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Han Y, Jia Z, Xu K, Li Y, Lu S, Guan L. CRISPR-Cpf1 system and its applications in animal genome editing. Mol Genet Genomics 2024; 299:75. [PMID: 39085660 DOI: 10.1007/s00438-024-02166-x] [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: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and their associated protein (Cas) system is a gene editing technology guided by RNA endonuclease. The CRISPR-Cas12a (also known as CRISPR-Cpf1) system is extensively utilized in genome editing research due to its accuracy and high efficiency. In this paper, we primarily focus on the application of CRISPR-Cpf1 technology in the construction of disease models and gene therapy. Firstly, the structure and mechanism of the CRISPR-Cas system are introduced. Secondly, the similarities and differences between CRISPR-Cpf1 and CRISPR-Cas9 technologies are compared. Thirdly, the main focus is on the application of the CRISPR-Cpf1 system in cell and animal genome editing. Finally, the challenges faced by CRISPR-Cpf1 technology and corresponding strategies are analyzed. Although CRISPR-Cpf1 technology has certain off-target effects, it can effectively and accurately edit cell and animal genomes, and has significant advantages in the preclinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yawei Han
- College of Tobacco Science and Engineering, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, Zhengzhou, 450002, Henan, China
| | - Zisen Jia
- Stem Cells and Biotherapy Engineering Research Center of Henan, National Joint Engineering Laboratory of Stem Cells and Biotherapy, School of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Number 601, Jinsui Road, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, China
| | - Keli Xu
- Stem Cells and Biotherapy Engineering Research Center of Henan, National Joint Engineering Laboratory of Stem Cells and Biotherapy, School of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Number 601, Jinsui Road, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, China
| | - Yangyang Li
- Stem Cells and Biotherapy Engineering Research Center of Henan, National Joint Engineering Laboratory of Stem Cells and Biotherapy, School of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Number 601, Jinsui Road, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, China
| | - Suxiang Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Lihong Guan
- Stem Cells and Biotherapy Engineering Research Center of Henan, National Joint Engineering Laboratory of Stem Cells and Biotherapy, School of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Number 601, Jinsui Road, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, China.
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2
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Sun S, Zhai W, Zhang R, Cai N. Deletion of Dux ameliorates muscular dystrophy in mdx mice by attenuating oxidative stress via Nrf2. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23771. [PMID: 38989564 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202400195r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
DUX4 has been widely reported in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy, but its role in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is unclear. Dux is the mouse paralog of DUX4. In Dux-/- mdx mice, forelimb grip strength test and treadmill test were performed, and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) contraction properties were measured to assess skeletal muscle function. Pathological changes in mice were determined by serum CK and LDH levels and muscle Masson staining. Inflammatory factors, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial function indicators were detected using kits. Primary muscle satellite cells were isolated, and the antioxidant molecule Nrf2 was detected. MTT assay and Edu assay were used to evaluate proliferation and TUNEL assay for cell death. The results show that the deletion of Dux enhanced forelimb grip strength and EDL contractility, prolonged running time and distance in mdx mice. Deleting Dux also attenuated muscle fibrosis, inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction in mdx mice. Furthermore, Dux deficiency promoted proliferation and survival of muscle satellite cells by increasing Nrf2 levels in mdx mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Sun
- Department of Children Health Care, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wen Zhai
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ruixue Zhang
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Na Cai
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
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3
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Avallone AR, Di Stefano V, Bevilacqua L, Alonge P, Lupica A, Maccora S, Monastero R, Amabile S, Barone P, Brighina F, Vinciguerra C. AChR-seropositive myasthenia gravis in muscular dystrophy: diagnostic pitfalls and clinical management challenges. Neurol Sci 2024:10.1007/s10072-024-07675-6. [PMID: 38965114 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-024-07675-6] [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: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
The co-occurrence of genetic myopathies with myasthenia gravis (MG) is extremely rare, however a few studies have been reported. We aim to explore the link between genetically inherited muscle disorders and immune-mediated neuromuscular junction conditions, taking into account the diagnostic and therapeutic implications posed by these combined conditions. We searched all English medical papers registered in Web of Knowledge, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct between January 1987 concerning the association between muscular dystrophies (MD) and MG, also adding three new cases to the series reported so far. Three new clinical cases in which MG concurs with oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD) or facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) or myotonic dystrophy type 2 (DM2) were reported. A comprehensive literature review showed that FSHD is the dystrophy most frequently associated with generalized MG. The AChR antibody titer is high and neurophysiologic tests prove to be an essential tool for the diagnosis. The association between MG and MD is rare but should not be underestimated. The presence of unusual clinical features suggest investigating additional overlapping condition, especially when a treatable disease like MG is suspected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Rosa Avallone
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University Hospital San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi D'Aragona, University of Salerno, Salerno, 84131, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Stefano
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience, and advanced Diagnostic (BiND), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Liliana Bevilacqua
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience, and advanced Diagnostic (BiND), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Paolo Alonge
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience, and advanced Diagnostic (BiND), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonino Lupica
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience, and advanced Diagnostic (BiND), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Simona Maccora
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience, and advanced Diagnostic (BiND), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Roberto Monastero
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience, and advanced Diagnostic (BiND), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Sonia Amabile
- Medical Genomics Program, AOU S. Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Paolo Barone
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University Hospital San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi D'Aragona, University of Salerno, Salerno, 84131, Italy
| | - Filippo Brighina
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience, and advanced Diagnostic (BiND), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Claudia Vinciguerra
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University Hospital San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi D'Aragona, University of Salerno, Salerno, 84131, Italy.
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4
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Kiper P, Federico S, Szczepańska-Gieracha J, Szary P, Wrzeciono A, Mazurek J, Luque-Moreno C, Kiper A, Spagna M, Barresi R, Cieślik B. A Systematic Review on the Application of Virtual Reality for Muscular Dystrophy Rehabilitation: Motor Learning Benefits. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:790. [PMID: 39063545 PMCID: PMC11278510 DOI: 10.3390/life14070790] [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: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Using virtual reality (VR) for Muscular Dystrophy (MD) rehabilitation promises to be a novel therapeutic approach, potentially enhancing motor learning, functional outcomes, and overall quality of life. This systematic review primarily aimed to provide a comprehensive summary of the current understanding regarding the application of VR in supporting MD rehabilitation. A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science to identify relevant articles. The inclusion criteria encompassed studies involving individuals diagnosed with MD who underwent VR interventions, with a primary focus on assessing functional improvement. Methodological quality of the studies was assessed by using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Seven studies, involving 440 individuals with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), were included in the review. Among these studies, six primarily explored the motor learning potential of VR, while one study investigated the impact of VR training on functional abilities. In conclusion, the qualitative synthesis supports VR-based interventions' potential positive effects on motor learning, performance improvement, and functional outcomes in individuals with DMD. However, current usage mainly focuses on assessing the potential mechanisms' benefits, suggesting the importance of expanding clinical adoption to harness their therapeutic potential for MD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawel Kiper
- Healthcare Innovation Technology Lab, IRCCS San Camillo Hospital, 30126 Venezia, Italy; (S.F.); (B.C.)
| | - Sara Federico
- Healthcare Innovation Technology Lab, IRCCS San Camillo Hospital, 30126 Venezia, Italy; (S.F.); (B.C.)
| | - Joanna Szczepańska-Gieracha
- Faculty of Physiotherapy, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, 51-612 Wroclaw, Poland; (J.S.-G.); (P.S.); (A.W.)
| | - Patryk Szary
- Faculty of Physiotherapy, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, 51-612 Wroclaw, Poland; (J.S.-G.); (P.S.); (A.W.)
| | - Adam Wrzeciono
- Faculty of Physiotherapy, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, 51-612 Wroclaw, Poland; (J.S.-G.); (P.S.); (A.W.)
| | - Justyna Mazurek
- University Rehabilitation Centre, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Carlos Luque-Moreno
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain;
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBIS), 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Aleksandra Kiper
- Doctoral School of the University of Rzeszów, University of Rzeszów, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland;
| | - Mattia Spagna
- Neurobiology Lab, IRCCS San Camillo Hospital, 30126 Venezia, Italy; (M.S.); (R.B.)
| | - Rita Barresi
- Neurobiology Lab, IRCCS San Camillo Hospital, 30126 Venezia, Italy; (M.S.); (R.B.)
| | - Błażej Cieślik
- Healthcare Innovation Technology Lab, IRCCS San Camillo Hospital, 30126 Venezia, Italy; (S.F.); (B.C.)
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Kiełbowski K, Bakinowska E, Procyk G, Ziętara M, Pawlik A. The Role of MicroRNA in the Pathogenesis of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6108. [PMID: 38892293 PMCID: PMC11172814 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked progressive disorder associated with muscle wasting and degeneration. The disease is caused by mutations in the gene that encodes dystrophin, a protein that links the cytoskeleton with cell membrane proteins. The current treatment methods aim to relieve the symptoms of the disease or partially rescue muscle functionality. However, they are insufficient to suppress disease progression. In recent years, studies have uncovered an important role for non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in regulating the progression of numerous diseases. ncRNAs, such as micro-RNAs (miRNAs), bind to their target messenger RNAs (mRNAs) to suppress translation. Understanding the mechanisms involving dysregulated miRNAs can improve diagnosis and suggest novel treatment methods for patients with DMD. This review presents the available evidence on the role of altered expression of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of DMD. We discuss the involvement of these molecules in the processes associated with muscle physiology and DMD-associated cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kajetan Kiełbowski
- Department of Physiology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (K.K.); (E.B.); (M.Z.)
| | - Estera Bakinowska
- Department of Physiology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (K.K.); (E.B.); (M.Z.)
| | - Grzegorz Procyk
- 1st Chair and Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1A, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland;
- Doctoral School, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marta Ziętara
- Department of Physiology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (K.K.); (E.B.); (M.Z.)
| | - Andrzej Pawlik
- Department of Physiology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (K.K.); (E.B.); (M.Z.)
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de Souza Costa ÁD, Vermeulen-Serpa KM, Batista Marinho KM, Carvalho Xavier de Medeiros CA, Antunes de Araújo A, Teixeira Dourado-Junior ME, Brandão-Neto J, Lima Maciel BL, Helena de Lima Vale S. Persistent inflammation and nutritional status in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Clin Nutr ESPEN 2024; 61:393-398. [PMID: 38777460 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2024.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) involves muscle fragility, sarcolemma instability, and chronic inflammation. This study aims to identify the inflammatory profile of DMD patients and evaluate associations between clinical and nutritional variables. METHODS We performed a cross-sectional study nested in a cohort to obtain sociodemographics, illness time, use of medications, and supplement data through interviews and the patient's medical records. Then, we assessed the relationships between illness time, cytokine levels, and nutritional status. RESULTS Forty-four male participants, aged 4.3-24.2 years, were evaluated. Concerning nutritional status, 18 participants were eutrophic. The fat mass increased and the lean mass decreased from the beginning of the first signs of DMD. Cytokines levels in DMD patients, even under corticosteroids therapy, are higher than values described in the literature on healthy subjects. The regression models demonstrated that illness time and BMI/A z-scores are associated with higher values of interleukin-6. CONCLUSIONS A persistent inflammatory profile was observed in the patients evaluated. The data suggest that maintaining adequate nutritional status and body composition is important for determining the inflammation presented by individuals with DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Caroline Addison Carvalho Xavier de Medeiros
- Postgraduate Program in Biological Sciences/ Postgraduate Program in Biotechnology RENORBIO, Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil.
| | - Aurigena Antunes de Araújo
- Postgraduate Program Public Health/ Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil.
| | | | - José Brandão-Neto
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil.
| | - Bruna Leal Lima Maciel
- Postgraduate Program in Nutrition, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil; Department of Nutrition, Center for Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte Natal, Brazil.
| | - Sancha Helena de Lima Vale
- Postgraduate Program in Nutrition, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil; Department of Nutrition, Center for Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte Natal, Brazil.
