Fibre types in extraocular muscles: a new myosin isoform in the fast fibres

Obscurin Maintains Myofiber Identity in Extraocular Muscles

Purpose

The cytoskeleton of the extraocular muscles (EOMs) is significantly different from that of other muscles. We aimed to investigate the role of obscurin, a fundamental cytoskeletal protein, in the EOMs.

Methods

The distribution of obscurin in human and zebrafish EOMs was compared using immunohistochemistry. The two obscurin genes in zebrafish, obscna and obscnb, were knocked out using CRISPR/Cas9, and the EOMs were investigated using immunohistochemistry, qPCR, and in situ hybridization. The optokinetic reflex (OKR) in five-day-old larvae and adult obscna-/-;obscnb-/- and sibling control zebrafish was analyzed. Swimming distance was recorded at the same age.

Results

The obscurin distribution pattern was similar in human and zebrafish EOMs. The proportion of slow and fast myofibers was reduced in obscna-/-;obscnb-/- zebrafish EOMs but not in trunk muscle, whereas the number of myofibers containing cardiac myosin myh7 was significantly increased in EOMs of obscurin double mutants. Loss of obscurin resulted in less OKRs in zebrafish larvae but not in adult zebrafish.

Conclusions

Obscurin expression is conserved in normal human and zebrafish EOMs. Loss of obscurin induces a myofiber type shift in the EOMs, with upregulation of cardiac myosin heavy chain, myh7, showing an adaptation strategy in EOMs. Our model will facilitate further studies in conditions related to obscurin.

MYH13, a superfast myosin expressed in extraocular, laryngeal and syringeal muscles

MYH13 is a unique type of sarcomeric myosin heavy chain (MYH) first detected in mammalian extraocular (EO) muscles and later also in vocal muscles, including laryngeal muscles of some mammals and syringeal muscles of songbirds. All these muscles are specialized in generating very fast contractions while producing relatively low force, a design appropriate for muscles acting against a much lower load than most skeletal muscles inserting into the skeleton. The definition of the physiological properties of muscle fibres containing MYH13 has been complicated by the mixed fibre type composition of EO muscles and the coexistence of different MYH types within the same fibre. A major advance in this area came from studies on isolated recombinant myosin motors and the demonstration that the affinity of actin-bound human MYH13 for ADP is much weaker than those of fast-type MYH1 (type 2X) and MYH2 (type 2A). This property is consistent with a very fast detachment of myosin from actin, a major determinant of shortening velocity. The MYH13 gene arose early during vertebrate evolution but was characterized only in mammals and birds and appears to have been lost in some teleost fish. The MYH13 gene is located at the 3' end of the mammalian fast/developmental gene cluster and in a similar position to the orthologous cluster in syntenic regions of the songbird genome. MYH13 gene regulation is controlled by a super-enhancer in the mammalian locus and deletion of the neighbouring fast MYH1 and MYH4 genes leads to abnormal MYH13 expression in mouse leg muscles.

Unique fiber phenotype composition and metabolic properties of the stapedius and tensor tympani muscles in the human middle ear

The middle ear muscles have vital roles, yet their precise function in hearing and protection remains unclear. To better understand the function of these muscles in humans, the morphology, fiber composition, and metabolic properties of nine tensor tympani and eight stapedius muscles were analyzed with immunohistochemical, enzyme-histochemical, biochemical, and morphometric techniques. Human orofacial, jaw, extraocular, and limb muscles were used as references. The immunohistochemical analysis showed that the stapedius and tensor tympani muscles were markedly dominated by fibers expressing fast contracting myosin heavy chain MyHC-2A and MyHC-2X (79 ± 6% vs. 86 ± 9%, respectively, p = 0.04). In fact, the middle ear muscles had one of the highest proportions of MyHC-2 fibers ever reported for human muscles. Interestingly, the biochemical analysis revealed a MyHC isoform of unknown identity in both the stapedius and tensor tympani muscles. Muscle fibers containing two or more MyHC isoforms were relatively frequently observed in both muscles. A proportion of these hybrid fibers expressed a developmental MyHC isoform that is normally absent in adult human limb muscles. The middle ear muscles differed from orofacial, jaw, and limb muscles by having significantly smaller fibers (220 vs. 360 μm2 , respectively) and significantly higher variability in fiber size, capillarization per fiber area, mitochondrial oxidative activity, and density of nerve fascicles. Muscle spindles were observed in the tensor tympani muscle but not in the stapedius muscle. We conclude that the middle ear muscles have a highly specialized muscle morphology, fiber composition, and metabolic properties that generally showed more similarities to orofacial than jaw and limb muscles. Although the muscle fiber characteristics in the tensor tympani and stapedius muscles suggest a capacity for fast, fine-tuned, and sustainable contractions, their difference in proprioceptive control reflects different functions in hearing and protection of the inner ear.

Myosin heavy chains in extraocular muscle fibres: Distribution, regulation and function

This review examines kinetic properties and distribution of the 11 isoforms of myosin heavy chain (MyHC) expressed in extraocular muscle (EOM) fibre types and the regulation and function of these MyHCs. Although recruitment and discharge characteristics of ocular motoneurons during fixation and eye movements are well documented, work directly linking these properties with motor unit contractile speed and MyHC composition is lacking. Recruitment of motor units according to Henneman's size principle has some support in EOMs but needs consolidation. Both neurogenic and myogenic mechanisms regulate MyHC expression as in other muscle allotypes. Developmentally, multiply-innervated (MIFs) and singly-innervated fibres (SIFs) are derived presumably from distinct myoblast lineages, ending up expressing MyHCs in the slow and fast ends of the kinetic spectrum respectively. They modulate the synaptic inputs of their motoneurons through different retrogradely transported neurotrophins, thereby specifying their tonic and phasic impulse patterns. Immunohistochemical analyses of EOMs regenerating in situ and in limb muscle beds suggest that the very impulse patterns driving various ocular movements equip effectors with appropriate MyHC compositions and speeds to accomplish their tasks. These experiments also suggest that satellite cells of SIFs and MIFs are distinct lineages expressing different MyHCs during regeneration. MyHC compositions and functional characteristics of orbital fibres show longitudinal variations that facilitate linear ocular rotation during saccades. Palisade endings on global MIFs are postulated to respond to active and passive tensions by triggering axon reflexes that play important roles during fixation, saccades and vergence. How EOMs implement Listings law during ocular rotation is discussed.

Cytoskeletal Proteins in Myotendinous Junctions of Human Extraocular Muscles

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the cytoskeletal composition of myotendinous junctions (MTJs) in the human extraocular muscles (EOMs). Desmin and other major cytoskeletal proteins are enriched at the MTJs of ordinary myofibers, where they are proposed to be of particular importance for force transmission and required to maintain myofiber integrity.

Methods

EOM and limb muscle samples were analyzed with immunohistochemistry using antibodies against the intermediate filament proteins desmin, nestin, keratin 19, vimentin, and different myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoforms. MTJs were identified by labeling with antibodies against laminin or tenascin.

Results

In contrast to MTJs in lumbrical muscle where desmin, nestin, and keratin 19 were always present, approximately one-third of the MTJs in the EOMs lacked either desmin and/or nestin, and all MTJs lacked keratin 19. Approximately 6% of the MTJs in the EOMs lacked all of these key cytoskeletal proteins.

Conclusions

The cytoskeletal protein composition of MTJs in human EOMs differed significantly from that of MTJs in limb muscles. These differences in cytoskeletal protein composition may indicate particular adaptation to meet the functional requirements of the EOMs.

Clinically Differentiated Abnormalities of the Architecture and Expression of Myosin Isoforms of the Human Cremaster Muscle in Cryptorchidism and Retractile Testis

AIM

To describe architecture and expression of myosin isoforms of the human cremaster muscle (CM) and to individuate changes in clinically differentiated abnormalities of testicular descent: cryptorchidism or undescended testis (UDT) and retractile testis (RT).

