger I, Turunen MP, El Andaloussi S, Morgan JE, Wood MJA, Roberts TC. Selective release of muscle-specific, extracellular microRNAs during myogenic differentiation. Hum Mol Genet 2016; 25:3960-3974. [PMID: 27466195 PMCID: PMC5291232 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddw237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2016] [Revised: 05/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
MyomiRs are muscle-specific microRNAs (miRNAs) that regulate myoblast proliferation and differentiation. Extracellular myomiRs (ex-myomiRs) are highly enriched in the serum of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) patients and dystrophic mouse models and consequently have potential as disease biomarkers. The biological significance of miRNAs present in the extracellular space is not currently well understood. Here we demonstrate that ex-myomiR levels are elevated in perinatal muscle development, during the regenerative phase that follows exercise-induced myoinjury, and concomitant with myoblast differentiation in culture. Whereas ex-myomiRs are progressively and specifically released by differentiating human primary myoblasts and C2C12 cultures, chemical induction of apoptosis in C2C12 cells results in indiscriminate miRNA release. The selective release of myomiRs as a consequence of cellular differentiation argues against the idea that they are solely waste products of muscle breakdown, and suggests they may serve a biological function in specific physiological contexts. Ex-myomiRs in culture supernatant and serum are predominantly non-vesicular, and their release is independent of ceramide-mediated vesicle secretion. Furthermore, ex-myomiRs levels are reduced in aged dystrophic mice, likely as a consequence of chronic muscle wasting. In conclusion, we show that myomiR release accompanies periods of myogenic differentiation in cell culture and in vivo. Serum myomiR abundance is therefore a function of the regenerative/degenerative status of the muscle, overall muscle mass, and tissue expression levels. These findings have implications for the use of ex-myomiRs as biomarkers for DMD disease progression and monitoring response to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M L Coenen-Stass
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Corinne A Betts
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Yi F Lee
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm SE-141 57, Sweden
| | - Imre Mäger
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Mikko P Turunen
- Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, A.I. Virtanen Institute, University of Eastern Finland, 70150 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Samir El Andaloussi
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm SE-141 57, Sweden
| | - Jennifer E Morgan
- The Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, Molecular Neurosciences Section, Developmental Neurosciences Programme, UCL Institute of Child Health, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Matthew J A Wood
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Thomas C Roberts
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Development, Aging and Regeneration Program, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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Yajima H, Kawakami K. LowSix4andSix5gene dosage improves dystrophic phenotype and prolongs life span of mdx mice. Dev Growth Differ 2016; 58:546-61. [DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Revised: 03/30/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Yajima
- Division of Biology; Center for Molecular Medicine; Jichi Medical University; 3311-1 Yakushiji Shimotsuke Tochigi 329-0498 Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Kawakami
- Division of Biology; Center for Molecular Medicine; Jichi Medical University; 3311-1 Yakushiji Shimotsuke Tochigi 329-0498 Japan
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Eguchi T, Tezuka T, Miyoshi S, Yamanashi Y. Postnatal knockdown of dok-7 gene expression in mice causes structural defects in neuromuscular synapses and myasthenic pathology. Genes Cells 2016; 21:670-6. [PMID: 27091576 DOI: 10.1111/gtc.12370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a synapse between a motor neuron and skeletal muscle and is required for muscle contraction. The formation and maintenance of NMJs are governed by the muscle-specific receptor tyrosine kinase MuSK. We previously showed that the muscle cytoplasmic protein Dok-7 is an essential activator of MuSK. Indeed, mice lacking either Dok-7 or MuSK form no NMJs, and defects in the human DOK7 gene underlie a congenital myasthenic syndrome (an NMJ disorder). However, it remains unproven whether Dok-7 is required for the postnatal maintenance of NMJs. In this study, we generated recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors encoding short hairpin RNAs targeting the mouse dok-7 gene (AAV-shD7). Systemic administration of AAV-shD7 into 2-week-old mice down-regulated dok-7 expression in muscle and induced myasthenic symptoms including reduction in body weight and motor function. Moreover, AAV-shD7 treatment suppressed MuSK-dependent gene expression of NMJ components and reduced the size of NMJs. These results demonstrate that correct, physiological levels of dok-7 expression are required for the postnatal maintenance of NMJs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Eguchi
- Division of Genetics, Department of Cancer Biology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
| | - Tohru Tezuka
- Division of Genetics, Department of Cancer Biology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
