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Rodgers BD, Ward CW. Myostatin/Activin Receptor Ligands in Muscle and the Development Status of Attenuating Drugs. Endocr Rev 2022; 43:329-365. [PMID: 34520530 PMCID: PMC8905337 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnab030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Muscle wasting disease indications are among the most debilitating and often deadly noncommunicable disease states. As a comorbidity, muscle wasting is associated with different neuromuscular diseases and myopathies, cancer, heart failure, chronic pulmonary and renal diseases, peripheral neuropathies, inflammatory disorders, and, of course, musculoskeletal injuries. Current treatment strategies are relatively ineffective and can at best only limit the rate of muscle degeneration. This includes nutritional supplementation and appetite stimulants as well as immunosuppressants capable of exacerbating muscle loss. Arguably, the most promising treatments in development attempt to disrupt myostatin and activin receptor signaling because these circulating factors are potent inhibitors of muscle growth and regulators of muscle progenitor cell differentiation. Indeed, several studies demonstrated the clinical potential of "inhibiting the inhibitors," increasing muscle cell protein synthesis, decreasing degradation, enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis, and preserving muscle function. Such changes can prevent muscle wasting in various disease animal models yet many drugs targeting this pathway failed during clinical trials, some from serious treatment-related adverse events and off-target interactions. More often, however, failures resulted from the inability to improve muscle function despite preserving muscle mass. Drugs still in development include antibodies and gene therapeutics, all with different targets and thus, safety, efficacy, and proposed use profiles. Each is unique in design and, if successful, could revolutionize the treatment of both acute and chronic muscle wasting. They could also be used in combination with other developing therapeutics for related muscle pathologies or even metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christopher W Ward
- Department of Orthopedics and Center for Biomedical Engineering and Technology (BioMET), University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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2
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Recent terminations of clinical trials of myostatin inhibitors in muscular dystrophy have raised questions about the predictiveness of mouse models for this therapeutic strategy. RECENT FINDINGS A variety of myostatin inhibitors have been developed for preclinical and clinical studies. These inhibitors have ameliorated the phenotype of many but not all mouse models of muscular dystrophy. However, randomized double-blinded placebo controlled trials in both pediatric and adult muscular dystrophies have, as of yet, not demonstrated functional improvement. SUMMARY The present article will review the preclinical promise of myostatin inhibitors, the clinical trial experience to date of these inhibitors in muscular dystrophy, and the potential reasons for the lack of observed translation.
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3
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Antimyostatin Treatment in Health and Disease: The Story of Great Expectations and Limited Success. Cells 2021; 10:cells10030533. [PMID: 33802348 PMCID: PMC8001237 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past 20 years, myostatin, a negative regulator of muscle mass, has attracted attention as a potential therapeutic target in muscular dystrophies and other conditions. Preclinical studies have shown potential for increasing muscular mass and ameliorating the pathological features of dystrophic muscle by the inhibition of myostatin in various ways. However, hardly any clinical trials have proven to translate the promising results from the animal models into patient populations. We present the background for myostatin regulation, clinical and preclinical results and discuss why translation from animal models to patients is difficult. Based on this, we put the clinical relevance of future antimyostatin treatment into perspective.
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4
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Farhang-Sardroodi S, Wilkie KP. Mathematical Model of Muscle Wasting in Cancer Cachexia. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9072029. [PMID: 32605273 PMCID: PMC7409297 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9072029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cachexia is a debilitating condition characterized by an extreme loss of skeletal muscle mass, which negatively impacts patients' quality of life, reduces their ability to sustain anti-cancer therapies, and increases the risk of mortality. Recent discoveries have identified the myostatin/activin A/ActRIIB pathway as critical to muscle wasting by inducing satellite cell quiescence and increasing muscle-specific ubiquitin ligases responsible for atrophy. Remarkably, pharmacological blockade of the ActRIIB pathway has been shown to reverse muscle wasting and prolong the survival time of tumor-bearing animals. To explore the implications of this signaling pathway and potential therapeutic targets in cachexia, we construct a novel mathematical model of muscle tissue subjected to tumor-derived cachectic factors. The model formulation tracks the intercellular interactions between cancer cell, satellite cell, and muscle cell populations. The model is parameterized by fitting to colon-26 mouse model data, and the analysis provides insight into tissue growth in healthy, cancerous, and post-cachexia treatment conditions. Model predictions suggest that cachexia fundamentally alters muscle tissue health, as measured by the stem cell ratio, and this is only partially recovered by anti-cachexia treatment. Our mathematical findings suggest that after blocking the myostatin/activin A pathway, partial recovery of cancer-induced muscle loss requires the activation and proliferation of the satellite cell compartment with a functional differentiation program.
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Rodgers BD, Bishaw Y, Kagel D, Ramos JN, Maricelli JW. Micro-dystrophin Gene Therapy Partially Enhances Exercise Capacity in Older Adult mdx Mice. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2020; 17:122-132. [PMID: 31909085 PMCID: PMC6939027 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2019.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Micro-dystrophin (μDys) gene therapeutics can improve striated muscle structure and function in different animal models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Most studies, however, used young mdx mice that lack a pronounced dystrophic phenotype, short treatment periods, and limited muscle function tests. We, therefore, determined the relative efficacy of two previously described μDys gene therapeutics (rAAV6:μDysH3 and rAAV6:μDys5) in 6-month-old mdx mice using a 6-month treatment regimen and forced exercise. Forelimb and hindlimb grip strength, metabolic rate (VO2 max), running efficiency (energy expenditure), and serum creatine kinase levels similarly improved in mdx mice treated with either vector. Both vectors produced nearly identical dose-responses in all assays. They also partially prevented the degenerative effects of repeated high-intensity exercise on muscle histology, although none of the metrics examined was restored to normal wild-type levels. Moreover, neither vector had any consistent effect on respiration while exercising. These data together suggest that, although μDys gene therapy can improve isolated and systemic muscle function, it may be only partially effective when dystrophinopathies are advanced or when muscle structure is significantly challenged, as with high-intensity exercise. This further suggests that restoring muscle function to near-normal levels will likely require ancillary or combinatorial treatments capable of enhancing muscle strength.
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Affiliation(s)
- Buel D. Rodgers
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington Center for Muscle Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Yemeserach Bishaw
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington Center for Muscle Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Denali Kagel
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington Center for Muscle Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Julian N. Ramos
- Department of Neurology, Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Joseph W. Maricelli
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington Center for Muscle Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
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6
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Hammers DW, Hart CC, Patsalos A, Matheny MK, Wright LA, Nagy L, Sweeney HL. Glucocorticoids counteract hypertrophic effects of myostatin inhibition in dystrophic muscle. JCI Insight 2020; 5:133276. [PMID: 31830002 PMCID: PMC7030817 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.133276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a devastating genetic muscle disease resulting in progressive muscle degeneration and wasting. Glucocorticoids, specifically prednisone/prednisolone and deflazacort, are commonly used by DMD patients. Emerging DMD therapeutics include those targeting the muscle-wasting factor, myostatin (Mstn). The aim of this study was to investigate how chronic glucocorticoid treatment impacts the efficacy of Mstn inhibition in the D2.mdx mouse model of DMD. We report that chronic treatment of dystrophic mice with prednisolone (Pred) causes significant muscle wasting, entailing both activation of the ubiquitin-proteasome degradation pathway and inhibition of muscle protein synthesis. Combining Pred with Mstn inhibition, using a modified Mstn propeptide (dnMstn), completely abrogates the muscle hypertrophic effects of Mstn inhibition independently of Mstn expression or SMAD3 activation. Transcriptomic analysis identified that combining Pred with dnMstn treatment affects gene expression profiles associated with inflammation, metabolism, and fibrosis. Additionally, we demonstrate that Pred-induced muscle atrophy is not prevented by Mstn ablation. Therefore, glucocorticoids interfere with potential muscle mass benefits associated with targeting Mstn, and the ramifications of glucocorticoid use should be a consideration during clinical trial design for DMD therapeutics. These results have significant implications for past and future Mstn inhibition trials in DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- David W. Hammers
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics and
- Myology Institute, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Cora C. Hart
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics and
- Myology Institute, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Andreas Patsalos
- Department of Medicine and
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, St. Petersburg, Florida, USA
| | - Michael K. Matheny
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics and
- Myology Institute, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Lillian A. Wright
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics and
- Myology Institute, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Laszlo Nagy
- Department of Medicine and
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, St. Petersburg, Florida, USA
| | - H. Lee Sweeney
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics and
- Myology Institute, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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7
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Jin Q, Qiao C, Li J, Xiao B, Li J, Xiao X. A GDF11/myostatin inhibitor, GDF11 propeptide-Fc, increases skeletal muscle mass and improves muscle strength in dystrophic mdx mice. Skelet Muscle 2019; 9:16. [PMID: 31133057 PMCID: PMC6537384 DOI: 10.1186/s13395-019-0197-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) is a member of the transforming growth factor β superfamily. The GDF11 propeptide, which is derived from the GDF11 precursor protein, blocks the activity of GDF11 and its homolog, myostatin, which are both potent inhibitors of muscle growth. Thus, treatment with GDF11 propeptide may be a potential therapeutic strategy for diseases associated with muscle atrophy like sarcopenia and the muscular dystrophies. Here, we evaluate the impact of GDF11 propeptide-Fc (GDF11PRO-Fc) gene delivery on skeletal muscle in normal and dystrophic adult mice. Methods A pull-down assay was used to obtain physical confirmation of a protein-protein interaction between GDF11PRO-Fc and GDF11 or myostatin. Next, differentiated C2C12 myotubes were treated with AAV6-GDF11PRO-Fc and challenged with GDF11 or myostatin to determine if GDF11PRO-Fc could block GDF11/myostatin-induced myotube atrophy. Localized expression of GDF11PRO-Fc was evaluated via a unilateral intramuscular injection of AAV9-GDF11PRO-Fc into the hindlimb of C57BL/6J mice. In mdx mice, intravenous injection of AAV9-GDF11PRO-Fc was used to achieve systemic expression. The impact of GDF11PRO-Fc on muscle mass, function, and pathological features were assessed. Results GDF11PRO-Fc was observed to bind both GDF11 and myostatin. In C2C12 myotubes, expression of GDF11PRO-Fc was able to mitigate GDF11/myostatin-induced atrophy. Following intramuscular injection in C57BL/6J mice, increased grip strength and localized muscle hypertrophy were observed in the injected hindlimb after 10 weeks. In mdx mice, systemic expression of GDF11PRO-Fc resulted in skeletal muscle hypertrophy without a significant change in cardiac mass after 12 weeks. In addition, grip strength and rotarod latency time were improved. Intramuscular fibrosis was also reduced in treated mdx mice; however, there was no change seen in central nucleation, membrane permeability to serum IgG or serum creatine kinase levels. Conclusions GDF11PRO-Fc induces skeletal muscle hypertrophy and improvements in muscle strength via inhibition of GDF11/myostatin signaling. However, GDF11PRO-Fc does not significantly improve the dystrophic pathology in mdx mice. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13395-019-0197-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan Jin
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Chunping Qiao
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jianbin Li
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Bin Xiao
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Juan Li
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Xiao Xiao
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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8