BACKGROUND

The CM is a nonsomitic striated muscle differentiating from mesenchyme of the gubernaculum testis. Morphofunctional and molecular peculiarities linked to its unique embryological origin are not yet completely defined. Its role in abnormalities of testicular descent is being investigated.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Biopsy samples were obtained from corrective surgery in cases of cryptorchidism, retractile testis, inguinal hernia, or hydrocele. Muscle specimens were processed for morphology, histochemistry, and immunohistology.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The CM differs from the skeletal muscles both for morphological and molecular characteristics. The presence of fascicles with different characterization and its myosinic pattern suggested that the CM could be included in the specialized muscle groups, such as the extrinsic ocular muscles (EOMs) and laryngeal and masticatory muscles. The embryological origin from the nonsomitic mesoderm is, also for the CM, the basis of distinct molecular pathways. In UDT, the histological alterations of CM are suggestive of denervation; the genitofemoral nerve and its molecular messengers directed to this muscle are likely defective. Compared with the other samples, RT has a distinct myosinic pattern; therefore, it has been considered a well-defined entity with respect to the other testicular descent abnormalities.

Complex Correlations Between Desmin Content, Myofiber Types, and Innervation Patterns in the Human Extraocular Muscles

Purpose

To investigate whether the distribution of intermediate filament protein desmin is related to the different patterns of innervation in the human extraocular muscles (EOMs).

Methods

EOM samples were analyzed with immunohistochemistry using antibodies against desmin, vimentin, different myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoforms, and fetal and adult acetylcholine receptor (AChR) subunits. Neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) were identified with α-bungarotoxin or with antibodies against neurofilament and synaptophysin.

Results

Desmin was present in the vast majority of myofibers, but it was weakly present or absent in a limited area in the close vicinity of the single en plaque NMJs in less than half of these myofibers. Desmin was either present or lacking in MyHCsto/I myofibers displaying multiple en grappe endings but present in MyHCsto/I myofibers receiving spiral nerve endings. In MyHCeom myofibers displaying multiterminal en plaque endings, desmin was either present or absent irrespective of AChR subunits or EOM layer. Vimentin did not substitute for the lack of desmin.

Conclusions

The results indicate that the human EOMs have a more complex cytoskeletal organization than other muscles and suggest additional signalling mechanisms from the NMJs to the myofibers.

The ATPase cycle of human muscle myosin II isoforms: Adaptation of a single mechanochemical cycle for different physiological roles

Striated muscle myosins are encoded by a large gene family in all mammals, including humans. These isoforms define several of the key characteristics of the different striated muscle fiber types, including maximum shortening velocity. We have previously used recombinant isoforms of the motor domains of seven different human myosin isoforms to define the actin·myosin cross-bridge cycle in solution. Here, we present data on an eighth isoform, the perinatal, which has not previously been characterized. The perinatal is distinct from the embryonic isoform, appearing to have features in common with the adult fast-muscle isoforms, including weak affinity of ADP for actin·myosin and fast ADP release. We go on to use a recently developed modeling approach, MUSICO, to explore how well the experimentally defined cross-bridge cycles for each isoform in solution can predict the characteristics of muscle fiber contraction, including duty ratio, shortening velocity, ATP economy, and load dependence of these parameters. The work shows that the parameters of the cross-bridge cycle predict many of the major characteristics of each muscle fiber type and raises the question of what sequence changes are responsible for these characteristics.

Knockout of human muscle genes revealed by large scale whole-exome studies

Large scale whole-exome sequence studies have revealed that a number of individuals from different populations have predicted loss-of-function of different genes due to nonsense, frameshift, or canonical splice-site mutations. Surprisingly, many of these mutations do not apparently show the deleterious phenotypic consequences expected from gene knockout. These homozygous null mutations, when confirmed, can provide insight into human gene function and suggest novel approaches to correct gene dysfunction, as the lack of the expected disease phenotype may reflect the existence of modifier genes that reveal potential therapeutic targets. Human knockouts complement the information derived from mouse knockouts, which are not always good models of human disease. We have examined human knockout datasets searching for genes expressed exclusively or predominantly in striated muscle. A number of well-known muscle genes was found in one or more datasets, including genes coding for sarcomeric myosins, components of the sarcomeric cytoskeleton, sarcoplasmic reticulum and plasma membrane, and enzymes involved in muscle metabolism. The surprising absence of phenotype in some of these human knockouts is critically discussed, focusing on the comparison with the corresponding mouse knockouts.

Fiber-type Composition of the Human Jaw Muscles—(Part 1) Origin and Functional Significance of Fiber-type Diversity

This is the first of two articles on the fiber-type composition of the human jaw muscles. The present article discusses the origin of fiber-type composition and its consequences. This discussion is presented in the context of the requirements for functional performance and adaptation that are imposed upon the jaw muscles. The human masticatory system must perform a much larger variety of motor tasks than the average limb or trunk motor system. An important advantage of fiber-type diversity, as observed in the jaw muscles, is that it optimizes the required function while minimizing energy use. The capacity for adaptation is reflected by the large variability in fiber-type composition among muscle groups, individual muscles, and muscle regions. Adaptive changes are related, for example, to the amount of daily activation and/or stretch of fibers. Generally, the number of slow, fatigue-resistant fibers is relatively large in muscles and muscle regions that are subjected to considerable activity and/or stretch.

Expression of Unique and Developmental Myosin Heavy Chain Isoforms in Adult Human Digastric Muscle

Digastric muscle (DGM) is a powerful jaw-opening muscle that participates in chewing, swallowing, breathing, and speech. For better understanding of its contractile properties, five pairs of adult human DGMs were obtained from autopsies and processed with immunocytochemistry and/or immunoblotting. Monoclonal antibodies against α-cardiac, slow tonic, neonatal, and embryonic myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms were employed to determine whether the DGM fibers contain these MHC isoforms, which have previously been demonstrated in restricted specialized craniocervical skeletal muscles but have not been reported in normal adult human trunk and limb muscles. The results showed expression of all these MHC isoforms in adult human DGMs. About half of the fibers reacted positively to the antibody specific for the α-cardiac MHC isoform in DGMs, and the number of these fibers decreased with age. Slow tonic MHC isoform containing fibers accounted for 19% of the total fiber population. Both the α-cardiac and slow tonic MHC isoforms were found to coexist mainly with the slow twitch MHC isoform in a fiber. A few DGM fibers expressed the embryonic or neonatal MHC isoform. The findings suggest that human DGM fibers may be specialized to facilitate performance of complex motor behaviors in the upper airway and digestive tract. (J Histochem Cytochem 52:851–859, 2004)

Expression and identification of 10 sarcomeric MyHC isoforms in human skeletal muscles of different embryological origin. Diversity and similarity in mammalian species

In the mammalian genome, among myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoforms a family can be identified as sarcomeric based on their molecular structure which allows thick filament formation. In this study we aimed to assess the expression of the 10 sarcomeric isoforms in human skeletal muscles, adopting this species as a reference for comparison with all other mammalian species. To this aim, we set up the condition for quantitative Real Time PCR assay to detect and quantify MyHC mRNA expression in a wide variety of human muscles from somitic, presomitic and preotic origin. Specific patterns of expression of the following genes MYH1, MYH2, MYH3, MYH4, MYH6, MYH7, MYH8, MYH13, MYH14/7b and MYH15 were demonstrated in various muscle samples. On the same muscle samples which were analysed for mRNA expression, the corresponding MyHC proteins were studied with SDS PAGE and Western blot. The mRNA-protein comparison allowed the identification of 10 distinct proteins based on the electrophoretic migration rate. Three groups were formed based on the migration rate: fast migrating comprising beta/slow/1, alpha cardiac and fast 2B, slow migrating comprising fast 2X, fast 2A and two developmental isoforms (NEO and EMB), intermediate migrating comprising EO MyHC, slow B (product of MYH15), slow tonic (product of MYH14/7b). Of special interest was the demonstration of a protein band corresponding to 2B-MyHC in laryngeal muscles and the finding that all 10 isoforms are expressed in extraocular muscles. These latter muscles are the unique localization for extraocular, slow B (product of MYH15) and slow tonic (product of MYH14/7b).

