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Wilson VD, Bommart S, Passerieux E, Thomas C, Pincemail J, Picot MC, Mercier J, Portet F, Arbogast S, Laoudj-Chenivesse D. Muscle strength, quantity and quality and muscle fat quantity and their association with oxidative stress in patients with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy: Effect of antioxidant supplementation. Free Radic Biol Med 2024; 219:112-126. [PMID: 38574978 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2024.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to identify causes of quadriceps muscle weakness in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). To this aim, we evaluated quadriceps muscle and fat volumes by magnetic resonance imaging and their relationships with muscle strength and oxidative stress markers in adult patients with FSHD (n = 32) and healthy controls (n = 7), and the effect of antioxidant supplementation in 20 of the 32 patients with FSHD (n = 10 supplementation and n = 10 placebo) (NCT01596803). Compared with healthy controls, the dominant quadriceps strength and quality (muscle strength per unit of muscle volume) were decreased in patients with FSHD. In addition, fat volume was increased, without changes in total muscle volume. Moreover, in patients with FSHD, the lower strength of the non-dominant quadriceps was associated with lower muscle quality compared with the dominant muscle. Antioxidant supplementation significantly changed muscle and fat volumes in the non-dominant quadriceps, and muscle quality in the dominant quadriceps. This was associated with improved muscle strength (both quadriceps) and antioxidant response. These findings suggest that quadriceps muscle strength decline may not be simply explained by atrophy and may be influenced also by the muscle intrinsic characteristics. As FSHD is associated with increased oxidative stress, supplementation might reduce oxidative stress and increase antioxidant defenses, promoting changes in muscle function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinicius Dias Wilson
- PhyMedExp, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, CNRS, Montpellier, France; Centro Universitário Estácio de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Sébastien Bommart
- PhyMedExp, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, CNRS, Montpellier, France; Department of Radiology, CHU of Montpellier, Arnaud de Villeneuve Hospital, 34090, Montpellier, France.
| | - Emilie Passerieux
- PhyMedExp, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, CNRS, Montpellier, France.
| | - Claire Thomas
- PhyMedExp, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, CNRS, Montpellier, France; LBEPS, Univ Evry, IRBA, University Paris Saclay, 91025, Evry, France.
| | - Joël Pincemail
- Department of CREDEC, Department of Medical Chemistry, University Hospital of Liege, Sart Tilman, Liege, Belgium.
| | - Marie Christine Picot
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University Hospital, Montpellier, France; CIC 1001-INSERM, Montpellier, France.
| | - Jacques Mercier
- PhyMedExp, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, CNRS, Montpellier, France; Department of Clinical Physiology, CHU of Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
| | - Florence Portet
- Department of Clinical Physiology, CHU of Montpellier, Montpellier, France; U1061 INSERM, CHU de Montpellier, Montpellier University, France.
| | - Sandrine Arbogast
- PhyMedExp, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, CNRS, Montpellier, France.
| | - Dalila Laoudj-Chenivesse
- PhyMedExp, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, CNRS, Montpellier, France; Department of Clinical Physiology, CHU of Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
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González-Pérez P, Buch KA, Sadjadi R. Case 19-2023: An 80-Year-Old Man with Left Foot Drop. N Engl J Med 2023; 388:2379-2387. [PMID: 37342926 DOI: 10.1056/nejmcpc2211512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Paloma González-Pérez
- From the Departments of Neurology (P.G.-P., R.S.) and Radiology (K.A.B.), Massachusetts General Hospital, and the Departments of Neurology (P.G.-P., R.S.) and Radiology (K.A.B.), Harvard Medical School - both in Boston
| | - Karen A Buch
- From the Departments of Neurology (P.G.-P., R.S.) and Radiology (K.A.B.), Massachusetts General Hospital, and the Departments of Neurology (P.G.-P., R.S.) and Radiology (K.A.B.), Harvard Medical School - both in Boston
| | - Reza Sadjadi
- From the Departments of Neurology (P.G.-P., R.S.) and Radiology (K.A.B.), Massachusetts General Hospital, and the Departments of Neurology (P.G.-P., R.S.) and Radiology (K.A.B.), Harvard Medical School - both in Boston
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Amzali S, Wilson VD, Bommart S, Picot MC, Galas S, Mercier J, Poucheret P, Cristol JP, Arbogast S, Laoudj-Chenivesse D. Nutritional Status of Patients with Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15071673. [PMID: 37049513 PMCID: PMC10096775 DOI: 10.3390/nu15071673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
In patients with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), a rare genetic neuromuscular disease, reduced physical performance is associated with lower blood levels of vitamin C, zinc, selenium, and increased oxidative stress markers. Supplementation of vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and selenium improves the quadriceps' physical performance. Here, we compared the nutritional status of 74 women and 85 men with FSHD. Calorie intake was lower in women with FSHD than in men. Moreover, we assessed vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, copper, and selenium intakes in diet and their concentrations in the plasma. Vitamin E, copper, and zinc intake were lower in women with FSHD than in men, whereas plasma vitamin C, copper levels, and copper/zinc ratio were higher in women with FSHD than in men. The dietary intake and plasma concentrations of the studied vitamins and minerals were not correlated in both sexes. A well-balanced and varied diet might not be enough in patients with FSHD to correct the observed vitamin/mineral deficiencies. A low energy intake is a risk factor for suboptimal intake of proteins, vitamins, and minerals that are important for protein synthesis and other metabolic pathways and that might contribute to progressive muscle mass loss. Antioxidant supplementation and higher protein intake seem necessary to confer protection against oxidative stress and skeletal muscle mass loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sedda Amzali
- PhyMedExp, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, CNRS, CHU de Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | - Vinicius Dias Wilson
- Departamento de Educação Física, Centro Universitário Estácio de Belo Horizonte, Belo Horizonte 30411-052, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Pró-Reitoria de Assuntos Comunitários e Estudantis, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Diamantina 39100-000, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Sébastien Bommart
- PhyMedExp, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, CNRS, CHU de Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France
- Service de Radiologie, Hôpital Arnaud-de-Villeneuve, CHU de Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | - Marie-Christine Picot
- Clinical Research and Epidemiology Unit (Department of Medicale Information), Centre d'Investigation Clinique 1411 INSERM, CHU Montpellier, Univ Montpellier, CEDEX 5, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | - Simon Galas
- Institut des Biomolecules Max Mousseron (IBMM), Centre National de Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), University of Montpellier, ENSCM, 34000 Montpellier, France
| | - Jacques Mercier
- PhyMedExp, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, CNRS, CHU de Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France
- Department of Clinical Physiology, CHU of Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | - Patrick Poucheret
- Qualisud, Université de Montpellier, CIRAD, Institut Agro, IRD, Avignon Université, Université de La Réunion, 34000 Montpellier, France
| | - Jean-Paul Cristol
- PhyMedExp, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, CNRS, CHU de Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France
- Department of Biochemistry, University Hospital of Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | - Sandrine Arbogast
- PhyMedExp, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, CNRS, CHU de Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | - Dalila Laoudj-Chenivesse
- PhyMedExp, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, CNRS, CHU de Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France
- Department of Clinical Physiology, CHU of Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France
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Mahon N, Glennon JC. The Bi-directional Relationship Between Sleep and Inflammation in Muscular Dystrophies: A Narrative Review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 150:105116. [PMID: 36870583 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Muscular dystrophies vary in presentation and severity, but are associated with profound disability in many people. Although characterised by muscle weakness and wasting, there is also a very high prevalence of sleep problems and disorders which have significant impacts on quality of life in these individuals. There are no curative therapies for muscular dystrophies, with the only options for patients being supportive therapies to aid with symptoms. Therefore, there is an urgent need for new therapeutic targets and a greater understanding of pathogenesis. Inflammation and altered immunity are factors which have prominent roles in some muscular dystrophies and emerging roles in others such as type 1 myotonic dystrophy, signifying a link to pathogenesis. Interestingly, there is also a strong link between inflammation/immunity and sleep. In this review, we will explore this link in the context of muscular dystrophies and how it may influence potential therapeutic targets and interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niamh Mahon
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jeffrey C Glennon
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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ANT1 overexpression models: Some similarities with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy. Redox Biol 2022; 56:102450. [PMID: 36030628 PMCID: PMC9434167 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2022.102450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by progressive muscle weakness. Adenine nucleotide translocator 1 (ANT1), the only 4q35 gene involved in mitochondrial function, is strongly expressed in FSHD skeletal muscle biopsies. However, its role in FSHD is unclear. In this study, we evaluated ANT1 overexpression effects in primary myoblasts from healthy controls and during Xenopus laevis organogenesis. We also compared ANT1 overexpression effects with the phenotype of FSHD muscle cells and biopsies. Here, we report that the ANT1 overexpression-induced phenotype presents some similarities with FSHD muscle cells and biopsies. ANT1-overexpressing muscle cells showed disorganized morphology, altered cytoskeletal arrangement, enhanced mitochondrial respiration/glycolysis, ROS production, oxidative stress, mitochondrial fragmentation and ultrastructure alteration, as observed in FSHD muscle cells. ANT1 overexpression in Xenopus laevis embryos affected skeletal muscle development, impaired skeletal muscle, altered mitochondrial ultrastructure and led to oxidative stress as observed in FSHD muscle biopsies. Moreover, ANT1 overexpression in X. laevis embryos affected heart structure and mitochondrial ultrastructure leading to cardiac arrhythmia, as described in some patients with FSHD. Overall our data suggest that ANT1 could contribute to mitochondria dysfunction and oxidative stress in FSHD muscle cells by modifying their bioenergetic profile associated with ROS production. Such interplay between energy metabolism and ROS production in FSHD will be of significant interest for future prospects.
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Phillips EA, Caluseriu O, Schlade-Bartusiak K, Chernos J, McLeod DR, Thomas MA. Clinical and molecular characterization of an almost complete ring chromosome 4 in two sisters, with recurrence due to gonadal mosaicism. Clin Dysmorphol 2021; 30:173-176. [PMID: 34417371 DOI: 10.1097/mcd.0000000000000382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Autosomal ring chromosomes are rare cytogenetic findings that arise from breakage and fusion of the chromosome ends. Rings are mitotically unstable, usually sporadic and associated with a 'ring syndrome', characterized by a variable phenotype: growth retardation, no significant dysmorphisms and normal to moderately disabled intelligence. We describe the clinical features and molecular characterization of two sisters with ring chromosome 4. Karyotype analysis was performed on both sisters and parents. Chromosome microarray was performed on both sisters to delineate the breakpoint imbalance. Both sisters had a large ring 4 chromosome in the majority of cells analyzed on karyotype. Microarray results were identical in the sisters, showing a 55.8 kb duplication on the terminal 4p arm and a 1.5 Mb deletion on the terminal 4q arm. No genes of interest were identified in these regions. Parental karyotypes on lymphocytes and fibroblasts were normal, with no finding of mosaicism for the ring 4 chromosome. Polymorphic marker analysis revealed the maternal origin of the ring. To our knowledge, this is the first reported instance of a ring 4 chromosome recurring in siblings after extensive parental testing, which suggests this was due to maternal gonadal mosaicism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliza A Phillips
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary
| | - Oana Caluseriu
- Department of Medical Genetics
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton
| | | | - Judy Chernos
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary
| | - D Ross McLeod
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary
| | - Mary Ann Thomas
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
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Pappalardo XG, Barra V. Losing DNA methylation at repetitive elements and breaking bad. Epigenetics Chromatin 2021; 14:25. [PMID: 34082816 PMCID: PMC8173753 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-021-00400-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background DNA methylation is an epigenetic chromatin mark that allows heterochromatin formation and gene silencing. It has a fundamental role in preserving genome stability (including chromosome stability) by controlling both gene expression and chromatin structure. Therefore, the onset of an incorrect pattern of DNA methylation is potentially dangerous for the cells. This is particularly important with respect to repetitive elements, which constitute the third of the human genome. Main body Repetitive sequences are involved in several cell processes, however, due to their intrinsic nature, they can be a source of genome instability. Thus, most repetitive elements are usually methylated to maintain a heterochromatic, repressed state. Notably, there is increasing evidence showing that repetitive elements (satellites, long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs), Alus) are frequently hypomethylated in various of human pathologies, from cancer to psychiatric disorders. Repetitive sequences’ hypomethylation correlates with chromatin relaxation and unscheduled transcription. If these alterations are directly involved in human diseases aetiology and how, is still under investigation. Conclusions Hypomethylation of different families of repetitive sequences is recurrent in many different human diseases, suggesting that the methylation status of these elements can be involved in preservation of human health. This provides a promising point of view towards the research of therapeutic strategies focused on specifically tuning DNA methylation of DNA repeats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xena Giada Pappalardo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOMETEC), University of Catania, 95125, Catania, Italy.,National Council of Research, Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), Unit of Catania, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Viviana Barra
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128, Palermo, Italy.
