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Yang J, Cao C, Liu J, Liu Y, Lu J, Yu H, Li X, Wu J, Yu Z, Li H, Chen G. Dystrophin 71 deficiency causes impaired aquaporin-4 polarization contributing to glymphatic dysfunction and brain edema in cerebral ischemia. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 199:106586. [PMID: 38950712 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106586] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The glymphatic system serves as a perivascular pathway that aids in clearing liquid and solute waste from the brain, thereby enhancing neurological function. Disorders in glymphatic drainage contribute to the development of vasogenic edema following cerebral ischemia, although the molecular mechanisms involved remain poorly understood. This study aims to determine whether a deficiency in dystrophin 71 (DP71) leads to aquaporin-4 (AQP4) depolarization, contributing to glymphatic dysfunction in cerebral ischemia and resulting in brain edema. METHODS A mice model of middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion was used. A fluorescence tracer was injected into the cortex and evaluated glymphatic clearance. To investigate the role of DP71 in maintaining AQP4 polarization, an adeno-associated virus with the astrocyte promoter was used to overexpress Dp71. The expression and distribution of DP71 and AQP4 were analyzed using immunoblotting, immunofluorescence, and co-immunoprecipitation techniques. The behavior ability of mice was evaluated by open field test. Open-access transcriptome sequencing data were used to analyze the functional changes of astrocytes after cerebral ischemia. MG132 was used to inhibit the ubiquitin-proteasome system. The ubiquitination of DP71 was detected by immunoblotting and co-immunoprecipitation. RESULTS During the vasogenic edema stage following cerebral ischemia, a decline in the efflux of interstitial fluid tracer was observed. DP71 and AQP4 were co-localized and interacted with each other in the perivascular astrocyte endfeet. After cerebral ischemia, there was a notable reduction in DP71 protein expression, accompanied by AQP4 depolarization and proliferation of reactive astrocytes. Increased DP71 expression restored glymphatic drainage and reduced brain edema. AQP4 depolarization, reactive astrocyte proliferation, and the behavior of mice were improved. After cerebral ischemia, DP71 was degraded by ubiquitination, and MG132 inhibited the decrease of DP71 protein level. CONCLUSION AQP4 depolarization after cerebral ischemia leads to glymphatic clearance disorder and aggravates cerebral edema. DP71 plays a pivotal role in regulating AQP4 polarization and consequently influences glymphatic function. Changes in DP71 expression are associated with the ubiquitin-proteasome system. This study offers a novel perspective on the pathogenesis of brain edema following cerebral ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China; Institute of Stroke Research, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Chang Cao
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China; Institute of Stroke Research, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jiale Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China; Institute of Stroke Research, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yangyang Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China; Institute of Stroke Research, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jinxin Lu
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China; Institute of Stroke Research, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - HaoYun Yu
- Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China; Institute of Stroke Research, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jiang Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China; Institute of Stroke Research, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Zhengquan Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China; Institute of Stroke Research, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Haiying Li
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China; Institute of Stroke Research, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China; Institute of Stroke Research, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
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Alnassar N, Hajto J, Rumney RMH, Verma S, Borczyk M, Saha C, Kanczler J, Butt AM, Occhipinti A, Pomeroy J, Angione C, Korostynski M, Górecki DC. Ablation of the dystrophin Dp71f alternative C-terminal variant increases sarcoma tumour cell aggressiveness. Hum Mol Genet 2024:ddae094. [PMID: 38850567 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddae094] [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: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Alterations in Dp71 expression, the most ubiquitous dystrophin isoform, have been associated with patient survival across tumours. Intriguingly, in certain malignancies, Dp71 acts as a tumour suppressor, while manifesting oncogenic properties in others. This diversity could be explained by the expression of two Dp71 splice variants encoding proteins with distinct C-termini, each with specific properties. Expression of these variants has impeded the exploration of their unique roles. Using CRISPR/Cas9, we ablated the Dp71f variant with the alternative C-terminus in a sarcoma cell line not expressing the canonical C-terminal variant, and conducted molecular (RNAseq) and functional characterisation of the knockout cells. Dp71f ablation induced major transcriptomic alterations, particularly affecting the expression of genes involved in calcium signalling and ECM-receptor interaction pathways. The genome-scale metabolic analysis identified significant downregulation of glucose transport via membrane vesicle reaction (GLCter) and downregulated glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathway. Functionally, these molecular changes corresponded with, increased calcium responses, cell adhesion, proliferation, survival under serum starvation and chemotherapeutic resistance. Knockout cells showed reduced GLUT1 protein expression, survival without attachment and their migration and invasion in vitro and in vivo were unaltered, despite increased matrix metalloproteinases release. Our findings emphasise the importance of alternative splicing of dystrophin transcripts and underscore the role of the Dp71f variant, which appears to govern distinct cellular processes frequently dysregulated in tumour cells. The loss of this regulatory mechanism promotes sarcoma cell survival and treatment resistance. Thus, Dp71f is a target for future investigations exploring the intricate functions of specific DMD transcripts in physiology and across malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Alnassar
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, White Swan Road, Portsmouth PO1 2DT, United Kingdom
| | - Jacek Hajto
- Laboratory of Pharmacogenomics, Maj Institute of Pharmacology PAS, Smetna 12, Krakow 31155, Poland
| | - Robin M H Rumney
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, White Swan Road, Portsmouth PO1 2DT, United Kingdom
| | - Suraj Verma
- School of Computing, Engineering and Digital Technologies, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, Tees Valley TS1 3BX, United Kingdom
| | - Malgorzata Borczyk
- Laboratory of Pharmacogenomics, Maj Institute of Pharmacology PAS, Smetna 12, Krakow 31155, Poland
| | - Chandrika Saha
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, White Swan Road, Portsmouth PO1 2DT, United Kingdom
| | - Janos Kanczler
- Bone & Joint Research Group, Department of Human Development and Health, University of Southampton, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, United Kingdom
| | - Arthur M Butt
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, White Swan Road, Portsmouth PO1 2DT, United Kingdom
| | - Annalisa Occhipinti
- School of Computing, Engineering and Digital Technologies, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, Tees Valley TS1 3BX, United Kingdom
| | - Joanna Pomeroy
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, White Swan Road, Portsmouth PO1 2DT, United Kingdom
| | - Claudio Angione
- School of Computing, Engineering and Digital Technologies, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, Tees Valley TS1 3BX, United Kingdom
| | - Michal Korostynski
- Laboratory of Pharmacogenomics, Maj Institute of Pharmacology PAS, Smetna 12, Krakow 31155, Poland
| | - Dariusz C Górecki
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, White Swan Road, Portsmouth PO1 2DT, United Kingdom
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McAllister IL, Vijayasekaran S, McLenachan S, Bhikoo R, Chen FK, Zhang D, Kanagalingam E, Yu DY. Cytokine Levels in Experimental Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion Treated With Either Bevacizumab or Triamcinolone Acetonide. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2024; 13:13. [PMID: 38899953 PMCID: PMC11193067 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.13.6.13] [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: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose To compare gene expression changes following branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) in the pig with and without bevacizumab (BEV) and triamcinolone acetonide (TA). Methods Photothrombotic BRVOs were created in both eyes of four groups of nine pigs (2, 6, 10, and 20 days). In each group, six pigs received intravitreal injections of BEV in one eye and TA in the fellow eye, with three pigs serving as untreated BRVO controls. Three untreated pigs served as healthy controls. Expression of mRNA of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), dystrophin (DMD), potassium inwardly rectifying channel subfamily J member 10 protein (Kir4.1, KCNJ10), aquaporin-4 (AQP4), stromal cell-derived factor-1α (CXCL12), interleukin-6 (IL6), interleukin-8 (IL8), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (CCL2), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1), and heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) were analyzed by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Retinal VEGF protein levels were characterized by immunohistochemistry. Results In untreated eyes, BRVO significantly increased expression of GFAP, IL8, CCL2, ICAM1, HSF1, and AQP4. Expression of VEGF, KCNJ10, and CXCL12 was significantly reduced by 6 days post-BRVO, with expression recovering to healthy control levels by day 20. Treatment with BEV or TA significantly increased VEGF, DMD, and IL6 expression compared with untreated BRVO eyes and suppressed BRVO-induced CCL2 and AQP4 upregulation, as well as recovery of KCNJ10 expression, at 10 to 20 days post-BRVO. Conclusions Inflammation and cellular osmohomeostasis rather than VEGF suppression appear to play important roles in BRVO-induced retinal neurodegeneration, enhanced in both BEV- and TA-treated retinas. Translational Relevance Inner retinal neurodegeneration seen in this acute model of BRVO appears to be mediated by inflammation and alterations in osmohomeostasis rather than VEGF inhibition, which may have implications for more specific treatment modalities in the acute phase of BRVO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian L. McAllister
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Lions Eye Institute, Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Sarojini Vijayasekaran
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Lions Eye Institute, Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Samuel McLenachan
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Lions Eye Institute, Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Riyaz Bhikoo
- Lions Eye Institute, Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Fred K. Chen
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Lions Eye Institute, Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dan Zhang
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Lions Eye Institute, Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Emily Kanagalingam
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Lions Eye Institute, Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Dao-Yi Yu
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Lions Eye Institute, Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
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4
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González-Reyes M, Aragón J, Sánchez-Trujillo A, Rodríguez-Martínez G, Duarte K, Eleftheriou E, Barnier JV, Naquin D, Thermes C, Romo-Yáñez J, Roger JE, Rendon A, Vaillend C, Montanez C. Expression of Dystrophin Dp71 Splice Variants Is Temporally Regulated During Rodent Brain Development. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04232-2. [PMID: 38802640 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04232-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Dystrophin Dp71 is the major product of the Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) gene in the brain, and its loss in DMD patients and mouse models leads to cognitive impairments. Dp71 is expressed as a range of proteins generated by alternative splicing of exons 71 to 74 and 78, classified in the main Dp71d and Dp71f groups that contain specific C-terminal ends. However, it is unknown whether each isoform has a specific role in distinct cell types, brain regions, and/or stages of brain development. In the present study, we characterized the expression of Dp71 isoforms during fetal (E10.5, E15.5) and postnatal (P1, P7, P14, P21 and P60) mouse and rat brain development. We finely quantified the expression of several Dp71 transcripts by RT-PCR and cloning assays in samples from whole-brain and distinct brain structures. The following Dp71 transcripts were detected: Dp71d, Dp71d∆71, Dp71d∆74, Dp71d∆71,74, Dp71d∆71-74, Dp71f, Dp71f∆71, Dp71f∆74, Dp71f∆71,74, and Dp71fΔ71-74. We found that the Dp71f isoform is the main transcript expressed at E10.5 (> 80%), while its expression is then progressively reduced and replaced by the expression of isoforms of the Dp71d group from E15.5 to postnatal and adult ages. This major finding was confirmed by third-generation nanopore sequencing. In addition, we found that the level of expression of specific Dp71 isoforms varies as a function of postnatal stages and brain structure. Our results suggest that Dp71 isoforms have different and complementary roles during embryonic and postnatal brain development, likely taking part in a variety of maturation processes in distinct cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayram González-Reyes
- Departamento de Genética y Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV), Mexico City, Mexico
- Institut des Neurosciences Paris Saclay, Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Saclay, 91400, France
| | - Jorge Aragón
- Departamento de Genética y Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV), Mexico City, Mexico
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université-INSERM-CNRS, 17 rue Moreau, Paris, 75012, France
| | - Alejandra Sánchez-Trujillo
- Departamento de Genética y Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Griselda Rodríguez-Martínez
- Departamento de Genética y Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV), Mexico City, Mexico
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Inmunología y Proteómica, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Kevin Duarte
- Institut des Neurosciences Paris Saclay, Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Saclay, 91400, France
| | - Evangelia Eleftheriou
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Gif-sur-Yvette, 91198, France
| | - Jean-Vianney Barnier
- Institut des Neurosciences Paris Saclay, Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Saclay, 91400, France
| | - Delphine Naquin
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Gif-sur-Yvette, 91198, France
| | - Claude Thermes
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Gif-sur-Yvette, 91198, France
| | - José Romo-Yáñez
- Departamento de Genética y Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV), Mexico City, Mexico
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université-INSERM-CNRS, 17 rue Moreau, Paris, 75012, France
- Coordinación de Endocrinología Ginecológica y Perinatal, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Jérome E Roger
- Institut des Neurosciences Paris Saclay, Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Saclay, 91400, France
- CERTO-Retina France, Saclay, 91400, France
| | - Alvaro Rendon
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université-INSERM-CNRS, 17 rue Moreau, Paris, 75012, France
| | - Cyrille Vaillend
- Institut des Neurosciences Paris Saclay, Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Saclay, 91400, France.
| | - Cecilia Montanez
- Departamento de Genética y Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV), Mexico City, Mexico.