Developmental myosins: expression patterns and functional significance

Developing skeletal muscles express unique myosin isoforms, including embryonic and neonatal myosin heavy chains, coded by the myosin heavy chain 3 (MYH3) and MYH8 genes, respectively, and myosin light chain 1 embryonic/atrial, encoded by the myosin light chain 4 (MYL4) gene. These myosin isoforms are transiently expressed during embryonic and fetal development and disappear shortly after birth when adult fast and slow myosins become prevalent. However, developmental myosins persist throughout adult stages in specialized muscles, such as the extraocular and jaw-closing muscles, and in the intrafusal fibers of the muscle spindles. These myosins are re-expressed during muscle regeneration and provide a specific marker of regenerating fibers in the pathologic skeletal muscle. Mutations in MYH3 or MYH8 are responsible for distal arthrogryposis syndromes, characterized by congenital joint contractures and orofacial dysmorphisms, supporting the importance of muscle contractile activity and body movements in joint development and in shaping the form of the face during fetal development. The biochemical and biophysical properties of developmental myosins have only partially been defined, and their functional significance is not yet clear. One possibility is that these myosins are specialized in contracting against low loads, and thus, they may be adapted to the prenatal environment, when fetal muscles contract against a very low load compared to postnatal muscles.

Altered cross-bridge properties in skeletal muscle dystrophies

Force and motion generated by skeletal muscle ultimately depends on the cyclical interaction of actin with myosin. This mechanical process is regulated by intracellular Ca²⁺ through the thin filament-associated regulatory proteins i.e.; troponins and tropomyosin. Muscular dystrophies are a group of heterogeneous genetic affections characterized by progressive degeneration and weakness of the skeletal muscle as a consequence of loss of muscle tissue which directly reduces the number of potential myosin cross-bridges involved in force production. Mutations in genes responsible for skeletal muscle dystrophies (MDs) have been shown to modify the function of contractile proteins and cross-bridge interactions. Altered gene expression or RNA splicing or post-translational modifications of contractile proteins such as those related to oxidative stress, may affect cross-bridge function by modifying key proteins of the excitation-contraction coupling. Micro-architectural change in myofilament is another mechanism of altered cross-bridge performance. In this review, we provide an overview about changes in cross-bridge performance in skeletal MDs and discuss their ultimate impacts on striated muscle function.

The superfast human extraocular myosin is kinetically distinct from the fast skeletal IIa, IIb, and IId isoforms

Humans express five distinct myosin isoforms in the sarcomeres of adult striated muscle (fast IIa, IId, the slow/cardiac isoform I/β, the cardiac specific isoform α, and the specialized extraocular muscle isoform). An additional isoform, IIb, is present in the genome but is not normally expressed in healthy human muscles. Muscle fibers expressing each isoform have distinct characteristics including shortening velocity. Defining the properties of the isoforms in detail has been limited by the availability of pure samples of the individual proteins. Here we study purified recombinant human myosin motor domains expressed in mouse C₂C₁₂ muscle cells. The results of kinetic analysis show that among the closely related adult skeletal isoforms, the affinity of ADP for actin·myosin (K_AD) is the characteristic that most readily distinguishes the isoforms. The three fast muscle myosins have K_AD values of 118, 80, and 55 μm for IId, IIa, and IIb, respectively, which follows the speed in motility assays from fastest to slowest. Extraocular muscle is unusually fast with a far weaker K_AD = 352 μm. Sequence comparisons and homology modeling of the structures identify a few key areas of sequence that may define the differences between the isoforms, including a region of the upper 50-kDa domain important in signaling between the nucleotide pocket and the actin-binding site.

Complex tropomyosin and troponin T isoform expression patterns in orbital and global fibers of adult dog and rat extraocular muscles

We reported marked differences in the myosin heavy and light chain (MHC and MLC) isoform composition of fast and slow fibers between the global and orbital layers of dog extraocular muscles. Many dog extraocular fibers, especially orbital fibers, have MHC and MLC isoform patterns that are distinct from those in limb skeletal muscles. Additional observations suggested possible differences in the tropomyosin (Tm) and troponin T (TnT) isoform composition of global and orbital fibers. Therefore, we tested, using SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting, whether differences in Tm and TnT isoform expression do, in fact, exist between global and orbital layers of dog and rat EOMs and to compare expression patterns among identified fast and slow single fibers from both muscle layers. The Tm isoforms expressed in global fast and slow fibers are the same as in limb fast (α-Tm and β-Tm) and slow (γ-Tm and β-Tm) fibers, respectively. Orbital slow orbital fibers, on the other hand, each co-express all three sarcomeric Tm isoforms (α, β and γ). The results indicate that fast global and orbital fibers express only fast isoforms of TnT, but the relative amounts of the individual isoforms are different from those in limb fast muscle fibers and an abundant fast TnT isoform in the orbital layer was not detected in fast limb muscles. Slow fibers in both layers express slow TnT isoforms and the relative amounts also differ from those in limb slow fibers. Unexpectedly, significant amounts of cardiac TnT isoforms were also detected in slow fibers, especially in the orbital layer in both species. TnI and TnC isoform patterns are the same as in fast and slow fibers in limb muscles. These results expand the understanding of the elaborate diversity in contractile protein isoform expression in mammalian extraocular muscle fibers and suggest that major differences in calcium-activation properties exist among these fibers, based upon Tm and TnT isoform expression patterns.

Myosin heavy chain isoform expression in human extraocular muscles: longitudinal variation and patterns of expression in global and orbital layers

INTRODUCTION

We investigated the distribution of myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoforms along the length of the global and orbital layers of human extraocular muscles (EOMs).

METHODS

Whole muscle tissue extracts of human EOMs were cross-sectioned consecutively and separated into orbital and global layers. The extracts from these layers were subjected to electrophoretic analysis, followed by quantification with scanning densitometry.

RESULTS

MyHC isoforms displayed different distributions along the lengths of EOMs. In the orbital and global layers of all EOMs except for the superior oblique muscle, MyHCeom was enriched in the central regions. MyHCIIa and MyHCI were most abundant in the proximal and distal ends.

CONCLUSIONS

A variation in MyHC isoform expression was apparent along the lengths of human EOMs. These results provide a basis for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the functional diversity of EOMs.

Myosin heavy chain composition of the human sternocleidomastoid muscle

The sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle is one of the neck muscles responsible for head posture and control of head movement. It functions in rotation, inclination, protraction, extension and flexion of the head, whilst chewing and in exerting increased respiratory efforts. This study is the first one describing the myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoform composition of the SCM muscle of presumably healthy young males for the purpose of better understanding the contractile properties of the muscle as well as to help in evaluation of pathologically altered structure of the muscle. Autopsy samples were processed immunohistochemically to reveal the MyHC isoform composition. The muscle fibres expressed MyHC-1 (31.5%), -2a (29.7%) and -2x (4.3%) or co-expressed MyHC-2a with MyHC-2x (26.8%), MyHC-1 with MyHC-2a (4.1%) and/or MyHC-1, -2a with -2x (1.1%). In addition to the MyHC isoforms, characteristic of adult limb muscles, a very low percentage of muscle fibres (0.2-2.7%) expressed MyHC-neo, which is normally not found in adult limb muscles. Only two samples exhibited MyHC-neo at a rather higher percentage (6.3% and 7.5%) of muscle fibres. The high share of hybrid fibres and the presence of MyHC-neo in the SCM muscle differ from that of adult limb muscles where hybrid fibres are rare and the expression of immature MyHC isoforms occurs only in pathological or experimental conditions. Since the SCM muscle shares the same embryogenic potential as limb muscles, its distinct MyHC expression appears to be associated with twin innervation and with the intrinsic specialisation to perform multiple functions.

