1
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Costanzo G, Minei S, Zini E, Gracis M, Lacava G. Radiographic, MRI, and CT findings in a young dog with Becker-like muscular dystrophy. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2023; 64:E19-E22. [PMID: 36550687 DOI: 10.1111/vru.13200] [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: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
An 8-month-old, male, crossbreed dog was presented for macroglossia, reduced mandibular extension, ptyalism, dysphagia, and regurgitation. Serum creatine kinase and aspartate aminotransferase activity were markedly increased. Thoracic radiographs showed an axial gastro-esophageal hiatal hernia, diaphragmatic thickening, and asymmetry. Magnetic resonance imaging of the head showed a severely enlarged tongue, symmetric increase in size of the geniohyoid and mylohyoid muscles, and diffuse masticatory hypomyotrophy. Whole-body CT ruled out other musculoskeletal abnormalities and further characterized the radiographic and MRI findings. Muscular histopathology was consistent with Becker muscular dystrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Costanzo
- AniCura Istituto Veterinario Novara, Granozzo con Monticello (NO), Novara, Italy
| | - Sergio Minei
- AniCura Istituto Veterinario Novara, Granozzo con Monticello (NO), Novara, Italy
| | - Eric Zini
- AniCura Istituto Veterinario Novara, Granozzo con Monticello (NO), Novara, Italy.,Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Margherita Gracis
- AniCura Istituto Veterinario Novara, Granozzo con Monticello (NO), Novara, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lacava
- AniCura Istituto Veterinario Novara, Granozzo con Monticello (NO), Novara, Italy
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2
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Shelton GD, Minor KM, Vieira NM, Kunkel LM, Friedenberg SG, Cullen JN, Guo LT, Zatz M, Mickelson JR. Tandem duplication within the DMD gene in Labrador retrievers with a mild clinical phenotype. Neuromuscul Disord 2022; 32:836-841. [PMID: 36041985 PMCID: PMC10040250 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2022.08.001] [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: 04/16/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
A form of dystrophinopathy with mild or subclinical neuromuscular signs has been previously reported in a family of Labrador retrievers. Markedly and persistently elevated creatine kinase activity was first noted at 6 months of age. Skeletal muscle biopsies revealed a dystrophic phenotype, with dystrophin non-detectable on western blotting and immunohistochemical staining, and with increased utrophin expression. In this report we demonstrate with western blotting that α-dystroglycan is present at essentially normal levels. Whole genome sequencing has also now revealed an approximately 400kb tandem genomic DNA duplication including exons 2-7 of the DMD gene that was inserted into intron 7 of the wild type gene. Skeletal muscle cDNA from 2 cases contained DMD transcripts as expected from an in-frame properly-spliced exon 2-7 tandem insertion. A similar 5' duplication involving DMD exons 2-7 has been reported in a human family with dilated cardiomyopathy but without skeletal myopathy. This is the 3rd confirmed mutation in the DMD gene in Labrador retrievers.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Diane Shelton
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, LaJolla, CA, USA.
| | - Katie M Minor
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, USA
| | - Natassia M Vieira
- The Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics and Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Louis M Kunkel
- The Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics and Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Steven G Friedenberg
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, USA
| | - Jonah N Cullen
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, USA
| | - Ling T Guo
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, LaJolla, CA, USA
| | - Mayana Zatz
- Human Genome and Stem Cell Center, Biosciences Institute, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - James R Mickelson
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, USA
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3
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Aihara N, Kuroki S, Inamuro R, Kamiya Y, Shiga T, Kikuchihara Y, Ohmori E, Noguchi M, Kamiie J. Macroglossia in a pig diagnosed as Becker muscular dystrophy due to dystrophin pseudoexon insertion derived from intron 26. Vet Pathol 2022; 59:455-458. [DOI: 10.1177/03009858221079669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We report a case of Becker muscular dystrophy in a 6-month-old, mixed-breed, castrated male pig detected with macroglossia at a meat inspection center. The pig presented a severely enlarged tongue extending outside its mouth. The tongue was firm and pale with discolored muscles. Histologically, there was severe fibrosis, fatty replacement, and myofiber necrosis, degeneration, and regeneration. Immunofluorescence showed focal and severely weak labeling for dystrophin at the sarcolemma of myocytes in the tongue. Analysis of dystrophin mRNA showed a 62 base pair insertion between exons 26 and 27. The insertion was derived from intron 26. Based on these findings, we diagnosed the case as Becker muscular dystrophy—the first known muscular dystrophy case induced by pseudoexon insertion in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Emiko Ohmori
- Kanagawa Prefectural Meat Inspection Station, Japan
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4