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Falzarano MS, Mietto M, Fortunato F, Farnè M, Martini F, Ala P, Selvatici R, Muntoni F, Ferlini A. mRNA in situ hybridization exhibits unbalanced nuclear/cytoplasmic dystrophin transcript repartition in Duchenne myogenic cells and skeletal muscle biopsies. Sci Rep 2023; 13:15942. [PMID: 37743371 PMCID: PMC10518324 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-43134-6] [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: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
To gain insight on dystrophin (DMD) gene transcription dynamics and spatial localization, we assayed the DMD mRNA amount and defined its compartmentalization in myoblasts, myotubes, and skeletal muscle biopsies of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients. Using droplet digital PCR, Real-time PCR, and RNAscope in situ hybridization, we showed that the DMD transcript amount is extremely reduced in both DMD patients' cells and muscle biopsies and that mutation-related differences occur. We also found that, compared to controls, DMD transcript is dramatically reduced in the cytoplasm, as up to 90% of it is localized in nuclei, preferentially at the perinuclear region. Using RNA/protein colocalization experiments, we showed that about 40% of nuclear DMD mRNA is localized in the nucleoli in both control and DMD myogenic cells. Our results clearly show that mutant DMD mRNA quantity is strongly reduced in the patients' myogenic cells and muscle biopsies. Furthermore, mutant DMD mRNA compartmentalization is spatially unbalanced due to a shift in its localization towards the nuclei. This abnormal transcript repartition contributes to the poor abundance and availability of the dystrophin messenger in cytoplasm. This novel finding also has important repercussions for RNA-targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Sofia Falzarano
- Department of Medical Sciences, Unit of Medical Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Martina Mietto
- Department of Medical Sciences, Unit of Medical Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Fortunato
- Department of Medical Sciences, Unit of Medical Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marianna Farnè
- Department of Medical Sciences, Unit of Medical Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Pierpaolo Ala
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre and National Institute for Health Research, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Biomedical Research Centre, University College London, London, UK
| | - Rita Selvatici
- Department of Medical Sciences, Unit of Medical Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesco Muntoni
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre and National Institute for Health Research, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Biomedical Research Centre, University College London, London, UK
| | - Alessandra Ferlini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Unit of Medical Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre and National Institute for Health Research, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Biomedical Research Centre, University College London, London, UK.
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6
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Soussi S, Savchenko L, Rovina D, Iacovoni JS, Gottinger A, Vialettes M, Pioner JM, Farini A, Mallia S, Rabino M, Pompilio G, Parini A, Lairez O, Gowran A, Pizzinat N. IPSC derived cardiac fibroblasts of DMD patients show compromised actin microfilaments, metabolic shift and pro-fibrotic phenotype. Biol Direct 2023; 18:41. [PMID: 37501163 PMCID: PMC10373315 DOI: 10.1186/s13062-023-00398-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe form of muscular dystrophy caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene. We characterized which isoforms of dystrophin were expressed by human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived cardiac fibroblasts obtained from control and DMD patients. Distinct dystrophin isoforms were observed; however, highest molecular weight isoform was absent in DMD patients carrying exon deletions or mutations in the dystrophin gene. The loss of the full-length dystrophin isoform in hiPSC-derived cardiac fibroblasts from DMD patients resulted in deficient formation of actin microfilaments and a metabolic switch from mitochondrial oxidation to glycolysis. The DMD hiPSC-derived cardiac fibroblasts exhibited a dysregulated mitochondria network and reduced mitochondrial respiration, with enhanced compensatory glycolysis to sustain cellular ATP production. This metabolic remodeling was associated with an exacerbated myofibroblast phenotype and increased fibroblast activation in response to pro fibrotic challenges. As cardiac fibrosis is a critical pathological feature of the DMD heart, the myofibroblast phenotype induced by the absence of dystrophin may contribute to deterioration in cardiac function. Our study highlights the relationship between cytoskeletal dynamics, metabolism of the cell and myofibroblast differentiation and provides a new mechanism by which inactivation of dystrophin in non-cardiomyocyte cells may increase the severity of cardiopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salwa Soussi
- National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), I2MC, U1297, Toulouse, France
- University Toulouse III, 118 route de Narbonne, 31062 Toulouse, CEDEX 9, Toulouse, France
| | - Lesia Savchenko
- National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), I2MC, U1297, Toulouse, France
- University Toulouse III, 118 route de Narbonne, 31062 Toulouse, CEDEX 9, Toulouse, France
| | - Davide Rovina
- Unit of Vascular Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Jason S Iacovoni
- National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), I2MC, U1297, Toulouse, France
- National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM) U1297 I2MC, Bioinformatic Core Facility, I2MC, Toulouse, France
| | - Andrea Gottinger
- National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), I2MC, U1297, Toulouse, France
| | - Maxime Vialettes
- University Toulouse III, 118 route de Narbonne, 31062 Toulouse, CEDEX 9, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Andrea Farini
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Mallia
- Unit of Vascular Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Martina Rabino
- Unit of Vascular Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulio Pompilio
- Unit of Vascular Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Angelo Parini
- National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), I2MC, U1297, Toulouse, France
- University Toulouse III, 118 route de Narbonne, 31062 Toulouse, CEDEX 9, Toulouse, France
| | - Olivier Lairez
- National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), I2MC, U1297, Toulouse, France
- University Toulouse III, 118 route de Narbonne, 31062 Toulouse, CEDEX 9, Toulouse, France
| | - Aoife Gowran
- Unit of Vascular Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Nathalie Pizzinat
- National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), I2MC, U1297, Toulouse, France.
- University Toulouse III, 118 route de Narbonne, 31062 Toulouse, CEDEX 9, Toulouse, France.
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7
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Donandt T, Todorow V, Hintze S, Graupner A, Schoser B, Walter MC, Meinke P. Nuclear Small Dystrophin Isoforms during Muscle Differentiation. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1367. [PMID: 37374149 DOI: 10.3390/life13061367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the DMD gene can cause Duchenne or Becker muscular dystrophy (DMD/BMD) by affecting the giant isoform of dystrophin, a protein encoded by the DMD gene. The role of small dystrophin isoforms is not well investigated yet, and they may play a role in muscle development and molecular pathology. Here, we investigated the nuclear localization of short carboxy-terminal dystrophin isoforms during the in vitro differentiation of human, porcine, and murine myoblast cultures. We could not only confirm the presence of Dp71 in the nucleoplasm and at the nuclear envelope, but we could also identify the Dp40 isoform in muscle nuclei. The localization of both isoforms over the first six days of differentiation was similar between human and porcine myoblasts, but murine myoblasts behaved differently. This highlights the importance of the porcine model in investigating DMD. We could also detect a wave-like pattern of nuclear presence of both Dp71 and Dp40, indicating a direct or indirect involvement in gene expression control during muscle differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Donandt
- Friedrich-Baur-Institute at the Department of Neurology, LMU University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Vanessa Todorow
- Friedrich-Baur-Institute at the Department of Neurology, LMU University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan Hintze
- Friedrich-Baur-Institute at the Department of Neurology, LMU University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Alexandra Graupner
- Friedrich-Baur-Institute at the Department of Neurology, LMU University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Benedikt Schoser
- Friedrich-Baur-Institute at the Department of Neurology, LMU University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Maggie C Walter
- Friedrich-Baur-Institute at the Department of Neurology, LMU University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Meinke
- Friedrich-Baur-Institute at the Department of Neurology, LMU University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University, 81377 Munich, Germany
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8
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Maresh K, Papageorgiou A, Ridout D, Harrison NA, Mandy W, Skuse D, Muntoni F. Startle responses in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: a novel biomarker of brain dystrophin deficiency. Brain 2023; 146:252-265. [PMID: 35136951 PMCID: PMC9825594 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awac048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is characterized by loss of dystrophin in muscle, however patients also have variable degree of intellectual disability and neurobehavioural co-morbidities. In contrast to muscle, in which a single full-length dystrophin isoform (Dp427) is produced, multiple isoforms are produced in the brain, and their deficiency accounts for the variability of CNS manifestations, with increased risk of comorbidities in patients carrying mutations affecting the 3' end of the gene, which disrupt expression of shorter Dp140 and Dp71 isoforms. A mouse model (mdx mouse) lacks Dp427 in muscle and CNS and exhibits exaggerated startle responses to threat, linked to the deficiency of dystrophin in limbic structures such as the amygdala, which normalize with postnatal brain dystrophin-restoration therapies. A pathological startle response is not a recognized feature of DMD, and its characterization has implications for improved clinical management and translational research. To investigate startle responses in DMD, we used a novel fear-conditioning task in an observational study of 56 males aged 7-12 years (31 affected boys, mean age 9.7 ± 1.8 years; 25 controls, mean age 9.6 ± 1.4 years). Trials of two neutral visual stimuli were presented to participants: one 'safe' cue presented alone; one 'threat' cue paired with an aversive noise to enable conditioning of physiological startle responses (skin conductance response and heart rate). Retention of conditioned physiological responses was subsequently tested by presenting both cues without the aversive noise in an 'Extinction' phase. Primary outcomes were the initial unconditioned skin conductance and change in heart rate responses to the aversive 'threat' and acquisition and retention of conditioned responses after conditioning. Secondary and exploratory outcomes were neuropsychological measures and genotype associations. The mean unconditioned skin conductance response was greater in the DMD group than controls [mean difference 3.0 µS (1.0, 5.1); P = 0.004], associated with a significant threat-induced bradycardia only in the patient group [mean difference -8.7 bpm (-16.9, -0.51); P = 0.04]. Participants with DMD found the task more aversive than controls, with increased early termination rates during the Extinction phase (26% of DMD group versus 0% of controls; P = 0.007). This study provides the first evidence that boys with DMD show similar increased unconditioned startle responses to threat to the mdx mouse, which in the mouse respond to brain dystrophin restoration. Our study provides new insights into the neurobiology underlying the complex neuropsychiatric co-morbidities in DMD and defines an objective measure of this CNS phenotype, which will be valuable for future CNS-targeted dystrophin-restoration studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Maresh
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London WC1N 1EH, UK
- Queen Square Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Andriani Papageorgiou
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Deborah Ridout
- Population, Policy and Practice Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London WC1N 1EH, UK
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Neil A Harrison
- Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - William Mandy
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - David Skuse
- Department of Behavioural and Brain Sciences, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Francesco Muntoni
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London WC1N 1EH, UK
- Queen Square Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London WC1N 1EH, UK
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9
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Barboni MTS, Joachimsthaler A, Roux MJ, Nagy ZZ, Ventura DF, Rendon A, Kremers J, Vaillend C. Retinal dystrophins and the retinopathy of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Prog Retin Eye Res 2022:101137. [DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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10