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7
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Elasbali AM, Al-Soud WA, Anwar S, Alhassan HH, Adnan M, Hassan MI. A review on mechanistic insights into structure and function of dystrophin protein in pathophysiology and therapeutic targeting of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 264:130544. [PMID: 38428778 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive genetic disorder characterized by progressive and severe muscle weakening and degeneration. Among the various forms of muscular dystrophy, it stands out as one of the most common and impactful, predominantly affecting boys. The condition arises due to mutations in the dystrophin gene, a key player in maintaining the structure and function of muscle fibers. The manuscript explores the structural features of dystrophin protein and their pivotal roles in DMD. We present an in-depth analysis of promising therapeutic approaches targeting dystrophin and their implications for the therapeutic management of DMD. Several therapies aiming to restore dystrophin protein or address secondary pathology have obtained regulatory approval, and many others are ongoing clinical development. Notably, recent advancements in genetic approaches have demonstrated the potential to restore partially functional dystrophin forms. The review also provides a comprehensive overview of the status of clinical trials for major therapeutic genetic approaches for DMD. In addition, we have summarized the ongoing therapeutic approaches and advanced mechanisms of action for dystrophin restoration and the challenges associated with DMD therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelbaset Mohamed Elasbali
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences-Qurayyat, Jouf University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Waleed Abu Al-Soud
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Sciences-Sakaka, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia; Molekylärbiologi, Klinisk Mikrobiologi och vårdhygien, Region Skåne, Sölvegatan 23B, 221 85 Lund, Sweden
| | - Saleha Anwar
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Hassan H Alhassan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Sciences-Sakaka, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohd Adnan
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Ha'il, Ha'il, Saudi Arabia
| | - Md Imtaiyaz Hassan
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India.
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Hauschild LA, Seixas Maia da Silva T, Winckler PB, Moreira Cardoso-Júnior L, Saute JAM, Donis KC. Co-Occurrence of Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 and Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy Type 2B: A Case Report. Mol Syndromol 2024; 15:58-62. [PMID: 38357254 PMCID: PMC10862322 DOI: 10.1159/000533219] [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: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is an autosomal dominant neuromuscular disease whose pattern of weakness is predominantly distal. Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2B/R2-dysferlin-related (LGMD2B/R2) is another neuromuscular disease, which presents an autosomal recessive inheritance and is marked by proximal muscle weakness. Even if uncommon, comorbid inherited pathologies must be considered in cases of atypical presentations, especially in those with family history of consanguinity. Case Presentation Herein, we report the unique case of a patient diagnosed with both DM1 and LGMD2B/R2: a 38-year-old woman in follow-up of DM1 in a neuromuscular disease service presenting prominent proximal weakness. The patient's parents were consanguineous, and creatine kinase levels were elevated. A multi-gene panel test was performed and revealed the diagnosis of LGMD2B/R2. Conclusion Genetic diseases with atypical presentations should raise the possibility of a second disorder, prompting an appropriate investigation. Overlooking a second diagnosis can implicate in not offering adequate genetic counseling, support, or specific treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Augusto Hauschild
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Pablo Brea Winckler
- Neurology Service, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Jonas Alex Morales Saute
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Medical Genetics Service, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Neurology Service, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Internal Medicine Department, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Karina Carvalho Donis
- Medical Genetics Service, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Careccia G, Mangiavini L, Cirillo F. Regulation of Satellite Cells Functions during Skeletal Muscle Regeneration: A Critical Step in Physiological and Pathological Conditions. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:512. [PMID: 38203683 PMCID: PMC10778731 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010512] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle regeneration is a complex process involving the generation of new myofibers after trauma, competitive physical activity, or disease. In this context, adult skeletal muscle stem cells, also known as satellite cells (SCs), play a crucial role in regulating muscle tissue homeostasis and activating regeneration. Alterations in their number or function have been associated with various pathological conditions. The main factors involved in the dysregulation of SCs' activity are inflammation, oxidative stress, and fibrosis. This review critically summarizes the current knowledge on the role of SCs in skeletal muscle regeneration. It examines the changes in the activity of SCs in three of the most common and severe muscle disorders: sarcopenia, muscular dystrophy, and cancer cachexia. Understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in their dysregulations is essential for improving current treatments, such as exercise, and developing personalized approaches to reactivate SCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Careccia
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Laura Mangiavini
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, 20161 Milan, Italy;
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Cirillo
- IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, 20097 San Donato Milanese, Italy
- Institute for Molecular and Translational Cardiology (IMTC), 20097 San Donato Milanese, Italy
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10
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Pacelli C, Rossi A, Milella M, Colombo T, Le Pera L. RNA-Based Strategies for Cancer Therapy: In Silico Design and Evaluation of ASOs for Targeted Exon Skipping. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14862. [PMID: 37834310 PMCID: PMC10573945 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Precision medicine in oncology has made significant progress in recent years by approving drugs that target specific genetic mutations. However, many cancer driver genes remain challenging to pharmacologically target ("undruggable"). To tackle this issue, RNA-based methods like antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) that induce targeted exon skipping (ES) could provide a promising alternative. In this work, a comprehensive computational procedure is presented, focused on the development of ES-based cancer treatments. The procedure aims to produce specific protein variants, including inactive oncogenes and partially restored tumor suppressors. This novel computational procedure encompasses target-exon selection, in silico prediction of ES products, and identification of the best candidate ASOs for further experimental validation. The method was effectively employed on extensively mutated cancer genes, prioritized according to their suitability for ES-based interventions. Notable genes, such as NRAS and VHL, exhibited potential for this therapeutic approach, as specific target exons were identified and optimal ASO sequences were devised to induce their skipping. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first computational procedure that encompasses all necessary steps for designing ASO sequences tailored for targeted ES, contributing with a versatile and innovative approach to addressing the challenges posed by undruggable cancer driver genes and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Pacelli
- Department of Biochemical Sciences “A. Rossi Fanelli”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Alice Rossi
- Section of Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona-School of Medicine and Verona University Hospital Trust, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Michele Milella
- Section of Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona-School of Medicine and Verona University Hospital Trust, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Teresa Colombo
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology (IBPM), National Research Council (CNR), 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Loredana Le Pera
- Core Facilities, Italian National Institute of Health (ISS), 00161 Rome, Italy
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11
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Myszka M, Mucha O, Podkalicka P, Waśniowska U, Dulak J, Łoboda A. Sodium hydrosulfide moderately alleviates the hallmark symptoms of Duchenne muscular dystrophy in mdx mice. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 955:175928. [PMID: 37507045 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an incurable disease caused by mutations in the X-linked DMD gene that encodes a structural muscle protein, dystrophin. This, in turn, leads to progressive degeneration of the skeletal muscles and the heart. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), the pleiotropic agent with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and pro-angiogenic activities, could be considered a promising therapeutic factor for DMD. In this work, we studied the effect of daily intraperitoneal administration of the H2S donor, sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS, 100 μmol/kg/day for 5 weeks) on skeletal muscle (gastrocnemius, diaphragm and tibialis anterior) pathology in dystrophin-deficient mdx mice, characterized by decreased expression of H2S-generating enzymes. NaHS reduced the level of muscle damage markers in plasma (creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase and osteopontin). It lowered oxidative stress by affecting the GSH/GSSG ratio, up-regulating the level of cytoprotective heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and down-regulating the NF-κB pathway. In the gastrocnemius muscle, it also increased angiogenic vascular endothelial growth factor (Vegf) and its receptor (Kdr) expression, accompanied by the elevated number of α-SMA/CD31/lectin-positive blood vessels. The expression of fibrotic regulators, like Tgfβ, Col1a1 and Fn1 was decreased by NaHS in the tibialis anterior, while the level of autophagy markers (AMPKα signalling and Atg genes), was mostly affected in the gastrocnemius. Histological and molecular analysis showed no effect of H2S donor on regeneration and the muscle fiber type composition. Overall, the H2S donor modified the gene expression and protein level of molecules associated with the pathophysiology of DMD, contributing to the regulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, autophagy, and angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Myszka
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, Kraków, 30-387, Poland; Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Prof. St. Łojasiewicz 11, 30-348, Krakow, Poland
| | - Olga Mucha
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, Kraków, 30-387, Poland
| | - Paulina Podkalicka
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, Kraków, 30-387, Poland
| | - Urszula Waśniowska
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, Kraków, 30-387, Poland
| | - Józef Dulak
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, Kraków, 30-387, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Łoboda
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, Kraków, 30-387, Poland.
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12
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Hajduchova D, Suroviakova S, Mersakova S, Brany D, Zahumenska R, Rehak M, Skovierova H, Nováková S, Nosal V, Marcinek J, Kalman M, Jozef Pec M, Brozmanova M, Melegova J, Juhas S, Juhasova J, Studenovska H, Mitruskova B, Pokusa M, Samec M, Samos M, Nicodemou A, Danisovic L, Dankova Z, Kurca E, Lexova Kolejakova K, Chandoga J, Plank L, Halasova E, Pecova R, Strnadel J. Modelling Duchenne muscular dystrophy in vitro with newly generated, blood cell-derived induced pluripotent stem cell line ORIONi003-A. Stem Cell Res 2023; 71:103187. [PMID: 37643496 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2023.103187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Here, we present newly derived in vitro model for modeling Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Our new cell line was derived by reprogramming of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (isolated from blood from pediatric patient) with Sendai virus encoding Yamanaka factors. Derived iPS cells are capable to differentiate in vitro into three germ layers as verified by immunocytochemistry. When differentiated in special medium, our iPSc formed spontaneously beating cardiomyocytes. As cardiomyopathy is the main clinical complication in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the cell line bearing the dystrophin gene mutation might be of interest to the research community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominika Hajduchova
- Department of Pathological Physiology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Stanislava Suroviakova
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, and University Hospital Martin, Slovakia
| | - Sandra Mersakova
- Biomedical Centre Martin JFM CU, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Dusan Brany
- Biomedical Centre Martin JFM CU, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Romana Zahumenska
- Biomedical Centre Martin JFM CU, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Martin Rehak
- Biomedical Centre Martin JFM CU, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Henrieta Skovierova
- Biomedical Centre Martin JFM CU, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Slavomíra Nováková
- Biomedical Centre Martin JFM CU, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Vladimir Nosal
- Clinic of Neurology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, and University Hospital Martin, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Juraj Marcinek
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, and University Hospital Martin, Slovakia
| | - Michal Kalman
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, and University Hospital Martin, Slovakia
| | - Martin Jozef Pec
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Mariana Brozmanova
- Department of Pathological Physiology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia; Central Animal Facility, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jana Melegova
- Central Animal Facility, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Stefan Juhas
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i, Liběchov, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Juhasova
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i, Liběchov, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Studenovska
- Department of Biomaterials and Bioanalogous Systems Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Mitruskova
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Comenius University in Bratislava, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, and University Hospital, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Michal Pokusa
- Biomedical Centre Martin JFM CU, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Marek Samec
- Department of Pathological Physiology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Matej Samos
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Andreas Nicodemou
- Institute of Medical Biology, Genetics and Clinical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Lubos Danisovic
- Institute of Medical Biology, Genetics and Clinical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Zuzana Dankova
- Biomedical Centre Martin JFM CU, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Egon Kurca
- Clinic of Neurology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, and University Hospital Martin, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Katarina Lexova Kolejakova
- Institute of Medical Biology, Genetics and Clinical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jan Chandoga
- Institute of Medical Biology, Genetics and Clinical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Lukas Plank
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, and University Hospital Martin, Slovakia
| | - Erika Halasova
- Biomedical Centre Martin JFM CU, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Renata Pecova
- Department of Pathological Physiology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jan Strnadel
- Biomedical Centre Martin JFM CU, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia.
