1
|
Rumney RMH, Pomeroy J, Górecki DC. Investigating the Involvement of C-X-C Motif Chemokine 5 and P2X7 Purinoceptor in Ectopic Calcification in Mouse Models of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. J Cell Biochem 2024; 125:e30617. [PMID: 38924558 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Ectopic calcification of myofibers is an early pathogenic feature in patients and animal models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). In previous studies using the Dmdmdx-βgeo mouse model, we found that the dystrophin-null phenotype exacerbates this abnormality and that mineralised myofibers are surrounded by macrophages. Furthermore, the P2X7 purinoceptor, functioning in immune cells offers protection against dystrophic calcification. In the present study, by exploring transcriptomic data from Dmdmdx mice, we hypothesised these effects to be mediated by C-X-C motif chemokine 5 (CXCL5) downstream of P2X7 activation. We found that CXCL5 is upregulated in the quadriceps muscles of Dmdmdx-βgeo mice compared to wild-type controls. In contrast, at the cell level, dystrophic (SC5) skeletal muscle cells secreted less CXCL5 chemokine than wild-type (IMO) controls. Although release from IMO cells was increased by P2X7 activation, this could not explain the elevated CXCL5 levels observed in dystrophic muscle tissue. Instead, we found that CXCL5 is released by dystrophin-null macrophages in response to P2X7 activation, suggesting that macrophages are the source of CXCL5 in dystrophic muscles. The effects of CXCL5 upon mineralisation were investigated using the Alizarin Red assay to quantify calcium deposition in vitro. In basal (low phosphate) media, CXCL5 increased calcification in IMO but not SC5 myoblasts. However, in cultures treated in high phosphate media, to mimic dysregulated phosphate metabolism occurring in DMD, CXCL5 decreased calcification in both IMO and SC5 cells. These data indicate that CXCL5 is part of a homoeostatic mechanism regulating intracellular calcium, that CXCL5 can be released by macrophages in response to the extracellular ATP damage-associated signal, and that CXCL5 can be part of a damage response to protect against ectopic calcification. This mechanism is affected by DMD gene mutations.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/metabolism
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/genetics
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/pathology
- Mice
- Chemokine CXCL5/metabolism
- Chemokine CXCL5/genetics
- Disease Models, Animal
- Receptors, Purinergic P2X7/metabolism
- Receptors, Purinergic P2X7/genetics
- Calcinosis/metabolism
- Calcinosis/pathology
- Calcinosis/genetics
- Muscle, Skeletal/metabolism
- Muscle, Skeletal/pathology
- Mice, Inbred mdx
- Macrophages/metabolism
- Macrophages/pathology
- Mice, Knockout
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robin M H Rumney
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Joanna Pomeroy
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Dariusz C Górecki
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Swiderski K, Chan AS, Herold MJ, Kueh AJ, Chung JD, Hardee JP, Trieu J, Chee A, Naim T, Gregorevic P, Lynch GS. The BALB/c.mdx62 mouse exhibits a dystrophic muscle pathology and is a model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Dis Model Mech 2024; 17:dmm050502. [PMID: 38602028 PMCID: PMC11095634 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a devastating monogenic skeletal muscle-wasting disorder. Although many pharmacological and genetic interventions have been reported in preclinical studies, few have progressed to clinical trials with meaningful benefit. Identifying therapeutic potential can be limited by availability of suitable preclinical mouse models. More rigorous testing across models with varied background strains and mutations can identify treatments for clinical success. Here, we report the generation of a DMD mouse model with a CRISPR-induced deletion within exon 62 of the dystrophin gene (Dmd) and the first generated in BALB/c mice. Analysis of mice at 3, 6 and 12 months of age confirmed loss of expression of the dystrophin protein isoform Dp427 and resultant dystrophic pathology in limb muscles and the diaphragm, with evidence of centrally nucleated fibers, increased inflammatory markers and fibrosis, progressive decline in muscle function, and compromised trabecular bone development. The BALB/c.mdx62 mouse is a novel model of DMD with associated variations in the immune response and muscle phenotype, compared with those of existing models. It represents an important addition to the preclinical model toolbox for developing therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristy Swiderski