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Rugerio-Martínez CI, Ramos D, Segura-Olvera A, Murillo-Melo NM, Tapia-Guerrero YS, Argüello-García R, Leyva-García N, Hernández-Hernández O, Cisneros B, Suárez-Sánchez R. Dp71 Point Mutations Induce Protein Aggregation, Loss of Nuclear Lamina Integrity and Impaired Braf35 and Ibraf Function in Neuronal Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911876. [PMID: 36233175 PMCID: PMC9570083 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Dystrophin Dp71 is the most abundant product of the Duchenne muscular dystrophy gene in the nervous system, and mutations impairing its function have been associated with the neurodevelopmental symptoms present in a third of DMD patients. Dp71 is required for the clustering of neurotransmitter receptors and the neuronal differentiation of cultured cells; nonetheless, its precise role in neuronal cells remains to be poorly understood. In this study, we analyzed the effect of two pathogenic DMD gene point mutations on the Dp71 function in neurons. We engineered C272Y and E299del mutations to express GFP-tagged Dp71 protein variants in N1E-115 and SH-SY5Y neuronal cells. Unexpectedly, the ectopic expression of Dp71 mutants resulted in protein aggregation, which may be mechanistically caused by the effect of the mutations on Dp71 structure, as predicted by protein modeling and molecular dynamics simulations. Interestingly, Dp71 mutant variants acquired a dominant negative function that, in turn, dramatically impaired the distribution of different Dp71 protein partners, including β-dystroglycan, nuclear lamins A/C and B1, the high-mobility group (HMG)-containing protein (BRAF35) and the BRAF35-family-member inhibitor of BRAF35 (iBRAF). Further analysis of Dp71 mutants provided evidence showing a role for Dp71 in modulating both heterochromatin marker H3K9me2 organization and the neuronal genes’ expression, via its interaction with iBRAF and BRAF5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Ivette Rugerio-Martínez
- Laboratorio de Medicina Genómica, Departamento de Genética, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación-Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra, Ciudad de Mexico 14389, Mexico
- Departamento de Genética y Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de Mexico 07360, Mexico
| | - Daniel Ramos
- Laboratorio de Medicina Genómica, Departamento de Genética, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación-Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra, Ciudad de Mexico 14389, Mexico
| | - Abel Segura-Olvera
- Laboratorio de Medicina Genómica, Departamento de Genética, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación-Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra, Ciudad de Mexico 14389, Mexico
| | - Nadia Mireya Murillo-Melo
- Laboratorio de Medicina Genómica, Departamento de Genética, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación-Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra, Ciudad de Mexico 14389, Mexico
| | - Yessica Sarai Tapia-Guerrero
- Laboratorio de Medicina Genómica, Departamento de Genética, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación-Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra, Ciudad de Mexico 14389, Mexico
| | - Raúl Argüello-García
- Departamento de Genética y Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de Mexico 07360, Mexico
| | - Norberto Leyva-García
- Laboratorio de Medicina Genómica, Departamento de Genética, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación-Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra, Ciudad de Mexico 14389, Mexico
| | - Oscar Hernández-Hernández
- Laboratorio de Medicina Genómica, Departamento de Genética, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación-Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra, Ciudad de Mexico 14389, Mexico
| | - Bulmaro Cisneros
- Departamento de Genética y Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de Mexico 07360, Mexico
| | - Rocío Suárez-Sánchez
- Laboratorio de Medicina Genómica, Departamento de Genética, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación-Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra, Ciudad de Mexico 14389, Mexico
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +52-55-5999-1000 (ext. 14710)
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11
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Jackson T, Seifi M, Górecki DC, Swinny JD. Specific Dystrophins Selectively Associate with Inhibitory and Excitatory Synapses of the Mouse Cerebellum and their Loss Alters Expression of P2X7 Purinoceptors and Pro-Inflammatory Mediators. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2022; 42:2357-2377. [PMID: 34101068 PMCID: PMC9418305 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-021-01110-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients, having mutations of the DMD gene, present with a range of neuropsychiatric disorders, in addition to the quintessential muscle pathology. The neurobiological basis remains poorly understood because the contributions of different DMD gene products (dystrophins) to the different neural networks underlying such symptoms are yet to be fully characterised. While full-length dystrophin clusters in inhibitory synapses, with inhibitory neurotransmitter receptors, the precise subcellular expression of truncated DMD gene products with excitatory synapses remains unresolved. Furthermore, inflammation, involving P2X purinoceptor 7 (P2RX7) accompanies DMD muscle pathology, yet any association with brain dystrophins is yet to be established. The aim of this study was to investigate the comparative expression of different dystrophins, alongside ionotropic glutamate receptors and P2RX7s, within the cerebellar circuitry known to express different dystrophin isoforms. Immunoreactivity for truncated DMD gene products was targeted to Purkinje cell (PC) distal dendrites adjacent to, or overlapping with, signal for GluA1, GluA4, GluN2A, and GluD2 receptor subunits. P2X7R immunoreactivity was located in Bergmann glia profiles adjacent to PC-dystrophin immunoreactivity. Ablation of all DMD gene products coincided with decreased mRNA expression for Gria2, Gria3, and Grin2a and increased GluD2 immunoreactivity. Finally, dystrophin-null mice showed decreased brain mRNA expression of P2rx7 and several inflammatory mediators. The data suggest that PCs target different dystrophin isoforms to molecularly and functionally distinct populations of synapses. In contrast to muscle, dystrophinopathy in brain leads to the dampening of the local immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torquil Jackson
- School of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, St Michael's Building, White Swan Road, Portsmouth, PO12DT, UK
| | - Mohsen Seifi
- Leicester School of Pharmacy, De Montfort University, Leicester, LE1 9BH, UK
| | - Dariusz C Górecki
- School of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, St Michael's Building, White Swan Road, Portsmouth, PO12DT, UK
- Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Kozielska 4, 01-001, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jerome D Swinny
- School of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, St Michael's Building, White Swan Road, Portsmouth, PO12DT, UK.
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12
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The role of the dystrophin glycoprotein complex in muscle cell mechanotransduction. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1022. [PMID: 36168044 PMCID: PMC9515174 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03980-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Dystrophin is the central protein of the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex (DGC) in skeletal and heart muscle cells. Dystrophin connects the actin cytoskeleton to the extracellular matrix (ECM). Severing the link between the ECM and the intracellular cytoskeleton has a devastating impact on the homeostasis of skeletal muscle cells, leading to a range of muscular dystrophies. In addition, the loss of a functional DGC leads to progressive dilated cardiomyopathy and premature death. Dystrophin functions as a molecular spring and the DGC plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity of the sarcolemma. Additionally, evidence is accumulating, linking the DGC to mechanosignalling, albeit this role is still less understood. This review article aims at providing an up-to-date perspective on the DGC and its role in mechanotransduction. We first discuss the intricate relationship between muscle cell mechanics and function, before examining the recent research for a role of the dystrophin glycoprotein complex in mechanotransduction and maintaining the biomechanical integrity of muscle cells. Finally, we review the current literature to map out how DGC signalling intersects with mechanical signalling pathways to highlight potential future points of intervention, especially with a focus on cardiomyopathies. A review of the function of the Dystrophic Glycoprotein Complex (DGC) in mechanosignaling provides an overview of the various components of DGC and potential mechanopathogenic mechanisms, particularly as they relate to muscular dystrophy.
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13
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Hildyard JC, Riddell DO, Harron RC, Rawson F, Foster EM, Massey C, Taylor-Brown F, Wells DJ, Piercy RJ. The skeletal muscle phenotype of the DE50-MD dog model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Wellcome Open Res 2022; 7:238. [PMID: 36865375 PMCID: PMC9971692 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.18251.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Animal models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) are essential to study disease progression and assess efficacy of therapeutic intervention, however dystrophic mice fail to display a clinically relevant phenotype, limiting translational utility. Dystrophin-deficient dogs exhibit disease similar to humans, making them increasingly important for late-stage preclinical evaluation of candidate therapeutics. The DE50-MD canine model of DMD carries a mutation within a human 'hotspot' region of the dystrophin gene, amenable to exon-skipping and gene editing strategies. As part of a large natural history study of disease progression, we have characterised the DE50-MD skeletal muscle phenotype to identify parameters that could serve as efficacy biomarkers in future preclinical trials. Methods: Vastus lateralis muscles were biopsied from a large cohort of DE50-MD dogs and healthy male littermates at 3-monthly intervals (3-18 months) for longitudinal analysis, with multiple muscles collected post-mortem to evaluate body-wide changes. Pathology was characterised quantitatively using histology and measurement of gene expression to determine statistical power and sample sizes appropriate for future work. Results: DE50-MD skeletal muscle exhibits widespread degeneration/regeneration, fibrosis, atrophy and inflammation. Degenerative/inflammatory changes peak during the first year of life, while fibrotic remodelling appears more gradual. Pathology is similar in most skeletal muscles, but in the diaphragm, fibrosis is more prominent, associated with fibre splitting and pathological hypertrophy. Picrosirius red and acid phosphatase staining represent useful quantitative histological biomarkers for fibrosis and inflammation respectively, while qPCR can be used to measure regeneration ( MYH3, MYH8), fibrosis ( COL1A1), inflammation ( SPP1), and stability of DE50-MD dp427 transcripts. Conclusion: The DE50-MD dog is a valuable model of DMD, with pathological features similar to young, ambulant human patients. Sample size and power calculations show that our panel of muscle biomarkers are of strong pre-clinical value, able to detect therapeutic improvements of even 25%, using trials with only six animals per group.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C.W. Hildyard
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, London, UK,
| | - Dominique O. Riddell
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, London, UK
| | - Rachel C.M. Harron
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, London, UK
| | - Faye Rawson
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, London, UK,Langford Veterinary Services, University of Bristol, Langford, UK
| | - Emma M.A. Foster
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, London, UK
| | - Claire Massey
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, London, UK
| | - Frances Taylor-Brown
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, London, UK,Cave Veterinary Specialists, George's Farm, West Buckland, UK
| | - Dominic J. Wells
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London, London, UK
| | - Richard J. Piercy
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, London, UK,
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14
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Nuclear transport and subcellular localization of the dystrophin Dp71 and Dp40 isoforms in the PC12 cell line. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 630:125-132. [PMID: 36155058 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.09.035] [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: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The shortest dystrophins, Dp71 and Dp40, are transcribed from the DMD gene through an internal promoter located in intron 62. These proteins are the main product of the DMD gene in the nervous system and have been involved in various functions related to cellular differentiation and proliferation as well as other cellular processes. Dp71 mRNA undergoes alternative splicing that results in different Dp71 protein isoforms. The subcellular localization of some of these isoforms in the PC12 cell line has been previously reported, and a differential subcellular distribution was observed, which suggests a particular role for each isoform. With the aim of obtaining information on their function, this study identified factors involved in the nuclear transport of Dp71 and Dp40 isoforms in the PC12 cell line. Cell cultures were treated with specific nuclear import/export inhibitors to determine the Dp71 isoform transport routes. The results showed that all isoforms of Dp71 and Dp40 included in the analysis have the ability to enter the cell nucleus through α/β importin, and the main route of nuclear export for Dp71 isoforms is through the exportin CRM1, which is not the case for Dp40.