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13
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Kakaei N, Amirian R, Azadi M, Mohammadi G, Izadi Z. Perfluorocarbons: A perspective of theranostic applications and challenges. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1115254. [PMID: 37600314 PMCID: PMC10436007 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1115254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Perfluorocarbon (PFC) are biocompatible compounds, chemically and biologically inert, and lacks toxicity as oxygen carriers. PFCs nanoemulsions and nanoparticles (NPs) are highly used in diagnostic imaging and enable novel imaging technology in clinical imaging modalities to notice and image pathological and physiological alterations. Therapeutics with PFCs such as the innovative approach to preventing thrombus formation, PFC nanodroplets utilized in ultrasonic medication delivery in arthritis, or PFC-based NPs such as Perfluortributylamine (PFTBA), Pentafluorophenyl (PFP), Perfluorohexan (PFH), Perfluorooctyl bromide (PFOB), and others, recently become renowned for oxygenating tumors and enhancing the effects of anticancer treatments as oxygen carriers for tumor hypoxia. In this review, we will discuss the recent advancements that have been made in PFC's applications in theranostic (therapeutics and diagnostics) as well as assess the benefits and drawbacks of these applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasrin Kakaei
- Student Research Committee, School of Pharmacy, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
- USERN Office, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Roshanak Amirian
- Student Research Committee, School of Pharmacy, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
- USERN Office, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Mehdi Azadi
- Student Research Committee, School of Pharmacy, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
- USERN Office, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Ghobad Mohammadi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Zhila Izadi
- USERN Office, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
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14
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Savaş D, Şimşek TT. Functional level and its relationship to upper extremity function, pain, and muscle stiffness in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Ir J Med Sci 2023; 192:1867-1873. [PMID: 36112314 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-022-03162-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The progressive symptoms of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) negatively affect upper extremity skills, and this may have an effect that reduces the independence of daily life. AIMS The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between functional level and upper extremity function, pain, and stiffness in children with DMD. METHODS A total of 38 children with DMD were participated. The functional level of the upper and lower extremities was assessed using Brooke scale and Vignos scale. Upper extremity function, pain and stiffness were assessed using Upper Limb Short Questionnaire (ULSQ). The correlation between ULSQ and Brooke and Vignos scales was calculated. RESULTS A moderate positive correlation was calculated between ULSQ total scores and Vignos scale (r = 0.52, p < 0.001) and Brooke scale (r = 0.65, p < 0.001). There was a moderate positive correlation between Vignos scale scores and ULSQ subscores of function (r = 0.42, p < 0.05) and stiffness (r = 0.56, p < 0.001); no significant correlation was found between pain scores and Vignos scale (p = 0.053). There was a moderate positive correlation between the function (r = 0.54, p < 0.001), pain (r = 0.40, p < 0.05), and stiffness (r = 0.62, p < 0.001) subscores of the ULSQ with the Brooke scale. CONCLUSION In our study, there was a significant relationship between the functional level of patients with DMD and upper extremity function, pain, and muscle stiffness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilan Savaş
- Institute of Health Sciences, Dokuz Eylul University, Mithatpasa Street No:1606, TR-35340, Balcova, Izmir, Turkey.
| | - Tülay Tarsuslu Şimşek
- Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
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15
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Tesoriero C, Greco F, Cannone E, Ghirotto F, Facchinello N, Schiavone M, Vettori A. Modeling Human Muscular Dystrophies in Zebrafish: Mutant Lines, Transgenic Fluorescent Biosensors, and Phenotyping Assays. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:8314. [PMID: 37176020 PMCID: PMC10179009 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Muscular dystrophies (MDs) are a heterogeneous group of myopathies characterized by progressive muscle weakness leading to death from heart or respiratory failure. MDs are caused by mutations in genes involved in both the development and organization of muscle fibers. Several animal models harboring mutations in MD-associated genes have been developed so far. Together with rodents, the zebrafish is one of the most popular animal models used to reproduce MDs because of the high level of sequence homology with the human genome and its genetic manipulability. This review describes the most important zebrafish mutant models of MD and the most advanced tools used to generate and characterize all these valuable transgenic lines. Zebrafish models of MDs have been generated by introducing mutations to muscle-specific genes with different genetic techniques, such as (i) N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) treatment, (ii) the injection of specific morpholino, (iii) tol2-based transgenesis, (iv) TALEN, (v) and CRISPR/Cas9 technology. All these models are extensively used either to study muscle development and function or understand the pathogenetic mechanisms of MDs. Several tools have also been developed to characterize these zebrafish models by checking (i) motor behavior, (ii) muscle fiber structure, (iii) oxidative stress, and (iv) mitochondrial function and dynamics. Further, living biosensor models, based on the expression of fluorescent reporter proteins under the control of muscle-specific promoters or responsive elements, have been revealed to be powerful tools to follow molecular dynamics at the level of a single muscle fiber. Thus, zebrafish models of MDs can also be a powerful tool to search for new drugs or gene therapies able to block or slow down disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Tesoriero
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (C.T.); (F.G.); (F.G.); (A.V.)
| | - Francesca Greco
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (C.T.); (F.G.); (F.G.); (A.V.)
| | - Elena Cannone
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Francesco Ghirotto
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (C.T.); (F.G.); (F.G.); (A.V.)
| | - Nicola Facchinello
- Neuroscience Institute, Italian National Research Council (CNR), 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Marco Schiavone
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Andrea Vettori
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (C.T.); (F.G.); (F.G.); (A.V.)
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16
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Pathophysiology and Management of Fatigue in Neuromuscular Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24055005. [PMID: 36902435 PMCID: PMC10003182 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24055005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Fatigue is a major determinant of quality of life and motor function in patients affected by several neuromuscular diseases, each of them characterized by a peculiar physiopathology and the involvement of numerous interplaying factors. This narrative review aims to provide an overview on the pathophysiology of fatigue at a biochemical and molecular level with regard to muscular dystrophies, metabolic myopathies, and primary mitochondrial disorders with a focus on mitochondrial myopathies and spinal muscular atrophy, which, although fulfilling the definition of rare diseases, as a group represent a representative ensemble of neuromuscular disorders that the neurologist may encounter in clinical practice. The current use of clinical and instrumental tools for fatigue assessment, and their significance, is discussed. A summary of therapeutic approaches to address fatigue, encompassing pharmacological treatment and physical exercise, is also overviewed.
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17
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Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Ca 2+ Buffer Proteins: A Focus on the Yet-To-Be-Explored Role of Sarcalumenin in Skeletal Muscle Health and Disease. Cells 2023; 12:cells12050715. [PMID: 36899851 PMCID: PMC10000884 DOI: 10.3390/cells12050715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sarcalumenin (SAR) is a luminal Ca2+ buffer protein with high capacity but low affinity for calcium binding found predominantly in the longitudinal sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of fast- and slow-twitch skeletal muscles and the heart. Together with other luminal Ca2+ buffer proteins, SAR plays a critical role in modulation of Ca2+ uptake and Ca2+ release during excitation-contraction coupling in muscle fibers. SAR appears to be important in a wide range of other physiological functions, such as Sarco-Endoplasmic Reticulum Calcium ATPase (SERCA) stabilization, Store-Operated-Calcium-Entry (SOCE) mechanisms, muscle fatigue resistance and muscle development. The function and structural features of SAR are very similar to those of calsequestrin (CSQ), the most abundant and well-characterized Ca2+ buffer protein of junctional SR. Despite the structural and functional similarity, very few targeted studies are available in the literature. The present review provides an overview of the role of SAR in skeletal muscle physiology, as well as of its possible involvement and dysfunction in muscle wasting disorders, in order to summarize the current knowledge on SAR and drive attention to this important but still underinvestigated/neglected protein.
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18
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Costa A, Cruz AC, Martins F, Rebelo S. Protein Phosphorylation Alterations in Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043091. [PMID: 36834509 PMCID: PMC9965115 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Among the most common muscular dystrophies in adults is Myotonic Dystrophy type 1 (DM1), an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by myotonia, muscle wasting and weakness, and multisystemic dysfunctions. This disorder is caused by an abnormal expansion of the CTG triplet at the DMPK gene that, when transcribed to expanded mRNA, can lead to RNA toxic gain of function, alternative splicing impairments, and dysfunction of different signaling pathways, many regulated by protein phosphorylation. In order to deeply characterize the protein phosphorylation alterations in DM1, a systematic review was conducted through PubMed and Web of Science databases. From a total of 962 articles screened, 41 were included for qualitative analysis, where we retrieved information about total and phosphorylated levels of protein kinases, protein phosphatases, and phosphoproteins in DM1 human samples and animal and cell models. Twenty-nine kinases, 3 phosphatases, and 17 phosphoproteins were reported altered in DM1. Signaling pathways that regulate cell functions such as glucose metabolism, cell cycle, myogenesis, and apoptosis were impaired, as seen by significant alterations to pathways such as AKT/mTOR, MEK/ERK, PKC/CUGBP1, AMPK, and others in DM1 samples. This explains the complexity of DM1 and its different manifestations and symptoms, such as increased insulin resistance and cancer risk. Further studies can be done to complement and explore in detail specific pathways and how their regulation is altered in DM1, to find what key phosphorylation alterations are responsible for these manifestations, and ultimately to find therapeutic targets for future treatments.
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Caron L, Testa S, Magdinier F. Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells for Modeling Physiological and Pathological Striated Muscle Complexity. J Neuromuscul Dis 2023; 10:761-776. [PMID: 37522215 PMCID: PMC10578229 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-230076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Neuromuscular disorders (NMDs) are a large group of diseases associated with either alterations of skeletal muscle fibers, motor neurons or neuromuscular junctions. Most of these diseases is characterized with muscle weakness or wasting and greatly alter the life of patients. Animal models do not always recapitulate the phenotype of patients. The development of innovative and representative human preclinical models is thus strongly needed for modeling the wide diversity of NMDs, characterization of disease-associated variants, investigation of novel genes function, or the development of therapies. Over the last decade, the use of patient's derived induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) has resulted in tremendous progress in biomedical research, including for NMDs. Skeletal muscle is a complex tissue with multinucleated muscle fibers supported by a dense extracellular matrix and multiple cell types including motor neurons required for the contractile activity. Major challenges need now to be tackled by the scientific community to increase maturation of muscle fibers in vitro, in particular for modeling adult-onset diseases affecting this tissue (neuromuscular disorders, cachexia, sarcopenia) and the evaluation of therapeutic strategies. In the near future, rapidly evolving bioengineering approaches applied to hiPSC will undoubtedly become highly instrumental for investigating muscle pathophysiology and the development of therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie Caron
- Aix-Marseille Univ-INSERM, MMG, Marseille, France
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20
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Abstract
Viltolarsen is a phosphorodiamidate morpholino antisense oligonucleotide (PMO) designed to skip exon 53 of the DMD gene for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), one of the most common lethal genetic disorders characterized by progressive degeneration of skeletal muscles and cardiomyopathy. It was developed by Nippon Shinyaku in collaboration with the National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP) in Japan based on the preclinical studies conducted in the DMD dog model at the NCNP. After showing hopeful results in pre-clinical trials and several clinical trials across North America and Japan, it received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for DMD in 2020. Viltolarsen restores the reading frame of the DMD gene by skipping exon 53 and produces a truncated but functional form of dystrophin. It can treat approximately 8-10% of the DMD patient population. This paper aims to summarize the development of viltolarsen from preclinical trials to clinical trials to, finally, FDA approval, and discusses the challenges that come with fighting DMD using antisense therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohini Roy Roshmi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Toshifumi Yokota
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
- The Friends of Garrett Cumming Research & Muscular Dystrophy Canada, HM Toupin Neurological Science Research Chair, Edmonton, Canada.