- Centre for Muscle Research, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Audrey S. Chan
- Centre for Muscle Research, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Marco J. Herold
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
| | - Andrew J. Kueh
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
| | - Jin D. Chung
- Centre for Muscle Research, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Justin P. Hardee
- Centre for Muscle Research, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Jennifer Trieu
- Centre for Muscle Research, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Annabel Chee
- Centre for Muscle Research, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Timur Naim
- Centre for Muscle Research, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Paul Gregorevic
- Centre for Muscle Research, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Gordon S. Lynch
- Centre for Muscle Research, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Xiao Y, Vazquez-Padron RI, Martinez L, Singer HA, Woltmann D, Salman LH. Role of platelet factor 4 in arteriovenous fistula maturation failure: What do we know so far? J Vasc Access 2024; 25:390-406. [PMID: 35751379 PMCID: PMC9974241 DOI: 10.1177/11297298221085458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The rate of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) maturation failure remains unacceptably high despite continuous efforts on technique improvement and careful pre-surgery planning. In fact, half of all newly created AVFs are unable to be used for hemodialysis (HD) without a salvage procedure. While vascular stenosis in the venous limb of the access is the culprit, the underlying factors leading to vascular narrowing and AVF maturation failure are yet to be determined. We have recently demonstrated that AVF non-maturation is associated with post-operative medial fibrosis and fibrotic stenosis, and post-operative intimal hyperplasia (IH) exacerbates the situation. Multiple pathological processes and signaling pathways are underlying the stenotic remodeling of the AVF. Our group has recently indicated that a pro-inflammatory cytokine platelet factor 4 (PF4/CXCL4) is upregulated in veins that fail to mature after AVF creation. Platelet factor 4 is a fibrosis marker and can be detected in vascular stenosis tissue, suggesting that it may contribute to AVF maturation failure through stimulation of fibrosis and development of fibrotic stenosis. Here, we present an overview of the how PF4-mediated fibrosis determines AVF maturation failure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Xiao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Roberto I Vazquez-Padron
- DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Laisel Martinez
- DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Harold A Singer
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Daniel Woltmann
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Loay H Salman
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Angelini G, Capra E, Rossi F, Mura G, Saclier M, Taglietti V, Rovetta G, Epis R, Careccia G, Bonfanti C, Messina G. MEK-inhibitors decrease Nfix in muscular dystrophy but induce unexpected calcifications, partially rescued with Cyanidin diet. iScience 2024; 27:108696. [PMID: 38205246 PMCID: PMC10777118 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Muscular dystrophies (MDs) are incurable genetic myopathies characterized by progressive degeneration of skeletal muscles. Dystrophic mice lacking the transcription factor Nfix display morphological and functional improvements of the disease. Recently, we demonstrated that MAPK signaling pathway positively regulates Nfix in muscle development and that Cyanidin, a natural antioxidant molecule, strongly ameliorates the pathology. To explore a synergistic approach aimed at treating MDs, we administered Trametinib, a clinically approved MEK inhibitor, alone or combined with Cyanidin to adult Sgca null mice. We observed that chronic treatment with Trametinib and Cyanidin reduced Nfix in myogenic cells but, unexpectedly, caused ectopic calcifications exclusively in dystrophic muscles. The combined treatment with Cyanidin resulted in histological improvements by preventing Trametinib-induced calcifications in Diaphragm and Soleus. Collectively, this first pilot study revealed that Nfix is modulated by the MAPK pathway in MDs, and that Cyanidin partly rescued the unexpected ectopic calcifications caused by MEK inhibition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Emanuele Capra