| | - Sadanori Miyoshi
- Division of Genetics, Department of Cancer Biology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
| | - Yuji Yamanashi
- Division of Genetics, Department of Cancer Biology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
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McGreevy JW, Hakim CH, McIntosh MA, Duan D. Animal models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy: from basic mechanisms to gene therapy. Dis Model Mech 2015; 8:195-213. [PMID: 25740330 PMCID: PMC4348559 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.018424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 316] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive muscle-wasting disorder. It is caused by loss-of-function mutations in the dystrophin gene. Currently, there is no cure. A highly promising therapeutic strategy is to replace or repair the defective dystrophin gene by gene therapy. Numerous animal models of DMD have been developed over the last 30 years, ranging from invertebrate to large mammalian models. mdx mice are the most commonly employed models in DMD research and have been used to lay the groundwork for DMD gene therapy. After ~30 years of development, the field has reached the stage at which the results in mdx mice can be validated and scaled-up in symptomatic large animals. The canine DMD (cDMD) model will be excellent for these studies. In this article, we review the animal models for DMD, the pros and cons of each model system, and the history and progress of preclinical DMD gene therapy research in the animal models. We also discuss the current and emerging challenges in this field and ways to address these challenges using animal models, in particular cDMD dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe W McGreevy
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Chady H Hakim
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Mark A McIntosh
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Dongsheng Duan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
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Vohra RS, Mathur S, Bryant ND, Forbes SC, Vandenborne K, Walter GA. Age-related T2 changes in hindlimb muscles of mdx mice. Muscle Nerve 2015; 53:84-90. [PMID: 25846867 DOI: 10.1002/mus.24675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to monitor changes in the transverse relaxation time constant (T2) in lower hindlimb muscles of mdx mice at different ages. METHODS Young (5 weeks), adult (44 weeks), and old mdx (96 weeks), and age-matched control mice were studied. Young mdx mice were imaged longitudinally, whereas adult and old mdx mice were imaged at a single time-point. RESULTS Mean muscle T2 and percent of pixels with elevated T2 were significantly different between mdx and control mice at all ages. In young mdx mice, mean muscle T2 peaked at 7-8 weeks and declined at 9-11 weeks. In old mdx mice, mean muscle T2 was decreased compared with young and adult mice, which could be attributed to fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS MRI captured longitudinal changes in skeletal muscle integrity of mdx mice. This information will be valuable for pre-clinical testing of potential therapeutic interventions for muscular dystrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravneet S Vohra
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Sunita Mathur
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nathan D Bryant
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida, Box 100274, Gainesville, Florida, 32610-0274, USA
| | - Sean C Forbes
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Krista Vandenborne
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Glenn A Walter
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida, Box 100274, Gainesville, Florida, 32610-0274, USA
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McDonald AA, Hebert SL, Kunz MD, Ralles SJ, McLoon LK. Disease course in mdx:utrophin+/- mice: comparison of three mouse models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Physiol Rep 2015; 3:3/4/e12391. [PMID: 25921779 PMCID: PMC4425985 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.12391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is used to study disease mechanisms and potential treatments, but its pathology is less severe than DMD patients. Other mouse models were developed to more closely mimic the human disease based on knowledge that upregulation of utrophin has a protective effect in mdx muscle. An mdx:utrophin−/− (dko) mouse was created, which had a severe disease phenotype and a shortened life span. An mdx:utrophin+/− mouse was also created, which had an intermediate disease phenotype compared to the mdx and dko mice. To determine the usefulness of mdx:utrophin+/− mice for long-term DMD studies, limb muscle pathology and function were assessed across the life span of wild-type, mdx, mdx:utrophin+/−, and dko mice. Muscle function assessment, specifically grip duration and rotarod performance, demonstrated that mdx:utrophin+/− mice were weaker for a longer time than mdx mice. Mean myofiber area was smaller in mdx:utrophin+/− mice compared to mdx mice at 12 months. Mdx:utrophin+/− mice had a higher percentage of centrally nucleated myofibers compared to mdx mice at 6 and 12 months. Collagen I and IV density was significantly higher in mdx:utrophin+/− muscle compared to mdx at most ages examined. Generally, mdx:utrophin+/− mice showed an intermediate disease phenotype over a longer time course compared to the mdx and dko mice. While they do not genetically mirror human DMD, mdx:utrophin+/− mice may be a more useful animal model than mdx or dko mice for investigating long-term efficacy of potential treatments when fibrosis or muscle function is the focus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abby A McDonald