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21
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Soderstrom CI, Larsen J, Owen C, Gifondorwa D, Beidler D, Yong FH, Conrad P, Neubert H, Moore SA, Hassanein M. Development and Validation of a Western Blot Method to Quantify Mini-Dystrophin in Human Skeletal Muscle Biopsies. AAPS J 2022; 25:12. [PMID: 36539515 PMCID: PMC10034579 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-022-00776-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a degenerative muscular disease affecting roughly one in 5000 males at birth. The disease is often caused by inherited X-linked recessive pathogenic variants in the dystrophin gene, but may also arise from de novo mutations. Disease-causing variants include nonsense, out of frame deletions or duplications that result in loss of dystrophin protein expression. There is currently no cure for DMD and the few treatment options available aim at slowing muscle degradation. New advances in gene therapy and understanding of dystrophin (DYS) expression in other muscular dystrophies have opened new opportunities for treatment. Therefore, reliable methods are needed to monitor dystrophin expression and assess the efficacy of new therapies for muscular dystrophies such as DMD and Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD). Here, we describe the validation of a novel Western blot (WB) method for the quantitation of mini-dystrophin protein in human skeletal muscle tissues that is easy to adopt in most laboratory settings. This WB method was assessed through precision, accuracy, selectivity, dilution linearity, stability, and repeatability. Based on mini-DYS standard performance, the assay has a dynamic range of 0.5-15 ng protein (per 5 µg total protein per lane), precision of 3.3 to 25.5%, and accuracy of - 7.5 to 3.3%. Our stability assessment showed that the protein is stable after 4 F/T cycles, up to 2 h at RT and after 7 months at - 70°C. Furthermore, our WB method was compared to the results from our recently published LC-MS method. Workflow for our quantitative WB method to determine mini-dystrophin levels in muscle tissues (created in Biorender.com). Step 1 involves protein extraction from skeletal muscle tissue lysates from control, DMD, or BMD biospecimen. Step 2 measures total protein concentrations. Step 3 involves running gel electrophoresis with wild-type dystrophin (wt-DYS) from muscle tissue extracts alongside mini-dystrophin STD curve and mini-DYS and protein normalization with housekeeping GAPDH.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jennifer Larsen
- Early Clinical Development, Precision Medicine, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Carolina Owen
- Early Clinical Development, Precision Medicine, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - David Gifondorwa
- Clinical Assay Group, Global Product Development (GPD), Pfizer Inc, Groton, Connecticut, USA
| | - David Beidler
- Early Clinical Development, Precision Medicine, Pfizer Inc., 1 Portland, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139, USA
| | - Florence H Yong
- Biostatistics, Early Clinical Development, Worldwide Research & Development, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Patricia Conrad
- Early Clinical Development, Precision Medicine, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Hendrik Neubert
- Biomedicine Design, Worldwide Research & Development, Pfizer Inc., Andover, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Steven A Moore
- Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, Department of Pathology, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, 52242, USA
| | - Mohamed Hassanein
- Early Clinical Development, Precision Medicine, Pfizer Inc., 1 Portland, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139, USA.
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22
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Teng T, Song X, Sun G, Ding H, Sun H, Bai G, Shi B. Glucose supplementation improves intestinal amino acid transport and muscle amino acid pool in pigs during chronic cold exposure. ANIMAL NUTRITION (ZHONGGUO XU MU SHOU YI XUE HUI) 2022; 12:360-374. [PMID: 36788930 PMCID: PMC9898627 DOI: 10.1016/j.aninu.2022.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Mammals in northern regions chronically suffer from low temperatures during autumn-winter seasons. The aim of this study was to investigate the response of intestinal amino acid transport and the amino acid pool in muscle to chronic cold exposure via Min pig models (cold adaptation) and Yorkshire pig models (non-cold adaptation). Furthermore, this study explored the beneficial effects of glucose supplementation on small intestinal amino acid transport and amino acid pool in muscle of cold-exposed Yorkshire pigs. Min pigs (Exp. 1) and Yorkshire pigs (Exp. 2) were divided into a control group (17 °C, n = 6) and chronic cold exposure group (7 °C, n = 6), respectively. Twelve Yorkshire pigs (Exp. 3) were divided into a cold control group and cold glucose supplementation group (8 °C). The results showed that chronic cold exposure inhibited peptide transporter protein 1 (PepT1) and excitatory amino acid transporter 3 (EAAT3) expression in ileal mucosa and cationic amino acid transporter-1 (CAT-1) in the jejunal mucosa of Yorkshire pigs (P < 0.05). In contrast, CAT-1, PepT1 and EAAT3 expression was enhanced in the duodenal mucosa of Min pigs (P < 0.05). Branched amino acids (BCAA) in the muscle of Yorkshire pigs were consumed by chronic cold exposure, accompanied by increased muscle RING-finger protein-1 (MuRF1) and muscle atrophy F-box (atrogin-1) expression (P < 0.05). More importantly, reduced concentrations of dystrophin were detected in the muscle of Yorkshire pigs (P < 0.05). However, glycine concentration in the muscle of Min pigs was raised (P < 0.05). In the absence of interaction between chronic cold exposure and glucose supplementation, glucose supplementation improved CAT-1 expression in the jejunal mucosa and PepT1 expression in the ileal mucosa of cold-exposed Yorkshire pigs (P < 0.05). It also improved BCAA and inhibited MuRF1 and atrogin-1 expression in muscle (P < 0.05). Moreover, dystrophin concentration was improved by glucose supplementation (P < 0.05). In summary, chronic cold exposure inhibits amino acid absorption in the small intestine, depletes BCAA and promotes protein degradation in muscle. Glucose supplementation ameliorates the negative effects of chronic cold exposure on amino acid transport and the amino acid pool in muscle.
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Inherited myopathies in the Middle East and North Africa. GENE REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2022.101674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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24
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唐 静, 张 家, 杨 学, 钟 京, 谢 彦, 孟 琦, 蓝 丹. [Magnetic resonance imaging for the diagnosis of muscular dystrophy]. ZHONGGUO DANG DAI ER KE ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF CONTEMPORARY PEDIATRICS 2022; 24:1231-1237. [PMID: 36398549 PMCID: PMC9678059 DOI: 10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2206052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To summarize the skeletal muscle magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of the lower limbs in common subtypes of muscular dystrophy (MD) and the experience in the application of MRI in the diagnosis of MD. METHODS A total of 48 children with MD who were diagnosed by genetic testing were enrolled as subjects. The muscle MRI features of the lower limbs were analyzed. Cumulative fatty infiltration score was calculated for each subtype, and the correlation of cumulative fatty infiltration score with clinical indices was analyzed for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). RESULTS DMD was characterized by the involvement of the gluteus maximus and the adductor magnus. Becker muscular dystrophy was characterized by the involvement of the vastus lateralis muscle. Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy was characterized by the involvement of the adductor magnus, the vastus intermedius, the vastus medialis, and the vastus lateralis muscle. For DMD, the cumulative fatty infiltration score of the lower limb muscles was significantly correlated with age, course of the disease, muscle strength, and motor function (P<0.05), while it was not significantly correlated with the serum creatine kinase level (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Different subtypes of MD have different MRI manifestations, and MRI may help with the diagnosis and assessment of MD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - 学军 杨
- 广西医科大学第一附属医院,放射科,广西南宁530021
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Harjpal P, Kovela RK, Raipure A, Dandale C, Qureshi MI. The Refinement of Home Exercise Program for Children and Adolescents With Muscular Dystrophy in the Present COVID-19 Pandemic Scenario: A Scoping Review. Cureus 2022; 14:e29344. [PMID: 36304374 PMCID: PMC9584635 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.29344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Muscular dystrophies (MDs) are a category of hereditary illnesses characterized by the gradual malfunction and/or weakening of the skeletal muscles. This disease of the muscles also results in hypotonia and joint contracture, along with raised serum creatine kinase (CK) levels. To prevent complications, continuous physiotherapy is advised for children with muscular dystrophy, which is even asked to perform at home as a home exercise program (HEP). As a result, the home exercise program (HEP) is critical in maintaining the optimal health of children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The present coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has adversely affected these children as there was very little scope to get direct help from a physiotherapist. Meanwhile, the home program was continued by many to compensate for the direct benefit. However, because of the lack of specific guidelines and structured methodology to follow for a home program, there was a deterioration in the health status of many children. There is a need to understand how the children are getting affected and the way the home program can be refined to help needy children with muscular dystrophy. Our scoping review aims to identify the present home program patterns being followed for children with DMD and their scope for refinement. The data were collected from electronic databases including PubMed, ProQuest, Cochrane, and Web of Science. We searched four electronic databases until September 2021. We included the published case studies, observational and experimental studies that described the positive impact of home exercise programs, and the methodology they followed as an alternative to institution-based physiotherapy. One hundred thirty-eight titles were screened, and 58 met the inclusion criteria. Along with regular physiotherapy, the incorporation of HEP helped in early complication prevention in patients with muscular dystrophy. The HEP was found to be a successful adjunct in the COVID-19 scenario. This review presents different therapeutic measures that can be taken for the prevention of complications in patients with MD and how the HEP plays an important role in removing the gaps on how HEP is beneficial in the COVID-19 scenario and a scope to refine the present methodologies for more accurate management.
