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Lea TA, Panizza PM, Arthur PG, Bakker AJ, Pinniger GJ. Hypochlorous acid exposure impairs skeletal muscle function and Ca 2+ signalling: implications for Duchenne muscular dystrophy pathology. J Physiol 2023; 601:5257-5275. [PMID: 37864413 DOI: 10.1113/jp285263] [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: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a fatal X-linked disease characterised by severe muscle wasting. The mechanisms underlying the DMD pathology likely involve the interaction between inflammation, oxidative stress and impaired Ca2+ signalling. Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a highly reactive oxidant produced endogenously via myeloperoxidase; an enzyme secreted by neutrophils that is significantly elevated in dystrophic muscle. Oxidation of Ca2+ -handling proteins by HOCl may impair Ca2+ signalling. This study aimed to determine the effects of HOCl on skeletal muscle function and its potential contribution to the dystrophic pathology. Extensor digitorum longus (EDL), soleus and interosseous muscles were surgically isolated from anaesthetised C57 (wild-type) and mdx (dystrophic) mice for measurement of ex vivo force production and intracellular Ca2+ concentration. In whole EDL muscle, HOCl (200 μM) significantly decreased maximal force and increased resting muscle tension which was only partially reversible by dithiothreitol. The effects of HOCl (200 μM) on maximal force in slow-twitch soleus were lower than found in the fast-twitch EDL muscle. In single interosseous myofibres, HOCl (10 μM) significantly increased resting intracellular Ca2+ concentration and decreased Ca2+ transient amplitude. These effects of HOCl were reduced by the application of tetracaine, Gd3+ or streptomycin, implicating involvement of ryanodine receptors and transient receptor potential channels. These results demonstrate the potent effects of HOCl on skeletal muscle function potentially mediated by HOCl-induced oxidation to Ca2+ signalling proteins. Hence, HOCl may provide a link between chronic inflammation, oxidative stress and impaired Ca2+ handling that is characteristic of DMD and presents a potential therapeutic target for DMD. KEY POINTS: Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a fatal genetic disease with pathological mechanisms which involve the complex interaction of chronic inflammation, increased reactive oxygen species production and increased cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations. Hypochlorous acid can be endogenously produced by neutrophils via the enzyme myeloperoxidase. Both neutrophil and myeloperoxidase activity are increased in dystrophic mice. This study found that hypochlorous acid decreased muscle force production and increased cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations in isolated muscles from wild-type and dystrophic mice at relatively low concentrations of hypochlorous acid. These results indicate that hypochlorous acid may be key in the Duchenne muscular dystrophy disease pathology and may provide a unifying link between the chronic inflammation, increased reactive oxygen species production and increased cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations observed in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Hypochlorous acid production may be a potential target for therapeutic treatments of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A Lea
- School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Peter M Panizza
- School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Peter G Arthur
- School of Molecular Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Anthony J Bakker
- School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Gavin J Pinniger
- School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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2
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Suárez-Calvet X, Fernández-Simón E, Natera D, Jou C, Pinol-Jurado P, Villalobos E, Ortez C, Monceau A, Schiava M, Codina A, Verdu-Díaz J, Clark J, Laidler Z, Mehra P, Gokul-Nath R, Alonso-Perez J, Marini-Bettolo C, Tasca G, Straub V, Guglieri M, Nascimento A, Diaz-Manera J. Decoding the transcriptome of Duchenne muscular dystrophy to the single nuclei level reveals clinical-genetic correlations. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:596. [PMID: 37673877 PMCID: PMC10482944 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06103-5] [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: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a genetic disease produced by mutations in the dystrophin gene characterized by early onset muscle weakness leading to severe and irreversible disability. The cellular and molecular consequences of the lack of dystrophin in humans are only partially known, which is crucial for the development of new therapies aiming to slow or stop the progression of the disease. Here we have analyzed quadriceps muscle biopsies of seven DMD patients aged 2 to 4 years old and five age and gender matched controls using single nuclei RNA sequencing (snRNAseq) and correlated the results obtained with clinical data. SnRNAseq identified significant differences in the proportion of cell population present in the muscle samples, including an increase in the number of regenerative fibers, satellite cells, and fibro-adipogenic progenitor cells (FAPs) and a decrease in the number of slow fibers and smooth muscle cells. Muscle samples from the younger patients with stable mild weakness were characterized by an increase in regenerative fibers, while older patients with moderate and progressive weakness were characterized by loss of muscle fibers and an increase in FAPs. An analysis of the gene expression profile in muscle fibers identified a strong regenerative signature in DMD samples characterized by the upregulation of genes involved in myogenesis and muscle hypertrophy. In the case of FAPs, we observed upregulation of genes involved in the extracellular matrix regeneration but also several signaling pathways. Indeed, further analysis of the potential intercellular communication profile showed a dysregulation of the communication profile in DMD samples identifying FAPs as a key regulator of cell signaling in DMD muscle samples. In conclusion, our study has identified significant differences at the cellular and molecular levels in the different cell populations present in skeletal muscle samples of patients with DMD compared to controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Suárez-Calvet
- Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB SANT PAU), 08041, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Esther Fernández-Simón
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Center, Newcastle University Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Daniel Natera
- Neuromuscular Disorders Unit. Neurology department, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Cristina Jou
- Pathology department, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Patricia Pinol-Jurado
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Center, Newcastle University Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Elisa Villalobos
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Center, Newcastle University Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Carlos Ortez
- Neuromuscular Disorders Unit. Neurology department, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Alexandra Monceau
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Center, Newcastle University Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Marianela Schiava
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Center, Newcastle University Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Anna Codina
- Pathology department, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
| | - José Verdu-Díaz
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Center, Newcastle University Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - James Clark
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Center, Newcastle University Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Zoe Laidler
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Center, Newcastle University Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Priyanka Mehra
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Center, Newcastle University Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Rasya Gokul-Nath
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Center, Newcastle University Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jorge Alonso-Perez
- Neuromuscular Disease Unit. Neurology Department. Hospital Nuestra Señora de Candelaria, Fundación Canaria Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Canarias (FIISC), Tenerife, Spain
| | - Chiara Marini-Bettolo
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Center, Newcastle University Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Giorgio Tasca
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Center, Newcastle University Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Volker Straub
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Center, Newcastle University Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Michela Guglieri
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Center, Newcastle University Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Andrés Nascimento
- Neuromuscular Disorders Unit. Neurology department, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Jordi Diaz-Manera
- Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB SANT PAU), 08041, Barcelona, Spain.
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Center, Newcastle University Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK.
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3
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Gurevich M, Iocolano K, Martin IN, Singh G, Khan S, Bui DT, Dagum AB, Komatsu DE. Efficacy of leupeptin in treating ischemia in a rat hind limb model. Physiol Rep 2022; 10:e15411. [PMID: 35924300 PMCID: PMC9350425 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Prolonged tourniquet use can lead to tissue ischemia and can cause progressive muscle and nerve injuries. Such injuries are accompanied by calpain activation and subsequent Wallerian-like degeneration. Several known inhibitors, including leupeptin, are known to impede the activity of calpain and associated tissue damage. We hypothesize that employment of leupeptin in a rat model of prolonged hind limb ischemia can mitigate muscle and nerve injuries. Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 10) weighing between 300-400 g were employed in this study. Their left hind limbs were subjected to blood flow occlusion for a period of 2-h using a neonatal blood pressure cuff. Five rats were given twice weekly intramuscular leupeptin injections, while the other five received saline. After 2 weeks, the animals were euthanized, their sciatic nerves and gastrocnemius muscles were harvested, fixed, stained, and analyzed using NIH Image J software. The administration of leupeptin resulted in larger gastrocnemius muscle fiber cross-sectional areas for the right (non-tourniquet applied) hindlimb as compared to that treated with the saline (p = 0.0110). However, no statistically significant differences were found between these two groups for the injured left hindlimb (p = 0.1440). With regards to the sciatic nerve cross-sectional areas and sciatic functional index, no differences were detected between the leupeptin and control treated groups for both the healthy and injured hindlimbs. This research provides new insights on how to employ leupeptin to inhibit the degenerative effects of calpain and preserve tissues following ischemia resulting from orthopedic or plastic surgery procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Irene Nozal Martin
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of SurgeryStony Brook University HospitalStony BrookNew YorkUSA
| | - Gurtej Singh
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of SurgeryStony Brook University HospitalStony BrookNew YorkUSA
| | - Sami U. Khan
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of SurgeryStony Brook University HospitalStony BrookNew YorkUSA
| | - Duc T. Bui
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of SurgeryStony Brook University HospitalStony BrookNew YorkUSA
| | - Alexander B. Dagum
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of SurgeryStony Brook University HospitalStony BrookNew YorkUSA
| | - David E. Komatsu
- Department of Orthopaedics and RehabilitationStony Brook University HospitalNew YorkUSA
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Uchimura T, Sakurai H. Orai1-STIM1 Regulates Increased Ca 2+ Mobilization, Leading to Contractile Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Phenotypes in Patient-Derived Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9111589. [PMID: 34829817 PMCID: PMC8615222 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9111589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Ca2+ overload is one of the factors leading to Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) pathogenesis. However, the molecular targets of dystrophin deficiency-dependent Ca2+ overload and the correlation between Ca2+ overload and contractile DMD phenotypes in in vitro human models remain largely elusive. In this study, we utilized DMD patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to differentiate myotubes using doxycycline-inducible MyoD overexpression, and searched for a target molecule that mediates dystrophin deficiency-dependent Ca2+ overload using commercially available chemicals and siRNAs. We found that several store-operated Ca2+ channel (SOC) inhibitors effectively prevented Ca2+ overload and identified that STIM1–Orai1 is a molecular target of SOCs. These findings were further confirmed by demonstrating that STIM1–Orai1 inhibitors, CM4620, AnCoA4, and GSK797A, prevented Ca2+ overload in dystrophic myotubes. Finally, we evaluated CM4620, AnCoA4, and GSK7975A activities using a previously reported model recapitulating a muscle fatigue-like decline in contractile performance in DMD. All three chemicals ameliorated the decline in contractile performance, indicating that modulating STIM1–Orai1-mediated Ca2+ overload is effective in rescuing contractile phenotypes. In conclusion, SOCs are major contributors to dystrophin deficiency-dependent Ca2+ overload through STIM1–Orai1 as molecular mediators. Modulating STIM1–Orai1 activity was effective in ameliorating the decline in contractile performance in DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoya Uchimura
- Center for iPSC Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, 53 Shogoin-Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
- Takeda-CiRA Joint Program, Fujisawa 251-8555, Japan
- Correspondence: (T.U.); (H.S.)
| | - Hidetoshi Sakurai
- Center for iPSC Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, 53 Shogoin-Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
- Takeda-CiRA Joint Program, Fujisawa 251-8555, Japan
- Correspondence: (T.U.); (H.S.)