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota Graduate Program in Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology and Genetics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis Minnesota
| | - Sadie L Hebert
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Matthew D Kunz
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Steven J Ralles
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Linda K McLoon
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota Graduate Program in Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology and Genetics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis Minnesota Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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Park J, Wicki J, Knoblaugh SE, Chamberlain JS, Lee D. Multi-parametric MRI at 14T for muscular dystrophy mice treated with AAV vector-mediated gene therapy. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0124914. [PMID: 25856443 PMCID: PMC4391935 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0124914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2014] [Accepted: 03/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of using quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a non-invasive tool for the monitoring of gene therapy for muscular dystrophy. The clinical investigations for this family of diseases often involve surgical biopsy which limits the amount of information that can be obtained due to the invasive nature of the procedure. Thus, other non-invasive tools may provide more opportunities for disease assessment and treatment responses. In order to explore this, dystrophic mdx4cv mice were systemically treated with a recombinant adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector containing a codon-optimized micro-dystrophin gene. Multi-parametric MRI of T2, magnetization transfer, and diffusion effects alongside 3-D volume measurements were then utilized to monitor disease/treatment progression. Mice were imaged at 10 weeks of age for pre-treatment, then again post-treatment at 8, 16, and 24 week time points. The efficacy of treatment was assessed by physiological assays for improvements in function and quantification of expression. Tissues from the hindlimbs were collected for histological analysis after the final time point for comparison with MRI results. We found that introduction of the micro-dystrophin gene restored some aspects of normal muscle histology and pathology such as decreased necrosis and resistance to contraction-induced injury. T2 relaxation values showed percentage decreases across all muscle types measured (tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius, and soleus) when treated groups were compared to untreated groups. Additionally, the differences between groups were statistically significant for the tibialis anterior as well. The diffusion measurements showed a wider range of percentage changes and less statistical significance while the magnetization transfer effect measurements showed minimal change. MR images displayed hyper-intense regions of muscle that correlated with muscle pathology in histological sections. T2 relaxation, alongside diffusion and magnetization transfer effects provides useful data towards the goal of non-invasively monitoring the treatment of muscular dystrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Park
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Jacqueline Wicki
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Sue E. Knoblaugh
- Comparative Medicine Shared Resources, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey S. Chamberlain
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Donghoon Lee
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Sohn J, Lu A, Tang Y, Wang B, Huard J. Activation of non-myogenic mesenchymal stem cells during the disease progression in dystrophic dystrophin/utrophin knockout mice. Hum Mol Genet 2015; 24:3814-29. [PMID: 25859011 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddv125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2015] [Accepted: 04/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Ectopic calcification as well as fatty and fibrotic tissue accumulation occurs in skeletal muscle during the disease progression of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a degenerative muscle disorder caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene. The cellular origin and the environmental cues responsible for this ectopic calcification, fatty and fibrotic infiltration during the disease progression, however, remain unknown. Based on a previously published preplate technique, we isolated two distinct populations of muscle-derived cells from skeletal muscle: (i) a rapidly adhering cell population, which is non-myogenic, Pax7(-) and express the mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) marker platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha; hence, we termed this population of cells non-myogenic MSCs (nmMSCs); and (ii) a slowly adhering cell population which is Pax7(+) and highly myogenic, termed muscle progenitor cells (MPCs). Previously, we demonstrated that the rapid progression of skeletal muscle histopathologies in dystrophin/utrophin knockout (dys(-/-) utro(-/-) dKO) mice is closely associated with a rapid depletion of the MPC population pool. In