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Rossi
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Giada Mura
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marielle Saclier
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | | | - Gabriele Rovetta
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Raffaele Epis
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgia Careccia
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Bonfanti
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zabłocki K, Górecki DC. The Role of P2X7 Purinoceptors in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Muscular Dystrophies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119434. [PMID: 37298386 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Muscular dystrophies are inherited neuromuscular diseases, resulting in progressive disability and often affecting life expectancy. The most severe, common types are Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and Limb-girdle sarcoglycanopathy, which cause advancing muscle weakness and wasting. These diseases share a common pathomechanism where, due to the loss of the anchoring dystrophin (DMD, dystrophinopathy) or due to mutations in sarcoglycan-encoding genes (LGMDR3 to LGMDR6), the α-sarcoglycan ecto-ATPase activity is lost. This disturbs important purinergic signaling: An acute muscle injury causes the release of large quantities of ATP, which acts as a damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP). DAMPs trigger inflammation that clears dead tissues and initiates regeneration that eventually restores normal muscle function. However, in DMD and LGMD, the loss of ecto-ATPase activity, that normally curtails this extracellular ATP (eATP)-evoked stimulation, causes exceedingly high eATP levels. Thus, in dystrophic muscles, the acute inflammation becomes chronic and damaging. The very high eATP over-activates P2X7 purinoceptors, not only maintaining the inflammation but also tuning the potentially compensatory P2X7 up-regulation in dystrophic muscle cells into a cell-damaging mechanism exacerbating the pathology. Thus, the P2X7 receptor in dystrophic muscles is a specific therapeutic target. Accordingly, the P2X7 blockade alleviated dystrophic damage in mouse models of dystrophinopathy and sarcoglycanopathy. Therefore, the existing P2X7 blockers should be considered for the treatment of these highly debilitating diseases. This review aims to present the current understanding of the eATP-P2X7 purinoceptor axis in the pathogenesis and treatment of muscular dystrophies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Zabłocki
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dariusz C Górecki
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2DT, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Gόrecki DC, Rumney RMH. The P2X7 purinoceptor in pathogenesis and treatment of dystrophino- and sarcoglycanopathies. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2023; 69:102357. [PMID: 36842388 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2023.102357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
Dystrophinopathy and sarcoglycanopathies are incurable diseases caused by mutations in the genes encoding dystrophin or members of the dystrophin associated protein complex (DAPC). Restoration of the missing dystrophin or sarcoglycans via genetic approaches is complicated by the downsides of personalised medicines and immune responses against re-expressed proteins. Thus, the targeting of disease mechanisms downstream from the mutant protein has a strong translational potential. Acute muscle damage causes release of large quantities of ATP, which activates P2X7 purinoceptors, resulting in inflammation that clears dead tissues and triggers regeneration. However, in dystrophic muscles, loss of α-sarcoglycan ecto-ATPase activity further elevates extracellular ATP (eATP) levels, exacerbating the pathology. Moreover, seemingly compensatory P2X7 upregulation in dystrophic muscle cells, combined with high eATP leads to further damage. Accordingly, P2X7 blockade alleviated dystrophic damage in mouse models of both dystrophinopathy and sarcoglycanopathy. Existing P2X7 blockers could be re-purposed for the treatment of these highly debilitating diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dariusz C Gόrecki
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, UK.