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Zabłocka B, Górecki DC, Zabłocki K. Disrupted Calcium Homeostasis in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Common Mechanism behind Diverse Consequences. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11040. [PMID: 34681707 PMCID: PMC8537421 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) leads to disability and death in young men. This disease is caused by mutations in the DMD gene encoding diverse isoforms of dystrophin. Loss of full-length dystrophins is both necessary and sufficient for causing degeneration and wasting of striated muscles, neuropsychological impairment, and bone deformities. Among this spectrum of defects, abnormalities of calcium homeostasis are the common dystrophic feature. Given the fundamental role of Ca2+ in all cells, this biochemical alteration might be underlying all the DMD abnormalities. However, its mechanism is not completely understood. While abnormally elevated resting cytosolic Ca2+ concentration is found in all dystrophic cells, the aberrant mechanisms leading to that outcome have cell-specific components. We probe the diverse aspects of calcium response in various affected tissues. In skeletal muscles, cardiomyocytes, and neurons, dystrophin appears to serve as a scaffold for proteins engaged in calcium homeostasis, while its interactions with actin cytoskeleton influence endoplasmic reticulum organisation and motility. However, in myoblasts, lymphocytes, endotheliocytes, and mesenchymal and myogenic cells, calcium abnormalities cannot be clearly attributed to the loss of interaction between dystrophin and the calcium toolbox proteins. Nevertheless, DMD gene mutations in these cells lead to significant defects and the calcium anomalies are a symptom of the early developmental phase of this pathology. As the impaired calcium homeostasis appears to underpin multiple DMD abnormalities, understanding this alteration may lead to the development of new therapies. In fact, it appears possible to mitigate the impact of the abnormal calcium homeostasis and the dystrophic phenotype in the total absence of dystrophin. This opens new treatment avenues for this incurable disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Zabłocka
- Molecular Biology Unit, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Dariusz C. Górecki
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, St Michael’s Building, White Swan Road, Portsmouth PO1 2DT, UK
- Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, 01-163 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Zabłocki
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
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6
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Rodriguez-Gonzalez M, Lubian-Gutierrez M, Cascales-Poyatos HM, Perez-Reviriego AA, Castellano-Martinez A. Role of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System in Dystrophin-Deficient Cardiomyopathy. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010356. [PMID: 33396334 PMCID: PMC7796305 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Dystrophin-deficient cardiomyopathy (DDC) is currently the leading cause of death in patients with dystrophinopathies. Targeting myocardial fibrosis (MF) has become a major therapeutic goal in order to prevent the occurrence of DDC. We aimed to review and summarize the current evidence about the role of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in the development and perpetuation of MF in DCC. We conducted a comprehensive search of peer-reviewed English literature on PubMed about this subject. We found increasing preclinical evidence from studies in animal models during the last 20 years pointing out a central role of RAAS in the development of MF in DDC. Local tissue RAAS acts directly mainly through its main fibrotic component angiotensin II (ANG2) and its transducer receptor (AT1R) and downstream TGF-b pathway. Additionally, it modulates the actions of most of the remaining pro-fibrotic factors involved in DDC. Despite limited clinical evidence, RAAS blockade constitutes the most studied, available and promising therapeutic strategy against MF and DDC. Conclusion: Based on the evidence reviewed, it would be recommendable to start RAAS blockade therapy through angiotensin converter enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) or AT1R blockers (ARBs) alone or in combination with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRa) at the youngest age after the diagnosis of dystrophinopathies, in order to delay the occurrence or slow the progression of MF, even before the detection of any cardiovascular alteration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moises Rodriguez-Gonzalez
- Pediatric Cardiology Division of Puerta del Mar University Hospital, University of Cadiz, 11009 Cadiz, Spain
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Institute of Cadiz (INiBICA), Research Unit, Puerta del Mar University Hospital, University of Cadiz, 11009 Cadiz, Spain;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-956002700
| | - Manuel Lubian-Gutierrez
- Pediatric Neurology Division of Puerta del Mar University Hospital, University of Cadiz, 11009 Cadiz, Spain;
- Pediatric Division of Doctor Cayetano Roldan Primary Care Center, 11100 San Fernando, Spain
| | | | | | - Ana Castellano-Martinez
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Institute of Cadiz (INiBICA), Research Unit, Puerta del Mar University Hospital, University of Cadiz, 11009 Cadiz, Spain;
- Pediatric Nephrology Division of Puerta del Mar University Hospital, University of Cadiz, 11009 Cadiz, Spain
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7
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Kubota S, Vandee A, Keawnakient P, Molee W, Yongsawatdikul J, Molee A. Effects of the MC4R, CAPN1, and ADSL genes on body weight and purine content in slow-growing chickens. Poult Sci 2019; 98:4327-4337. [DOI: 10.3382/ps/pez262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
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8
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Piga D, Salani S, Magri F, Brusa R, Mauri E, Comi GP, Bresolin N, Corti S. Human induced pluripotent stem cell models for the study and treatment of Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2019; 12:1756286419833478. [PMID: 31105767 PMCID: PMC6501480 DOI: 10.1177/1756286419833478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies are the most common muscle diseases and are both currently incurable. They are caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene, which lead to the absence or reduction/truncation of the encoded protein, with progressive muscle degeneration that clinically manifests in muscle weakness, cardiac and respiratory involvement and early death. The limits of animal models to exactly reproduce human muscle disease and to predict clinically relevant treatment effects has prompted the development of more accurate in vitro skeletal muscle models. However, the challenge of effectively obtaining mature skeletal muscle cells or satellite stem cells as primary cultures has hampered the development of in vitro models. Here, we discuss the recently developed technologies that enable the differentiation of skeletal muscle from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) of Duchenne and Becker patients. These systems recapitulate key disease features including inflammation and scarce regenerative myogenic capacity that are partially rescued by genetic and pharmacological therapies and can provide a useful platform to study and realize future therapeutic treatments. Implementation of this model also takes advantage of the developing genome editing field, which is a promising approach not only for correcting dystrophin, but also for modulating the underlying mechanisms of skeletal muscle development, regeneration and disease. These data prove the possibility of creating an accurate Duchenne and Becker in vitro model starting from iPSCs, to be used for pathogenetic studies and for drug screening to identify strategies capable of stopping or reversing muscular dystrophinopathies and other muscle diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Piga
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Sabrina Salani
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Magri
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Brusa
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Eleonora Mauri
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giacomo P. Comi
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Nereo Bresolin
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Corti
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122, Milan, Italy
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9
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Valladares D, Utreras-Mendoza Y, Campos C, Morales C, Diaz-Vegas A, Contreras-Ferrat A, Westermeier F, Jaimovich E, Marchi S, Pinton P, Lavandero S. IP 3 receptor blockade restores autophagy and mitochondrial function in skeletal muscle fibers of dystrophic mice. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2018; 1864:3685-3695. [PMID: 30251688 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2018.08.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2018] [Revised: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is characterized by a severe and progressive destruction of muscle fibers associated with altered Ca2+ homeostasis. We have previously shown that the IP3 receptor (IP3R) plays a role in elevating basal cytoplasmic Ca2+ and that pharmacological blockade of IP3R restores muscle function. Moreover, we have shown that the IP3R pathway negatively regulates autophagy by controlling mitochondrial Ca2+ levels. Nevertheless, it remains unclear whether IP3R is involved in abnormal mitochondrial Ca2+ levels, mitochondrial dynamics, or autophagy and mitophagy observed in adult DMD skeletal muscle. Here, we show that the elevated basal autophagy and autophagic flux levels were normalized when IP3R was downregulated in mdx fibers. Pharmacological blockade of IP3R in mdx fibers restored both increased mitochondrial Ca2+ levels and mitochondrial membrane potential under resting conditions. Interestingly, mdx mitochondria changed from a fission to an elongated state after IP3R knockdown, and the elevated mitophagy levels in mdx fibers were normalized. To our knowledge, this is the first study associating IP3R1 activity with changes in autophagy, mitochondrial Ca2+ levels, mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial dynamics, and mitophagy in adult mouse skeletal muscle. Moreover, these results suggest that increased IP3R activity in mdx fibers plays an important role in the pathophysiology of DMD. Overall, these results lead us to propose the use of specific IP3R blockers as a new pharmacological treatment for DMD, given their ability to restore both autophagy/mitophagy and mitochondrial function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denisse Valladares
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Facultad Ciencias Quimicas y Farmaceuticas & Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile; Center for Studies of Exercise, Metabolism and Cancer (CEMC), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile; Escuela de Kinesiologia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Finis Terrae, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Yildy Utreras-Mendoza
- Center for Studies of Exercise, Metabolism and Cancer (CEMC), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile
| | - Cristian Campos
- Center for Studies of Exercise, Metabolism and Cancer (CEMC), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile
| | - Camilo Morales
- Center for Studies of Exercise, Metabolism and Cancer (CEMC), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile
| | - Alexis Diaz-Vegas
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Facultad Ciencias Quimicas y Farmaceuticas & Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile; Center for Studies of Exercise, Metabolism and Cancer (CEMC), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile
| | - Ariel Contreras-Ferrat
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Facultad Ciencias Quimicas y Farmaceuticas & Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile
| | - Francisco Westermeier
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Facultad Ciencias Quimicas y Farmaceuticas & Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile
| | - Enrique Jaimovich
- Center for Studies of Exercise, Metabolism and Cancer (CEMC), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile; Programa de Fisiología y Biofísica, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Chile
| | - Saverio Marchi
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paolo Pinton
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sergio Lavandero
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Facultad Ciencias Quimicas y Farmaceuticas & Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile; Center for Studies of Exercise, Metabolism and Cancer (CEMC), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile; Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
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10
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Controlled cortical impact-induced neurodegeneration decreases after administration of the novel calpain-inhibitor Gabadur. Brain Res Bull 2018; 142:368-373. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2018.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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11
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The effects of Capn1 gene inactivation on the differential expression of genes in skeletal muscle. Gene 2018; 668:54-58. [PMID: 29775750 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2018.05.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Revised: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Protein turnover is required for muscle growth and regeneration and several proteolytic enzymes, including the calpains, degrade myofibrillar proteins during this process. In a previous experiment, phenotypic differences were observed between μ-calpain knockout (KO) and wild type (WT) mice, including nutrient accretion and fiber type differences. These changes were particularly evident as the animals aged. Thus, we utilized 18 mice (9 KO and 9 WT) to compare transcript abundance to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) at 52 wk of age. A total of 55 genes were differentially expressed, including adiponectin, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1, uncoupling protein 1, and lysine deficient protein kinase 2. These genes were analyzed for over- and underrepresented gene ontology (GO) terms. Several GO terms, including response to cytokine, response to interferon-beta, regulation of protein phosphorylation, and hydrolase activity, were identified as overrepresented. Pathways related to taurine biosynthesis, nitric oxide synthase signaling, amyloid processing, and L-cysteine degradation were also identified. Our results are consistent with previous experiments, in that identified DEGs may explain, at least in part, some of the phenotypic differences between μ-calpain KO and WT mice. Clearly muscle growth and maintenance are complex, multifaceted processes. Genes affected by the silencing of the μ-calpain gene have been identified, but the relationship between μ-calpain and these pathways requires further investigation.