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Halon-Golabek M, Borkowska A, Herman-Antosiewicz A, Antosiewicz J. Iron Metabolism of the Skeletal Muscle and Neurodegeneration. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:165. [PMID: 30949015 PMCID: PMC6436082 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies clearly indicate that the endocrine function of the skeletal muscle is essential for a long and healthy life. Regular exercise, which has been shown to stimulate the release of myokines, lowers the risk of many diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, emphasizing the role of skeletal muscle in proper functioning of other tissues. In addition, exercise increases insulin sensitivity, which may also impact iron metabolism. Even though the role of iron in neurodegeneration is well established, the exact mechanisms of iron toxicity are not known. Interestingly, exercise has been shown to modulate iron metabolism, mainly by reducing body iron stores. Insulin signaling and iron metabolism are interconnected, as high tissue iron stores are associated with insulin resistance, and conversely, impaired insulin signaling may lead to iron accumulation in an affected tissue. Excess iron accumulation in tissue triggers iron-dependent oxidative stress. Further, iron overload in the skeletal muscle not only negatively affects muscle contractility but also might impact its endocrine function, thus possibly affecting the clinical outcome of diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we discuss possible mechanisms of iron dependent oxidative stress in skeletal muscle, its impact on muscle mass and endocrine function, as well as on neurodegeneration processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malgorzata Halon-Golabek
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Andzelika Borkowska
- Department of Bioenergetics and Physiology of Exercise, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Anna Herman-Antosiewicz
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Jedrzej Antosiewicz
- Department of Biochemistry, Gdańsk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdańsk, Poland
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9
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Skeletal muscle fibrosis: an overview. Cell Tissue Res 2018; 375:575-588. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-018-2955-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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10
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Iskenderian A, Liu N, Deng Q, Huang Y, Shen C, Palmieri K, Crooker R, Lundberg D, Kastrapeli N, Pescatore B, Romashko A, Dumas J, Comeau R, Norton A, Pan J, Rong H, Derakhchan K, Ehmann DE. Myostatin and activin blockade by engineered follistatin results in hypertrophy and improves dystrophic pathology in mdx mouse more than myostatin blockade alone. Skelet Muscle 2018; 8:34. [PMID: 30368252 PMCID: PMC6204036 DOI: 10.1186/s13395-018-0180-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myostatin antagonists are being developed as therapies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy due to their strong hypertrophic effects on skeletal muscle. Engineered follistatin has the potential to combine the hypertrophy of myostatin antagonism with the anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects of activin A antagonism. METHODS Engineered follistatin was administered to C57BL/6 mice for 4 weeks, and muscle mass and myofiber size was measured. In the mdx model, engineered follistatin was dosed for 12 weeks in two studies comparing to an Fc fusion of the activin IIB receptor or an anti-myostatin antibody. Functional measurements of grip strength and tetanic force were combined with tissue analysis for markers of necrosis, inflammation, and fibrosis to evaluate improvement in dystrophic pathology. RESULTS In wild-type and mdx mice, dose-dependent increases in muscle mass and quadriceps myofiber size were observed for engineered follistatin. In mdx, increases in grip strength and tetanic force were combined with improvements in muscle markers for necrosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. Improvements in dystrophic pathology were greater for engineered follistatin than the anti-myostatin antibody. CONCLUSIONS Engineered follistatin generated hypertrophy and anti-fibrotic effects in the mdx model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Iskenderian
- Discovery Therapeutics, Shire Pharmaceuticals, Lexington, MA, USA.,Drug Discovery, Shire, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Nan Liu
- Discovery Therapeutics, Shire Pharmaceuticals, Lexington, MA, USA.,Drug Discovery, Shire, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Qingwei Deng
- Research, Shire Pharmaceuticals, Lexington, MA, 02421, USA.,Drug Discovery, Shire, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Yan Huang
- Discovery Therapeutics, Shire Pharmaceuticals, Lexington, MA, USA.,Drug Discovery, Shire, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Chuan Shen
- Discovery Therapeutics, Shire Pharmaceuticals, Lexington, MA, USA.,Drug Discovery, Shire, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Kathleen Palmieri
- Research, Shire Pharmaceuticals, Lexington, MA, 02421, USA.,Drug Discovery, Shire, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Robert Crooker
- Research, Shire Pharmaceuticals, Lexington, MA, 02421, USA.,Drug Discovery, Shire, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Dianna Lundberg
- Discovery Therapeutics, Shire Pharmaceuticals, Lexington, MA, USA.,Drug Discovery, Shire, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Niksa Kastrapeli
- Discovery Therapeutics, Shire Pharmaceuticals, Lexington, MA, USA.,Drug Discovery, Shire, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Brian Pescatore
- Discovery Therapeutics, Shire Pharmaceuticals, Lexington, MA, USA.,Drug Discovery, Shire, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Alla Romashko
- Discovery Therapeutics, Shire Pharmaceuticals, Lexington, MA, USA.,Drug Discovery, Shire, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - John Dumas
- Discovery Therapeutics, Shire Pharmaceuticals, Lexington, MA, USA.,Drug Discovery, Shire, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Robert Comeau
- Discovery Therapeutics, Shire Pharmaceuticals, Lexington, MA, USA.,Drug Discovery, Shire, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Angela Norton
- Discovery Therapeutics, Shire Pharmaceuticals, Lexington, MA, USA.,Drug Discovery, Shire, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jing Pan
- Discovery Therapeutics, Shire Pharmaceuticals, Lexington, MA, USA.,Drug Discovery, Shire, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Haojing Rong
- Nonclinical Development, Shire Pharmaceuticals, Lexington, MA, USA.,Drug Discovery, Shire, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Katayoun Derakhchan
- Nonclinical Development, Shire Pharmaceuticals, Lexington, MA, USA.,Drug Discovery, Shire, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - David E Ehmann
- Research, Shire Pharmaceuticals, Lexington, MA, 02421, USA. .,Drug Discovery, Shire, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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Hulmi JJ, Nissinen TA, Räsänen M, Degerman J, Lautaoja JH, Hemanthakumar KA, Backman JT, Ritvos O, Silvennoinen M, Kivelä R. Prevention of chemotherapy-induced cachexia by ACVR2B ligand blocking has different effects on heart and skeletal muscle. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2018; 9:417-432. [PMID: 29230965 PMCID: PMC5879968 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.12265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Revised: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxicity of chemotherapy on skeletal muscles and the heart may significantly contribute to cancer cachexia, mortality, and decreased quality of life. Doxorubicin (DOX) is an effective cytostatic agent, which unfortunately has toxic effects on many healthy tissues. Blocking of activin receptor type IIB (ACVR2B) ligands is an often used strategy to prevent skeletal muscle loss, but its effects on the heart are relatively unknown. METHODS The effects of DOX treatment with or without pre-treatment with soluble ACVR2B-Fc (sACVR2B-Fc) were investigated. The mice were randomly assigned into one of the three groups: (1) vehicle (PBS)-treated controls, (2) DOX-treated mice (DOX), and (3) DOX-treated mice administered with sACVR2B-Fc during the experiment (DOX + sACVR2B-Fc). DOX was administered with a cumulative dose of 24 mg/kg during 2 weeks to investigate cachexia outcome in the heart and skeletal muscle. To understand similarities and differences between skeletal and cardiac muscles in their responses to chemotherapy, the tissues were collected 20 h after a single DOX (15 mg/kg) injection and analysed with genome-wide transcriptomics and mRNA and protein analyses. The combination group was pre-treated with sACVR2B-Fc 48 h before DOX administration. Major findings were also studied in mice receiving only sACVR2B-Fc. RESULTS The DOX treatment induced similar (~10%) wasting in skeletal muscle and the heart. However, transcriptional changes in response to DOX were much greater in skeletal muscle. Pathway analysis and unbiased transcription factor analysis showed that p53-p21-REDD1 is the main common pathway activated by DOX in both skeletal and cardiac muscles. These changes were attenuated by blocking ACVR2B ligands especially in skeletal muscle. Tceal7 (3-fold to 5-fold increase), transferrin receptor (1.5-fold increase), and Ccl21 (0.6-fold to 0.9-fold decrease) were identified as novel genes responsive to blocking ACVR2B ligands. Overall, at the transcriptome level, ACVR2B ligand blocking had only minor influence in the heart while it had marked effects in skeletal muscle. The same was also true for the effects on tissue wasting. This may be explained in part by about 18-fold higher gene expression of myostatin in skeletal muscle compared with the heart. CONCLUSIONS Cardiac and skeletal muscles display similar atrophy after DOX treatment, but the mechanisms for this may differ between the tissues. The present results suggest that p53-p21-REDD1 signalling is the main common DOX-activated pathway in these tissues and that blocking activin receptor ligands attenuates this response, especially in skeletal muscle supporting the overall stronger effects of this treatment in skeletal muscles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juha J Hulmi
- Biology of Physical Activity, Neuromuscular Research Center, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tuuli A Nissinen
- Biology of Physical Activity, Neuromuscular Research Center, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Markus Räsänen
- Wihuri Research Institute, Helsinki, Finland and Translational Cancer Biology Program, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Joni Degerman
- Wihuri Research Institute, Helsinki, Finland and Translational Cancer Biology Program, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Juulia H Lautaoja
- Biology of Physical Activity, Neuromuscular Research Center, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Karthik Amudhala Hemanthakumar
- Wihuri Research Institute, Helsinki, Finland and Translational Cancer Biology Program, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Janne T Backman
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Olli Ritvos
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mika Silvennoinen
- Biology of Physical Activity, Neuromuscular Research Center, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Riikka Kivelä
- Wihuri Research Institute, Helsinki, Finland and Translational Cancer Biology Program, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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12
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Hightower RM, Alexander MS. Genetic modifiers of Duchenne and facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophies. Muscle Nerve 2018; 57:6-15. [PMID: 28877560 PMCID: PMC5759757 DOI: 10.1002/mus.25953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Muscular dystrophy is defined as the progressive wasting of skeletal muscles that is caused by inherited or spontaneous genetic mutations. Next-generation sequencing has greatly improved the accuracy and speed of diagnosis for different types of muscular dystrophy. Advancements in depth of coverage, convenience, and overall reduced cost have led to the identification of genetic modifiers that are responsible for phenotypic variability in affected patients. These genetic modifiers have been postulated to explain key differences in disease phenotypes, including age of loss of ambulation, steroid responsiveness, and the presence or absence of cardiac defects in patients with the same form of muscular dystrophy. This review highlights recent findings on genetic modifiers of Duchenne and facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophies based on animal and clinical studies. These genetic modifiers hold great promise to be developed into novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of muscular dystrophies. Muscle Nerve 57: 6-15, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rylie M. Hightower
- University of Alabama at Birmingham Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Birmingham, AL 35294
| | - Matthew S. Alexander
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology at Children’s of Alabama and the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294
- Department of Genetics, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294
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13
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Past, Present, and Future Perspective of Targeting Myostatin and Related Signaling Pathways to Counteract Muscle Atrophy. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1088:153-206. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-1435-3_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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14
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Evaluation of serum MMP-9 as predictive biomarker for antisense therapy in Duchenne. Sci Rep 2017; 7:17888. [PMID: 29263366 PMCID: PMC5738430 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-17982-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a severe muscle disorder caused by lack of dystrophin. Predictive biomarkers able to anticipate response to the therapeutic treatments aiming at dystrophin re-expression are lacking. The objective of this study is to investigate Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) as predictive biomarker for Duchenne. Two natural history cohorts were studied including 168 longitudinal samples belonging to 66 patients. We further studied 1536 samples obtained from 3 independent clinical trials with drisapersen, an antisense oligonucleotide targeting exon 51: an open label study including 12 patients; a phase 3 randomized, double blind, placebo controlled study involving 186 patients; an open label extension study performed after the phase 3. Analysis of natural history cohorts showed elevated MMP-9 levels in patients and a significant increase over time in longitudinal samples. MMP-9 decreased in parallel to clinical stabilization in the 12 patients involved in the open label study. The phase 3 study and subsequent extension study clarified that the decrease in MMP-9 levels was not predictive of treatment response. These data do not support the inclusion of serum MMP-9 as predictive biomarker for DMD patients.