the current study, we showed that in contrast to the MPCs, the nmMSCs become activated during the disease progression in dKO mice, displaying increased proliferation and differentiation potentials (adipogenesis, osteogenesis and fibrogenesis). We also found that after co-culturing the dKO-nmMSCs with dKO-MPCs, the myogenic differentiation potential of the dKO-MPCs was reduced. This effect was found to be potentially mediated by the secretion of secreted frizzled-related protein 1 by the dKO-nmMSCs. We therefore posit that the rapid occurrence of fibrosis, ectopic calcification and fat accumulation, in dKO mice, is not only attributable to the rapid depletion of the MPC pool, but is also the consequence of nmMSC activation. Results from this study suggest that approaches to alleviate muscle weakness and wasting in DMD patients should not only target the myogenic MPCs but should also attempt to prevent the activation of the nmMSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihee Sohn
- Stem Cell Research Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and
| | - Aiping Lu
- Stem Cell Research Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and
| | - Ying Tang
- Stem Cell Research Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and
| | - Bing Wang
- Stem Cell Research Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and
| | - Johnny Huard
- Stem Cell Research Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Kornegay JN, Spurney CF, Nghiem PP, Brinkmeyer-Langford CL, Hoffman EP, Nagaraju K. Pharmacologic management of Duchenne muscular dystrophy: target identification and preclinical trials. ILAR J 2015; 55:119-49. [PMID: 24936034 DOI: 10.1093/ilar/ilu011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked human disorder in which absence of the protein dystrophin causes degeneration of skeletal and cardiac muscle. For the sake of treatment development, over and above definitive genetic and cell-based therapies, there is considerable interest in drugs that target downstream disease mechanisms. Drug candidates have typically been chosen based on the nature of pathologic lesions and presumed underlying mechanisms and then tested in animal models. Mammalian dystrophinopathies have been characterized in mice (mdx mouse) and dogs (golden retriever muscular dystrophy [GRMD]). Despite promising results in the mdx mouse, some therapies have not shown efficacy in DMD. Although the GRMD model offers a higher hurdle for translation, dogs have primarily been used to test genetic and cellular therapies where there is greater risk. Failed translation of animal studies to DMD raises questions about the propriety of methods and models used to identify drug targets and test efficacy of pharmacologic intervention. The mdx mouse and GRMD dog are genetically homologous to DMD but not necessarily analogous. Subcellular species differences are undoubtedly magnified at the whole-body level in clinical trials. This problem is compounded by disparate cultures in clinical trials and preclinical studies, pointing to a need for greater rigor and transparency in animal experiments. Molecular assays such as mRNA arrays and genome-wide association studies allow identification of genetic drug targets more closely tied to disease pathogenesis. Genes in which polymorphisms have been directly linked to DMD disease progression, as with osteopontin, are particularly attractive targets.
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Meyers TA, Townsend D. Early right ventricular fibrosis and reduction in biventricular cardiac reserve in the dystrophin-deficient mdx heart. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2014; 308:H303-15. [PMID: 25485898 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00485.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive disease of striated muscle deterioration. Respiratory and cardiac muscle dysfunction are particularly clinically relevant because they result in the leading causes of death in DMD patients. Despite the clinical and physiological significance of these systems, little has been done to understand the cardiorespiratory interaction in DMD. We show here that prior to the onset of global cardiac dysfunction, dystrophin-deficient mdx mice have increased cardiac fibrosis with the right ventricle being particularly affected. Using a novel biventricular cardiac catheterization technique coupled with cardiac stress testing, we demonstrate that both the right and left ventricles have significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic function in response to dobutamine. Unstimulated cardiac function is relatively normal except for a significant reduction in the ventricular pressure transient duration compared with controls. These biventricular analyses also reveal the absence of a dobutamine-induced increase in isovolumic relaxation in the right ventricle of control hearts. Simultaneous assessment of biventricular pressure demonstrates a dobutamine-dependent enhancement of coupling between the ventricles in control mice, which is absent in mdx mice. Furthermore, studies probing the passive-extension properties of the left ventricle demonstrate that the mdx heart is significantly more compliant compared with age-matched C57BL/10 hearts, which have an age-dependent stiffening that is completely absent from dystrophic hearts. These new results indicate that right ventricular fibrosis is an early indicator of the development of dystrophic cardiomyopathy, suggesting a mechanism by which respiratory insufficiency may accelerate the development of heart failure in DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatyana A Meyers
