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In 't Groen SLM, Franken M, Bock T, Krüger M, de Greef JC, Pijnappel WWMP. A knock down strategy for rapid, generic, and versatile modelling of muscular dystrophies in 3D-tissue-engineered-skeletal muscle. Skelet Muscle 2024; 14:3. [PMID: 38389096 PMCID: PMC10882755 DOI: 10.1186/s13395-024-00335-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human iPSC-derived 3D-tissue-engineered-skeletal muscles (3D-TESMs) offer advanced technology for disease modelling. However, due to the inherent genetic heterogeneity among human individuals, it is often difficult to distinguish disease-related readouts from random variability. The generation of genetically matched isogenic controls using gene editing can reduce variability, but the generation of isogenic hiPSC-derived 3D-TESMs can take up to 6 months, thereby reducing throughput. METHODS Here, by combining 3D-TESM and shRNA technologies, we developed a disease modelling strategy to induce distinct genetic deficiencies in a single hiPSC-derived myogenic progenitor cell line within 1 week. RESULTS As proof of principle, we recapitulated disease-associated pathology of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2A caused by loss of function of DMD and CAPN3, respectively. shRNA-mediated knock down of DMD or CAPN3 induced a loss of contractile function, disruption of tissue architecture, and disease-specific proteomes. Pathology in DMD-deficient 3D-TESMs was partially rescued by a candidate gene therapy treatment using micro-dystrophin, with similar efficacy compared to animal models. CONCLUSIONS These results show that isogenic shRNA-based humanized 3D-TESM models provide a fast, cheap, and efficient tool to model muscular dystrophies and are useful for the preclinical evaluation of novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stijn L M In 't Groen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, 3015 GE, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, 3015 GE, The Netherlands
- Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, 3015 GE, The Netherlands
| | - Marnix Franken
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZA, Netherlands
| | - Theresa Bock
- Institute of Genetics and Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Marcus Krüger
- Institute of Genetics and Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jessica C de Greef
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZA, Netherlands
| | - W W M Pim Pijnappel
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, 3015 GE, The Netherlands.
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, 3015 GE, The Netherlands.
- Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, 3015 GE, The Netherlands.
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Mercuri E, Pane M, Cicala G, Brogna C, Ciafaloni E. Detecting early signs in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: comprehensive review and diagnostic implications. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1276144. [PMID: 38027286 PMCID: PMC10667703 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1276144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the early onset of clinical signs suggestive of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a diagnosis is often not made until four years of age or older, with a diagnostic delay of up to two years from the appearance of the first symptoms. As disease-modifying therapies for DMD become available that are ideally started early before irreversible muscle damage occurs, the importance of avoiding diagnostic delay increases. Shortening the time to a definite diagnosis in DMD allows timely genetic counseling and assessment of carrier status, initiation of multidisciplinary standard care, timely initiation of appropriate treatments, and precise genetic mutation characterization to assess suitability for access to drugs targeted at specific mutations while reducing the emotional and psychological family burden of the disease. This comprehensive literature review describes the early signs of impairment in DMD and highlights the bottlenecks related to the different diagnostic steps. In summary, the evidence suggests that the best mitigation strategy for improving the age at diagnosis is to increase awareness of the early symptoms of DMD and encourage early clinical screening with an inexpensive and sensitive serum creatine kinase test in all boys who present signs of developmental delay and specific motor test abnormality at routine pediatrician visits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenio Mercuri
- Pediatric Neurology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Centro Clinico Nemo, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Marika Pane
- Pediatric Neurology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Centro Clinico Nemo, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianpaolo Cicala
- Pediatric Neurology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Centro Clinico Nemo, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Brogna
- Pediatric Neurology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Centro Clinico Nemo, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Emma Ciafaloni
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
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3
