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Andrysiak K, Ferdek PE, Sanetra AM, Machaj G, Schmidt L, Kraszewska I, Sarad K, Palus-Chramiec K, Lis O, Targosz-Korecka M, Krüger M, Lewandowski MH, Ylla G, Stępniewski J, Dulak J. Upregulation of utrophin improves the phenotype of Duchenne muscular dystrophy hiPSC-derived CMs. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102247. [PMID: 39035791 PMCID: PMC11259739 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102247] [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: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic neuromuscular disease. Although it leads to muscle weakness, affected individuals predominantly die from cardiomyopathy, which remains uncurable. Accumulating evidence suggests that an overexpression of utrophin may counteract some of the pathophysiological outcomes of DMD. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of utrophin in dystrophin-deficient human cardiomyocytes (CMs) and to test whether an overexpression of utrophin, implemented via the CRISPR-deadCas9-VP64 system, can improve their phenotype. We used human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) lacking either dystrophin (DMD) or both dystrophin and utrophin (DMD KO/UTRN(+/-)). We carried out proteome analysis, which revealed considerable differences in the proteins related to muscle contraction, cell-cell adhesion, and extracellular matrix organization. Furthermore, we evaluated the role of utrophin in maintaining the physiological properties of DMD hiPSC-CMs using atomic force microscopy, patch-clamp, and Ca2+ oscillation analysis. Our results showed higher values of afterhyperpolarization and altered patterns of cytosolic Ca2+ oscillations in DMD; the latter was further disturbed in DMD KO/UTRN(+/-) hiPSC-CMs. Utrophin upregulation improved both parameters. Our findings demonstrate for the first time that utrophin maintains the physiological functions of DMD hiPSC-CMs, and that its upregulation can compensate for the loss of dystrophin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalina Andrysiak
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Paweł E. Ferdek
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Anna M. Sanetra
- Department of Neurophysiology and Chronobiology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Gabriela Machaj
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Genome Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Luisa Schmidt
- Institute for Genetics, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Izabela Kraszewska
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Sarad
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University, 30-348 Kraków, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Palus-Chramiec
- Department of Neurophysiology and Chronobiology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Olga Lis
- Department of Physics of Nanostructures and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Physics, Astronomy and Applied Computer Science, Jagiellonian University, 30-348 Kraków, Poland
| | - Marta Targosz-Korecka
- Department of Physics of Nanostructures and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Physics, Astronomy and Applied Computer Science, Jagiellonian University, 30-348 Kraków, Poland
| | - Marcus Krüger
- Institute for Genetics, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Marian H. Lewandowski
- Department of Neurophysiology and Chronobiology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Guillem Ylla
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Genome Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Jacek Stępniewski
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Józef Dulak
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
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Zambon AA, Waldrop MA, Alles R, Weiss RB, Conroy S, Moore-Clingenpeel M, Previtali S, Flanigan KM. Phenotypic Spectrum of Dystrophinopathy Due to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Exon 2 Duplications. Neurology 2022; 98:e730-e738. [PMID: 34937785 PMCID: PMC8865888 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000013246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES To describe the phenotypic spectrum of dystrophinopathy in a large cohort of individuals with DMD exon 2 duplications (Dup2), who may be particularly amenable to therapies directed at restoring expression of either full-length dystrophin or nearly full-length dystrophin through utilization of the DMD exon 5 internal ribosome entry site (IRES). METHODS In this retrospective observational study, we analyzed data from large genotype-phenotype databases (the United Dystrophinopathy Project [UDP] and the Italian DMD network) and classified participants into Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), intermediate muscular dystrophy (IMD), or Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) phenotypes. Log-rank tests for time-to-event variables were used to compare age at loss of ambulation (LOA) in participants with Dup2 vs controls without Dup2 in the UDP database and for comparisons between steroid-treated vs steroid-naive participants with Dup2. RESULTS Among 66 participants with Dup2 (UDP = 40, Italy = 26), 61% were classified as DMD, 9% as IMD, and 30% as BMD. Median age at last observation was 15.4 years (interquartile range 8.79-26.0) and 75% had been on corticosteroids for at least 6 months. Age at LOA differed significantly between participants with Dup2 DMD and historical controls without Dup2 DMD (p < 0.001). Valid spirometry was limited but suggested a delay in the typical age-related decline in forced vital capacity and 24 of 55 participants with adequate cardiac data had cardiomyopathy. DISCUSSION Some patients with Dup2 display a milder disease course than controls without Dup2 DMD, and prolonged ambulation with corticosteroids suggests the potential of IRES activation as a molecular mechanism. As Dup2-targeted therapies reach clinical applications, this information is critical to aid in the interpretation of the efficacy of new treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto A Zambon
- From Inspe and Division of Neuroscience (A.A.Z., S.P.), IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy; The Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute (M.A.W., R.A., K.M.F.), and Biostatistics Research Core (S.C., M.M.-C.), Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH; Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology (M.A.W., K.M.F.), Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus; and Department of Human Genetics (R.B.W.), University of Utah, Salt Lake City
| | - Megan A Waldrop
- From Inspe and Division of Neuroscience (A.A.Z., S.P.), IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy; The Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute (M.A.W., R.A., K.M.F.), and Biostatistics Research Core (S.C., M.M.-C.), Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH; Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology (M.A.W., K.M.F.), Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus; and Department of Human Genetics (R.B.W.), University of Utah, Salt Lake City