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Sakai K, Motegi T, Chambers JK, Uchida K, Nishida H, Shimamura S, Tani H, Shimada T, Furuya M. Dystrophin-deficient muscular dystrophy in a Toy Poodle with a single base pair insertion in exon 45 of the Duchenne muscular dystrophy gene. J Vet Med Sci 2022; 84:502-506. [PMID: 35135937 PMCID: PMC9096033 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.21-0504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A 10-month-old, intact male Toy Poodle was referred for a postural abnormality. Blood biochemical tests revealed a marked increase in plasma creatine phosphokinase (CPK) concentration. The isoenzyme test showed that 99% of serum CPK consisted of CPK-MM. Histopathological evaluation of muscle biopsy samples confirmed scattered degeneration and necrosis of myofibers. Immunohistochemistry for dystrophin showed an absence of staining in muscle cells. Based on these findings, the dog was diagnosed with dystrophin-deficient muscular dystrophy. Whole genome sequencing using genomic DNA extracted from blood revealed a single base pair insertion in exon 45 of the Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) gene. This is the first report on muscular dystrophy in Toy Poodles and identified a novel mutation in the DMD gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosei Sakai
- Veterinary Medical Center, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University
| | - Tomoki Motegi
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Pathobiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo
| | - James Ken Chambers
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo
| | - Kazuyuki Uchida
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo
| | - Hidetaka Nishida
- Laboratory of Veterinary Surgery, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University
| | - Shunsuke Shimamura
- Veterinary Medical Center, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University
| | - Hiroyuki Tani
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University
| | - Terumasa Shimada
- Veterinary Medical Center, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University
| | - Masaru Furuya
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University
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5
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Barthélémy I, Calmels N, Weiss RB, Tiret L, Vulin A, Wein N, Peccate C, Drougard C, Beroud C, Deburgrave N, Thibaud JL, Escriou C, Punzón I, Garcia L, Kaplan JC, Flanigan KM, Leturcq F, Blot S. X-linked muscular dystrophy in a Labrador Retriever strain: phenotypic and molecular characterisation. Skelet Muscle 2020; 10:23. [PMID: 32767978 PMCID: PMC7412789 DOI: 10.1186/s13395-020-00239-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Canine models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) are a valuable tool to evaluate potential therapies because they faithfully reproduce the human disease. Several cases of dystrophinopathies have been described in canines, but the Golden Retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD) model remains the most used in preclinical studies. Here, we report a new spontaneous dystrophinopathy in a Labrador Retriever strain, named Labrador Retriever muscular dystrophy (LRMD). Methods A colony of LRMD dogs was established from spontaneous cases. Fourteen LRMD dogs were followed-up and compared to the GRMD standard using several functional tests. The disease causing mutation was studied by several molecular techniques and identified using RNA-sequencing. Results The main clinical features of the GRMD disease were found in LRMD dogs; the functional tests provided data roughly overlapping with those measured in GRMD dogs, with similar inter-individual heterogeneity. The LRMD causal mutation was shown to be a 2.2-Mb inversion disrupting the DMD gene within intron 20 and involving the TMEM47 gene. In skeletal muscle, the Dp71 isoform was ectopically expressed, probably as a consequence of the mutation. We found no evidence of polymorphism in either of the two described modifier genes LTBP4 and Jagged1. No differences were found in Pitpna mRNA expression levels that would explain the inter-individual variability. Conclusions This study provides a full comparative description of a new spontaneous canine model of dystrophinopathy, found to be phenotypically equivalent to the GRMD model. We report a novel large DNA mutation within the DMD gene and provide evidence that LRMD is a relevant model to pinpoint additional DMD modifier genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inès Barthélémy
- U955 - IMRB, Team 10 - Biology of the neuromuscular system, Inserm, UPEC, EFS, Ecole nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Nadège Calmels
- Laboratoire de biochimie et génétique moléculaire, hôpital Cochin, AP-HP, université Paris Descartes-Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.,Laboratoire de Diagnostic Génétique-Institut de Génétique Médicale d'Alsace, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 1 Place de L'Hôpital, 67091, Strasbourg, France
| | - Robert B Weiss
- Department of Human Genetics, The University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Laurent Tiret
- U955 - IMRB, Team 10 - Biology of the neuromuscular system, Inserm, UPEC, EFS, Ecole nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Adeline Vulin
- SQY Therapeutics, Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Montigny le Bretonneux, France
| | - Nicolas Wein
- The Center for Gene Therapy, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Cécile Peccate
- SQY Therapeutics, Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Montigny le Bretonneux, France.,Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Université Paris 06, INSERM UMRS974, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Institut de Myologie, G.H. Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Carole Drougard
- U955 - IMRB, Team 10 - Biology of the neuromuscular system, Inserm, UPEC, EFS, Ecole nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Christophe Beroud