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12
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Takagi R, Ogasawara R, Takegaki J, Tamura Y, Tsutaki A, Nakazato K, Ishii N. Past injurious exercise attenuates activation of primary calcium-dependent injury pathways in skeletal muscle during subsequent exercise. Physiol Rep 2018; 6:e13660. [PMID: 29595913 PMCID: PMC5875535 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.13660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Past contraction‐induced skeletal muscle injury reduces the degree of subsequent injury; this phenomenon is called the “repeated bout effect (RBE).” This study addresses the mechanisms underlying the RBE, focusing on primary calcium‐dependent injury pathways. Wistar rats were subdivided into single injury (SI) and repeated injury (RI) groups. At age 10 weeks, the right gastrocnemius muscle in each rat in the RI group was subjected to strenuous eccentric contractions (ECs). Subsequently, mild ECs were imposed on the same muscle of each rat at 14 weeks of age in both groups. One day after the exercise, the RI group showed a lower strength deficit than did the SI group, and neither group manifested any increase in membrane permeability. The concentration of protein carbonyls and activation of total calpain increased after ECs given at the age of 14 weeks. Nonetheless, these increases were lower in the RI group than in the SI group. Furthermore, calcium‐dependent autolysis of calpain‐1 and calpain‐3 in the RI group was diminished as compared with that in the SI group. Although peak ankle joint torque and total force generation during ECs at the age of 14 weeks were similar between the two groups, phosphorylation of JNK (Thr183/Tyr185), an indicator of mechanical stress applied to a muscle, was lower in the RI group than in the SI group. These findings suggest that activation of the primary calcium‐dependent injury pathways is attenuated by past injurious exercise, and mechanical stress applied to muscle fibers during ECs may decrease in the RBE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Takagi
- Graduate School of Health and Sport Science, Nippon Sport Science University, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Riki Ogasawara
- Department of Life Science and Applied Chemistry, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Aichi, Japan
| | - Junya Takegaki
- Department of Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuki Tamura
- Graduate School of Health and Sport Science, Nippon Sport Science University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Arata Tsutaki
- Graduate School of Health and Sport Science, Nippon Sport Science University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koichi Nakazato
- Graduate School of Health and Sport Science, Nippon Sport Science University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naokata Ishii
- Department of Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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13
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Ismail HM, Dorchies OM, Scapozza L. The potential and benefits of repurposing existing drugs to treat rare muscular dystrophies. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2018.1452733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hesham M. Ismail
- Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, University of Lausanne, CMU, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Olivier M. Dorchies
- Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, University of Lausanne, CMU, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Leonardo Scapozza
- Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, University of Lausanne, CMU, Geneva, Switzerland
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14
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Guiraud S, Roblin D, Kay DE. The potential of utrophin modulators for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2018.1438261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Guiraud
- Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Davies. E. Kay
- Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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15
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Michelucci A, Paolini C, Boncompagni S, Canato M, Reggiani C, Protasi F. Strenuous exercise triggers a life-threatening response in mice susceptible to malignant hyperthermia. FASEB J 2017; 31:3649-3662. [PMID: 28465322 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201601292r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 04/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
In humans, hyperthermic episodes can be triggered by halogenated anesthetics [malignant hyperthermia (MH) susceptibility] and by high temperature [environmental heat stroke (HS)]. Correlation between MH susceptibility and HS is supported by extensive work in mouse models that carry a mutation in ryanodine receptor type-1 (RYR1Y522S/WT) and calsequestrin-1 knockout (CASQ1-null), 2 proteins that control Ca2+ release in skeletal muscle. As overheating episodes in humans have also been described during exertion, here we subjected RYR1Y522S/WT and CASQ1-null mice to an exertional-stress protocol (incremental running on a treadmill at 34°C and 40% humidity). The mortality rate was 80 and 78.6% in RYR1Y522S/WT and CASQ1-null mice, respectively, vs. 0% in wild-type mice. Lethal crises were characterized by hyperthermia and rhabdomyolysis, classic features of MH episodes. Of importance, pretreatment with azumolene, an analog of the drug used in humans to treat MH crises, reduced mortality to 0 and 12.5% in RYR1Y522S/WT and CASQ1-null mice, respectively, thanks to a striking reduction of hyperthermia and rhabdomyolysis. At the molecular level, azumolene strongly prevented Ca2+-dependent activation of calpains and NF-κB by lowering myoplasmic Ca2+ concentration and nitro-oxidative stress, parameters that were elevated in RYR1Y522S/WT and CASQ1-null mice. These results suggest that common molecular mechanisms underlie MH crises and exertional HS in mice.-Michelucci, A., Paolini, C., Boncompagni, S., Canato, M., Reggiani, C., Protasi, F. Strenuous exercise triggers a life-threatening response in mice susceptible to malignant hyperthermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Michelucci
- Center for Research on Ageing and Translational Medicine (CeSI-MeT), Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences (DNICS), Università degli Studi G. d'Annunzio, Chieti, Italy
| | - Cecilia Paolini
- Center for Research on Ageing and Translational Medicine (CeSI-MeT), Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences (DNICS), Università degli Studi G. d'Annunzio, Chieti, Italy
| | - Simona Boncompagni
- Center for Research on Ageing and Translational Medicine (CeSI-MeT), Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences (DNICS), Università degli Studi G. d'Annunzio, Chieti, Italy
| | - Marta Canato
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Carlo Reggiani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Feliciano Protasi
- Center for Research on Ageing and Translational Medicine (CeSI-MeT), Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences (DNICS), Università degli Studi G. d'Annunzio, Chieti, Italy; .,Department of Medicine and Aging Science, University G. d' Annunzio of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
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16
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Ono Y, Saido TC, Sorimachi H. Calpain research for drug discovery: challenges and potential. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2016; 15:854-876. [PMID: 27833121 DOI: 10.1038/nrd.2016.212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 191] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Calpains are a family of proteases that were scientifically recognized earlier than proteasomes and caspases, but remain enigmatic. However, they are known to participate in a multitude of physiological and pathological processes, performing 'limited proteolysis' whereby they do not destroy but rather modulate the functions of their substrates. Calpains are therefore referred to as 'modulator proteases'. Multidisciplinary research on calpains has begun to elucidate their involvement in pathophysiological mechanisms. Therapeutic strategies targeting malfunctions of calpains have been developed, driven primarily by improvements in the specificity and bioavailability of calpain inhibitors. Here, we review the calpain superfamily and calpain-related disorders, and discuss emerging calpain-targeted therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuko Ono
- Calpain Project, Department of Advanced Science for Biomolecules, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science (IGAKUKEN), 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
| | - Takaomi C Saido
- Laboratory for Proteolytic Neuroscience, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Sorimachi
- Calpain Project, Department of Advanced Science for Biomolecules, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science (IGAKUKEN), 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
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17
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HUANG J, ZHU X. The Molecular Mechanisms of Calpains Action on Skeletal Muscle Atrophy. Physiol Res 2016; 65:547-560. [DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.933087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle atrophy is associated with a loss of muscle protein which may result from both increased proteolysis and decreased protein synthesis. Investigations on cell signaling pathways that regulate muscle atrophy have promoted our understanding of this complicated process. Emerging evidence implicates that calpains play key roles in dysregulation of proteolysis seen in muscle atrophy. Moreover, studies have also shown that abnormally activated calpain results muscle atrophy via its downstream effects on ubiquitin-proteasome pathway (UPP) and Akt phosphorylation. This review will discuss the role of calpains in regulation of skeletal muscle atrophy mainly focusing on its collaboration with either UPP or Akt in atrophy conditions in hope to stimulate the interest in development of novel therapeutic interventions for skeletal muscle atrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - X. ZHU
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, YangPu Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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18
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Allen DG, Whitehead NP, Froehner SC. Absence of Dystrophin Disrupts Skeletal Muscle Signaling: Roles of Ca2+, Reactive Oxygen Species, and Nitric Oxide in the Development of Muscular Dystrophy. Physiol Rev 2016; 96:253-305. [PMID: 26676145 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00007.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 272] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Dystrophin is a long rod-shaped protein that connects the subsarcolemmal cytoskeleton to a complex of proteins in the surface membrane (dystrophin protein complex, DPC), with further connections via laminin to other extracellular matrix proteins. Initially considered a structural complex that protected the sarcolemma from mechanical damage, the DPC is now known to serve as a scaffold for numerous signaling proteins. Absence or reduced expression of dystrophin or many of the DPC components cause the muscular dystrophies, a group of inherited diseases in which repeated bouts of muscle damage lead to atrophy and fibrosis, and eventually muscle degeneration. The normal function of dystrophin is poorly defined. In its absence a complex series of changes occur with multiple muscle proteins showing reduced or increased expression or being modified in various ways. In this review, we will consider the various proteins whose expression and function is changed in muscular dystrophies, focusing on Ca(2+)-permeable channels, nitric oxide synthase, NADPH oxidase, and caveolins. Excessive Ca(2+) entry, increased membrane permeability, disordered caveolar function, and increased levels of reactive oxygen species are early changes in the disease, and the hypotheses for these phenomena will be critically considered. The aim of the review is to define the early damage pathways in muscular dystrophy which might be appropriate targets for therapy designed to minimize the muscle degeneration and slow the progression of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- David G Allen
- Sydney Medical School & Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; and Department of Physiology & Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Nicholas P Whitehead
- Sydney Medical School & Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; and Department of Physiology & Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Stanley C Froehner
- Sydney Medical School & Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; and Department of Physiology & Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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19
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Early pathogenesis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy modelled in patient-derived human induced pluripotent stem cells. Sci Rep 2015; 5:12831. [PMID: 26290039 PMCID: PMC4642533 DOI: 10.1038/srep12831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2014] [Accepted: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive and fatal muscle degenerating disease caused by a dystrophin deficiency. Effective suppression of the primary pathology observed in DMD is critical for treatment. Patient-derived human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are a promising tool for drug discovery. Here, we report an in vitro evaluation system for a DMD therapy using hiPSCs that recapitulate the primary pathology and can be used for DMD drug screening. Skeletal myotubes generated from hiPSCs are intact, which allows them to be used to model the initial pathology of DMD in vitro. Induced control and DMD myotubes were morphologically and physiologically comparable. However, electric stimulation of these myotubes for in vitro contraction caused pronounced calcium ion (Ca2+) influx only in DMD myocytes. Restoration of dystrophin by the exon-skipping technique suppressed this Ca2+ overflow and reduced the secretion of creatine kinase (CK) in DMD myotubes. These results suggest that the early pathogenesis of DMD can be effectively modelled in skeletal myotubes induced from patient-derived iPSCs, thereby enabling the development and evaluation of novel drugs.