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Abosalha AK, Boyajian J, Ahmad W, Islam P, Ghebretatios M, Schaly S, Thareja R, Arora K, Prakash S. Clinical pharmacology of siRNA therapeutics: current status and future prospects. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2022; 15:1327-1341. [PMID: 36251525 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2022.2136166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Small interfering RNA (siRNA) has emerged as a powerful tool for post-transcriptional downregulation of multiple genes for various therapies. Naked siRNA molecules are surrounded by several barriers that tackle their optimum delivery to target tissues such as limited cellular uptake, short circulation time, degradation by endonucleases, glomerular filtration, and capturing by the reticuloendothelial system (RES). AREAS COVERED This review provides insights into studies that investigate various siRNA-based therapies, focusing on the mechanism, delivery strategies, bioavailability, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamics of naked and modified siRNA molecules. The clinical pharmacology of currently approved siRNA products is also discussed. EXPERT OPINION Few siRNA-based products have been approved recently by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other regulatory agencies after approximately twenty years following its discovery due to the associated limitations. The absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of siRNA therapeutics are highly restricted by several obstacles, resulting in rapid clearance of siRNA-based therapeutic products from systemic circulation before reaching the cytosol of targeted cells. The siRNA therapeutics however are very promising in many diseases, including gene therapy and SARS-COV-2 viral infection. The design of suitable delivery vehicles and developing strategies toward better pharmacokinetic parameters may solve the challenges of siRNA therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Khaled Abosalha
- Biomedical Technology and Cell Therapy Research Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada.,Pharmaceutical Technology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Jacqueline Boyajian
- Biomedical Technology and Cell Therapy Research Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Waqar Ahmad
- Biomedical Technology and Cell Therapy Research Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Paromita Islam
- Biomedical Technology and Cell Therapy Research Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Merry Ghebretatios
- Biomedical Technology and Cell Therapy Research Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Sabrina Schaly
- Biomedical Technology and Cell Therapy Research Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Rahul Thareja
- Biomedical Technology and Cell Therapy Research Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Karan Arora
- Biomedical Technology and Cell Therapy Research Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Satya Prakash
- Biomedical Technology and Cell Therapy Research Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada
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Chien YH, Lee NC, Weng WC, Chen LC, Huang YH, Wu CS, Hwu WL. Duchenne muscular dystrophy newborn screening: the first 50,000 newborns screened in Taiwan. Neurol Sci 2022; 43:4563-4566. [PMID: 35562557 PMCID: PMC9106269 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-022-06128-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD/Duchenne) is a progressive X-linked muscular disease with an overall incidence of 1:5,000 live male births. Recent availability in treatment for DMD raised the need of early diagnosis, and DMD became as a selective item of newborn screening (NBS) since Feb. 2021 in our center. Materials and methods Dried blood spots (DBS) muscle-type creatine kinase (CK) isoform was measured with a commercialized kit with age-adjusted cutoffs. Subjects with an elevation of CK in the first screen were requested for a re-screen 2 weeks later. A DBS whole-exome sequencing (WES) panel for dystrophin and other neuromuscular-related genes was applied to confirm the diagnosis for subjects with persistent hyperCKemia. Results During a 1-year period, 50,572 newborns (male 26,130) received DMD screening at a mean age of 2 days (SD 1 day). Among them, 632 (1.2%) had an elevated CK value. A re-screen at a mean age of 14 days (SD 8 days) revealed 14 subjects with persistent hyperCKemia, and DMD was confirmed in 3 of them. The incidence of DMD in Taiwan was 1:8,710 (95% CI 1 in 2,963 to 1 in 25,610) live birth males. Results of DMD DBS also assisted in Pompe newborn screening. Conclusions NBS for DMD enables earlier management of the disease. The high re-screening rate could potentially be waived by moving the DBS WES assay to a second-tier test. The long-term benefit and the impact of newborn screening on the prognosis of DMD, however, remain further elucidated.
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Catalano A, Vita GL, Bellone F, Sframeli M, Distefano MG, La Rosa M, Gaudio A, Vita G, Morabito N, Messina S. Bone health in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: clinical and biochemical correlates. J Endocrinol Invest 2022; 45:517-525. [PMID: 34524678 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-021-01676-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE An increased fracture risk is commonly reported in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Our aim was to investigate bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover, including sclerostin, and their association with markers of cardiac and respiratory performance in a cohort of DMD subjects. METHODS In this single center, cross sectional observational study, lumbar spine (LS) BMD Z-scores, C-terminal telopeptide of procollagen type I (CTX) and osteocalcin (BGP), as bone resorption and formation markers, respectively, and sclerostin were assessed. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were evaluated. Clinical prevalent fractures were also recorded. RESULTS Thirty-one patients [median age = 14 (12-21.5) years] were studied. Ambulant subjects had higher LS BMD Z-scores compared with non-ambulant ones and subjects with prevalent clinical fractures [n = 9 (29%)] showed lower LS BMD Z-scores compared with subjects without fractures. LS BMD Z-scores were positively correlated with FVC (r = 0.50; p = 0.01), but not with glucocorticoid use, and FVC was positively associated with BGP (r = 0.55; p = 0.02). In non-ambulant subjects, LS BMD Z-scores were associated with BMI (r = 0.54; p = 0.02) and sclerostin was associated with age (r = 0.44; p = 0.05). Age, BMI, FVC and sclerostin were independently associated with LS BMD Z-score in a stepwise multiple regression analysis. Older age, lower BMI, FVC and sclerostin were associated with lower LS BMD Z-scores. CONCLUSION In a cohort of DMD patients, our data confirm low LS BMD Z-scores, mainly in non-ambulant subjects and irrespective of the glucocorticoid use, and suggest that FVC and sclerostin are independently associated with LS BMD Z-scores.