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Schätzl T, Kaiser L, Deigner HP. Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy: genetics, gene activation and downstream signalling with regard to recent therapeutic approaches: an update. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2021; 16:129. [PMID: 33712050 PMCID: PMC7953708 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-021-01760-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Whilst a disease-modifying treatment for Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) does not exist currently, recent advances in complex molecular pathophysiology studies of FSHD have led to possible therapeutic approaches for its targeted treatment. Although the underlying genetics of FSHD have been researched extensively, there remains an incomplete understanding of the pathophysiology of FSHD in relation to the molecules leading to DUX4 gene activation and the downstream gene targets of DUX4 that cause its toxic effects. In the context of the local proximity of chromosome 4q to the nuclear envelope, a contraction of the D4Z4 macrosatellite induces lower methylation levels, enabling the ectopic expression of DUX4. This disrupts numerous signalling pathways that mostly result in cell death, detrimentally affecting skeletal muscle in affected individuals. In this regard different options are currently explored either to suppress the transcription of DUX4 gene, inhibiting DUX4 protein from its toxic effects, or to alleviate the symptoms triggered by its numerous targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Schätzl
- Institute of Precision Medicine, Medical and Life Sciences Faculty, Furtwangen University, Jakob-Kienzle-Straße 17, 78054, Villingen-Schwenningen, Germany
| | - Lars Kaiser
- Institute of Precision Medicine, Medical and Life Sciences Faculty, Furtwangen University, Jakob-Kienzle-Straße 17, 78054, Villingen-Schwenningen, Germany
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, Albertstraße 25, 79104, Freiburg i. Br., Germany
| | - Hans-Peter Deigner
- Institute of Precision Medicine, Medical and Life Sciences Faculty, Furtwangen University, Jakob-Kienzle-Straße 17, 78054, Villingen-Schwenningen, Germany.
- EXIM Department, Fraunhofer Institute IZI, Leipzig, Schillingallee 68, 18057, Rostock, Germany.
- Faculty of Science, Tuebingen University, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
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Lim KRQ, Yokota T. Genetic Approaches for the Treatment of Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:642858. [PMID: 33776777 PMCID: PMC7996372 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.642858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by progressive, asymmetric muscle weakness at the face, shoulders, and upper limbs, which spreads to the lower body with age. It is the third most common inherited muscular disorder worldwide. Around 20% of patients are wheelchair-bound, and some present with extramuscular manifestations. FSHD is caused by aberrant expression of the double homeobox protein 4 (DUX4) gene in muscle. DUX4 codes for a transcription factor which, in skeletal muscle, dysregulates numerous signaling activities that culminate in cytotoxicity. Potential treatments for FSHD therefore aim to reduce the expression of DUX4 or the activity of its toxic protein product. In this article, we review how genetic approaches such as those based on oligonucleotide and genome editing technologies have been developed to achieve these goals. We also outline the challenges these therapies are facing on the road to translation, and discuss possible solutions and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Rowel Q. Lim
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Toshifumi Yokota
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- The Friends of Garrett Cumming Research and Muscular Dystrophy Canada, HM Toupin Neurological Science Research Chair, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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10
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Lim KRQ, Bittel A, Maruyama R, Echigoya Y, Nguyen Q, Huang Y, Dzierlega K, Zhang A, Chen YW, Yokota T. DUX4 Transcript Knockdown with Antisense 2'-O-Methoxyethyl Gapmers for the Treatment of Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy. Mol Ther 2021; 29:848-858. [PMID: 33068777 PMCID: PMC7854280 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by a progressive, asymmetric weakening of muscles, starting with those in the upper body. It is caused by aberrant expression of the double homeobox protein 4 gene (DUX4) in skeletal muscle. FSHD is currently incurable. We propose to develop a therapy for FSHD using antisense 2'-O-methoxyethyl (2'-MOE) gapmers, to knock down DUX4 mRNA expression. Using immortalized patient-derived muscle cells and local intramuscular injections in the FLExDUX4 FSHD mouse model, we showed that our designed 2'-MOE gapmers significantly reduced DUX4 transcript levels in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Furthermore, in vitro, we observed significantly reduced expression of DUX4-activated downstream targets, restoration of FSHD signature genes by RNA sequencing, significant improvements in myotube morphology, and minimal off-target activity. This work facilitates the development of a promising candidate therapy for FSHD and lays down the foundation for in vivo systemic treatment studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Rowel Q Lim
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G2H7, Canada
| | - Adam Bittel
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC 20010, USA
| | - Rika Maruyama
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G2H7, Canada
| | - Yusuke Echigoya
- Laboratory of Biomedical Science, Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan
| | - Quynh Nguyen
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G2H7, Canada
| | - Yiqing Huang
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G2H7, Canada
| | - Kasia Dzierlega
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G2H7, Canada
| | - Aiping Zhang
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC 20010, USA
| | - Yi-Wen Chen
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC 20010, USA; Department of Genomics and Precision Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Science, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA.
| | - Toshifumi Yokota
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G2H7, Canada; Muscular Dystrophy Canada Research Chair, Edmonton, AB T6G2H7, Canada.
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11
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Sztretye M, Szabó L, Dobrosi N, Fodor J, Szentesi P, Almássy J, Magyar ZÉ, Dienes B, Csernoch L. From Mice to Humans: An Overview of the Potentials and Limitations of Current Transgenic Mouse Models of Major Muscular Dystrophies and Congenital Myopathies. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21238935. [PMID: 33255644 PMCID: PMC7728138 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21238935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Muscular dystrophies are a group of more than 160 different human neuromuscular disorders characterized by a progressive deterioration of muscle mass and strength. The causes, symptoms, age of onset, severity, and progression vary depending on the exact time point of diagnosis and the entity. Congenital myopathies are rare muscle diseases mostly present at birth that result from genetic defects. There are no known cures for congenital myopathies; however, recent advances in gene therapy are promising tools in providing treatment. This review gives an overview of the mouse models used to investigate the most common muscular dystrophies and congenital myopathies with emphasis on their potentials and limitations in respect to human applications.
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12
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Banerji CRS, Zammit PS. PAX7 target gene repression is a superior FSHD biomarker than DUX4 target gene activation, associating with pathological severity and identifying FSHD at the single-cell level. Hum Mol Genet 2020; 28:2224-2236. [PMID: 31067297 PMCID: PMC6586142 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddz043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is a prevalent, incurable skeletal myopathy. The condition is linked to hypomethylation of the D4Z4 macrosatellite repeat at chromosome 4q35, leading to epigenetic derepression of the transcription factor DUX4; coupled with a permissive 4qA haplotype supplying a poly(A) signal. DUX4 may drive FSHD pathology via both induction of target genes and inhibition of the function of the myogenic master regulator PAX7. Biomarkers for FSHD have focused on DUX4 target gene expression. We have, however, reported that PAX7 target gene repression is a hallmark of FSHD skeletal muscle. Here we demonstrate that PAX7 target gene repression is an equivalent biomarker to DUX4 target gene expression when considering RNA-Sequencing data from magnetic resonance imaging-guided muscle biopsies. Moreover, PAX7 target gene repression correlates with active disease, independent to DUX4 target gene expression. PAX7 target genes are also repressed in RNA-Sequencing data from single cells, representing a significantly better biomarker of FSHD cells than DUX4 target gene expression. Importantly, PAX7 target gene repression is a significant biomarker in the majority of FSHD cells that are DUX4 target gene negative, and on which the DUX4 biomarker is indiscriminate. To facilitate the evaluation of validated biomarkers we provide a simple tool that outputs biomarker values from a normalized expression data matrix. In summary, PAX7 target gene repression in FSHD correlates with disease severity, independently of DUX4 target gene expression. At the single-cell level, PAX7 target gene repression can efficiently discriminate FSHD cells, even when no DUX4 target genes are detectable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher R S Banerji
- King's College London, Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, New Hunt's House, Guy's Campus, London, UK.,Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Level, Faculty Building, South Kensington Campus, London, UK
| | - Peter S Zammit
- King's College London, Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, New Hunt's House, Guy's Campus, London, UK
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DUX4 Signalling in the Pathogenesis of Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21030729. [PMID: 31979100 PMCID: PMC7037115 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21030729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is a disabling inherited muscular disorder characterized by asymmetric, progressive muscle weakness and degeneration. Patients display widely variable disease onset and severity, and sometimes present with extra-muscular symptoms. There is a consensus that FSHD is caused by the aberrant production of the double homeobox protein 4 (DUX4) transcription factor in skeletal muscle. DUX4 is normally expressed during early embryonic development, and is then effectively silenced in all tissues except the testis and thymus. Its reactivation in skeletal muscle disrupts numerous signalling pathways that mostly converge on cell death. Here, we review studies on DUX4-affected pathways in skeletal muscle and provide insights into how understanding these could help explain the unique pathogenesis of FSHD.