- Aix Marseille Université, INSERM, MMG, Bioinformatics & Genetics, Marseille, France.,APHM, Hôpital Timone Enfants, Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, Marseille, France
| | - Nathalie Deburgrave
- Laboratoire de biochimie et génétique moléculaire, hôpital Cochin, AP-HP, université Paris Descartes-Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Laurent Thibaud
- U955 - IMRB, Team 10 - Biology of the neuromuscular system, Inserm, UPEC, EFS, Ecole nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Catherine Escriou
- U955 - IMRB, Team 10 - Biology of the neuromuscular system, Inserm, UPEC, EFS, Ecole nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Isabel Punzón
- U955 - IMRB, Team 10 - Biology of the neuromuscular system, Inserm, UPEC, EFS, Ecole nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Luis Garcia
- Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, U1179 INSERM, UFR des Sciences de la Santé, Montigny le Bretonneux, France
| | - Jean-Claude Kaplan
- Laboratoire de biochimie et génétique moléculaire, hôpital Cochin, AP-HP, université Paris Descartes-Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Kevin M Flanigan
- The Center for Gene Therapy, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - France Leturcq
- Laboratoire de biochimie et génétique moléculaire, hôpital Cochin, AP-HP, université Paris Descartes-Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Université Paris 06, INSERM UMRS974, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Institut de Myologie, G.H. Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Stéphane Blot
- U955 - IMRB, Team 10 - Biology of the neuromuscular system, Inserm, UPEC, EFS, Ecole nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France.
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6
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Wasala NB, Chen SJ, Duan D. Duchenne muscular dystrophy animal models for high-throughput drug discovery and precision medicine. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2020; 15:443-456. [PMID: 32000537 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2020.1718100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked handicapping disease due to the loss of an essential muscle protein dystrophin. Dystrophin-null animals have been extensively used to study disease mechanisms and to develop experimental therapeutics. Despite decades of research, however, treatment options for DMD remain very limited.Areas covered: High-throughput high-content screening and precision medicine offer exciting new opportunities. Here, the authors review animal models that are suitable for these studies.Expert opinion: Nonmammalian models (worm, fruit fly, and zebrafish) are particularly attractive for cost-effective large-scale drug screening. Several promising lead compounds have been discovered using these models. Precision medicine for DMD aims at developing mutation-specific therapies such as exon-skipping and genome editing. To meet these needs, models with patient-like mutations have been established in different species. Models that harbor hotspot mutations are very attractive because the drugs developed in these models can bring mutation-specific therapies to a large population of patients. Humanized hDMD mice carry the entire human dystrophin gene in the mouse genome. Reagents developed in the hDMD mouse-based models are directly translatable to human patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nalinda B Wasala
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Shi-Jie Chen
- Department of Physics, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.,Department of Biochemistry, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Dongsheng Duan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.,Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.,Department of Biomedical, Biological & Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
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7
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Jeandel A, Garosi LS, Davies L, Guo LT, Salgüero R, Shelton GD. Late-onset Becker-type muscular dystrophy in a Border terrier dog. J Small Anim Pract 2018; 60:514-517. [PMID: 29377139 DOI: 10.1111/jsap.12824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Revised: 07/02/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
A 9-year-old Border terrier was presented to a referral hospital after a 1-year history of progressive stiffness and exercise intolerance. Neurological examination was consistent with a neuromuscular disorder. Serum creatine kinase activity was mildly elevated. A myopathy was suspected based on MRI findings and electrophysiological examination. Muscle histopathology was consistent with a severe non-inflammatory myopathy of a dystrophic type. Immunofluorescence and western blotting confirmed a dystrophinopathy with an 80-kDa truncated dystrophin fragment similar to Becker muscular dystrophy in people. To our knowledge, this is the first description of a late-onset Becker-type muscular dystrophy in a dog, and the first description of a dystrophinopathy in a Border terrier. Muscular dystrophy in dogs should not be ruled out based on late onset clinical signs and only mildly elevated creatine kinase.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Jeandel
- Davies Veterinary Specialists, Hitchin, Hertfordshire SG5 3HR, UK
| | - L S Garosi
- Davies Veterinary Specialists, Hitchin, Hertfordshire SG5 3HR, UK
| | - L Davies
- Smart Veterinary Clinic, Swansea, Wales SA7 9LH, UK
| | - L T Guo
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - R Salgüero
- Davies Veterinary Specialists, Hitchin, Hertfordshire SG5 3HR, UK
| | - G D Shelton
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
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8