| | - Robin M H Rumney
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, UK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Downregulation of Dystrophin Expression Occurs across Diverse Tumors, Correlates with the Age of Onset, Staging and Reduced Survival of Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15051378. [PMID: 36900171 PMCID: PMC10000051 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15051378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Altered dystrophin expression was found in some tumors and recent studies identified a developmental onset of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Given that embryogenesis and carcinogenesis share many mechanisms, we analyzed a broad spectrum of tumors to establish whether dystrophin alteration evokes related outcomes. Transcriptomic, proteomic, and mutation datasets from fifty tumor tissues and matching controls (10,894 samples) and 140 corresponding tumor cell lines were analyzed. Interestingly, dystrophin transcripts and protein expression were found widespread across healthy tissues and at housekeeping gene levels. In 80% of tumors, DMD expression was reduced due to transcriptional downregulation and not somatic mutations. The full-length transcript encoding Dp427 was decreased in 68% of tumors, while Dp71 variants showed variability of expression. Notably, low expression of dystrophins was associated with a more advanced stage, older age of onset, and reduced survival across different tumors. Hierarchical clustering analysis of DMD transcripts distinguished malignant from control tissues. Transcriptomes of primary tumors and tumor cell lines with low DMD expression showed enrichment of specific pathways in the differentially expressed genes. Pathways consistently identified: ECM-receptor interaction, calcium signaling, and PI3K-Akt are also altered in DMD muscle. Therefore, the importance of this largest known gene extends beyond its roles identified in DMD, and certainly into oncology.
Collapse
|
8
|
Ion Channels of the Sarcolemma and Intracellular Organelles in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Role in the Dysregulation of Ion Homeostasis and a Possible Target for Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032229. [PMID: 36768550 PMCID: PMC9917149 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is caused by the absence of the dystrophin protein and a properly functioning dystrophin-associated protein complex (DAPC) in muscle cells. DAPC components act as molecular scaffolds coordinating the assembly of various signaling molecules including ion channels. DMD shows a significant change in the functioning of the ion channels of the sarcolemma and intracellular organelles and, above all, the sarcoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria regulating ion homeostasis, which is necessary for the correct excitation and relaxation of muscles. This review is devoted to the analysis of current data on changes in the structure, functioning, and regulation of the activity of ion channels in striated muscles in DMD and their contribution to the disruption of muscle function and the development of pathology. We note the prospects of therapy based on targeting the channels of the sarcolemma and organelles for the correction and alleviation of pathology, and the problems that arise in the interpretation of data obtained on model dystrophin-deficient objects.
Collapse
|
9
|
Dubuisson N, Versele R, Planchon C, Selvais CM, Noel L, Abou-Samra M, Davis-López de Carrizosa MA. Histological Methods to Assess Skeletal Muscle Degeneration and Regeneration in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:16080. [PMID: 36555721 PMCID: PMC9786356 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232416080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive disease caused by the loss of function of the protein dystrophin. This protein contributes to the stabilisation of striated cells during contraction, as it anchors the cytoskeleton with components of the extracellular matrix through the dystrophin-associated protein complex (DAPC). Moreover, absence of the functional protein affects the expression and function of proteins within the DAPC, leading to molecular events responsible for myofibre damage, muscle weakening, disability and, eventually, premature death. Presently, there is no cure for DMD, but different treatments help manage some of the symptoms. Advances in genetic and exon-skipping therapies are the most promising intervention, the safety and efficiency of which are tested in animal models. In addition to in vivo functional tests, ex vivo molecular evaluation aids assess to what extent the therapy has contributed to the regenerative process. In this regard, the later advances in microscopy and image acquisition systems and the current expansion of antibodies for immunohistological evaluation together with the development of different spectrum fluorescent dyes have made histology a crucial tool. Nevertheless, the complexity of the molecular events that take place in dystrophic muscles, together with the rise of a multitude of markers for each of the phases of the process, makes the histological assessment a challenging task. Therefore, here, we summarise and explain the rationale behind different histological techniques used in the literature to assess degeneration and regeneration in the field of dystrophinopathies, focusing especially on those related to DMD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Dubuisson
