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Bujold M, Caron N, Camiran G, Mukherjee S, Allen PD, Tremblay JP, Wang Y. Autotransplantation in mdx Mice of mdx Myoblasts Genetically Corrected by an HSV-1 Amplicon Vector. Cell Transplant 2017. [DOI: 10.3727/000000002783985297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive disorder, characterized by a lack of dystrophin. To eliminate the need for immunosuppressive drugs, transplantation of genetically modified autologous myoblasts has been proposed as a possible therapy for this myopathy. An HSV-1 amplicon vector (HSVDGN), containing a 17.3-kb full-length MCK-driven mouse dystrophin cDNA, an eGFP gene, and a neomycin resistance gene driven by CMV or SV40 promoters, respectively, was constructed and used to transduce mdx primary myoblasts. The presence of the eGFP and neomycin resistance genes facilitated the evaluation of the initial transduction efficiency and the permanent transduction frequency. At low multiplicities of infection (MOI 1–5), the majority of myoblasts (60–90%) expressed GFP. The GFP-positive mdx myoblasts were sorted by FACS and selected with neomycin (300 μg/ml) for 2 weeks. Up to 2% of initially infected mdx myoblasts stably expressed the three transgenes without further selection at that time. These altered cells were grafted into the tibialis anterior muscles of 18 mdx mice. Some of the mice were immunosuppressed with FK506 due to the anticipation that eGFP and the product of neomycin resistance gene might be immunogenic. One month after transplantation, numerous muscle fibers expressing mouse dystrophin were detected by immunohistochemistry, in both immunosuppressed (10–50%) and nonimmunosuppressed (5–25%) mdx mice. Our results demonstrated the capability of permanently expressing a full-length dystrophin in dystrophic myoblasts with HSV-1 amplicon vector and raised the possibility of an eventual treatment of DMD based on the transplantation of genetically modified autologous myoblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Bujold
- Laboratoire de Génétique Humaine, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université Laval (CHUL), Ste-Foy (Qc), Canada, G1V 4G2
| | - Nicolas Caron
- Laboratoire de Génétique Humaine, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université Laval (CHUL), Ste-Foy (Qc), Canada, G1V 4G2
| | - Goeffrey Camiran
- Laboratoire de Génétique Humaine, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université Laval (CHUL), Ste-Foy (Qc), Canada, G1V 4G2
| | | | - Paul. D. Allen
- Department of Anesthesia, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Jacques P. Tremblay
- Laboratoire de Génétique Humaine, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université Laval (CHUL), Ste-Foy (Qc), Canada, G1V 4G2
| | - Yaming Wang
- Department of Anesthesia, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
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Gintjee TJJ, Magh ASH, Bertoni C. High throughput screening in duchenne muscular dystrophy: from drug discovery to functional genomics. BIOLOGY 2014; 3:752-80. [PMID: 25405319 PMCID: PMC4280510 DOI: 10.3390/biology3040752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2014] [Revised: 10/28/2014] [Accepted: 10/30/2014] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Centers for the screening of biologically active compounds and genomic libraries are becoming common in the academic setting and have enabled researchers devoted to developing strategies for the treatment of diseases or interested in studying a biological phenomenon to have unprecedented access to libraries that, until few years ago, were accessible only by pharmaceutical companies. As a result, new drugs and genetic targets have now been identified for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), the most prominent of the neuromuscular disorders affecting children. Although the work is still at an early stage, the results obtained to date are encouraging and demonstrate the importance that these centers may have in advancing therapeutic strategies for DMD as well as other diseases. This review will provide a summary of the status and progress made toward the development of a cure for this disorder and implementing high-throughput screening (HTS) technologies as the main source of discovery. As more academic institutions are gaining access to HTS as a valuable discovery tool, the identification of new biologically active molecules is likely to grow larger. In addition, the presence in the academic setting of experts in different aspects of the disease will offer the opportunity to develop novel assays capable of identifying new targets to be pursued as potential therapeutic options. These assays will represent an excellent source to be used by pharmaceutical companies for the screening of larger libraries providing the opportunity to establish strong collaborations between the private and academic sectors and maximizing the chances of bringing into the clinic new drugs for the treatment of DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J J Gintjee
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, 710 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - Alvin S H Magh
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, 710 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - Carmen Bertoni
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, 710 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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3
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Seto JT, Ramos JN, Muir L, Chamberlain JS, Odom GL. Gene replacement therapies for duchenne muscular dystrophy using adeno-associated viral vectors. Curr Gene Ther 2012; 12:139-51. [PMID: 22533379 DOI: 10.2174/156652312800840603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2012] [Revised: 04/16/2012] [Accepted: 04/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The muscular dystrophies collectively represent a major health challenge, as few significant treatment options currently exist for any of these disorders. Recent years have witnessed a proliferation of novel approaches to therapy, spanning increased testing of existing and new pharmaceuticals, DNA delivery (both anti-sense oligonucleotides and plasmid DNA), gene therapies and stem cell technologies. While none of these has reached the point of being used in clinical practice, all show promise for being able to impact different types of muscular dystrophies. Our group has focused on developing direct gene replacement strategies to treat recessively inherited forms of muscular dystrophy, particularly Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy (DMD/BMD). Both forms of dystrophy are caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene and all cases can in theory be treated by gene replacement using synthetic forms of the dystrophin gene. The major challenges for success of this approach are the development of a suitable gene delivery shuttle, generating a suitable gene expression cassette able to be carried by such a shuttle, and achieving safe and effective delivery without elicitation of a destructive immune response. This review summarizes the current state of the art in terms of using adeno-associated viral vectors to deliver synthetic dystrophin genes for the purpose of developing gene therapy for DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane T Seto
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-7720, USA.
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Lee CW, Fukushima K, Usas A, Xin L, Pelinkovic D, Martinek V, Somogyi G, Robbins PD, Fu FH, Huard J. BIOLOGICAL INTERVENTION BASED ON CELL AND GENE THERAPY TO IMPROVE MUSCLE HEALING AFTER LACERATION. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.1142/s0218957700000264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Muscle laceration is a challenging problem in traumatology and is common in sports injuries, with functional recovery remaining slow and incomplete. Even though muscles retain their ability to regenerate after injury, muscles' healing process after such injuries has been found to be very slow and often leads to incomplete muscle recovery. Growth factors may have a role in enhancing recovery. Our previous study showed that IGF-1, β-FGF and NGF can improve myoblast proliferation and differentiation in vitro. We then investigated whether the delivery of IGF-1 would improve muscle healing after injuries. We observed that muscle regeneration was enhanced in lacerated muscles treated with IGF-1 protein, which consequently led to an improvement in muscle healing. However, the rapid clearance and short biological half-lives of these proteins may have limited the success of this approach. We then investigated the efficiency of gene therapy based on adenovirus to deliver a stable expression of the growth factor IGF-1. Although a slight improvement in the healing process occurred in the muscle injected with adenovirus (AIGF), the combination of myoblast transplantation and gene therapy with the ex vivo approach further improved the healing process. The injection of normal myoblasts into the injured muscle led to the best improvement of muscle healing at two weeks post-injection. Implantation of normal minced muscle into mdx mice was also capable of improving muscle healing at 2–4 weeks post-implantation. These studies will further our understanding of muscle healing post-injury and help in the development of strategies to promote efficient muscle healing and complete functional recovery after common muscle injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Woo Lee
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Musculoskeletal Research Center, University of Pittsburgh and Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Division of Sports Medicine, Athletic Department, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Kazumasa Fukushima
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Musculoskeletal Research Center, University of Pittsburgh and Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Division of Sports Medicine, Athletic Department, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Arvydas Usas
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Musculoskeletal Research Center, University of Pittsburgh and Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Division of Sports Medicine, Athletic Department, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Lin Xin
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Musculoskeletal Research Center, University of Pittsburgh and Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Division of Sports Medicine, Athletic Department, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Dalip Pelinkovic
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Musculoskeletal Research Center, University of Pittsburgh and Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Division of Sports Medicine, Athletic Department, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Vladimir Martinek
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Musculoskeletal Research Center, University of Pittsburgh and Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Division of Sports Medicine, Athletic Department, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - George Somogyi
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Paul D. Robbins
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Freddie H. Fu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Division of Sports Medicine, Athletic Department, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Johnny Huard
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Musculoskeletal Research Center, University of Pittsburgh and Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
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5
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Morris G, Man NT, Sewry CA. Monitoring duchenne muscular dystrophy gene therapy with epitope-specific monoclonal antibodies. Methods Mol Biol 2011; 709:39-61. [PMID: 21194020 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-61737-982-6_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Several molecular approaches to Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) therapy are at or near the point of clinical trial and usually involve attempts to replace the missing dystrophin protein. Although improved muscle function is the ultimate measure of success, assessment of dystrophin levels after therapy is essential to determine whether any improved function is a direct consequence of the treatment or, in the absence of improved function, to determine whether new dystrophin is present, though ineffective. The choice of a monoclonal antibody (mAb) to distinguish successful therapy from naturally occurring "revertant" fibres depends on which dystrophin exons are deleted in the DMD patient. Over the past 20 years, we have produced over 150 "exon-specific" mAbs, mapped them to different regions of dystrophin and made them available through the MDA Monoclonal Antibody Resource for research and for clinical trials tailored to individual patients. In this protocol, we describe the use of these mAb to monitor DMD gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenn Morris
- Wolfson Centre for Inherited Neuromuscular Disease, RJAH Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry, UK.