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Deng J, Zhang J, Shi K, Liu Z. Drug development progress in duchenne muscular dystrophy. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:950651. [PMID: 35935842 PMCID: PMC9353054 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.950651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe, progressive, and incurable X-linked disorder caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene. Patients with DMD have an absence of functional dystrophin protein, which results in chronic damage of muscle fibers during contraction, thus leading to deterioration of muscle quality and loss of muscle mass over time. Although there is currently no cure for DMD, improvements in treatment care and management could delay disease progression and improve quality of life, thereby prolonging life expectancy for these patients. Furthermore, active research efforts are ongoing to develop therapeutic strategies that target dystrophin deficiency, such as gene replacement therapies, exon skipping, and readthrough therapy, as well as strategies that target secondary pathology of DMD, such as novel anti-inflammatory compounds, myostatin inhibitors, and cardioprotective compounds. Furthermore, longitudinal modeling approaches have been used to characterize the progression of MRI and functional endpoints for predictive purposes to inform Go/No Go decisions in drug development. This review showcases approved drugs or drug candidates along their development paths and also provides information on primary endpoints and enrollment size of Ph2/3 and Ph3 trials in the DMD space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiexin Deng
- School of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
- *Correspondence: Jiexin Deng, ; Zhigang Liu,
| | - Junshi Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Keli Shi
- School of Medicine, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Zhigang Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University, Kaifeng, China
- *Correspondence: Jiexin Deng, ; Zhigang Liu,
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Chen L, Xu B, Liu W, Wang D, Xu J, Mao X, Xiao M, Zhou J, Xiao Y. CAR T-Cell Therapy for Relapsed/Refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma with Progressive Muscular Dystrophy: A Case Report. Onco Targets Ther 2022; 15:361-366. [PMID: 35422632 PMCID: PMC9005144 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s352760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Muscular dystrophies are a heterogeneous group of genetically inherited degenerative disorders defined by dystrophic features on pathological assessment of muscle biopsy specimens. Muscular dystrophies and lymphoma are not common concomitant diseases. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell immunotherapy for lymphoma patients with inherited degenerative diseases, such as muscular dystrophies, has not been previously reported. We report a relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patient with progressive muscular dystrophy (PMD) characterized by progressive muscle weakness that affected the limb, axial and facial muscles. He was identified to be a germline DYSF p.R204* homozygous mutation carrier. The patient received a murine monoclonal anti-CD19 and anti-CD22 CAR T-cell “cocktail” and suffered from a mild case of grade 1 cytokine release syndrome (CRS). One month after the CAR T-cell infusion, he achieved complete remission of his lymphoma without minimal residual disease (MRD), as assessed by radiography. One year after the infusion, the Deauville score was stable at 1. Currently, patient has been in remission for over three years after receiving anti-CD19 and anti-CD22 CAR T-cell therapy. This case provides evidence for the use of CAR T-cell therapy in lymphoma patients with inherited degenerative disorders. Achieving remission of the lymphoma and subsequent administration of γ-globulin as well as zoledronic acid reduced the muscular dystrophy symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liting Chen
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bin Xu
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wanying Liu
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Di Wang
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jinhuan Xu
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xia Mao
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Min Xiao
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianfeng Zhou
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi Xiao
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Yi Xiao; Jianfeng Zhou, Email ;
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Pediatric Patient with Heliotrope Rash and Proximal Muscle Weakness. J Nurse Pract 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nurpra.2022.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Jablonka S, Hennlein L, Sendtner M. Therapy development for spinal muscular atrophy: perspectives for muscular dystrophies and neurodegenerative disorders. Neurol Res Pract 2022; 4:2. [PMID: 34983696 PMCID: PMC8725368 DOI: 10.1186/s42466-021-00162-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Major efforts have been made in the last decade to develop and improve therapies for proximal spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). The introduction of Nusinersen/Spinraza™ as an antisense oligonucleotide therapy, Onasemnogene abeparvovec/Zolgensma™ as an AAV9-based gene therapy and Risdiplam/Evrysdi™ as a small molecule modifier of pre-mRNA splicing have set new standards for interference with neurodegeneration. MAIN BODY Therapies for SMA are designed to interfere with the cellular basis of the disease by modifying pre-mRNA splicing and enhancing expression of the Survival Motor Neuron (SMN) protein, which is only expressed at low levels in this disorder. The corresponding strategies also can be applied to other disease mechanisms caused by loss of function or toxic gain of function mutations. The development of therapies for SMA was based on the use of cell culture systems and mouse models, as well as innovative clinical trials that included readouts that had originally been introduced and optimized in preclinical studies. This is summarized in the first part of this review. The second part discusses current developments and perspectives for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, muscular dystrophies, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, as well as the obstacles that need to be overcome to introduce RNA-based therapies and gene therapies for these disorders. CONCLUSION RNA-based therapies offer chances for therapy development of complex neurodegenerative disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, muscular dystrophies, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. The experiences made with these new drugs for SMA, and also the experiences in AAV gene therapies could help to broaden the spectrum of current approaches to interfere with pathophysiological mechanisms in neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibylle Jablonka
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Versbacher Str. 5, 97078, Wuerzburg, Germany.
| | - Luisa Hennlein
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Versbacher Str. 5, 97078, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Michael Sendtner
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Versbacher Str. 5, 97078, Wuerzburg, Germany.
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Sandonà M, Saccone V. Post-translational Modification in Muscular Dystrophies. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1382:71-84. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-05460-0_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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31
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Ababneh NA, Ali D, Al-Kurdi B, Barham R, Bsisu IK, Dababseh D, Arafat S, Khanfar AN, Makahleh L, Ryalat AT, Sallam M, El-Khateeb M, Sharrack B, Awidi A. The utility of whole-exome sequencing in accurate diagnosis of neuromuscular disorders in consanguineous families in Jordan. Clin Chim Acta 2021; 523:330-338. [PMID: 34624274 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2021.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuromuscular disorders (NMDs) encompass a large group of genetic and acquired diseases affecting muscles, leading to progressive muscular weakness. These disorders are frequently inherited in an autosomal-recessive (AR) pattern with extreme heterogeneity and various clinical presentations. Consanguinity increases the likelihood of AR disorders, with high rates of cousin inbreeding in Jordan and other Arab countries. In Jordan, the implementation of genetic diagnosis is limited, with delayed or misdiagnosis of genetic disorders. Thus, the lack of genetic counselling and specialized treatment options is frequently encountered in the country. METHODS Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was conducted for eleven probands from ten Jordanian families who have been formerly diagnosed with limb-girdle dystrophy (LGMD) and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT). The previous diagnoses were established principally on clinical examination in the absence of genetic testing. Additionally, Sanger sequencing and segregation analysis were used to validate the resulted pathogenic variants. RESULTS Multiple variants were identified using WES: For DYSF gene, a missense variant (c. 4076 T > C, p.Leu1359Pro) in exon 38; a nonsense variant (c. 4321C > T, p.Gln1441Ter) in exon 39; a single-nucleotide deletion (c. 5711delG, p.Gly1904AlafsTer101) in exon 51. Other variants included a missense variant (c. 122G > A, p.Arg41Gln) in exon 3 of MPV17 gene, a single-nucleotide deletion (c. 859 delC, p.Lue287Ser fs14*) in exon 6 of SGCB gene, a missense variant (c. 311G > A, p.Gly104Asp) in exon 2 of SLC25A46 gene, a nonsense variant (c. 496C > T, p.Arg166Ter) in exon 5 of SGCG gene, and a nonsense variant (c.3202C > T, p.Gln1068Ter) in exon 13 of SH3TC2 gene. CONCLUSION Utilization of WES is helpful to facilitate rapid and accurate NMDs diagnosis, complementing a thorough clinical evaluation. This approach can be invaluable to aid in the identification of genetic risks among consanguineous couples. Subsequently, well-informed genetic counselling and potential individualized treatment can be provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nidaa A Ababneh
- Cell Therapy Center (CTC), the University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan.
| | - Dema Ali
- Cell Therapy Center (CTC), the University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Ban Al-Kurdi
- Cell Therapy Center (CTC), the University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Raghda Barham
- Cell Therapy Center (CTC), the University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Isam K Bsisu
- Department of Anesthesia, School of Medicine, the University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Deema Dababseh
- Department of Dentistry, Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan
| | - Sally Arafat
- Cell Therapy Center (CTC), the University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Asim N Khanfar
- School of Medicine, the University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Leen Makahleh
- School of Medicine, the University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | | | - Malik Sallam
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, the University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan; Department of Clinical Laboratories and Forensic Medicine, Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan
| | | | - Basil Sharrack
- Academic Department of Neuroscience and Sheffield NIHR Neuroscience BRC, Royal Hallamshire Hospital and the University of Sheffield, Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2JF, UK
| | - Abdalla Awidi
- Cell Therapy Center (CTC), the University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan; Hemostasis and Thrombosis Laboratory, School of Medicine, the University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan; Department of Hematology and Oncology, Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan.
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Nguyen TH, Conotte S, Belayew A, Declèves AE, Legrand A, Tassin A. Hypoxia and Hypoxia-Inducible Factor Signaling in Muscular Dystrophies: Cause and Consequences. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7220. [PMID: 34281273 PMCID: PMC8269128 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Muscular dystrophies (MDs) are a group of inherited degenerative muscle disorders characterized by a progressive skeletal muscle wasting. Respiratory impairments and subsequent hypoxemia are encountered in a significant subgroup of patients in almost all MD forms. In response to hypoxic stress, compensatory mechanisms are activated especially through Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1 α (HIF-1α). In healthy muscle, hypoxia and HIF-1α activation are known to affect oxidative stress balance and metabolism. Recent evidence has also highlighted HIF-1α as a regulator of myogenesis and satellite cell function. However, the impact of HIF-1α pathway modifications in MDs remains to be investigated. Multifactorial pathological mechanisms could lead to HIF-1α activation in patient skeletal muscles. In addition to the genetic defect per se, respiratory failure or blood vessel alterations could modify hypoxia response pathways. Here, we will discuss the current knowledge about the hypoxia response pathway alterations in MDs and address whether such changes could influence MD pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuy-Hang Nguyen
- Laboratory of Respiratory Physiology, Pathophysiology and Rehabilitation, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, 7000 Mons, Belgium; (T.-H.N.); (S.C.); (A.B.); (A.L.)
| | - Stephanie Conotte
- Laboratory of Respiratory Physiology, Pathophysiology and Rehabilitation, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, 7000 Mons, Belgium; (T.-H.N.); (S.C.); (A.B.); (A.L.)
| | - Alexandra Belayew
- Laboratory of Respiratory Physiology, Pathophysiology and Rehabilitation, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, 7000 Mons, Belgium; (T.-H.N.); (S.C.); (A.B.); (A.L.)
| | - Anne-Emilie Declèves
- Department of Metabolic and Molecular Biochemistry, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, 7000 Mons, Belgium;
| | - Alexandre Legrand
- Laboratory of Respiratory Physiology, Pathophysiology and Rehabilitation, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, 7000 Mons, Belgium; (T.-H.N.); (S.C.); (A.B.); (A.L.)
| | - Alexandra Tassin
- Laboratory of Respiratory Physiology, Pathophysiology and Rehabilitation, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, 7000 Mons, Belgium; (T.-H.N.); (S.C.); (A.B.); (A.L.)
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Abstract
The limb-girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMD) are a collection of genetic diseases united in their phenotypical expression of pelvic and shoulder area weakness and wasting. More than 30 subtypes have been identified, five dominant and 26 recessive. The increase in the characterization of new genotypes in the family of LGMDs further adds to the heterogeneity of the disease. Meanwhile, better understanding of the phenotype led to the reconsideration of the disease definition, which resulted in eight old subtypes to be no longer recognized officially as LGMD and five new diseases to be added to the LGMD family. The unique variabilities of LGMD stem from genetic mutations, which then lead to protein and ultimately muscle dysfunction. Herein, we review the LGMD pathway, starting with the genetic mutations that encode proteins involved in muscle maintenance and repair, and including the genotype–phenotype relationship of the disease, the epidemiology, disease progression, burden of illness, and emerging treatments.
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Age-Dependent Dysregulation of Muscle Vasculature and Blood Flow Recovery after Hindlimb Ischemia in the mdx Model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9050481. [PMID: 33925757 PMCID: PMC8145677 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9050481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), caused by a lack of functional dystrophin, is characterized by progressive muscle degeneration. Interestingly, dystrophin is also expressed in endothelial cells (ECs), and insufficient angiogenesis has already been hypothesized to contribute to DMD pathology, however, its status in mdx mice, a model of DMD, is still not fully clear. Our study aimed to reveal angiogenesis-related alterations in skeletal muscles of mdx mice compared to wild-type (WT) counterparts. By investigating 6- and 12-week-old mice, we sought to verify if those changes are age-dependent. We utilized a broad spectrum of methods ranging from gene expression analysis, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence imaging to determine the level of angiogenic markers and to assess muscle blood vessel abundance. Finally, we implemented the hindlimb ischemia (HLI) model, more biologically relevant in the context of functional studies evaluating angiogenesis/arteriogenesis processes. We demonstrated that both 6- and 12-week-old dystrophic mice exhibited dysregulation of several angiogenic factors, including decreased vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF) in different muscle types. Nonetheless, in younger, 6-week-old mdx animals, neither the abundance of CD31+α-SMA+ double-positive blood vessels nor basal blood flow and its restoration after HLI was affected. In 12-week-old mdx mice, although a higher number of CD31+α-SMA+ double-positive blood vessels and an increased percentage of skeletal muscle ECs were found, the abundance of pericytes was diminished, and blood flow was reduced. Moreover, impeded perfusion recovery after HLI associated with a blunted inflammatory and regenerative response was evident in 12-week-old dystrophic mice. Hence, our results reinforce the hypothesis of age-dependent angiogenic dysfunction in dystrophic mice. In conclusion, we suggest that older mdx mice constitute an appropriate model for preclinical studies evaluating the effectiveness of vascular-based therapies aimed at the restoration of functional angiogenesis to mitigate DMD severity.