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20
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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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21
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Mázala DAG, Grange RW, Chin ER. The role of proteases in excitation-contraction coupling failure in muscular dystrophy. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2014; 308:C33-40. [PMID: 25298424 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00267.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is one of the most frequent types of muscular dystrophy. Alterations in intracellular calcium (Ca(2+)) handling are thought to contribute to the disease severity in DMD, possibly due to the activation of Ca(2+)-activated proteases. The purpose of this study was twofold: 1) to determine whether prolonged excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling disruption following repeated contractions is greater in animals lacking both dystrophin and utrophin (mdx/Utr(-/-)) compared with mice lacking only dystrophin (mdx); and 2) to assess whether protease inhibition can prevent E-C coupling failure following repeated tetani in these dystrophic mouse models. Excitation-contraction coupling was assessed using Fura-2 ratio, as an index of intracellular free Ca(2+) concentration, in response to electrical stimulation of single muscle fibers from the flexor digitorum brevis muscle. Resting Fura-2 ratio was higher in dystrophic compared with control (Con) fibers, but peak Fura-2 ratios during stimulation were similar in dystrophic and Con fibers. One hour after a series of repeated tetani, peak Fura-2 ratios were reduced by 30 ± 5.6%, 23 ± 2%, and 36 ± 3.1% in mdx, mdx/Utr(+/-), and mdx/Utr(-/-), respectively, with the greatest reduction in mdx/Utr(-/-) fibers (P < 0.05). Protease inhibition attenuated this decrease in peak Fura-2 ratio. These data indicate that E-C coupling impairment after repeated contractions is greatest in fibers lacking both dystrophin and utrophin and that prevention of protease activation can mitigate the prolonged E-C coupling impairment. These data further suggest that acute protease inhibition may be useful in reducing muscle weakness in DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davi A G Mázala
- Department of Kinesiology, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland; and
| | - Robert W Grange
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Eva R Chin
- Department of Kinesiology, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland; and
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22
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De Tullio R, Averna M, Pedrazzi M, Sparatore B, Salamino F, Pontremoli S, Melloni E. Differential regulation of the calpain-calpastatin complex by the L-domain of calpastatin. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2014; 1843:2583-91. [PMID: 25026177 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2014.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2014] [Revised: 07/03/2014] [Accepted: 07/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Here we demonstrate that the presence of the L-domain in calpastatins induces biphasic interaction with calpain. Competition experiments revealed that the L-domain is involved in positioning the first inhibitory unit in close and correct proximity to the calpain active site cleft, both in the closed and in the open conformation. At high concentrations of calpastatin, the multiple EF-hand structures in domains IV and VI of calpain can bind calpastatin, maintaining the active site accessible to substrate. Based on these observations, we hypothesize that two distinct calpain-calpastatin complexes may occur in which calpain can be either fully inhibited (I) or fully active (II). In complex II the accessible calpain active site can be occupied by an additional calpastatin molecule, now a cleavable substrate. The consequent proteolysis promotes the accumulation of calpastatin free inhibitory units which are able of improving the capacity of the cell to inhibit calpain. This process operates under conditions of prolonged [Ca(2+)] alteration, as seen for instance in Familial Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (FALS) in which calpastatin levels are increased. Our findings show that the L-domain of calpastatin plays a crucial role in determining the formation of complexes with calpain in which calpain can be either inhibited or still active. Moreover, the presence of multiple inhibitory domains in native full-length calpastatin molecules provides a reservoir of potential inhibitory units to be used to counteract aberrant calpain activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta De Tullio
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), Biochemistry Section, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 1-16132 Genova, Italy; Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 7-16132 Genova, Italy.
| | - Monica Averna
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), Biochemistry Section, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 1-16132 Genova, Italy; Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 7-16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Marco Pedrazzi
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), Biochemistry Section, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 1-16132 Genova, Italy; Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 7-16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Bianca Sparatore
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), Biochemistry Section, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 1-16132 Genova, Italy; Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 7-16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Franca Salamino
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), Biochemistry Section, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 1-16132 Genova, Italy; Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 7-16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Sandro Pontremoli
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), Biochemistry Section, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 1-16132 Genova, Italy; Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 7-16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Edon Melloni
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), Biochemistry Section, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 1-16132 Genova, Italy; Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 7-16132 Genova, Italy
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23
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Goonasekera SA, Davis J, Kwong JQ, Accornero F, Wei-LaPierre L, Sargent MA, Dirksen RT, Molkentin JD. Enhanced Ca²⁺ influx from STIM1-Orai1 induces muscle pathology in mouse models of muscular dystrophy. Hum Mol Genet 2014; 23:3706-15. [PMID: 24556214 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddu079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Muscular dystrophy is a progressive muscle wasting disease that is thought to be initiated by unregulated Ca(2+) influx into myofibers leading to their death. Store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE) through sarcolemmal Ca(2+) selective Orai1 channels in complex with STIM1 in the sarcoplasmic reticulum is one such potential disease mechanism for pathologic Ca(2+) entry. Here, we generated a mouse model of STIM1 overexpression in skeletal muscle to determine whether this type of Ca(2+) entry could induce muscular dystrophy. Myofibers from muscle-specific STIM1 transgenic mice showed a significant increase in SOCE in skeletal muscle, modeling an observed increase in the same current in dystrophic myofibers. Histological and biochemical analysis of STIM1 transgenic mice showed fulminant muscle disease characterized by myofiber necrosis, swollen mitochondria, infiltration of inflammatory cells, enhanced interstitial fibrosis and elevated serum creatine kinase levels. This dystrophic-like disease in STIM1 transgenic mice was abrogated by crossing in a transgene expressing a dominant-negative Orai1 (dnOrai1) mutant. The dnOrai1 transgene also significantly reduced the severity of muscular dystrophy in both mdx (dystrophin mutant mice) and δ-sarcoglycan-deficient (Sgcd(-/-)) mouse models of disease. Hence, Ca(2+) influx across an unstable sarcolemma due to increased activity of a STIM1-Orai1 complex is a disease determinant in muscular dystrophy, and hence, SOCE represents a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Lan Wei-LaPierre
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | | | - Robert T Dirksen
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Jeffery D Molkentin
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA and
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24
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Hollinger K, Selsby JT. The physiological response of protease inhibition in dystrophic muscle. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2013; 208:234-44. [PMID: 23648220 DOI: 10.1111/apha.12114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2013] [Revised: 03/25/2013] [Accepted: 04/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is caused by the production of a non-functional dystrophin gene product and a failure to accumulate functional dystrophin protein in muscle cells. This leads to membrane instability, loss of Ca(2+) homoeostasis and widespread cellular injury. Associated with these changes are increased protease activities in a variety of proteolytic systems. As such, there have been numerous investigations directed towards determining the therapeutic potential of protease inhibition. In this review, evidence from genetic and/or pharmacological inhibition of proteases as a treatment strategy for DMD is systematically evaluated. Specifically, we review the potential roles of calpain, proteasome, caspase, matrix metalloproteinase and serine protease inhibition as therapeutic approaches for DMD. We conclude that despite early results to the contrary, inhibition of calpain proteases is unlikely to be successful. Conversely, evidence suggests that inhibition of proteasome, matrix metalloproteinases and serine proteases does appear to decrease disease severity. An important caveat to these conclusions, however, is that the fundamental cause of DMD, dystrophin deficiency, is not corrected by this strategy. Hence, this should not be viewed as a cure, but rather, protease inhibitors should be considered for inclusion in a therapeutic cocktail. Physiological Relevance. Selective modulation of protease activity has the potential to profoundly change intracellular physiology resulting in a possible treatment for DMD. However, alteration of protease activities could also lead to worsening of disease progression by promoting the accumulation of substrates in the cell. The balance of benefit and potential damage caused by protease inhibition in human DMD patients is largely unexplored.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. Hollinger
- Department of Animal Science; Iowa State University; Ames; IA; USA
| | - J. T. Selsby
- Department of Animal Science; Iowa State University; Ames; IA; USA
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Kemp CM, Oliver WT, Wheeler TL, Chishti AH, Koohmaraie M. The effects of Capn1 gene inactivation on skeletal muscle growth, development, and atrophy, and the compensatory role of other proteolytic systems. J Anim Sci 2013; 91:3155-67. [PMID: 23798514 PMCID: PMC3962768 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2012-5737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Myofibrillar protein turnover is a key component of muscle growth and degeneration, requiring proteolytic enzymes to degrade the skeletal muscle proteins. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of the calpain proteolytic system in muscle growth development using μ-calpain knockout (KO) mice in comparison with control wild-type (WT) mice, and evaluate the subsequent effects of silencing this gene on other proteolytic systems. No differences in muscle development between genotypes were observed during the early stages of growth due to the up regulation of other proteolytic systems. The KO mice showed significantly greater m-calpain protein abundance (P < 0.01) and activity (P < 0.001), and greater caspase 3/7 activity (P < 0.05). At 30 wk of age, KO mice showed increased protein:DNA (P < 0.05) and RNA:DNA ratios (P < 0.01), greater protein content (P < 0.01) at the expense of lipid deposition (P < 0.05), and an increase in size and number of fast-twitch glycolytic muscle fibers (P < 0.05), suggesting that KO mice exhibit an increased capacity to accumulate and maintain protein in their skeletal muscle. Also, expression of proteins associated with muscle regeneration (neural cell adhesion molecule and myoD) were both reduced in the mature KO mice (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively), indicating less muscle regeneration and, therefore, less muscle damage. These findings indicate the concerted action of proteolytic systems to ensure muscle protein homeostasis in vivo. Furthermore, these data contribute to the existing evidence of the importance of the calpain system's involvement in muscle growth, development, and atrophy. Collectively, these data suggest that there are opportunities to target the calpain system to promote the growth and/or restoration of skeletal muscle mass.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. M. Kemp