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition Unit, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Medical Sector, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Avenue Hippocrate 55, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
- Neuromuscular Reference Center, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc (CUSL), Avenue Hippocrate 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Romain Versele
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition Unit, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Medical Sector, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Avenue Hippocrate 55, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Chloé Planchon
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition Unit, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Medical Sector, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Avenue Hippocrate 55, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Camille M. Selvais
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition Unit, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Medical Sector, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Avenue Hippocrate 55, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Laurence Noel
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition Unit, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Medical Sector, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Avenue Hippocrate 55, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Michel Abou-Samra
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition Unit, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Medical Sector, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Avenue Hippocrate 55, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - María A. Davis-López de Carrizosa
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition Unit, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Medical Sector, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Avenue Hippocrate 55, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012 Seville, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Jackson T, Seifi M, Górecki DC, Swinny JD. Specific Dystrophins Selectively Associate with Inhibitory and Excitatory Synapses of the Mouse Cerebellum and their Loss Alters Expression of P2X7 Purinoceptors and Pro-Inflammatory Mediators. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2022; 42:2357-2377. [PMID: 34101068 PMCID: PMC9418305 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-021-01110-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients, having mutations of the DMD gene, present with a range of neuropsychiatric disorders, in addition to the quintessential muscle pathology. The neurobiological basis remains poorly understood because the contributions of different DMD gene products (dystrophins) to the different neural networks underlying such symptoms are yet to be fully characterised. While full-length dystrophin clusters in inhibitory synapses, with inhibitory neurotransmitter receptors, the precise subcellular expression of truncated DMD gene products with excitatory synapses remains unresolved. Furthermore, inflammation, involving P2X purinoceptor 7 (P2RX7) accompanies DMD muscle pathology, yet any association with brain dystrophins is yet to be established. The aim of this study was to investigate the comparative expression of different dystrophins, alongside ionotropic glutamate receptors and P2RX7s, within the cerebellar circuitry known to express different dystrophin isoforms. Immunoreactivity for truncated DMD gene products was targeted to Purkinje cell (PC) distal dendrites adjacent to, or overlapping with, signal for GluA1, GluA4, GluN2A, and GluD2 receptor subunits. P2X7R immunoreactivity was located in Bergmann glia profiles adjacent to PC-dystrophin immunoreactivity. Ablation of all DMD gene products coincided with decreased mRNA expression for Gria2, Gria3, and Grin2a and increased GluD2 immunoreactivity. Finally, dystrophin-null mice showed decreased brain mRNA expression of P2rx7 and several inflammatory mediators. The data suggest that PCs target different dystrophin isoforms to molecularly and functionally distinct populations of synapses. In contrast to muscle, dystrophinopathy in brain leads to the dampening of the local immune system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Torquil Jackson
- School of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, St Michael's Building, White Swan Road, Portsmouth, PO12DT, UK
| | - Mohsen Seifi
- Leicester School of Pharmacy, De Montfort University, Leicester, LE1 9BH, UK
| | - Dariusz C Górecki
- School of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, St Michael's Building, White Swan Road, Portsmouth, PO12DT, UK
- Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Kozielska 4, 01-001, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jerome D Swinny