Shared resistance to aging and ALS in neuromuscular junctions of specific muscles

Normal aging and neurodegenerative diseases both lead to structural and functional alterations in synapses. Comparison of synapses that are generally similar but respond differently to insults could provide the basis for discovering mechanisms that underlie susceptibility or resistance to damage. Here, we analyzed skeletal neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) in 16 mouse muscles to seek such differences. We find that muscles respond in one of three ways to aging. In some, including most limb and trunk muscles, age-related alterations to NMJs are progressive and extensive during the second postnatal year. NMJs in other muscles, such as extraocular muscles, are strikingly resistant to change. A third set of muscles, including several muscles of facial expression and the external anal sphinter, succumb to aging but not until the third postnatal year. We asked whether susceptible and resistant muscles differed in rostrocaudal or proximodistal position, source of innervation, motor unit size, or fiber type composition. Of these factors, muscle innervation by brainstem motor neurons correlated best with resistance to age-related decline. Finally, we compared synaptic alterations in normally aging muscles to those in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Patterns of resistance and susceptibility were strikingly correlated in the two conditions. Moreover, damage to NMJs in aged muscles correlated with altered expression and distribution of CRMP4a and TDP-43, which are both altered in motor neurons affected by ALS. Together, these results reveal novel structural, regional and molecular parallels between aging and ALS.

Fiber Types in Mammalian Skeletal Muscles

Mammalian skeletal muscle comprises different fiber types, whose identity is first established during embryonic development by intrinsic myogenic control mechanisms and is later modulated by neural and hormonal factors. The relative proportion of the different fiber types varies strikingly between species, and in humans shows significant variability between individuals. Myosin heavy chain isoforms, whose complete inventory and expression pattern are now available, provide a useful marker for fiber types, both for the four major forms present in trunk and limb muscles and the minor forms present in head and neck muscles. However, muscle fiber diversity involves all functional muscle cell compartments, including membrane excitation, excitation-contraction coupling, contractile machinery, cytoskeleton scaffold, and energy supply systems. Variations within each compartment are limited by the need of matching fiber type properties between different compartments. Nerve activity is a major control mechanism of the fiber type profile, and multiple signaling pathways are implicated in activity-dependent changes of muscle fibers. The characterization of these pathways is raising increasing interest in clinical medicine, given the potentially beneficial effects of muscle fiber type switching in the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases.

Pitx2 regulates myosin heavy chain isoform expression and multi-innervation in extraocular muscle

Extraocular muscle is fundamentally distinct from other skeletal muscle and demonstrates specific anatomical divisions, unique innervation, diverse myosin isoform expression patterns, a distinct genomic profile and differential involvement in neuromuscular disorders. The paired-like homeodomain transcription factor 2 (Pitx2) is known to regulate the formation of extraocular muscle development and in this report we show that its expression in adulthood also defines certain extraocular muscle traits. We found that expression of slow-MyHC and slow-tonic MyHC, along with contractile regulatory proteins troponin I and troponin T, is reduced during the first 3 weeks after birth in mice with conditional knockout of Pitx2, designated Pitx2(Δflox/Δflox). En grappe endplates, which are normally only found on slow-MyHC expressing fibres, were not identified in the Pitx2(Δflox/Δflox) extraocular muscle, suggesting that altered innervation was responsible for the loss in slow-MyHC expression. Extraocular muscle (EOM)-specific MyHC expressing fibres were dramatically reduced at P14 and rarely detected at 3 months in the Pitx2(Δflox/Δflox) mice. 2A-MyHC fibres, which are excluded from mid-belly region in wild-type mice, dominated the orbital layer with no apparent longitudinal variation in the Pitx2(Δflox/Δflox) mice. Pure 2X-MyHC fibres, only present at distal ends in the wild-type mice, populated the outer global layer in the mid-belly region of the Pitx2(Δflox/Δflox) mice. Pitx2 influences slow-MyHC, slow-tonic MyHC and EOM-MyHC expression in extraocular muscle and its absence leads to increased expression of 2X-MyHC and 2A-MyHC. Precise definition of the regulation of MyHC isoforms in extraocular muscle may allow their rational manipulation, in order to alter muscle contractility for therapeutic purposes.

A continuum of myofibers in adult rabbit extraocular muscle: force, shortening velocity, and patterns of myosin heavy chain colocalization

Extraocular muscle (EOM) myofibers do not fit the traditional fiber typing classifications normally used in noncranial skeletal muscle, in part, due to the complexity of their individual myofibers. With single skinned myofibers isolated from rectus muscles of normal adult rabbits, force and shortening velocity were determined for 220 fibers. Each fiber was examined for myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoform composition by densitometric analysis of electrophoresis gels. Rectus muscle serial sections were examined for coexpression of eight MyHC isoforms. A continuum was seen in single myofiber shortening velocities as well as force generation, both in absolute force (g) and specific tension (kN/m(2)). Shortening velocity correlated with MyHCIIB, IIA, and I content, the more abundant MyHC isoforms expressed within individual myofibers. Importantly, single fibers with similar or identical shortening velocities expressed significantly different ratios of MyHC isoforms. The vast majority of myofibers in both the orbital and global layers expressed more than one MyHC isoform, with up to six isoforms in single fiber segments. MyHC expression varied significantly and unpredictably along the length of single myofibers. Thus EOM myofibers represent a continuum in their histological and physiological characteristics. This continuum would facilitate fine motor control of eye position, speed, and direction of movement in all positions of gaze and with all types of eye movements-from slow vergence movements to fast saccades. To fully understand how the brain controls eye position and movements, it is critical that this significant EOM myofiber heterogeneity be integrated into hypotheses of oculomotor control.

Glucose uptake in rat extraocular muscles: effect of insulin and contractile activity

PURPOSE

Extraocular muscles show specific adaptations to fulfill the metabolic demands imposed by their constant activity. One aspect that has not been explored is the availability of substrate for energy pathways in extraocular muscles. In limb muscles, glucose enters by way of GLUT1 and GLUT4 transporters in a process regulated by insulin and contractile activity to match metabolic supply to demand. This mechanism may not apply to extraocular muscles because their constant activity may require high basal (insulin- and activity-independent) glucose uptake. The authors tested the hypothesis that glucose uptake by extraocular muscles is not regulated by insulin or contractile activity.

METHODS

Extraocular muscles from adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were incubated with 100 nM insulin or were electrically stimulated to contract (activity); glucose uptake was measured with 2-deoxy-d[1,2-(3)H]glucose. The contents of GLUT1, GLUT4, total and phosphorylated protein kinase B (Akt), phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) underwent Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

Insulin and activity increased glucose uptake over the basal rate to 108% and 78%, respectively. GLUT1 and GLUT4 were detectable in extraocular muscles. Phosphorylated AKT/total AKT increased by twofold after insulin stimulation, but there was no change with activity. AMPK phosphorylation increased 35% with activity. Phosphorylated-GSK3/total GSK3 did not change with insulin or activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Glucose uptake in extraocular muscles is regulated by insulin and contractile activity. There is evidence of differences in the insulin signaling pathway that may explain the low glycogen content in these muscles.

Functional diversity among a family of human skeletal muscle myosin motors

Human skeletal muscle fibers express five highly conserved type-II myosin heavy chain (MyHC) genes in distinct spatial and temporal patterns. In addition, the human genome contains an intact sixth gene, MyHC-IIb, which is thought under most circumstances not to be expressed. The physiological and biochemical properties of individual muscle fibers correlate with the predominantly expressed MyHC isoform, but a functional analysis of homogenous skeletal muscle myosin isoforms has not been possible. This is due to the difficulties of separating the multiple isoforms usually coexpressed in muscle fibers, as well as the lack of an expression system that produces active recombinant type II skeletal muscle myosin. In this study we describe a mammalian muscle cell expression system and the functional analysis of all six recombinant human type II skeletal muscle myosin isoforms. The diverse biochemical activities and actin-filament velocities of these myosins indicate that they likely have distinct functions in muscle. Our data also show that ATPase activity and motility are generally correlated for human skeletal muscle myosins. The exception, MyHC-IIb, encodes a protein that is high in ATPase activity but slow in motility; this is the first functional analysis of the protein from this gene. In addition, the developmental isoforms, hypothesized to have low ATPase activity, were indistinguishable from adult-fast MyHC-IIa and the specialized MyHC-Extraocular isoform, that was predicted to be the fastest of all six isoforms but was functionally similar to the slower isoforms.