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MESH Headings
- Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/metabolism
- Adolescent
- Biomarkers/metabolism
- Bone Density
- Bone Remodeling
- Collagen Type I/metabolism
- Fractures, Bone/epidemiology
- Fractures, Bone/etiology
- Fractures, Bone/prevention & control
- Glucocorticoids/therapeutic use
- Humans
- Italy/epidemiology
- Lumbar Vertebrae/diagnostic imaging
- Lumbar Vertebrae/pathology
- Mobility Limitation
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/diagnosis
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/drug therapy
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/metabolism
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/physiopathology
- Peptides/metabolism
- Stroke Volume
- Ventricular Dysfunction, Left/diagnosis
- Ventricular Dysfunction, Left/etiology
- Vital Capacity
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonino Catalano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, A.O.U. Policlinico "G. Martino", University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125, Messina, Italy.
| | - Gian Luca Vita
- Nemo Sud Clinical Centre for Neuromuscular Disorders, Aurora Onlus Foundation, University Hospital "G. Martino", Messina, Italy
| | - Federica Bellone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, A.O.U. Policlinico "G. Martino", University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125, Messina, Italy
| | - Maria Sframeli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, A.O.U. Policlinico "G. Martino", University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125, Messina, Italy
- Nemo Sud Clinical Centre for Neuromuscular Disorders, Aurora Onlus Foundation, University Hospital "G. Martino", Messina, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Distefano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, A.O.U. Policlinico "G. Martino", University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125, Messina, Italy
| | - Matteo La Rosa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, A.O.U. Policlinico "G. Martino", University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125, Messina, Italy
| | - Agostino Gaudio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Vita
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, A.O.U. Policlinico "G. Martino", University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125, Messina, Italy
- Nemo Sud Clinical Centre for Neuromuscular Disorders, Aurora Onlus Foundation, University Hospital "G. Martino", Messina, Italy
| | - Nunziata Morabito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, A.O.U. Policlinico "G. Martino", University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125, Messina, Italy
| | - Sonia Messina
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, A.O.U. Policlinico "G. Martino", University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125, Messina, Italy
- Nemo Sud Clinical Centre for Neuromuscular Disorders, Aurora Onlus Foundation, University Hospital "G. Martino", Messina, Italy
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Liu J, Guo ZN, Yan XL, Yang Y, Huang S. Brain Pathogenesis and Potential Therapeutic Strategies in Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:755392. [PMID: 34867280 PMCID: PMC8634727 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.755392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is the most common muscular dystrophy that affects multiple systems including the muscle and heart. The mutant CTG expansion at the 3′-UTR of the DMPK gene causes the expression of toxic RNA that aggregate as nuclear foci. The foci then interfere with RNA-binding proteins, affecting hundreds of mis-spliced effector genes, leading to aberrant alternative splicing and loss of effector gene product functions, ultimately resulting in systemic disorders. In recent years, increasing clinical, imaging, and pathological evidence have indicated that DM1, though to a lesser extent, could also be recognized as true brain diseases, with more and more researchers dedicating to develop novel therapeutic tools dealing with it. In this review, we summarize the current advances in the pathogenesis and pathology of central nervous system (CNS) deficits in DM1, intervention measures currently being investigated are also highlighted, aiming to promote novel and cutting-edge therapeutic investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Liu