- School of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, St Michael's Building, White Swan Road, Portsmouth, PO12DT, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Gosselin MRF, Mournetas V, Borczyk M, Verma S, Occhipinti A, Róg J, Bozycki L, Korostynski M, Robson SC, Angione C, Pinset C, Gorecki DC. Loss of full-length dystrophin expression results in major cell-autonomous abnormalities in proliferating myoblasts. eLife 2022; 11:e75521. [PMID: 36164827 PMCID: PMC9514850 DOI: 10.7554/elife.75521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) affects myofibers and muscle stem cells, causing progressive muscle degeneration and repair defects. It was unknown whether dystrophic myoblasts-the effector cells of muscle growth and regeneration-are affected. Using transcriptomic, genome-scale metabolic modelling and functional analyses, we demonstrate, for the first time, convergent abnormalities in primary mouse and human dystrophic myoblasts. In Dmdmdx myoblasts lacking full-length dystrophin, the expression of 170 genes was significantly altered. Myod1 and key genes controlled by MyoD (Myog, Mymk, Mymx, epigenetic regulators, ECM interactors, calcium signalling and fibrosis genes) were significantly downregulated. Gene ontology analysis indicated enrichment in genes involved in muscle development and function. Functionally, we found increased myoblast proliferation, reduced chemotaxis and accelerated differentiation, which are all essential for myoregeneration. The defects were caused by the loss of expression of full-length dystrophin, as similar and not exacerbated alterations were observed in dystrophin-null Dmdmdx-βgeo myoblasts. Corresponding abnormalities were identified in human DMD primary myoblasts and a dystrophic mouse muscle cell line, confirming the cross-species and cell-autonomous nature of these defects. The genome-scale metabolic analysis in human DMD myoblasts showed alterations in the rate of glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, leukotriene metabolism, and mitochondrial beta-oxidation of various fatty acids. These results reveal the disease continuum: DMD defects in satellite cells, the myoblast dysfunction affecting muscle regeneration, which is insufficient to counteract muscle loss due to myofiber instability. Contrary to the established belief, our data demonstrate that DMD abnormalities occur in myoblasts, making these cells a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of this lethal disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maxime RF Gosselin
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of PortsmouthPortsmouthUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Malgorzata Borczyk
- Laboratory of Pharmacogenomics, Maj Institute of Pharmacology PASKrakowPoland
| | - Suraj Verma
- School of Computing, Engineering and Digital Technologies, Teesside UniversityMiddlesbroughUnited Kingdom
| | - Annalisa Occhipinti
- School of Computing, Engineering and Digital Technologies, Teesside UniversityMiddlesbroughUnited Kingdom
| | - Justyna Róg
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of PortsmouthPortsmouthUnited Kingdom
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism, Nencki Institute of Experimental BiologyWarsawPoland
| | - Lukasz Bozycki
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of PortsmouthPortsmouthUnited Kingdom
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism, Nencki Institute of Experimental BiologyWarsawPoland
| | - Michal Korostynski
- Laboratory of Pharmacogenomics, Maj Institute of Pharmacology PASKrakowPoland
| | - Samuel C Robson
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of PortsmouthPortsmouthUnited Kingdom
- Centre for Enzyme Innovation, University of PortsmouthPortsmouthUnited Kingdom
| | - Claudio Angione
- School of Computing, Engineering and Digital Technologies, Teesside UniversityMiddlesbroughUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Dariusz C Gorecki
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of PortsmouthPortsmouthUnited Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Rumney RMH, Róg J, Chira N, Kao AP, Al-Khalidi R, Górecki DC. P2X7 Purinoceptor Affects Ectopic Calcification of Dystrophic Muscles. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:935804. [PMID: 35910348 PMCID: PMC9333129 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.935804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ectopic calcification (EC) of myofibers is a pathological feature of muscle damage in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Mineralisation of muscle tissue occurs concomitantly with macrophage infiltration, suggesting a link between ectopic mineral deposition and inflammation. One potential link is the P2X7 purinoceptor, a key trigger of inflammation, which is expressed on macrophages but also up-regulated in dystrophic muscle cells. To investigate the role of P2X7 in dystrophic calcification, we utilised the Dmd mdx-βgeo dystrophin-null mouse model of DMD crossed with a global P2X7 knockout (P2rx7 -/- ) or with our novel P2X7 knockin-knockout mouse (P2x7 KiKo ), which expresses P2X7 in macrophages but not muscle cells. Total loss of P2X7 increased EC, indicating that P2X7 overexpression is a protective mechanism against dystrophic mineralisation. Given that muscle-specific P2X7 ablation did not affect dystrophic EC, this underlined the role of P2X7 receptor expression on the inflammatory cells. Serum phosphate reflected dystrophic calcification, with the highest serum phosphate levels found in genotypes with the most ectopic mineral. To further investigate the underlying mechanisms, we measured phosphate release from cells in vitro, and found that dystrophic myoblasts released less phosphate than non-dystrophic cells. Treatment with P2X7 antagonists increased phosphate release from both dystrophic and control myoblasts indicating that muscle cells are a potential source of secreted phosphate while macrophages protect against ectopic mineralisation. Treatment of cells with high phosphate media engendered mineral deposition, which was decreased in the presence of the P2X7 agonist BzATP, particularly in cultures of dystrophic cells, further supporting a protective role for P2X7 against ectopic mineralisation in dystrophic muscle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robin M. H. Rumney