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Barreto R, Kitase Y, Matsumoto T, Pin F, Colston KC, Couch KE, O'Connell TM, Couch ME, Bonewald LF, Bonetto A. ACVR2B/Fc counteracts chemotherapy-induced loss of muscle and bone mass. Sci Rep 2017; 7:14470. [PMID: 29089584 PMCID: PMC5665981 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-15040-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy promotes the development of cachexia, a debilitating condition characterized by muscle and fat loss. ACVR2B/Fc, an inhibitor of the Activin Receptor 2B signaling, has been shown to preserve muscle mass and prolong survival in tumor hosts, and to increase bone mass in models of osteogenesis imperfecta and muscular dystrophy. We compared the effects of ACVR2B/Fc on muscle and bone mass in mice exposed to Folfiri. In addition to impairing muscle mass and function, Folfiri had severe negative effects on bone, as shown by reduced trabecular bone volume fraction (BV/TV), thickness (Tb.Th), number (Tb.N), connectivity density (Conn.Dn), and by increased separation (Tb.Sp) in trabecular bone of the femur and vertebra. ACVR2B/Fc prevented the loss of muscle mass and strength, and the loss of trabecular bone in femurs and vertebrae following Folfiri administration. Neither Folfiri nor ACVR2B/Fc had effects on femoral cortical bone, as shown by unchanged cortical bone volume fraction (Ct.BV/TV), thickness (Ct.Th) and porosity. Our results suggest that Folfiri is responsible for concomitant muscle and bone degeneration, and that ACVR2B/Fc prevents these derangements. Future studies are required to determine if the same protective effects are observed in combination with other anticancer regimens or in the presence of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Barreto
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Yukiko Kitase
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.,Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Tsutomu Matsumoto
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.,Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Fabrizio Pin
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.,Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Kyra C Colston
- Indianapolis Project STEM, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Katherine E Couch
- Indianapolis Project STEM, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Thomas M O'Connell
- Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.,Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.,Simon Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.,IUPUI Center for Cachexia Research Innovation and Therapy, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Marion E Couch
- Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.,Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.,Simon Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.,IUPUI Center for Cachexia Research Innovation and Therapy, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Lynda F Bonewald
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.,Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.,Simon Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.,IUPUI Center for Cachexia Research Innovation and Therapy, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Andrea Bonetto
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA. .,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA. .,Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA. .,Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA. .,Simon Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA. .,IUPUI Center for Cachexia Research Innovation and Therapy, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
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16
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Hammers DW, Merscham-Banda M, Hsiao JY, Engst S, Hartman JJ, Sweeney HL. Supraphysiological levels of GDF11 induce striated muscle atrophy. EMBO Mol Med 2017; 9:531-544. [PMID: 28270449 PMCID: PMC5376753 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201607231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Growth and differentiation factor (GDF) 11 is a member of the transforming growth factor β superfamily recently identified as a potential therapeutic for age‐related cardiac and skeletal muscle decrements, despite high homology to myostatin (Mstn), a potent negative regulator of muscle mass. Though several reports have refuted these data, the in vivo effects of GDF11 on skeletal muscle mass have not been addressed. Using in vitro myoblast culture assays, we first demonstrate that GDF11 and Mstn have similar activities/potencies on activating p‐SMAD2/3 and induce comparable levels of differentiated myotube atrophy. We further demonstrate that adeno‐associated virus‐mediated systemic overexpression of GDF11 in C57BL/6 mice results in substantial atrophy of skeletal and cardiac muscle, inducing a cachexic phenotype not seen in mice expressing similar levels of Mstn. Greater cardiac expression of Tgfbr1 may explain this GDF11‐specific cardiac phenotype. These data indicate that bioactive GDF11 at supraphysiological levels cause wasting of both skeletal and cardiac muscle. Rather than a therapeutic agent, GDF11 should be viewed as a potential deleterious biomarker in muscle wasting diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- David W Hammers
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Myology Institute, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Melissa Merscham-Banda
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Myology Institute, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | | | | | | | - H Lee Sweeney
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA .,Myology Institute, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
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17
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Campbell C, McMillan HJ, Mah JK, Tarnopolsky M, Selby K, McClure T, Wilson DM, Sherman ML, Escolar D, Attie KM. Myostatin inhibitor ACE-031 treatment of ambulatory boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy: Results of a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Muscle Nerve 2016; 55:458-464. [PMID: 27462804 DOI: 10.1002/mus.25268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Revised: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION ACE-031 is a fusion protein of activin receptor type IIB and IgG1-Fc, which binds myostatin and related ligands. It aims to disrupt the inhibitory effect on muscle development and provide potential therapy for myopathies like Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). METHODS ACE-031 was administered subcutaneously every 2-4 weeks to DMD boys in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, ascending-dose trial. The primary objective was safety evaluation. Secondary objectives included characterization of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. RESULTS ACE-031 was not associated with serious or severe adverse events. The study was stopped after the second dosing regimen due to potential safety concerns of epistaxis and telangiectasias. A trend for maintenance of the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) distance in the ACE-031 groups compared with a decline in the placebo group (not statistically significant) was noted, as was a trend for increased lean body mass and bone mineral density (BMD) and reduced fat mass. CONCLUSION ACE-031 use demonstrated trends for pharmacodynamic effects on lean mass, fat mass, BMD, and 6MWT. Non-muscle-related adverse events contributed to the decision to discontinue the study. Myostatin inhibition is a promising therapeutic approach for DMD. Muscle Nerve 55: 458-464, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig Campbell
- Pediatrics, Epidemiology and Clinical Neurological Sciences, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hugh J McMillan
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jean K Mah
- Alberta Children's Hospital, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Kathryn Selby
- British Columbia Children's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ty McClure
- Acceleron Pharma, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | - Diana Escolar
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Johns Hopkins Medical School, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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18
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Activin Receptor Type IIB Inhibition Improves Muscle Phenotype and Function in a Mouse Model of Spinal Muscular Atrophy. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0166803. [PMID: 27870893 PMCID: PMC5117715 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0166803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 11/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder that causes progressive muscle atrophy and weakness. Using adeno-associated virus-mediated gene transfer, we evaluated the potential to improve skeletal muscle weakness via systemic, postnatal inhibition of either myostatin or all signaling via the activin receptor type IIB (ActRIIB). After demonstrating elevated p-SMAD3 content and differential content of ActRIIB ligands, 4-week-old male C/C SMA model mice were treated intraperitoneally with 1x1012 genome copies of pseudotype 2/8 virus encoding a soluble form of the ActRIIB extracellular domain (sActRIIB) or protease-resistant myostatin propeptide (dnMstn) driven by a liver specific promoter. At 12 weeks of age, muscle mass and function were improved in treated C/C mice by both treatments, compared to controls. The fast fiber type muscles had a greater response to treatment than did slow muscles, and the greatest therapeutic effects were found with sActRIIB treatment. Myostatin/activin inhibition, however, did not rescue C/C mice from the reduction in motor unit numbers of the tibialis anterior muscle. Collectively, this study indicates that myostatin/activin inhibition represents a potential therapeutic strategy to increase muscle mass and strength, but not neuromuscular junction defects, in less severe forms of SMA.