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14
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Zhang Q, Xu X, Ding L, Li H, Xu C, Gong Y, Liu Y, Mu T, Leigh D, Cram DS, Tang S. Clinical application of single-molecule optical mapping to a multigeneration FSHD1 pedigree. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2019; 7:e565. [PMID: 30666819 PMCID: PMC6418370 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy 1 (FSHD1) is a relatively common autosomal dominant adult muscular dystrophy with variable disease penetrance. The disease is caused by shortening of a D4Z4 repeat array located near the telomere of chromosome 4 at 4q35. This causes activation of a dormant gene DUX4, permitting aberrant DUX4 expression which is toxic to muscles. Molecular diagnosis of FSHD1 by Southern blot hybridization or FISH combing is difficult and time consuming, requiring specialist laboratories. As an alternative, we apply a novel approach for the diagnosis of FSHD1 utilizing single‐molecule optical mapping (SMOM). Methods Long DNA molecules with BssS1 enzyme marking were subjected to SMOM on the Bionano Genomics platform to determine the number of D4Z4 repeats. Southern blot and molecular combing were used to confirm the FSHD1 haplotypes. Results In a study of a five‐generation FSHD1 pedigree, SMOM correctly diagnosed the disease and normal haplotypes, identifying the founder 4qA disease allele as having 4 D4Z4 repeat units. Southern blot and molecular combing analysis confirmed the SMOM results for the 4qA disease and 4qB nondisease alleles. Conclusion Based on our findings, we propose that SMOM is a reliable and accurate technique suitable for the molecular diagnosis of FSHD1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xueqin Xu
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Wenzhou Central Hospital, Wenzhou, China
| | - Lirong Ding
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Huanzheng Li
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Wenzhou Central Hospital, Wenzhou, China
| | - Chengyang Xu
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Wenzhou Central Hospital, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yuyan Gong
- Berry Genomics Corporation, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Berry Genomics Corporation, Beijing, China
| | - Ting Mu
- Berry Genomics Corporation, Beijing, China
| | - Don Leigh
- The First Hospital of Kunming, Kunming, China
| | | | - Shaohua Tang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Wenzhou Central Hospital, Wenzhou, China
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15
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Giesige CR, Wallace LM, Heller KN, Eidahl JO, Saad NY, Fowler AM, Pyne NK, Al-Kharsan M, Rashnonejad A, Chermahini GA, Domire JS, Mukweyi D, Garwick-Coppens SE, Guckes SM, McLaughlin KJ, Meyer K, Rodino-Klapac LR, Harper SQ. AAV-mediated follistatin gene therapy improves functional outcomes in the TIC-DUX4 mouse model of FSHD. JCI Insight 2018; 3:123538. [PMID: 30429376 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.123538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is an autosomal dominant or digenic disorder linked to derepression of the toxic DUX4 gene in muscle. There is currently no pharmacological treatment. The emergence of DUX4 enabled development of cell and animal models that could be used for basic and translational research. Since DUX4 is toxic, animal model development has been challenging, but progress has been made, revealing that tight regulation of DUX4 expression is critical for creating viable animals that develop myopathy. Here, we report such a model - the tamoxifen-inducible FSHD mouse model called TIC-DUX4. Uninduced animals are viable, born in Mendelian ratios, and overtly indistinguishable from WT animals. Induced animals display significant DUX4-dependent myopathic phenotypes at the molecular, histological, and functional levels. To demonstrate the utility of TIC-DUX4 mice for therapeutic development, we tested a gene therapy approach aimed at improving muscle strength in DUX4-expressing muscles using adeno-associated virus serotype 1.Follistatin (AAV1.Follistatin), a natural myostatin antagonist. This strategy was not designed to modulate DUX4 but could offer a mechanism to improve muscle weakness caused by DUX4-induced damage. AAV1.Follistatin significantly increased TIC-DUX4 muscle mass and strength even in the presence of DUX4 expression, suggesting that myostatin inhibition may be a promising approach to treat FSHD-associated weakness. We conclude that TIC-DUX4 mice are a relevant model to study DUX4 toxicity and, importantly, are useful in therapeutic development studies for FSHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlee R Giesige
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Lindsay M Wallace
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Kristin N Heller
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Jocelyn O Eidahl
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Nizar Y Saad
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Allison M Fowler
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Nettie K Pyne
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Mustafa Al-Kharsan
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Afrooz Rashnonejad
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Jacqueline S Domire
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Diana Mukweyi
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Sara E Garwick-Coppens
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Susan M Guckes
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - K John McLaughlin
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Kathrin Meyer
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Louise R Rodino-Klapac
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Scott Q Harper
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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16
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Earle N, Bevilacqua JA. Distrofias musculares en el paciente adulto. REVISTA MÉDICA CLÍNICA LAS CONDES 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rmclc.2018.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
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17
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Vanderplanck C, Tassin A, Ansseau E, Charron S, Wauters A, Lancelot C, Vancutsem K, Laoudj-Chenivesse D, Belayew A, Coppée F. Overexpression of the double homeodomain protein DUX4c interferes with myofibrillogenesis and induces clustering of myonuclei. Skelet Muscle 2018; 8:2. [PMID: 29329560 PMCID: PMC5767009 DOI: 10.1186/s13395-017-0148-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is associated with DNA hypomethylation at the 4q35 D4Z4 repeat array. Both the causal gene DUX4 and its homolog DUX4c are induced. DUX4c is immunodetected in every myonucleus of proliferative cells, while DUX4 is present in only 1/1000 of myonuclei where it initiates a gene deregulation cascade. FSHD primary myoblasts differentiate into either atrophic or disorganized myotubes. DUX4 expression induces atrophic myotubes and associated FSHD markers. Although DUX4 silencing normalizes the FSHD atrophic myotube phenotype, this is not the case for the disorganized phenotype. DUX4c overexpression increases the proliferation rate of human TE671 rhabdomyosarcoma cells and inhibits their differentiation, suggesting a normal role during muscle differentiation. METHODS By gain- and loss-of-function experiments in primary human muscle cells, we studied the DUX4c impact on proliferation, differentiation, myotube morphology, and FSHD markers. RESULTS In primary myoblasts, DUX4c overexpression increased the staining intensity of KI67 (a proliferation marker) in adjacent cells and delayed differentiation. In differentiating cells, DUX4c overexpression led to the expression of some FSHD markers including β-catenin and to the formation of disorganized myotubes presenting large clusters of nuclei and cytoskeletal defects. These were more severe when DUX4c was expressed before the cytoskeleton reorganized and myofibrils assembled. In addition, endogenous DUX4c was detected at a higher level in FSHD myotubes presenting abnormal clusters of nuclei and cytoskeletal disorganization. We found that the disorganized FSHD myotube phenotype could be rescued by silencing of DUX4c, not DUX4. CONCLUSION Excess DUX4c could disturb cytoskeletal organization and nuclear distribution in FSHD myotubes. We suggest that DUX4c up-regulation could contribute to DUX4 toxicity in the muscle fibers by favoring the clustering of myonuclei and therefore facilitating DUX4 diffusion among them. Defining DUX4c functions in the healthy skeletal muscle should help to design new targeted FSHD therapy by DUX4 or DUX4c inhibition without suppressing DUX4c normal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Vanderplanck
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, 6, Avenue du Champs de Mars, B-7000 Mons, Belgium
| | - Alexandra Tassin
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, 6, Avenue du Champs de Mars, B-7000 Mons, Belgium
| | - Eugénie Ansseau
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, 6, Avenue du Champs de Mars, B-7000 Mons, Belgium
| | - Sébastien Charron
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, 6, Avenue du Champs de Mars, B-7000 Mons, Belgium
| | - Armelle Wauters
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, 6, Avenue du Champs de Mars, B-7000 Mons, Belgium
| | - Céline Lancelot
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, 6, Avenue du Champs de Mars, B-7000 Mons, Belgium
| | - Kelly Vancutsem
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, 6, Avenue du Champs de Mars, B-7000 Mons, Belgium
| | | | - Alexandra Belayew
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, 6, Avenue du Champs de Mars, B-7000 Mons, Belgium
| | - Frédérique Coppée
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, 6, Avenue du Champs de Mars, B-7000 Mons, Belgium
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18
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Nanavaty V, Sandhu R, Jehi SE, Pandya UM, Li B. Trypanosoma brucei RAP1 maintains telomere and subtelomere integrity by suppressing TERRA and telomeric RNA:DNA hybrids. Nucleic Acids Res 2017; 45:5785-5796. [PMID: 28334836 PMCID: PMC5449629 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkx184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma brucei causes human African trypanosomiasis and regularly switches its major surface antigen, VSG, thereby evading the host's immune response. VSGs are monoallelically expressed from subtelomeric expression sites (ESs), and VSG switching exploits subtelomere plasticity. However, subtelomere integrity is essential for T. brucei viability. The telomeric transcript, TERRA, was detected in T. brucei previously. We now show that the active ES-adjacent telomere is transcribed. We find that TbRAP1, a telomere protein essential for VSG silencing, suppresses VSG gene conversion-mediated switching. Importantly, TbRAP1 depletion increases the TERRA level, which appears to result from longer read-through into the telomere downstream of the active ES. Depletion of TbRAP1 also results in more telomeric RNA:DNA hybrids and more double strand breaks (DSBs) at telomeres and subtelomeres. In TbRAP1-depleted cells, expression of excessive TbRNaseH1, which cleaves the RNA strand of the RNA:DNA hybrid, brought telomeric RNA:DNA hybrids, telomeric/subtelomeric DSBs and VSG switching frequency back to WT levels. Therefore, TbRAP1-regulated appropriate levels of TERRA and telomeric RNA:DNA hybrid are fundamental to subtelomere/telomere integrity. Our study revealed for the first time an important role of a long, non-coding RNA in antigenic variation and demonstrated a link between telomeric silencing and subtelomere/telomere integrity through TbRAP1-regulated telomere transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishal Nanavaty
- Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease, Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, Cleveland State University, 2121 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115, USA
| | - Ranjodh Sandhu
- Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease, Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, Cleveland State University, 2121 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115, USA
| | - Sanaa E Jehi
- Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease, Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, Cleveland State University, 2121 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115, USA
| | - Unnati M Pandya
- Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease, Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, Cleveland State University, 2121 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115, USA
| | - Bibo Li
- Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease, Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, Cleveland State University, 2121 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115, USA.,The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA.,Department of Immunology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.,Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
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19
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Denny AP, Heather AK. Are Antioxidants a Potential Therapy for FSHD? A Review of the Literature. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2017; 2017:7020295. [PMID: 28690764 PMCID: PMC5485364 DOI: 10.1155/2017/7020295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Revised: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is an inherited myopathy affecting approximately 1 in 7500 individuals worldwide. It is a progressive disease characterised by skeletal muscle weakness and wasting. A genetic mutation on the 4q35 chromosome results in the expression of the double homeobox 4 gene (DUX4) which drives oxidative stress, inflammation, toxicity, and atrophy within the skeletal muscle. FSHD is characterised by oxidative stress, and there is currently no cure and a lack of therapies for the disease. Antioxidants have been researched for many years, with investigators aiming to use antioxidants therapeutically for oxidative stress-associated diseases. This has included both natural and synthetic antioxidants. The use of antioxidants in preclinical or clinical models has been largely successful with a plethora of research reporting positive results. However, when translated to clinical trials, the use of antioxidants as a therapeutic intervention for a variety of disease has been largely unsuccessful. Moreover, specifically focusing on FSHD, limited research has been conducted on the use of antioxidants as a therapy in either preclinical or clinical models. This review summarises the current state of antioxidant use in the treatment of FSHD and discusses their potential avenue for therapeutic use for FSHD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Philip Denny
- Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Alison Kay Heather
- Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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20
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Peart N, Wagner EJ. A distal auxiliary element facilitates cleavage and polyadenylation of Dux4 mRNA in the pathogenic haplotype of FSHD. Hum Genet 2017; 136:1291-1301. [PMID: 28540412 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-017-1813-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 05/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The degenerative muscle disorder facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD) is thought to be caused by the inappropriate expression of the Double Homeobox 4 (Dux4) protein in muscle cells leading to apoptosis. Expression of Dux4 in the major form of FSHD is a function of two contributing molecular changes: contractions in the D4Z4 microsatellite repeat region where Dux4 is located and an SNP present within a region downstream of the D4Z4. This SNP provides a functional, yet non-consensus polyadenylation signal (PAS) is used for the Dux4 mRNA 3' end processing. Surprisingly, the sequences flanking the Dux4 PAS do not resemble a typical cleavage and polyadenylation landscape with no recognizable downstream sequence element and a suboptimal cleavage site. Here, we conducted a systematic analysis of the cis-acting elements that govern Dux4 cleavage and polyadenylation. Using a transcriptional read-through reporter, we determined that sequences downstream of the SNP located within the β-satellite region are critical for Dux4 cleavage and polyadenylation. We also demonstrate the feasibility of using antisense oligonucleotides to target these sequences as a means to reduce Dux4 expression. Our results underscore the complexity of the region immediately downstream of the D4Z4 and uncover a previously unknown function for the β-satellite region in Dux4 cleavage and polyadenylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natoya Peart
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, USA
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Eric J Wagner
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, USA.