| | - Roxane Alles
- From Inspe and Division of Neuroscience (A.A.Z., S.P.), IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy; The Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute (M.A.W., R.A., K.M.F.), and Biostatistics Research Core (S.C., M.M.-C.), Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH; Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology (M.A.W., K.M.F.), Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus; and Department of Human Genetics (R.B.W.), University of Utah, Salt Lake City
| | - Robert B Weiss
- From Inspe and Division of Neuroscience (A.A.Z., S.P.), IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy; The Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute (M.A.W., R.A., K.M.F.), and Biostatistics Research Core (S.C., M.M.-C.), Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH; Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology (M.A.W., K.M.F.), Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus; and Department of Human Genetics (R.B.W.), University of Utah, Salt Lake City
| | - Sara Conroy
- From Inspe and Division of Neuroscience (A.A.Z., S.P.), IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy; The Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute (M.A.W., R.A., K.M.F.), and Biostatistics Research Core (S.C., M.M.-C.), Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH; Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology (M.A.W., K.M.F.), Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus; and Department of Human Genetics (R.B.W.), University of Utah, Salt Lake City
| | - Melissa Moore-Clingenpeel
- From Inspe and Division of Neuroscience (A.A.Z., S.P.), IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy; The Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute (M.A.W., R.A., K.M.F.), and Biostatistics Research Core (S.C., M.M.-C.), Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH; Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology (M.A.W., K.M.F.), Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus; and Department of Human Genetics (R.B.W.), University of Utah, Salt Lake City
| | - Stefano Previtali
- From Inspe and Division of Neuroscience (A.A.Z., S.P.), IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy; The Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute (M.A.W., R.A., K.M.F.), and Biostatistics Research Core (S.C., M.M.-C.), Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH; Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology (M.A.W., K.M.F.), Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus; and Department of Human Genetics (R.B.W.), University of Utah, Salt Lake City
| | - Kevin M Flanigan
- From Inspe and Division of Neuroscience (A.A.Z., S.P.), IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy; The Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute (M.A.W., R.A., K.M.F.), and Biostatistics Research Core (S.C., M.M.-C.), Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH; Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology (M.A.W., K.M.F.), Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus; and Department of Human Genetics (R.B.W.), University of Utah, Salt Lake City.
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Implications of increased S100β and Tau5 proteins in dystrophic nerves of two mdx mouse models for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Mol Cell Neurosci 2020; 105:103484. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2020.103484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To construct a framework to understand the different molecular interventions for muscular dystrophy. RECENT FINDINGS The recent approval of antisense oligonucleotides treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy and spinal muscular atrophy and current clinical trials using recombinant adeno-associated virus for the treatment of those diseases suggests that we are at a tipping point where we are able to treat and potentially cure muscular dystrophies. Understanding the basic molecular pathogenesis of muscular dystrophies and the molecular biology of the treatment allows for critical evaluation of the proposed therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ava Y Lin
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Box 356465, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA, 98195-6465, USA
| | - Leo H Wang
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Box 356465, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA, 98195-6465, USA.
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Skeletal muscle secretome in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: a pivotal anti-inflammatory role of adiponectin. Cell Mol Life Sci 2017; 74:2487-2501. [PMID: 28188344 PMCID: PMC5487898 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-017-2465-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2016] [Revised: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background Persistent inflammation exacerbates the progression of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The hormone, adiponectin (ApN), which is decreased in the metabolic syndrome, exhibits anti-inflammatory properties on skeletal muscle and alleviates the dystrophic phenotype of mdx mice. Here, we investigate whether ApN retains its anti-inflammatory action in myotubes obtained from DMD patients. We unravel the underlying mechanisms by studying the secretome and the early events of ApN. Methods Primary cultures of myotubes from DMD and control patients were treated or not by ApN after an inflammatory challenge. Myokines secreted in medium were identified by cytokine antibody-arrays and ELISAs. The early events of ApN signaling were assessed by abrogating selected genes. Results ApN retained its anti-inflammatory properties in both dystrophic and control myotubes. Profiling of secretory products revealed that ApN downregulated the secretion of two pro-inflammatory factors (TNFα and IL-17A), one soluble receptor (sTNFRII), and one chemokine (CCL28) in DMD myotubes, while upregulating IL-6 that exerts some anti-inflammatory effects. These changes were explained by pretranslational mechanisms. Earlier events of the ApN cascade involved AdipoR1, the main receptor for muscle, and the AMPK-SIRT1-PGC-1α axis leading, besides alteration of the myokine profile, to the upregulation of utrophin A (a dystrophin analog). Conclusion ApN retains its beneficial properties in dystrophic muscles by activating the AdipoR1-AMPK-SIRT1-PGC-1α pathway, thereby inducing a shift in the secretion of downstream myokines toward a less inflammatory profile while upregulating utrophin. ApN, the early events of the cascade and downstream myokines may be therapeutic targets for the management of DMD.