Masticatory (;superfast') myosin heavy chain and embryonic/atrial myosin light chain 1 in rodent jaw-closing muscles

Masticatory myosin is widely expressed among several vertebrate classes. Generally, the expression of masticatory myosin has been associated with high bite force for a carnivorous feeding style (including capturing/restraining live prey), breaking down tough plant material and defensive biting in different species. Masticatory myosin expression in the largest mammalian order, Rodentia, has not been reported. Several members of Rodentia consume large numbers of tree nuts that are encased in very hard shells, presumably requiring large forces to access the nutmeat. We, therefore, tested whether some rodent species express masticatory myosin in jaw-closing muscles. Myosin isoform expression in six Sciuridae species was examined, using protein gel electrophoresis, immunoblotting, mass spectrometry and RNA analysis. The results indicate that masticatory myosin is expressed in some Sciuridae species but not in other closely related species with similar diets but having different nut-opening strategies. We also discovered that the myosin light chain 1 isoform associated with masticatory myosin heavy chain, in the same four Sciuridae species, is the embryonic/atrial isoform. We conclude that rodent speciation did not completely eliminate masticatory myosin and that its persistent expression in some rodent species might be related to not only diet but also to feeding style.

Distinct regulatory cascades govern extraocular and pharyngeal arch muscle progenitor cell fates

Genetic regulatory networks governing skeletal myogenesis in the body are well understood, yet their hierarchical relationships in the head remain unresolved. We show that either Myf5 or Mrf4 is necessary for initiating extraocular myogenesis. Whereas Mrf4 is dispensable for pharyngeal muscle progenitor fate, Tbx1 and Myf5 act synergistically for governing myogenesis in this location. As in the body, Myod acts epistatically to the initiating cascades in the head. Thus, complementary pathways, governed by Pax3 for body, and Tbx1 for pharyngeal muscles, but absent for extraocular muscles, activate the core myogenic network. These diverse muscle progenitors maintain their respective embryonic regulatory signatures in the adult. However, these signatures are not sufficient to ensure the specific muscle phenotypes, since the expected differentiated phenotype is not manifested when satellite cells are engrafted heterotopically. These findings identify novel genetic networks that may provide insights into myopathies which often affect only subsets of muscles.

Changes in muscle fiber size and in the composition of myosin heavy chain isoforms of rabbit extraocular rectus muscle following recession surgery

PURPOSE

To assess the changes in the size of muscle fibers and the composition of myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoforms in the global layer (GL) and the orbital layer (OL) of rabbit rectus extraocular muscle (EOM) after recession.

METHODS

The right superior rectus muscles of two rabbits were harvested at 3 days or 1, 2, or 4 weeks after recession (eight rabbits in total). At each time point, one muscle was used for measuring the cross-sectional area of the muscle fibers and the other for identifying the composition of MyHC. The right superior rectus muscles of three additional naïve rabbits were used as controls.

RESULTS

The mean cross-sectional area of the OL fibers did not change significantly. However, that of the GL fibers significantly decreased at 3 days (P<0.001) and 1 week (P=0.024) postoperatively, and increased thereafter to reach the control levels at 2 and 4 weeks postoperatively. Three days after surgery, the total MyHC content and the proportion of type IIb MyHC (MyHCIIb) plus EOM-specific MyHC (MyHCeom) decreased and remained at its lower level for 4 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

Transient atrophy and regeneration were observed only in the GL, and the changes in the MyHCIIb plus MyHCeom appeared to be related to these changes.

Thick and thin filament gene mutations in striated muscle diseases

The sarcomere is the fundamental unit of cardiac and skeletal muscle contraction. During the last ten years, there has been growing awareness of the etiology of skeletal and cardiac muscle diseases originating in the sarcomere, an important evolving field. Many sarcomeric diseases affect newborn children, i. e. are congenital myopathies. The discovery and characterization of several myopathies caused by mutations in myosin heavy chain genes, coding for the major component of skeletal muscle thick filaments, has led to the introduction of a new entity in the field of neuromuscular disorders: myosin myopathies. Recently, mutations in genes coding for skeletal muscle thin filaments, associated with various clinical features, have been identified. These mutations evoke distinct structural changes within the sarcomeric thin filament. Current knowledge regarding contractile protein dysfunction as it relates to disease pathogenesis has failed to decipher the mechanistic links between mutations identified in sarcomeric proteins and skeletal myopathies, which will no doubt require an integrated physiological approach. The discovery of additional genes associated with myopathies and the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis will lead to improved and more accurate diagnosis, including prenatally, and to enhanced potential for prognosis, genetic counseling and developing possible treatments for these diseases. The goal of this review is to present recent progress in the identification of gene mutations from each of the major structural components of the sarcomere, the thick and thin filaments, related to skeletal muscle disease. The genetics and clinical manifestations of these disorders will be discussed.

Quantification of myosin heavy chain RNA in human laryngeal muscles: differential expression in the vertical and horizontal posterior cricoarytenoid and thyroarytenoid

BACKGROUND

Human laryngeal muscles are composed of fibers that express type I, IIA, and IIX myosin heavy chains (MyHC), but the presence and quantity of atypical myosins such as perinatal, extraocular, IIB, and alpha (cardiac) remain in question. These characteristics have been determined by biochemical or immunohistologic tissue sampling but with no complementary evidence of gene expression at the molecular level. The distribution of myosin, the main motor protein, in relation to structure-function relationships in this specialized muscle group will be important for understanding laryngeal function in both health and disease.

OBJECTIVES

We determined the quantity of MyHC genes expressed in human posterior cricoarytenoid (PCA) and thyroarytenoid (TA) muscle using real-time quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction in a large number of samples taken from laryngectomy subjects. The PCA muscle was divided into vertical (V) and horizontal (H) portions for analysis.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

No extraocular or IIB myosin gene message is present in PCA or TA, but IIB is expressed in human extraocular muscle. Low but detectable amounts of perinatal and alpha gene message are present in both of the intrinsic laryngeal muscles. In H- and V-PCA, MyHC gene amounts were beta greater than IIA greater than IIX, but amounts of fast myosin RNA were greater in V-PCA. In TA, the order was beta greater than IIX greater than IIA. The profiles of RNA determined here indicate that, in humans, neither PCA nor TA intrinsic laryngeal muscles express unique very fast-contracting MyHCs but instead may rely on differential synthesis and use of beta, IIA, and IIX isoforms to perform their specialized contractile functions.

Molecular basis of the phenotypic characteristics of mammalian muscle fibres

Adult mammalian skeletal muscle fibres can be separated into two distinct groups, fast and slow. Within each group there is a continuum of metabolic enzyme activity levels. In addition there are fast and slow isoforms of various myofibrillar proteins such as myosin, tropomyosin and troponin. These proteins are multimeric and multiple isoforms of their subunits assemble to create a continuum of subtypes within each major group. Fibres which coexpress both fast and slow subunit isoforms have an increased number of possible isoform combinations such that an entire spectrum of fibre 'types' is found between the two extremes, fast and slow. Numerous myosin heavy chain and fast troponin T isoforms further increase the diversity of muscle fibres. Such cellular diversity helps to explain the dynamic nature of skeletal muscle. Each individual fibre is able to respond to various functional demands by appropriate changes in its phenotypic expression of specific proteins.

Myostatin shows a specific expression pattern in pig skeletal and extraocular muscles during pre- and post-natal growth

Myogenesis is driven by an extraordinary array of cellular signals that follow a common expression pattern among different animal phyla. Myostatin (mstn) is a secreted growth factor that plays a pivotal role in skeletal muscle mass regulation. The aim of the present study was to investigate mstn expression in a large mammal (the pig) in order to ascertain whether distinct expression changes of this factor might be linked to the fiber-type composition of the muscle examined and/or to specific developmental stages. To assess the expression pattern of mstn in relation to myogenic proliferative (Pax7 and MyoD) and differentiative (myogenin) markers, we evaluated muscles with different myosin heavy-chain compositions sampled during pre- and post-natal development and on myogenic cells isolated from the same muscles. Skeletal muscles showed higher levels of mRNA for mstn and all other genes examined during fetal development than after birth. The wide distribution of mstn was also confirmed by immunohistochemistry experiments supporting evidence for cytoplasmic staining in early fetal periods as well as the localization in type 1 fibers at the end of the gestation period. Extraocular muscles, in contrast, did not exhibit decreasing mRNA levels for mstn or other genes even in adult samples and expressed higher levels of both mstn mRNA and protein compared with skeletal muscles. Experiments carried out on myogenic cells showed that mstn mRNA levels decreased when myoblasts entered the differentiation program and that cells isolated at early post-natal stages maintained a high level of Pax7 expression. Our results showed that mstn had a specific expression pattern whose variations depended on the muscle type examined, thus supporting the hypothesis that at birth, porcine myogenic cells continue to be influenced by hyperplastic/proliferative mechanisms.