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6
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Meregalli M, Farini A, Torrente Y. Combining stem cells and exon skipping strategy to treat muscular dystrophy. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2008; 8:1051-61. [DOI: 10.1517/14712598.8.8.1051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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7
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Abstract
One of the prerequisites for the successful application of gene vaccination and therapy is the development of efficient gene delivery vectors. The rate-limiting nature of vectors was clearly manifested during the first wave of gene therapy testing, resulting in the demand for more effective and suitable vector systems. Adenoviral (Ad) vectors have recently played a central role in the development of gene-vector technology due to their practical advantages and potential applications. A large number of preclinical and clinical studies both have generated an overwhelming amount of data and literature on this vector system. It is the intention of this article to provide a systematic and broad spectrum review of this system, outlining the principle, potential, and limitations, and evaluating the rational development of this delivery approach. Recombinant adenoviruses (Ad), helper cell lines, and related technologies have been developed and applied to many indications owing to progress in virological research, molecular and cellular biology, eukaryotic protein expression, recombinant vaccines, and gene therapy. The technical depth this article covers should be useful to both the experienced researcher and to beginners in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- W W Zhang
- Gene Therapy Unit, Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Route 120 & Wilson Road, WG2-3S, Round Lake, IL 60073-0490, USA
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8
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Quenneville SP, Chapdelaine P, Rousseau J, Beaulieu J, Caron NJ, Skuk D, Mills P, Olivares EC, Calos MP, Tremblay JP. Nucleofection of muscle-derived stem cells and myoblasts with ϕC31 integrase: stable expression of a full-length-dystrophin fusion gene by human myoblasts. Mol Ther 2004; 10:679-87. [PMID: 15451452 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2004.05.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2004] [Accepted: 05/17/2004] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Ex vivo gene therapy offers a potential treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy by transfection of the dystrophin gene into the patient's own myogenic precursor cells, followed by transplantation. We used nucleofection to introduce DNA plasmids coding for enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) or eGFP-dystrophin fusion protein and the phage phiC31 integrase into myogenic cells and to integrate these genes into a limited number of sites in the genome. Using a plasmid expressing eGFP, we transfected 50% of a mouse muscle-derived stem cell line and 60% of normal human myoblasts. Co-nucleofection of a plasmid expressing the phiC31 integrase and an eGFP expression plasmid containing an attB sequence produced 15 times more frequent stable expression, because of site-specific integration of the transgene. Co-nucleofection of the phiC31 integrase plasmid and a large plasmid containing the attB sequence and the gene for an eGFP-full-length dystrophin fusion protein produced fluorescent human myoblasts that were able to form more intensely fluorescent myotubes after 1 month of culture. A nonviral approach combining nucleofection and the phiC31 integrase may eventually permit safe autotransplantation of genetically modified cells to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon P Quenneville
- Unité de Recherche en Génétique Humaine, Centre de Recherche du CHUL, CHUQ, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Sainte-Foy, Québec, Canada, G1V 4G2
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9
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Voisin V, de la Porte S. Therapeutic Strategies for Duchenne and Becker Dystrophies. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CYTOLOGY 2004; 240:1-30. [PMID: 15548414 DOI: 10.1016/s0074-7696(04)40001-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a severe X-linked genetic disease affecting one in 3500 boys, is the most common myopathy in children. DMD is due to a lack of dystrophin, a submembrane protein of the cytoskeleton, which leads to the progressive degeneration of skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle tissue. A milder form of the disease, Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD), is characterized by the presence of a semifunctional truncated dystrophin, or reduced levels of full-length dystrophin. DMD is the focus of three different supportive or therapeutic approaches: gene therapy, cell therapy, and drug therapy. Here we consider these approaches in terms of three potential goals: improvement of dystrophic phenotype, expression of dystrophin, and overexpression of utrophin. Utrophin exhibits 80% homology with dystrophin and is able to perform similar functions. Pharmacological strategies designed to overexpress utrophin appear promising and may circumvent many obstacles to gene and cell-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Voisin
- Laboratoire de Neurobiologie Cellulaire et Moléculaire, 91198 Gif sur Yvette, France
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10
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Ikezawa M, Cao B, Qu Z, Peng H, Xiao X, Pruchnic R, Kimura S, Miike T, Huard J. Dystrophin Delivery in Dystrophin-Deficient DMDmdxSkeletal Muscle by Isogenic Muscle-Derived Stem Cell Transplantation. Hum Gene Ther 2003; 14:1535-46. [PMID: 14577915 DOI: 10.1089/104303403322495043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne's muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a lethal muscle disease caused by a lack of dystrophin expression at the sarcolemma of muscle fibers. We investigated retroviral vector delivery of dystrophin in dystrophin-deficient DMD(mdx) (hereafter referred to as mdx) mice via an ex vivo approach using mdx muscle-derived stem cells (MDSCs). We generated a retrovirus carrying a functional human mini-dystrophin (RetroDys3999) and used it to stably transduce mdx MDSCs obtained by the preplate technique (MD3999). These MD3999 cells expressed dystrophin and continued to express stem cell markers, including CD34 and Sca-1. MD3999 cells injected into mdx mouse skeletal muscle were able to deliver dystrophin. Though a relatively low number of dystrophin-positive myofibers was generated within the gastrocnemius muscle, these fibers persisted for up to 24 weeks postinjection. The injection of cells from additional MDSC/Dys3999 clones into mdx skeletal muscle resulted in varying numbers of dystrophin-positive myofibers, suggesting a differential regenerating capacity among the clones. At 2 and 4 weeks postinjection, the infiltration of CD4- and CD8-positive lymphocytes and a variety of cytokines was detected within the injected site. These data suggest that the transplantation of retrovirally transduced mdx MDSCs can enable persistent dystrophin restoration in mdx skeletal muscle; however, the differential regenerating capacity observed among the MDSC/Dys3999 clones and the postinjection immune response are potential challenges facing this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Ikezawa
- Growth and Development Laboratory, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, 3460 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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11
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Dickson G, Hill V, Graham IR. Screening for antisense modulation of dystrophin pre-mRNA splicing. Neuromuscul Disord 2002; 12 Suppl 1:S67-70. [PMID: 12206799 DOI: 10.1016/s0960-8966(02)00085-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Most gene therapy approaches to genetic disorders aim to compensate loss-of-function by introducing recombinant cDNA-based minigenes into diseased tissues. The current report represents an ongoing series of studies designed to correct genetic mutations at the post-transcriptional level. This strategy modifies the binding of components of the spliceosome by high affinity hybridisation of small complementary (antisense) RNA oligonucleotides to specific pre-mRNA sequences. These, so-called 'splicomer' reagents are chemically modified to impart bio-stability, and are designed to cause skipping of mutant frame-shifting exon sequences leading to restoration of the reading frame and an internally deleted but partially functional gene product. For instance, Duchenne muscular dystrophy is generally caused by frame-shift mutations in the dystrophin gene, whereas in-frame deletions of up to 50% of the central portion of the gene cause Becker muscular dystrophy, a much milder myopathy, which in some cases can remain asymptomatic to old age. In the mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a mutation in exon 23 of the dystrophin gene creates a stop codon and leads to a dystrophin-deficient myopathy in striated muscle. In previous studies, we have demonstrated that forced skipping of this mutant exon by treatment of mdx muscle cells with splicomer oligonucleotides can generate in-frame dystrophin transcripts and restore dystrophin expression. Here, we report the results of an optimisation of splicomer sequence design by the use of both high-throughput arrays and biological screens. This has resulted in specific and, importantly, exclusive skipping of the targeted exon in greater than 60% of dystrophin mRNA, leading to the de novo synthesis and localisation of dystrophin protein in cultured mdx muscle cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Dickson
- Centre for Biomedical Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway--University of London, Surrey, TW20 0EX, UK.