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15
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Increased Dp71 in ischemia-reperfusion injured rat heart exerts anti-apoptotic role via enhancing Bcl-2. Tissue Cell 2022; 79:101951. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2022.101951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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16
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Farea M, Maeta K, Nishio H, Matsuo M. Human Dystrophin Dp71ab Enhances the Proliferation of Myoblasts Across Species But Not Human Nonmyoblast Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:877612. [PMID: 35547811 PMCID: PMC9081641 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.877612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dystrophin Dp71 is an isoform produced from the Dp71 promoter in intron 62 of the DMD gene, mutations in which cause Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Dp71 is involved in various cellular processes and comprises more than 10 isoforms produced by alternative splicing. Dp71ab, in which both exons 71 and 78 are deleted, has a hydrophobic C-terminus that is hydrophilic in Dp71. Therefore, Dp71ab is believed to have different roles from Dp71. Previously, we reported that Dp71ab enhanced the proliferation of human myoblasts. Here, we further characterized Dp71ab, focusing on the activation of cell proliferation. Dp71ab increased the proliferation of immortalized human myoblasts in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, Dp71 suppressed proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Consistent with these opposite effects, eGFP-tagged Dp71ab and mCherry-tagged Dp71 showed different cellular distributions, with Dp71ab mostly in the nucleus. Notably, human Dp71ab enhanced the proliferation of rat and mouse myoblasts. Despite these findings, human Dp71ab did not enhance the proliferation of human nonmyoblast cells, including rhabdomyosarcoma cells. We concluded that Dp71ab is a myoblast-specific proliferation enhancer. In further studies, Dp71ab will be employed for the expansion of myoblasts in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manal Farea
- Research Center for Locomotion Biology, Kobe Gakuin University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Maeta
- Research Center for Locomotion Biology, Kobe Gakuin University, Kobe, Japan
- KNC Department of Nucleic Acid Drug Discovery, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kobe Gakuin University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Hisahide Nishio
- Research Center for Locomotion Biology, Kobe Gakuin University, Kobe, Japan
- Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kobe Gakuin University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Masafumi Matsuo
- Research Center for Locomotion Biology, Kobe Gakuin University, Kobe, Japan
- KNC Department of Nucleic Acid Drug Discovery, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kobe Gakuin University, Kobe, Japan
- *Correspondence: Masafumi Matsuo,
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17
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Stefano MED, Ferretti V, Mozzetta C. Synaptic alterations as a neurodevelopmental trait of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 168:105718. [PMID: 35390481 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Dystrophinopaties, e.g., Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), Becker muscular dystrophy and X-linked dilated cardiomyopathy are inherited neuromuscular diseases, characterized by progressive muscular degeneration, which however associate with a significant impact on general system physiology. The more severe is the pathology and its diversified manifestations, the heavier are its effects on organs, systems, and tissues other than muscles (skeletal, cardiac and smooth muscles). All dystrophinopaties are characterized by mutations in a single gene located on the X chromosome encoding dystrophin (Dp427) and its shorter isoforms, but DMD is the most devasting: muscular degenerations manifests within the first 4 years of life, progressively affecting motility and other muscular functions, and leads to a fatal outcome between the 20s and 40s. To date, after years of studies on both DMD patients and animal models of the disease, it has been clearly demonstrated that a significant percentage of DMD patients are also afflicted by cognitive, neurological, and autonomic disorders, of varying degree of severity. The anatomical correlates underlying neural functional damages are established during embryonic development and the early stages of postnatal life, when brain circuits, sensory and motor connections are still maturing. The impact of the absence of Dp427 on the development, differentiation, and consolidation of specific cerebral circuits (hippocampus, cerebellum, prefrontal cortex, amygdala) is significant, and amplified by the frequent lack of one or more of its lower molecular mass isoforms. The most relevant aspect, which characterizes DMD-associated neurological disorders, is based on morpho-functional alterations of selective synaptic connections within the affected brain areas. This pathological feature correlates neurological conditions of DMD to other severe neurological disorders, such as schizophrenia, epilepsy and autistic spectrum disorders, among others. This review discusses the organization and the role of the dystrophin-dystroglycan complex in muscles and neurons, focusing on the neurological aspect of DMD and on the most relevant morphological and functional synaptic alterations, in both central and autonomic nervous systems, described in the pathology and its animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Egle De Stefano
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; Center for Research in Neurobiology Daniel Bovet, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Valentina Ferretti
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; Center for Research in Neurobiology Daniel Bovet, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Mozzetta
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology (IBPM), National Research Council (CNR) of Italy c/o Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
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18
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Passos-Bueno MR, Costa CIS, Zatz M. Dystrophin genetic variants and autism. DISCOVER MENTAL HEALTH 2022; 2:4. [PMID: 37861890 PMCID: PMC10501027 DOI: 10.1007/s44192-022-00008-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Loss-of-function variants in the dystrophin gene, a well-known cause of muscular dystrophies, have emerged as a mutational risk mechanism for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which in turn is a highly prevalent (~ 1%) genetically heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder. Although the association of intellectual disability with the dystrophinopathies Duchenne (DMD) and Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) has been long established, their association with ASD is more recent, and the dystrophin genotype-ASD phenotype correlation is unclear. We therefore present a review of the literature focused on the ASD prevalence among dystrophinopathies, the relevance of the dystrophin isoforms, and most particularly the relevance of the genetic background to the etiology of ASD in these patients. Four families with ASD-DMD/BMD patients are also reported here for the first time. These include a single ASD individual, ASD-discordant and ASD-concordant monozygotic twins, and non-identical ASD triplets. Notably, two unrelated individuals, which were first ascertained because of the ASD phenotype at ages 15 and 5 years respectively, present rare dystrophin variants still poorly characterized, suggesting that some dystrophin variants may compromise the brain more prominently. Whole exome sequencing in these ASD-DMD/BMD individuals together with the literature suggest, although based on preliminary data, a complex and heterogeneous genetic architecture underlying ASD in dystrophinopathies, that include rare variants of large and medium effect. The need for the establishment of a consortia for genomic investigation of ASD-DMD/BMD patients, which may shed light on the genetic architecture of ASD, is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rita Passos-Bueno
- Departamento de Genética e Biologia Evolutiva, Centro de Estudos do Genoma Humano e Células-Tronco, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Claudia Ismania Samogy Costa
- Departamento de Genética e Biologia Evolutiva, Centro de Estudos do Genoma Humano e Células-Tronco, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Mayana Zatz
- Departamento de Genética e Biologia Evolutiva, Centro de Estudos do Genoma Humano e Células-Tronco, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Lange J, Gillham O, Alkharji R, Eaton S, Ferrari G, Madej M, Flower M, Tedesco FS, Muntoni F, Ferretti P. Dystrophin deficiency affects human astrocyte properties and response to damage. Glia 2022; 70:466-490. [PMID: 34773297 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
In addition to progressive muscular degeneration due to dystrophin mutations, 1/3 of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients present cognitive deficits. However, there is currently an incomplete understanding about the function of the multiple dystrophin isoforms in human brains. Here, we tested the hypothesis that dystrophin deficiency affects glial function in DMD and could therefore contribute to neural impairment. We investigated human dystrophin isoform expression with development and differentiation and response to damage in human astrocytes from control and induced pluripotent stem cells from DMD patients. In control cells, short dystrophin isoforms were up-regulated with development and their expression levels changed differently upon neuronal and astrocytic differentiation, as well as in 2-dimensional versus 3-dimensional astrocyte cultures. All DMD-astrocytes tested displayed altered morphology, proliferative activity and AQP4 expression. Furthermore, they did not show any morphological change in response to inflammatory stimuli and their number was significantly lower as compared to stimulated healthy astrocytes. Finally, DMD-astrocytes appeared to be more sensitive than controls to oxidative damage as shown by their increased cell death. Behavioral and metabolic defects in DMD-astrocytes were consistent with gene pathway dysregulation shared by lines with different mutations as demonstrated by bulk RNA-seq analysis. Together, our DMD model provides evidence for altered astrocyte function in DMD suggesting that defective astrocyte responses may contribute to neural impairment and might provide additional potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Lange
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer, Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Olivia Gillham
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer, Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Reem Alkharji
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer, Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Simon Eaton
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer, Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Giulia Ferrari
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Monika Madej
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Michael Flower
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Francesco Saverio Tedesco
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, UK
| | - Francesco Muntoni
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, & Great Ormond Street Hospital Trust, London, UK
| | - Patrizia Ferretti
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer, Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
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20
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Shi N, Yang Q, Zhang H, Lu J, Lin H, Yang X, Abulimiti A, Cheng J, Wang Y, Tong L, Wang T, Zhang X, Chen H, Xia Q. Restoration of dystrophin expression in mice by suppressing a nonsense mutation through the incorporation of unnatural amino acids. Nat Biomed Eng 2022; 6:195-206. [PMID: 34341535 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-021-00774-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Approximately 11% of monogenic diseases involve nonsense mutations that are caused by premature termination codons. These codons can in principle be read-through via the site-specific incorporation of unnatural amino acids to generate full-length proteins with minimal loss of function. Here we report that aminoacyl-tRNA-synthase-tRNA pairs specific for the desired unnatural amino acids can be used to read through a nonsense mutation in the dystrophin gene. We show partial restoration of dystrophin expression in differentiated primary myoblasts (from a mdx mouse model and a patient with Duchenne muscular dystrophy), and restoration of muscle function in two mouse models: mdx mice, via viral delivery of the engineered tRNA-synthase-tRNA pair intraperitoneally or intramuscularly and of the associated unnatural amino acid intraperitoneally; and mice produced by crossing mdx mice and transgenic mice with a chromosomally integrated pair, via intraperitoneal delivery of the unnatural amino acid. The incorporation of unnatural amino acids to restore endogenous protein expression could be explored for therapeutic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningning Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Haoran Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaqi Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Haishuang Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Aikedan Abulimiti
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jialu Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Le Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Tianchang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaodong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongmin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Qing Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.
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21
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Crawford AH, Hildyard JCW, Rushing SAM, Wells DJ, Diez-Leon M, Piercy RJ. Validation of DE50-MD dogs as a model for the brain phenotype of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:273974. [PMID: 35019137 PMCID: PMC8906169 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a fatal musculoskeletal disease, is associated with neurodevelopmental disorders and cognitive impairment caused by brain dystrophin deficiency. Dog models of DMD represent key translational tools to study dystrophin biology and to develop novel therapeutics. However, characterisation of dystrophin expression and function in the canine brain is lacking. We studied the DE50-MD canine model of DMD that has a missense mutation in the donor splice site of exon 50. Using a battery of cognitive tests, we detected a neurocognitive phenotype in DE50-MD dogs, including reduced attention, problem solving and exploration of novel objects. Through a combination of capillary immunoelectrophoresis, immunolabelling, quantitative PCR and RNAScope in situ hybridisation, we show that regional dystrophin expression in the adult canine brain reflects that of humans, and that the DE50-MD dog lacks full-length dystrophin (Dp427) protein expression but retains expression of the two shorter brain-expressed isoforms, Dp140 and Dp71. Thus, the DE50-MD dog is a translationally relevant pre-clinical model to study the consequences of Dp427 deficiency in the brain and to develop therapeutic strategies for the neurological sequelae of DMD. Summary: The DE50-MD canine model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) shows cognitive and brain biochemical changes secondary to dystrophin deficiency in the brain, and is a relevant pre-clinical model to develop therapies for DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbe H Crawford
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, United Kingdom
| | - John C W Hildyard
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie A M Rushing
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dominic J Wells
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Diez-Leon
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Richard J Piercy
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, United Kingdom
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22
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Mohamadian M, Rastegar M, Pasamanesh N, Ghadiri A, Ghandil P, Naseri M. Clinical and Molecular Spectrum of Muscular Dystrophies (MDs) with Intellectual Disability (ID): a Comprehensive Overview. J Mol Neurosci 2021; 72:9-23. [PMID: 34727324 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-021-01933-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Muscular dystrophies encompass a wide and heterogeneous subset of hereditary myopathies that manifest by the structural or functional abnormalities in the skeletal muscle. Some pathogenic mutations induce a dysfunction or loss of proteins that are critical for the stability of muscle cells, leading to progressive muscle degradation and weakening. Several studies have well-established cognitive deficits in muscular dystrophies which are mainly due to the disruption of brain-specific expression of affected muscle proteins. We provide a comprehensive overview of the types of muscular dystrophies that are accompanied by intellectual disability by detailed consulting of the main libraries. The current paper focuses on the clinical and molecular evidence about Duchenne, congenital, limb-girdle, and facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophies as well as myotonic dystrophies. Because these syndromes impose a heavy burden of psychological and financial problems on patients, their families, and the health care community, a thorough examination is necessary to perform timely psychological and medical interventions and thus improve the quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malihe Mohamadian
- Cancer Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran, 616476515.
| | - Mandana Rastegar
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Negin Pasamanesh
- Zanjan Metabolic Diseases Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Ata Ghadiri
- Department of Immunology, Medical School, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Pegah Ghandil
- Diabetes Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.,Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mohsen Naseri
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
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23
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Ohlendieck K, Swandulla D. Complexity of skeletal muscle degeneration: multi-systems pathophysiology and organ crosstalk in dystrophinopathy. Pflugers Arch 2021; 473:1813-1839. [PMID: 34553265 PMCID: PMC8599371 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-021-02623-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a highly progressive muscle wasting disorder due to primary abnormalities in one of the largest genes in the human genome, the DMD gene, which encodes various tissue-specific isoforms of the protein dystrophin. Although dystrophinopathies are classified as primary neuromuscular disorders, the body-wide abnormalities that are associated with this disorder and the occurrence of organ crosstalk suggest that a multi-systems pathophysiological view should be taken for a better overall understanding of the complex aetiology of X-linked muscular dystrophy. This article reviews the molecular and cellular effects of deficiency in dystrophin isoforms in relation to voluntary striated muscles, the cardio-respiratory system, the kidney, the liver, the gastrointestinal tract, the nervous system and the immune system. Based on the establishment of comprehensive biomarker signatures of X-linked muscular dystrophy using large-scale screening of both patient specimens and genetic animal models, this article also discusses the potential usefulness of novel disease markers for more inclusive approaches to differential diagnosis, prognosis and therapy monitoring that also take into account multi-systems aspects of dystrophinopathy. Current therapeutic approaches to combat muscular dystrophy are summarised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kay Ohlendieck
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, National University of Ireland, Co. Kildare, Maynooth, W23F2H6, Ireland.
- Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, Co. Kildare, Maynooth, W23F2H6, Ireland.
| | - Dieter Swandulla
- Institute of Physiology, University of Bonn, 53115, Bonn, Germany.
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24
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Niba ETE, Awano H, Lee T, Takeshima Y, Shinohara M, Nishio H, Matsuo M. Dystrophin Dp71 Subisoforms Localize to the Mitochondria of Human Cells. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11090978. [PMID: 34575126 PMCID: PMC8468555 DOI: 10.3390/life11090978] [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: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a fatal muscle wasting disease caused by deficiency in dystrophin, a protein product encoded by the DMD gene. Mitochondrial dysfunction is now attracting much attention as a central player in DMD pathology. However, dystrophin has never been explored in human mitochondria. Here, we analyzed dystrophin in cDNAs and mitochondrial fractions of human cells. Mitochondrial fraction was obtained using a magnetic-associated cell sorting (MACS) technology. Dystrophin was analyzed by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR and western blotting using an antibody against the dystrophin C-terminal. In isolated mitochondrial fraction from HEK293 cells, dystrophin was revealed as a band corresponding to Dp71b and Dp71ab subisoforms. Additionally, in mitochondria from HeLa, SH-SY5Y, CCL-136 and HepG2 cells, signals for Dp71b and Dp71ab were revealed as well. Concomitantly, dystrophin mRNAs encoding Dp71b and Dp71ab were disclosed by RT-PCR in these cells. Primary cultured myocytes from three dystrophinopathy patients showed various levels of mitochondrial Dp71 expression. Coherently, levels of mRNA were different in all cells reflecting the protein content, which indicated predominant accumulation of Dp71. Dystrophin was demonstrated to be localized to human mitochondrial fraction, specifically as Dp71 subisoforms. Myocytes derived from dystrophinopathy patients manifested different levels of mitochondrial Dp71, with higher expression revealed in myocytes from Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) patient-derived myocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Tabe Eko Niba
- Department of Community Medicine and Social Healthcare Science, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-78-382-5543
| | - Hiroyuki Awano
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan;
| | - Tomoko Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya 663-8501, Japan; (T.L.); (Y.T.)
| | - Yasuhiro Takeshima
- Department of Pediatrics, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya 663-8501, Japan; (T.L.); (Y.T.)
| | - Masakazu Shinohara
- Department of Community Medicine and Social Healthcare Science, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan;
| | - Hisahide Nishio
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kobe Gakuin University, Kobe 651-2180, Japan;
| | - Masafumi Matsuo
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kobe Gakuin University, Kobe 651-2180, Japan;
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25
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Fujimoto T, Yaoi T, Tanaka H, Itoh K. Dystroglycan regulates proper expression, submembranous localization and subsequent phosphorylation of Dp71 through physical interaction. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 29:3312-3326. [PMID: 32996569 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddaa217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Dystrophin-dystroglycan complex (DGC) plays important roles for structural integrity and cell signaling, and its defects cause progressive muscular degeneration and intellectual disability. Dystrophin short product, Dp71, is abundantly expressed in multiple tissues other than muscle and is suspected of contributing to cognitive functions; however, its molecular characteristics and relation to dystroglycan (DG) remain unknown. Here, we report that DG physically interacts with Dp71 in cultured cells. Intriguingly, DG expression positively and DG knockdown negatively affected the steady-state expression, submembranous localization and subsequent phosphorylation of Dp71. Mechanistically, two EF-hand regions along with a ZZ motif of Dp71 mediate its association with the transmembrane proximal region, amino acid residues 788-806, of DG cytoplasmic domain. Most importantly, the pathogenic point mutations of Dp71, C272Y in the ZZ motif or L170del in the second EF-hand region, impaired its binding to DG, submembranous localization and phosphorylation of Dp71, indicating the relevance of DG-dependent Dp71 regulatory mechanism to pathophysiological conditions. Since Dp140, another dystrophin product, was also regulated by DG in the same manner as Dp71, our results uncovered a tight molecular relation between DG and dystrophin, which has broad implications for understanding the DGC-related cellular physiology and pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Fujimoto
- Department of Pathology and Applied Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Takeshi Yaoi
- Department of Pathology and Applied Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Hidekazu Tanaka
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu, Shiga 525-8577, Japan
| | - Kyoko Itoh
- Department of Pathology and Applied Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
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26
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Cellular pathology of the human heart in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD): lessons learned from in vitro modeling. Pflugers Arch 2021; 473:1099-1115. [DOI: 10.1007/s00424-021-02589-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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27
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Mackenzie SJ, Nicolau S, Connolly AM, Mendell JR. Therapeutic Approaches for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: Old and New. Semin Pediatr Neurol 2021; 37:100877. [PMID: 33892842 DOI: 10.1016/j.spen.2021.100877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is marked by pathogenic variants in the DMD gene, leading to reduced or absent dystrophin translation, muscle fiber destruction, loss of ambulation, cardiomyopathy, respiratory failure, and eventually death. Disease progression is slowed with use of prednisone or other corticosteroid agents. Gene replacement therapy, which is one of the focus points of this review, has emerged as the most promising potential treatment for DMD, though alternative RNA-based strategies have been employed for patients with specific pathogenic variants. While challenges remain, many of these novel therapeutic approaches hold promise for treating this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel J Mackenzie
- Center for Gene Therapy, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH; Department of Pediatrics and Neurology; The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH.
| | - Stefan Nicolau
- Center for Gene Therapy, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH
| | - Anne M Connolly
- Center for Gene Therapy, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH; Department of Pediatrics and Neurology; The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Jerry R Mendell
- Center for Gene Therapy, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH; Department of Pediatrics and Neurology; The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
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28
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Altered visual processing in the mdx52 mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 152:105288. [PMID: 33556541 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The mdx52 mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is lacking exon 52 of the DMD gene that is located in a hotspot mutation region causing cognitive deficits and retinal anomalies in DMD patients. This deletion leads to the loss of the dystrophin proteins, Dp427, Dp260 and Dp140, while Dp71 is preserved. The flash electroretinogram (ERG) in mdx52 mice was previously characterized by delayed dark-adapted b-waves. A detailed description of functional ERG changes and visual performances in mdx52 mice is, however, lacking. Here an extensive full-field ERG repertoire was applied in mdx52 mice and WT littermates to analyze retinal physiology in scotopic, mesopic and photopic conditions in response to flash, sawtooth and/or sinusoidal stimuli. Behavioral contrast sensitivity was assessed using quantitative optomotor response (OMR) to sinusoidally modulated luminance gratings at 100% or 50% contrast. The mdx52 mice exhibited reduced amplitudes and delayed implicit times in dark-adapted ERG flash responses, particularly in their b-wave and oscillatory potentials, and diminished amplitudes of light-adapted flash ERGs. ERG responses to sawtooth stimuli were also diminished and delayed for both mesopic and photopic conditions in mdx52 mice and the first harmonic amplitudes to photopic sine-wave stimuli were smaller at all temporal frequencies. OMR indices were comparable between genotypes at 100% contrast but significantly reduced in mdx52 mice at 50% contrast. The complex ERG alterations and disturbed contrast vision in mdx52 mice include features observed in DMD patients and suggest altered photoreceptor-to-bipolar cell transmission possibly affecting contrast sensitivity. The mdx52 mouse is a relevant model to appraise the roles of retinal dystrophins and for preclinical studies related to DMD.
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29
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Razeq A, Ahmad S. Early Identification of DMD in the Setting of West Syndrome. Child Neurol Open 2021; 8:2329048X211036546. [PMID: 34869784 PMCID: PMC8642047 DOI: 10.1177/2329048x211036546] [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: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchene muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common muscular dystrophy in childhood, affecting ∼1:5000 male live births worldwide. DMD is a genetic disorder with X-linked recessive inheritance pattern characterized by a severe muscular phenotype with progressive muscle weakness and atrophy due to pathogenic variations within the DMD gene. Two cases are reported to date in the literature of individuals with a diagnosis of both DMD and West syndrome; neither of which had the degree of additional genetic abnormalities that our patient demonstrates. We present a male infant with West syndrome, and multiple pathogenic variants, the ominous one being in the DMD gene. This case adds to confirming that West syndrome expands the spectrum of epilepsy that may be present in DMD patients. Additionally, this case can identify how the early use of steroids may shed light on effects of early symptomatic treatment of DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Razeq
- Baylor College of Medicine, San Antonio, TX USA
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30
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Belmaati Cherkaoui M, Vacca O, Izabelle C, Boulay AC, Boulogne C, Gillet C, Barnier JV, Rendon A, Cohen-Salmon M, Vaillend C. Dp71 contribution to the molecular scaffold anchoring aquaporine-4 channels in brain macroglial cells. Glia 2020; 69:954-970. [PMID: 33247858 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Intellectual disability in Duchenne muscular dystrophy has been associated with the loss of dystrophin-protein 71, Dp71, the main dystrophin-gene product in the adult brain. Dp71 shows major expression in perivascular macroglial endfeet, suggesting that dysfunctional glial mechanisms contribute to cognitive impairments. In the present study, we investigated the molecular alterations induced by a selective loss of Dp71 in mice, using semi-quantitative immunogold analyses in electron microscopy and immunofluorescence confocal analyses in brain sections and purified gliovascular units. In macroglial pericapillary endfeet of the cerebellum and hippocampus, we found a drastic reduction (70%) of the polarized distribution of aquaporin-4 (AQP4) channels, a 50% reduction of β-dystroglycan, and a complete loss of α1-syntrophin. Interestingly, in the hippocampus and cortex, these effects were not homogeneous: AQP4 and AQP4ex isoforms were mostly lost around capillaries but preserved in large vessels corresponding to pial arteries, penetrating cortical arterioles, and arterioles of the hippocampal fissure, indicating the presence of Dp71-independent pools of AQP4 in these vascular structures. In conclusion, the depletion of Dp71 strongly alters the distribution of AQP4 selectively in macroglial perivascular endfeet surrounding capillaries. This effect likely affects water homeostasis and blood-brain barrier functions and may thus contribute to the synaptic and cognitive defects associated with Dp71 deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ophélie Vacca
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut des Neurosciences Paris Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Charlotte Izabelle
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut des Neurosciences Paris Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Anne-Cécile Boulay
- Physiology and Physiopathology of the Gliovascular Unit Research Group, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), Collège de France, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7241CNRS, Unité 1050 INSERM, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Claire Boulogne
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CEA, CNRS, Univ Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Cynthia Gillet
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CEA, CNRS, Univ Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Jean-Vianney Barnier
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut des Neurosciences Paris Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Alvaro Rendon
- UPMC Université Paris 06, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France
| | - Martine Cohen-Salmon
- Physiology and Physiopathology of the Gliovascular Unit Research Group, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), Collège de France, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7241CNRS, Unité 1050 INSERM, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Cyrille Vaillend
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut des Neurosciences Paris Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
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First Identification of RNA-Binding Proteins That Regulate Alternative Exons in the Dystrophin Gene. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21207803. [PMID: 33096920 PMCID: PMC7589424 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) gene has a complex expression pattern regulated by multiple tissue-specific promoters and by alternative splicing (AS) of the resulting transcripts. Here, we used an RNAi-based approach coupled with DMD-targeted RNA-seq to identify RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) that regulate splicing of its skeletal muscle isoform (Dp427m) in a human muscular cell line. A total of 16 RBPs comprising the major regulators of muscle-specific splicing events were tested. We show that distinct combinations of RBPs maintain the correct inclusion in the Dp427m of exons that undergo spatio-temporal AS in other dystrophin isoforms. In particular, our findings revealed the complex networks of RBPs contributing to the splicing of the two short DMD exons 71 and 78, the inclusion of exon 78 in the adult Dp427m isoform being crucial for muscle function. Among the RBPs tested, QKI and DDX5/DDX17 proteins are important determinants of DMD exon inclusion. This is the first large-scale study to determine which RBP proteins act on the physiological splicing of the DMD gene. Our data shed light on molecular mechanisms contributing to the expression of the different dystrophin isoforms, which could be influenced by a change in the function or expression level of the identified RBPs.