- USDA, ARS, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE 68933
| | - W. T. Oliver
- USDA, ARS, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE 68933
| | - T. L. Wheeler
- USDA, ARS, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE 68933
| | - A. H. Chishti
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Pharmacology, Tufts University, School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111
| | - M. Koohmaraie
- IEH Laboratories & Consulting Group, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155; and College of Food and Agriculture, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Abstract
There is substantial evidence indicating that disruption of Ca2+ homeostasis and activation of cytosolic proteases play a key role in the pathogenesis and progression of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). However, the exact nature of the Ca2+ deregulation and the Ca2+ signaling pathways that are altered in dystrophic muscles have not yet been resolved. Here we examined the contribution of the store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) for the pathogenesis of DMD. RT-PCR and Western blot found that the expression level of Orai1, the pore-forming unit of SOCE, was significantly elevated in the dystrophic muscles, while parallel increases in SOCE activity and SR Ca2+ storage were detected in adult mdx muscles using Fura-2 fluorescence measurements. High-efficient shRNA probes against Orai1 were delivered into the flexor digitorum brevis muscle in live mice and knockdown of Orai1 eliminated the differences in SOCE activity and SR Ca2+ storage between the mdx and wild type muscle fibers. SOCE activity was repressed by intraperitoneal injection of BTP-2, an Orai1 inhibitor, and cytosolic calpain1 activity in single muscle fibers was measured by a membrane-permeable calpain substrate. We found that BTP-2 injection for 2 weeks significantly reduced the cytosolic calpain1 activity in mdx muscle fibers. Additionally, ultrastructural changes were observed by EM as an increase in the number of triad junctions was identified in dystrophic muscles. Compensatory changes in protein levels of SERCA1, TRP and NCX3 appeared in the mdx muscles, suggesting that comprehensive adaptations occur following altered Ca2+ homeostasis in mdx muscles. Our data indicates that upregulation of the Orai1-mediated SOCE pathway and an overloaded SR Ca2+ store contributes to the disrupted Ca2+ homeostasis in mdx muscles and is linked to elevated proteolytic activity, suggesting that targeting Orai1 activity may be a promising therapeutic approach for the prevention and treatment of muscular dystrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Zhao
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
- Division of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- * E-mail: (XZ); (NW)
| | - Joseph G. Moloughney
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Sai Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Shinji Komazaki
- Department of Anatomy, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Noah Weisleder
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- * E-mail: (XZ); (NW)
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Contribution of oxidative stress to pathology in diaphragm and limb muscles with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. J Muscle Res Cell Motil 2012; 34:1-13. [DOI: 10.1007/s10974-012-9330-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2012] [Accepted: 10/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Selsby J, Morris C, Morris L, Sweeney L. A proteasome inhibitor fails to attenuate dystrophic pathology in mdx mice. PLOS CURRENTS 2012; 4:e4f84a944d8930. [PMID: 22866241 PMCID: PMC3392143 DOI: 10.1371/4f84a944d8930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Dystrophin deficiency leads to increased proteasome activity in skeletal muscle. Previous observations suggest short-term inhibition of the proteasome restores dystrophin expression. Contrary to our hypothesis, eight days of MG-132 administration to mdx mice increased susceptibility to contraction induced injury and Evan’s blue dye penetration compared to controls. Following six weeks of MG-132 administration muscle function was similar to control animals. These data suggest that proteasome inhibition does not reduce the severity of muscle dysfunction caused by dystrophin-deficiency.
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Abstract
Calpains, a family of Ca(2+)-dependent cytosolic cysteine proteases, can modulate their substrates' structure and function through limited proteolytic activity. In the human genome, there are 15 calpain genes. The most-studied calpains, referred to as conventional calpains, are ubiquitous. While genetic studies in mice have improved our understanding about the conventional calpains' physiological functions, especially those essential for mammalian life as in embryogenesis, many reports have pointed to overactivated conventional calpains as an exacerbating factor in pathophysiological conditions such as cardiovascular diseases and muscular dystrophies. For treatment of these diseases, calpain inhibitors have always been considered as drug targets. Recent studies have introduced another aspect of calpains that calpain activity is required to protect the heart and skeletal muscle against stress. This review summarizes the functions and regulation of calpains, focusing on the relevance of calpains to cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Sorimachi
- Calpain Project, Department of Advanced Science for Biomolecules, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan.
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Childers MK, Bogan JR, Bogan DJ, Greiner H, Holder M, Grange RW, Kornegay JN. Chronic administration of a leupeptin-derived calpain inhibitor fails to ameliorate severe muscle pathology in a canine model of duchenne muscular dystrophy. Front Pharmacol 2012; 2:89. [PMID: 22291646 PMCID: PMC3253583 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2011.00089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2011] [Accepted: 12/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Calpains likely play a role in the pathogenesis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Accordingly, calpain inhibition may provide therapeutic benefit to DMD patients. In the present study, we sought to measure benefit from administration of a novel calpain inhibitor, C101, in a canine muscular dystrophy model. Specifically, we tested the hypothesis that treatment with C101 mitigates progressive weakness and severe muscle pathology observed in young dogs with golden retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD). Young (6-week-old) GRMD dogs were treated daily with either C101 (17 mg/kg twice daily oral dose, n = 9) or placebo (vehicle only, n = 7) for 8 weeks. A battery of functional tests, including tibiotarsal joint angle, muscle/fat composition, and pelvic limb muscle strength were performed at baseline and every 2 weeks during the 8-week study. Results indicate that C101-treated GRMD dogs maintained strength in their cranial pelvic limb muscles (tibiotarsal flexors) while placebo-treated dogs progressively lost strength. However, concomitant improvement was not observed in posterior pelvic limb muscles (tibiotarsal extensors). C101 treatment did not mitigate force drop following repeated eccentric contractions and no improvement was seen in the development of joint contractures, lean muscle mass, or muscle histopathology. Taken together, these data do not support the hypothesis that treatment with C101 mitigates progressive weakness or ameliorates severe muscle pathology observed in young dogs with GRMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin K Childers
- Department of Neurology, Wake Forest University Health Sciences Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
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Kornegay JN, Bogan JR, Bogan DJ, Childers MK, Li J, Nghiem P, Detwiler DA, Larsen CA, Grange RW, Bhavaraju-Sanka RK, Tou S, Keene BP, Howard JF, Wang J, Fan Z, Schatzberg SJ, Styner MA, Flanigan KM, Xiao X, Hoffman EP. Canine models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and their use in therapeutic strategies. Mamm Genome 2012; 23:85-108. [PMID: 22218699 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-011-9382-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2011] [Accepted: 11/29/2011] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive disorder in which the loss of dystrophin causes progressive degeneration of skeletal and cardiac muscle. Potential therapies that carry substantial risk, such as gene- and cell-based approaches, must first be tested in animal models, notably the mdx mouse and several dystrophin-deficient breeds of dogs, including golden retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD). Affected dogs have a more severe phenotype, in keeping with that of DMD, so may better predict disease pathogenesis and treatment efficacy. Various phenotypic tests have been developed to characterize disease progression in the GRMD model. These biomarkers range from measures of strength and joint contractures to magnetic resonance imaging. Some of these tests are routinely used in clinical veterinary practice, while others require specialized equipment and expertise. By comparing serial measurements from treated and untreated groups, one can document improvement or delayed progression of disease. Potential treatments for DMD may be broadly categorized as molecular, cellular, or pharmacologic. The GRMD model has increasingly been used to assess efficacy of a range of these therapies. A number of these studies have provided largely general proof-of-concept for the treatment under study. Others have demonstrated efficacy using the biomarkers discussed. Importantly, just as symptoms in DMD vary among patients, GRMD dogs display remarkable phenotypic variation. Though confounding statistical analysis in preclinical trials, this variation offers insight regarding the role that modifier genes play in disease pathogenesis. By correlating functional and mRNA profiling results, gene targets for therapy development can be identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe N Kornegay
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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The dystrophin-glycoprotein complex in the prevention of muscle damage. J Biomed Biotechnol 2011; 2011:210797. [PMID: 22007139 PMCID: PMC3189583 DOI: 10.1155/2011/210797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2011] [Accepted: 07/03/2011] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Muscular dystrophies are genetically diverse but share common phenotypic features of muscle weakness, degeneration, and progressive decline in muscle function. Previous work has focused on understanding how disruptions in the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex result in muscular dystrophy, supporting a hypothesis that the muscle sarcolemma is fragile and susceptible to contraction-induced injury in multiple forms of dystrophy. Although benign in healthy muscle, contractions in dystrophic muscle may contribute to a higher degree of muscle damage which eventually overwhelms muscle regeneration capacity. While increased susceptibility of muscle to mechanical injury is thought to be an important contributor to disease pathology, it is becoming clear that not all DGC-associated diseases share this supposed hallmark feature. This paper outlines experimental support for a function of the DGC in preventing muscle damage and examines the evidence that supports novel functions for this complex in muscle that when impaired, may contribute to the pathogenesis of muscular dystrophy.