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12
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Biggar WD, Klamut HJ, Demacio PC, Stevens DJ, Ray PN. Duchenne muscular dystrophy: current knowledge, treatment, and future prospects. Clin Orthop Relat Res 2002:88-106. [PMID: 12151886 DOI: 10.1097/00003086-200208000-00012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The cloning of the dystrophin gene has led to major advances in the understanding of the molecular genetic basis of Duchenne, Becker, and other muscular dystrophies associated with mutations in genes encoding members of the dystrophin-associated glycoprotein complex. The recent introduction of pharmaceutical agents such as prednisone has shown great promise in delaying the progression of Duchenne muscular dystrophy but there remains a need to develop more long-term therapeutic interventions. Knowledge of the nature of the dystrophin gene and the glycoprotein complex has led many researchers to think that somatic gene replacement represents the most promising approach to treatment. The potential use of this strategy has been shown in the mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, where germ line gene transfer of either a full-length or a smaller Becker-type dystrophin minigene prevents necrosis and restores normal muscle function.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Douglas Biggar
- Bloorview MacMillan Children's Centre and Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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13
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Abstract
Transfer of therapeutic genes into muscle tissue has promise for the treatment of a variety of muscular dystrophies. Various vectors have been used to deliver genes to skeletal muscle but their application has faced several major limitations including: (1) the lack of transgene persistence caused by the immune rejection of transduced myofibers and/or vector toxicity, and (2) the maturation dependence of viral transduction. While the immunorejection and/or cytotoxic problems are being overcome with the development of new vectors, maturation-dependent viral transduction is still a major hurdle in gene transfer to skeletal muscle. Poor adenoviral transduction in mature myofibers has been attributed to: (1) the extracellular matrix of mature myofibers may form a physical barrier and prevent the passage of large viral particles; (2) viral receptors are down-regulated with muscle maturation; and (3) loss of myoblasts with muscle maturation, which serve as intermediaries in the viral transduction. In this review, we will focus on recent developments in overcoming those hurdles of gene therapy in skeletal muscle, especially to adenovirus (Ad), including: (1) new mutant vectors lacking all viral genes to decrease immunogenicity, and hence, improve persistence of transgene expression in muscle in vivo; (2) using tissue specific promoters to evade immunorejection; (3) permeabilization of the extracellular matrix; (4) modifying the viral receptors in mature myofibers; and (5) myoblast or muscle stem cell mediated ex vivo gene transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baohong Cao
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA
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14
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Chen SS, Wang DC, Chen TJ, Yang SL. Administration of chinese herbal medicines facilitates the locomotor activity in dystrophin-deficient mice. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2002; 29:281-92. [PMID: 11527070 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x01000307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to access the effects of chinese herbal medicines on Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). We use dystrophin-deficient mice (mdx), an animal model of DMD, to evaluate the effect of chinese herbal medicines on locomotor activity. The consumption of water for each mouse was controlled during the three-month experimental session. Each mouse was allowed to drink 3 ml water with or without herbal medicines daily for three months. The estimated intake of chinese herbal medicine in adult mdx mouse with 30 g weight is 100 mg/kg per day, close to a dose used in human. The locomotor activity of the mdx mice was measured every month. Monitoring the locomotor activity of mdx mice after three-month administration of chinese herbal medicines, the results showed that liu-wei-di-huang-wan (LDW) and san-lin-pai-tsu-san (SPS) can facilitate locomotor activity with the parameters of horizontal activity, total distance, number of movements, movement time, vertical activity, number of vertical movements, vertical movement time, stereotypy, number of stereotyped movements, and stereotyped movement time. These results suggest that either LDW or SPS can act as a potent herbal medicine for the pharmacological treatment of DMD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- S S Chen
- Department of Neurology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan
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15
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Cao B, Pruchnic R, Ikezawa M, Xiao X, Li J, Wickham TJ, Kovesdi I, Rudert WA, Huard J. The role of receptors in the maturation-dependent adenoviral transduction of myofibers. Gene Ther 2001; 8:627-37. [PMID: 11320409 DOI: 10.1038/sj.gt.3301425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2000] [Accepted: 01/15/2001] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
One of the major hurdles facing the application of adenoviral gene transfer to skeletal muscle is the maturation-dependent transduction of muscle myofibers. It was recently proposed that the viral receptors (Coxsackie and adenovirus receptor (CAR) and the integrins alphavbeta3/beta5) play a major role in the poor adenoviral transduction of mature myofibers. Here we report the findings of morphological studies designed to determine experimentally the role of receptors in the adenoviral transduction of mature myofibers. First, we observed that the expression of both attachment and internalization receptors did not change significantly during muscle development. Second, when an extended tropism adenoviral vector (AdPK) that attaches to heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSP) is used, a significant reduction of adenoviral transduction still occurs in mature myofibers despite HSP's high expression in mature skeletal muscle fibers. Third, when the adeno-associated virus (AAV) is used, which also utilizes HSP as a viral receptor, muscle fibers at different maturities can be highly transduced. Fourth, the pre-irradiation of the skeletal muscle of newborn mice to inactivate myoblasts dramatically decreased the transduction level of Ad and AdPK, but had no effect on AAV-mediated viral transduction of immature myofibers. These results taken together suggest that the viral receptor(s) is not a major determinant in maturation-dependent adenoviral transduction of myofibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Cao
- Growth and Development Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Abstract
Over the last few years the genes responsible for a number of genetic diseases of the cardiovascular system have been identified. These have included X-linked and autosomal dominant dilated cardiomyopathy, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Genetic heterogeneity has been described in both of these diseases but a commonality of function has been apparent: defects in cytoskeletal proteins cause dilated cardiomyopathy and mutations in sarcomeric proteins cause hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This led us to develop a 'final common pathway' hypothesis as a framework for selecting candidate genes for mutation screening in families with these diseases. The characterization of gene mutations has led to the development of therapies specifically targeting the defective protein or the pathway in which it is involved. These have included the use of pharmaceutical agents to replace or to antagonize the mutated protein, and replacement of the defective gene with a functional one (gene therapy). While early studies using gene therapy vectors were promising, translating studies in animals to viable therapeutic options for humans has remained problematic. There have been many publications describing the use of vectors to transduce target cells for the correction of gene defects, including recombinant retroviruses, adenoviruses, and adeno-associated viruses, as well as non-viral vectors. In this review we will discuss the identification of gene defects associated with cardiomyopathies, and the potential of gene therapy for the treatment of these diseases, as well as addressing some concerns related to the use of adenovirus-based vectors, a virus known to be an etiologic agent of acquired dilated cardiomyopathy.
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Chancellor MB, Yokoyama T, Tirney S, Mattes CE, Ozawa H, Yoshimura N, de Groat WC, Huard J. Preliminary results of myoblast injection into the urethra and bladder wall: a possible method for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence and impaired detrusor contractility. Neurourol Urodyn 2000; 19:279-87. [PMID: 10797585 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1520-6777(2000)19:3<279::aid-nau9>3.0.co;2-m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to explore the feasibility of myoblasts, the precursors of muscle fibers, injected periurethrally as a potential treatment of stress urinary incontinence. We also studied myoblast injection into the bladder wall to potentially improve detrusor contractility. A myoblast cell line was transduced with adenovirus carrying the expression of the beta-galactosidase reporter gene while in culture. The cells were incubated with fluorescent latex microspheres (FLMs) to follow the outcome of the injected cells. The tissue was harvested 3-4 days after injection; sectioned, fixed, assayed for beta-galactosidase expression, and counterstained with H+E. Photographs of the slides were taken under light and fluorescence microscopy. We have noted a large number of cells expressing beta-galactosidase and containing FLMs in the urethral and bladder walls under fluorescent microscopy (8 animals). Many regenerative myofibers expressing beta-galactosidase were also seen in the urethral and bladder walls. The fusion of injected myoblasts to form myotubes was seen in both the urethral and bladder walls. The introduction of myoblasts into the urethral and bladder wall is feasible and results in formation of myotubes and myofibers in the smooth muscle layers of the lower urinary tract. We hypothesize that myoblast injections can be used as a non-allergenic agent to enhance urethral closure and bladder function.