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Hakim CH, Wasala NB, Pan X, Kodippili K, Yue Y, Zhang K, Yao G, Haffner B, Duan SX, Ramos J, Schneider JS, Yang NN, Chamberlain JS, Duan D. A Five-Repeat Micro-Dystrophin Gene Ameliorated Dystrophic Phenotype in the Severe DBA/2J-mdx Model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2017; 6:216-230. [PMID: 28932757 PMCID: PMC5596503 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2017.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 06/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Micro-dystrophins are highly promising candidates for treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a lethal muscle disease caused by dystrophin deficiency. Here, we report robust disease rescue in the severe DBA/2J-mdx model with a neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS)-binding micro-dystrophin vector. 2 × 1013 vector genome particles/mouse of the vector were delivered intravenously to 10-week-old mice and were evaluated at 6 months of age. Saturated micro-dystrophin expression was detected in all skeletal muscles and the heart and restored the dystrophin-associated glycoprotein complex and nNOS. In skeletal muscle, therapy substantially reduced fibrosis and calcification and significantly attenuated inflammation. Centronucleation was significantly decreased in the tibialis anterior (TA) and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles but not in the quadriceps. Muscle function was normalized in the TA and significantly improved in the EDL muscle. Heart histology and function were also evaluated. Consistent with the literature, DBA/2J-mdx mice showed myocardial calcification and fibrosis and cardiac hemodynamics was compromised. Surprisingly, similar myocardial pathology and hemodynamic defects were detected in control DBA/2J mice. As a result, interpretation of the cardiac data proved difficult due to the confounding phenotype in control DBA/2J mice. Our results support further development of this microgene vector for clinical translation. Further, DBA/2J-mdx mice are not good models for Duchenne cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chady H. Hakim
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Nalinda B. Wasala
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Xiufang Pan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Kasun Kodippili
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Yongping Yue
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Keqing Zhang
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Gang Yao
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Brittney Haffner
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Sean X. Duan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Julian Ramos
- Department of Neurology, Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | | | - N. Nora Yang
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jeffrey S. Chamberlain
- Department of Neurology, Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Dongsheng Duan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- Corresponding author: Dongsheng Duan, PhD, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, One Hospital Dr., Columbia, MO 65212, USA.
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9
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Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked disease caused by mutations in the DMD gene and loss of the protein dystrophin. The absence of dystrophin leads to myofiber membrane fragility and necrosis, with eventual muscle atrophy and contractures. Affected boys typically die in their second or third decade due to either respiratory failure or cardiomyopathy. Despite extensive attempts to develop definitive therapies for DMD, the standard of care remains prednisone, which has only palliative benefits. Animal models, mainly the mdx mouse and golden retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD) dog, have played a key role in studies of DMD pathogenesis and treatment development. Because the GRMD clinical syndrome is more severe than in mice, better aligning with the progressive course of DMD, canine studies may translate better to humans. The original founder dog for all GRMD colonies worldwide was identified in the early 1980s before the discovery of the DMD gene and dystrophin. Accordingly, analogies to DMD were initially drawn based on similar clinical features, ranging from the X-linked pattern of inheritance to overlapping histopathologic lesions. Confirmation of genetic homology between DMD and GRMD came with identification of the underlying GRMD mutation, a single nucleotide change that leads to exon skipping and an out-of-frame DMD transcript. GRMD colonies have subsequently been established to conduct pathogenetic and preclinical treatment studies. Simultaneous with the onset of GRMD treatment trials, phenotypic biomarkers were developed, allowing definitive characterization of treatment effect. Importantly, GRMD studies have not always substantiated findings from mdx mice and have sometimes identified serious treatment side effects. While the GRMD model may be more clinically relevant than the mdx mouse, usage has been limited by practical considerations related to expense and the number of dogs available. This further complicates ongoing broader concerns about the poor rate of translation of animal model preclinical studies to humans with analogous diseases. Accordingly, in performing GRMD trials, special attention must be paid to experimental design to align with the approach used in DMD clinical trials. This review provides context for the GRMD model, beginning with its original description and extending to its use in preclinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe N Kornegay
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, Mail Stop 4458, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA.
