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Bock-Pereda A, Cruz-Soca M, Gallardo FS, Córdova-Casanova A, Gutierréz-Rojas C, Faundez-Contreras J, Chun J, Casar JC, Brandan E. Involvement of lysophosphatidic acid-LPA 1-YAP signaling in healthy and pathological FAPs migration. Matrix Biol 2024; 133:103-115. [PMID: 39153517 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2024.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
Skeletal muscle fibrosis is defined as the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components and is a hallmark of muscular dystrophies. Fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs) are the main source of ECM, and thus have been strongly implicated in fibrogenesis. In skeletal muscle fibrotic models, including muscular dystrophies, FAPs undergo dysregulations in terms of proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, however few studies have explored the impact of FAPs migration. Here, we studied fibroblast and FAPs migration and identified lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a signaling lipid central to skeletal muscle fibrogenesis, as a significant migration inductor. We identified LPA receptor 1 (LPA1) mediated signaling as crucial for this effect through a mechanism dependent on the Hippo pathway, another pathway implicated in fibrosis across diverse tissues. This cross-talk favors the activation of the Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP) and Transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ), leading to increased expression of fibrosis-associated genes. This study reveals the role of YAP in LPA-mediated fibrotic responses as inhibition of YAP transcriptional coactivator activity hinders LPA-induced migration in fibroblasts and FAPs. Moreover, we found that FAPs derived from the mdx4cv mice, a murine model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, display a heightened migratory phenotype due to enhanced LPA signaling compared to wild-type FAPs. Remarkably, we found that the inhibition of LPA1 or YAP transcriptional coactivator activity in mdx4cv FAPs reverts this phenotype. In summary, the identified LPA-LPA1-YAP pathway emerges as a critical driver of skeletal muscle FAPs migration and provides insights into potential novel targets to mitigate fibrosis in muscular dystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexia Bock-Pereda
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Centro de Envejecimiento y Regeneración (CARE), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330025, Chile; Centro Científico y Tecnológico de Excelencia Ciencia & Vida, Santiago 7750000, Chile
| | - Meilyn Cruz-Soca
- Centro Científico y Tecnológico de Excelencia Ciencia & Vida, Santiago 7750000, Chile
| | - Felipe S Gallardo
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Centro de Envejecimiento y Regeneración (CARE), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330025, Chile; Centro Científico y Tecnológico de Excelencia Ciencia & Vida, Santiago 7750000, Chile
| | | | - Cristian Gutierréz-Rojas
- Centro Científico y Tecnológico de Excelencia Ciencia & Vida, Santiago 7750000, Chile; Escuela de Kinesiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2340025, Chile; Escuela de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330025, Chile
| | - Jennifer Faundez-Contreras
- Centro Científico y Tecnológico de Excelencia Ciencia & Vida, Santiago 7750000, Chile; Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Fundación Ciencia y Vida, Universidad San Sebastián, Avenida del Valle Norte 725 Huechuraba, Santiago 7510602, Chile
| | - Jerold Chun
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Juan Carlos Casar
- Departamento de Neurología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330077, Chile
| | - Enrique Brandan
- Centro Científico y Tecnológico de Excelencia Ciencia & Vida, Santiago 7750000, Chile; Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Fundación Ciencia y Vida, Universidad San Sebastián, Avenida del Valle Norte 725 Huechuraba, Santiago 7510602, Chile.