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Dystrophin Dp71ab is monoclonally expressed in human satellite cells and enhances proliferation of myoblast cells. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17123. [PMID: 33051488 PMCID: PMC7553993 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74157-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Dystrophin Dp71 is the smallest isoform of the DMD gene, mutations in which cause Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Dp71 has also been shown to have roles in various cellular processes. Stem cell-based therapy may be effective in treating DMD, but the inability to generate a sufficient number of stem cells remains a significant obstacle. Although Dp71 is comprised of many variants, Dp71 in satellite cells has not yet been studied. Here, the full-length Dp71 consisting of 18 exons from exons G1 to 79 was amplified by reverse transcription-PCR from total RNA of human satellite cells. The amplified product showed deletion of both exons 71 and 78 in all sequenced clones, indicating monoclonal expression of Dp71ab. Western blotting of the satellite cell lysate showed a band corresponding to over-expressed Dp71ab. Transfection of a plasmid expressing Dp71ab into human myoblasts significantly enhanced cell proliferation when compared to the cells transfected with the mock plasmid. However, transfection of the Dp71 expression plasmid encoding all 18 exons did not enhance myoblast proliferation. These findings indicated that Dp71ab, but not Dp71, is a molecular enhancer of myoblast proliferation and that transfection with Dp71ab may generate a high yield of stem cells for DMD treatment.
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Trucco F, Domingos JP, Tay CG, Ridout D, Maresh K, Munot P, Sarkozy A, Robb S, Quinlivan R, Riley M, Burch M, Fenton M, Wallis C, Chan E, Abel F, Manzur AY, Muntoni F. Cardiorespiratory Progression Over 5 Years and Role of Corticosteroids in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Chest 2020; 158:1606-1616. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2020.04.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
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Meng J, Counsell J, Morgan JE. Effects of Mini-Dystrophin on Dystrophin-Deficient, Human Skeletal Muscle-Derived Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E7168. [PMID: 32998454 PMCID: PMC7582244 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We are developing a novel therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), involving the transplantation of autologous, skeletal muscle-derived stem cells that have been genetically corrected to express dystrophin. Dystrophin is normally expressed in activated satellite cells and in differentiated muscle fibres. However, in past preclinical validation studies, dystrophin transgenes have generally been driven by constitutive promoters that would be active at every stage of the myogenic differentiation process, including in proliferating muscle stem cells. It is not known whether artificial dystrophin expression would affect the properties of these cells. AIMS Our aims are to determine if mini-dystrophin expression affects the proliferation or myogenic differentiation of DMD skeletal muscle-derived cells. METHODS Skeletal muscle-derived cells from a DMD patient were transduced with lentivirus coding for mini-dystrophins (R3-R13 spectrin-like repeats (ΔR3R13) or hinge2 to spectrin-like repeats R23 (ΔH2R23)) with EGFP (enhanced green fluorescence protein) fused to the C-terminus, driven by a constitutive promoter, spleen focus-forming virus (SFFV). Transduced cells were purified on the basis of GFP expression. Their proliferation and myogenic differentiation were quantified by ethynyl deoxyuridine (EdU) incorporation and fusion index. Furthermore, dystrophin small interfering ribonucleic acids (siRNAs) were transfected to the cells to reverse the effects of the mini-dystrophin. Finally, a phospho-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) array assay was performed to investigate signalling pathway changes caused by dystrophin expression. RESULTS Cell proliferation was not affected in cells transduced with ΔR3R13, but was significantly increased in cells transduced with ΔH2R23. The fusion index of myotubes derived from both ΔR3R13- and ΔH2R23 -expressing cells was significantly compromised in comparison to myotubes derived from non-transduced cells. Dystrophin siRNA transfection restored the differentiation of ΔH2R23-expressing cells. The Erk1/2- signalling pathway is altered in cells transduced with mini-dystrophin constructs. CONCLUSIONS Ectopic expression of dystrophin in cultured human skeletal muscle-derived cells may affect their proliferation and differentiation capacity. Caution should be taken when considering genetic correction of autologous stem cells to express dystrophin driven by a constitutive promoter.
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MESH Headings
- Cell Differentiation
- Cell Engineering/methods
- Cell Proliferation
- Dystrophin/antagonists & inhibitors
- Dystrophin/genetics
- Dystrophin/metabolism
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Genes, Reporter
- Genetic Vectors/chemistry
- Genetic Vectors/metabolism
- Green Fluorescent Proteins/genetics
- Green Fluorescent Proteins/metabolism
- Humans
- Lentivirus/genetics
- Lentivirus/metabolism
- MAP Kinase Signaling System
- Muscle Fibers, Skeletal/metabolism
- Muscle Fibers, Skeletal/pathology
- Muscle, Skeletal/metabolism
- Muscle, Skeletal/pathology
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/genetics
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/metabolism
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/pathology
- Plasmids/chemistry
- Plasmids/metabolism
- Primary Cell Culture
- RNA, Small Interfering/genetics
- RNA, Small Interfering/metabolism
- Spectrin/genetics
- Spectrin/metabolism
- Transduction, Genetic
- Transgenes
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhong Meng
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, Developmental Neuroscience Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK; (J.M.); (J.C.)
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health & Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - John Counsell
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, Developmental Neuroscience Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK; (J.M.); (J.C.)
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health & Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Jennifer E. Morgan
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, Developmental Neuroscience Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK; (J.M.); (J.C.)
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health & Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 1EH, UK
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Teramoto N, Sugihara H, Yamanouchi K, Nakamura K, Kimura K, Okano T, Shiga T, Shirakawa T, Matsuo M, Nagata T, Daimon M, Matsuwaki T, Nishihara M. Pathological evaluation of rats carrying in-frame mutations in the dystrophin gene: a new model of Becker muscular dystrophy. Dis Model Mech 2020; 13:dmm044701. [PMID: 32859695 PMCID: PMC7541341 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.044701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Dystrophin, encoded by the DMD gene on the X chromosome, stabilizes the sarcolemma by linking the actin cytoskeleton with the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex (DGC). In-frame mutations in DMD cause a milder form of X-linked muscular dystrophy, called Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD), characterized by the reduced expression of truncated dystrophin. So far, no animal model with in-frame mutations in Dmd has been established. As a result, the effect of in-frame mutations on the dystrophin expression profile and disease progression of BMD remains unclear. In this study, we established a novel rat model carrying in-frame Dmd gene mutations (IF rats) and evaluated the pathology. We found that IF rats exhibited reduced expression of truncated dystrophin in a proteasome-independent manner. This abnormal dystrophin expression caused dystrophic changes in muscle tissues but did not lead to functional deficiency. We also found that the expression of additional dystrophin named dpX, which forms the DGC in the sarcolemma, was associated with the appearance of truncated dystrophin. In conclusion, the outcomes of this study contribute to the further understanding of BMD pathology and help elucidate the efficiency of dystrophin recovery treatments in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a more severe form of X-linked muscular dystrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Teramoto
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Sugihara
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | - Keitaro Yamanouchi
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | - Katsuyuki Nakamura
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | - Koichi Kimura
- Department of General Medicine, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Tomoko Okano
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The University of Tokyo Hospital, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Takanori Shiga
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | - Taku Shirakawa
- Research Center for Locomotion Biology, Kobe Gakuin University, Nishi, Kobe, 651-2180, Japan
- KNC Department of Nucleic Acid Drug Discovery, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kobe Gakuin University, Nishi, Kobe, 651-2180, Japan
| | - Masafumi Matsuo
- Research Center for Locomotion Biology, Kobe Gakuin University, Nishi, Kobe, 651-2180, Japan
- KNC Department of Nucleic Acid Drug Discovery, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kobe Gakuin University, Nishi, Kobe, 651-2180, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Nagata
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | - Masao Daimon
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The University of Tokyo Hospital, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Takashi Matsuwaki
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | - Masugi Nishihara
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
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Romo-Yáñez J, Rodríguez-Martínez G, Aragón J, Siqueiros-Márquez L, Herrera-Salazar A, Velasco I, Montanez C. Characterization of the expression of dystrophins and dystrophin-associated proteins during embryonic neural stem/progenitor cell differentiation. Neurosci Lett 2020; 736:135247. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2020.135247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Hildyard JCW, Crawford AH, Rawson F, Riddell DO, Harron RCM, Piercy RJ. Single-transcript multiplex in situ hybridisation reveals unique patterns of dystrophin isoform expression in the developing mammalian embryo. Wellcome Open Res 2020; 5:76. [PMID: 32724863 PMCID: PMC7372313 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.15762.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The dystrophin gene has multiple isoforms: full-length dystrophin (dp427) is principally known for its expression in skeletal and cardiac muscle, but is also expressed in the brain, and several internal promoters give rise to shorter, N-terminally truncated isoforms with wider tissue expression patterns (dp260 in the retina, dp140 in the brain and dp71 in many tissues). These isoforms are believed to play unique cellular roles both during embryogenesis and in adulthood, but their shared sequence identity at both mRNA and protein levels makes study of distinct isoforms challenging by conventional methods. Methods: RNAscope is a novel in-situ hybridisation technique that offers single-transcript resolution and the ability to multiplex, with different target sequences assigned to distinct fluorophores. Using probes designed to different regions of the dystrophin transcript (targeting 5', central and 3' sequences of the long dp427 mRNA), we can simultaneously detect and distinguish multiple dystrophin mRNA isoforms at sub-cellular histological levels. We have used these probes in healthy and dystrophic canine embryos to gain unique insights into isoform expression and distribution in the developing mammal. Results: Dp427 is found in developing muscle as expected, apparently enriched at nascent myotendinous junctions. Endothelial and epithelial surfaces express dp71 only. Within the brain and spinal cord, all three isoforms are expressed in spatially distinct regions: dp71 predominates within proliferating germinal layer cells, dp140 within maturing, migrating cells and dp427 appears within more established cell populations. Dystrophin is also found within developing bones and teeth, something previously unreported, and our data suggests orchestrated involvement of multiple isoforms in formation of these tissues. Conclusions: Overall, shorter isoforms appear associated with proliferation and migration, and longer isoforms with terminal lineage commitment: we discuss the distinct structural contributions and transcriptional demands suggested by these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C. W. Hildyard
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, Camden, London, NW1 0TU, UK
| | - Abbe H. Crawford
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, Camden, London, NW1 0TU, UK
| | - Faye Rawson
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, Camden, London, NW1 0TU, UK
| | - Dominique O. Riddell
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, Camden, London, NW1 0TU, UK
| | - Rachel C. M. Harron
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, Camden, London, NW1 0TU, UK
| | - Richard J. Piercy
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, Camden, London, NW1 0TU, UK
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White Z, Hakim CH, Theret M, Yang NN, Rossi F, Cox D, Francis GA, Straub V, Selby K, Panagiotopoulos C, Duan D, Bernatchez P. High prevalence of plasma lipid abnormalities in human and canine Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies depicts a new type of primary genetic dyslipidemia. J Clin Lipidol 2020; 14:459-469.e0. [PMID: 32593511 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacl.2020.05.098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) are allelic X-linked recessive muscle diseases caused by mutations in the DMD gene, with DMD being the more severe form. We have recently shown that increased plasma low-density lipoprotein-associated cholesterol causes severe muscle wasting in the mdx mouse, a mild DMD model, which suggested that plasma lipids may play a critical role in DMD. We have also observed that loss of dystrophin in mice causes unexpected elevations in plasma lipoprotein levels. OBJECTIVE The objectives of the study were to determine whether patients with DMD and BMD also present with clinically relevant plasma lipoprotein abnormalities and to mitigate the presence of confounders (medications and lifestyle) by analyzing the plasma from patients with DMD/BMD and unmedicated dogs with DMD, the most relevant model of DMD. METHODS Levels of low-density lipoprotein-associated cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides were analyzed in patients with DMD and BMD and female carriers. Samples from unmedicated, ambulatory dogs with DMD, unaffected carriers, and normal controls were also analyzed. RESULTS We report that 97% and 64% of all pediatric patients with DMD (33 of 36) and BMD (6 of 11) are dyslipidemic, along with an unusually high incidence in adult patients with BMD. All dogs with DMD showed plasma lipid abnormalities that progressively worsened with age. Most strikingly, unaffected carrier dogs also showed plasma lipid abnormalities similar to affected dogs with DMD. Dyslipidemia is likely not secondary to liver damage as unaffected carriers showed no plasma aminotransferase elevation. CONCLUSIONS The high incidence of plasma lipid abnormalities in dystrophin-deficient plasma may depict a new type of genetic dyslipidemia. Abnormal lipid levels in dystrophinopathic samples in the absence of muscle damage suggest a primary state of dyslipidemia. Whether dyslipidemia plays a causal role in patients with DMD warrants further investigation, which could lead to new diagnostic and therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe White
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC, Canada; Centre for Heart & Lung Innovation, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Chady H Hakim
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO; National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, NIH, Rockville, MD
| | | | - N Nora Yang
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, NIH, Rockville, MD
| | - Fabio Rossi
- Biomedical Research Centre, UBC, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Dan Cox
- Newcastle University Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Gordon A Francis
- Centre for Heart & Lung Innovation, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada; Department of Medicine, UBC, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Volker Straub
- Newcastle University Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Kathryn Selby
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia (UBC), BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Constadina Panagiotopoulos
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia (UBC), BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Dongsheng Duan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO; Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia (UBC), BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada; Department of Neurology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO; Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO; Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO.
| | - Pascal Bernatchez
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC, Canada; Centre for Heart & Lung Innovation, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada.