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Affiliation(s)
- M B Chancellor
- Division of Urologic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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18
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Qu Z, Huard J. Matching host muscle and donor myoblasts for myosin heavy chain improves myoblast transfer therapy. Gene Ther 2000; 7:428-37. [PMID: 10694825 DOI: 10.1038/sj.gt.3301103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Intensive efforts have been made to develop an effective therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Although myoblast transplantation has been found capable of transiently delivering dystrophin and improving the strength of the injected dystrophic muscle, this approach has been hindered by the immune rejection problems as well as the poor survival and limited spread of the injected cells. In the present study, we have investigated whether the careful selection of donor myoblasts and host muscle for the myosin heavy chain expression (MyHCs) plays a role in the success of myoblast transfer. Highly purified normal myoblasts derived from the m. soleus and m. gastrocnemius white of normal mice were transplanted into the m. soleus (containing 70% of type I fibers) and gastrocnemius white (100% of type II fibers) of dystrophin deficient mdx mice. At several time-points after injection (10, 20 and 30 days), the number of dystrophin-positive fibers was monitored and compared among the different groups. A significantly higher number and better persistence of dystrophin-positive myofibers were observed when the injected muscle and donor myoblasts expressed a similar MyHC in comparison with myoblast transfer between host muscle and donor myoblasts that were not matched for MyHC. These results suggest that careful matching between the injected myoblasts and injected muscle for the MyHC expression can improve the efficiency of myoblast-mediated gene transfer to skeletal muscle. Gene Therapy (2000) 7, 428-437.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Qu
- Growth and Development Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Musculoskeletal Research Center, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
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19
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Pruchnic R, Cao B, Peterson ZQ, Xiao X, Li J, Samulski RJ, Epperly M, Huard J. The use of adeno-associated virus to circumvent the maturation-dependent viral transduction of muscle fibers. Hum Gene Ther 2000; 11:521-36. [PMID: 10724031 DOI: 10.1089/10430340050015716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Muscle-based gene therapy using adenovirus, retrovirus, and herpes simplex virus has been hindered by viral cytotoxicity, host immune response, and the maturation-dependent viral transduction of muscle fibers. The development of new mutant vectors has greatly reduced the toxicity and the immune rejection problems, but the inability of viral vectors to penetrate and transduce mature myofibers remains an important issue. Research has been focused on the characterization of barriers to viral transduction in mature myofibers to develop strategies to circumvent the maturation-dependent viral transduction of myofibers. Here, we report that adeno-associated virus (AAV) can be used to overcome the maturation-dependent viral transduction of myofibers. We have investigated by which mechanism AAV can penetrate and efficiently transduce mature muscle fibers, and have shown that this viral vector is not blocked by the basal lamina and that AAV transduction of myofibers is independent of myoblast mediation. Although AAV can efficiently transduce mature myofibers, a differential transduction is still observed among the different types of myofibers that correlates with the expression of the heparan sulfate proteoglycan receptors, the muscle maturity, the number of viral particles used, and the time postinjection. The identification of the mechanisms by which AAV transduces mature myofibers will help in the development of strategies to achieve an efficient muscle-based gene therapy for inherited and acquired diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Pruchnic
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
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20
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Abstract
Gene therapy for muscular dystrophy (MD) presents significant challenges, including the large amount of muscle tissue in the body, the large size of many genes defective in different muscular dystrophies, and the possibility of a host immune response against the therapeutic gene. Overcoming these challenges requires the development and delivery of suitable gene transfer vectors. Encouraging progress has been made in modifying adenovirus (Ad) vectors to reduce immune response and increase capacity. Recently developed gutted Ad vectors can deliver full-length dystrophin cDNA expression vectors to muscle tissue. Using muscle-specific promoters to drive dystrophin expression, a strong immune response has not been observed in mdx mice. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors can deliver small genes to muscle without provocation of a significant immune response, which should allow long-term expression of several MD genes. AAV vectors have also been used to deliver sarcoglycan genes to entire muscle groups. These advances and others reviewed here suggest that barriers to gene therapy for MD are surmountable.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Hartigan-O'Connor
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-0618, USA
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21
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Akkaraju GR, Huard J, Hoffman EP, Goins WF, Pruchnic R, Watkins SC, Cohen JB, Glorioso JC. Herpes simplex virus vector-mediated dystrophin gene transfer and expression in MDX mouse skeletal muscle. J Gene Med 1999; 1:280-9. [PMID: 10738561 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1521-2254(199907/08)1:4<280::aid-jgm45>3.0.co;2-l] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) results from mutations that prevent the expression of functional dystrophin in muscle fibers. Herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) represents a potentially useful vector for treatment of DMD because it has the capacity to accommodate the 14-kb full-length dystrophin cDNA and can efficiently transduce muscle cells. We have tested the ability of first- and second-generation replication-defective HSV vectors to deliver full-length dystrophin to dystrophin-deficient mdx muscle cells in vitro and in vivo. METHODS First-generation replication-defective HSV vectors harboring full-length or truncated (Becker) dystrophin expression cassettes and lacking a single viral immediate-early (IE) gene were constructed and tested by immunofluorescence and immunoblotting for their ability to direct dystrophin expression in infected mdx cells in culture. To reduce vector cytotoxicity and safety concerns, a second-generation dystrophin vector missing additional IE genes was constructed and tested in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS Dystrophin expression was observed in infected mdx myotubes in vitro in all cases. Confocal microscopy showed exclusive localization of full-length dystrophin to the cell membrane whereas the Becker variant was also found abundantly throughout the cytoplasm. Dystrophin expression in mdx mice was restored in muscle cells near the site of vector injection. CONCLUSION Highly defective HSV-1 vectors which lack the ability to spread systemically and are greatly reduced in toxicity for infected cells, thus removing an impediment to prolonged transgene expression, can direct the delivery and proper expression of full-length dystrophin whose considerable size is compatible with few other modes of delivery. These vectors may offer a legitimate opportunity toward the development of effective gene therapy treatments for DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- G R Akkaraju
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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22
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Muzzonigro TS, Ghivizzani SC, Robbins PD, Evans CH. The role of gene therapy. Fact or fiction? Clin Sports Med 1999; 18:223-39, vii-viii. [PMID: 10028123 DOI: 10.1016/s0278-5919(05)70136-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Current research in molecular biology and genetics has dramatically advanced the understanding of the cellular events involved in homeostasis, disease, injury, and healing processes of the tissues of the musculoskeletal system. Recently, genetic predispositions to diseases have been described which offer novel means to address musculoskeletal disorders. Growth factors and cytokines have been identified as key elements in both the injured and healing states. Gene therapy offers an elegant solution to the delivery of therapeutic proteins to the site of disease or injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- T S Muzzonigro
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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23
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Zajdel RW, McLean MD, Lemanski SL, Muthuchamy M, Wieczorek DF, Lemanski LF, Dube DK. Ectopic expression of tropomyosin promotes myofibrillogenesis in mutant axolotl hearts. Dev Dyn 1998; 213:412-20. [PMID: 9853962 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1097-0177(199812)213:4<412::aid-aja6>3.0.co;2-c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Expression of tropomyosin protein, an essential component of the thin filament, has been found to be drastically reduced in cardiac mutant hearts of the Mexican axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) with no formation of sarcomeric myofibrils. Therefore, this naturally occurring cardiac mutation is an appropriate model to examine the effects of delivering tropomyosin protein or tropomyosin cDNA into the deficient tissue. In this study, we describe the replacement of tropomyosin by using a cationic liposome transfection technique applied to whole hearts in vitro. When mouse alpha-tropomyosin cDNA under the control of a cardiac-specific alpha-myosin heavy chain promoter was transfected into the mutant hearts, tropomyosin expression was enhanced resulting in the formation of well-organized sarcomeric myofibrils. Transfection of a beta-tropomyosin construct under control of the same promoter did not result in enhanced organization of the myofibrils. Transfection of a beta-galactosidase reporter gene did not result in the formation of organized myofibrils or increased tropomyosin expression. These results demonstrate the importance of alpha-tropomyosin to the phenotype of this mutation and to normal myofibril formation. Moreover, we have shown that a crucial contractile protein can be ectopically expressed in cardiac muscle that is deficient in this protein, with the resulting formation of organized sarcomeres.