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Ono Y, Sorimachi H. Calpains: an elaborate proteolytic system. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2011; 1824:224-36. [PMID: 21864727 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2011.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 246] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2011] [Revised: 08/03/2011] [Accepted: 08/05/2011] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Calpain is an intracellular Ca(2+)-dependent cysteine protease (EC 3.4.22.17; Clan CA, family C02). Recent expansion of sequence data across the species definitively shows that calpain has been present throughout evolution; calpains are found in almost all eukaryotes and some bacteria, but not in archaebacteria. Fifteen genes within the human genome encode a calpain-like protease domain. Interestingly, some human calpains, particularly those with non-classical domain structures, are very similar to calpain homologs identified in evolutionarily distant organisms. Three-dimensional structural analyses have helped to identify calpain's unique mechanism of activation; the calpain protease domain comprises two core domains that fuse to form a functional protease only when bound to Ca(2+)via well-conserved amino acids. This finding highlights the mechanistic characteristics shared by the numerous calpain homologs, despite the fact that they have divergent domain structures. In other words, calpains function through the same mechanism but are regulated independently. This article reviews the recent progress in calpain research, focusing on those studies that have helped to elucidate its mechanism of action. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Proteolysis 50 years after the discovery of lysosome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuko Ono
- Calpain Project, Department of Advanced Science for Biomolecules, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of medical Science, Tokyo, Japan.
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34
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Wadosky KM, Li L, Rodríguez JE, Min JN, Bogan D, Gonzalez J, Patterson C, Kornegay JN, Willis M. Regulation of the calpain and ubiquitin-proteasome systems in a canine model of muscular dystrophy. Muscle Nerve 2011; 44:553-62. [PMID: 21826685 DOI: 10.1002/mus.22125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/28/2011] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Previous studies have tested the hypothesis that calpain and/or proteasome inhibition is beneficial in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, based largely on evidence that calpain and proteasome activities are enhanced in the mdx mouse. METHODS mRNA expression of ubiquitin-proteasome and calpain system components were determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction in skeletal muscle and heart in the golden retriever muscular dystrophy model. Similarly, calpain 1 and 2 and proteasome activities were determined using fluorometric activity assays. RESULTS We found that less than half of the muscles tested had increases in proteasome activity, and only half had increased calpain activity. In addition, transcriptional regulation of the ubiquitin-proteasome system was most pronounced in the heart, where numerous components were significantly decreased. CONCLUSION This study illustrates the diversity of expression and activities of the ubiquitin-proteasome and calpain systems, which may lead to unexpected consequences in response to pharmacological inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine M Wadosky
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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35
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Sorimachi H, Hata S, Ono Y. Calpain chronicle--an enzyme family under multidisciplinary characterization. PROCEEDINGS OF THE JAPAN ACADEMY. SERIES B, PHYSICAL AND BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES 2011; 87:287-327. [PMID: 21670566 PMCID: PMC3153876 DOI: 10.2183/pjab.87.287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2011] [Accepted: 03/04/2011] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Calpain is an intracellular Ca2+-dependent cysteine protease (EC 3.4.22.17; Clan CA, family C02) discovered in 1964. It was also called CANP (Ca2+-activated neutral protease) as well as CASF, CDP, KAF, etc. until 1990. Calpains are found in almost all eukaryotes and a few bacteria, but not in archaebacteria. Calpains have a limited proteolytic activity, and function to transform or modulate their substrates' structures and activities; they are therefore called, "modulator proteases." In the human genome, 15 genes--CAPN1, CAPN2, etc.--encode a calpain-like protease domain. Their products are calpain homologs with divergent structures and various combinations of functional domains, including Ca2+-binding and microtubule-interaction domains. Genetic studies have linked calpain deficiencies to a variety of defects in many different organisms, including lethality, muscular dystrophies, gastropathy, and diabetes. This review of the study of calpains focuses especially on recent findings about their structure-function relationships. These discoveries have been greatly aided by the development of 3D structural studies and genetic models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Sorimachi
- Calpain Project, Department of Advanced Science for Biomolecules, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan.
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36
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Selsby J, Pendrak K, Zadel M, Tian Z, Pham J, Carver T, Acosta P, Barton E, Sweeney HL. Leupeptin-based inhibitors do not improve the mdx phenotype. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2010; 299:R1192-201. [PMID: 20844259 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00586.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Calpain activation has been implicated in the disease pathology of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Inhibition of calpain has been proposed as a promising therapeutic target, which could lessen the protein degradation and prevent progressive fibrosis. At the same time, there are conflicting reports as to whether elevation of calpastatin, an endogenous calpain inhibitor, alters pathology. We compared the effects of pharmacological calpain inhibition in the mdx mouse using leupeptin and a proprietary compound (C101) that linked the inhibitory portion of leupeptin to carnitine (to increase uptake into muscle). Administration of C101 for 4 wk did not improve muscle histology, function, or serum creatine kinase levels in mdx mice. Mdx mice injected daily with leupeptin (36 mg/kg) for 6 mo also failed to show improved muscle function, histology, or creatine kinase levels. Biochemical analysis revealed that leupeptin administration caused an increase in m-calpain autolysis and proteasome activity, yet calpastatin levels were similar between treated and untreated mdx mice. These data demonstrate that pharmacological inhibition of calpain is not a promising intervention for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy due to the ability of skeletal muscle to counter calpain inhibitors by increasing multiple degradative pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Selsby
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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37
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Markert CD, Atala A, Cann JK, Christ G, Furth M, Ambrosio F, Childers MK. Mesenchymal stem cells: emerging therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. PM R 2009; 1:547-59. [PMID: 19627945 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmrj.2009.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2008] [Revised: 02/20/2009] [Accepted: 02/25/2009] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Multipotent cells that can give rise to bone, cartilage, fat, connective tissue, and skeletal and cardiac muscle are termed mesenchymal stem cells. These cells were first identified in the bone marrow, distinct from blood-forming stem cells. Based on the embryologic derivation, availability, and various pro-regenerative characteristics, research exploring their use in cell therapy shows great promise for patients with degenerative muscle diseases and a number of other conditions. In this review, the authors explore the potential for mesenchymal stem cell therapy in the emerging field of regenerative medicine with a focus on treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chad D Markert
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, and Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
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Essential role of TRPV2 ion channel in the sensitivity of dystrophic muscle to eccentric contractions. FEBS Lett 2009; 583:3600-4. [PMID: 19840792 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2009.10.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2009] [Revised: 10/09/2009] [Accepted: 10/12/2009] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne myopathy is a lethal disease due to the absence of dystrophin, a cytoskeletal protein. Muscles from dystrophin-deficient mice (mdx) typically present an exaggerated susceptibility to eccentric work characterized by an important force drop and an increased membrane permeability consecutive to repeated lengthening contractions. The present study shows that mdx muscles are largely protected from eccentric work-induced damage by overexpressing a dominant negative mutant of TRPV2 ion channel. This observation points out the role of TRPV2 channel in the physiopathology of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
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Briguet A, Erb M, Courdier-Fruh I, Barzaghi P, Santos G, Herzner H, Lescop C, Siendt H, Henneboehle M, Weyermann P, Magyar JP, Dubach-Powell J, Metz G, Meier T. Effect of calpain and proteasome inhibition on Ca2+-dependent proteolysis and muscle histopathology in the mdx mouse. FASEB J 2008; 22:4190-200. [PMID: 18728218 DOI: 10.1096/fj.07-099036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Dystrophin deficiency is the underlying molecular cause of progressive muscle weakness observed in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Loss of functional dystrophin leads to elevated levels of intracellular Ca(2+), a key step in the cellular pathology of DMD. The cysteine protease calpain is activated in dystrophin-deficient muscle, and its inhibition is regarded as a potential therapeutic approach. In addition, previous work has shown that the ubiquitin-proteasome system also contributes to muscle protein breakdown in dystrophic muscle and, therefore, also qualifies as a potential target for therapeutic intervention in DMD. The relative contribution of calpain- and proteasome-mediated proteolysis induced by increased Ca(2+) levels was characterized in cultured muscle cells and revealed initial Ca(2+) influx-dependent calpain activity and subsequent Ca(2+)-independent activity of the ubiquitin-proteasome system. We then set out to optimize novel small-molecule inhibitors that inhibit both calpain as well as the 20S proteasome in a cellular system with impaired Ca(2+) homeostasis. On administration of such inhibitors to mdx mice, quantitative histological parameters improved significantly, in particular with compounds strongly inhibiting the 20S proteasome. To investigate the role of calpain inhibition without interfering with the ubiquitin-proteasome system, we crossed mdx mice with transgenic mice, overexpressing the endogenous calpain inhibitor calpastatin. Although our data show that proteolysis by calpain is strongly inhibited in the transgenic mdx mouse, this calpain inhibition did not ameliorate muscle histology. Our results indicate that inhibition of the proteasome rather than calpain is required for histological improvement of dystrophin-deficient muscle. In conclusion, we have identified novel proteasome inhibitors that qualify as potential candidates for pharmacological intervention in muscular dystrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Briguet
- Santhera Pharmaceuticals (Switzerland) Ltd, Hammerstrasse 47, CH-4410 Liestal, Switzerland
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40
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Zhang BT, Yeung SS, Allen DG, Qin L, Yeung EW. Role of the calcium-calpain pathway in cytoskeletal damage after eccentric contractions. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2008; 105:352-7. [DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.90320.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanism(s) underlying eccentric damage to skeletal muscle cytoskeleton remain unclear. We examined the role of Ca2+ influx and subsequent calpain activation in eccentric damage to cytoskeletal proteins. Eccentric muscle damage was induced by stretching isolated mouse muscles by 20% of the optimal length in a series of 10 tetani. Muscle force and immunostaining of the cytoskeletal proteins desmin, dystrophin, and titin were measured at 5, 15, 30, and 60 min after eccentric contractions and compared with the control group that was subjected to 10 isometric contractions. A Ca2+-free solution and leupeptin (100 μM), a calpain inhibitor, were applied to explore the role of Ca2+ and calpain, respectively, in eccentric muscle damage. After eccentric contractions, decreases in desmin and dystrophin immunostaining were apparent after 5 min that accelerated over the next 60 min. Increased titin immunostaining, thought to indicate damage to titin, was evident 10 min after stretch, and fibronectin entry, indicating membrane disruption, was evident 20 min after stretch. These markers of damage also increased in a time-dependent manner. Muscle force was reduced immediately after stretch and continued to fall, reaching 56 ± 2% after 60 min. Reducing extracellular calcium to zero or applying leupeptin minimized the changes in immunostaining of cytoskeletal proteins, reduced membrane disruption, and improved the tetanic force. These results suggest that the cytoskeletal damage and membrane disruption were mediated primarily by increased Ca2+ influx into muscle cells and subsequent activation of calpain.