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2
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Flores-Opazo M, Kopinke D, Helmbacher F, Fernández-Verdejo R, Tuñón-Suárez M, Lynch GS, Contreras O. Fibro-adipogenic progenitors in physiological adipogenesis and intermuscular adipose tissue remodeling. Mol Aspects Med 2024; 97:101277. [PMID: 38788527 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2024.101277] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Excessive accumulation of intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) is a common pathological feature in various metabolic and health conditions and can cause muscle atrophy, reduced function, inflammation, insulin resistance, cardiovascular issues, and unhealthy aging. Although IMAT results from fat accumulation in muscle, the mechanisms underlying its onset, development, cellular components, and functions remain unclear. IMAT levels are influenced by several factors, such as changes in the tissue environment, muscle type and origin, extent and duration of trauma, and persistent activation of fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs). FAPs are a diverse and transcriptionally heterogeneous population of stromal cells essential for tissue maintenance, neuromuscular stability, and tissue regeneration. However, in cases of chronic inflammation and pathological conditions, FAPs expand and differentiate into adipocytes, resulting in the development of abnormal and ectopic IMAT. This review discusses the role of FAPs in adipogenesis and how they remodel IMAT. It highlights evidence supporting FAPs and FAP-derived adipocytes as constituents of IMAT, emphasizing their significance in adipose tissue maintenance and development, as well as their involvement in metabolic disorders, chronic pathologies and diseases. We also investigated the intricate molecular pathways and cell interactions governing FAP behavior, adipogenesis, and IMAT accumulation in chronic diseases and muscle deconditioning. Finally, we hypothesize that impaired cellular metabolic flexibility in dysfunctional muscles impacts FAPs, leading to IMAT. A deeper understanding of the biology of IMAT accumulation and the mechanisms regulating FAP behavior and fate are essential for the development of new therapeutic strategies for several debilitating conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel Kopinke
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, 32610, FL, USA; Myology Institute, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | | | - Rodrigo Fernández-Verdejo
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Laboratorio de Fisiología Del Ejercicio y Metabolismo (LABFEM), Escuela de Kinesiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Finis Terrae, Chile.
| | - Mauro Tuñón-Suárez
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Del Ejercicio y Metabolismo (LABFEM), Escuela de Kinesiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Finis Terrae, Chile.
| | - Gordon S Lynch
- Centre for Muscle Research, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Parkville 3010, Australia.
| | - Osvaldo Contreras
- Developmental and Regenerative Biology Division, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, NSW, 2010, Australia; School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia.
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3
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Scano M, Benetollo A, Dalla Barba F, Sandonà D. Advanced therapeutic approaches in sarcoglycanopathies. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2024; 76:102459. [PMID: 38713975 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2024.102459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
Sarcoglycanopathies are rare autosomal recessive diseases belonging to the family of limb-girdle muscular dystrophies. They are caused by mutations in the genes coding for α-, β-, γ-, and δ-sarcoglycan. The mutations impair the assembly of a key structural complex, which normally protects the sarcolemma of striated muscle from contraction-derived stress. Although heterogeneous, sarcoglycanopathies are characterized by progressive muscle degeneration, increased serum creatine kinase levels, loss of ambulation often during adolescence, and variable cardio-respiratory impairment. Genetic defects can impair sarcoglycan synthesis or produce a protein that is defective in folding. There is currently no effective treatment available; however, both gene replacement strategy and small molecule-based approaches show great promise and have entered or are starting to enter clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Scano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Alberto Benetollo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Francesco Dalla Barba
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Dorianna Sandonà
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy.
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4
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Kiełbowski K, Bakinowska E, Procyk G, Ziętara M, Pawlik A. The Role of MicroRNA in the Pathogenesis of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6108. [PMID: 38892293 PMCID: PMC11172814 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked progressive disorder associated with muscle wasting and degeneration. The disease is caused by mutations in the gene that encodes dystrophin, a protein that links the cytoskeleton with cell membrane proteins. The current treatment methods aim to relieve the symptoms of the disease or partially rescue muscle functionality. However, they are insufficient to suppress disease progression. In recent years, studies have uncovered an important role for non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in regulating the progression of numerous diseases. ncRNAs, such as micro-RNAs (miRNAs), bind to their target messenger RNAs (mRNAs) to suppress translation. Understanding the mechanisms involving dysregulated miRNAs can improve diagnosis and suggest novel treatment methods for patients with DMD. This review presents the available evidence on the role of altered expression of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of DMD. We discuss the involvement of these molecules in the processes associated with muscle physiology and DMD-associated cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kajetan Kiełbowski
- Department of Physiology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (K.K.); (E.B.); (M.Z.)
| | - Estera Bakinowska
- Department of Physiology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (K.K.); (E.B.); (M.Z.)
| | - Grzegorz Procyk
- 1st Chair and Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1A, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland;
- Doctoral School, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marta Ziętara
- Department of Physiology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (K.K.); (E.B.); (M.Z.)
| | - Andrzej Pawlik
- Department of Physiology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (K.K.); (E.B.); (M.Z.)