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Affiliation(s)
- R W Zajdel
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, State University of New York Health Science Center at Syracuse, 13210, USA
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24
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Qu Z, Balkir L, van Deutekom JC, Robbins PD, Pruchnic R, Huard J. Development of approaches to improve cell survival in myoblast transfer therapy. J Cell Biol 1998; 142:1257-67. [PMID: 9732286 PMCID: PMC2149359 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.142.5.1257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 360] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/1998] [Revised: 07/31/1998] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Myoblast transplantation has been extensively studied as a gene complementation approach for genetic diseases such as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. This approach has been found capable of delivering dystrophin, the product missing in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy muscle, and leading to an increase of strength in the dystrophic muscle. This approach, however, has been hindered by numerous limitations, including immunological problems, and low spread and poor survival of the injected myoblasts. We have investigated whether antiinflammatory treatment and use of different populations of skeletal muscle-derived cells may circumvent the poor survival of the injected myoblasts after implantation. We have observed that different populations of muscle-derived cells can be isolated from skeletal muscle based on their desmin immunoreactivity and differentiation capacity. Moreover, these cells acted differently when injected into muscle: 95% of the injected cells in some populations died within 48 h, while others richer in desmin-positive cells survived entirely. Since pure myoblasts obtained from isolated myofibers and myoblast cell lines also displayed a poor survival rate of the injected cells, we have concluded that the differential survival of the populations of muscle-derived cells is not only attributable to their content in desmin-positive cells. We have observed that the origin of the myogenic cells may influence their survival in the injected muscle. Finally, we have observed that myoblasts genetically engineered to express an inhibitor of the inflammatory cytokine, IL-1, can improve the survival rate of the injected myoblasts. Our results suggest that selection of specific muscle-derived cell populations or the control of inflammation can be used as an approach to improve cell survival after both myoblast transplantation and the myoblast-mediated ex vivo gene transfer approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Qu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Musculoskeletal Research Center, University of Pittsburgh and Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA
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25
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van Deutekom JC, Hoffman EP, Huard J. Muscle maturation: implications for gene therapy. MOLECULAR MEDICINE TODAY 1998; 4:214-20. [PMID: 9612801 DOI: 10.1016/s1357-4310(98)01231-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Skeletal muscle is a promising target tissue for gene therapy, for both muscle and non-muscle disorders. A variety of methods have been studied to transfer genes into skeletal muscle, including retroviral, adenoviral and herpes simplex viral vectors. However, various factors impede muscle-based viral gene therapy. Here, we discuss why some viral vectors cannot efficiently transduce mature muscle fibers, and describe some new approaches to overcome this barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C van Deutekom
- Dept. of Orthopaedic Surgery, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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26
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van Deutekom JC, Floyd SS, Booth DK, Oligino T, Krisky D, Marconi P, Glorioso JC, Huard J. Implications of maturation for viral gene delivery to skeletal muscle. Neuromuscul Disord 1998; 8:135-48. [PMID: 9631393 DOI: 10.1016/s0960-8966(98)00019-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Different viral vectors have been analyzed as gene delivery vehicles to skeletal muscle for potentially therapeutic purposes. In this review, we evaluate the application of retroviral, adenoviral, and herpes simplex viral vectors to deliver genes to skeletal muscle and focus on the dramatic loss of viral transduction detected throughout muscle maturation. Recent results suggested that there are several factors involved in the reduced viral transducibility of mature skeletal muscle: muscle cells become post-mitotic in an early stage, the extracellular matrix develops into a physical barrier, and a loss of myoblast mediation occurs since myoblasts progressively become quiescent. Approaches to improve viral gene delivery to mature skeletal muscle may include the use of particular enzymes to increase the permeability of the extracellular matrix, the pre-treatment of the muscle with a myonecrotic agent to induce myoblast mediation, or the application of the myoblast-mediated ex vivo gene transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C van Deutekom
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Children's Hospital, 4151 Rangos Research Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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27
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Dickson G, Brown SC. Duchenne muscular dystrophy. MOLECULAR AND CELL BIOLOGY OF HUMAN DISEASES SERIES 1998; 5:261-80. [PMID: 9532571 DOI: 10.1007/978-94-011-0547-7_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- G Dickson
- Department of Biochemistry, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, Surrey, UK
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28
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el Oakley RM, Brand NJ, Burton PB, McMullen MC, Adams GB, Poznansky MC, Barton PJ, Yacoub MH. Efficiency of a high-titer retroviral vector for gene transfer into skeletal myoblasts. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1998; 115:1-8. [PMID: 9451039 DOI: 10.1016/s0022-5223(98)70436-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetic transformation of skeletal myoblasts for myocardial repair is dependent on an efficient gene transfer system that integrates the genes of interest into the genome of the target cell and its progeny. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the use of a new retrovirally based gene transfer system for this purpose. METHODS MFGnlslacZ retroviral vector, packaged in high-titer, split-genome packaging cell line (FLYA4) was used to transduce the skeletal myoblast cell line L6. L6 cells, cultured in 10% fetal calf serum, were transduced with the MFGnlslacZ vector by means of filtered supernatant from FLYA4 cells. Transduced L6 cells were divided into four groups. Group I cells were fixed as myoblasts 3 days after transduction. Group II cells were allowed to differentiate into myotubes. Group III cells were split every 3 days for 4 months. Group IV cells were split as in group III but then allowed to differentiate into myotubes. All samples were fixed and stained for beta-galactosidase activity. The effects on gene transfer of transforming growth factor-beta, insulin-like growth factor-I, and platelet-derived growth factor were determined by spectrophotometric assay of beta-galactosidase activity in cells transduced in the presence or absence of serum with 0 to 200 ng/ml of each growth factor. RESULTS Morphometric analysis showed that 66.3% +/- 3% to 69.6% +/- 6% of cells in group I to IV expressed the lacZ reporter gene. In the presence of serum, transforming growth factor-beta significantly inhibited gene transfer, whereas insulin-like growth factor-I and platelet-derived growth factor significantly enhanced gene transfer. In absence of serum, however, only platelet-derived growth factor enhanced retrovirally mediated gene transfer into skeletal myoblasts. CONCLUSION MFG retroviral vectors packaged in FLYA4 cells are efficient in gene transfer into skeletal myoblasts and result in transgenic expression that is maintained after repeated cell division, differentiation, or both. Platelet-derived growth factor enhances retrovirally mediated gene transfer into skeletal myoblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M el Oakley
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Imperial College School of Medicine, National Heart and Lung Institute, London, United Kingdom
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29
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Fassati A, Murphy S, Dickson G. Gene therapy of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. ADVANCES IN GENETICS 1997; 35:117-53. [PMID: 9348647 DOI: 10.1016/s0065-2660(08)60449-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A Fassati
- School of Biological Sciences, Division of Biochemistry, Royal Holloway College, University of London, Egham, Surrey, United Kingdom
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30
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Day CS, Kasemkijwattana C, Menetrey J, Floyd SS, Booth D, Moreland MS, Fu FH, Huard J. Myoblast-mediated gene transfer to the joint. J Orthop Res 1997; 15:894-903. [PMID: 9497816 DOI: 10.1002/jor.1100150616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Several genetic and acquired pathologic conditions of the musculoskeletal system, such as arthritis and damage to ligament, cartilage, and meniscus, may be amenable to gene therapy. Even though ex vivo gene transfer with synovial cells has been shown to deliver genes encoding for anti-arthritic proteins into the rabbit knee joint, its success has been limited by a transient transgene expression. In this study, data were investigated regarding the use of muscle cells as an alternative gene-delivery vehicle to the joint in newborn rabbit and adult severe combined immunodeficiency mice. We demonstrated that myoblasts were transduced more efficiently than synovial cells with use of the same adenoviral preparation in vitro. After intra-articular injection, the engineered muscle cells adhered to several structures in the joint, including the ligament, capsule, and synovium. In addition, myoblasts fused to form many post-mitotic myotubes and myofibers at different locations of the joint of the newborn rabbit 5 days after the injection. In the knee of the adult mouse, myoblasts fused and expressed the reporter gene for at least 35 days after the injection. The presence of post-mitotic myofibers in the knee joint raises the possibility of long-term expression of the secreted protein. Currently, numerous tissues in the joint (ligament, meniscus, and cartilage) have poor intrinsic healing capacity and frequently need surgical corrections. A stable gene-delivery vehicle to the joint producing proteins that ameliorate these different musculoskeletal conditions may change the clinical implications of these pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- C S Day
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA. jhuard+@pitt.edu
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31