Adult human upper esophageal sphincter contains specialized muscle fibers expressing unusual myosin heavy chain isoforms

The functional upper esophageal sphincter (UES) is composed of the cricopharyngeus muscle (CP), the most inferior part of the inferior pharyngeal constrictor (iIPC), and the upper esophagus (UE). This sphincter is collapsed and exhibits sustained muscle activity in the resting state; it only relaxes and opens during swallowing, vomiting, and belching. The tonic contractile properties of the UES suggest that the skeletal muscle fibers in this sphincter differ from those in the limb and trunk muscles. In this study, myosin heavy chain (MHC) composition in the adult human UES muscles obtained from autopsies was investigated using immunocytochemical and immunoblotting techniques. Results showed that the adult human UES muscle fibers expressed unusual MHC isoforms such as slow-tonic (MHC-ton), alpha-cardiac (MHC-alpha), neonatal (MHC-neo), and embryonic (MHC-emb), which coexisted with the major MHCs (i.e., MHCI, IIa, and IIx). MHC-ton and MHC-alpha were coexpressed predominantly with slow-type I MHC isoform, whereas MHC-neo and MHC-emb coexisted mainly with fast-type IIa MHC. A slow inner layer (SIL) and a fast outer layer (FOL) in the iIPC and CP were identified immunocytochemically. MHC-ton- and MHC-alpha-containing fibers were concentrated mainly in the SIL, whereas MHC-neo- and MHC-emb-containing fibers were distributed primarily to the FOL. Identification of the specialized muscle fibers and their distribution patterns in the adult human UES is valuable for a better understanding of the physiological and pathophysiological behaviors of the sphincter.

Expression of eight distinct MHC isoforms in bovine striated muscles: evidence for MHC-2B presence only in extraocular muscles

This study aimed to analyse the expression of myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms in bovine muscles, with particular attention to the MHC-2B gene. Diaphragm, longissimus dorsi, masseter, several laryngeal muscles and two extraocular muscles (rectus lateralis and retractor bulbi) were sampled in adult male Bos taurus (age 18-24 months, mass 400-500 kg) and analysed by RT-PCR, gel electrophoresis and immunohistochemistry. Transcripts and proteins corresponding to eight MHC isoforms were identified: MHC-alpha and MHC-beta/slow (or MHC-1), two developmental isoforms (MHC-embryonic and MHC-neonatal), three adult fast isoforms (MHC-2A, MHC-2X and MHC-2B) and the extraocular isoform MHC-Eo. All eight MHC isoforms were found to be co-expressed in extrinsic eye muscles, retractor bulbi and rectus lateralis, four (beta/slow, 2A, 2X, neonatal) in laryngeal muscles, three (beta/slow, 2A and 2X) in trunk and limb muscles and two (beta/slow and alpha) in masseter. The expression of MHC-2B and MHC-Eo was restricted to extraocular muscles. Developmental MHC isoforms (neonatal and embryonic) were only found in specialized muscles in the larynx and in the eye. MHC-alpha was only found in extraocular and masseter muscle. Single fibres dissected from masseter, diaphragm and longissimus were classified into five groups (expressing, respectively, beta/slow, alpha, slow and 2A, 2A and 2X) on the basis of MHC isoform electrophoretical separation, and their contractile properties [maximum shortening velocity (v(0)) and isometric tension (P(0))] were determined. v(0) increased progressively from slow to fast 2A and fast 2X, whereas hybrid 1-2A fibres and fibres containing MHC-alpha were intermediate between slow and fast 2A.

Intrinsic properties of the adult human mylohyoid muscle: neural organization, fiber-type distribution, and myosin heavy chain expression

The mylohyoid (MH) muscle plays a critical role in chewing, swallowing, respiration, and phonation. The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that the functional properties of the MH are reflected by its intrinsic specializations, including the neural organization, fiber-type distribution, and myosin heavy chain (MHC) expression. Adult human MH muscles were investigated to determine the nerve supply pattern using Sihler's stain, banding pattern and types of motor endplates using acetylcholinesterase (AChE) staining and silver impregnation, and muscle fiber type and MHC composition using immunocytochemical and immunoblotting techniques. The adult human MH was found to have the following neuromuscular specializations. First, the muscle was innervated by several branches of the MH nerve derived from the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve. Each of the nerve branches supplied a distinct region of the muscle, forming a segmental innervation pattern. Second, the MH had a single motor endplate band which was located in the middle of the muscle length. Both en plaque and en grappe types of motor endplates were identified on the MH muscle fibers. Finally, the adult human MH fibers expressed unusual MHC isoforms (i.e., slow-tonic, alpha-cardiac, embryonic, and neonatal) which coexisted with the major MHC isoforms (i.e., slow type I, fast type IIa, and fast type IIx), thus forming various major/unusual (or m/u) MHC hybrid fiber types. The m/u hybrid fibers (84% of the total fiber population) were the predominant fiber types in the adult MH muscle. Determination of the neuromuscular specializations of the MH is helpful for better understanding of the muscle functions and for development of strategies to treat MH-related upper airway disorders.

Phenotype and contractile properties of mammalian tongue muscles innervated by the hypoglossal nerve

The XIIth cranial nerve plays a role in chewing, respiration, suckling, swallowing, and speech [Lowe, A.A., 1981. The neural regulation of tongue movements. Prog. Neurobiol. 15, 295-344.]. The muscles innervated by this nerve are functionally subdivided into three categories: those causing protrusion, retrusion, and changing the shape of the tongue. Myosin heavy chain (MHC) II isoform makes up the majority of the MHC phenotype with some variability among mammalian species and some evidence suggests between genders. In addition, there are regional differences in fiber type within some of these muscles that suggest functional compartmentalization. The transition from developmental MHC isoforms to their adult phenotype appears to vary not only from muscle to muscle but also from species to species. Motor units within this hypoglossal motor system can be categorized as predominantly fast fatigue resistant. Based on twitch contraction time and fatigue index, it appears that hypoglossal innervated muscles are more similar to fast-twitch muscles innervated by spinal nerves than, for example, extraocular muscles.

Adult human mylohyoid muscle fibers express slow-tonic, alpha-cardiac, and developmental myosin heavy-chain isoforms