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41
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Goll DE, Neti G, Mares SW, Thompson VF. Myofibrillar protein turnover: the proteasome and the calpains. J Anim Sci 2007; 86:E19-35. [PMID: 17709792 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2007-0395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic turnover of myofibrillar proteins in skeletal muscle requires that, before being degraded to AA, myofibrillar proteins be removed from the myofibril without disrupting the ability of the myofibril to contract and develop tension. Skeletal muscle contains 4 proteolytic systems in amounts such that they could be involved in metabolic protein turnover: 1) the lysosomal system, 2) the caspase system, 3) the calpain system, and 4) the proteasome. The catheptic proteases in lysosomes are not active at the neutral pH of the cell cytoplasm, so myofibrillar proteins would have to be degraded inside lysosomes if the lysosomal system were involved. Lysosomes could not engulf a myofibril without destroying it, so the lysosomal system is not involved to a significant extent in metabolic turnover of myofibrillar proteins. The caspases are not activated until initiation of apoptosis, and, therefore, it is unlikely that the caspases are involved to a significant extent in myofibrillar protein turnover. The calpains do not degrade proteins to AA or even to small peptides and do not catalyze bulk degradation of the sarcoplasmic proteins, so they cannot be the only proteolytic system involved in myofibrillar protein turnover. Research during the past 20 yr has shown that the proteasome is responsible for 80 to 90% of total intracellular protein turnover, but the proteasome degrades peptide chains only after they have been unfolded, so that they can enter the catalytic chamber of the proteasome. Thus, although the proteasome can degrade sarcoplasmic proteins, it cannot degrade myofibrillar proteins until they have been removed from the myofibril. It remains unclear how this removal is done. The calpains degrade those proteins that are involved in keeping the myofibrillar proteins assembled in myofibrils, and it was proposed over 30 yr ago that the calpains initiated myofibrillar protein turnover by disassembling the outer layer of proteins from the myofibril and releasing them as myofilaments. Such myofilaments have been found in skeletal muscle. Other studies have indicated that individual myofibrillar proteins can exchange with their counterparts in the cytoplasm; it is unclear whether this can be done to an extent that is consistent with the rate of myofibrillar protein turnover in living muscle. It seems that both the calpains and the proteasome are responsible for myofibrillar protein turnover, but the mechanism is still unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- D E Goll
- Muscle Biology Group, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA.
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Dargelos E, Poussard S, Brulé C, Daury L, Cottin P. Calcium-dependent proteolytic system and muscle dysfunctions: a possible role of calpains in sarcopenia. Biochimie 2007; 90:359-68. [PMID: 17881114 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2007.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2007] [Accepted: 07/20/2007] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The calcium-dependent proteolytic system is composed of cysteine proteases named calpains. They are ubiquitous or tissue-specific enzymes. The two best characterised isoforms are the ubiquitously expressed mu- and m-calpains. Besides its regulation by calcium, calpain activity is tightly controlled by calpastatin, the specific endogenous inhibitor, binding to phospholipids, autoproteolysis and phosphorylation. Calpains are responsible for limited proteolytic events. Among the multitude of substrates identified so far are cytoskeletal and membrane proteins, enzymes and transcription factors. Calpain activity is involved in a large number of physiological and pathological processes. In this review, we will particularly focus on the implication of the calcium-dependent proteolytic system in relation to muscle physiology. Because of their ability to remodel cytoskeletal anchorage complexes, calpains play a major role in the regulation of cell adhesion, migration and fusion, three key steps of myogenesis. Calcium-dependent proteolysis is also involved in the control of cell cycle. In muscle tissue, in particular, calpains intervene in the regeneration process. Another important class of calpain substrates belongs to apoptosis regulating factors. The proteases may thus play a role in muscle cell death, and as a consequence in muscle atrophy. The relationships between calcium-dependent proteolysis and muscle dysfunctions are being further developed in this review with a particular emphasis on sarcopenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Dargelos
- Université Bordeaux I, INRA USC-2009, Unité Protéolyse Croissance et Développement Musculaire, ISTAB, avenue des facultés, 33405 Talence cedex, France.
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43
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Maes K, Testelmans D, Powers S, Decramer M, Gayan-Ramirez G. Leupeptin Inhibits Ventilator-induced Diaphragm Dysfunction in Rats. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2007; 175:1134-8. [PMID: 17379854 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.200609-1342oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV) has been shown to result in elevated diaphragmatic proteolysis and atrophy together with diaphragmatic contractile dysfunction. OBJECTIVES To test whether administration of leupeptin, an inhibitor of lysosomal proteases and calpain, concomitantly with 24 hours of CMV, would protect the diaphragm from the deleterious effects of mechanical ventilation. METHODS Rats were assigned to either a control group or 24 hours of CMV; animals in the ventilation group received either a single intramuscular injection of saline or 15 mg/kg of the protease inhibitor, leupeptin. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Compared with control animals, mechanical ventilation resulted in a significant reduction of the in vitro diaphragm-specific force production at all stimulation frequencies. Leupeptin completely prevented this reduction in force generation. Atrophy of type IIx/b fibers was present after CMV, but not after treatment with leupeptin. Cathepsin B and calpain activities were significantly higher after CMV compared with the other groups; this was abolished by treatment with leupeptin. Significant inverse correlations were found between diaphragmatic force generation and cathepsin B and calpain activity, and illustrate the deleterious role of proteolysis in diminishing diaphragmatic force production after prolonged CMV. CONCLUSIONS Administration of the protease inhibitor leupeptin concomitantly with mechanical ventilation completely prevented ventilation-induced diaphragmatic contractile dysfunction and atrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Maes
- Respiratory Muscle Research Unit, Laboratory of Pneumology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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44
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Odom GL, Gregorevic P, Chamberlain JS. Viral-mediated gene therapy for the muscular dystrophies: successes, limitations and recent advances. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2007; 1772:243-62. [PMID: 17064882 PMCID: PMC1894910 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2006.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2006] [Revised: 09/16/2006] [Accepted: 09/20/2006] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Much progress has been made over the past decade elucidating the molecular basis for a variety of muscular dystrophies (MDs). Accordingly, there are examples of mouse models of MD whose disease progression has been halted in large part with the use of viral vector technology. Even so, we must acknowledge significant limitations of present vector systems that must be overcome prior to successful treatment of humans with such approaches. This review will present a variety of viral-mediated therapeutic strategies aimed at counteracting the muscle-wasting symptoms associated with muscular dystrophy. We include viral vector systems used for muscle gene transfer, with a particular emphasis on adeno-associated virus. Findings of several encouraging studies focusing on repair of the mutant dystrophin gene are also included. Lastly, we present a discussion of muscle compensatory therapeutics being considered that include pathways involved in the up-regulation of utrophin, promotion of cellular adhesion, enhancement of muscle mass, and antagonism of the inflammatory response. Considering the complexity of the muscular dystrophies, it appears likely that a multilayered approach tailored to a patient sub-group may be warranted in order to effectively contest the progression of this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guy L. Odom
- Department of Neurology Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA, 98195-7720, USA
| | - Paul Gregorevic
- Department of Neurology Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA, 98195-7720, USA
| | - Jeffrey S. Chamberlain
- Department of Neurology Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA, 98195-7720, USA
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45
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Hopf FW, Turner PR, Steinhardt RA. Calcium misregulation and the pathogenesis of muscular dystrophy. Subcell Biochem 2007; 45:429-464. [PMID: 18193647 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4020-6191-2_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Although the exact nature of the relationship between calcium and the pathogenesis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is not fully understood, this is an important issue which has been addressed in several recent reviews (Alderton and Steinhardt, 2000a, Gailly, 2002, Allen et al., 2005). A key question when trying to understand the cellular basis of DMD is how the absence or low level of expression of dystrophin, a cytoskeletal protein, results in the slow but progressive necrosis of muscle fibres. Although loss of cytoskeletal and sarcolemmal integrity which results from the absence of dystrophin clearly plays a key role in the pathogenesis associated with DMD, a number of lines of evidence also establish a role for misregulation of calcium ions in the DMD pathology, particularly in the cytoplasmic space just under the sarcolemma. A number of calcium-permeable channels have been identified which can exhibit greater activity in dystrophic muscle cells, and exIsting evidence suggests that these may represent different variants of the same channel type (perhaps the transient receptor potential channel, TRPC). In addition, a prominent role for calcium-activated proteases in the DMD pathology has been established, as well as modulation of other intracellular regulatory proteins and signaling pathways. Whether dystrophin and its associated proteins have a direct role in the regulation of calcium ions, calcium channels or intracellular calcium stores, or indirectly alters calcium regulation through enhancement of membrane tearing, remains unclear. Here we focus on areas of consensus or divergence amongst the existing literature, and propose areas where future research would be especially valuable.