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Zaretsky JZ, Candotti F, Boerkoel C, Adams EM, Yewdell JW, Blaese RM, Plotz PH. Retroviral transfer of acid alpha-glucosidase cDNA to enzyme-deficient myoblasts results in phenotypic spread of the genotypic correction by both secretion and fusion. Hum Gene Ther 1997; 8:1555-63. [PMID: 9322088 DOI: 10.1089/hum.1997.8.13-1555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Myoblasts have properties that make them suitable vehicles for gene replacement therapy, and lysosomal storage diseases are attractive targets for such therapy. Type II Glycogen Storage Disease, a deficiency of acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA), results in the abnormal accumulation of glycogen in skeletal and cardiac muscle lysosomes. The varied manifestations of the enzyme deficiency in affected patient are ultimately lethal. We used a retroviral vector carrying the cDNA encoding for GAA to replace the enzyme in deficient myoblasts and fibroblasts and analyzed the properties of the transduced cells. The transferred gene was efficiently expressed, and the de novo-synthesized enzyme reached lysosomes where it digested glycogen. In enzyme-deficient myoblasts after transduction, enzyme activity rose to more than 30-fold higher than in normal myoblasts and increased about five-fold more when the cells were allowed to differentiate into myotubes. The transduced cells secreted GAA that was endocytosed via the mannose-6-phosphate receptor into lysosomes of deficient cells and digested glycogen. Moreover, the transduced myoblasts were able to fuse with and provide enzyme for GAA-deficient fusion partners. Thus, the gene-corrected cells, which appear otherwise normal, may ultimately provide phenotypic correction to neighboring GAA-deficient cells by fusion and to distant cells by secretion and uptake mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Z Zaretsky
- Arthritis and Rheumatism Branch, NIAMS, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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32
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Fassati A, Wells DJ, Sgro Serpente PA, Walsh FS, Brown SC, Strong PN, Dickson G. Genetic correction of dystrophin deficiency and skeletal muscle remodeling in adult MDX mouse via transplantation of retroviral producer cells. J Clin Invest 1997; 100:620-8. [PMID: 9239410 PMCID: PMC508230 DOI: 10.1172/jci119573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked, lethal disease caused by mutations of the dystrophin gene. No effective therapy is available, but dystrophin gene transfer to skeletal muscle has been proposed as a treatment for DMD. We have developed a strategy for efficient in vivo gene transfer of dystrophin cDNA into regenerating skeletal muscle. Retroviral producer cells, which release a vector carrying the therapeutically active dystrophin minigene, were mitotically inactivated and transplanted in adult nude/mdx mice. Transplantation of 3 x 10(6) producer cells in a single site of the tibialis anterior muscle resulted in the transduction of between 5.5 and 18% total muscle fibers. The same procedure proved also feasible in immunocompetent mdx mice under short-term pharmacological immunosuppression. Minidystrophin expression was stable for up to 6 mo and led to alpha-sarcoglycan reexpression. Muscle stem cells could be transduced in vivo using this procedure. Transduced dystrophic skeletal muscle showed evidence of active remodeling reminiscent of the genetic normalization process which takes place in female DMD carriers. Overall, these results demonstrate that retroviral-mediated dystrophin gene transfer via transplantation of producer cells is a valid approach towards the long-term goal of gene therapy of DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Fassati
- Department of Biochemistry, Royal Holloway College, University of London, Surrey TW20 0EX
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33
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Huard J, Akkaraju G, Watkins SC, Pike-Cavalcoli M, Glorioso JC. LacZ gene transfer to skeletal muscle using a replication-defective herpes simplex virus type 1 mutant vector. Hum Gene Ther 1997; 8:439-52. [PMID: 9054519 DOI: 10.1089/hum.1997.8.4-439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) represents a promising new viral vector capable of efficient transduction of myofibers in vivo. Here we report on the use of a replication-defective HSV-1 mutant vector (DZ) deleted for the essential immediate early (IE) gene ICP4 for studies of reporter gene transfer and expression following direct inoculation of mouse skeletal muscle. The recombinant vector was engineered to contain the Escherichia coli lacZ gene under transcriptional control of the strong human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) IE promoter. The effect of vector cytotoxicity on the durability of transgene expression following infection of muscle cells in culture and myofibers in vivo revealed that this first-generation HSV vector was cytopathic, limiting the persistence of vector-transduced cells. UV irradiation of vector preparations reduced viral cytotoxicity for myoblasts in culture without reducing significantly beta-galactosidase production. Moreover, muscle cell viability and the durability of transgene expression was enhanced by several days following UV inactivated-vector infection in vivo. Nevertheless, the viral DNA was subsequently lost from vector-inoculated muscle tissue within 2 weeks. This observation indicated that vector toxicity alone did not account for the lack of persistent transgene expression. Longer-term vector transduction and transgene expression was observed, however, following inoculation of immunodeficient SCID mice, indicating that host immunocompetence played an important role in determining the duration of transgene expression in animals. To support this hypothesis, cells expressing CD4 and CD8 antigens have been found in the HSV-1 injected muscle of immunocompetent mice. These data demonstrated that both vector toxicity and vector-induced immunity are significant obstacles to the use of HSV-1 vectors for muscle gene transfer. These impediments must be overcome to further develop HSV vectors for muscle gene therapy applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Huard
- Rangos Research Center in Musculoskeletal Research Center (MRSC) of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, PA 15213, USA
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34
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Huard J, Feero WG, Watkins SC, Hoffman EP, Rosenblatt DJ, Glorioso JC. The basal lamina is a physical barrier to herpes simplex virus-mediated gene delivery to mature muscle fibers. J Virol 1996; 70:8117-23. [PMID: 8892937 PMCID: PMC190886 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.70.11.8117-8123.1996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
A major impediment to successful implementation of gene therapy for treatment of muscular dystrophy is the restricted infectivity of mature muscle fibers with viral vectors. This phenomenon has been observed with adenovirus vectors and more recently with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)-based vectors. Here we report findings of morphological studies designed to experimentally determine the mechanism underlying the rapid reduction in vector-mediated gene delivery concomitant with the maturation of muscle fibers. Using immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy, we have colocalized HSV-1 and collagen IV, a major component of the basal lamina, in HSV-1-injected muscles and determined that the virus penetrates and expresses a transgene (lacZ) in muscle fibers of newborn animals but cannot efficiently penetrate adult myofibers. This was observed in normal as well as in immunocompromised animals, suggesting that the lack of adult myofiber transduction is not a result of an immune response and clearance of the viral vector. Since heparan sulfate proteoglycan, the initial attachment receptor for HSV-1, was shown to be preserved during the maturation of the myofibers by immunofluorescence assay and HSV-1 was able to infect isolated, viable myofibers in vitro, we suggest that the low-level HSV-1 transduction of mature myofibers is not a consequence of the loss of viral attachment sites on the surfaces of mature muscle fibers. Rather, our results indicate that the mature basal lamina acts as a physical barrier to HSV-1 infection of adult myofibers. This conclusion was further supported by the finding that HSV-1 displayed an intermediate level of transduction in mature dy/dy muscle which is defective for normal basal lamina formation. Together, these experiments suggest that efficient HSV vector transduction in mature skeletal muscle requires methods to permeabilize the basal lamina.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Huard
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Biomedical Science Tower, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA
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35
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Karpati G, Lochmuller H. Prospects of gene therapy for genetic skeletal muscle disease. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1996. [DOI: 10.1016/0955-3886(95)00058-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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36
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Acsadi G, Lochmüller H, Jani A, Huard J, Massie B, Prescott S, Simoneau M, Petrof BJ, Karpati G. Dystrophin expression in muscles of mdx mice after adenovirus-mediated in vivo gene transfer. Hum Gene Ther 1996; 7:129-40. [PMID: 8788164 DOI: 10.1089/hum.1996.7.2-129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
We have generated high-titer adenoviral recombinants (AVR) expressing a 6.3-kb partial dystrophin cDNA insert under the control of either the Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) or cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter. These AVR preparations were free of both E1-containing AVR and AVR with a nonfunctional dystrophin expression cassette. With these optimal AVR preparations, we have obtained a high degree of short-term (10 days) expression of a truncated (approximately 200 kD) dystrophin in dystrophin-deficient mdx muscles injected in the neonatal period; a lesser degree of expression of dystrophin was found in muscles injected in the young adult age and in old animals. Microscopic indices of muscle damage revealed that the truncated dystrophin provided a significant protection of the transduced muscle fibers. However, by 60 days post-injection, a substantial reduction of the number of dystrophin-positive fibers was noted, even in the neonatally injected muscles, and near-total elimination of dystrophin-positive fibers occurred in muscles injected in the adult age. These effects appeared to be brought about by the activity of CD8+ cytotoxic lymphocytes directed against the transduced cells, leading to their eventual elimination. In severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice, lacking both humoral and cellular immune competence, muscles transduced (either in the neonatal or adult age) by AVR containing a CMV-LacZ expression cassette maintained the early (10 day) transduction level up to 30 days post-injection. Systemic administration of AVR (i.e., into the left ventricle of the heart) led in 5 days to a high number of dystrophin-positive fibers in heart, diaphragm, and intercostal muscles but not in limb muscles.