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19
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Pasteuning-Vuhman S, Boertje-van der Meulen JW, van Putten M, Overzier M, Ten Dijke P, Kiełbasa SM, Arindrarto W, Wolterbeek R, Lezhnina KV, Ozerov IV, Aliper AM, Hoogaars WM, Aartsma-Rus A, Loomans CJM. New function of the myostatin/activin type I receptor (ALK4) as a mediator of muscle atrophy and muscle regeneration. FASEB J 2016; 31:238-255. [PMID: 27733450 PMCID: PMC5161514 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201600675r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2016] [Accepted: 09/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Skeletal muscle fibrosis and impaired muscle regeneration are major contributors to muscle wasting in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Muscle growth is negatively regulated by myostatin (MSTN) and activins. Blockage of these pathways may improve muscle quality and function in DMD. Antisense oligonucleotides (AONs) were designed specifically to block the function of ALK4, a key receptor for the MSTN/activin pathway in skeletal muscle. AON-induced exon skipping resulted in specific Alk4 down-regulation, inhibition of MSTN activity, and increased myoblast differentiation in vitro. Unexpectedly, a marked decrease in muscle mass (10%) was found after Alk4 AON treatment in mdx mice. In line with in vitro results, muscle regeneration was stimulated, and muscle fiber size decreased markedly. Notably, when Alk4 was down-regulated in adult wild-type mice, muscle mass decreased even more. RNAseq analysis revealed dysregulated metabolic functions and signs of muscle atrophy. We conclude that ALK4 inhibition increases myogenesis but also regulates the tight balance of protein synthesis and degradation. Therefore, caution must be used when developing therapies that interfere with MSTN/activin pathways.—Pasteuning-Vuhman, S., Boertje-van der Meulen, J. W., van Putten, M., Overzier, M., ten Dijke, P., Kiełbasa, S. M., Arindrarto, W., Wolterbeek, R., Lezhnina, K. V., Ozerov, I. V., Aliper, A. M., Hoogaars, W. M., Aartsma-Rus, A., Loomans, C. J. M. New function of the myostatin/activin type I receptor (ALK4) as a mediator of muscle atrophy and muscle regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maaike van Putten
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Maurice Overzier
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Ten Dijke
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Cancer Genomics Center, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Szymon M Kiełbasa
- Department of Medical Statistics and Bioinformatics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Wibowo Arindrarto
- Department of Medical Statistics and Bioinformatics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ron Wolterbeek
- Department of Medical Statistics and Bioinformatics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ksenia V Lezhnina
- InSilico Medicine, Incorporated, Emerging Technology Centers, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; and
| | - Ivan V Ozerov
- InSilico Medicine, Incorporated, Emerging Technology Centers, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; and
| | - Aleksandr M Aliper
- InSilico Medicine, Incorporated, Emerging Technology Centers, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; and
| | - Willem M Hoogaars
- Department of Human Movement Sciences, Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, Move Research Institute Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit (VU) Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Annemieke Aartsma-Rus
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands;
| | - Cindy J M Loomans
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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20
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Hulmi JJ, Hentilä J, DeRuisseau KC, Oliveira BM, Papaioannou KG, Autio R, Kujala UM, Ritvos O, Kainulainen H, Korkmaz A, Atalay M. Effects of muscular dystrophy, exercise and blocking activin receptor IIB ligands on the unfolded protein response and oxidative stress. Free Radic Biol Med 2016; 99:308-322. [PMID: 27554968 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2016.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Revised: 08/10/2016] [Accepted: 08/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Protein homeostasis in cells, proteostasis, is maintained through several integrated processes and pathways and its dysregulation may mediate pathology in many diseases including Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Oxidative stress, heat shock proteins, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and its response, i.e. unfolded protein response (UPR), play key roles in proteostasis but their involvement in the pathology of DMD are largely unknown. Moreover, exercise and activin receptor IIB blocking are two strategies that may be beneficial to DMD muscle, but studies to examine their effects on these proteostasis pathways are lacking. Therefore, these pathways were examined in the muscle of mdx mice, a model of DMD, under basal conditions and in response to seven weeks of voluntary exercise and/or activin receptor IIB ligand blocking using soluble activin receptor-Fc (sAcvR2B-Fc) administration. In conjunction with reduced muscle strength, mdx muscle displayed greater levels of UPR/ER-pathway indicators including greater protein levels of IRE1α, PERK and Atf6b mRNA. Downstream to IRE1α and PERK, spliced Xbp1 mRNA and phosphorylation of eIF2α, were also increased. Most of the cytoplasmic and ER chaperones and mitochondrial UPR markers were unchanged in mdx muscle. Oxidized glutathione was greater in mdx and was associated with increases in lysine acetylated proteome and phosphorylated sirtuin 1. Exercise increased oxidative stress when performed independently or combined with sAcvR2B-Fc administration. Although neither exercise nor sAcvR2B-Fc administration imparted a clear effect on ER stress/UPR pathways or heat shock proteins, sAcvR2B-Fc administration increased protein expression levels of GRP78/BiP, a triggering factor for ER stress/UPR activation and TxNIP, a redox-regulator of ER stress-induced inflammation. In conclusion, the ER stress and UPR are increased in mdx muscle. However, these processes are not distinctly improved by voluntary exercise or blocking activin receptor IIB ligands and thus do not appear to be optimal therapeutic choices for improving proteostasis in DMD.
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MESH Headings
- Activating Transcription Factor 6/genetics
- Activating Transcription Factor 6/metabolism
- Activin Receptors, Type II/antagonists & inhibitors
- Activin Receptors, Type II/genetics
- Activin Receptors, Type II/metabolism
- Animals
- Carrier Proteins/genetics
- Carrier Proteins/metabolism
- Disease Models, Animal
- Endoplasmic Reticulum Chaperone BiP
- Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress/drug effects
- Endoribonucleases/genetics
- Endoribonucleases/metabolism
- Eukaryotic Initiation Factor-2/genetics
- Eukaryotic Initiation Factor-2/metabolism
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Heat-Shock Proteins/genetics
- Heat-Shock Proteins/metabolism
- Humans
- Immunoglobulin Fc Fragments/pharmacology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred mdx
- Muscle, Skeletal/drug effects
- Muscle, Skeletal/metabolism
- Muscle, Skeletal/pathology
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/genetics
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/metabolism
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/pathology
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/therapy
- Phosphorylation/drug effects
- Physical Conditioning, Animal
- Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics
- Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism
- Proteostasis/drug effects
- Proteostasis/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Sirtuin 1/genetics
- Sirtuin 1/metabolism
- Thioredoxins/genetics
- Thioredoxins/metabolism
- Unfolded Protein Response/drug effects
- X-Box Binding Protein 1/genetics
- X-Box Binding Protein 1/metabolism
- eIF-2 Kinase/genetics
- eIF-2 Kinase/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Juha J Hulmi
- University of Jyväskylä, Department of Biology of Physical Activity, Neuromuscular Research Center, P.O. Box 35, FI-40014, Finland; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, FI-00290 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Jaakko Hentilä
- University of Jyväskylä, Department of Biology of Physical Activity, Neuromuscular Research Center, P.O. Box 35, FI-40014, Finland
| | - Keith C DeRuisseau
- Syracuse University, Department of Exercise Science, 820 Comstock Ave., 201 WB, Syracuse, NY, USA; Institute of Biomedicine, Physiology, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1 E, 70210 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Bernardo M Oliveira
- University of Jyväskylä, Department of Biology of Physical Activity, Neuromuscular Research Center, P.O. Box 35, FI-40014, Finland
| | - Konstantinos G Papaioannou
- University of Jyväskylä, Department of Biology of Physical Activity, Neuromuscular Research Center, P.O. Box 35, FI-40014, Finland
| | - Reija Autio
- School of Health Sciences, University of Tampere, Medisiinarinkatu 3, FI-33014, Finland
| | - Urho M Kujala
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Rautpohjankatu 8, P.O. Box 35, FI-40014, Finland
| | - Olli Ritvos
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, FI-00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Heikki Kainulainen
- University of Jyväskylä, Department of Biology of Physical Activity, Neuromuscular Research Center, P.O. Box 35, FI-40014, Finland
| | - Ayhan Korkmaz
- Institute of Biomedicine, Physiology, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1 E, 70210 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Mustafa Atalay
- Institute of Biomedicine, Physiology, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1 E, 70210 Kuopio, Finland
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21
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Chen JL, Colgan TD, Walton KL, Gregorevic P, Harrison CA. The TGF-β Signalling Network in Muscle Development, Adaptation and Disease. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2016; 900:97-131. [PMID: 27003398 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-27511-6_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Skeletal muscle possesses remarkable ability to change its size and force-producing capacity in response to physiological stimuli. Impairment of the cellular processes that govern these attributes also affects muscle mass and function in pathological conditions. Myostatin, a member of the TGF-β family, has been identified as a key regulator of muscle development, and adaptation in adulthood. In muscle, myostatin binds to its type I (ALK4/5) and type II (ActRIIA/B) receptors to initiate Smad2/3 signalling and the regulation of target genes that co-ordinate the balance between protein synthesis and degradation. Interestingly, evidence is emerging that other TGF-β proteins act in concert with myostatin to regulate the growth and remodelling of skeletal muscle. Consequently, dysregulation of TGF-β proteins and their associated signalling components is increasingly being implicated in muscle wasting associated with chronic illness, ageing, and inactivity. The growing understanding of TGF-β biology in muscle, and its potential to advance the development of therapeutics for muscle-related conditions is reviewed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin L Chen
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Muscle Research and Therapeutics Development, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Timothy D Colgan
- Muscle Research and Therapeutics Development, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.,Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Kelly L Walton
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Paul Gregorevic
- Muscle Research and Therapeutics Development, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia. .,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia. .,Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia. .,Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, The University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Craig A Harrison
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia. .,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia. .,Department of Physiology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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22
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Béchir N, Pecchi E, Vilmen C, Le Fur Y, Amthor H, Bernard M, Bendahan D, Giannesini B. ActRIIB blockade increases force-generating capacity and preserves energy supply in exercising mdx mouse muscle in vivo. FASEB J 2016; 30:3551-3562. [PMID: 27416839 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201600271rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Postnatal blockade of the activin type IIB receptor (ActRIIB) represents a promising therapeutic strategy for counteracting dystrophic muscle wasting. However, its impact on muscle function and bioenergetics remains poorly documented in physiologic conditions. We have investigated totally noninvasively the effect of 8-wk administration of either soluble ActRIIB signaling inhibitor (sActRIIB-Fc) or vehicle PBS (control) on gastrocnemius muscle force-generating capacity, energy metabolism, and anatomy in dystrophic mdx mice using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and dynamic [31P]-MR spectroscopy ([31P]-MRS) in vivo ActRIIB inhibition increased muscle volume (+33%) without changing fiber-type distribution, and increased basal animal oxygen consumption (+22%) and energy expenditure (+23%). During an in vivo standardized fatiguing exercise, maximum and total absolute contractile forces were larger (+40 and 24%, respectively) in sActRIIB-Fc treated animals, whereas specific force-generating capacity and fatigue resistance remained unaffected. Furthermore, sActRIIB-Fc administration did not alter metabolic fluxes, ATP homeostasis, or contractile efficiency during the fatiguing bout of exercise, although it dramatically reduced the intrinsic mitochondrial capacity for producing ATP. Overall, sActRIIB-Fc treatment increased muscle mass and strength without altering the fundamental weakness characteristic of dystrophic mdx muscle. These data support the clinical interest of ActRIIB blockade for reversing dystrophic muscle wasting.-Béchir, N., Pecchi, E., Vilmen, C., Le Fur, Y., Amthor, H., Bernard, M., Bendahan, D., Giannesini, B. ActRIIB blockade increases force-generating capacity and preserves energy supply in exercising mdx mouse muscle in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelly Béchir
- Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre de Résonance Magnétique Biologique et Médicale, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7339, Marseille, France
| | - Emilie Pecchi
- Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre de Résonance Magnétique Biologique et Médicale, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7339, Marseille, France
| | - Christophe Vilmen
- Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre de Résonance Magnétique Biologique et Médicale, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7339, Marseille, France
| | - Yann Le Fur
- Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre de Résonance Magnétique Biologique et Médicale, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7339, Marseille, France
| | - Helge Amthor
- Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Unités de Formation et de Recherche des Sciences de la Santé, INSERM U1179, Laboratoire International Associé, Biologie Appliquée Handicap Neuromusculaire, Cellules Souches Mésenchymateuses, Saint Quentin en Yvelines Therapeutics, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France; and Service Génétique Médicale, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Necker-Enfants Malades, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Monique Bernard
- Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre de Résonance Magnétique Biologique et Médicale, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7339, Marseille, France
| | - David Bendahan
- Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre de Résonance Magnétique Biologique et Médicale, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7339, Marseille, France