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5
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Rodríguez C, Timóteo-Ferreira F, Minchiotti G, Brunelli S, Guardiola O. Cellular interactions and microenvironment dynamics in skeletal muscle regeneration and disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1385399. [PMID: 38840849 PMCID: PMC11150574 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1385399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle regeneration relies on the intricate interplay of various cell populations within the muscle niche-an environment crucial for regulating the behavior of muscle stem cells (MuSCs) and ensuring postnatal tissue maintenance and regeneration. This review delves into the dynamic interactions among key players of this process, including MuSCs, macrophages (MPs), fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs), endothelial cells (ECs), and pericytes (PCs), each assuming pivotal roles in orchestrating homeostasis and regeneration. Dysfunctions in these interactions can lead not only to pathological conditions but also exacerbate muscular dystrophies. The exploration of cellular and molecular crosstalk among these populations in both physiological and dystrophic conditions provides insights into the multifaceted communication networks governing muscle regeneration. Furthermore, this review discusses emerging strategies to modulate the muscle-regenerating niche, presenting a comprehensive overview of current understanding and innovative approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Rodríguez
- Stem Cell Fate Laboratory, Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “A. Buzzati-Traverso”, CNR, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Gabriella Minchiotti
- Stem Cell Fate Laboratory, Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “A. Buzzati-Traverso”, CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Silvia Brunelli
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Ombretta Guardiola
- Stem Cell Fate Laboratory, Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “A. Buzzati-Traverso”, CNR, Naples, Italy
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6
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Wang H, Wang B, Wu M, Lu J, Duan P. Targeting osteopontin alleviates endometriosis and inflammation by inhibiting the RhoA/ROS axis and achieves non-invasive in vitro detection via menstrual blood. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:1057-1071. [PMID: 38511216 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae052] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION How does osteopontin (OPN) in endometriosis ectopic stromal cells (EESCs) participate in the pathogenesis of endometriosis and achieve non-invasive detection in vitro? SUMMARY ANSWER Targeted OPN regulates endometriosis's necroptosis and inflammatory state by inhibiting the RhoA/reactive oxygen species (ROS) axis, thereby alleviating endometriosis and enabling non-invasive detection of menstrual blood in vitro. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease. Recent studies have shown that OPN plays an important role in disease progression by regulating cell death and inflammation. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The study included 20 patients diagnosed with endometriosis (confirmed by laparoscopy and histology) and 10 controls without endometriosis. Endometriotic stromal cells were isolated from endometrial samples, while menstrual blood endometrial cells (MESCs) were isolated from menstrual blood. These cells were then cultured in vitro and utilized in subsequent experiments. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS OPN expression in EESCs was assessed using inflammatory factor sequencing, immunohistochemical staining (IHC), quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis, and Western blotting (WB). The biological behavior of OPN and its effects on inflammatory factors were examined using EdU, wound-healing, Transwell, and ELISA assays. Necroptosis in EESCs and its impact on inflammatory factors were detected through qRT-PCR, WB, and Calcein-AM/PI fluorescence assays. The examination of mitochondrial stress in EESCs involved the use of the Mitochondrial Membrane Potential (ΔΨm) Assay, ROS detection, and Calcein-AM Loading/cobalt chloride Quenching. qRT-PCR, WB, and other experiments were conducted to verify the regulation of necroptosis and inflammatory factor levels in EESCs by OPN through the RhoA/ROS axis. Knockdown of OPN and its inhibitory effect on endometriosis lesion size were confirmed using AAV9 virus, IHC, qRT-PCR, WB, and other experiments. Additionally, OPN expression in MESCs was detected using transcriptome sequencing, RT-PCR, WB, and other experiments. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE In vitro assays demonstrated a significant upregulation of OPN in EESCs, and the knockdown of OPN effectively inhibited necroptosis and the release of inflammatory factors. OPN inhibited necroptosis and inflammatory factor release by mediating RhoA-dependent ROS production and blocking mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein phosphorylation at the cell membrane. In vivo, targeting of OPN can inhibit the growth of endometriosis lesions. Clinically, OPN was also significantly upregulated in the menstrual blood of patients with endometriosis. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Due to limitations in obtaining surgical specimens, our study primarily involved collecting endometriosis tissues from women during the proliferative and secretory phases of the menstrual cycle. We observed a significant overexpression of OPN in the samples used for our investigation. However, the expression of OPN in endometriosis tissues during the intermenstrual phase remains unknown. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our findings highlight the pivotal role of the OPN/RhoA/ROS axis in the regulation of necroptosis and the release of inflammatory factors. OPN knockdown exerts a therapeutic effect in vivo, and the high expression detection of OPN in menstrual blood in vitro. In summary, targeting OPN provides possibilities for the treatment and detection of endometriosis. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (82071626), the Zhejiang Province Public Welfare Technology Application Research Project (LGF21H040010), and the Clinical Research project of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University (1010293). The authors have no conflicts of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Oncology Discipline Group, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Binming Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Oncology Discipline Group, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Meiling Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Oncology Discipline Group, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jiefang Lu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ping Duan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Oncology Discipline Group, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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Jiang H, Liu B, Lin J, Xue T, Han Y, Lu C, Zhou S, Gu Y, Xu F, Shen Y, Xu L, Sun H. MuSCs and IPCs: roles in skeletal muscle homeostasis, aging and injury. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:67. [PMID: 38289345 PMCID: PMC10828015 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-05096-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Skeletal muscle is a highly specialized tissue composed of myofibres that performs crucial functions in movement and metabolism. In response to external stimuli and injuries, a range of stem/progenitor cells, with muscle stem cells or satellite cells (MuSCs) being the predominant cell type, are rapidly activated to repair and regenerate skeletal muscle within weeks. Under normal conditions, MuSCs remain in a quiescent state, but become proliferative and differentiate into new myofibres in response to injury. In addition to MuSCs, some interstitial progenitor cells (IPCs) such as fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs), pericytes, interstitial stem cells expressing PW1 and negative for Pax7 (PICs), muscle side population cells (SPCs), CD133-positive cells and Twist2-positive cells have been identified as playing direct or indirect roles in regenerating muscle tissue. Here, we highlight the heterogeneity, molecular markers, and functional properties of these interstitial progenitor cells, and explore the role of muscle stem/progenitor cells in skeletal muscle homeostasis, aging, and muscle-related diseases. This review provides critical insights for future stem cell therapies aimed at treating muscle-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Boya Liu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Junfei Lin
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Tong Xue
- Department of Paediatrics, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, People's Republic of China
| | - Yimin Han
- Department of Paediatrics, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunfeng Lu
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University and First People's Hospital of Nantong City, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Songlin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yun Gu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University and First People's Hospital of Nantong City, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuntian Shen
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Lingchi Xu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hualin Sun
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
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8
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Loomis T, Smith LR. Thrown for a loop: fibro-adipogenic progenitors in skeletal muscle fibrosis. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2023; 325:C895-C906. [PMID: 37602412 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00245.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs) are key regulators of skeletal muscle regeneration and homeostasis. However, dysregulation of these cells leads to fibro-fatty infiltration across various muscle diseases. FAPs are the key source of extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition in muscle, and disruption to this process leads to a pathological accumulation of ECM, known as fibrosis. The replacement of contractile tissue with fibrotic ECM functionally impairs the muscle and increases muscle stiffness. FAPs and fibrotic muscle form a progressively degenerative feedback loop where, as a muscle becomes fibrotic, it induces a fibrotic FAP phenotype leading to further development of fibrosis. In this review, we summarize FAPs' role in fibrosis in terms of their activation, heterogeneity, contributions to fibrotic degeneration, and role across musculoskeletal diseases. We also discuss current research on potential therapeutic avenues to attenuate fibrosis by targeting FAPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taryn Loomis
- Biomedical Engineering Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, California, United States
| | - Lucas R Smith
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California, Davis, California, United States
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of California, Davis, California, United States
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9
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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: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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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10