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21
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Hibino S, Takeda A, Nishino I, Iwata N, Nakano M, Tanaka K, Yamakawa S, Nagai T, Uemura O. Severe Glomerular Endothelial Injury Associated with a Short D4Z4 Repeat on Chromosome 4q35. Intern Med 2017; 56:1849-1853. [PMID: 28717081 PMCID: PMC5548678 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.56.7441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The short D4Z4 repeat on chromosome 4q35 is a confirmatory genetic cause of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), which presents with no renal complications. We herein report a five-year-old girl previously diagnosed with Coat's-like retinopathy, deafness, and mental retardation, who was found to have early-onset, severe FSHD. Despite the absence of muscle weakness, a Southern blot analysis showed a short D4Z4 repeat on chromosome 4q35. She presented with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome, and her renal histopathological findings were severe glomerular endothelial injury, which is a new complication associated with this genetic abnormality. Screening of renal complications may be necessary for FSHD patients. This patient requires close follow-up for her muscle symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Hibino
- Pediatric Nephrology, Aichi Children's Health and Medical Center, Japan
| | - Asami Takeda
- Department of Nephrology, Nagoya Second Red Cross Hospital, Japan
| | - Ichizo Nishino
- Department of Neuromuscular Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Japan
| | - Naoyuki Iwata
- Pediatric Nephrology, Aichi Children's Health and Medical Center, Japan
| | - Masaru Nakano
- Pediatric Nephrology, Aichi Children's Health and Medical Center, Japan
| | - Kazuki Tanaka
- Pediatric Nephrology, Aichi Children's Health and Medical Center, Japan
| | - Satoshi Yamakawa
- Pediatric Nephrology, Aichi Children's Health and Medical Center, Japan
| | - Takuhito Nagai
- Pediatric Nephrology, Aichi Children's Health and Medical Center, Japan
| | - Osamu Uemura
- Pediatric Nephrology, Aichi Children's Health and Medical Center, Japan
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22
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Dmitriev P, Bou Saada Y, Dib C, Ansseau E, Barat A, Hamade A, Dessen P, Robert T, Lazar V, Louzada RAN, Dupuy C, Zakharova V, Carnac G, Lipinski M, Vassetzky YS. DUX4-induced constitutive DNA damage and oxidative stress contribute to aberrant differentiation of myoblasts from FSHD patients. Free Radic Biol Med 2016; 99:244-258. [PMID: 27519269 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2016.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Revised: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD) is one of the three most common muscular dystrophies in the Western world, however, its etiology remains only partially understood. Here, we provide evidence of constitutive DNA damage in in vitro cultured myoblasts isolated from FSHD patients and demonstrate oxidative DNA damage implication in the differentiation of these cells into phenotypically-aberrant myotubes. Double homeobox 4 (DUX4), the major actor in FSHD pathology induced DNA damage accumulation when overexpressed in normal human myoblasts, and RNAi-mediated DUX4 inhibition reduced the level of DNA damage in FSHD myoblasts. Addition of tempol, a powerful antioxidant, to the culture medium of proliferating DUX4-transfected myoblasts and FSHD myoblasts reduced the level of DNA damage, suggesting that DNA alterations are mainly due to oxidative stress. Antioxidant treatment during the myogenic differentiation of FSHD myoblasts significantly reduced morphological defects in myotube formation. We propose that the induction of DNA damage is a novel function of the DUX4 protein affecting myogenic differentiation of FSHD myoblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petr Dmitriev
- UMR 8126, Univ. Paris-Sud, CNRS, Institut de Cancérologie Gustave-Roussy, F-94805 Villejuif, France; PhyMedExp, University of Montpellier, INSERM U1046, CNRS UMR 9214, F-34295 Montpellier cedex 5, France
| | - Yara Bou Saada
- UMR 8126, Univ. Paris-Sud, CNRS, Institut de Cancérologie Gustave-Roussy, F-94805 Villejuif, France
| | - Carla Dib
- UMR 8126, Univ. Paris-Sud, CNRS, Institut de Cancérologie Gustave-Roussy, F-94805 Villejuif, France
| | - Eugénie Ansseau
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, University of Mons, 20 place du Parc, B700 Mons, Belgium
| | - Ana Barat
- UMR 8126, Univ. Paris-Sud, CNRS, Institut de Cancérologie Gustave-Roussy, F-94805 Villejuif, France
| | - Aline Hamade
- ER030-EDST, Department of Life and Earth Sciences, Faculty of Sciences II, Lebanese University, Lebanon
| | - Philippe Dessen
- Functional Genomics Unit, Institut de Cancérologie Gustave-Roussy, F-94805 Villejuif, France
| | - Thomas Robert
- Functional Genomics Unit, Institut de Cancérologie Gustave-Roussy, F-94805 Villejuif, France
| | - Vladimir Lazar
- Functional Genomics Unit, Institut de Cancérologie Gustave-Roussy, F-94805 Villejuif, France
| | - Ruy A N Louzada
- UMR 8200, Univ., Paris-Sud, CNRS, Institut de Cancérologie Gustave-Roussy, F-94805 Villejuif, France
| | - Corinne Dupuy
- UMR 8200, Univ., Paris-Sud, CNRS, Institut de Cancérologie Gustave-Roussy, F-94805 Villejuif, France
| | - Vlada Zakharova
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Gilles Carnac
- PhyMedExp, University of Montpellier, INSERM U1046, CNRS UMR 9214, F-34295 Montpellier cedex 5, France
| | - Marc Lipinski
- UMR 8126, Univ. Paris-Sud, CNRS, Institut de Cancérologie Gustave-Roussy, F-94805 Villejuif, France
| | - Yegor S Vassetzky
- UMR 8126, Univ. Paris-Sud, CNRS, Institut de Cancérologie Gustave-Roussy, F-94805 Villejuif, France; Lomonosov Moscow State University, Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, 119991 Moscow, Russia.
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23
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Caron L, Kher D, Lee KL, McKernan R, Dumevska B, Hidalgo A, Li J, Yang H, Main H, Ferri G, Petek LM, Poellinger L, Miller DG, Gabellini D, Schmidt U. A Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Model of Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy-Affected Skeletal Muscles. Stem Cells Transl Med 2016; 5:1145-61. [PMID: 27217344 PMCID: PMC4996435 DOI: 10.5966/sctm.2015-0224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2015] [Accepted: 04/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED : Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) represents a major unmet clinical need arising from the progressive weakness and atrophy of skeletal muscles. The dearth of adequate experimental models has severely hampered our understanding of the disease. To date, no treatment is available for FSHD. Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) potentially represent a renewable source of skeletal muscle cells (SkMCs) and provide an alternative to invasive patient biopsies. We developed a scalable monolayer system to differentiate hESCs into mature SkMCs within 26 days, without cell sorting or genetic manipulation. Here we show that SkMCs derived from FSHD1-affected hESC lines exclusively express the FSHD pathogenic marker double homeobox 4 and exhibit some of the defects reported in FSHD. FSHD1 myotubes are thinner when compared with unaffected and Becker muscular dystrophy myotubes, and differentially regulate genes involved in cell cycle control, oxidative stress response, and cell adhesion. This cellular model will be a powerful tool for studying FSHD and will ultimately assist in the development of effective treatments for muscular dystrophies. SIGNIFICANCE This work describes an efficient and highly scalable monolayer system to differentiate human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) into skeletal muscle cells (SkMCs) and demonstrates disease-specific phenotypes in SkMCs derived from both embryonic and induced hPSCs affected with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy. This study represents the first human stem cell-based cellular model for a muscular dystrophy that is suitable for high-throughput screening and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie Caron
- Genea Biocells Pty. Ltd., Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Devaki Kher
- Genea Biocells Pty. Ltd., Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kian Leong Lee
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Robert McKernan
- Genea Biocells Pty. Ltd., Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | | | - Jia Li
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Henry Yang
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Heather Main
- Genea Biocells Pty. Ltd., Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Giulia Ferri
- Dulbecco Telethon Institute and Division of Regenerative Medicine, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy
| | - Lisa M Petek
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Lorenz Poellinger
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Daniel G Miller
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Davide Gabellini
- Dulbecco Telethon Institute and Division of Regenerative Medicine, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - Uli Schmidt
- Genea Biocells Pty. Ltd., Sydney, New South Wales, Australia Genea Biocells US Inc., San Diego, California, USA
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Design, set-up and utility of the UK facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy patient registry. J Neurol 2016; 263:1401-8. [PMID: 27159994 PMCID: PMC4929161 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-016-8132-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2015] [Revised: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 04/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD) is a rare inherited neuromuscular disease estimated to affect 1/15,000 people. Through basic research, remarkable progress has been made towards the development of targeted therapies. Patient identification, through registries or other means is essential for trial-readiness. The UK FSHD Patient Registry is a patient initiated registry that collects standardised and internationally agreed dataset of self-reported clinical details combined with professionally verified genetic information. It includes four additional questionnaires to capture patient reported outcomes related to pain, quality of life and scapular fixation. Between 2013 and 2015, 518 patients registered 243 males, 241 females with a mean age of 47.8 years. Most of the patients have FSHD type 1 (91.7 %), and weakness of the facial (59.2 %) was the most prevalent symptom at onset, followed by shoulder-girdle muscles (53.3 %) and distal (22.45 %) or proximal lower limb weakness (14.8 %). 85.57 % patients were ambulant or ambulant with assistance at the time of registration, 7.9 % report respiratory insufficiency. The registry has demonstrated utility with the recruitment of patients for a natural history study of infantile onset FSHD, and the longitudinal analysis of patient-related outcomes will provide much-needed baseline information to power future trials. The internationally agreed core dataset enables national registries to participate in a “Global FSHD registry”. We suggest that the registry’s ability to interoperate with other large datasets will be instrumental for sharing and exploiting data globally.