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Affiliation(s)
- F W Hopf
- Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center, University of California, San Francisco, 5858 Horton St., Suite 200, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA.
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46
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Hassen GW, Feliberti J, Kesner L, Stracher A, Mokhtarian F. A novel calpain inhibitor for the treatment of acute experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. J Neuroimmunol 2006; 180:135-46. [PMID: 17007940 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2006.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2006] [Revised: 08/08/2006] [Accepted: 08/14/2006] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Aberrant activation of calpain plays a key role in the pathophysiology of several neurodegenerative disorders. Calpain is increasingly expressed in inflammatory cells in EAE and is significantly elevated in the white matter of patients with multiple sclerosis, thus calpain inhibition could be a target for therapeutic intervention. The experiments reported here employed a myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-induced disease model in C57Bl/6 mice (EAE) and a novel calpain inhibitor, targeted to nervous tissue. CYLA was found to reduce clinical signs of EAE and prevent demyelination and inflammatory infiltration in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Oral administration of the diacetal prodrug was equally effective.
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MESH Headings
- Acute Disease/therapy
- Animals
- Autoimmunity/drug effects
- Autoimmunity/immunology
- Calpain/antagonists & inhibitors
- Calpain/immunology
- Calpain/metabolism
- Central Nervous System/drug effects
- Central Nervous System/immunology
- Central Nervous System/physiopathology
- Chemotaxis, Leukocyte/drug effects
- Chemotaxis, Leukocyte/immunology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/drug therapy
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/immunology
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/physiopathology
- Enzyme Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Enzyme Inhibitors/therapeutic use
- Female
- Immunosuppression Therapy/methods
- Inflammation Mediators/immunology
- Inflammation Mediators/pharmacology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Myelin Proteins
- Myelin-Associated Glycoprotein/immunology
- Myelin-Associated Glycoprotein/pharmacology
- Myelin-Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein
- Nerve Fibers, Myelinated/drug effects
- Nerve Fibers, Myelinated/immunology
- Nerve Fibers, Myelinated/pathology
- Oligopeptides/pharmacology
- Oligopeptides/therapeutic use
- Spinal Cord/drug effects
- Spinal Cord/pathology
- Spinal Cord/physiopathology
- Time Factors
- Treatment Outcome
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47
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Whitehead NP, Streamer M, Lusambili LI, Sachs F, Allen DG. Streptomycin reduces stretch-induced membrane permeability in muscles from mdx mice. Neuromuscul Disord 2006; 16:845-54. [PMID: 17005404 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2006.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2006] [Revised: 07/17/2006] [Accepted: 07/28/2006] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
It is well-known that muscles from mdx mice are more susceptible to membrane damage from eccentric contractions than wild-type muscles. The present study tested the hypothesis that the stretch-induced membrane permeability in dystrophic muscle is due to Ca(2+) entry through stretch-activated channels (SACs) and the subsequent activation of Ca(2+) -dependent degradative pathways. Eccentric contractions were carried out on muscles from mdx and wild-type mice, both on isolated muscles and on intact mice subjected to downhill running on a treadmill. In isolated muscles the SAC blockers, streptomycin and GsMTx4, improved force and significantly reduced the uptake of procion orange dye into fibres from mdx muscles, which increased progressively over 60 min after the eccentric contractions. In experiments on intact mdx mice, streptomycin also partially prevented the reduced force and the increased membrane permeability (Evans Blue Dye uptake). The results suggest that Ca(2+) entry through SACs activates Ca(2+) -dependent pathways, which are the main cause of the increased membrane permeability in mdx muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas P Whitehead
- School of Medical Sciences and Institute for Biomedical Research, University of Sydney F13, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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48
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Bartoli M, Poupiot J, Goyenvalle A, Perez N, Garcia L, Danos O, Richard I. Noninvasive monitoring of therapeutic gene transfer in animal models of muscular dystrophies. Gene Ther 2006; 13:20-8. [PMID: 16107863 DOI: 10.1038/sj.gt.3302594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Muscular dystrophies are a genetically and phenotypically heterogeneous group of degenerative muscle diseases. A subset of them are due to genetic deficiencies in proteins which form the dystrophin-associated complex at the membrane of the myofibers. In this report, we utilized recombinant adeno-associated virus containing a U7 cassette carrying an antisense sequence aimed at inducing exon skipping of the dystrophin gene or containing the alpha-sarcoglycan gene to alleviate the dystrophic phenotype of the mdx and Sgca-null mice, respectively. As these diseases are characterized by cycle of degeneration/regeneration, we postulated that a reporter gene coadministered at the time of the treatment would make it possible to follow the extent of muscle repair. We observed that the murine secreted alkaline phosphatase (muSeAP) level was very much lower in these animal models than in normal mice. Upon treatment of the dystrophic muscle by gene transfer, the level of muSeAP was restored and correlated with the expression of the therapeutic transgene and with the level of muscle improvement. The system described here provides a simple and noninvasive procedure for monitoring the outcome of a therapeutic strategy involving cell survival.
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MESH Headings
- Alkaline Phosphatase/analysis
- Animals
- Biomarkers/analysis
- Dependovirus/genetics
- Dystrophin/genetics
- Dystrophin/metabolism
- Fluorescent Antibody Technique
- Genetic Therapy/methods
- Injections, Intramuscular
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Inbred mdx
- Mice, Knockout
- Muscle, Skeletal/chemistry
- Muscle, Skeletal/metabolism
- Muscle, Skeletal/pathology
- Muscular Dystrophy, Animal/metabolism
- Muscular Dystrophy, Animal/pathology
- Muscular Dystrophy, Animal/therapy
- Oligonucleotides, Antisense/therapeutic use
- Regeneration
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Sarcoglycans/genetics
- Transduction, Genetic/methods
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Affiliation(s)
- M Bartoli
- Généthon, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR 8115, Evry, France
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49
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Burdi R, Didonna MP, Pignol B, Nico B, Mangieri D, Rolland JF, Camerino C, Zallone A, Ferro P, Andreetta F, Confalonieri P, De Luca A. First evaluation of the potential effectiveness in muscular dystrophy of a novel chimeric compound, BN 82270, acting as calpain-inhibitor and anti-oxidant. Neuromuscul Disord 2006; 16:237-48. [PMID: 16542837 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2006.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2005] [Revised: 12/22/2005] [Accepted: 01/16/2006] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BN 82270 is a membrane-permeable prodrug of a chimeric compound (BN 82204) dually acting as calpain inhibitor and anti-oxidant. Acute in vivo injection of dystrophic mdx mice (30 mg/kg, s.c.) fully counteracted calpain overactivity in diaphragm. A chronic 4-6 weeks administration significantly prevented in vivo the fore limb force drop occurring in mdx mice exercised on treadmill. Ex vivo electrophysiological recordings showed that BN 82270 treatment contrasted the decrease in chloride channel function (gCl) in diaphragm, an index of spontaneous degeneration, while it was less effective on both exercise-impaired gCl and calcium-dependent mechanical threshold of the hind limb extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle fibres. The BN 82270 treated mdx mice showed a marked reduction of plasma creatine kinase and of the pro-fibrotic cytokine TGF-beta1 in both hind limb muscles and diaphragm; however, the histopathological profile of gastrocnemious muscle was poorly ameliorated. In hind limb muscles of treated mice, the active form was detected by HPLC in the low therapeutic concentration range. In vitro exposure to 100 microM BN 82270 led to higher active form in diaphragm than in EDL muscle. This is the first demonstration that this class of chimeric compounds, dually targeting pathology-related events, exerts beneficial effects in muscular dystrophy. The drug/prodrug system may require posology adjustment to produce wider beneficial effects on all muscle types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Burdi
- Unit of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacobiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
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50
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Costelli P, Reffo P, Penna F, Autelli R, Bonelli G, Baccino FM. Ca(2+)-dependent proteolysis in muscle wasting. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2005; 37:2134-46. [PMID: 15893952 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2005.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2004] [Revised: 02/24/2005] [Accepted: 03/11/2005] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Skeletal muscle wasting is a prominent feature of cachexia, a complex systemic syndrome that frequently complicates chronic diseases such as inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, cancer and AIDS. Muscle wasting may also develop as a manifestation of primary or neurogenic muscular disorders. It is now generally accepted that muscle depletion mainly arises from increased protein catabolism. The ubiquitin-proteasome system is believed to be the major proteolytic machinery in charge of such protein breakdown, yet there is evidence suggesting that Ca(2+)-dependent system, lysosomes and, in some conditions at least, even caspases are involved as well. The role of Ca(2+)-dependent proteolysis in skeletal muscle wasting is reviewed in the present paper. This system relies on the activity of calpains, a family of Ca(2+)-dependent cysteine proteases, whose regulation is complex and not completely elucidated. Modulations of Ca(2+)-dependent proteolysis have been associated with muscle protein depletion in various pathological contexts and particularly with muscle dystrophies. Calpains can only perform a limited proteolysis of their substrates, however they may play a critical role in initiating the breakdown of myofibrillar protein, by releasing molecules that become suitable for further degradation by proteasomes. Some evidence would also support a role for lysosomes and caspases in muscle wasting. Thus it cannot be excluded that different intracellular proteolytic systems may coordinately concur in shifting muscle protein turnover towards excess catabolism. Many different signals have been proposed as potentially involved in triggering the enhanced protein breakdown that underlies muscle wasting. How they are transduced to initiate the hypercatabolic response and to activate the proteolytic pathways remains largely unknown, however.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Costelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Oncologia Sperimentale, Università di Torino, Corso Raffaello 30, 10125 Torino, Italy.
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