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Fernández-Garibay X, Ortega MA, Cerro-Herreros E, Comelles J, Martínez E, Artero R, Fernández-Costa JM, Ramón-Azcón J. Bioengineered in vitro3D model of myotonic dystrophy type 1 human skeletal muscle. Biofabrication 2021; 13. [PMID: 33836519 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/abf6ae] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is the most common hereditary myopathy in the adult population. The disease is characterized by progressive skeletal muscle degeneration that produces severe disability. At present, there is still no effective treatment for DM1 patients, but the breakthroughs in understanding the molecular pathogenic mechanisms in DM1 have allowed the testing of new therapeutic strategies. Animal models andin vitrotwo-dimensional cell cultures have been essential for these advances. However, serious concerns exist regarding how faithfully these models reproduce the biological complexity of the disease. Biofabrication tools can be applied to engineer human three-dimensional (3D) culture systems that complement current preclinical research models. Here, we describe the development of the firstin vitro3D model of DM1 human skeletal muscle. Transdifferentiated myoblasts from patient-derived fibroblasts were encapsulated in micromolded gelatin methacryloyl-carboxymethyl cellulose methacrylate hydrogels through photomold patterning on functionalized glass coverslips. These hydrogels present a microstructured topography that promotes myoblasts alignment and differentiation resulting in highly aligned myotubes from both healthy and DM1 cells in a long-lasting cell culture. The DM1 3D microtissues recapitulate the molecular alterations detected in patient biopsies. Importantly, fusion index analyses demonstrate that 3D micropatterning significantly improved DM1 cell differentiation into multinucleated myotubes compared to standard cell cultures. Moreover, the characterization of the 3D cultures of DM1 myotubes detects phenotypes as the reduced thickness of myotubes that can be used for drug testing. Finally, we evaluated the therapeutic effect of antagomiR-23b administration on bioengineered DM1 skeletal muscle microtissues. AntagomiR-23b treatment rescues both molecular DM1 hallmarks and structural phenotype, restoring myotube diameter to healthy control sizes. Overall, these new microtissues represent an improvement over conventional cell culture models and can be used as biomimetic platforms to establish preclinical studies for myotonic dystrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiomara Fernández-Garibay
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), c/Baldiri Reixac 10-12, E08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - María A Ortega
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), c/Baldiri Reixac 10-12, E08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Estefanía Cerro-Herreros
- University Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), University of Valencia, Dr Moliner 50, E46100 Burjassot, Valencia, Spain.,Translational Genomics Group, Incliva Health Research Institute, Dr Moliner 50, E46100 Burjassot, Valencia, Spain.,Joint Unit Incliva- CIPF, Dr Moliner 50, E46100 Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
| | - Jordi Comelles
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), c/Baldiri Reixac 10-12, E08028 Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Electronics and Biomedical Engineering, University of Barcelona (UB), c/Martí i Franquès 1-11, E08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena Martínez
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), c/Baldiri Reixac 10-12, E08028 Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Electronics and Biomedical Engineering, University of Barcelona (UB), c/Martí i Franquès 1-11, E08028 Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBER), Av. Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Pabellón 11, Planta 0, E28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Rubén Artero
- University Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), University of Valencia, Dr Moliner 50, E46100 Burjassot, Valencia, Spain.,Translational Genomics Group, Incliva Health Research Institute, Dr Moliner 50, E46100 Burjassot, Valencia, Spain.,Joint Unit Incliva- CIPF, Dr Moliner 50, E46100 Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan M Fernández-Costa
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), c/Baldiri Reixac 10-12, E08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Javier Ramón-Azcón
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), c/Baldiri Reixac 10-12, E08028 Barcelona, Spain.,Institució Catalana de Reserca I Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Passeig de Lluís Companys, 23, E08010 Barcelona, Spain
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Andreana I, Repellin M, Carton F, Kryza D, Briançon S, Chazaud B, Mounier R, Arpicco S, Malatesta M, Stella B, Lollo G. Nanomedicine for Gene Delivery and Drug Repurposing in the Treatment of Muscular Dystrophies. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:278. [PMID: 33669654 PMCID: PMC7922331 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13020278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Muscular Dystrophies (MDs) are a group of rare inherited genetic muscular pathologies encompassing a variety of clinical phenotypes, gene mutations and mechanisms of disease. MDs undergo progressive skeletal muscle degeneration causing severe health problems that lead to poor life quality, disability and premature death. There are no available therapies to counteract the causes of these diseases and conventional treatments are administered only to mitigate symptoms. Recent understanding on the pathogenetic mechanisms allowed the development of novel therapeutic strategies based on gene therapy, genome editing CRISPR/Cas9 and drug repurposing approaches. Despite the therapeutic potential of these treatments, once the actives are administered, their instability, susceptibility to degradation and toxicity limit their applications. In this frame, the design of delivery strategies based on nanomedicines holds great promise for MD treatments. This review focuses on nanomedicine approaches able to encapsulate therapeutic agents such as small chemical molecules and oligonucleotides to target the most common MDs such as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and the Myotonic Dystrophies. The challenge related to in vitro and in vivo testing of nanosystems in appropriate animal models is also addressed. Finally, the most promising nanomedicine-based strategies are highlighted and a critical view in future developments of nanomedicine for neuromuscular diseases is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Andreana
- Laboratoire d’Automatique, de Génie des Procédés et de Génie Pharmaceutique, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR 5007, 43 bd 11 Novembre 1918, 69622 Villeurbanne, France; (I.A.); (M.R.); (D.K.); (S.B.)
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, Via P. Giuria 9, 10125 Torino, Italy;
| | - Mathieu Repellin
- Laboratoire d’Automatique, de Génie des Procédés et de Génie Pharmaceutique, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR 5007, 43 bd 11 Novembre 1918, 69622 Villeurbanne, France; (I.A.); (M.R.); (D.K.); (S.B.)
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 8, 37134 Verona, Italy; (F.C.); (M.M.)
| | - Flavia Carton
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 8, 37134 Verona, Italy; (F.C.); (M.M.)
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - David Kryza
- Laboratoire d’Automatique, de Génie des Procédés et de Génie Pharmaceutique, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR 5007, 43 bd 11 Novembre 1918, 69622 Villeurbanne, France; (I.A.); (M.R.); (D.K.); (S.B.)
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69437 Lyon, France
| | - Stéphanie Briançon
- Laboratoire d’Automatique, de Génie des Procédés et de Génie Pharmaceutique, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR 5007, 43 bd 11 Novembre 1918, 69622 Villeurbanne, France; (I.A.); (M.R.); (D.K.); (S.B.)
| | - Bénédicte Chazaud
- Institut NeuroMyoGène, University of Lyon, INSERM U1217, CNRS UMR 5310, 8 Avenue Rockefeller, 69008 Lyon, France; (B.C.); (R.M.)
| | - Rémi Mounier
- Institut NeuroMyoGène, University of Lyon, INSERM U1217, CNRS UMR 5310, 8 Avenue Rockefeller, 69008 Lyon, France; (B.C.); (R.M.)
| | - Silvia Arpicco
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, Via P. Giuria 9, 10125 Torino, Italy;
| | - Manuela Malatesta
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 8, 37134 Verona, Italy; (F.C.); (M.M.)
| | - Barbara Stella
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, Via P. Giuria 9, 10125 Torino, Italy;
| | - Giovanna Lollo
- Laboratoire d’Automatique, de Génie des Procédés et de Génie Pharmaceutique, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR 5007, 43 bd 11 Novembre 1918, 69622 Villeurbanne, France; (I.A.); (M.R.); (D.K.); (S.B.)
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Sanchez F, Weitz C, Gutierrez JM, Mestroni L, Hanneman K, Vargas D. Cardiac MR Imaging of Muscular Dystrophies. Curr Probl Diagn Radiol 2021; 51:225-234. [PMID: 33551194 DOI: 10.1067/j.cpradiol.2020.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Revised: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Muscular dystrophies (MDs) are a group of inherited disorders caused by mutations that interfere with muscular structure, contraction, or relaxation. As the cardiac sarcomeric unit shares multiple proteins with the skeletal muscle unit, the heart is affected in several MDs, sometimes without apparent musculoskeletal involvement. Early detection of MD-related cardiomyopathy is crucial as timely initiation of cardioprotective therapy can slow adverse cardiac remodeling. Although transthoracic echocardiography is widely used for the evaluation of cardiac morphology and function, it has limitations in terms of reproducibility and image quality. The need for an optimal acoustic window may be particularly challenging to obtain in patients with MDs given their body habitus and position. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging has emerged as a useful tool in the evaluation of patients with MDs. Its superb tissue characterization capability through late gadolinium enhancement, T1 mapping, extracellular volume fraction quantification, and edema imaging detects early cardiac involvement, even when echocardiography and electrocardiogram are unremarkable. MDs that frequently present with cardiac involvement include Duchenne MD, Becker MD, Emery Dreifuss MD, Limb-Girdle MDs, and myotonic dystrophy. The purpose of this review article is to briefly describe the pathophysiology of these entities, discuss their clinical presentation and expected evolution, explain the role of CMR in the diagnosis and follow-up of these patients, and portray the different CMR findings present in MD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Sanchez
- Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto - University Health Network, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Carolina Weitz
- Department of Medical Imaging, Hospital Clinico Felix Bulnes Cerda, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jose M Gutierrez
- Department of Medical Imaging, Hospital Barros Luco Trudeau, Santiago, Chile
| | - Luisa Mestroni
- University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus, Molecular Genetics, Cardiovascular Institute, Aurora, CO
| | - Kate Hanneman
- Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto - University Health Network, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Daniel Vargas
- Department of Radiology, University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
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Fernández-Costa JM, Fernández-Garibay X, Velasco-Mallorquí F, Ramón-Azcón J. Bioengineered in vitro skeletal muscles as new tools for muscular dystrophies preclinical studies. J Tissue Eng 2021; 12:2041731420981339. [PMID: 33628411 PMCID: PMC7882756 DOI: 10.1177/2041731420981339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Muscular dystrophies are a group of highly disabling disorders that share degenerative muscle weakness and wasting as common symptoms. To date, there is not an effective cure for these diseases. In the last years, bioengineered tissues have emerged as powerful tools for preclinical studies. In this review, we summarize the recent technological advances in skeletal muscle tissue engineering. We identify several ground-breaking techniques to fabricate in vitro bioartificial muscles. Accumulating evidence shows that scaffold-based tissue engineering provides topographical cues that enhance the viability and maturation of skeletal muscle. Functional bioartificial muscles have been developed using human myoblasts. These tissues accurately responded to electrical and biological stimulation. Moreover, advanced drug screening tools can be fabricated integrating these tissues in electrical stimulation platforms. However, more work introducing patient-derived cells and integrating these tissues in microdevices is needed to promote the clinical translation of bioengineered skeletal muscle as preclinical tools for muscular dystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan M. Fernández-Costa
- Biosensors for Bioengineering, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xiomara Fernández-Garibay
- Biosensors for Bioengineering, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ferran Velasco-Mallorquí
- Biosensors for Bioengineering, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Javier Ramón-Azcón
- Biosensors for Bioengineering, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
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The nSMase2/Smpd3 gene modulates the severity of muscular dystrophy and the emotional stress response in mdx mice. BMC Med 2020; 18:343. [PMID: 33208172 PMCID: PMC7677854 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-020-01805-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive, degenerative muscular disorder and cognitive dysfunction caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene. It is characterized by excess inflammatory responses in the muscle and repeated degeneration and regeneration cycles. Neutral sphingomyelinase 2/sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase 3 (nSMase2/Smpd3) hydrolyzes sphingomyelin in lipid rafts. This protein thus modulates inflammatory responses, cell survival or apoptosis pathways, and the secretion of extracellular vesicles in a Ca2+-dependent manner. However, its roles in dystrophic pathology have not yet been clarified. METHODS To investigate the effects of the loss of nSMase2/Smpd3 on dystrophic muscles and its role in the abnormal behavior observed in DMD patients, we generated mdx mice lacking the nSMase2/Smpd3 gene (mdx:Smpd3 double knockout [DKO] mice). RESULTS Young mdx:Smpd3 DKO mice exhibited reduced muscular degeneration and decreased inflammation responses, but later on they showed exacerbated muscular necrosis. In addition, the abnormal stress response displayed by mdx mice was improved in the mdx:Smpd3 DKO mice, with the recovery of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) expression in the hippocampus. CONCLUSIONS nSMase2/Smpd3-modulated lipid raft integrity is a potential therapeutic target for DMD.