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Lin S, Su X, Chen L, Cai Z. Association of dietary inflammatory index with sarcopenia in asthmatic patients: a cross-sectional study. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1215688. [PMID: 37720383 PMCID: PMC10501140 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1215688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Sarcopenia is a complication of asthma, and asthmatics with sarcopenia are at an increased risk of poor prognosis. Anti-inflammatory intervention promising as an effective measure to prevent sarcopenia among patients with asthma. Diet is an important way to regulate inflammation throughout the body. The dietary inflammatory index (DII) is an index that assesses an individual's overall dietary inflammatory potential. The relationship between DII and sarcopenia among patients with asthma is not clear. Objective To examine the correlation between DII and the sarcopenia among individuals with asthma. Methods The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) was the data source utilized in this study, spanning two time periods from 1999 to 2006 and 2011 to 2018. The study encompassed 3,389 participants in total. DII was calculated using the results of the participants' 24-h dietary recall interviews. Patients were categorized into three groups based on the DII tertile: T1 group (n = 1,130), T2 group (n = 1,129), and T3 group (n = 1,130). Logistic regression analysis, taking into account the NHANES recommended weights, was performed to assess the relationship between DII and sarcopenia. Results After full adjustment, there was a significant positive correlation between DII levels and the risk of sarcopenia in asthmatic patients (OR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.13-1.42, p < 0.001). Compared with T1 group, T3 group had higher risk of sarcopenia (T2: OR: 1.39, 95%CI: 0.88-2.18, p = 0.157; T3: OR: 2.37, 95%CI: 1.47-3.83, p < 0.001). Conclusion There was a significant positive correlation between DII and the risk of sarcopenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuqiong Lin
- Zhangzhou Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Zhangzhou, China
| | - Xia Su
- Longyan First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Longyan, China
| | - Liqun Chen
- Zhangzhou Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Zhangzhou, China
| | - Zhiming Cai
- Zhangzhou Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Zhangzhou, China
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11
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You JS, Kim Y, Lee S, Bashir R, Chen J. RhoA/ROCK signalling activated by ARHGEF3 promotes muscle weakness via autophagy in dystrophic mdx mice. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2023. [PMID: 37311604 PMCID: PMC10401546 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.13278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), caused by dystrophin deficiency, leads to progressive and fatal muscle weakness through yet-to-be-fully deciphered molecular perturbations. Emerging evidence implicates RhoA/Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) signalling in DMD pathology, yet its direct role in DMD muscle function, and related mechanisms, are unknown. METHODS Three-dimensionally engineered dystrophin-deficient mdx skeletal muscles and mdx mice were used to test the role of ROCK in DMD muscle function in vitro and in situ, respectively. The role of ARHGEF3, one of the RhoA guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs), in RhoA/ROCK signalling and DMD pathology was examined by generating Arhgef3 knockout mdx mice. The role of RhoA/ROCK signalling in mediating the function of ARHGEF3 was determined by evaluating the effects of wild-type or GEF-inactive ARHGEF3 overexpression with ROCK inhibitor treatment. To gain more mechanistic insights, autophagy flux and the role of autophagy were assessed in various conditions with chloroquine. RESULTS Inhibition of ROCK with Y-27632 improved muscle force production in 3D-engineered mdx muscles (+25% from three independent experiments, P < 0.05) and in mice (+25%, P < 0.001). Unlike suggested by previous studies, this improvement was independent of muscle differentiation or quantity and instead related to increased muscle quality. We found that ARHGEF3 was elevated and responsible for RhoA/ROCK activation in mdx muscles, and that depleting ARHGEF3 in mdx mice restored muscle quality (up to +36%, P < 0.01) and morphology without affecting regeneration. Conversely, overexpressing ARHGEF3 further compromised mdx muscle quality (-13% vs. empty vector control, P < 0.01) in GEF activity- and ROCK-dependent manner. Notably, ARHGEF3/ROCK inhibition exerted the effects by rescuing autophagy which is commonly impaired in dystrophic muscles. CONCLUSIONS Our findings uncover a new pathological mechanism of muscle weakness in DMD involving the ARHGEF3-ROCK-autophagy pathway and the therapeutic potential of targeting ARHGEF3 in DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Sung You
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- Nick J. Holonyak Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Yongdeok Kim
- Nick J. Holonyak Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Soohyun Lee
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Rashid Bashir
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- Nick J. Holonyak Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Translational Sciences, Carle Illinois College of Medicine, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
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12