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Ansseau E, Eidahl JO, Lancelot C, Tassin A, Matteotti C, Yip C, Liu J, Leroy B, Hubeau C, Gerbaux C, Cloet S, Wauters A, Zorbo S, Meyer P, Pirson I, Laoudj-Chenivesse D, Wattiez R, Harper SQ, Belayew A, Coppée F. Homologous Transcription Factors DUX4 and DUX4c Associate with Cytoplasmic Proteins during Muscle Differentiation. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0146893. [PMID: 26816005 PMCID: PMC4729438 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0146893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2015] [Accepted: 12/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Hundreds of double homeobox (DUX) genes map within 3.3-kb repeated elements dispersed in the human genome and encode DNA-binding proteins. Among these, we identified DUX4, a potent transcription factor that causes facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). In the present study, we performed yeast two-hybrid screens and protein co-purifications with HaloTag-DUX fusions or GST-DUX4 pull-down to identify protein partners of DUX4, DUX4c (which is identical to DUX4 except for the end of the carboxyl terminal domain) and DUX1 (which is limited to the double homeodomain). Unexpectedly, we identified and validated (by co-immunoprecipitation, GST pull-down, co-immunofluorescence and in situ Proximal Ligation Assay) the interaction of DUX4, DUX4c and DUX1 with type III intermediate filament protein desmin in the cytoplasm and at the nuclear periphery. Desmin filaments link adjacent sarcomere at the Z-discs, connect them to sarcolemma proteins and interact with mitochondria. These intermediate filament also contact the nuclear lamina and contribute to positioning of the nuclei. Another Z-disc protein, LMCD1 that contains a LIM domain was also validated as a DUX4 partner. The functionality of DUX4 or DUX4c interactions with cytoplasmic proteins is underscored by the cytoplasmic detection of DUX4/DUX4c upon myoblast fusion. In addition, we identified and validated (by co-immunoprecipitation, co-immunofluorescence and in situ Proximal Ligation Assay) as DUX4/4c partners several RNA-binding proteins such as C1QBP, SRSF9, RBM3, FUS/TLS and SFPQ that are involved in mRNA splicing and translation. FUS and SFPQ are nuclear proteins, however their cytoplasmic translocation was reported in neuronal cells where they associated with ribonucleoparticles (RNPs). Several other validated or identified DUX4/DUX4c partners are also contained in mRNP granules, and the co-localizations with cytoplasmic DAPI-positive spots is in keeping with such an association. Large muscle RNPs were recently shown to exit the nucleus via a novel mechanism of nuclear envelope budding. Following DUX4 or DUX4c overexpression in muscle cell cultures, we observed their association with similar nuclear buds. In conclusion, our study demonstrated unexpected interactions of DUX4/4c with cytoplasmic proteins playing major roles during muscle differentiation. Further investigations are on-going to evaluate whether these interactions play roles during muscle regeneration as previously suggested for DUX4c.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugénie Ansseau
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Jocelyn O. Eidahl
- Center for Gene Therapy, Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - Céline Lancelot
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Alexandra Tassin
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Christel Matteotti
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Cassandre Yip
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Jian Liu
- Center for Gene Therapy, Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - Baptiste Leroy
- Laboratory of Proteomic and Microbiology, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Céline Hubeau
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Cécile Gerbaux
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Samuel Cloet
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Armelle Wauters
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Sabrina Zorbo
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Pierre Meyer
- Pediatric Department, CHRU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Isabelle Pirson
- I.R.I.B.H.M., Free University of Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Ruddy Wattiez
- Laboratory of Proteomic and Microbiology, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Scott Q. Harper
- Center for Gene Therapy, Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - Alexandra Belayew
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Frédérique Coppée
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
- * E-mail:
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Dori Z, Sarig Bahat H. Unusual scapular winging - A case report. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 24:75-80. [PMID: 26759220 DOI: 10.1016/j.math.2015.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2015] [Revised: 12/06/2015] [Accepted: 12/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Scapular mobility has a central role in maintaining normal upper limb function. Scapular winging is characterized by a failure in the dynamic stabilization of the scapula against the thoracic wall resulting in a condition in which the medial border of the scapula is prominent. The following case describes a patient who was referred to physiotherapy due to abnormal scapular protrusion. The main findings of the physical examination showed weakness of the scapular stabilizers more prominent on the right side than of the left. Additionally, the physical examination demonstrated weakness of the abdominal muscles, hip adductors, and ankle dorsi-flexors, as well as some facial muscles. The electromyography results were inconclusive. Further examination led to clinical suspicion of Facioscapulohumeral Dystrophy (FSHD) as a diagnosis, which was confirmed by genetic testing. Facioscapulohumeral Dystrophy is characterized by symptoms related to motor function and in most cases becomes evident in patients in their 20s and 30s. The disease signs and symptoms are often identified in a clinical setting. Currently, there are no reports describing an effective treatment for the disease. However, physiotherapy, moderate physical exercise, counselling, and use of suitable aids and orthoses may help improve functionality and mobility. This case report aims to increase the awareness of musculoskeletal physiotherapists to this unique dystrophy, when encountering complex presentations with scapular winging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohar Dori
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Social Welfare & Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 31905, Israel
| | - Hilla Sarig Bahat
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Social Welfare & Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 31905, Israel.
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Bao TL, Veedu RN, Fletcher S, Wilton SD. Antisense oligonucleotide development for the treatment of muscular dystrophies. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2015. [DOI: 10.1517/21678707.2016.1122517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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Park HJ, Hong JM, Lee JH, Lee HS, Shin HY, Kim SM, Ki CS, Lee JH, Choi YC. Low D4Z4 copy number and gender difference in Korean patients with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy type 1. Neuromuscul Disord 2015; 25:859-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2015.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2015] [Revised: 08/02/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Mayes MB, Morgan T, Winston J, Buxton DS, Kamat MA, Smith D, Williams M, Martin RL, Kleinjan DA, Cooper DN, Upadhyaya M, Chuzhanova N. Remotely acting SMCHD1 gene regulatory elements: in silico prediction and identification of potential regulatory variants in patients with FSHD. Hum Genomics 2015; 9:25. [PMID: 26446085 PMCID: PMC4597391 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-015-0047-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 10/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD) is commonly associated with contraction of the D4Z4 macro-satellite repeat on chromosome 4q35 (FSHD1) or mutations in the SMCHD1 gene (FSHD2). Recent studies have shown that the clinical manifestation of FSHD1 can be modified by mutations in the SMCHD1 gene within a given family. The absence of either D4Z4 contraction or SMCHD1 mutations in a small cohort of patients suggests that the disease could also be due to disruption of gene regulation. In this study, we postulated that mutations responsible for exerting a modifier effect on FSHD might reside within remotely acting regulatory elements that have the potential to interact at a distance with their cognate gene promoter via chromatin looping. To explore this postulate, genome-wide Hi-C data were used to identify genomic fragments displaying the strongest interaction with the SMCHD1 gene. These fragments were then narrowed down to shorter regions using ENCODE and FANTOM data on transcription factor binding sites and epigenetic marks characteristic of promoters, enhancers and silencers. Results We identified two regions, located respectively ~14 and ~85 kb upstream of the SMCHD1 gene, which were then sequenced in 229 FSHD/FSHD-like patients (200 with D4Z4 repeat units <11). Three heterozygous sequence variants were found ~14 kb upstream of the SMCHD1 gene. One of these variants was found to be of potential functional significance based on DNA methylation analysis. Further functional ascertainment will be required in order to establish the clinical/functional significance of the variants found. Conclusions In this study, we propose an improved approach to predict the possible locations of remotely acting regulatory elements that might influence the transcriptional regulation of their associated gene(s). It represents a new way to screen for disease-relevant mutations beyond the immediate vicinity of the specific disease gene. It promises to be useful for investigating disorders in which mutations could occur in remotely acting regulatory elements. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40246-015-0047-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary B Mayes
- School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Clifton Lane, Nottingham, NG11 8NS, UK
| | - Taniesha Morgan
- Institute of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Jincy Winston
- Institute of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Daniel S Buxton
- School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Clifton Lane, Nottingham, NG11 8NS, UK
| | - Mihir Anant Kamat
- School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Clifton Lane, Nottingham, NG11 8NS, UK.,Present address: Cardiovascular Epidemiology Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB1 8RN, UK
| | - Debbie Smith
- Blood Sciences Department and Bristol Genetics Laboratory, Southmead Hospital, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, BS10 5NB, UK
| | - Maggie Williams
- Blood Sciences Department and Bristol Genetics Laboratory, Southmead Hospital, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, BS10 5NB, UK
| | - Rebecca L Martin
- School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Clifton Lane, Nottingham, NG11 8NS, UK
| | - Dirk A Kleinjan
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | - David N Cooper
- Institute of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Meena Upadhyaya
- Institute of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Nadia Chuzhanova
- School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Clifton Lane, Nottingham, NG11 8NS, UK.
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de la Kethulle de Ryhove L, Ansseau E, Nachtegael C, Pieters K, Vanderplanck C, Geens M, Sermon K, Wilton SD, Coppée F, Lagneaux L, Belayew A. The Role of D4Z4-Encoded Proteins in the Osteogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Isolated from Bone Marrow. Stem Cells Dev 2015; 24:2674-86. [PMID: 26192274 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2014.0575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is associated with an activation of the double homeobox 4 (DUX4) gene, which we previously identified within the D4Z4 repeated elements in the 4q35 subtelomeric region. The pathological DUX4 mRNA is derived from the most distal D4Z4 unit and extends unexpectedly within the flanking pLAM region, which provides an intron and polyadenylation signal. The conditions that are required to develop FSHD are a permissive allele providing the polyadenylation signal and hypomethylation of the D4Z4 repeat array compared with the healthy muscle. The DUX4 protein is a 52-kDa transcription factor that initiates a large gene deregulation cascade leading to muscle atrophy, inflammation, differentiation defects, and oxidative stress, which are the key features of FSHD. DUX4 is a retrogene that is normally expressed in germline cells and is submitted to repeat-induced silencing in adult tissues. Since DUX4 mRNAs have been detected in human embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells, we investigated whether they could also be expressed in human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs). We found that DUX4 mRNAs were induced during the differentiation of hMSCs into osteoblasts and that this process involved DUX4 and new longer protein forms (58 and 70 kDa). A DUX4 mRNA with a more distant 5' start site was characterized that presented a 60-codon reading frame extension and encoded the 58-kDa protein. Transfections of hMSCs with an antisense oligonucleotide targeting DUX4 mRNAs decreased both the 52- and 58-kDa protein levels and confirmed their identity. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments in hMSCs suggested these DUX4 proteins had opposite roles in osteogenic differentiation as evidenced by the alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium deposition. Differentiation was delayed by the 58-kDa DUX4 expression and it was increased by 52-kDa DUX4. These data indicate a role for DUX4 protein forms in the osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eugénie Ansseau
- 1 Laboratory of Molecular Biology, University of Mons , Mons, Belgium
| | | | - Karlien Pieters
- 2 Laboratory of Clinical Cell Therapy, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles , Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Mieke Geens
- 3 Department of Embryology and Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel , Jette, Belgium
| | - Karen Sermon
- 3 Department of Embryology and Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel , Jette, Belgium
| | - Steve D Wilton
- 4 Centre for Comparative Genomics, Murdoch University , Murdoch, and The University of Western Australia, Crawley, and Western Australian Neuroscience Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Frédérique Coppée
- 1 Laboratory of Molecular Biology, University of Mons , Mons, Belgium
| | - Laurence Lagneaux
- 2 Laboratory of Clinical Cell Therapy, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles , Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alexandra Belayew
- 1 Laboratory of Molecular Biology, University of Mons , Mons, Belgium
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Passerieux E, Hayot M, Jaussent A, Carnac G, Gouzi F, Pillard F, Picot MC, Böcker K, Hugon G, Pincemail J, Defraigne JO, Verrips T, Mercier J, Laoudj-Chenivesse D. Effects of vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc gluconate, and selenomethionine supplementation on muscle function and oxidative stress biomarkers in patients with facioscapulohumeral dystrophy: a double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial. Free Radic Biol Med 2015; 81:158-69. [PMID: 25246239 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2014.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2014] [Revised: 09/11/2014] [Accepted: 09/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is an autosomal dominant disease characterized by progressive weakness and atrophy of specific skeletal muscles. As growing evidence suggests that oxidative stress may contribute to FSHD pathology, antioxidants that might modulate or delay oxidative insults could help in maintaining FSHD muscle function. Our primary objective was to test whether oral administration of vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc gluconate, and selenomethionine could improve the physical performance of patients with FSHD. Adult patients with FSHD (n=53) were enrolled at Montpellier University Hospital (France) in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot clinical trial. Patients were randomly assigned to receive 500 mg vitamin C, 400mg vitamin E, 25mg zinc gluconate and 200 μg selenomethionine (n=26), or matching placebo (n=27) once a day for 17 weeks. Primary outcomes were changes in the two-minute walking test (2-MWT), maximal voluntary contraction, and endurance limit time of the dominant and nondominant quadriceps (MVCQD, MVCQND, TlimQD, and TlimQND, respectively) after 17 weeks of treatment. Secondary outcomes were changes in the antioxidant status and oxidative stress markers. Although 2-MWT, MVCQ, and TlimQ were all significantly improved in the supplemented group at the end of the treatment compared to baseline, only MVCQ and TlimQ variations were significantly different between groups (MVCQD: P=0.011; MVCQND: P=0.004; TlimQD: P=0.028; TlimQND: P=0.011). Similarly, the vitamin C (P<0.001), vitamin E as α-tocopherol (P<0.001), vitamin C/vitamin E ratio (P=0.017), vitamin E γ/α ratio (P=0.022) and lipid peroxides (P<0.001) variations were significantly different between groups. In conclusion, vitamin E, vitamin C, zinc, and selenium supplementation has no significant effect on the 2-MWT, but improves MVCQ and TlimQ of both quadriceps by enhancing the antioxidant defenses and reducing oxidative stress. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (number: NCT01596803).