| | - Benoît Giannesini
- Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre de Résonance Magnétique Biologique et Médicale, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7339, Marseille, France;
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Sanchez B, Li J, Yim S, Pacheck A, Widrick JJ, Rutkove SB. Evaluation of Electrical Impedance as a Biomarker of Myostatin Inhibition in Wild Type and Muscular Dystrophy Mice. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0140521. [PMID: 26485280 PMCID: PMC4618134 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0140521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Non-invasive and effort independent biomarkers are needed to better assess the effects of drug therapy on healthy muscle and that affected by muscular dystrophy (mdx). Here we evaluated the use of multi-frequency electrical impedance for this purpose with comparison to force and histological parameters. Methods Eight wild-type (wt) and 10 mdx mice were treated weekly with RAP-031 activin type IIB receptor at a dose of 10 mg kg−1 twice weekly for 16 weeks; the investigators were blinded to treatment and disease status. At the completion of treatment, impedance measurements, in situ force measurements, and histology analyses were performed. Results As compared to untreated animals, RAP-031 wt and mdx treated mice had greater body mass (18% and 17%, p < 0.001 respectively) and muscle mass (25% p < 0.05 and 22% p < 0.001, respectively). The Cole impedance parameters in treated wt mice, showed a 24% lower central frequency (p < 0.05) and 19% higher resistance ratio (p < 0.05); no significant differences were observed in the mdx mice. These differences were consistent with those seen in maximum isometric force, which was greater in the wt animals (p < 0.05 at > 70 Hz), but not in the mdx animals. In contrast, maximum force normalized by muscle mass was unchanged in the wt animals and lower in the mdx animals by 21% (p < 0.01). Similarly, myofiber size was only non-significantly higher in treated versus untreated animals (8% p = 0.44 and 12% p = 0.31 for wt and mdx animals, respectively). Conclusions Our findings demonstrate electrical impedance of muscle reproduce the functional and histological changes associated with myostatin pathway inhibition and do not reflect differences in muscle size or volume. This technique deserves further study in both animal and human therapeutic trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Sanchez
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neuromuscular Diseases, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215-5491, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Jia Li
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neuromuscular Diseases, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215-5491, United States of America
| | - Sung Yim
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neuromuscular Diseases, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215-5491, United States of America
| | - Adam Pacheck
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neuromuscular Diseases, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215-5491, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey J. Widrick
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215-5491, United States of America
| | - Seward B. Rutkove
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neuromuscular Diseases, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215-5491, United States of America
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24
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Swiderski K, Lynch GS. Therapeutic potential of orphan drugs for the rare skeletal muscle diseases. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2015. [DOI: 10.1517/21678707.2015.1085858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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25
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Lee YS, Lehar A, Sebald S, Liu M, Swaggart KA, Talbot CC, Pytel P, Barton ER, McNally EM, Lee SJ. Muscle hypertrophy induced by myostatin inhibition accelerates degeneration in dysferlinopathy. Hum Mol Genet 2015. [PMID: 26206886 PMCID: PMC4581601 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddv288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Myostatin is a secreted signaling molecule that normally acts to limit muscle growth. As a result, there is extensive effort directed at developing drugs capable of targeting myostatin to treat patients with muscle loss. One potential concern with this therapeutic approach in patients with muscle degenerative diseases like muscular dystrophy is that inducing hypertrophy may increase stress on dystrophic fibers, thereby accelerating disease progression. To investigate this possibility, we examined the effect of blocking the myostatin pathway in dysferlin-deficient (Dysf−/−) mice, in which membrane repair is compromised, either by transgenic expression of follistatin in skeletal muscle or by systemic administration of the soluble form of the activin type IIB receptor (ACVR2B/Fc). Here, we show that myostatin inhibition by follistatin transgene expression in Dysf−/− mice results in early improvement in histopathology but ultimately exacerbates muscle degeneration; this effect was not observed in dystrophin-deficient (mdx) mice, suggesting that accelerated degeneration induced by follistatin transgene expression is specific to mice lacking dysferlin. Dysf−/− mice injected with ACVR2B/Fc showed significant increases in muscle mass and amelioration of fibrotic changes normally seen in 8-month-old Dysf−/− mice. Despite these potentially beneficial effects, ACVR2B/Fc treatment caused increases in serum CK levels in some Dysf−/− mice, indicating possible muscle damage induced by hypertrophy. These findings suggest that depending on the disease context, inducing muscle hypertrophy by myostatin blockade may have detrimental effects, which need to be weighed against the potential gains in muscle growth and decreased fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Sil Lee
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics and
| | - Adam Lehar
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics and
| | | | - Min Liu
- Department of Physiology, Perelman School of Medicine and
| | | | - C Conover Talbot
- Institute for Basic Biomedical Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 725 North Wolfe Street, PCTB 803, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Peter Pytel
- Department of Pathology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Elisabeth R Barton
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | - Se-Jin Lee
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics and
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Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the most common form of muscular dystrophy. Genetic and biochemical research over the years has characterized the cause, pathophysiology and development of the disease providing several potential therapeutic targets and/or biomarkers. High throughput - omic technologies have provided a comprehensive understanding of the changes occurring in dystrophic muscles. Murine and canine animal models have been a valuable source to profile muscles and body fluids, thus providing candidate biomarkers that can be evaluated in patients. This review will illustrate known circulating biomarkers that could track disease progression and response to therapy in patients affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy. We present an overview of the transcriptomic, proteomic, metabolomics and lipidomic biomarkers described in literature. We show how studies in muscle tissue have led to the identification of serum and urine biomarkers and we highlight the importance of evaluating biomarkers as possible surrogate endpoints to facilitate regulatory processes for new medicinal products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemieke Aartsma-Rus
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Institute of Human Genetics, Newcastle University, International Centre for Life, Central Parkway, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Pietro Spitali
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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27
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Cohen TV, Kollias HD, Liu N, Ward CW, Wagner KR. Genetic disruption of Smad7 impairs skeletal muscle growth and regeneration. J Physiol 2015; 593:2479-97. [PMID: 25854148 DOI: 10.1113/jp270201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Smad7 is an intracellular antagonist of transforming growth factor-β signalling pathways and modulates muscle growth in vivo. Loss of Smad7 results in decreased muscle mass, reduced force generation, fibre type switching from glycolytic towards oxidative type and delayed recovery from injury. Upregulated Smad2/3 signalling in Smad7(-/-) muscle results in reduced myoblast proliferation and differentiation. Smad7 is an important regulator of muscle growth and may be a potential intracellular therapeutic target for muscle disorders. ABSTRACT The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family of growth factors plays an essential role in mediating cellular growth and differentiation. Myostatin is a muscle-specific member of the TGF-β superfamily and a negative regulator of muscle growth. Myostatin inhibitors are currently being pursued as therapeutic options for muscle disorders. Smad7 inhibits intracellular myostatin signalling via Smad2/3, and thus presents a means of regulating myostatin and potentiating muscle growth. We investigated the functional loss of Smad7 on muscle in vivo by examining muscle growth and differentiation in mice deficient in Smad7 (Smad7(-/-) ). Smad7(-/-) mice showed reduced muscle mass, hypotrophy and hypoplasia of muscle fibres, as well as an increase in oxidative fibre types. Examination of muscle strength showed reduced force generation in vivo and ex vivo compared to wild-type controls. Analysis of muscle regeneration showed a delay in recovery, probably as a result of decreased activation, proliferation and differentiation of satellite cells, as confirmed in vitro. Additionally, myostatin expression was upregulated in Smad7(-/-) muscle. Our findings suggest that increased Smad2/3 signalling in the absence of Smad7 inhibition impedes muscle growth and regeneration. Taken together, our experiments demonstrate that Smad7 is an important mediator of muscle growth in vivo. Our studies enhance our understanding of in vivo TGF-β pathway modulation and suggest that Smad7 may be an important therapeutic target for muscle disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana V Cohen
- Centre for Genetic Muscle Disorders, Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Neurology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Helen D Kollias
- Centre for Genetic Muscle Disorders, Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Naili Liu
- Centre for Genetic Muscle Disorders, Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Christopher W Ward
- Department of Orthopedics, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kathryn R Wagner
- Centre for Genetic Muscle Disorders, Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Neurology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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28
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Meriggioli MN, Roubenoff R. Prospect for pharmacological therapies to treat skeletal muscle dysfunction. Calcif Tissue Int 2015; 96:234-42. [PMID: 25363509 DOI: 10.1007/s00223-014-9926-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 10/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Skeletal muscle weakness is a leading cause of mobility disability in the elderly (sarcopenia), as a complication of acute or chronic illness (cachexia), and due to inherited or acquired muscle diseases (muscular dystrophies, myositides, etc.). As of now, there are no approved drugs that can reliably increase muscle strength and function. However, with our understanding of the regulation of myocyte signaling and homeostasis evolving rapidly, experimental treatments are now entering the clinic. We review the current status of clinical research in pharmacological therapies for muscle disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew N Meriggioli
- Department of Musculoskeletal Translational Medicine, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, 220 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
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Sepulveda PV, Bush ED, Baar K. Pharmacology of manipulating lean body mass. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2015; 42:1-13. [PMID: 25311629 PMCID: PMC4383600 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.12320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2014] [Revised: 09/29/2014] [Accepted: 09/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Dysfunction and wasting of skeletal muscle as a consequence of illness decreases the length and quality of life. Currently, there are few, if any, effective treatments available to address these conditions. Hence, the existence of this unmet medical need has fuelled large scientific efforts. Fortunately, these efforts have shown many of the underlying mechanisms adversely affecting skeletal muscle health. With increased understanding have come breakthrough disease-specific and broad spectrum interventions, some progressing through clinical development. The present review focuses its attention on the role of the antagonistic process regulating skeletal muscle mass before branching into prospective promising therapeutic targets and interventions. Special attention is given to therapies in development against cancer cachexia and Duchenne muscular dystrophy before closing remarks on design and conceptualization of future therapies are presented to the reader.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricio V Sepulveda
- Department of Physiology, Monash University, Monash College Wellington Rd, Melbourne Victoria, Australia
| | - Ernest D Bush
- Akashi Therapeutics, Cambridge, MA, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Keith Baar
- Departments of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behaviour and Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
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30
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Mouisel E, Relizani K, Mille-Hamard L, Denis R, Hourdé C, Agbulut O, Patel K, Arandel L, Morales-Gonzalez S, Vignaud A, Garcia L, Ferry A, Luquet S, Billat V, Ventura-Clapier R, Schuelke M, Amthor H. Myostatin is a key mediator between energy metabolism and endurance capacity of skeletal muscle. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2014; 307:R444-54. [DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00377.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Myostatin (Mstn) participates in the regulation of skeletal muscle size and has emerged as a regulator of muscle metabolism. Here, we hypothesized that lack of myostatin profoundly depresses oxidative phosphorylation-dependent muscle function. Toward this end, we explored Mstn −/− mice as a model for the constitutive absence of myostatin and AAV-mediated overexpression of myostatin propeptide as a model of myostatin blockade in adult wild-type mice. We show that muscles from Mstn −/− mice, although larger and stronger, fatigue extremely rapidly. Myostatin deficiency shifts muscle from aerobic toward anaerobic energy metabolism, as evidenced by decreased mitochondrial respiration, reduced expression of PPAR transcriptional regulators, increased enolase activity, and exercise-induced lactic acidosis. As a consequence, constitutively reduced myostatin signaling diminishes exercise capacity, while the hypermuscular state of Mstn−/− mice increases oxygen consumption and the energy cost of running. We wondered whether these results are the mere consequence of the congenital fiber-type switch toward a glycolytic phenotype of constitutive Mstn −/− mice. Hence, we overexpressed myostatin propeptide in adult mice, which did not affect fiber-type distribution, while nonetheless causing increased muscle fatigability, diminished exercise capacity, and decreased Pparb/d and Pgc1a expression. In conclusion, our results suggest that myostatin endows skeletal muscle with high oxidative capacity and low fatigability, thus regulating the delicate balance between muscle mass, muscle force, energy metabolism, and endurance capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Etienne Mouisel