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Hildyard JCW, Crawford AH, Rawson F, Riddell DO, Harron RCM, Piercy RJ. Single-transcript multiplex in situ hybridisation reveals unique patterns of dystrophin isoform expression in the developing mammalian embryo. Wellcome Open Res 2020; 5:76. [PMID: 32724863 PMCID: PMC7372313 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.15762.1] [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] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The dystrophin gene has multiple isoforms: full-length dystrophin (dp427) is principally known for its expression in skeletal and cardiac muscle, but is also expressed in the brain, and several internal promoters give rise to shorter, N-terminally truncated isoforms with wider tissue expression patterns (dp260 in the retina, dp140 in the brain and dp71 in many tissues). These isoforms are believed to play unique cellular roles both during embryogenesis and in adulthood, but their shared sequence identity at both mRNA and protein levels makes study of distinct isoforms challenging by conventional methods. Methods: RNAscope is a novel in-situ hybridisation technique that offers single-transcript resolution and the ability to multiplex, with different target sequences assigned to distinct fluorophores. Using probes designed to different regions of the dystrophin transcript (targeting 5', central and 3' sequences of the long dp427 mRNA), we can simultaneously detect and distinguish multiple dystrophin mRNA isoforms at sub-cellular histological levels. We have used these probes in healthy and dystrophic canine embryos to gain unique insights into isoform expression and distribution in the developing mammal. Results: Dp427 is found in developing muscle as expected, apparently enriched at nascent myotendinous junctions. Endothelial and epithelial surfaces express dp71 only. Within the brain and spinal cord, all three isoforms are expressed in spatially distinct regions: dp71 predominates within proliferating germinal layer cells, dp140 within maturing, migrating cells and dp427 appears within more established cell populations. Dystrophin is also found within developing bones and teeth, something previously unreported, and our data suggests orchestrated involvement of multiple isoforms in formation of these tissues. Conclusions: Overall, shorter isoforms appear associated with proliferation and migration, and longer isoforms with terminal lineage commitment: we discuss the distinct structural contributions and transcriptional demands suggested by these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C. W. Hildyard
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, Camden, London, NW1 0TU, UK
| | - Abbe H. Crawford
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, Camden, London, NW1 0TU, UK
| | - Faye Rawson
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, Camden, London, NW1 0TU, UK
| | - Dominique O. Riddell
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, Camden, London, NW1 0TU, UK
| | - Rachel C. M. Harron
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, Camden, London, NW1 0TU, UK
| | - Richard J. Piercy
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, Camden, London, NW1 0TU, UK
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Naidoo M, Anthony K. Dystrophin Dp71 and the Neuropathophysiology of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Mol Neurobiol 2020; 57:1748-1767. [PMID: 31836945 PMCID: PMC7060961 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-01845-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is caused by frameshift mutations in the DMD gene that prevent the body-wide translation of its protein product, dystrophin. Besides a severe muscle phenotype, cognitive impairment and neuropsychiatric symptoms are prevalent. Dystrophin protein 71 (Dp71) is the major DMD gene product expressed in the brain and mutations affecting its expression are associated with the DMD neuropsychiatric syndrome. As with dystrophin in muscle, Dp71 localises to dystrophin-associated protein complexes in the brain. However, unlike in skeletal muscle; in the brain, Dp71 is alternatively spliced to produce many isoforms with differential subcellular localisations and diverse cellular functions. These include neuronal differentiation, adhesion, cell division and excitatory synapse organisation as well as nuclear functions such as nuclear scaffolding and DNA repair. In this review, we first describe brain involvement in DMD and the abnormalities observed in the DMD brain. We then review the gene expression, RNA processing and functions of Dp71. We review genotype-phenotype correlations and discuss emerging cellular/tissue evidence for the involvement of Dp71 in the neuropathophysiology of DMD. The literature suggests changes observed in the DMD brain are neurodevelopmental in origin and that their risk and severity is associated with a cumulative loss of distal DMD gene products such as Dp71. The high risk of neuropsychiatric syndromes in Duchenne patients warrants early intervention to achieve the best possible quality of life. Unravelling the function and pathophysiological significance of dystrophin in the brain has become a high research priority to inform the development of brain-targeting treatments for Duchenne.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Naidoo
- Centre for Physical Activity and Life Sciences, Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology, University of Northampton, University Drive, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 5PH, UK
| | - Karen Anthony
- Centre for Physical Activity and Life Sciences, Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology, University of Northampton, University Drive, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 5PH, UK.
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Schwann cell-specific Dp116 is expressed in glioblastoma cells, revealing two novel DMD gene splicing patterns. Biochem Biophys Rep 2019; 20:100703. [PMID: 31737793 PMCID: PMC6849142 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2019.100703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The DMD gene is one of the largest human genes, being composed of 79 exons. Dystrophin Dp116 expressed from the promoter in intron 55 is a Schwann cell-specific isoform. The pathophysiological roles of Dp116 are largely unknown, because of its limited expression. This study assessed the expression of Dp116 in glioblastoma cells and evaluated the splicing patterns of the DMD gene in these cells. Methods Full-length Dp116 cDNA was PCR amplified from U-251 glioblastoma cells. Dp116 protein was analyzed by Western blotting. Results Full-length Dp116 cDNA, extending from exon S1 to exon 79, was PCR amplified to avoid confusion with other DMD isoforms. The full-length Dp116 transcript was amplified as nearly 3 kb in size. Western blotting of U-251 cell lysates revealed a signal at a position corresponding to vector-expressed Dp116 protein, indicating that Dp116 is expressed in glioblastoma cells. Sequencing of the amplified product revealed five splice variants, all skipping exon 78. The most abundant transcript lacked only exon 78 (Dp116b), whereas the second most abundant transcript lacked both exons 71 and 78 (Dp116ab). A third transcript lacking exons 71–74 and 78 was also identified (Dp116bc). Two novel splicing patterns were also observed, one with a deletion of exons 68 and 69 (Dp116bΔ68-69) and the other with a 100 bp deletion in the 5’ terminal end of exon 75 (75s), which was produced by the activation of a cryptic splice acceptor site (Dp116b75s). However, the splicing patterns in glioblastoma cells of DMD exons in Dp116 and Dp71 showed no significant differences. Conclusions Dp116 is expressed in glioblastoma cells as five splicing variants, with Dp116b being the most abundant. Two novel splicing patterns of DMD exons were observed. Dp116 is a Schwann cell-specific dystrophin isoform. Dp116 was shown to be expressed in glioblastoma, a lethal cerebral malignancy. Skipping of exon 78 was the default pathway. Of the five alternatively spliced variants detected, Dp116b was the most abundant. DMD exons showed two novel splicing patterns, one with cryptic splice activation.
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Ruggieri S, De Giorgis M, Annese T, Tamma R, Notarangelo A, Marzullo A, Senetta R, Cassoni P, Notarangelo M, Ribatti D, Nico B. Dp71 Expression in Human Glioblastoma. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E5429. [PMID: 31683640 PMCID: PMC6862465 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20215429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [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: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dp71 is the most abundant dystrophin (DMD) gene product in the nervous system. Mutation in the Dp71 coding region is associated with cognitive disturbances in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients, but the function of dystrophin Dp71 in tumor progression remains to be established. This study investigated Dp71 expression in glioblastoma, the most common and aggressive primary tumor of the central nervous system (CNS). METHODS Dp71 expression was analyzed by immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR, and immunoblotting in glioblastoma cell lines and cells isolated from human glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) bioptic specimens. RESULTS Dp71 isoform was expressed in normal human astrocytes (NHA) cell lines and decreased in glioblastoma cell lines and cells isolated from human glioblastoma multiforme bioptic specimens. Moreover, Dp71 was localized in the nucleus in normal cells, while it was localized into the cytoplasm of glioblastoma cells organized in clusters. We have shown, by double labeling, that Dp71 colocalizes with lamin B in normal astrocytes cells, confirming the roles of Dp71 and lamin B in maintaining nuclear architecture. Finally, we demonstrated that decreased Dp71 protein in cells isolated from human bioptic specimens was inversely correlated with the Ki-67 tumor proliferative index. CONCLUSION A decreased Dp71 expression is associated with cancer proliferation and poor prognosis in glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Ruggieri
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy.
| | - Michelina De Giorgis
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy.
| | - Tiziana Annese
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy.
| | - Roberto Tamma
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy.
| | - Angelo Notarangelo
- Medical Genetic Unit, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, 71013 Foggia, Italy.
| | - Andrea Marzullo
- Department of Emergency and Transplantation, Pathology Unit, University of Bari Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy.
| | - Rebecca Senetta
- Pathology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, University of Turin Medical School, 10124 Turin, Italy.
| | - Paola Cassoni
- Pathology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, University of Turin Medical School, 10124 Turin, Italy.
| | - Michela Notarangelo
- Centre for Integrative Biology, CIBIO, University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy.
| | - Domenico Ribatti
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy.
| | - Beatrice Nico
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy.
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Amoasii L, Li H, Zhang Y, Min YL, Sanchez-Ortiz E, Shelton JM, Long C, Mireault AA, Bhattacharyya S, McAnally JR, Bassel-Duby R, Olson EN. In vivo non-invasive monitoring of dystrophin correction in a new Duchenne muscular dystrophy reporter mouse. Nat Commun 2019; 10:4537. [PMID: 31586095 PMCID: PMC6778191 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12335-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a fatal genetic disorder caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene. To enable the non-invasive analysis of DMD gene correction strategies in vivo, we introduced a luciferase reporter in-frame with the C-terminus of the dystrophin gene in mice. Expression of this reporter mimics endogenous dystrophin expression and DMD mutations that disrupt the dystrophin open reading frame extinguish luciferase expression. We evaluated the correction of the dystrophin reading frame coupled to luciferase in mice lacking exon 50, a common mutational hotspot, after delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing machinery with adeno-associated virus. Bioluminescence monitoring revealed efficient and rapid restoration of dystrophin protein expression in affected skeletal muscles and the heart. Our results provide a sensitive non-invasive means of monitoring dystrophin correction in mouse models of DMD and offer a platform for testing different strategies for amelioration of DMD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonela Amoasii
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Sen. Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, Watertown, MA, 02472, USA
- Exonics Therapeutics, 490 Arsenal Way, Watertown, MA, 02472, USA
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Sen. Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, Watertown, MA, 02472, USA
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Sen. Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, Watertown, MA, 02472, USA
| | - Yi-Li Min
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Sen. Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, Watertown, MA, 02472, USA
- Exonics Therapeutics, 490 Arsenal Way, Watertown, MA, 02472, USA
| | - Efrain Sanchez-Ortiz
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Sen. Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, Watertown, MA, 02472, USA
| | - John M Shelton
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Chengzu Long
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Sen. Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, Watertown, MA, 02472, USA
- Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Alex A Mireault
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Sen. Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, Watertown, MA, 02472, USA
| | - Samadrita Bhattacharyya
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Sen. Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, Watertown, MA, 02472, USA
| | - John R McAnally
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Sen. Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, Watertown, MA, 02472, USA
| | - Rhonda Bassel-Duby
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Sen. Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, Watertown, MA, 02472, USA
| | - Eric N Olson
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, Sen. Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, Watertown, MA, 02472, USA.