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Passerieux
- University of Montpellier 1 and 2, INSERM Unit 1046, Montpellier, France
| | - Maurice Hayot
- University of Montpellier 1 and 2, INSERM Unit 1046, Montpellier, France and Department of Clinical Physiology, University Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - Audrey Jaussent
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University Hospital of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Gilles Carnac
- University of Montpellier 1 and 2, INSERM Unit 1046, Montpellier, France
| | - Fares Gouzi
- University of Montpellier 1 and 2, INSERM Unit 1046, Montpellier, France and Department of Clinical Physiology, University Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - Fabien Pillard
- Department of Respiratory Exploration and Department of Sports Medicine, Larrey University Hospital, Toulouse CEDEX, France
| | - Marie-Christine Picot
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University Hospital, Montpellier, France and CIC 1001-INSERM
| | - Koen Böcker
- Alan Turing Institute Almere, The Netherlands
| | - Gerald Hugon
- University of Montpellier 1 and 2, INSERM Unit 1046, Montpellier, France
| | - Joel Pincemail
- Department of cardiovascular Surgery and Department of CREDEC, University Hospital of Liege, Belgium
| | - Jean O Defraigne
- Department of cardiovascular Surgery and Department of CREDEC, University Hospital of Liege, Belgium
| | - Theo Verrips
- Utrecht University, Department of Biology, The Netherlands
| | - Jacques Mercier
- University of Montpellier 1 and 2, INSERM Unit 1046, Montpellier, France and Department of Clinical Physiology, University Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - Dalila Laoudj-Chenivesse
- University of Montpellier 1 and 2, INSERM Unit 1046, Montpellier, France and Department of Clinical Physiology, University Hospital, Montpellier, France.
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Lek A, Rahimov F, Jones PL, Kunkel LM. Emerging preclinical animal models for FSHD. Trends Mol Med 2015; 21:295-306. [PMID: 25801126 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2015.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2015] [Revised: 02/23/2015] [Accepted: 02/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD) is a unique and complex genetic disease that is not entirely solved. Recent advances in the field have led to a consensus genetic premise for the disorder, enabling researchers to now pursue the design of preclinical models. In this review we explore all available FSHD models (DUX4-dependent and -independent) for their utility in therapeutic discovery and potential to yield novel disease insights. Owing to the complex nature of FSHD, there is currently no single model that accurately recapitulates the genetic and pathophysiological spectrum of the disorder. Existing models emphasize only specific aspects of the disease, highlighting the need for more collaborative research and novel paradigms to advance the translational research space of FSHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Lek
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; The Wellstone Program, Departments of Neurology and Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS), Worcester, MA 01655, USA.
| | - Fedik Rahimov
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; The Wellstone Program, Departments of Neurology and Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS), Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Peter L Jones
- The Wellstone Program, Departments of Neurology and Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS), Worcester, MA 01655, USA; The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NIHCD) Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Louis M Kunkel
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; The Wellstone Program, Departments of Neurology and Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS), Worcester, MA 01655, USA
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Puppo F, Dionnet E, Gaillard MC, Gaildrat P, Castro C, Vovan C, Bertaux K, Bernard R, Attarian S, Goto K, Nishino I, Hayashi Y, Magdinier F, Krahn M, Helmbacher F, Bartoli M, Lévy N. Identification of variants in the 4q35 gene FAT1 in patients with a facioscapulohumeral dystrophy-like phenotype. Hum Mutat 2015; 36:443-53. [PMID: 25615407 DOI: 10.1002/humu.22760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2014] [Accepted: 01/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Facioscapulohumeralmuscular dystrophy (FSHD) is linked to copy-number reduction (N < 10) of the 4q D4Z4 subtelomeric array, in association with DUX4-permissive haplotypes. This main form is indicated as FSHD1. FSHD-like phenotypes may also appear in the absence of D4Z4 copy-number reduction. Variants of the SMCHD1 gene have been reported to associate with D4Z4 hypomethylation in DUX4-compatible haplotypes, thus defining FSHD2. Recently, mice carrying a muscle-specific knock-out of the protocadherin gene Fat1 or its constitutive hypomorphic allele were shown to develop muscular and nonmuscular defects mimicking human FSHD. Here, we report FAT1 variants in a group of patients presenting with neuromuscular symptoms reminiscent of FSHD. The patients do not carry D4Z4 copy-number reduction, 4q hypomethylation, or SMCHD1 variants. However, abnormal splicing of the FAT1 transcript is predicted for all identified variants. To determine their pathogenicity, we elaborated a minigene approach coupled to an antisense oligonucleotide (AON) assay. In vitro, four out of five selected variants induced partial or complete alteration of splicing by creating new splice sites or modifying splicing regulators. AONs confirmed these effects. Altered transcripts may affect FAT1 protein interactions or stability. Altogether, our data suggest that defective FAT1 is associated with an FSHD-like phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Puppo
- Aix Marseille Université, GMGF, Marseille, France; Inserm, UMR, S 910, Marseille, France
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Buck D, Smith JE, Chung CS, Ono Y, Sorimachi H, Labeit S, Granzier HL. Removal of immunoglobulin-like domains from titin's spring segment alters titin splicing in mouse skeletal muscle and causes myopathy. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 143:215-30. [PMID: 24470489 PMCID: PMC4001778 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.201311129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Changes in titin splicing resulting in decreased size and increased stiffness lead to pathological changes in skeletal muscle. Titin is a molecular spring that determines the passive stiffness of muscle cells. Changes in titin’s stiffness occur in various myopathies, but whether these are a cause or an effect of the disease is unknown. We studied a novel mouse model in which titin’s stiffness was slightly increased by deleting nine immunoglobulin (Ig)-like domains from titin’s constitutively expressed proximal tandem Ig segment (IG KO). KO mice displayed mild kyphosis, a phenotype commonly associated with skeletal muscle myopathy. Slow muscles were atrophic with alterations in myosin isoform expression; functional studies in soleus muscle revealed a reduced specific twitch force. Exon expression analysis showed that KO mice underwent additional changes in titin splicing to yield smaller than expected titin isoforms that were much stiffer than expected. Additionally, splicing occurred in the PEVK region of titin, a finding confirmed at the protein level. The titin-binding protein Ankrd1 was highly increased in the IG KO, but this did not play a role in generating small titin isoforms because titin expression was unaltered in IG KO mice crossed with Ankrd1-deficient mice. In contrast, the splicing factor RBM20 (RNA-binding motif 20) was also significantly increased in IG KO mice, and additional differential splicing was reversed in IG KO mice crossed with a mouse with reduced RBM20 activity. Thus, increasing titin’s stiffness triggers pathological changes in skeletal muscle, with an important role played by RBM20.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Buck
- Department of Physiology and 2 Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721
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35
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Wu SL, Li GZ, Chou CY, Tsai MS, Chen YP, Li CJ, Liou GG, Chang WW, Chen SL, Wang SH. Double homeobox gene, Duxbl, promotes myoblast proliferation and abolishes myoblast differentiation by blocking MyoD transactivation. Cell Tissue Res 2014; 358:551-66. [PMID: 25130140 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-014-1974-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2014] [Accepted: 07/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Homeobox genes encode transcription factors that regulate embryonic development programs including organogenesis, axis formation and limb development. Previously, we identified and cloned a mouse double homeobox gene, Duxbl, whose homeodomain exhibits the highest identity (67 %) to human DUX4, a candidate gene of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). Duxbl proteins have been shown to be expressed in elongated myocytes and myotubes of trunk and limb muscles during embryogenesis. In this study, we found that Duxbl maintained low expression levels in various adult muscles. Duxbl proteins were induced to express in activated satellite cells and colocalized with MyoG, a myogenic differentiating marker. Furthermore, Duxbl proteins were not detected in quiescent satellite cells but detected in regenerated myocytes and colocalized with MyoD and MyoG following cardiotoxin-induced muscle injury. Ectopic Duxbl overexpressions in C2C12 myoblast cells promoted cell proliferation through mainly enhancing cyclin D1 and hyper-phosphorylated retinoblastoma protein but reducing p21 expression. However, Duxbl overexpression in C2C12 cells inhibited myogenic differentiation by decreasing MyoD downstream gene expressions, including M-cadherin, MyoG, p21 and cyclin D3 but not MyoD itself. Duxbl overexpressions also promoted cell proliferation but blocked MyoD-induced myogenic conversion in multipotent mesenchymal C3H10T1/2 cells. In addition, results of a luciferase reporter assay suggest that Duxbl negatively regulated MyoG promoter activity through the proximal two E boxes. In conclusion, these results indicate that Duxbl may play a crucial role in myogenesis and postnatal muscle regeneration by activating and proliferating satellite and myoblast cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shey-Lin Wu
- Department of Neurology, Chang-Hua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan, Republic of China
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36
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Kopelovich JC, Owen S, Mathews KD, Henstrom DK. The boy who lost his smile: facioscapulohumeral dystrophy in the head and neck. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 2014; 124:148-52. [PMID: 25059448 DOI: 10.1177/0003489414543071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Facioscapulohumeral dystrophy is the third most common muscular dystrophy and the one most likely to present primarily in the head and neck. METHODS In this report, we present a case of a young child with subtle progressive bilateral facial weakness whose workup ultimately led to this diagnosis. Paralysis in this disorder is secondary to worsening muscle atrophy, which typically progresses in a cephalad to caudad direction. Despite facial paralysis being a key and early component of this illness, no prior descriptions in the otolaryngology literature exist. DISCUSSION The case described is unusual in that the patient initially presented to a community otolaryngologist. In addition to workup, the disease characteristics, head and neck manifestations, and prognosis are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan C Kopelovich
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Scott Owen
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Katherine D Mathews
- Department of Neurology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Douglas K Henstrom
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA Division of Plastic Surgery and Cosmetic Services, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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37
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Lee GD, Chen VM, Barnes AC, Goldman DR, Duker JS. Retinal telangiectasis detected during a vision screening examination in a child with hearing loss led to the diagnosis of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy. J AAPOS 2014; 18:303-5. [PMID: 24924285 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaapos.2014.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2013] [Revised: 02/07/2014] [Accepted: 02/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A 2-year-old girl with congenital sensorineural hearing loss was found to have retinal exudation and subretinal fluid in her left eye. Further investigation revealed leaking retinal telangiectasias in her left eye and extensive areas of peripheral retinal nonperfusion in both eyes. A clinical diagnosis of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) was confirmed by genetic testing. The patient was followed with serial intraoperative optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans, which demonstrated subretinal fluid in the macula and its subsequent resolution after treatment. She underwent 6 rounds of panretinal photocoagulation and 2 injections of intravitreal bevacizumab, which resolved the subretinal fluid and exudates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory D Lee
- Tufts Medical Center Ophthalmology, Boston, Massachusetts.