- Department of Neurology, Stroke Center & Clinical Trial and Research Center for Stroke, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- China National Comprehensive Stroke Center, Changchun, China
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Disease, Changchun, China
| | - Zhen-Ni Guo
- Department of Neurology, Stroke Center & Clinical Trial and Research Center for Stroke, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- China National Comprehensive Stroke Center, Changchun, China
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Disease, Changchun, China
| | - Xiu-Li Yan
- Department of Neurology, Stroke Center & Clinical Trial and Research Center for Stroke, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of Neurology, Stroke Center & Clinical Trial and Research Center for Stroke, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- China National Comprehensive Stroke Center, Changchun, China
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Disease, Changchun, China
| | - Shuo Huang
- Department of Neurology, Stroke Center & Clinical Trial and Research Center for Stroke, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- China National Comprehensive Stroke Center, Changchun, China
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Disease, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Shuo Huang,
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Maruyama R, Yokota T. Antisense Oligonucleotide Treatment in a Humanized Mouse Model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Highly Sensitive Detection of Dystrophin Using Western Blotting. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2224:203-214. [PMID: 33606217 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1008-4_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a devastating X-linked muscle disorder affecting many children. The disease is caused by the lack of dystrophin production and characterized by muscle wasting. The most common causes of death are respiratory failure and heart failure. Antisense oligonucleotide-mediated exon skipping using a phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomer (PMO) is a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of DMD. In preclinical studies, dystrophic mouse models are commonly used for the development of therapeutic oligos. We employ a humanized model carrying the full-length human DMD transgene along with the complete knockout of the mouse Dmd gene. In this model, the effects of human-targeting AOs can be tested without cross-reaction between mouse sequences and human sequences (note that mdx, a conventional dystrophic mouse model, carries a nonsense point mutation in exon 23 and express the full-length mouse Dmd mRNA, which is a significant complicating factor). To determine if dystrophin expression is restored, the Western blotting analysis is commonly performed; however, due to the extremely large protein size of dystrophin (427 kDa), detection and accurate quantification of full-length dystrophin can be a challenge. Here, we present methodologies to systemically inject PMOs into humanized DMD model mice and determine levels of dystrophin restoration via Western blotting. Using a tris-acetate gradient SDS gel and semi-dry transfer with three buffers, including the Concentrated Anode Buffer, Anode Buffer, and Cathode Buffer, less than 1% normal levels of dystrophin expression are easily detectable. This method is fast, easy, and sensitive enough for the detection of dystrophin from both cultured muscle cells and muscle biopsy samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rika Maruyama
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Toshifumi Yokota
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada. .,The Friends of Garrett Cumming Research & Muscular Dystrophy Canada HM Toupin Neurological Science Research Chair, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
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Abstract
Increased understanding of disease pathophysiology and advances in gene therapies and drug technologies are revolutionizing treatment of muscular dystrophies and motor neuron disorders (MNDs). New drugs have been approved for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. For other diseases, new targets have been identified, and new therapies are in clinical trials. The impact of such therapies will be fully understood only in the next decades. Cost burden and accessibility are major challenges in the wide application of new drugs. This article reviews advances in gene therapies, newly approved drugs, and therapeutic promises in muscular dystrophies and MNDs.