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10
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Vieira NM, Guo LT, Estrela E, Kunkel LM, Zatz M, Shelton GD. Muscular dystrophy in a family of Labrador Retrievers with no muscle dystrophin and a mild phenotype. Neuromuscul Disord 2015; 25:363-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2015.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2014] [Revised: 02/24/2015] [Accepted: 02/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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11
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Duan D. Duchenne muscular dystrophy gene therapy in the canine model. HUM GENE THER CL DEV 2015; 26:57-69. [PMID: 25710459 PMCID: PMC4442571 DOI: 10.1089/humc.2015.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2015] [Accepted: 01/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked lethal muscle disease caused by dystrophin deficiency. Gene therapy has significantly improved the outcome of dystrophin-deficient mice. Yet, clinical translation has not resulted in the expected benefits in human patients. This translational gap is largely because of the insufficient modeling of DMD in mice. Specifically, mice lacking dystrophin show minimum dystrophic symptoms, and they do not respond to the gene therapy vector in the same way as human patients do. Further, the size of a mouse is hundredfolds smaller than a boy, making it impossible to scale-up gene therapy in a mouse model. None of these limitations exist in the canine DMD (cDMD) model. For this reason, cDMD dogs have been considered a highly valuable platform to test experimental DMD gene therapy. Over the last three decades, a variety of gene therapy approaches have been evaluated in cDMD dogs using a number of nonviral and viral vectors. These studies have provided critical insight for the development of an effective gene therapy protocol in human patients. This review discusses the history, current status, and future directions of the DMD gene therapy in the canine model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongsheng Duan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Neurology School of Medicine, University of Missouri , Columbia, MO 65212
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12
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Snead ECR, Taylor SM, van der Kooij M, Cosford K, Beggs AH, Shelton GD. Clinical phenotype of X-linked myotubular myopathy in Labrador Retriever puppies. J Vet Intern Med 2015; 29:254-60. [PMID: 25581576 PMCID: PMC4308540 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.12513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2014] [Revised: 10/22/2014] [Accepted: 10/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Seven male Labrador Retriever puppies from 3 different litters, born to clinically normal dams and sires, were evaluated for progressive weakness and muscle atrophy. Muscle biopsies identified a congenital myopathy with pathologic features consistent with myotubular myopathy. Further investigations identified a pathogenic mutation in the myotubularin gene, confirming that these puppies had X‐linked myotubular myopathy (XLMTM). Objective To review the clinical phenotype, electrodiagnostic and laboratory features of XLMTM in this cohort of Labrador Retrievers. Results Male puppies with XLMTM were small and thin compared with their normal littermates. Generalized weakness and muscle atrophy were present by 7 weeks of age in some puppies and evident to most owners by 14 weeks of age. Affected puppies stood with an arched spine and low head carriage, and walked with a short, choppy stride. Muscle atrophy was severe and progressive. Patellar reflexes were absent. Laryngeal and esophageal dysfunction, and weakness of the masticatory muscles occurred in puppies surviving beyond 4 months of age. Serum creatine kinase activity was normal or only mildly increased. EMG findings were nonspecific and included positive sharp waves and fibrillation potentials. Clinical signs progressed rapidly, with most affected puppies unable to walk within 3–4 weeks after clinical signs were first noticed. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Although initial clinical signs of XLMTM are similar to the phenotypically milder centronuclear myopathy in Labrador Retrievers, XLMTM is a rapidly progressive and fatal myopathy. Clinicians should be aware of these 2 distinct myopathies with similar clinical presentations in the Labrador retriever breed.
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Affiliation(s)
- E C R Snead
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
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