Some adult cranial muscles have been reported to contain unusual myosin heavy-chain (MHC) isoforms (i.e., slow-tonic, alpha-cardiac, embryonic, and neonatal), which exhibit distinct contractile properties. In this study, adult human mylohyoid (MH) muscles obtained from autopsies were investigated to detect the unusual MHC isoforms. For comparison, the biceps brachii and masseter muscles of the same subjects were also examined. Serial cross-sections from the muscles studied were incubated with a panel of isoform-specific anti-MHC monoclonal antibodies that distinguish major and unusual MHC isoforms. On average, the slow type I and fast type II MHC-containing fibers in the MH muscle accounted for 54% and 46% of the fibers, respectively. In contrast to limb and trunk muscles, the adult human MH muscle was characterized by a large proportion of hybrid fibers (85%) and a small percentage of pure fibers (15%; P < 0.01). Of the fast fiber types, the proportion of the type IIa MHC-containing fibers (92%) was much greater than that of the type IIx MHC-containing fibers (8%; P < 0.01). Our data demonstrated that the adult human MH fibers expressed the unusual MHC isoforms that were also identified in the masseter, but not in the biceps brachii. These isoforms were demonstrated by immunocytochemistry and confirmed by electrophoretic immunoblotting. Fiber-to-fiber comparisons showed that the unusual MHC isoforms were coexpressed with the major MHC isoforms (i.e., MHCI, IIa, and IIx), thus forming various major/unusual (or m/u) MHC hybrid fiber types. Interestingly, the unusual MHC isoforms were expressed in a fiber type-specific manner. The slow-tonic and alpha-cardiac MHC isoforms were coexpressed predominantly with slow type I MHC isoform, whereas the developmental MHC isoforms (i.e., embryonic and neonatal) coexisted primarily with fast type IIa MHC isoform. There were no MH fibers that expressed exclusively unusual MHC isoforms. Approximately 81% of the slow type I MHC-containing fibers expressed slow-tonic and alpha-cardiac MHC isoforms, whereas 80% of the fast type IIa MHC-containing fibers expressed neonatal MHC isoform. The m/u hybrid fibers (82% of the total fiber population) were found to constitute the predominant fiber types in the adult human MH muscle. At least seven m/u MHC hybrid fiber types were identified in the adult human MH muscle. The most common m/u hybrid fiber types were found to be the MHCI/slow-tonic/alpha-cardiac and MHCIIa/neonatal, which accounted for 39% and 33% of the total fiber population, respectively. The multiplicity of MHC isoforms in the adult MH fibers is believed to be related to embryonic origin, innervation pattern, and unique functional requirements.

Fast fibres in a large animal: fibre types, contractile properties and myosin expression in pig skeletal muscles

Little is known about the influence of Myosin Heavy Chain (MHC) isoforms on the contractile properties of single muscle fibres in large animals. We have studied MHC isoform composition and contractile properties of single muscle fibres from the pig. Masseter, diaphragm, longissimus, semitendinosus, rectractor bulbi and rectus lateralis were sampled in female pigs (aged 6 months, mass 160 kg). RT-PCR, histochemistry, immunohistochemistry and gel electrophoresis were combined to identify and separate four MHC isoforms: MHC-slow and three fast MHC (2A, 2X, 2B). Maximum shortening velocity (V(o)) and isometric tension (P(o)) were measured in single muscle fibres with known MHC isoform composition. Six groups of fibres (pure: slow, 2A, 2X and 2B, and hybrid: 2A-2X and 2X-2B) with large differences in V(o) and P(o) were identified. Slow fibres had mean V(o)=0.17+/-0.01 length s(-1) and P(o)=25.1+/-3.3 mN mm(-2). For fast fibres 2A, 2X and 2B, mean V(o) values were 1.86+/-0.18, 2.55+/-0.19 and 4.06+/-0.33 length s(-1) and mean P(o) values 74.93+/-8.36, 66.85+/-7.58 and 32.96+/-7.47 mN mm(-2), respectively. An in vitro motility assay confirmed that V(o) strictly reflected the functional properties of the myosin isoforms. We conclude that pig muscles express high proportions of fast MHC isoforms, including MHC-2B, and that V(o) values are higher than expected on the basis of the scaling relationship between contractile parameters and body size.

Fiber types of the intrinsic whisker muscle and whisking behavior

Some rodent species show rhythmic bouts of vibrissal protractions and retractions, referred to as whisking, that are among the fastest movements performed by mammals. To better understand the muscular basis of whisking, we compared (1) whisker movements of two whisking species (mouse, rat) and a non-whisking species (guinea pig), (2) the muscle fiber composition of intrinsic whisker muscles of whisking and a non-whisking species, and (3) the muscle fiber composition of intrinsic whisker muscles and of selected skeletal muscles. Using high-speed videography, we found that mice, rats, and guinea pigs can generate fast and large-amplitude whisker movements. Guinea pigs do not show bouts of fast, strictly rhythmic whisker movements, and the average speed of their whisker movements is much lower than in mice and rats. Analysis of mRNA expression of myosin heavy chain isoforms, myofibrillar ATPase staining, and antibody labeling indicate that in all three species intrinsic whisker muscles are composed predominantly of type 2B muscle fibers. Intrinsic whisker muscles of mice consisted of type 2B (> or =90%) and type 2D fibers. In rats we observed, in addition to type 2B/2D fibers, approximately 10% of slow type 1 fibers, and in guinea pigs we observed approximately 3% of slow type 1 fibers and 20% of type 2A fibers. Type 2B fibers have high levels of anaerobic glycolytic enzymes providing a rapid source of ATP and high maximum velocity of contraction but are less fatigue resistant than other muscle fiber types. The high percentage of type 2B fibers distinguishes the intrinsic whisker musculature from skeletal muscles and may have evolved for fast scanning of the sensory environment.

Myosin heavy chain composition of rat middle ear muscles

OBJECTIVE

To quantitatively analyze myosin heavy chain (MHC) mRNA composition in two rat middle ear muscles (the tensor tympani and stapedius) using competitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

An exogenous template, including oligonucleotide sequences specific for the seven rat MHCs (2A, 2B, 2X, 2L/EOM, embryonic, neonatal and beta-cardiac) as well as beta-actin, was constructed and used as the competitor.

RESULTS

The tensor tympani and stapedius contained all MHC isoforms except 2L. The tensor tympani contained approximately equal proportions of 2X (40.4% +/- 6.5%) and 2A (34.0% +/- 1.3%) MHCs, with a smaller percentage of 2B (16.6% +/- 1.5%) and neonatal (7.5% +/- 0.6%) MHCs, while beta-cardiac and embryonic MHCs were minimally expressed. The stapedius contained predominantly 2X (58.0% +/- 4.2%) and 2A (32.3% +/- 6.7%) MHCs, with a smaller percentage of 2B (7.4% +/- 0.2%) and beta-cardiac (1.9% +/- 0.1%) MHCs. Neonatal and embryonic MHCs were detected at very low levels.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that two middle ear muscles, which are mainly composed of two fast-twitching myosins (2X and 2A MHCs), contract fast and are fatigue-resistant.

Anatomy and fiber type composition of human interarytenoid muscle

Intrinsic laryngeal muscle investigations, especially those of the interarytenoid (IA) muscle, have been primarily teleologically based. We determined IA muscle anatomy and histochemical and immunohistochemical classification of extrafusal and intrafusal (muscle spindle) fibers in 5 patients. Extrafusal fibers were oxidative type I and glycolytic types IIA and IIX. Intrafusal fibers of muscle spindles were identified by the presence of tonic and neonatal myosin. The results demonstrate that the IA muscle has a phenotype similar to that of limb skeletal muscle. Myosin coexpression, the absence of intrafusal fibers, and fiber type grouping were unusual features found previously in the thyroarytenoid and posterior cricoarytenoid muscles, but they were not present in the IA muscle. These findings lead to the conclusion that the IA muscle has functional significance beyond its assumed importance in maintaining vocal fold position during phonation. The presence of spindles demonstrates differences in motor control as compared to the thyroarytenoid and posterior cricoarytenoid muscles. Further, extrafusal fiber characteristics implicate IA muscle involvement in muscle tension dysphonia and adductor spasmodic dysphonia. Given the unique physiologic characteristics of the human IA muscle, further research into the role of the IA muscle in voice disorders is warranted.

Staining of human thyroarytenoid muscle with myosin antibodies reveals some unique extrafusal fibers, but no muscle spindles

This study describes the myosin composition of extrafusal and intrafusal muscle fibers found in the human thyroarytenoid (TA) and sternohyoid (control) muscles. We sought to determine the presence of muscle spindles in the TA muscle, and to identify unusual extrafusal fiber types, using the commonly accepted approach of tissue staining with myosin isoform specific antibodies. Extrafusal fibers are organized into motor units, which subsequently produce muscle movement, whereas intrafusal fibers compose muscle spindles, the primary stretch receptor that provides afferent (feed back) information to the nervous system for regulation of motor unit length and tonicity. Immunohistochemical identification of muscle spindles was confirmed in sternohyoid, but not in TA samples; however, some extrafusal fibers contained tonic myosin. These results indicate that human TA muscle functions similar to some mammalian extraocular muscle, performing unloaded (non-weight bearing) contractions without afferent information from native muscle spindles.