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Cappella M, Pradat PF, Querin G, Biferi MG. Beyond the Traditional Clinical Trials for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and The Future Impact of Gene Therapy. J Neuromuscul Dis 2021; 8:25-38. [PMID: 33074186 PMCID: PMC7902976 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-200531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating and incurable motor neuron (MN) disorder affecting both upper and lower MNs. Despite impressive advances in the understanding of the disease’s pathological mechanism, classical pharmacological clinical trials failed to provide an efficient cure for ALS over the past twenty years. Two different gene therapy approaches were recently approved for the monogenic disease Spinal muscular atrophy, characterized by degeneration of lower MNs. This milestone suggests that gene therapy-based therapeutic solutions could be effective for the treatment of ALS. This review summarizes the possible reasons for the failure of traditional clinical trials for ALS. It provides then a focus on the advent of gene therapy approaches for hereditary forms of ALS. Specifically, it describes clinical use of antisense oligonucleotides in three familial forms of ALS, caused by mutations in SOD1, C9orf72 and FUS genes, respectively.. Clinical and pre-clinical studies based on AAV-mediated gene therapy approaches for both familial and sporadic ALS cases are presented as well. Overall, this overview highlights the potential of gene therapy as a transforming technology that will have a huge impact on treatment perspective for ALS patients and on the design of future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa Cappella
- INSERM, Institute of Myology, Centre of Research in Myology, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Pierre-François Pradat
- INSERM, CNRS, Laboratoire d'Imagerie Biomédicale, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France.,APHP, Département de Neurologie, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Centre référent SLA, Paris, France.,Northern Ireland Centre for Stratified Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute Ulster University, C-TRIC, Altnagelvin Hospital, Derry/Londonderry, United Kingdom
| | - Giorgia Querin
- INSERM, Institute of Myology, Centre of Research in Myology, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France.,Association Institut de Myologie, Plateforme Essais Cliniques Adultes, Paris, France.,APHP, Service de Neuromyologie, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Maria Grazia Biferi
- INSERM, Institute of Myology, Centre of Research in Myology, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
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10
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Neuromuscular diseases rehabilitation in the era of gene therapy. Neurol Sci 2020; 41:1971-1972. [DOI: 10.1007/s10072-020-04280-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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12
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Psychosocial impact of sport activity in neuromuscular disorders. Neurol Sci 2020; 41:2561-2567. [PMID: 32246354 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-020-04345-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies demonstrated the benefits of motor exercise and physical activity in neuromuscular disorders. However, very few papers assessed the effects of sport practise. The aim of this multicentre study was to assess the impact of sport activity on self-esteem and emotional regulation in a cohort of athletes with neuromuscular disorders. The 38 patients with Duchenne, Becker or other types of muscular dystrophy or spinal muscular atrophy practising sport (aged 13-49 years) and 39 age-, gender-, disability- and disease-matched patients not practising sport were enrolled. Testing procedures to assess self-esteem, anxiety and depression disorder, personality trait and quality of life (QoL) were used. Patients practising sport had a significantly higher self-esteem, lower level of depression, greater social own identity and adherence and QoL. Frequency of sport activity may represent a complementary therapy in neuromuscular disorders to improve mental and social well-being.
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Iolascon G, Vitacca M, Carraro E, Chisari C, Fiore P, Messina S, Mongini T, Moretti A, Sansone VA, Toscano A, Siciliano G. Adapted physical activity and therapeutic exercise in late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD): a two-step rehabilitative approach. Neurol Sci 2020; 41:859-868. [PMID: 31811531 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-019-04178-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Aerobic exercise, training to sustain motor ability, and respiratory rehabilitation may improve general functioning and quality of life (QoL) in neuromuscular disorders. Patients with late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD) typically show progressive muscle weakness, respiratory dysfunction and minor cardiac involvement. Characteristics and modalities of motor and respiratory rehabilitation in LOPD are not well defined and specific guidelines are lacking. Therefore, we evaluated the role of physical activity, therapeutic exercise, and pulmonary rehabilitation programs in order to promote an appropriate management of motor and respiratory dysfunctions and improve QoL in patients with LOPD. We propose two operational protocols: one for an adapted physical activity (APA) plan and the other for an individual rehabilitation plan, particularly focused on therapeutic exercise (TE) and respiratory rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Iolascon
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties and Dentistry, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via De Crecchio 4, 80138, Naples, Italy.