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Eisen B, Binah O. Modeling Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Cardiomyopathy with Patients' Induced Pluripotent Stem-Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108657. [PMID: 37240001 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked progressive muscle degenerative disease caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene, resulting in death by the end of the third decade of life at the latest. A key aspect of the DMD clinical phenotype is dilated cardiomyopathy, affecting virtually all patients by the end of the second decade of life. Furthermore, despite respiratory complications still being the leading cause of death, with advancements in medical care in recent years, cardiac involvement has become an increasing cause of mortality. Over the years, extensive research has been conducted using different DMD animal models, including the mdx mouse. While these models present certain important similarities to human DMD patients, they also have some differences which pose a challenge to researchers. The development of somatic cell reprograming technology has enabled generation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) which can be differentiated into different cell types. This technology provides a potentially endless pool of human cells for research. Furthermore, hiPSCs can be generated from patients, thus providing patient-specific cells and enabling research tailored to different mutations. DMD cardiac involvement has been shown in animal models to include changes in gene expression of different proteins, abnormal cellular Ca2+ handling, and other aberrations. To gain a better understanding of the disease mechanisms, it is imperative to validate these findings in human cells. Furthermore, with the recent advancements in gene-editing technology, hiPSCs provide a valuable platform for research and development of new therapies including the possibility of regenerative medicine. In this article, we review the DMD cardiac-related research performed so far using human hiPSCs-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) carrying DMD mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binyamin Eisen
- Cardiac Research Laboratory, Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Systems Biology, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine and Research Institute, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Ofer Binah
- Cardiac Research Laboratory, Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Systems Biology, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine and Research Institute, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
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13
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Alonso-Pérez J, Carrasco-Rozas A, Borrell-Pages M, Fernández-Simón E, Piñol-Jurado P, Badimon L, Wollin L, Lleixà C, Gallardo E, Olivé M, Díaz-Manera J, Suárez-Calvet X. Nintedanib Reduces Muscle Fibrosis and Improves Muscle Function of the Alpha-Sarcoglycan-Deficient Mice. Biomedicines 2022; 10:2629. [PMID: 36289891 PMCID: PMC9599168 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Sarcoglycanopathies are a group of recessive limb-girdle muscular dystrophies, characterized by progressive muscle weakness. Sarcoglycan deficiency produces instability of the sarcolemma during muscle contraction, leading to continuous muscle fiber injury eventually producing fiber loss and replacement by fibro-adipose tissue. Therapeutic strategies aiming to reduce fibro-adipose expansion could be effective in muscular dystrophies. We report the positive effect of nintedanib in a murine model of alpha-sarcoglycanopathy. We treated 14 Sgca-/- mice, six weeks old, with nintedanib 50 mg/kg every 12 h for 10 weeks and compared muscle function and histology with 14 Sgca-/- mice treated with vehicle and six wild-type littermate mice. Muscle function was assessed using a treadmill and grip strength. A cardiac evaluation was performed by echocardiography and histological study. Structural analysis of the muscles, including a detailed study of the fibrotic and inflammatory processes, was performed using conventional staining and immunofluorescence. In addition, proteomics and transcriptomics studies were carried out. Nintedanib was well tolerated by the animals treated, although we observed weight loss. Sgca-/- mice treated with nintedanib covered a longer distance on the treadmill, compared with non-treated Sgca-/- mice, and showed higher strength in the grip test. Moreover, nintedanib improved the muscle architecture of treated mice, reducing the degenerative area and the fibrotic reaction that was associated with a reversion of the cytokine expression profile. Nintedanib improved muscle function and muscle architecture by reducing muscle fibrosis and degeneration and reverting the chronic inflammatory environment suggesting that it could be a useful therapy for patients with alpha-sarcoglycanopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Alonso-Pérez
- 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
- Departament of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08041 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Carrasco-Rozas
- 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
- Departament of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08041 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Borrell-Pages
- Cardiovascular Program ICCC, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau Research Institute, IIB-Sant Pau, 08041 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBER-CV), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28222 Madrid, Spain
| | - Esther Fernández-Simón
- The John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Patricia Piñol-Jurado
- The John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Lina Badimon
- Cardiovascular Program ICCC, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau Research Institute, IIB-Sant Pau, 08041 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBER-CV), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28222 Madrid, Spain
| | - Lutz Wollin
- Boehringer Ingelheim, 88400 Biberach, Germany
| | - Cinta Lleixà
- 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
- Departament of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08041 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduard Gallardo
- 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
- Departament of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08041 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28222 Madrid, Spain