| | - Vicki M Chen
- Tufts Medical Center Ophthalmology, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | | | - Jay S Duker
- Tufts Medical Center Ophthalmology, Boston, Massachusetts
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Winston J, Duerden L, Mort M, Frayling IM, Rogers MT, Upadhyaya M. Identification of two novel SMCHD1 sequence variants in families with FSHD-like muscular dystrophy. Eur J Hum Genet 2014; 23:67-71. [PMID: 24755953 DOI: 10.1038/ejhg.2014.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2013] [Revised: 02/20/2014] [Accepted: 03/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy 1 (FSHD1) is caused by a contraction in the number of D4Z4 repeats on chromosome 4, resulting in relaxation of D4Z4 chromatin causing inappropriate expression of DUX4 in skeletal muscle. Clinical severity is inversely related to the number of repeats. In contrast, FSHD2 patients also have inappropriate expression of DUX4 in skeletal muscle, but due to constitutional mutations in SMCHD1 (structural maintenance of chromosomes flexible hinge domain containing 1), which cause global hypomethylation and hence general relaxation of chromatin. Thirty patients originally referred for FSHD testing were screened for SMCHD1 mutations. Twenty-nine had >11 D4Z4 repeats. SMCHD1 c.1040+1G>A, a pathogenic splice-site variant, was identified in a FSHD1 family with a borderline number of D4Z4 repeats (10) and a variable phenotype (in which a LMNA1 sequence variant was previously described), and SMCHD1 c.2606 G>T, a putative missense variant (p.Gly869Val) with strong in vitro indications of pathogenicity, was identified in a family with an unusual muscular dystrophy with some FSHD-like features. The two families described here emphasise the genetic complexity of muscular dystrophies. As SMCHD1 has a wider role in global genomic methylation, the possibility exists that it could be involved in other complex undiagnosed muscle disorders. Thus far, only 15 constitutional mutations have been identified in SMCHD1, and these two sequence variants add to the molecular and phenotypic spectrum associated with FSHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jincy Winston
- Institute of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Laura Duerden
- Institute of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Matthew Mort
- Institute of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Ian M Frayling
- Institute of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Mark T Rogers
- Institute of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Meena Upadhyaya
- Institute of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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39
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Hidalgo C, Saripalli C, Granzier HL. Effect of exercise training on post-translational and post-transcriptional regulation of titin stiffness in striated muscle of wild type and IG KO mice. Arch Biochem Biophys 2014; 552-553:100-7. [PMID: 24603287 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2014.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2013] [Revised: 02/03/2014] [Accepted: 02/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Exercise has beneficial effects on diastolic dysfunction but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Here we studied the effects of exercise on the elastic protein titin, an important determinant of diastolic stiffness, in both the left ventricle and the diaphragm. We used wild type mice and genetically engineered mice with HFpEF symptoms (IG KO mice), including diastolic dysfunction. In the diaphragm muscle, exercise increased the expression level of titin (increased titin:MHC ratio) which is expected to increase titin-based stiffness. This effect was absent in the LV. We also studied the constitutively expressed titin residues S11878 and S12022 that are known targets of CaMKIIδ and PKCα with increased phosphorylation resulting in an increase in titin-based passive stiffness. The phosphorylation level of S11878 was unchanged whereas S12022 responded to exercise with a reduction in the phosphorylation level in the LV and, interestingly, an increase in the diaphragm. These changes are expected to lower titin's stiffness in the LV and increase stiffness in the diaphragm. We propose that these disparate effects reflect the unique physiological needs of the two tissue types and that both effects are beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Hidalgo
- Department of Physiology and Sarver Molecular Cardiovascular Research Program, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Chandra Saripalli
- Department of Physiology and Sarver Molecular Cardiovascular Research Program, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Henk L Granzier
- Department of Physiology and Sarver Molecular Cardiovascular Research Program, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States.
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40
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Xu H, Wang Z, Jin S, Hao H, Zheng L, Zhou B, Zhang W, Lv H, Yuan Y. Dux4 induces cell cycle arrest at G1 phase through upregulation of p21 expression. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2014; 446:235-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2014.02.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2014] [Accepted: 02/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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41
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Bhatia S, Kleinjan DA. Disruption of long-range gene regulation in human genetic disease: a kaleidoscope of general principles, diverse mechanisms and unique phenotypic consequences. Hum Genet 2014; 133:815-45. [DOI: 10.1007/s00439-014-1424-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2013] [Accepted: 01/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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42
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Papanikos F, Skoulatou C, Sakellariou P, Kekou K, Christopoulos TK, Kanavakis E, Traeger-Synodinos J, Ioannou PC. A simplified approach for FSHD molecular testing. Clin Chim Acta 2014; 429:96-103. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2013.11.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2013] [Accepted: 11/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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43
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Janssen BH, Voet NBM, Nabuurs CI, Kan HE, de Rooy JWJ, Geurts AC, Padberg GW, van Engelen BGM, Heerschap A. Distinct disease phases in muscles of facioscapulohumeral dystrophy patients identified by MR detected fat infiltration. PLoS One 2014; 9:e85416. [PMID: 24454861 PMCID: PMC3891814 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0085416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2013] [Accepted: 11/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is an untreatable disease, characterized by asymmetric progressive weakness of skeletal muscle with fatty infiltration. Although the main genetic defect has been uncovered, the downstream mechanisms causing FSHD are not understood. The objective of this study was to determine natural disease state and progression in muscles of FSHD patients and to establish diagnostic biomarkers by quantitative MRI of fat infiltration and phosphorylated metabolites. MRI was performed at 3T with dedicated coils on legs of 41 patients (28 men/13 women, age 34-76 years), of which eleven were re-examined after four months of usual care. Muscular fat fraction was determined with multi spin-echo and T1 weighted MRI, edema by TIRM and phosphorylated metabolites by 3D (31)P MR spectroscopic imaging. Fat fractions were compared to clinical severity, muscle force, age, edema and phosphocreatine (PCr)/ATP. Longitudinal intramuscular fat fraction variation was analyzed by linear regression. Increased intramuscular fat correlated with age (p<0.05), FSHD severity score (p<0.0001), inversely with muscle strength (p<0.0001), and also occurred sub-clinically. Muscles were nearly dichotomously divided in those with high and with low fat fraction, with only 13% having an intermediate fat fraction. The intramuscular fat fraction along the muscle's length, increased from proximal to distal. This fat gradient was the steepest for intermediate fat infiltrated muscles (0.07±0.01/cm, p<0.001). Leg muscles in this intermediate phase showed a decreased PCr/ATP (p<0.05) and the fastest increase in fatty infiltration over time (0.18±0.15/year, p<0.001), which correlated with initial edema (p<0.01), if present. Thus, in the MR assessment of fat infiltration as biomarker for diseased muscles, the intramuscular fat distribution needs to be taken into account. Our results indicate that healthy individual leg muscles become diseased by entering a progressive phase with distal fat infiltration and altered energy metabolite levels. Fat replacement then relatively rapidly spreads over the whole muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara H. Janssen
- Department of Radiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Nicoline B. M. Voet
- Department of Rehabilitation, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Christine I. Nabuurs
- Department of Radiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Hermien E. Kan
- Department of Radiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jacky W. J. de Rooy
- Department of Radiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander C. Geurts
- Department of Rehabilitation, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - George W. Padberg
- Department of Neurology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Arend Heerschap
- Department of Radiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Dmitriev P, Kairov U, Robert T, Barat A, Lazar V, Carnac G, Laoudj-Chenivesse D, Vassetzky YS. Cancer-related genes in the transcription signature of facioscapulohumeral dystrophy myoblasts and myotubes. J Cell Mol Med 2013; 18:208-17. [PMID: 24341522 PMCID: PMC3930408 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.12182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2013] [Accepted: 10/08/2013] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Muscular dystrophy is a condition potentially predisposing for cancer; however, currently, only Myotonic dystrophy patients are known to have a higher risk of cancer. Here, we have searched for a link between facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD) and cancer by comparing published transcriptome signatures of FSHD and various malignant tumours and have found a significant enrichment of cancer-related genes among the genes differentially expressed in FSHD. The analysis has shown that gene expression profiles of FSHD myoblasts and myotubes resemble that of Ewing's sarcoma more than that of other cancer types tested. This is the first study demonstrating a similarity between FSHD and cancer cell expression profiles, a finding that might indicate the existence of a common step in the pathogenesis of these two diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petr Dmitriev
- UMR8126, Université Paris-Sud 11, CNRS, Institut de cancérologie Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France; INSERM U1046, Université Montpellier I, Montpellier, France
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45
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Young JM, Whiddon JL, Yao Z, Kasinathan B, Snider L, Geng LN, Balog J, Tawil R, van der Maarel SM, Tapscott SJ. DUX4 binding to retroelements creates promoters that are active in FSHD muscle and testis. PLoS Genet 2013; 9:e1003947. [PMID: 24278031 PMCID: PMC3836709 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1003947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2013] [Accepted: 09/25/2013] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The human double-homeodomain retrogene DUX4 is expressed in the testis and epigenetically repressed in somatic tissues. Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is caused by mutations that decrease the epigenetic repression of DUX4 in somatic tissues and result in mis-expression of this transcription factor in skeletal muscle. DUX4 binds sites in the human genome that contain a double-homeobox sequence motif, including sites in unique regions of the genome as well as many sites in repetitive elements. Using ChIP-seq and RNA-seq on myoblasts transduced with DUX4 we show that DUX4 binds and activates transcription of mammalian apparent LTR-retrotransposons (MaLRs), endogenous retrovirus (ERVL and ERVK) elements, and pericentromeric satellite HSATII sequences. Some DUX4-activated MaLR and ERV elements create novel promoters for genes, long non-coding RNAs, and antisense transcripts. Many of these novel transcripts are expressed in FSHD muscle cells but not control cells, and thus might contribute to FSHD pathology. For example, HEY1, a repressor of myogenesis, is activated by DUX4 through a MaLR promoter. DUX4-bound motifs, including those in repetitive elements, show evolutionary conservation and some repeat-initiated transcripts are expressed in healthy testis, the normal expression site of DUX4, but more rarely in other somatic tissues. Testis expression patterns are known to have evolved rapidly in mammals, but the mechanisms behind this rapid change have not yet been identified: our results suggest that mobilization of MaLR and ERV elements during mammalian evolution altered germline gene expression patterns through transcriptional activation by DUX4. Our findings demonstrate a role for DUX4 and repetitive elements in mammalian germline evolution and in FSHD muscular dystrophy. Transposable elements (TEs) are found in most genomes, and many TEs create extra copies of themselves in new genomic locations by a process called retrotransposition. TEs are often thought of as genomic parasites that must be suppressed, because retrotransposition can cause great harm to their host organism. However, during evolution, the functions encoded by TEs have sometimes been co-opted to the advantage of the host genome as novel genes or as gene regulatory regions. We studied a human transcription factor called DUX4 that is normally expressed in testis and repressed in muscle. Sometimes muscle repression fails, causing the disease facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). We find that DUX4 binds many TE types and can activate their transcription. Some activated TEs have been co-opted as novel promoters for human genes. DUX4's activation of these genes via TEs might be important in the biology of normal testis and may contribute to the FSHD disease process. Our findings raise the possibility that DUX4 and TEs co-evolved, as TEs may have hijacked DUX4 to aid their retrotransposition while DUX4 may have utilized TEs to modify its transcriptional network in the evolving germline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet M. Young
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- * E-mail: (JMY); (SJT)
| | - Jennifer L. Whiddon
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Zizhen Yao
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Bhavatharini Kasinathan
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Lauren Snider
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Linda N. Geng
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Judit Balog
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Rabi Tawil
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, United States of America
| | | | - Stephen J. Tapscott
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- * E-mail: (JMY); (SJT)
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Infantile facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy revisited: Expansion of clinical phenotypes in patients with a very short EcoRI fragment. Neuromuscul Disord 2013; 23:298-305. [PMID: 23434070 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2013.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2012] [Revised: 12/25/2012] [Accepted: 01/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Contrary to the classical form, infantile facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) usually denotes a severe phenotype and is frequently associated with extramuscular involvements. To elucidate the genotype-phenotype correlation in this severe subgroup, we identified a cohort of nine patients with infantile FSHD who also carried a very short (10-13kb) EcoRI fragment. Their current age ranged from 8 to 33 years and age of onset ranged from 0.4 to 5 years. One patient even manifested his first FSHD-related symptoms at as early as 5 months of age, including inability to smile, poor response to call, and infantile spasms. To date, four patients were wheelchair-bound and six patients had asymmetric weakness. Sensorineural hearing loss and abnormal fundoscopic findings were observed in eight and all of patients respectively. Three with the smallest EcoRI fragments (10-11kb, with normal length being 50-300kb) had mental retardation. Two of these had epilepsy. Cardiac arrhythmias were found in five patients. Restrictive ventilatory defects were observed in seven patients, with one progressing to chronic respiratory failure. Two had swallowing difficulties; one of these required gastrostomy. We identified several rarely reported phenotypes in infantile FSHD, including cardiac arrhythmia, respiratory insufficiency, and swallowing difficulties. There seems to be a correlation between the severity of phenotype and the very short EcoRI fragment in the chromosome 4q35 region. We conclude that the high frequency of multi-organ involvements in this severe FSHD variant suggests the need for an early and multidisciplinary intervention.