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
| | - Justyna Róg
- Department of Biochemistry, Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Natalia Chira
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander P. Kao
- Zeiss Global Centre, School of Mechanical and Design Engineering, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
| | - Rasha Al-Khalidi
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
| | - Dariusz C. Górecki
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
- Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Artlett CM. The Mechanism and Regulation of the NLRP3 Inflammasome during Fibrosis. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12050634. [PMID: 35625564 PMCID: PMC9138796 DOI: 10.3390/biom12050634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is often the end result of chronic inflammation. It is characterized by the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix. This leads to structural alterations in the tissue, causing permanent damage and organ dysfunction. Depending on the organ it effects, fibrosis can be a serious threat to human life. The molecular mechanism of fibrosis is still not fully understood, but the NLRP3 (NOD-, LRR- and pyrin–domain–containing protein 3) inflammasome appears to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of fibrotic disease. The NLRP3 inflammasome has been the most extensively studied inflammatory pathway to date. It is a crucial component of the innate immune system, and its activation mediates the secretion of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18. NLRP3 activation has been strongly linked with fibrosis and drives the differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts by the chronic upregulation of IL-1β and IL-18 and subsequent autocrine signaling that maintains an activated inflammasome. Both IL-1β and IL-18 are profibrotic, however IL-1β can have antifibrotic capabilities. NLRP3 responds to a plethora of different signals that have a common but unidentified unifying trigger. Even after 20 years of extensive investigation, regulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome is still not completely understood. However, what is known about NLRP3 is that its regulation and activation is complex and not only driven by various activators but controlled by numerous post-translational modifications. More recently, there has been an intensive attempt to discover NLRP3 inhibitors to treat chronic diseases. This review addresses the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in fibrotic disorders across many different tissues. It discusses the relationships of various NLRP3 activators to fibrosis and covers different therapeutics that have been developed, or are currently in development, that directly target NLRP3 or its downstream products as treatments for fibrotic disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carol M Artlett
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Saclier M, Angelini G, Bonfanti C, Mura G, Temponi G, Messina G. Selective ablation of Nfix in macrophages attenuates muscular dystrophy by inhibiting fibro-adipogenic progenitor-dependent fibrosis. J Pathol 2022; 257:352-366. [PMID: 35297529 PMCID: PMC9322546 DOI: 10.1002/path.5895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Muscular dystrophies are genetic diseases characterized by chronic inflammation and fibrosis. Macrophages are immune cells that sustain muscle regeneration upon acute injury but seem deleterious in the context of chronic muscle injury such as in muscular dystrophies. Here, we observed that the number of macrophages expressing the transcription factor Nfix increases in two distinct mouse models of muscular dystrophies. We showed that the deletion of Nfix in macrophages in dystrophic mice delays the establishment of fibrosis and muscle wasting, and increases grasp force. Macrophages lacking Nfix expressed more TNFα and less TGFβ1, thus promoting apoptosis of fibro‐adipogenic progenitors. Moreover, pharmacological treatment of dystrophic mice with a ROCK inhibitor accelerated fibrosis through the increase of Nfix expression by macrophages. Thus, we have identified Nfix as a macrophage profibrotic factor in muscular dystrophies, whose inhibition could be a therapeutic route to reduce severity of the dystrophic disease. © 2022 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Chiara Bonfanti
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giada Mura
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Temponi
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Marine T, Marielle S, Graziella M, Fabio RMV. Macrophages in Skeletal Muscle Dystrophies, An Entangled Partner. J Neuromuscul Dis 2021; 9:1-23. [PMID: 34542080 PMCID: PMC8842758 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-210737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