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Zatz M, Passos-Bueno MR, Vainzof M. Neuromuscular disorders: genes, genetic counseling and therapeutic trials. Genet Mol Biol 2016; 39:339-48. [PMID: 27575431 PMCID: PMC5004840 DOI: 10.1590/1678-4685-gmb-2016-0019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuromuscular disorders (NMD) are a heterogeneous group of genetic conditions, with autosomal dominant, recessive, or X-linked inheritance. They are characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness. Here, we are presenting our major contributions to the field during the past 30 years. We have mapped and identified several novel genes responsible for NMD. Genotype-phenotype correlations studies enhanced our comprehension on the effect of gene mutations on related proteins and their impact on clinical findings. The search for modifier factors allowed the identification of a novel "protective"; variant which may have important implication on therapeutic developments. Molecular diagnosis was introduced in the 1980s and new technologies have been incorporated since then. Next generation sequencing greatly improved our capacity to identify disease-causing mutations with important benefits for research and prevention through genetic counseling of patients' families. Stem cells researches, from and for patients, have been used as tools to study human genetic diseases mechanisms and for therapies development. The clinical effect of preclinical trials in mice and canine models for muscular dystrophies are under investigation. Finally, the integration of our researches and genetic services with our post-graduation program resulted in a significant output of new geneticists, spreading out this expertise to our large country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayana Zatz
- Human Genome and Research Center (HUG-CELL), Instituto de
Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria Rita Passos-Bueno
- Human Genome and Research Center (HUG-CELL), Instituto de
Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Mariz Vainzof
- Human Genome and Research Center (HUG-CELL), Instituto de
Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Janghra N, Morgan JE, Sewry CA, Wilson FX, Davies KE, Muntoni F, Tinsley J. Correlation of Utrophin Levels with the Dystrophin Protein Complex and Muscle Fibre Regeneration in Duchenne and Becker Muscular Dystrophy Muscle Biopsies. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0150818. [PMID: 26974331 PMCID: PMC4790853 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0150818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a severe and currently incurable progressive neuromuscular condition, caused by mutations in the DMD gene that result in the inability to produce dystrophin. Lack of dystrophin leads to loss of muscle fibres and a reduction in muscle mass and function. There is evidence from dystrophin-deficient mouse models that increasing levels of utrophin at the muscle fibre sarcolemma by genetic or pharmacological means significantly reduces the muscular dystrophy pathology. In order to determine the efficacy of utrophin modulators in clinical trials, it is necessary to accurately measure utrophin levels and other biomarkers on a fibre by fibre basis within a biopsy section. Our aim was to develop robust and reproducible staining and imaging protocols to quantify sarcolemmal utrophin levels, sarcolemmal dystrophin complex members and numbers of regenerating fibres within a biopsy section. We quantified sarcolemmal utrophin in mature and regenerating fibres and the percentage of regenerating muscle fibres, in muscle biopsies from Duchenne, the milder Becker muscular dystrophy and controls. Fluorescent immunostaining followed by image analysis was performed to quantify utrophin intensity and β-dystrogylcan and ɣ –sarcoglycan intensity at the sarcolemma. Antibodies to fetal and developmental myosins were used to identify regenerating muscle fibres allowing the accurate calculation of percentage regeneration fibres in the biopsy. Our results indicate that muscle biopsies from Becker muscular dystrophy patients have fewer numbers of regenerating fibres and reduced utrophin intensity compared to muscle biopsies from Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients. Of particular interest, we show for the first time that the percentage of regenerating muscle fibres within the muscle biopsy correlate with the clinical severity of Becker and Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients from whom the biopsy was taken. The ongoing development of these tools to quantify sarcolemmal utrophin and muscle regeneration in muscle biopsies will be invaluable for assessing utrophin modulator activity in future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narinder Janghra
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, Molecular Neurosciences Section, Developmental Neurosciences Programme, UCL Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N1EH, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer E. Morgan
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, Molecular Neurosciences Section, Developmental Neurosciences Programme, UCL Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N1EH, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Caroline A. Sewry
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, Molecular Neurosciences Section, Developmental Neurosciences Programme, UCL Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N1EH, United Kingdom
| | - Francis X. Wilson
- Summit Therapeutics plc, 85b Park Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 4RY, United Kingdom
| | - Kay E. Davies
- Medical Research Council Functional Genomics Unit, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3PT, United Kingdom
| | - Francesco Muntoni
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, Molecular Neurosciences Section, Developmental Neurosciences Programme, UCL Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N1EH, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathon Tinsley
- Summit Therapeutics plc, 85b Park Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 4RY, United Kingdom
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