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47
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Mitsuhashi H, Mitsuhashi S, Lynn-Jones T, Kawahara G, Kunkel LM. Expression of DUX4 in zebrafish development recapitulates facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy. Hum Mol Genet 2013; 22:568-77. [PMID: 23108159 PMCID: PMC3606007 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/dds467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2012] [Revised: 10/18/2012] [Accepted: 10/24/2012] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is a common form of muscular dystrophy characterized by an asymmetric progressive weakness and wasting of the facial, shoulder and upper arm muscles, frequently accompanied by hearing loss and retinal vasculopathy. FSHD is an autosomal dominant disease linked to chromosome 4q35, but the causative gene remains controversial. DUX4 is a leading candidate gene as causative of FSHD. However, DUX4 expression is extremely low in FSHD muscle, and there is no DUX4 animal model that mirrors the pathology in human FSHD. Here, we show that the misexpression of very low levels of human DUX4 in zebrafish development recapitulates the phenotypes seen in human FSHD patients. Microinjection of small amounts of human full-length DUX4 (DUX4-fl) mRNA into fertilized zebrafish eggs caused asymmetric abnormalities such as less pigmentation of the eyes, altered morphology of ears, developmental abnormality of fin muscle, disorganization of facial musculature and/or degeneration of trunk muscle later in development. Moreover, DUX4-fl expression caused aberrant localization of myogenic cells marked with α-actin promoter-driven enhanced green fluorescent protein outside somite boundary, especially in head region. These abnormalities were rescued by coinjection of the short form of DUX4 (DUX4-s). Our results suggest that the misexpression of DUX4-fl, even at extremely low level, can recapitulate the phenotype observed in FSHD patients in a vertebrate model. These results strongly support the current hypothesis for a role of DUX4 in FSHD pathogenesis. We also propose that DUX4 expression during development is important for the pathogenesis of FSHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Mitsuhashi
- Division of Genetics, Program in Genomics and
- The Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, Watertown, MA 02472, USA and
| | | | | | - Genri Kawahara
- Division of Genetics, Program in Genomics and
- The Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Louis M. Kunkel
- Division of Genetics, Program in Genomics and
- The Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- The Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, Watertown, MA 02472, USA and
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Tassin A, Leroy B, Laoudj-Chenivesse D, Wauters A, Vanderplanck C, Le Bihan MC, Coppée F, Wattiez R, Belayew A. FSHD myotubes with different phenotypes exhibit distinct proteomes. PLoS One 2012; 7:e51865. [PMID: 23272181 PMCID: PMC3525578 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0051865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2012] [Accepted: 11/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is a progressive muscle disorder linked to a contraction of the D4Z4 repeat array in the 4q35 subtelomeric region. This deletion induces epigenetic modifications that affect the expression of several genes located in the vicinity. In each D4Z4 element, we identified the double homeobox 4 (DUX4) gene. DUX4 expresses a transcription factor that plays a major role in the development of FSHD through the initiation of a large gene dysregulation cascade that causes myogenic differentiation defects, atrophy and reduced response to oxidative stress. Because miRNAs variably affect mRNA expression, proteomic approaches are required to define the dysregulated pathways in FSHD. In this study, we optimized a differential isotope protein labeling (ICPL) method combined with shotgun proteomic analysis using a gel-free system (2DLC-MS/MS) to study FSHD myotubes. Primary CD56(+) FSHD myoblasts were found to fuse into myotubes presenting various proportions of an atrophic or a disorganized phenotype. To better understand the FSHD myogenic defect, our improved proteomic procedure was used to compare predominantly atrophic or disorganized myotubes to the same matching healthy control. FSHD atrophic myotubes presented decreased structural and contractile muscle components. This phenotype suggests the occurrence of atrophy-associated proteolysis that likely results from the DUX4-mediated gene dysregulation cascade. The skeletal muscle myosin isoforms were decreased while non-muscle myosin complexes were more abundant. In FSHD disorganized myotubes, myosin isoforms were not reduced, and increased proteins were mostly involved in microtubule network organization and myofibrillar remodeling. A common feature of both FSHD myotube phenotypes was the disturbance of several caveolar proteins, such as PTRF and MURC. Taken together, our data suggest changes in trafficking and in the membrane microdomains of FSHD myotubes. Finally, the adjustment of a nuclear fractionation compatible with mass spectrometry allowed us to highlight alterations of proteins involved in mRNA processing and stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Tassin
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Baptiste Leroy
- Department of Proteomics and Microbiology, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Dalila Laoudj-Chenivesse
- INSERM U1046 Physiologie et Médecine expérimentale Cœur et Muscle, CHU A. de Villeneuve, Montpellier, France
| | - Armelle Wauters
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Céline Vanderplanck
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Marie-Catherine Le Bihan
- University Pierre et Marie Curie- Paris 6, UM 76, INSERM U974, CNRS UMR 7215, Institut de Myologie, Paris, France
| | - Frédérique Coppée
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Ruddy Wattiez
- Department of Proteomics and Microbiology, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Alexandra Belayew
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
- * E-mail:
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Tassin A, Laoudj-Chenivesse D, Vanderplanck C, Barro M, Charron S, Ansseau E, Chen YW, Mercier J, Coppée F, Belayew A. DUX4 expression in FSHD muscle cells: how could such a rare protein cause a myopathy? J Cell Mol Med 2012. [PMID: 23206257 PMCID: PMC3823138 DOI: 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2012.01647.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is one of the most frequent hereditary muscle disorders. It is linked to contractions of the D4Z4 repeat array in 4q35. We have characterized the double homeobox 4 (DUX4) gene in D4Z4 and its mRNA transcribed from the distal D4Z4 unit to a polyadenylation signal in the flanking pLAM region. It encodes a transcription factor expressed in FSHD but not healthy muscle cells which initiates a gene deregulation cascade causing differentiation defects, muscle atrophy and oxidative stress. PITX1 was the first identified DUX4 target and encodes a transcription factor involved in muscle atrophy. DUX4 was found expressed in only 1/1000 FSHD myoblasts. We have now shown it was induced upon differentiation and detected in about 1/200 myotube nuclei. The DUX4 and PITX1 proteins presented staining gradients in consecutive myonuclei which suggested a diffusion as known for other muscle nuclear proteins. Both protein half-lifes were regulated by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. In addition, we could immunodetect the DUX4 protein in FSHD muscle extracts. As a model, we propose the DUX4 gene is stochastically activated in a small number of FSHD myonuclei. The resulting mRNAs are translated in the cytoplasm around an activated nucleus and the DUX4 proteins diffuse to adjacent nuclei where they activate target genes such as PITX1. The PITX1 protein can further diffuse to additional myonuclei and expand the transcriptional deregulation cascade initiated by DUX4. Together the diffusion and the deregulation cascade would explain how a rare protein could cause the muscle defects observed in FSHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Tassin
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
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Hassan A, Jones LK, Milone M, Kumar N. Focal and other unusual presentations of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy. Muscle Nerve 2012; 46:421-5. [PMID: 22907234 DOI: 10.1002/mus.23358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD) presents classically with facial and shoulder-girdle weakness. We report focal atypical presentations of FSHD. Our aim was to identify focal/unusual phenotypes in genetically confirmed FSHD cases. METHODS We undertook a retrospective review of an academic center database of the period from 1996 to 2011. Of 139 FSHD cases, 7 had atypical genetically confirmed disease. Clinical data were abstracted. RESULTS Seven cases (4 men) had a mean age of 37 years at onset (range 18-63 years) and mean 43 years at diagnosis (range 20-74 years). Presenting symptoms were monomelic lower limb (n = 3) or upper limb (n = 2) atrophy, or axial weakness (n = 2). Five patients had focal weakness on examination. CK was normal to borderline high. Two patients had a relative with FSHD. Coexistent unusual features included dyspnea (n = 1), S1 radicular pain with calf atrophy (n = 2), and peripheral neuropathy (n = 1). Almost all patients had myopathic EMG changes. DNA analysis showed a D4Z4 EcoRI fragment size ranging from 20 to 37 kilobases. CONCLUSIONS FSHD may present with focal weakness, dyspnea and myopathic EMG changes. These findings should raise the possibility of FSHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anhar Hassan
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA
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