Contractile properties and myosin heavy chain isoform composition in single fibre of human laryngeal muscles

In the present study we aimed to determine the functional properties and the myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoform composition of single chemically skinned fibres from the vocal muscle of four adult men (age: 55-67 years). Single fibres, dissected from the bioptic samples, were chemically skinned and isometric tension (P0) and maximal shortening velocity (V0) were measured at pCa 4.6. MHC and myosin light chain (MLC) composition of fibre segments and MHC distribution of the biopsy samples were analysed by SDS-poly-acrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and densitometry. Four MHC isoforms (1, 2A, 2X and a fourth isoform, provisionally called L) and five MLC isoforms (MLC1s, MLC1f, MLC3f, MLC2f, MLC2s) were identified. The major findings of this study were: (1) fast MHC isoforms (in particular MHC-2A) and fast fibres were predominant, (2) one-third of the fibres were mixed or hybrid, i.e. expressed more than one MHC isoform, (3) V0 and P0 values were determined by the MHC isoform composition and mixed fibres showed functional properties which were intermediate between pure fibres; MHC-L was associated with V0 values similar to those of MHC-2A, (4) compared with limb muscles, V0 values of laryngeal fibres were similar to those of limb muscle fibres containing the same MHC isoform whereas P0 values were lower for slow and fast 2X fibres and similar for fibres expressing MHC-2A.

Muscle fiber type composition and effects of vocal fold immobilization on the two compartments of the human posterior cricoarytenoid: a case study of four patients

The human posterior cricoarytenoid (PCA) muscle is divided into two compartments, the vertical and horizontal bellies, which contain differences in their myosin heavy chain (MyHC) composition. Using immunohistochemical techniques on whole PCA samples, this study provides a more thorough description of the fiber type composition of entire bellies of the PCA. Four patients provided complete PCA samples containing both compartments of their right and left sides; two with unilaterally immobilized vocal folds. The horizontal belly had 80% slow (type I) fibers and 20% fast (type II) fibers. The vertical belly contained equal amounts of slow and fast fibers (approximately 55%:45%); clearly distinguishing between two compartments. Atrophy of muscle fibers and fiber type grouping were also present in both normal and affected subjects; providing no clear confirmation of the clinical findings of vocal fold immobilization. Further study of the PCA muscle from patients with unilaterally immobilized vocal folds is needed.

Specialized cranial muscles: how different are they from limb and abdominal muscles?

Mammalian skeletal muscle fibers can be classified into functional types by the heavy chain (MyHC) and light chain (MyLC) isoforms of myosin (the primary motor protein) that they contain. Most human skeletal muscle contains fiber types and myosin isoforms I, IIA and IIX. Some highly specialized muscle fibers in human extraocular and jaw-closing muscles express either novel myosins or unusual combinations of isoforms of unknown functional significance. Extrinsic laryngeal muscles may express the extraocular MyHC isoform for rapid contraction and a tonic MyHC isoform for slow tonic contractions. In jaw-closing muscles, fiber phenotypes and myosin expression have been characterized as highly unusual. The jaw-closing muscles of most carnivores and primates have tissue-specific expression of the type IIM or 'type II masticatory' MyHC. Human jaw-closing muscles, however, do not contain IIM myosin. Rather, they express myosins typical of developing or cardiac muscle in addition to type I, IIA and IIX myosins, and many of their fibers are hybrids, expressing two or more isoforms. Fiber morphology is also unusual in that the type II fibers are mostly of smaller diameter than type I. By combining physiological and biochemical techniques it is possible to determine the maximum velocity of unloaded shortening (V(o)) of an individual skeletal muscle fiber and subsequently determine the type and amount of myosin isoform. When analyzed, some laryngeal fibers shorten at much faster rates than type II fibers from limb and abdominal muscle. Yet some type I fibers in masseter show an opposite trend towards speeds 10-fold slower than type I fibers of limb muscle. These unusual shortening velocities are most probably regulated by MyHC isoforms in laryngeal fibers and by MyLC isoforms in masseter. For the jaw-closing muscles, this finding represents the first case in human muscle of physiological regulation of kinetics by light chains. Together, these results demonstrate that, compared to other skeletal muscles, cranial muscles have a wider repertoire of contractile protein expression and function. Molecular techniques for reverse transcription of mRNA and amplification by polymerase chain reaction have been applied to typing of single fibers isolated from limb muscles, successfully identifying pure type I, IIA and IIX and hybrid type I/IIA and IIA/IIX fibers. This demonstrates the potential for future studies of the regulation of gene expression in jaw-closing and laryngeal muscles, which have such a variety of complex fiber types fitting them for their roles in vivo.

Molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the generation of fiber diversity during myogenesis

Skeletal muscles have a characteristic proportion and distribution of fiber types, a pattern which is set up early in development. It is becoming clear that different mechanisms produce this pattern during early and late stages of myogenesis. In addition, there are significant differences between the formation of muscles in head and those found in rest of the body. Early fiber type differentiation is dependent upon an interplay between patterning systems which include the Wnt and Hox gene families and different myoblast populations. During later stages, innervation, hormones, and functional demand increasingly act to determine fiber type, but individual muscles still retain an intrinsic commitment to form particular fiber types. Head muscle is the only muscle not derived from the somites and follows a different development pathway which leads to the formation of particular fiber types not found elsewhere. This review discusses the formation of fiber types in both head and other muscles using results from both chick and mammalian systems.

The superfast extraocular myosin (MYH13) is localized to the innervation zone in both the global and orbital layers of rabbit extraocular muscle

Extraocular muscles (EOMs) are the most molecularly heterogeneous and physiologically diverse mammalian striated muscles. They express the entire array of striated muscle myosins, including a specialized myosin heavy chain MYH13, which is restricted to extraocular and laryngeal muscles. EOMs also exhibit a breadth of contractile activity, from superfast saccades to slow tracking and convergence movements. These movements are accomplished by the action of six ultrastructurally defined fiber types that differ from the type IIa, IIb, IIx and I fibers found in other skeletal muscles. Attempts to associate different eye movements with either the expression of different myosins or the activity of particular EOM fiber types are complicated by the molecular heterogeneity of several of the fiber types, and by electromyography studies showing that the majority of extraocular motor units participate in both fast and slow eye movements. To better understand the role of MYH13 in ocular motility, we generated MYH13-sequence-specific antibodies and used SDS-PAGE to quantify the regional distribution of myosin in EOM and to characterize its heterogeneity in single fibers. These studies demonstrate that MYH13 is preferentially expressed in the majority of orbital and global fibers in the central innervation zone of rabbit EOM. Many individual fibers express MYH13 with the fast IIb myosin and varying amounts of IIx myosin. The differential localization of MYH13, coupled with specialization of the sarcoplasmic reticulum and thin filament systems, probably explains how activation of the endplate band region enables the majority of EOM fibers to contribute to superfast contractions.

Nitric oxide synthase expression and effects of nitric oxide modulation on contractility of rat extraocular muscle

Extraocular muscles (EOMs) are specialized skeletal muscles that are constantly active, generate low levels of force for cross sectional area, have rapid contractile speeds, and are highly fatigue resistant. The neuronal isoform of nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) is concentrated at the sarcolemma of fast-twitch muscles fibers, and nitric oxide (NO) modulates contractility. This study evaluated nNOS expression in EOM and the effect of NO modulation on lateral rectus muscle's contractility. nNOS activity was highest in EOM compared with diaphragm, extensor digitorum longus, and soleus. Neuronal NOS was concentrated to the sarcolemma of orbital and global singly innervated fibers, but not evident in the multi-innervated fibers. The NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, a NOS inhibitor), increased submaximal tetanic and peak twitch forces. The NO donors S-nitroso-N-acetylcysteine (SNAC) and spermineNONOate reduced submaximal tetanic and peak twitch forces. The effect of NO on the contractile force of lateral rectus muscle is greater than previously observed on other skeletal muscle. NO appears more important in modulating contraction of EOM compared with other skeletal muscles, which could be important for the EOM's specialized role in generation of eye movements.