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MESH Headings
- Adenoviruses, Human/genetics
- Age Factors
- Animals
- Animals, Newborn
- Base Sequence
- Dystrophin/analysis
- Dystrophin/biosynthesis
- Dystrophin/genetics
- Gene Transfer Techniques
- Heart Ventricles
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred mdx
- Mice, SCID
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Muscle Fibers, Skeletal/immunology
- Muscle Fibers, Skeletal/metabolism
- Muscle, Skeletal/immunology
- Muscle, Skeletal/metabolism
- Myocardium/chemistry
- Promoter Regions, Genetic/genetics
- T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic
- beta-Galactosidase/biosynthesis
- beta-Galactosidase/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- G Acsadi
- Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Canada
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37
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Davies KE, Tinsley JM, Blake DJ. Molecular analysis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy: past, present, and future. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1995; 758:287-96. [PMID: 7625698 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1995.tb24834.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- K E Davies
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
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38
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Abstract
Myoblast transfer therapy and gene therapy have both been proposed as potential treatments for inherited myopathies, such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The success of myoblast implantation in mouse models, where problems such as immune rejection are easily overcome, have led to similar experiments being attempted on Duchenne patients with limited, if any, success. Gene therapy, either by viral vectors or direct injection of the plasmid, has also had some success in animal models. Although both techniques, either separately or in combination, show some promise for the treatment of DMD, there are still many issues to be investigated in animal models, including the following: What is the best source of muscle precursor cells (mpc), and how may sufficient cells be obtained? What is the best vehicle for gene therapy? How far from the injection site can an implanted cell or gene have an effect? How can immune rejection of the injected cells or introduced protein be overcome? Does the introduced dystrophin lead to improved muscle function? Can cardiac muscle can be successfully treated by gene therapy? Can skeletal muscle which has undergone a great deal of damage be improved by either cell or gene therapy?
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Affiliation(s)
- C N Pagel
- Department of Histopathology, Charing Cross and Westminster Medical School, London, England
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39
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40
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Huard J, Acsadi G, Jani A, Massie B, Karpati G. Gene transfer into skeletal muscles by isogenic myoblasts. Hum Gene Ther 1994; 5:949-58. [PMID: 7948144 DOI: 10.1089/hum.1994.5.8-949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The best way to overcome immunorejection in heterologous myoblast transfer (HMT) is by the use of immunodeficient and/or highly immunosuppressed mice as hosts. The same may be attained by autologous myoblast transfer (AMT). In this paper, we describe myoblast transfer in mdx and normal mice where the donor myogenic cells originated from highly inbred litter mates that are considered to be isogenic and thus the procedure is analogous to AMT. The myoblasts were marked in vitro with Rous Sarcoma Virus (RSV)-luciferase (Lux) or RSV-beta-galactosidase (LacZ) reporter genes through transduction mediated by an autonomously replication-defective recombinant human adenovirus. This permitted us to follow their fate after transplantation. mdx and normal mice were irradiated with 20 Gray gamma rays; necrosis and regeneration were induced by intramuscular notexin prior to myoblast injection. In both mdx and normal mice, the expression of luciferase rapidly declined after the injection implying that a large portion of the injected myoblasts were lost by 48 hr, due to undetermined cause(s). The surviving, injected myoblasts well-mosaicized large groups of host fibers but only in the immediate vicinity of the injection. Substantial expression of the reporter gene continued up to 1 month post-transplantation in normal mice, but there was a gradual decline and eventual disappearance of the reporter gene expression in mdx mice. This latter phenomenon was due to the ongoing intense necrosis of muscle fibers in mdx. There was no evidence of immunorejection. These experiments indicate that even in the absence of immunorejection, myoblast transfer suffers from important negative features: major loss of myoblasts within 48 hr after the injection and lack of significant spread of the injected cells from the injection site in the host muscle. These factors, plus the limited proliferative and fusion capacity of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) myoblasts, make them less than an ideal vector for the dystrophin cDNA for dystrophin gene replacement therapy in DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Huard
- Montreal Neurological Institute, Quebec, Canada
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41
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Dunckley MG, Wells KE, Piper TA, Wells DJ, Dickson G. Independent localization of dystrophin N- and C-terminal regions to the sarcolemma of mdx mouse myofibres in vivo. J Cell Sci 1994; 107 ( Pt 6):1469-75. [PMID: 7962190 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.107.6.1469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Dystrophin has been proposed to associate with the skeletal muscle membrane by way of a glycoprotein complex that interacts with its C-terminal domains. Transfection of mdx mouse myotubes in culture or myofibres in vivo with recombinant genes encoding human dystrophin deletion mutants shows, however, that not only the C terminus of dystrophin but also its N-terminal actin-binding domain can locate independently to the muscle sarcolemma. This observation suggests that lack of sarcolemma-associated dystrophin in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) muscle may result from enhanced degradation of truncated mutation products rather than their inability per se to associate with the sarcolemma.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G Dunckley
- Department of Experimental Pathology, UMDS, Guy's Hospital, London, UK
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42
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Abstract
Experiments in mice have supported the idea of treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) by implanting normal muscle precursor cells into dystrophin-deficient muscles. However, similar experiments on DMD patients have had little success. Gene therapy for DMD, by introducing dystrophin constructs via retroviral or adenoviral vectors, has been shown to be possible in the mouse, but the efficiency and safety aspects of this technique will have to be carefully examined before similar experiments can be attempted in man. Direct injection of dystrophin cDNA constructs into mdx muscles has given rise to very low levels of dystrophin and this may be a possibility for the treatment of heart muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- J E Morgan
- Department of Histopathology, Charing Cross and Westminster Medical School, London, UK
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43
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Matsumura K, Campbell KP. Dystrophin-glycoprotein complex: its role in the molecular pathogenesis of muscular dystrophies. Muscle Nerve 1994; 17:2-15. [PMID: 8264699 DOI: 10.1002/mus.880170103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 235] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Dystrophin, the protein product of the Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) gene, is associated with a large oligomeric complex of sarcolemmal glycoproteins, including dystroglycan which provides a linkage to the extracellular matrix component, laminin. In patients with DMD, the absence of dystrophin leads to the loss in all of the dystrophin-associated proteins, causing the disruption of the linkage between the subsarcolemmal cytoskeleton and the extracellular matrix. This may render the sarcolemma vulnerable to physical stress. These recent developments in the research concerning the function of the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex pave a way for the better understanding of the pathogenesis of muscular dystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Matsumura
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City 52242
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44
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Karpati G, Acsadi G. The potential for gene therapy in Duchenne muscular dystrophy and other genetic muscle diseases. Muscle Nerve 1993; 16:1141-53. [PMID: 8413366 DOI: 10.1002/mus.880161102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Dystrophin cDNAs have been introduced into skeletal muscle fibers of dystrophin-deficient mice (mdx) through direct DNA injection in plasmid expression vectors and by replication-defective recombinant adenovirus vectors. The introduced genes appear to protect those muscle fibers from necrosis in which they become expressed. By direct injection of dystrophin cDNA in plasmid expression vector, only 1-2% of adult mdx muscle fibers of the injected muscle expressed dystrophin. On the other hand, by recombinant adenovirus injection into very young mdx muscle, a better efficiency has been reported. We have discussed several putative and proven factors that may contribute to the thus far demonstrated relatively low efficiency of dystrophin gene transfer. These include poor uptake of gene constructs by muscle fibers, degradation of the injected DNA, and poor access of gene constructs to the nuclear compartment. Neutralization or elimination of these factors could improve the efficiency of gene transfer so that it might, in the future, qualify as an effective therapy for DMD and some other genetic diseases of muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Karpati
- Neuromuscular Research Group, Montreal Neurological Institute, Quebec, Canada
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45
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Nicholson LV, Johnson MA, Bushby KM, Gardner-Medwin D, Curtis A, Ginjaar IB, den Dunnen JT, Welch JL, Butler TJ, Bakker E. Integrated study of 100 patients with Xp21 linked muscular dystrophy using clinical, genetic, immunochemical, and histopathological data. Part 2. Correlations within individual patients. J Med Genet 1993; 30:737-44. [PMID: 8411068 PMCID: PMC1016530 DOI: 10.1136/jmg.30.9.737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