| | - Michele Vitacca
- FERS Respiratory Rehabilitation Unit, ICS S. Maugeri IRCCS, Lumezzane, BS, Italy
| | - Elena Carraro
- NeuroMuscular Omnicentre, Fondazione Serena Onlus, Neurorehabilitation Unit, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Carmelo Chisari
- Unit of Neurorehabilitation, Department of Medical Specialties, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Pietro Fiore
- Department of Basic Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Sonia Messina
- Neurology and Neuromuscular Unit, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Tiziana Mongini
- Neuromuscular Unit, Department of Neurosciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Antimo Moretti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties and Dentistry, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via De Crecchio 4, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Valeria A Sansone
- NeuroMuscular Omnicentre, Fondazione Serena Onlus, Neurorehabilitation Unit, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Toscano
- Neurology and Neuromuscular Unit, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Gabriele Siciliano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Vita GL, Vita G. Is it the right time for an infant screening for Duchenne muscular dystrophy? Neurol Sci 2020; 41:1677-1683. [PMID: 32112218 PMCID: PMC7359158 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-020-04307-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Newborn screening (NBS) is an essential, preventive public health programme for early identification of disorders whose early treatment can lead to significant reduction in morbidity and mortality. NBS for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) has been a controversial matter for many years, because of false positives, the lack of effective drugs and the need of more data about screening efficacy. The still high diagnostic delay of DMD and the current availability of drugs such as steroid, ataluren, eteplirsen, golodirsen and forthcoming new drugs, improving the clinical conditions if early started, make appropriate to begin a concrete discussion between stakeholders to identify best practice for DMD screening. A two-step system CK/DNA screening programme is presented to be performed in male infants aged between 6 months and 42 months involving more than 30,000 male infants. Five to eight DMD subjects are believed to be diagnosed. The pilot project would give the opportunity to test in a small population the feasibility of an infant screening programme, which in the near future could be applicable to an entire country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gian Luca Vita
- Nemo Sud Clinical Centre for Neuromuscular Disorders, Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Vita
- Nemo Sud Clinical Centre for Neuromuscular Disorders, Messina, Italy. .,Unit of Neurology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
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15
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Federico A. Rare Neurologic Diseases and Neurological Sciences: a report for the celebration of the 2020 Rare Diseases Day. Neurol Sci 2020; 41:491-495. [PMID: 32062737 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-020-04287-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Federico
- Department Medicine, Surgery an Neurosciences, Medical School, University of Siena, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy.
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16
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Gentile G, Cavallaro S. Translational Medicine in Neurological Disorders: A Genomic Perspective. Curr Genomics 2020; 20:151-153. [PMID: 31929723 PMCID: PMC6935953 DOI: 10.2174/138920292003190704143857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Gentile
- Institute of Neurological Sciences, Italian National Research Council, Via Paolo Gaifami 18, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Cavallaro
- Institute of Neurological Sciences, Italian National Research Council, Via Paolo Gaifami 18, 95125 Catania, Italy
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Esposito G, Carsana A. Metabolic Alterations in Cardiomyocytes of Patients with Duchenne and Becker Muscular Dystrophies. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8122151. [PMID: 31817415 PMCID: PMC6947625 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8122151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies (DMD/BMD) result in progressive weakness of skeletal and cardiac muscles due to the deficiency of functional dystrophin. Respiratory failure is a leading cause of mortality in DMD patients; however, improved management of the respiratory symptoms have increased patients' life expectancy, thereby also increasing the clinical relevance of heart disease. In fact, the prevalence of cardiomyopathy, which significantly contributes to mortality in DMD patients, increases with age and disease progression, so that over 95% of adult patients has cardiomyopathy signs. We here review the current literature featuring the metabolic alterations observed in the dystrophic heart of the mdx mouse, i.e., the best-studied animal model of the disease, and discuss their pathophysiological role in the DMD heart. It is well assessed that dystrophin deficiency is associated with pathological alterations of lipid metabolism, intracellular calcium levels, neuronal nitric oxide (NO) synthase localization, and NO and reactive oxygen species production. These metabolic stressors contribute to impair the function of the cardiac mitochondrial bulk, which has a relevant pathophysiological role in the development of cardiomyopathy. In fact, mitochondrial dysfunction becomes more severe as the dystrophic process progresses, thereby indicating it may be both the cause and the consequence of the dystrophic process in the DMD heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Esposito
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy;
- CEINGE Advanced Biotechnologies, Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Antonella Carsana
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy;
- Correspondence:
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18
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Ricci F, Vacchetti M, Brusa C, Vercelli L, Davico C, Vitiello B, Mongini T. New pharmacotherapies for genetic neuromuscular disorders: opportunities and challenges. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2019; 12:757-770. [DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2019.1634543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Federica Ricci
- Division of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Pediatrics, Regina Margherita Hospital, and Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Martina Vacchetti
- Division of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Pediatrics, Regina Margherita Hospital, and Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Chiara Brusa
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Liliana Vercelli
- Department of Neuroscience “Rita Levi Montalcini”; Hospital Città della Salute e della Scienza, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Chiara Davico
- Division of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Pediatrics, Regina Margherita Hospital, and Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Benedetto Vitiello
- Division of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Pediatrics, Regina Margherita Hospital, and Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Tiziana Mongini
- Department of Neuroscience “Rita Levi Montalcini”; Hospital Città della Salute e della Scienza, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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