| | - Montse Olivé
- 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
- Departament of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08041 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28222 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Díaz-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
- Departament of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08041 Barcelona, Spain
- The John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28222 Madrid, Spain
| | - 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
- Departament of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08041 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28222 Madrid, Spain
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14
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Fernández-Simón E, Suárez-Calvet X, Carrasco-Rozas A, Piñol-Jurado P, López-Fernández S, Pons G, Bech Serra JJ, de la Torre C, de Luna N, Gallardo E, Díaz-Manera J. RhoA/ROCK2 signalling is enhanced by PDGF-AA in fibro-adipogenic progenitor cells: implications for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2022; 13:1373-1384. [PMID: 35132805 PMCID: PMC8977967 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.12923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The lack of dystrophin expression in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) induces muscle fibre and replacement by fibro-adipose tissue. Although the role of some growth factors in the process of fibrogenesis has been studied, pathways activated by PDGF-AA have not been described so far. Our aim was to study the molecular role of PDGF-AA in the fibrotic process of DMD. METHODS Skeletal muscle fibro-adipogenic progenitor cells (FAPs) from three DMD treated with PDGF-AA at 50 ng/mL were analysed by quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomics. Western-blot, immunofluorescence, and G-LISA were used to confirm the mass spectrometry results. We evaluated the effects of PDGF-AA on the activation of RhoA pathway using two inhibitors, C3-exoenzyme and fasudil. Cell proliferation and migration were determined by BrdU and migration assay. Actin reorganization and collagen synthesis were measured by phalloidin staining and Sircol assay, respectively. In an in vivo proof of concept study, we treated dba/2J-mdx mice with fasudil for 6 weeks. Muscle strength was assessed with the grip strength. Immunofluorescence and flow cytometry analyses were used to study fibrotic and inflammatory markers in muscle tissue. RESULTS Mass spectrometry revealed that RhoA pathway proteins were up-regulated in treated compared with non-treated DMD FAPs (n = 3, mean age = 8 ± 1.15 years old). Validation of proteomic data showed that Arhgef2 expression was significantly increased in DMD muscles compared with healthy controls by a 7.7-fold increase (n = 2, mean age = 8 ± 1.14 years old). In vitro studies showed that RhoA/ROCK2 pathway was significantly activated by PDGF-AA (n = 3, 1.88-fold increase, P < 0.01) and both C3-exoenzyme and fasudil blocked that activation (n = 3, P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively). The activation of RhoA pathway by PDGF-AA promoted a significant increase in proliferation and migration of FAPs (n = 3, P < 0.001), while C3-exoenzyme and fasudil inhibited FAPs proliferation at 72 h and migration at 48 and 72 h (n = 3, P < 0.001). In vivo studies showed that fasudil improved muscle function (n = 5 non-treated dba/2J-mdx and n = 6 treated dba/2J-mdx, 1.76-fold increase, P < 0.013), and histological studies demonstrated a 23% reduction of collagen-I expression area (n = 5 non-treated dba/2J-mdx and n = 6 treated dba/2J-mdx, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that PDGF-AA promotes the activation of RhoA pathway in FAPs from DMD patients. This pathway could be involved in FAPs activation promoting its proliferation, migration, and actin reorganization, which represents the beginning of the fibrotic process. The inhibition of RhoA pathway could be considered as a potential therapeutic target for muscle fibrosis in patients with muscular dystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Fernández-Simón
- Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau and Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain.,John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Center, University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Xavier Suárez-Calvet
- Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau and Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red en Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Carrasco-Rozas
- Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau and Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Patricia Piñol-Jurado
- Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau and Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain.,John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Center, University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Susana López-Fernández
- Plastic Surgery Department, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gemma Pons
- Plastic Surgery Department, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Noemí de Luna
- Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau and Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red en Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | - Eduard Gallardo
- Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau and Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red en Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Díaz-Manera
- Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau and Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red en Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain.,John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Center, University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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