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Łoboda A, Dulak J. Muscle and cardiac therapeutic strategies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy: past, present, and future. Pharmacol Rep 2020; 72:1227-1263. [PMID: 32691346 PMCID: PMC7550322 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-020-00134-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe X-linked neuromuscular childhood disorder that causes progressive muscle weakness and degeneration and results in functional decline, loss of ambulation and early death of young men due to cardiac or respiratory failure. Although the major cause of the disease has been known for many years-namely mutation in the DMD gene encoding dystrophin, one of the largest human genes-DMD is still incurable, and its treatment is challenging. METHODS A comprehensive and systematic review of literature on the gene, cell, and pharmacological experimental therapies aimed at restoring functional dystrophin or to counteract the associated processes contributing to disease progression like inflammation, fibrosis, calcium signaling or angiogenesis was carried out. RESULTS Although some therapies lead to satisfying effects in skeletal muscle, they are highly ineffective in the heart; therefore, targeting defective cardiac and respiratory systems is vital in DMD patients. Unfortunately, most of the pharmacological compounds treat only the symptoms of the disease. Some drugs addressing the underlying cause, like eteplirsen, golodirsen, and ataluren, have recently been conditionally approved; however, they can correct only specific mutations in the DMD gene and are therefore suitable for small sub-populations of affected individuals. CONCLUSION In this review, we summarize the possible therapeutic options and describe the current status of various, still imperfect, strategies used for attenuating the disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Łoboda
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Józef Dulak
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
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Li L, Jing Z, Cheng L, Liu W, Wang H, Xu Y, Zheng X, Yu X, Liu S. Compound heterozygous DYSF variants causing limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2B in a Chinese family. J Gene Med 2020; 22:e3272. [PMID: 32889728 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.3272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The dysferlin gene or the DYSF gene encodes the Ca2+ -dependent phospholipid-binding protein dysferlin, which belongs to the ferlin family and is associated with muscle membrane regeneration and repair. Variants in the DYSF gene are responsible for limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2B (LGMD2B), also called limb-girdle muscular dystrophy recessive 2 (LGMDR2), a rare subtype of muscular dystrophy involving progressive muscle weakness and atrophy. The present study aimed to identify the variants responsible for the clinical symptoms of a Chinese patient with limb girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMDs) and to explore the genotype-phenotype associations of LGMD2B. METHODS A series of clinical examinations, including blood tests, magnetic resonance imaging scans for the lower legs, electromyography and muscle biopsy, was performed on the proband diagnosed with muscular dystrophies. Whole exome sequencing was conducted to detect the causative variants, followed by Sanger sequencing to validate these variants. RESULTS We identified two compound heterozygous variants in the DYSF gene, c.1058 T>C, p.(Leu353Pro) in exon 12 and c.1461C>A/p.Cys487* in exon 16 in this proband, which were inherited from the father and mother, respectively. In silico analysis for these variants revealed deleterious results by PolyPhen-2 (Polymorphism Phenotyping v2; http://genetics.bwh.harvard.edu/pph2), SIFT (Sorting Intolerant From Tolerant; https://sift.bii.a-star.edu.sg), PROVEAN (Protein Variation Effect Analyzer; http://provean.jcvi.org/seq_submit.php) and MutationTaster (http://www.mutationtaster.org). In addition, the two compound heterozygous variants in the proband were absent in 100 control individuals who had an identical ethnic origin and were from the same region, suggesting that these variants may be the pathogenic variants responsible for the LGMD2B phenotypes for this proband. CONCLUSIONS The present study broadens our understanding of the mutational spectrum of the DYSF gene, which provides a deep insight into the pathogenesis of LGMDs and accelerates the development of a prenatal diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangshan Li
- Medical Genetic Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Zhongcui Jing
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Lei Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Wenmiao Liu
- Medical Genetic Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Haiyan Wang
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yinglei Xu
- Medical Genetic Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xueping Zheng
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaoling Yu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Shiguo Liu
- Medical Genetic Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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Mohamadian M, Naseri M, Ghandil P, Bahrami A, Momen AA. The first report of two homozygous sequence variants in FKRP and SELENON genes associated with syndromic congenital muscular dystrophy in Iran: Further expansion of the clinical phenotypes. J Gene Med 2020; 22:e3265. [PMID: 32864802 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.3265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD) refers to hypotonia and delayed motor development that is manifested at or near the birth. Additional presentations have been observed in CMD syndromes. METHODS Thorough clinical examinations were performed on two unrelated Iranian families with typical symptoms of CMD and uncommon features such as intellectual disability and nephrolithiasis. The genomic DNA of probands were subjected to whole exome sequencing. Following the detection of candidate variants with a bioinformatic pipeline, the familial co-segregation analysis was carried out using polymerase chain reaction-based Sanger sequencing. RESULTS We identified a missense homozygous variant in the fukutin-related protein (FKRP) gene (c.968G>A, p.Arg323His) related to CMD-dystroglycanopathy type B5 (MDDGB5) and a frameshift homozygous variant in the selenoprotein N (SELENON) gene (c.1446delC, p.Asn483Thrfs*11) associated with congenital rigid-spine muscular dystrophy 1 (RSMD1), which were completely segregated with the phenotypes in the families. These variants were not found in either the 1000 Genomes Project or the Exome Aggregation Consortium. The present study provides the first report of these homozygous sequence variants in Iran. Moreover, our study was the first observation of nephrolithiasis in FKRP-related dystroglycanopathy and intellectual disability in SELENON-related myopathies. Based on in silico studies and molecular docking, these variations induced pathogenic effects on the proteins. CONCLUSIONS Our findings extend the genetic database of Iranian patients with CMD and, in general, the phenotypical spectrum of syndromic CMD. It is recommended to consider these variants for a more accurate clinical interpretation, prenatal diagnosis and genetic counseling in families with a history of CMD, especially in those combined with cognitive impairments or renal dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malihe Mohamadian
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Mohsen Naseri
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Pegah Ghandil
- Diabetes Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.,Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Afsane Bahrami
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Ali Akbar Momen
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Golestan Medical, Educational, and Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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Wallace B, Smith KT, Thomas S, Conway KM, Westfield C, Andrews JG, Weinert RO, Do TQN, Street N. Characterization of individuals with selected muscular dystrophies from the expanded pilot of the Muscular Dystrophy Surveillance, Tracking and Research Network (MD STARnet) in the United States. Birth Defects Res 2020; 113:560-569. [PMID: 32710484 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Data on muscular dystrophies (MDs), a heterogeneous group of heritable diseases hallmarked by progressive muscle deterioration, are scarce. OBJECTIVE We describe cross-sectional sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of individuals with congenital, distal, Emery-Dreifuss, facioscapulohumeral, limb-girdle, myotonic, or oculopharyngeal MD. METHODS The study was conducted in four sites (Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, and 12 western New York counties) as a pilot expansion of the Muscular Dystrophy Surveillance, Tracking and Research Network, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. MDs were detected in healthcare facilities and administrative data sources using International Classification of Disease codes. Our sample contains 1,723 individuals with a MD diagnosis and a healthcare encounter between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2011. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Individuals were mostly non-Hispanic and white. Median ages ranged from 9.2 to 66.0 years. Most (98%) had health insurance. The proportion of individuals who were disabled or unable to work increased with age (range: 8.6-46.4%). People with limb-girdle MD aged ≥18 years were more likely to be nonambulatory (range: 24.5-44.7%). The percentages of individuals with documented clinical interventions during the surveillance period were low. The most common cause of death was respiratory causes (46.3-57.1%); an ICD-10 code for MD (G71.1 or G71.0) was reported for nearly one-half. Our findings show wide variability in sociodemographic and clinical characteristics across MDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bailey Wallace
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - K Tiffany Smith
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Carter Consulting, Inc., Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Shiny Thomas
- New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Kristin M Conway
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | | | | | - Richard O Weinert
- Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Thuy Quynh N Do
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Bristol Meyers Squibb, Lawrenceville, New Jersey, USA
| | - Natalie Street
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Ballouhey O, Bartoli M, Levy N. [CRISPR-Cas9 for muscle dystrophies]. Med Sci (Paris) 2020; 36:358-366. [PMID: 32356712 DOI: 10.1051/medsci/2020081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Muscular dystrophies are a group of rare muscular disorders characterized by weakness and progressive degeneration of the muscle. They are diseases of genetic origin caused by the mutation of one or more genes involved in muscle function. Despite significant progress made in the field of biotherapies in recent years, there is as yet no curative treatment available for these diseases. Studies conducted since the discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 genomic editing tool have nevertheless led to significant and promising advances in the treatment of muscular dystrophies. CRISPR-Cas9 system allows a stable and permanent edition of the genome and should make it possible to avoid long, partially efficient and repetitive treatments. In this review, we will discuss the latest therapeutic advances obtained using the CRISPR-Cas9 system in genetic muscular dystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marc Bartoli
- Aix Marseille Univ, Inserm, MMG, U1251, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Nicolas Levy
- Aix Marseille Univ, Inserm, MMG, U1251, 13005 Marseille, France - AP-HM Département de Génétique Médicale, Hôpital d'Enfants de la Timone, Marseille, 13005 France - GIPTIS, Genetics Institute for Patients Therapies Innovation and Science, 13002 Marseille, France
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Dardas Z, Swedan S, Al-Sheikh Qassem A, Azab B. The impact of exome sequencing on the diagnostic yield of muscular dystrophies in consanguineous families. Eur J Med Genet 2020; 63:103845. [PMID: 31953240 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2020.103845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/11/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Muscular dystrophies (MDs) are a heterogeneous group of inherited disorders that are characterized by progressive skeletal muscle weakness and dystrophic changes on muscle biopsy. The broad genetic and clinical heterogeneity of MDs make the accurate diagnosis difficult via conventional approaches. This study investigated 23 patients from eight unrelated consanguineous families with MDs. Previous clinical assessments did not accurately clarify the type of their MD and/or misdiagnose them with another disease. Exome sequencing (ES) is an efficient, time-saving, and cost-effective tool, enabling disease-causing variant (DCV) detection in affected individuals. We investigated the use of ES to diagnose MD and discover the underlying genetic etiology. We achieved a remarkable diagnostic success rate of 87.5% (7 out of 8 families) which is the highest rate reported thus far compared to previous studies. We identified two novel pathogenic variants in DYSF gene (c.4179delG, c.1149+3G > C). The latter variant impacts the splicing machinery of DYSF mRNA. Moreover, we further assessed the pathogenicity of four recurrent variants ((DYSF, c.4076T > C), (GMPPB, c.458C > T), (SGCA, c.739G > A) (TTN, c.7331G > A), designated their neurological impact and added new phenotypes in patients with these variants. To our knowledge, this is the first study applying an ES-based comprehensive molecular diagnosis to Jordanian cohort with MDs. Our findings confirmed that ES is a powerful approach for the diagnosis of MD patients. This efficient method of molecular diagnosis is crucial for guiding patient clinical care, genetic counseling, and most importantly, paving the way for gene therapy which is currently in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zain Dardas
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan; Department of Pathology and Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan.