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44
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Menozzi E, Balint B, Latorre A, Valente EM, Rothwell JC, Bhatia KP. Twenty years on: Myoclonus-dystonia and ε-sarcoglycan - neurodevelopment, channel, and signaling dysfunction. Mov Disord 2019; 34:1588-1601. [PMID: 31449710 DOI: 10.1002/mds.27822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Myoclonus-dystonia is a clinical syndrome characterized by a typical childhood onset of myoclonic jerks and dystonia involving the neck, trunk, and upper limbs. Psychiatric symptomatology, namely, alcohol dependence and phobic and obsessive-compulsive disorder, is also part of the clinical picture. Zonisamide has demonstrated effectiveness at reducing both myoclonus and dystonia, and deep brain stimulation seems to be an effective and long-lasting therapeutic option for medication-refractory cases. In a subset of patients, myoclonus-dystonia is associated with pathogenic variants in the epsilon-sarcoglycan gene, located on chromosome 7q21, and up to now, more than 100 different pathogenic variants of the epsilon-sarcoglycan gene have been described. In a few families with a clinical phenotype resembling myoclonus-dystonia associated with distinct clinical features, variants have been identified in genes involved in novel pathways such as calcium channel regulation and neurodevelopment. Because of phenotypic similarities with epsilon-sarcoglycan gene-related myoclonus-dystonia, these conditions can be collectively classified as "myoclonus-dystonia syndromes." In the present article, we present myoclonus-dystonia caused by epsilon-sarcoglycan gene mutations, with a focus on genetics and underlying disease mechanisms. Second, we review those conditions falling within the spectrum of myoclonus-dystonia syndromes, highlighting their genetic background and involved pathways. Finally, we critically discuss the normal and pathological function of the epsilon-sarcoglycan gene and its product, suggesting a role in the stabilization of the dopaminergic membrane via regulation of calcium homeostasis and in the neurodevelopmental process involving the cerebello-thalamo-pallido-cortical network. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Menozzi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University-Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Bettina Balint
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anna Latorre
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK.,Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Enza Maria Valente
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Neurogenetics Unit, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - John C Rothwell
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Kailash P Bhatia
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
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45
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Gardner HL, Sivaprakasam K, Briones N, Zismann V, Perdigones N, Drenner K, Facista S, Richholt R, Liang W, Aldrich J, Trent JM, Shields PG, Robinson N, Johnson J, Lana S, Houghton P, Fenger J, Lorch G, Janeway KA, London CA, Hendricks WPD. Canine osteosarcoma genome sequencing identifies recurrent mutations in DMD and the histone methyltransferase gene SETD2. Commun Biol 2019; 2:266. [PMID: 31341965 PMCID: PMC6642146 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-019-0487-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma (OS) is a rare, metastatic, human adolescent cancer that also occurs in pet dogs. To define the genomic underpinnings of canine OS, we performed multi-platform analysis of OS tumors from 59 dogs, including whole genome sequencing (n = 24) and whole exome sequencing (WES; n = 13) of primary tumors and matched normal tissue, WES (n = 10) of matched primary/metastatic/normal samples and RNA sequencing (n = 54) of primary tumors. We found that canine OS recapitulates features of human OS including low point mutation burden (median 1.98 per Mb) with a trend towards higher burden in metastases, high structural complexity, frequent TP53 (71%), PI3K pathway (37%), and MAPK pathway mutations (17%), and low expression of immune-associated genes. We also identified novel features of canine OS including putatively inactivating somatic SETD2 (42%) and DMD (50%) aberrations. These findings set the stage for understanding OS development in dogs and humans, and establish genomic contexts for future comparative analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather L. Gardner
- Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111 USA
| | | | - Natalia Briones
- Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85004 USA
| | - Victoria Zismann
- Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85004 USA
| | | | - Kevin Drenner
- Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85004 USA
| | | | - Ryan Richholt
- Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85004 USA
| | - Winnie Liang
- Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85004 USA
| | - Jessica Aldrich
- Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85004 USA
| | - Jeffrey M. Trent
- Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85004 USA
| | - Peter G. Shields
- College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210 USA
| | - Nicholas Robinson
- Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, Grafton, MA 01536 USA
| | | | - Susan Lana
- Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80525 USA
| | - Peter Houghton
- University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229 USA
| | - Joelle Fenger
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210 USA
| | - Gwendolen Lorch
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210 USA
| | | | - Cheryl A. London
- Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, Grafton, MA 01536 USA
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46
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Recurrent DMD Deletions Highlight Specific Role of Dp71 Isoform in Soft-Tissue Sarcomas. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11070922. [PMID: 31266185 PMCID: PMC6678178 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11070922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Revised: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Soft-tissue sarcomas (STS) are rare tumors whose oncogenesis remains unknown and for which no common therapeutic target has yet been identified. Analysis of 318 STS by CGH array evidenced a frequent deletion affecting the DMD gene (encoding dystrophin isoforms) in 16.5% of STS, including sarcomas with complex genomics, gastrointestinal tumors (GIST), and synovial sarcomas (SS). These deletions are significantly associated with metastatic progression, thus suggesting the role of DMD downregulation in the acquisition of aggressive phenotypes. We observed that targeted deletions of DMD were restricted to the 5’ region of the gene, which is responsible for the transcription of Dp427. Analysis of STS tumors and cell lines by RNA sequencing revealed that only the Dp71 isoform was widely expressed. Dp427 depletion had no effect on cell growth or migration. However, Dp71 inhibition by shRNA dramatically reduced the cell proliferation and clonogenicity of three STS cell lines, likely by altering the cell cycle progression through the G2/M-phase. Our work demonstrates that DMD deletions are not restricted to myogenic tumors and could be used as a biomarker for metastatic evolution in STS. Dp71 seems to play an essential role in tumor growth, thus providing a potential target for future STS treatments.
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47
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Benabdesselam R, Rendon A, Dorbani-Mamine L, Hardin-Pouzet H. Effect of Dp71 deficiency on the oxytocin hypothalamic axis in osmoregulation function in mice. Acta Histochem 2019; 121:268-276. [PMID: 30642627 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2019.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Revised: 12/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Dp71 is the major form of dystrophins (Dp) in the supraoptic nucleus (SON) and in the neural lobe of hypophysis (NL/HP). Dp71-null mice exhibit a hypo-osmolar status attributed to an altered osmosensitivity of the SON and to a perturbed vasopressinergic axis. Because oxytocin (OT) is implicated in osmoregulation via natriuresis, this study explored the oxytocinergic axis in Dp71-null mice after salt-loading (SL). Under normosmolar conditions, OT-mRNA expression was higher in the Dp71-null SON compared to wild-type (wt) and the OT peptide level has not changed. Dp-immunostaining was localized in astrocytes end-feet surrounding vessels in wt SON. This distribution changed in Dp71-null SON, Dp being detected in OT-soma of MCNs. nNOS and NADPH-diaphorase levels increased in the OT area of the Dp71-null SON compared to wt. In the NL/HP, OT level reduced in Dp71-null mice and Dp localization changed from pituicytes end-feet in wt SON to OT terminals in Dp71-null SON. Salt-Loading resulted in an increase of OT-mRNA and peptide levels in wt SON but had no effect in Dp71-null SON. In the NL/HP, OT content was reduced after SL. For Dp71-null mice, OT level, already low in control, was not modified by SL. Dp level was not affected by SL in the SON nor in the NL/HP. Our data confirmed the importance of Dp71 for the SON functionality in osmoregulation. The localization of Dp71 at the glial-vascular interface could be associated with SON osmosensitivity, leading to an adequate OT synthesis in the SON and release from the NL/HP upon plasmatic hyperosmolality.
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48
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Ruggieri S, Viggiano L, Annese T, Rubolino C, Gerbino A, De Zio R, Corsi P, Tamma R, Ribatti D, Errede M, Operto F, Margari L, Resta N, Di Tommaso S, Rosati J, Trojano M, Nico B. DP71 and SERCA2 alteration in human neurons of a Duchenne muscular dystrophy patient. Stem Cell Res Ther 2019; 10:29. [PMID: 30646960 PMCID: PMC6334379 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-018-1125-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Cognitive deficit has been identified in one third of patients affected by Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, primarily attributed to loss of the short Dp71 dystrophin, the major brain dystrophin isoform. In this study, we investigated for the first time the Dp71 and Dp71-associated proteins cellular localization and expression in human neurons obtained by differentiation from induced pluripotent stem cell line of a patient affected by cognitive impairment. We found structural and molecular alterations in both pluripotent stem cell and derived neurons, reduced Dp71 expression, and a Ca2+ cytoplasmic overload in neurons coupled with increased expression of the SERCA2 pump in the dystrophic neurons. These results suggest that the reduction of Dp71 protein in the Duchenne muscular dystrophy neurons leads to alterations in SERCA2 and to elevated cytosolic Ca2+ concentration with consequent potential disruption of the dystrophin proteins and Dp71-associated proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Ruggieri
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Tiziana Annese
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Gerbino
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Roberta De Zio
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Patrizia Corsi
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Roberto Tamma
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Domenico Ribatti
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Mariella Errede
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Francesca Operto
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Lucia Margari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Unit of Internal Medicine "Guido Baccelli", University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Resta
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology (DIMO), University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Silvia Di Tommaso
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology (DIMO), University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Jessica Rosati
- Cellular Reprogramming Unit, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Maria Trojano
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Beatrice Nico
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy.
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Rani AQM, Farea M, Maeta K, Kawaguchi T, Awano H, Nagai M, Nishio H, Matsuo M. Identification of the shortest splice variant of Dp71, together with five known variants, in glioblastoma cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 508:640-645. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.11.168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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50
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Hoogland G, Hendriksen RGF, Slegers RJ, Hendriks MPH, Schijns OEMG, Aalbers MW, Vles JSH. The expression of the distal dystrophin isoforms Dp140 and Dp71 in the human epileptic hippocampus in relation to cognitive functioning. Hippocampus 2018; 29:102-110. [PMID: 30069964 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.23015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Dystrophin is an important protein within the central nervous system. The absence of dystrophin, characterizing Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), is associated with brain related comorbidities such as neurodevelopmental (e.g., cognitive and behavioural) deficits and epilepsy. Especially mutations in the downstream part of the DMD gene affecting the dystrophin isoforms Dp140 and Dp71 are found to be associated with cognitive deficits. However, the function of Dp140 is currently not well understood and its expression pattern has previously been implicated to be developmentally regulated. Therefore, we evaluated Dp140 and Dp71 expression in human hippocampi in relation to cognitive functioning in patients with drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and post-mortem controls. Hippocampal samples obtained as part of epilepsy surgery were quantitatively analyzed by Western blot and correlations with neuropsychological test results (i.e., memory and intelligence) were examined. First, we demonstrated that the expression of Dp140 does not appear to differ across different ages throughout adulthood. Second, we identified an inverse correlation between memory loss (i.e., verbal and visual memory), but not intelligence (i.e., neither verbal nor performance), and hippocampal Dp140 expression. Finally, patients with TLE appeared to have similar Dp140 expression levels compared to post-mortem controls without neurological disease. Dp140 may thus have a function in normal cognitive (i.e., episodic memory) processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Govert Hoogland
- School for Mental Health & Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Neurosurgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ruben G F Hendriksen
- School for Mental Health & Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Rutger J Slegers
- School for Mental Health & Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Marc P H Hendriks
- Kempenhaeghe Epilepsy Centre, Heeze, The Netherlands.,Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Olaf E M G Schijns
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Marlien W Aalbers
- Department of Neurosurgery, Groningen University Medical Centre, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Johan S H Vles
- School for Mental Health & Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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