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM)/Paul Sabatier University, UMR 1048, Institute of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases, Obesity Research Laboratory, Toulouse, France
- Sorbonne Universités, Universités Européennes, l'Université Pierre et Marie Curie (UPMC), Paris 06, Myology Center of Research and Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, UMR S974 and Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, FRE 3617 and Institut de Myologie, Paris, France
| | - Karima Relizani
- Department of Neuropediatrics and NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Laboratoire “End:icap”, UFR des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, France
| | | | - Raphaël Denis
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, CNRS EAC 4413, Paris, France
| | - Christophe Hourdé
- Sorbonne Universités, Universités Européennes, l'Université Pierre et Marie Curie (UPMC), Paris 06, Myology Center of Research and Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, UMR S974 and Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, FRE 3617 and Institut de Myologie, Paris, France
- Laboratory of Exercise Physiology, University of Savoie, Chambery, France
| | - Onnik Agbulut
- UPMC, Paris 06, Sorbonne Universités, UMR Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) Biological Adaptation and Ageing, Paris, France
| | - Ketan Patel
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Ludovic Arandel
- Sorbonne Universités, Universités Européennes, l'Université Pierre et Marie Curie (UPMC), Paris 06, Myology Center of Research and Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, UMR S974 and Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, FRE 3617 and Institut de Myologie, Paris, France
| | - Susanne Morales-Gonzalez
- Department of Neuropediatrics and NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Luis Garcia
- Laboratoire “End:icap”, UFR des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, France
- Laboratoire International Associé - Biothérapies Appliquées aux Handicaps Neuromusculaires, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Monaco
| | - Arnaud Ferry
- Sorbonne Universités, Universités Européennes, l'Université Pierre et Marie Curie (UPMC), Paris 06, Myology Center of Research and Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, UMR S974 and Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, FRE 3617 and Institut de Myologie, Paris, France
- Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Serge Luquet
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, CNRS EAC 4413, Paris, France
- CNRS, EAC 4413, Paris, France; and
| | | | | | - Markus Schuelke
- Department of Neuropediatrics and NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Helge Amthor
- Sorbonne Universités, Universités Européennes, l'Université Pierre et Marie Curie (UPMC), Paris 06, Myology Center of Research and Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, UMR S974 and Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, FRE 3617 and Institut de Myologie, Paris, France
- Laboratoire “End:icap”, UFR des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, France
- Laboratoire International Associé - Biothérapies Appliquées aux Handicaps Neuromusculaires, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Monaco
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Relizani K, Mouisel E, Giannesini B, Hourdé C, Patel K, Morales Gonzalez S, Jülich K, Vignaud A, Piétri-Rouxel F, Fortin D, Garcia L, Blot S, Ritvos O, Bendahan D, Ferry A, Ventura-Clapier R, Schuelke M, Amthor H. Blockade of ActRIIB signaling triggers muscle fatigability and metabolic myopathy. Mol Ther 2014; 22:1423-1433. [PMID: 24861054 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2014.90] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2013] [Accepted: 05/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Myostatin regulates skeletal muscle size via the activin receptor IIB (ActRIIB). However, its effect on muscle energy metabolism and energy-dependent muscle function remains largely unexplored. This question needs to be solved urgently since various therapies for neuromuscular diseases based on blockade of ActRIIB signaling are being developed. Here, we show in mice, that 4-month pharmacological abrogation of ActRIIB signaling by treatment with soluble ActRIIB-Fc triggers extreme muscle fatigability. This is associated with elevated serum lactate levels and a severe metabolic myopathy in the mdx mouse, an animal model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Blockade of ActRIIB signaling downregulates porin, a crucial ADP/ATP shuttle between cytosol and mitochondrial matrix leading to a consecutive deficiency of oxidative phosphorylation as measured by in vivo Phosphorus Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy ((31)P-MRS). Further, ActRIIB blockade reduces muscle capillarization, which further compounds the metabolic stress. We show that ActRIIB regulates key determinants of muscle metabolism, such as Pparβ, Pgc1α, and Pdk4 thereby optimizing different components of muscle energy metabolism. In conclusion, ActRIIB signaling endows skeletal muscle with high oxidative capacity and low fatigability. The severe metabolic side effects following ActRIIB blockade caution against deploying this strategy, at least in isolation, for treatment of neuromuscular disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karima Relizani
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Institut de Myologie, Unité mixte de recherche UPMC-AIM UM 76, INSERM U 974, CNRS UMR 7215, Paris, France; Department of Neuropediatrics and NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; UFR des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
| | - Etienne Mouisel
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Institut de Myologie, Unité mixte de recherche UPMC-AIM UM 76, INSERM U 974, CNRS UMR 7215, Paris, France; Current address: Inserm UMR 1048, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Benoit Giannesini
- Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre de Resonance Magnetique Biologique et Medicale UMR 7339, Marseille, France
| | - Christophe Hourdé
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Institut de Myologie, Unité mixte de recherche UPMC-AIM UM 76, INSERM U 974, CNRS UMR 7215, Paris, France
| | - Ketan Patel
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Susanne Morales Gonzalez
- Department of Neuropediatrics and NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kristina Jülich
- Department of Neuropediatrics and NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alban Vignaud
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Institut de Myologie, Unité mixte de recherche UPMC-AIM UM 76, INSERM U 974, CNRS UMR 7215, Paris, France; Généthon, 1 bis rue de l'Internationale, Evry, France
| | - France Piétri-Rouxel
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Institut de Myologie, Unité mixte de recherche UPMC-AIM UM 76, INSERM U 974, CNRS UMR 7215, Paris, France
| | | | - Luis Garcia
- UFR des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
| | - Stéphane Blot
- Unité de Neurologie, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Université Paris Est, Créteil, France
| | - Olli Ritvos
- Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - David Bendahan
- Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre de Resonance Magnetique Biologique et Medicale UMR 7339, Marseille, France
| | - Arnaud Ferry
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Institut de Myologie, Unité mixte de recherche UPMC-AIM UM 76, INSERM U 974, CNRS UMR 7215, Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | | | - Markus Schuelke
- Department of Neuropediatrics and NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Helge Amthor
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Institut de Myologie, Unité mixte de recherche UPMC-AIM UM 76, INSERM U 974, CNRS UMR 7215, Paris, France; UFR des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France; Service Génétique Médicale, CHU Necker-Enfants Malades, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France.
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MacDonald EM, Andres-Mateos E, Mejias R, Simmers JL, Mi R, Park JS, Ying S, Hoke A, Lee SJ, Cohn RD. Denervation atrophy is independent from Akt and mTOR activation and is not rescued by myostatin inhibition. Dis Model Mech 2014; 7:471-81. [PMID: 24504412 PMCID: PMC3974457 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.014126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of our study was to compare two acquired muscle atrophies and the use of myostatin inhibition for their treatment. Myostatin naturally inhibits skeletal muscle growth by binding to ActRIIB, a receptor on the cell surface of myofibers. Because blocking myostatin in an adult wild-type mouse induces profound muscle hypertrophy, we applied a soluble ActRIIB receptor to models of disuse (limb immobilization) and denervation (sciatic nerve resection) atrophy. We found that treatment of immobilized mice with ActRIIB prevented the loss of muscle mass observed in placebo-treated mice. Our results suggest that this protection from disuse atrophy is regulated by serum and glucocorticoid-induced kinase (SGK) rather than by Akt. Denervation atrophy, however, was not protected by ActRIIB treatment, yet resulted in an upregulation of the pro-growth factors Akt, SGK and components of the mTOR pathway. We then treated the denervated mice with the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin and found that, despite a reduction in mTOR activation, there is no alteration of the atrophy phenotype. Additionally, rapamycin prevented the denervation-induced upregulation of the mTORC2 substrates Akt and SGK. Thus, our studies show that denervation atrophy is not only independent from Akt, SGK and mTOR activation but also has a different underlying pathophysiological mechanism than disuse atrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M MacDonald
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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De Paepe B, De Bleecker JL. Cytokines and chemokines as regulators of skeletal muscle inflammation: presenting the case of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Mediators Inflamm 2013; 2013:540370. [PMID: 24302815 PMCID: PMC3835490 DOI: 10.1155/2013/540370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2013] [Accepted: 09/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a severe inherited muscle disease that affects 1 in 3500 boys worldwide. Infiltration of skeletal muscle by inflammatory cells is an important facet of disease pathophysiology and is strongly associated with disease severity in the individual patient. In the chronic inflammation that characterizes Duchenne muscle, cytokines and chemokines are considered essential activators and recruiters of inflammatory cells. In addition, they provide potential beneficiary effects on muscle fiber damage control and tissue regeneration. In this review, current knowledge of cytokine and chemokine expression in Duchenne muscular dystrophy and its relevant animal disease models is listed, and implications for future therapeutic avenues are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boel De Paepe
- Laboratory for Myopathology, Department of Neurology and Neuromuscular Reference Center, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jan L. De Bleecker
- Laboratory for Myopathology, Department of Neurology and Neuromuscular Reference Center, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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34
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Myostatin/activin pathway antagonism: Molecular basis and therapeutic potential. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2013; 45:2333-47. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2013.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 198] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2013] [Revised: 05/17/2013] [Accepted: 05/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Fakhfakh R, Lee SJ, Tremblay JP. Administration of a soluble activin type IIB receptor promotes the transplantation of human myoblasts in dystrophic mice. Cell Transplant 2013; 21:1419-30. [PMID: 22449443 DOI: 10.3727/096368911x627480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a recessive disease caused by a dystrophin gene mutation. Myoblast transplantation permits the introduction of the dystrophin gene into dystrophic muscle fibers. However, this strategy has so far produced limited results. Modulation of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily signaling promotes skeletal muscle differentiation and growth and myogenic regeneration. We investigated the possibility that the combination of TGF-β superfamily signaling inhibition with myoblast transplantation might be an effective therapeutic approach in dystrophin-deficient patients. In vitro, blocking myostatin and other ligands with a soluble form of the extracellular domain of the activin IIB receptor (ActRIIB/Fc) upregulated the expression of myogenic differentiation factors and increased human myoblast fusion. In vivo, systemic inhibition of activin IIB receptor signaling by delivery of ActRIIB/Fc increased the success of the myoblast transplantation. This effect was further increased by forcing the mice to swim weekly to induce cycles of muscle degeneration and regeneration. Treatment of dystrophic mice with ActRIIB/Fc led to increased body weight, increased skeletal muscle mass, and improved myoblast transplantation. Thus, ActRIIB/Fc represents an effective therapeutic strategy for muscular dystrophies, and its effects are enhanced when combined with muscle exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raouia Fakhfakh
- Unité de Recherche en Génétique Humaine, Centre de Recherche de CHUL, CHUQ, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
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Hulmi JJ, Oliveira BM, Silvennoinen M, Hoogaars WMH, Pasternack A, Kainulainen H, Ritvos O. Exercise restores decreased physical activity levels and increases markers of autophagy and oxidative capacity in myostatin/activin-blocked mdx mice. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2013; 305:E171-82. [PMID: 23695214 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00065.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The importance of adequate levels of muscle size and function and physical activity is widely recognized. Myostatin/activin blocking increases skeletal muscle mass but may decrease muscle oxidative capacity and can thus be hypothesized to affect voluntary physical activity. Soluble activin receptor IIB (sActRIIB-Fc) was produced to block myostatin/activins. Modestly dystrophic mdx mice were injected with sActRIIB-Fc or PBS with or without voluntary wheel running exercise for 7 wk. Healthy mice served as controls. Running for 7 wk attenuated the sActRIIB-Fc-induced increase in body mass by decreasing fat mass. Running also enhanced/restored the markers of muscle oxidative capacity and autophagy in mdx mice to or above the levels of healthy mice. Voluntary running activity was decreased by sActRIIB-Fc during the first 3-4 wk correlating with increased body mass. Home cage physical activity of mice, quantified from the force plate signal, was decreased by sActRIIB-Fc the whole 7-wk treatment in sedentary mice. To understand what happens during the first weeks after sActRIIB-Fc administration, when mice are less active, healthy mice were injected with sActRIIB-Fc or PBS for 2 wk. During the sActRIIB-Fc-induced rapid 2-wk muscle growth period, oxidative capacity and autophagy were reduced, which may possibly explain the decreased running activity. These results show that increased muscle size and decreased markers of oxidative capacity and autophagy during the first weeks of myostatin/activin blocking are associated with decreased voluntary activity levels. Voluntary exercise in dystrophic mice enhances the markers of oxidative capacity and autophagy to or above the levels of healthy mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juha J Hulmi
- Department of Biology of Physical Activity, Neuromuscular Research Center, University of Jyväskylä, Finland.