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - DeWayne Townsend
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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Brinkmeier H, Ohlendieck K. Chaperoning heat shock proteins: Proteomic analysis and relevance for normal and dystrophin-deficient muscle. Proteomics Clin Appl 2014; 8:875-95. [DOI: 10.1002/prca.201400015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2014] [Revised: 04/24/2014] [Accepted: 05/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kay Ohlendieck
- Department of Biology; National University of Ireland; Maynooth Co. Kildare Ireland
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Lu A, Poddar M, Tang Y, Proto JD, Sohn J, Mu X, Oyster N, Wang B, Huard J. Rapid depletion of muscle progenitor cells in dystrophic mdx/utrophin-/- mice. Hum Mol Genet 2014; 23:4786-800. [PMID: 24781208 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddu194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients lack dystrophin from birth; however, muscle weakness becomes apparent only at 3-5 years of age, which happens to coincide with the depletion of the muscle progenitor cell (MPC) pools. Indeed, MPCs isolated from older DMD patients demonstrate impairments in myogenic potential. To determine whether the progression of muscular dystrophy is a consequence of the decline in functional MPCs, we investigated two animal models of DMD: (i) dystrophin-deficient mdx mice, the most commonly utilized model of DMD, which has a relatively mild dystrophic phenotype and (ii) dystrophin/utrophin double knock-out (dKO) mice, which display a similar histopathologic phenotype to DMD patients. In contrast to age-matched mdx mice, we observed that both the number and regeneration potential of dKO MPCs rapidly declines during disease progression. This occurred in MPCs at both early and late stages of myogenic commitment. In fact, early MPCs isolated from 6-week-old dKO mice have reductions in proliferation, resistance to oxidative stress and multilineage differentiation capacities compared with age-matched mdx MPCs. This effect may potentially be mediated by fibroblast growth factor overexpression and/or a reduction in telomerase activity. Our results demonstrate that the rapid disease progression in the dKO model is associated, at least in part, with MPC depletion. Therefore, alleviating MPC depletion could represent an approach to delay the onset of the histopathologies associated with DMD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiping Lu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Minakshi Poddar
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Ying Tang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Jonathan D Proto
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Jihee Sohn
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Xiaodong Mu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Nicholas Oyster
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Bing Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Johnny Huard
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
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Carberry S, Zweyer M, Swandulla D, Ohlendieck K. Application of fluorescence two-dimensional difference in-gel electrophoresis as a proteomic biomarker discovery tool in muscular dystrophy research. BIOLOGY 2013; 2:1438-64. [PMID: 24833232 PMCID: PMC4009800 DOI: 10.3390/biology2041438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2013] [Revised: 11/05/2013] [Accepted: 11/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
In this article, we illustrate the application of difference in-gel electrophoresis for the proteomic analysis of dystrophic skeletal muscle. The mdx diaphragm was used as a tissue model of dystrophinopathy. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis is a widely employed protein separation method in proteomic investigations. Although two-dimensional gels usually underestimate the cellular presence of very high molecular mass proteins, integral membrane proteins and low copy number proteins, this method is extremely powerful in the comprehensive analysis of contractile proteins, metabolic enzymes, structural proteins and molecular chaperones. This gives rise to two-dimensional gel electrophoretic separation as the method of choice for studying contractile tissues in health and disease. For comparative studies, fluorescence difference in-gel electrophoresis has been shown to provide an excellent biomarker discovery tool. Since aged diaphragm fibres from the mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy closely resemble the human pathology, we have carried out a mass spectrometry-based comparison of the naturally aged diaphragm versus the senescent dystrophic diaphragm. The proteomic comparison of wild type versus mdx diaphragm resulted in the identification of 84 altered protein species. Novel molecular insights into dystrophic changes suggest increased cellular stress, impaired calcium buffering, cytostructural alterations and disturbances of mitochondrial metabolism in dystrophin-deficient muscle tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Carberry
- Department of Biology, National University of Ireland, Maynooth, Kildare, Ireland.
| | - Margit Zweyer
- Department of Physiology II, University of Bonn, Bonn D-53115, Germany.
| | - Dieter Swandulla
- Department of Physiology II, University of Bonn, Bonn D-53115, Germany.
| | - Kay Ohlendieck
- Department of Biology, National University of Ireland, Maynooth, Kildare, Ireland.
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