| | - Samer Swedan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | | | - Belal Azab
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan; Human and Molecular Genetics, Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
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Abstract
The incidence of muscle atrophy is increasing with each passing year, which imposes a huge burden on the quality of life of patients. It is a public health issue that causes a growing concern around the world. Exercise is one of the key strategies to prevent and treat various diseases. Appropriate exercise is conducive to compensatory muscle hypertrophy, to improve muscle strength and elasticity, and to train muscle coordination, which is also beneficial to the recovery of skeletal muscle function and the regeneration of muscle cells. Sequelae of paralysis of patients with limb dyskinesia caused by muscle atrophy will be significantly alleviated after regular exercise therapy. Furthermore, exercise therapy can slow down or even reverse muscle atrophy. This article aims to introduce the characteristics of muscle atrophy and summarize the role and mechanism of exercise in the treatment of muscle atrophy in the existing studies, in order to further explore the mechanism of exercise to protect muscle atrophy and provide protection for patients with muscular atrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nana He
- Department of Cardiology, Huamei Hospital, (previously named Ningbo No. 2 Hospital), University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, China
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, HwaMei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, China
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo, China
| | - Honghua Ye
- Department of Cardiology, Huamei Hospital, (previously named Ningbo No. 2 Hospital), University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, China
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Mousa NO, Abdellatif A, Fahmy N, Zada S, El-Fawal H, Osman A. Circulating MicroRNAs in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2019; 189:105634. [PMID: 31838454 DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2019.105634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The diagnosis of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) currently depends on non-specific measures such as Creatine kinase (CK) levels. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small, endogenous RNAs of 21-25 nucleotides, that are important regulators for numerous physiological and pathological processes. The aim of the current study is to assess the potential of miRNAs as non-invasive biomarker for the diagnosis of DMD and for identifying carriers. PATIENTS AND METHODS Thirty healthy subjects and 29 families with one member diagnosed with DMD were enrolled in the study. Peripheral blood samples were collected from all subjects where microRNAs were extracted from plasma followed by the quantification of miR-499, miR-103a-3p, miR-103a-5p, miR-206, miR-208a, miR-223 and miR-191-5p. MLPA and NGS were carried out as a gold standard technique to identify the mutations in the participants. RESULTS Our data revealed that miR-499 was significantly upregulated in all DMD patients, and true carriers (mothers), while 78 % of potential carriers (sisters) exhibited high levels of this miRNA. Similarly, miR-103a-3p showed an increase in the patients' families although to a lesser extent. On the other hand, miR-206 and miR-191-5p were significantly downregulated in the majority of the DMD patients and the tested female family members. MicroRNA miR-103a-5p and miR-208a followed a comparable trend in patients and mothers. CONCLUSIONS Ourresults suggest that the plasma levels of miRNAs have the capability to diagnose DMD patients and more importantly, miRNAs can be used to identify female carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahla O Mousa
- Biology Department, and Biotechnology Program, School of Sciences & Engineering, The American University in Cairo, School of Sciences and Engineering, 11835, Cairo, Egypt; Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, 12613, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Abdellatif
- Biology Department, and Biotechnology Program, School of Sciences & Engineering, The American University in Cairo, School of Sciences and Engineering, 11835, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Nagia Fahmy
- Neuromuscular Unit, Neuropsychiatry Department, Faculty of Medicine Ain Shams University, 11566, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Suher Zada
- Biology Department, and Biotechnology Program, School of Sciences & Engineering, The American University in Cairo, School of Sciences and Engineering, 11835, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hassan El-Fawal
- Biology Department, and Biotechnology Program, School of Sciences & Engineering, The American University in Cairo, School of Sciences and Engineering, 11835, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Osman
- Biotechnology Department, Basic and Applied Sciences Institute, Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology, Borg Al Arab, 21934, Egypt; Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, 11566, Cairo, Egypt.
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Mastrangelo M. Clinical approach to neurodegenerative disorders in childhood: an updated overview. Acta Neurol Belg 2019; 119:511-521. [PMID: 31161467 DOI: 10.1007/s13760-019-01160-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders include a group of severe diseases that share a core including a gradual loss of previously acquired motor, sensory and cognitive functions. In pediatric age, the main diagnostic issues are the discrimination between the loss of previously acquired competencies and the lack of achievement of specific developmental milestones. An ideal classification of these disorders could be based on the combination of genetic, clinical and neuroimaging features. Diagnostic workup should be organized with a special attention to the few diseases with an available and effective therapeutic treatment. The present paper reports a proposal of classification that is based on the prominently involved structure and summarizes the hallmarks for clinical approach and therapeutic management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Mastrangelo
- Division of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Sabelli 108, 00141, Rome, Italy.
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Wang D, Gao M, Zhang K, Jin R, Lv Y, Liu Y, Ma J, Wan Y, Gai Z, Liu Y. Molecular Genetics Analysis of 70 Chinese Families With Muscular Dystrophy Using Multiplex Ligation-Dependent Probe Amplification and Next-Generation Sequencing. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:814. [PMID: 31404137 PMCID: PMC6669794 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Muscular dystrophy (MD) includes multiple types, of which dystrophinopathies caused by dystrophin (DMD) mutations are the most common types in children. An accurate identification of the causative mutation at the genomic level is critical for genetic counseling of the family, and analysis of genotype-phenotype correlations, as well as a reference for the development of gene therapy. Methods: Totally, 70 Chinese families with suspected MD probands were enrolled in the study. The multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) was first performed to screen large deletions/duplications of DMD exons in the patients, and then, next-generation sequencing (NGS) was carried out to detect small mutations in the MLPA-negative patients. Results: Totally, 62 mutations of DMD were found in 62 probands with DMD/BMD, and two compound heterozygous mutations in LAMA2 were identified in two probands with MDC1A (a type of congenital MD), indicating that the diagnostic yield was 91.4% by MLPA plus NGS for MD diagnosis in this cohort. Out of the mutations, 51 large mutations encompassing 47 (75.8%) deletions and four duplications (6.5%) were identified by MLPA; 11 small mutations including six (9.7%) nonsense, two (3.2%) small deletions, two splice-site mutations (3.2%), and one small insertion (1.6%) were found by NGS. Large mutations were found most frequently in the hotspot region between exons 45 and 55 (70.6%). Out of the 11 patients harboring point mutations in DMD, 8 were novel mutations. Additionally, one novel mutation in LAMA2 was identified. All the novel mutations were analyzed and predicted as pathogenic according to American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guideline. Finally, 34 DMD, 4 BMD, 24 BMD/DMD, and 2 MDC1A were diagnosed in the cohort. Conclusion: Our data indicated that the MLPA plus NGS can be a comprehensive and effective tool for precision diagnosis and potential treatment of MD and is particularly necessary for the patients at very young age with only two clinical indicators (persistent hyperCKemia and typical myopathy performance on electromyogram) but no definite clinical manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Wang
- Pediatric Research Institute, Qilu Children’s Hospital, Shandong University, Ji’nan, China
| | - Min Gao
- Pediatric Research Institute, Qilu Children’s Hospital, Shandong University, Ji’nan, China
| | - Kaihui Zhang
- Pediatric Research Institute, Qilu Children’s Hospital, Shandong University, Ji’nan, China
| | - Ruifeng Jin
- Neurology Department, Qilu Children’s Hospital, Shandong University, Ji’nan, China
| | - Yuqiang Lv
- Pediatric Research Institute, Qilu Children’s Hospital, Shandong University, Ji’nan, China
| | - Yong Liu
- Neurology Department, Qilu Children’s Hospital, Shandong University, Ji’nan, China
| | - Jian Ma
- Pediatric Research Institute, Qilu Children’s Hospital, Shandong University, Ji’nan, China
| | - Ya Wan
- Pediatric Research Institute, Qilu Children’s Hospital, Shandong University, Ji’nan, China
| | - Zhongtao Gai
- Pediatric Research Institute, Qilu Children’s Hospital, Shandong University, Ji’nan, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Pediatric Research Institute, Qilu Children’s Hospital, Shandong University, Ji’nan, China
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Zhang P, He J, Wang F, Gong J, Wang L, Wu Q, Li W, Liu H, Wang J, Zhang K, Li M, Huang X, Pu C, Li Y, Jiang F, Wang F, Min J, Chen X. Hemojuvelin is a novel suppressor for Duchenne muscular dystrophy and age-related muscle wasting. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2019; 10:557-573. [PMID: 30884219 PMCID: PMC6596404 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.12414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 01/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Muscle wasting occurs in response to various physiological and pathological conditions, including ageing and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) contributes to muscle pathogenesis in elderly people and DMD patients; inhibition of TGF-β1 signalling is a promising therapeutic strategy for muscle-wasting disorders. Hemojuvelin (HJV or Hjv as the murine homologue) is a membrane-bound protein that is highly expressed in skeletal muscle, heart, and liver. In hepatic cells, Hjv acts as a coreceptor for bone morphogenetic protein, a TGF-β subfamily member. The aim of this study was to investigate whether Hjv plays an essential role in muscle physiological and pathophysiological processes by acting as a coreceptor for TGF-β1 signalling. METHODS Conventional and conditional Hjv knockout mice as well as mdx and aged mice transfected with Hjv overexpression vector were used to study the role of Hjv in muscle physiology and pathophysiology. qRT-PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry examinations were conducted to evaluate gene, protein, and structural changes in vivo and in vitro. Exercise endurance was determined using treadmill running test, and muscle force was detected by an isometric transducer. RNA interference, immunoprecipitation, and dual-luciferase reporter assays were utilized to explore the mechanism by which Hjv regulates TGF-β1 signalling in skeletal muscle. RESULTS Conventional and conditional Hjv knockout mice displayed muscle atrophy, fibrosis, reduced running endurance, and muscle force. HJV was significantly down-regulated in the muscles of DMD patients (n = 3, mean age: 11.7 ± 5.7 years) and mdx mice as well as in those of aged humans (n = 10, 20% women, mean age: 75.1 ± 9.5 years) and mice. Overexpression of Hjv rescued dystrophic and age-related muscle wasting. Unlike its function in hepatic cells, the bone morphogenetic protein downstream phosphorylated p-Smad1/5/8 signalling pathway was unchanged, but TGF-β1, TGF-β receptor II (TβRII), and p-Smad2/3 expression were increased in Hjv-deficient muscles. Mechanistically, loss of Hjv promoted activation of Smad3 signalling induced by TGF-β1, whereas Hjv overexpression inhibited TGF-β1/Smad3 signalling by directly interacting with TβRII on the muscle membrane. CONCLUSIONS Our findings identify an unrecognized role of HJV in skeletal muscle by regulating TGF-β1/Smad3 signalling as a coreceptor for TβRII. Unlike the TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway, HJV could be a reliable drug target as its expression is not widespread. Novel therapeutic strategies could potentially be devised to interfere only with the muscle function of HJV to treat DMD and age-related muscle wasting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Jian He
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Human Factors Engineering, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Wu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenjiong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Hongju Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Human Factors Engineering, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Kunshan Zhang
- Stem Cell Translational Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mao Li
- Department of Neurology, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xusheng Huang
- Department of Neurology, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chuanqiang Pu
- Department of Neurology, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Li
- No. 454 Hospital of People's Liberation Army, Nanjing, China
| | - Fengjie Jiang
- No. 454 Hospital of People's Liberation Army, Nanjing, China
| | - Fudi Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junxia Min
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoping Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China.,National Key Laboratory of Human Factors Engineering, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
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