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Selsby JT, Acosta P, Sleeper MM, Barton ER, Sweeney HL. Long-term wheel running compromises diaphragm function but improves cardiac and plantarflexor function in the mdx mouse. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2013; 115:660-6. [PMID: 23823150 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00252.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Dystrophin-deficient muscles suffer from free radical injury, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, and inflammation, among other pathologies that contribute to muscle fiber injury and loss, leading to wheelchair confinement and death in the patient. For some time, it has been appreciated that endurance training has the potential to counter many of these contributing factors. Correspondingly, numerous investigations have shown improvements in limb muscle function following endurance training in mdx mice. However, the effect of long-term volitional wheel running on diaphragm and cardiac function is largely unknown. Our purpose was to determine the extent to which long-term endurance exercise affected dystrophic limb, diaphragm, and cardiac function. Diaphragm specific tension was reduced by 60% (P < 0.05) in mice that performed 1 yr of volitional wheel running compared with sedentary mdx mice. Dorsiflexor mass (extensor digitorum longus and tibialis anterior) and function (extensor digitorum longus) were not altered by endurance training. In mice that performed 1 yr of volitional wheel running, plantarflexor mass (soleus and gastrocnemius) was increased and soleus tetanic force was increased 36%, while specific tension was similar in wheel-running and sedentary groups. Cardiac mass was increased 15%, left ventricle chamber size was increased 20% (diastole) and 18% (systole), and stroke volume was increased twofold in wheel-running compared with sedentary mdx mice. These data suggest that the dystrophic heart may undergo positive exercise-induced remodeling and that limb muscle function is largely unaffected. Most importantly, however, as the diaphragm most closely recapitulates the human disease, these data raise the possibility of exercise-mediated injury in dystrophic skeletal muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua T Selsby
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
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Hollinger K, Gardan-Salmon D, Santana C, Rice D, Snella E, Selsby JT. Rescue of dystrophic skeletal muscle by PGC-1α involves restored expression of dystrophin-associated protein complex components and satellite cell signaling. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2013; 305:R13-23. [PMID: 23594613 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00221.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is typically diagnosed in the preschool years because of locomotor defects, indicative of muscle damage. Thus, effective therapies must be able to rescue muscle from further decline. We have established that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (Pgc-1α) gene transfer will prevent many aspects of dystrophic pathology, likely through upregulation of utrophin and increased oxidative capacity; however, the extent to which it will rescue muscle with disease manifestations has not been determined. Our hypothesis is that gene transfer of Pgc-1α into declining muscle will reduce muscle injury compared with control muscle. To test our hypothesis, adeno-associated virus 6 (AAV6) driving expression of Pgc-1α was injected into single hind limbs of 3-wk-old mdx mice, while the contralateral limb was given a sham injection. At 6 wk of age, treated solei had 37% less muscle injury compared with sham-treated muscles (P < 0.05). Resistance to contraction-induced injury was improved 10% (P < 0.05), likely driven by the five-fold (P < 0.05) increase in utrophin protein expression and increase in dystrophin-associated complex members. Treated muscles were more resistant to fatigue, which was likely caused by the corresponding increase in oxidative markers. Pgc-1α overexpressing limbs also exhibited increased expression of genes related to muscle repair and autophagy. These data indicate that the Pgc-1α pathway remains a good therapeutic target, as it reduced muscle injury and improved function using a rescue paradigm. Further, these data also indicate that the beneficial effects of Pgc-1α gene transfer are more complex than increased utrophin expression and oxidative gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Hollinger
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
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Hulmi JJ, Oliveira BM, Silvennoinen M, Hoogaars WMH, Ma H, Pierre P, Pasternack A, Kainulainen H, Ritvos O. Muscle protein synthesis, mTORC1/MAPK/Hippo signaling, and capillary density are altered by blocking of myostatin and activins. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2013; 304:E41-50. [PMID: 23115080 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00389.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Loss of muscle mass and function occurs in various diseases. Myostatin blocking can attenuate muscle loss, but downstream signaling is not well known. Therefore, to elucidate associated signaling pathways, we used the soluble activin receptor IIb (sActRIIB-Fc) to block myostatin and activins in mice. Within 2 wk, the treatment rapidly increased muscle size as expected but decreased capillary density per area. sActRIIB-Fc increased muscle protein synthesis 1-2 days after the treatment correlating with enhanced mTORC1 signaling (phosphorylated rpS6 and S6K1, r = 0.8). Concurrently, increased REDD1 and eIF2Bε protein contents and phosphorylation of 4E-BP1 and AMPK was observed. In contrast, proangiogenic MAPK signaling and VEGF-A protein decreased. Hippo signaling has been characterized recently as a regulator of organ size and an important regulator of myogenesis in vitro. The phosphorylation of YAP (Yes-associated protein), a readout of activated Hippo signaling, increased after short- and longer-term myostatin and activin blocking and in exercised muscle. Moreover, dystrophic mdx mice had elevated phosphorylated and especially total YAP protein content. These results show that the blocking of myostatin and activins induce rapid skeletal muscle growth. This is associated with increased protein synthesis and mTORC1 signaling but decreased capillary density and proangiogenic signaling. It is also shown for the first time that Hippo signaling is activated in skeletal muscle after myostatin blocking and exercise and also in dystrophic muscle. This suggests that Hippo signaling may have a role in skeletal muscle in various circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juha J Hulmi
- Department of Biology of Physical Activity, Neuromuscular Research Center, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland.
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Funkenstein B, Krol E, Esterin E, Kim YS. Structural and functional characterizations of activin type 2B receptor (acvr2b) ortholog from the marine fish, gilthead sea bream, Sparus aurata: evidence for gene duplication of acvr2b in fish. J Mol Endocrinol 2012; 49:175-92. [PMID: 22911153 DOI: 10.1530/jme-12-0075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Myostatin (MSTN), a negative regulator of muscle growth and a member of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily, can bind the two activin type 2 receptors (ACVR2). It has been previously shown that WT mice injected with ACVR2B extracellular domain (ACVR2B-ECD) had higher muscle mass. Likewise, fish larvae immersed in Pichia pastoris culture supernatant, containing goldfish Acvr2b-ECD, showed enhanced larval growth. However, it is not clear whether fish Mstn1 and Mstn2 signal through the same receptor and whether fish express more than one acvr2b gene. In the current study, three cDNAs encoding acvr2b (saacvr2b-1, saacvr2b-2a, and saacvr2b-2b) were cloned from gilthead sea bream. All three contain the short extracellular binding domain, a short transmembrane region, and a conserved catalytic domain of serine/threonine protein kinase. Bioinformatics analysis provided evidence for the existence of two acvr2b genes (acvr2b-1 and acvr2b-2) in several other fish species as well, probably as a result of gene or genome duplication. The two isoforms differ in their amino acid sequences. The direct inhibitory effect of Acvr2b-ECD on Mstn activity was tested in vitro. The saAcvr2b-1-ECD was expressed in the yeast P. pastoris. Evidence is provided for N-glycosylation of Acvr2b-1-ECD. The affinity-purified Acvr2b-1-ECD inhibited recombinant mouse/rat/human mature MSTN activity when determined in vitro using the CAGA-luciferase assay in A204 cells. A lower inhibitory activity was obtained when unprocessed purified, furin-digested, and activated saMstn1 was used. Results of this study demonstrate for the first time the existence of two acvr2b genes in fish. In addition, the study shows that bioactive fish Acvr2b-ECD can be produced from P. pastoris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruria Funkenstein
- Department of Marine Biology and Biotechnology, National Institute of Oceanography, Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, Tel-Shikmona, Haifa 31080, Israel.
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Pereira JA, Taniguti APT, Matsumura C, Marques MJ, Neto HS. Doxycycline ameliorates the dystrophic phenotype of skeletal and cardiac muscles in mdx mice. Muscle Nerve 2012; 46:400-6. [PMID: 22907231 DOI: 10.1002/mus.23331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We examined whether doxycycline, an antibiotic member of the tetracycline family, improves the histopathology and muscle function in mdx mice, the experimental model of DMD. METHODS Doxycycline was administered for 36 days (starting on postnatal day 0) and for 9 months (starting at 8 months of age) in drinking water. Histopathological, biochemical (creatine kinase), and functional (forelimb muscle grip strength) parameters were evaluated in limb, diaphragm, and cardiac muscle. RESULTS Doxycycline significantly minimized the dystrophic phenotype of skeletal and cardiac muscles and improved forelimb muscle strength. The drug protected muscle fibers against myonecrosis and reduced inflammation. Furthermore, it slowed the progression of myocardial fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS This study provides evidence that doxycycline may be a potential therapeutic agent for DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliano Alves Pereira
- Departamento de Anatomia, Biologia Celular, Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, 13083-970, Brazil
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Skalsky AJ, Oskarsson B, Han JJ, Richman D. Current pharmacologic management in selected neuromuscular diseases. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am 2012; 23:801-20. [PMID: 23137738 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmr.2012.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
For generations, the neuromuscular disorder care community has focused on establishing the correct diagnosis and providing supportive care. As the pathophysiology and genetics of these conditions became better understood, novel treatments targeting the disease mechanism were developed. This has led to some significant disease-modifying and supportive treatments for several neuromuscular disorders. The current treatments for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), neuromuscular junction disorders, inflammatory myopathies, and myotonia are reviewed. Additionally, investigational treatments for ALS, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and spinal muscular atrophy are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Skalsky
- Department of Pediatrics, Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92123, USA.