This report is the second part of a trilogy from a multidisciplinary study which was undertaken to record the relationships between clinical severity and dystrophin gene and protein expression. The aim in part 2 was to correlate the effect of gene deletions on protein expression in individual patients with well defined clinical phenotypes. Among the DMD patients, most of the deletions/duplications disrupted the open reading frame, but three patients had in frame deletions. Some of the intermediate D/BMD patients had mutations which were frameshifting while others were in frame. All of the deletions/duplications in the BMD patients maintained the open reading frame and 25/26 deletions in typical BMD group 5 started with exon 45. The deletion of single exon 44 was the most common mutation in patients from groups 1 to 3. Dystrophin was detected in sections and blots from 58% of the DMD patients with a size that was compatible with synthesis from mRNA in which the reading frame had been restored. Certain deletions were particularly associated with the occurrence of limited dystrophin synthesis in DMD patients. For example, 9/11 DMD patients missing single exons had some detectable dystrophin labelling compared with 10/24 who had deletions affecting more than one exon. All patients missing single exon 44 or 45 had some dystrophin. Deletions starting or finishing with exons 3 or 51 (8/9) cases were usually associated with dystrophin synthesis whereas those starting or finishing with exons 46 or 52 (11/11) were not. Formal IQ assessments (verbal, performance, and full scores) were available for 47 patients. Mean IQ score among the DMD patients was 83 and no clear relationship was found between gene mutations and IQ. The mutations in patients with a particularly severe deficit of verbal IQ were spread throughout the gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- L V Nicholson
- Muscular Dystrophy Group Research Laboratories, Newcastle General Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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46
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Nicholson LV, Johnson MA, Bushby KM, Gardner-Medwin D, Curtis A, Ginjaar IB, den Dunnen JT, Welch JL, Butler TJ, Bakker E. Integrated study of 100 patients with Xp21 linked muscular dystrophy using clinical, genetic, immunochemical, and histopathological data. Part 1. Trends across the clinical groups. J Med Genet 1993; 30:728-36. [PMID: 8411067 PMCID: PMC1016529 DOI: 10.1136/jmg.30.9.728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
This multidisciplinary study was undertaken to record the variation in gene and protein expression in a large cohort of patients with well defined clinical phenotypes. The patients, whose ages ranged from 4 years to 66 years, spanned a wide range of disease severity. They represented the first 100 patients who had been examined in Newcastle, had undergone a muscle biopsy, and provided a blood sample for DNA analysis. The study had three aims: to observe any trends in the analyses across the clinical groups, to correlate gene and protein expression in individual patients, and to use the data collected to assess the relative usefulness of different techniques in the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with Duchenne and Becker dystrophy (DMD/BMD). In part 1, we describe the clinical assessment of the patients and the trends that were observed across the cohort. The patients were divided into seven groups. Group 1 had severe DMD (n = 21), group 2 had milder DMD (n = 20), group 3 were intermediate D/BMD patients (n = 9), group 4 had severe BMD (n = 5), and group 5 were more typical BMD patients (n = 31). Some patients were too young to be classified (n = 7) and a group of all the female patients were also classified separately (n = 7). The number of DMD and BMD patients was about equal, in accord with disease prevalence in the north of England, but an unusually high proportion were sporadic cases. Dystrophin labelling (performed with up to three antibodies) on both blots and sections increased gradually across the clinical groups. All histopathological indices, except the proportion of fat in biopsy sections, showed clear trends across the groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- L V Nicholson
- Muscular Dystrophy Group Research Laboratories, Newcastle General Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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47
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Matsumura K, Lee CC, Caskey CT, Campbell KP. Restoration of dystrophin-associated proteins in skeletal muscle of mdx mice transgenic for dystrophin gene. FEBS Lett 1993; 320:276-80. [PMID: 8462697 DOI: 10.1016/0014-5793(93)80602-q] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients and mdx mice are characterized by the absence of dystrophin, a membrane cytoskeletal protein. Dystrophin is associated with a large oligomeric complex of sarcolemmal glycoproteins, including dystroglycan which provides a linkage to the extracellular matrix component, laminin. The finding that all of the dystrophin-associated proteins (DAPs) are drastically reduced in DMD and mdx skeletal muscle supports the primary function of dystrophin as an anchor of the sarcolemmal glycoprotein complex to the subsarcolemmal cytoskeleton. These findings indicate that the efficacy of dystrophin gene therapy will depend not only on replacing dystrophin but also on restoring all of the DAPs in the sarcolemma. Here we have investigated the status of the DAPs in the skeletal muscle of mdx mice transgenic for the dystrophin gene. Our results demonstrate that transfer of dystrophin gene restores all of the DAPs together with dystrophin, suggesting that dystrophin gene therapy should be effective in restoring the entire dystrophin-glycoprotein complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Matsumura
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City 52242
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48
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Dickson G, Dunckley M. Human dystrophin gene transfer: genetic correction of dystrophin deficiency. MOLECULAR AND CELL BIOLOGY OF HUMAN DISEASES SERIES 1993; 3:283-302. [PMID: 8111543 DOI: 10.1007/978-94-011-1528-5_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- G Dickson
- Department of Experimental Pathology, UMDS Guy's Hospital Medical School, London, UK
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49
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Abstract
Muscle may suffer from a number of diseases or disorders, some being fatal to humans and animals. Their management or treatment depends on correct diagnosis. Although no single method may be used to identify all diseases, recognition depends on the following diagnostic procedures: (1) history and clinical examination, (2) blood biochemistry, (3) electromyography, (4) muscle biopsy, (5) nuclear magnetic resonance, (6) measurement of muscle cross-sectional area, (7) tests of muscle function, (8) provocation tests, and (9) studies on protein turnover. One or all of these procedures may prove helpful in diagnosis, but even then identification of the disorder may not be possible. Nevertheless, each of these procedures can provide useful information. Among the most common diseases in muscle are the muscular dystrophies, in which the newly identified muscle protein dystrophin is either absent or present at less than normal amounts in both Duchenne and Becker's muscular dystrophy. Although the identification of dystrophin represents a major breakthrough, treatment has not progressed to the experimental stage. Other major diseases of muscle include the inflammatory myopathies and neuropathies. Atrophy and hypertrophy of muscle and the relationship of aging, exercise, and fatigue all add to our understanding of the behavior of normal and abnormal muscle. Some other interesting related diseases and disorders of muscle include myasthenia gravis, muscular dysgenesis, and myclonus. Disorders of energy metabolism include those caused by abnormal glycolysis (Von Gierke's, Pompe's, Cori-Forbes, Andersen's, McArdle's, Hers', and Tauri's diseases) and by the acquired diseases of glycolysis (disorders of mitochondrial oxidation). Still other diseases associated with abnormal energy metabolism include lipid-related disorders (carnitine and carnitine palmitoyl-transferase deficiencies) and myotonic syndromes (myotonia congenita, paramyotonia congenita, hypokalemic and hyperkalemic periodic paralysis, and malignant hyperexia). Diseases of the connective tissues discussed include those of nutritional origin (scurvy, lathyrism, starvation, and protein deficiency), the genetic diseases (dermatosparaxis, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, osteogenesis imperfecta, Marfan syndrome, homocystinuria, alcaptonuria, epidermolysis bullosa, rheumatoid arthritis in humans, polyarthritis in swine, Aleutian disease of mink, and the several types of systemic lupus erythematosus) and the acquired diseases of connective tissues (abnormal calcification, systemic sclerosis, interstitial lung disease, hepatic fibrosis, and carcinomas of the connective tissues). Several of the diseases of connective tissues may prove to be useful models for determining the relationship of collagen to meat tenderness and its other physical properties. Several other promising models for studying the nutrition-related disorders and the quality-related characteristics of meat are also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Pearson
- Department of Animal Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis 97331
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50
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Love DR, Byth BC, Tinsley JM, Blake DJ, Davies KE. Dystrophin and dystrophin-related proteins: a review of protein and RNA studies. Neuromuscul Disord 1993; 3:5-21. [PMID: 8329888 DOI: 10.1016/0960-8966(93)90037-k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The analysis of dystrophin gene expression has led to the identification of multiple transcripts and varying isoforms. The data indicate that transcription of the dystrophin gene occurs from several promoters, which involves developmental and tissue-dependent regulation. These discoveries have complicated the interpretation of immunolocalization studies, although there is a strong correlation between the amount and size of dystrophin and the severity of the clinical phenotype. The importance of using protein-specific antibodies for dystrophin analysis has been underscored by the identification of a protein, designated utrophin, which exhibits significant sequence homology with dystrophin. This review addresses the recent studies of dystrophin and utrophin expression in an attempt to illustrate the transcriptional diversity of these large genes and the localization of their protein products within various tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- D R Love
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, U.K
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