While skeletal muscle remodeling happens throughout life, diseases that result in its dysfunction are accountable for many deaths. Indeed, skeletal muscle is exceptionally capable to respond to stimuli modifying its homeostasis, such as in atrophy, hypertrophy, regeneration and repair. In particular conditions such as genetic diseases (muscular dystrophies), skeletal muscle’s capacity to remodel is strongly affected and undergoes continuous cycles of chronic damage. This induces scarring, fatty infiltration, as well as loss of contractibility and of the ability to generate force. In this context, inflammation, primarily mediated by macrophages, plays a central pathogenic role. Macrophages contribute as the primary regulators of inflammation during skeletal muscle regeneration, affecting tissue-resident cells such as myogenic cells and endothelial cells, but also fibro-adipogenic progenitors, which are the main source of the fibro fatty scar. During skeletal muscle regeneration their function is tightly orchestrated, while in dystrophies their fate is strongly disturbed, resulting in chronic inflammation. In this review, we will discuss the latest findings on the role of macrophages in skeletal muscle diseases, and how they are regulated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Theret Marine
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver BC, Canada
| | - Saclier Marielle
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, via Celoria, Milan, Italy
| | - Messina Graziella
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, via Celoria, Milan, Italy
| | - Rossi M V Fabio
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver BC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Ghosh B, Chatterjee S, Dhakar R, Muley S, Mitra P, Chatterjee J. Arecanut-induced fibrosis display dual phases of reorganising glycans and amides in skin extracellular matrix. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 185:251-263. [PMID: 34161821 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.06.093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The habit of chewing arecanut leads to fibrosis in the oral tissues, which can lead to cancer. Despite high mortality, fibrosis has limited clinical success owing to organ-specific variations, genetic predispositions, and slow progression. Fibrosis is a progressive condition that is unresponsive to medications in the severe phase. To understand underlying macromolecular changes we studied the extracellular matrix's (ECM) key molecular modifications in the early and late phase of arecanut-induced fibrosis in skin. To study the fibrosis, we topically applied arecanut extract on the mice skin. We observed that the matrix changes observe early and late phases based on ECM characteristics including the matrix proteins and the glycans. A spike in the levels of proteoglycans and β-sheet structures are noted in the early phase. A significant drop in the proteoglycans and strengthening of amide covalent interactions is observed in the late phase. Although, almost no physical changes are noticeable only in the early phase; the late phase observes thick collagen bundling and a 4-fold stiffening of the skin tissue. The study indicates that the temporal interplay of proteins and glycans determine the matrix's severity state while opening avenues to research directed towards the phase-specific clinical discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Biswajoy Ghosh
- School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302, India.
| | | | - Ramgopal Dhakar
- Department of Biotechnology, Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Rajasthan 313001, India
| | - Saylee Muley
- School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302, India
| | - Pabitra Mitra
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302, India
| | - Jyotirmoy Chatterjee
- School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302, India
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Henderson NC, Rieder F, Wynn TA. Fibrosis: from mechanisms to medicines. Nature 2020; 587:555-566. [PMID: 33239795 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-020-2938-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 812] [Impact Index Per Article: 203.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Fibrosis can affect any organ and is responsible for up to 45% of all deaths in the industrialized world. It has long been thought to be relentlessly progressive and irreversible, but both preclinical models and clinical trials in various organ systems have shown that fibrosis is a highly dynamic process. This has clear implications for therapeutic interventions that are designed to capitalize on this inherent plasticity. However, despite substantial progress in our understanding of the pathobiology of fibrosis, a translational gap remains between the identification of putative antifibrotic targets and conversion of this knowledge into effective treatments in humans. Here we discuss the transformative experimental strategies that are being leveraged to dissect the key cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate fibrosis, and the translational approaches that are enabling the emergence of precision medicine-based therapies for patients with fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neil C Henderson
- University of Edinburgh Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, UK.,MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Florian Rieder
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, USA.,Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Thomas A Wynn
- Inflammation & Immunology Research Unit, Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development & Medical, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|