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43
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Hoogaars WMH, Mouisel E, Pasternack A, Hulmi JJ, Relizani K, Schuelke M, Schirwis E, Garcia L, Ritvos O, Ferry A, 't Hoen PA, Amthor H. Combined effect of AAV-U7-induced dystrophin exon skipping and soluble activin Type IIB receptor in mdx mice. Hum Gene Ther 2012; 23:1269-79. [PMID: 22894762 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2012.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-U7-mediated skipping of dystrophin-exon-23 restores dystrophin expression and muscle function in the mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Soluble activin receptor IIB (sActRIIB-Fc) inhibits signaling of myostatin and homologous molecules and increases muscle mass and function of wild-type and mdx mice. We hypothesized that combined treatment with AAV-U7 and sActRIIB-Fc may synergistically improve mdx muscle function. Bioactivity of sActRIIB-Fc on skeletal muscle was first demonstrated in wild-type mice. In mdx mice we show that AAV-U7-mediated dystrophin restoration improved specific muscle force and resistance to eccentric contractions when applied alone. Treatment of mdx mice with sActRIIB-Fc increased body weight, muscle mass and myofiber size, but had little effect on muscle function. Combined treatment stimulated muscle growth comparable to the effect of sActRIIB-Fc alone and dystrophin rescue was similar to AAV-U7 alone. Moreover, combined treatment improved maximal tetanic force and the resistance to eccentric contraction to similar extent as AAV-U7 alone. In conclusion, combination of dystrophin exon skipping with sActRIIB-Fc brings together benefits of each treatment; however, we failed to evidence a clear synergistic effect on mdx muscle function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willem M H Hoogaars
- Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Department of Human Genetics, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands
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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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45
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Kemaladewi DU, ‘t Hoen PA, ten Dijke P, van Ommen GJ, Hoogaars WM. TGF-β signaling in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. FUTURE NEUROLOGY 2012. [DOI: 10.2217/fnl.12.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The TGF-β protein family consists of secreted multifunctional cytokines that control diverse processes, such as cell growth and differentiation. Aberrant expression and downstream signaling of these growth factors have been associated with multiple diseases, including muscle wasting disorders, such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy. In this review we discuss recent advances in understanding the role of TGF-β family members during normal skeletal muscle biology/regeneration and their role in muscle pathology, with a special focus on Duchenne muscular dystrophy. In addition, we will highlight progress in the development of potential therapeutics for Duchenne muscular dystrophy based on intervention of TGF-β signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dwi U Kemaladewi
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Postzone S4-P, PO Box 9600 2300RC Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Molecular & Cell Biology and Centre for Biomedical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Postzone S4-P, PO Box 9600 2300RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Peter A ‘t Hoen
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Postzone S4-P, PO Box 9600 2300RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Peter ten Dijke
- Department of Molecular & Cell Biology and Centre for Biomedical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Postzone S4-P, PO Box 9600 2300RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Gert Jan van Ommen
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Postzone S4-P, PO Box 9600 2300RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Willem M Hoogaars
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Postzone S4-P, PO Box 9600 2300RC Leiden, The Netherlands
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Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides a solid scaffold and signals to cells through ECM receptors. The cell-matrix interactions are crucial for normal biological processes and when disrupted they may lead to pathological processes. In particular, the biological importance of ECM-cell membrane-cytoskeleton interactions in skeletal muscle is accentuated by the number of inherited muscle diseases caused by mutations in proteins conferring these interactions. In this review we introduce laminins, collagens, dystroglycan, integrins, dystrophin and sarcoglycans. Mutations in corresponding genes cause various forms of muscular dystrophy. The muscle disorders are presented as well as advances toward the development of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginie Carmignac
- Muscle Biology Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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47
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Selsby JT, Morine KJ, Pendrak K, Barton ER, Sweeney HL. Rescue of dystrophic skeletal muscle by PGC-1α involves a fast to slow fiber type shift in the mdx mouse. PLoS One 2012; 7:e30063. [PMID: 22253880 PMCID: PMC3256197 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0030063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2011] [Accepted: 12/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased utrophin expression is known to reduce pathology in dystrophin-deficient skeletal muscles. Transgenic over-expression of PGC-1α has been shown to increase levels of utrophin mRNA and improve the histology of mdx muscles. Other reports have shown that PGC-1α signaling can lead to increased oxidative capacity and a fast to slow fiber type shift. Given that it has been shown that slow fibers produce and maintain more utrophin than fast skeletal muscle fibers, we hypothesized that over-expression of PGC-1α in post-natal mdx mice would increase utrophin levels via a fiber type shift, resulting in more slow, oxidative fibers that are also more resistant to contraction-induced damage. To test this hypothesis, neonatal mdx mice were injected with recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) driving expression of PGC-1α. PGC-1α over-expression resulted in increased utrophin and type I myosin heavy chain expression as well as elevated mitochondrial protein expression. Muscles were shown to be more resistant to contraction-induced damage and more fatigue resistant. Sirt-1 was increased while p38 activation and NRF-1 were reduced in PGC-1α over-expressing muscle when compared to control. We also evaluated if the use a pharmacological PGC-1α pathway activator, resveratrol, could drive the same physiological changes. Resveratrol administration (100 mg/kg/day) resulted in improved fatigue resistance, but did not achieve significant increases in utrophin expression. These data suggest that the PGC-1α pathway is a potential target for therapeutic intervention in dystrophic skeletal muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua T. Selsby
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Kevin J. Morine
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Klara Pendrak
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Elisabeth R. Barton
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - H. Lee Sweeney
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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Zhang C, McFarlane C, Lokireddy S, Masuda S, Ge X, Gluckman PD, Sharma M, Kambadur R. Inhibition of myostatin protects against diet-induced obesity by enhancing fatty acid oxidation and promoting a brown adipose phenotype in mice. Diabetologia 2012; 55:183-93. [PMID: 21927895 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-011-2304-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2011] [Accepted: 07/29/2011] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS Although myostatin-null (Mstn (-/-)) mice fail to accumulate fat in adipose tissue when fed a high-fat diet (HFD), little is known about the molecular mechanism(s) behind this phenomenon. We therefore sought to identify the signalling pathways through which myostatin regulates accumulation and/or utilisation of fat. METHODS Wild-type, Mstn (-/-) and wild-type mice treated with soluble activin type IIB receptor (sActRIIB) were fed a control chow diet or an HFD for 12 weeks. Changes in gene expression were measured by microarray and quantitative PCR. Histological changes in white adipose tissue were assessed together with peripheral tissue fatty acid oxidation and changes in circulating hormones following HFD feeding. RESULTS Our results demonstrate that inactivation of myostatin results in reduced fat accumulation in mice on an HFD. Molecular analysis revealed that metabolic benefits, due to lack of myostatin, are mediated through at least two independent mechanisms. First, lack of myostatin increased fatty acid oxidation in peripheral tissues through induction of enzymes involved in lipolysis and in fatty acid oxidation in mitochondria. Second, inactivation of myostatin also enhanced brown adipose formation in white adipose tissue of Mstn (-/-) mice. Consistent with the above, treatment of HFD-fed wild-type mice with the myostatin antagonist, sActRIIB, reduced the obesity phenotype. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION We conclude that absence of myostatin results in enhanced peripheral tissue fatty acid oxidation and increased thermogenesis, culminating in increased fat utilisation and reduced adipose tissue mass. Taken together, our data suggest that anti-myostatin therapeutics could be beneficial in alleviating obesity.
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MESH Headings
- Activin Receptors, Type II/chemistry
- Activin Receptors, Type II/therapeutic use
- Adipose Tissue, Brown/drug effects
- Adipose Tissue, Brown/metabolism
- Adipose Tissue, Brown/pathology
- Adiposity/drug effects
- Animals
- Anti-Obesity Agents/chemistry
- Anti-Obesity Agents/therapeutic use
- Diet, High-Fat/adverse effects
- Fatty Acids/metabolism
- Gene Expression Profiling
- Gene Expression Regulation/drug effects
- Lipolysis/drug effects
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Molecular Targeted Therapy
- Muscle Proteins/genetics
- Muscle Proteins/metabolism
- Muscle, Skeletal/drug effects
- Muscle, Skeletal/metabolism
- Myostatin/antagonists & inhibitors
- Myostatin/genetics
- Myostatin/metabolism
- Obesity/etiology
- Obesity/metabolism
- Obesity/pathology
- Obesity/prevention & control
- Oxidation-Reduction/drug effects
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Solubility
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Affiliation(s)
- C Zhang
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Brenner Centre for Molecular Medicine, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
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49
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Current world literature. Curr Opin Organ Transplant 2011; 16:650-60. [PMID: 22068023 DOI: 10.1097/mot.0b013e32834dd969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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50
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Bish LT, Sleeper MM, Forbes SC, Morine KJ, Reynolds C, Singletary GE, Trafny D, Pham J, Bogan J, Kornegay JN, Vandenborne K, Walter GA, Sweeney HL. Long-term systemic myostatin inhibition via liver-targeted gene transfer in golden retriever muscular dystrophy. Hum Gene Ther 2011; 22:1499-509. [PMID: 21787232 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2011.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a lethal, X-linked recessive disease affecting 1 in 3,500 newborn boys for which there is no effective treatment or cure. One novel strategy that has therapeutic potential for DMD is inhibition of myostatin, a negative regulator of skeletal muscle mass that may also promote fibrosis. Therefore, our goal in this study was to evaluate systemic myostatin inhibition in the golden retriever model of DMD (GRMD). GRMD canines underwent liver-directed gene transfer of a self-complementary adeno-associated virus type 8 vector designed to express a secreted dominant-negative myostatin peptide (n = 4) and were compared with age-matched, untreated GRMD controls (n = 3). Dogs were followed with serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for 13 months to assess cross-sectional area and volume of skeletal muscle, then euthanized so that tissue could be harvested for morphological and histological analysis. We found that systemic myostatin inhibition resulted in increased muscle mass in GRMD dogs as assessed by MRI and confirmed at tissue harvest. We also found that hypertrophy of type IIA fibers was largely responsible for the increased muscle mass and that reductions in serum creatine kinase and muscle fibrosis were associated with long-term myostatin inhibition in GRMD. This is the first report describing the effects of long-term, systemic myostatin inhibition in a large-animal model of DMD, and we believe that the simple and effective nature of our liver-directed gene-transfer strategy makes it an ideal candidate for evaluation as a novel therapeutic approach for DMD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence T Bish
- Department of Physiology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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