1
|
Gleneadie HJ, Fernandez-Ruiz B, Sardini A, Van de Pette M, Dimond A, Prinjha RK, McGinty J, French PMW, Bagci H, Merkenschlager M, Fisher AG. Endogenous bioluminescent reporters reveal a sustained increase in utrophin gene expression upon EZH2 and ERK1/2 inhibition. Commun Biol 2023; 6:318. [PMID: 36966198 PMCID: PMC10039851 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04666-9] [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: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked disorder caused by loss of function mutations in the dystrophin gene (Dmd), resulting in progressive muscle weakening. Here we modelled the longitudinal expression of endogenous Dmd, and its paralogue Utrn, in mice and in myoblasts by generating bespoke bioluminescent gene reporters. As utrophin can partially compensate for Dmd-deficiency, these reporters were used as tools to ask whether chromatin-modifying drugs can enhance Utrn expression in developing muscle. Myoblasts treated with different PRC2 inhibitors showed significant increases in Utrn transcripts and bioluminescent signals, and these responses were independently verified by conditional Ezh2 deletion. Inhibition of ERK1/2 signalling provoked an additional increase in Utrn expression that was also seen in Dmd-mutant cells, and maintained as myoblasts differentiate. These data reveal PRC2 and ERK1/2 to be negative regulators of Utrn expression and provide specialised molecular imaging tools to monitor utrophin expression as a therapeutic strategy for DMD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah J Gleneadie
- Epigenetic Memory Group, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Beatriz Fernandez-Ruiz
- Epigenetic Memory Group, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Alessandro Sardini
- Whole Animal Physiology and Imaging Facility, MRC LMS, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Mathew Van de Pette
- Epigenetic Memory Group, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
- MRC Toxicology Unit, Gleeson Building, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QR, UK
| | - Andrew Dimond
- Epigenetic Memory Group, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Rab K Prinjha
- Immunology and Epigenetics Research Unit, Research, GlaxoSmithKline, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Herts, SG1 2NY, UK
| | - James McGinty
- Photonics Group, Department of Physics, Blackett Laboratory, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Paul M W French
- Photonics Group, Department of Physics, Blackett Laboratory, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Hakan Bagci
- Lymphocyte Development Group, MRC LMS, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Matthias Merkenschlager
- Lymphocyte Development Group, MRC LMS, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Amanda G Fisher
- Epigenetic Memory Group, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK.
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, OX1 3QU, Oxford, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pharmacological inhibition of HDAC6 improves muscle phenotypes in dystrophin-deficient mice by downregulating TGF-β via Smad3 acetylation. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7108. [PMID: 36402791 PMCID: PMC9675748 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34831-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The absence of dystrophin in Duchenne muscular dystrophy disrupts the dystrophin-associated glycoprotein complex resulting in skeletal muscle fiber fragility and atrophy, associated with fibrosis as well as microtubule and neuromuscular junction disorganization. The specific, non-conventional cytoplasmic histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) was recently shown to regulate acetylcholine receptor distribution and muscle atrophy. Here, we report that administration of the HDAC6 selective inhibitor tubastatin A to the Duchenne muscular dystrophy, mdx mouse model increases muscle strength, improves microtubule, neuromuscular junction, and dystrophin-associated glycoprotein complex organization, and reduces muscle atrophy and fibrosis. Interestingly, we found that the beneficial effects of HDAC6 inhibition involve the downregulation of transforming growth factor beta signaling. By increasing Smad3 acetylation in the cytoplasm, HDAC6 inhibition reduces Smad2/3 phosphorylation, nuclear translocation, and transcriptional activity. These findings provide in vivo evidence that Smad3 is a new target of HDAC6 and implicate HDAC6 as a potential therapeutic target in Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Collapse
|
3
|
Botti V, Menzel O, Staedler D. A state-of-the-art review of tamoxifen as a potential therapeutic for duchenne muscular dystrophy. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1030785. [PMID: 36467064 PMCID: PMC9709317 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1030785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: This systematic review analyzes the state-of-art repurposing of the drug tamoxifen (TAM) in the treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), including its mechanism of action, toxicological findings, and past and ongoing clinical trials. A parallel aim of this work was to explore whether evidence exists to support further funding of investigation on TAM treatment for DMD patients with a pivotal trial in young patients. Bringing evidence and answering the scientific question of whether this treatment could improve the quality-of-life of DMD patients is needed to establish guidelines and accelerate access to promising therapies for DMD patients. Methods: The search was conducted in January 2022 utilizing PubMed. All MeSH terms for "Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy" and "tamoxifen" were used. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined according to the PICOS framework. Results: The included publications all explored the use of TAM with promising outcomes in muscular strength recovery and a decrease in pathology biomarkers. Two reviews recognize TAM as a potential treatment for DMD patients and state that drug repurposing plays a crucial role in the quest for a drug candidate to treat this rare disease. Conclusion: According to available data, TAM shows promise as a treatment for DMD, both pharmacologically and clinically. However, published data to date are insufficient to definitively conclude the beneficial effect of TAM on quality-of-life and ultimately survival, particularly in the youngest patients diagnosed with DMD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Botti
- RE(ACT) Discovery Institute, C/O BLACKSWAN Foundation, Vuarrens, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Menzel
- RE(ACT) Discovery Institute, C/O BLACKSWAN Foundation, Vuarrens, Switzerland
| | - Davide Staedler
- RE(ACT) Discovery Institute, C/O BLACKSWAN Foundation, Vuarrens, Switzerland
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
CRISPR-Based Therapeutic Gene Editing for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: Advances, Challenges and Perspectives. Cells 2022; 11:cells11192964. [PMID: 36230926 PMCID: PMC9564082 DOI: 10.3390/cells11192964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe neuromuscular disease arising from loss-of-function mutations in the dystrophin gene and characterized by progressive muscle degeneration, respiratory insufficiency, cardiac failure, and premature death by the age of thirty. Albeit DMD is one of the most common types of fatal genetic diseases, there is no curative treatment for this devastating disorder. In recent years, gene editing via the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) system has paved a new path toward correcting pathological mutations at the genetic source, thus enabling the permanent restoration of dystrophin expression and function throughout the musculature. To date, the therapeutic benefits of CRISPR genome-editing systems have been successfully demonstrated in human cells, rodents, canines, and piglets with diverse DMD mutations. Nevertheless, there remain some nonignorable challenges to be solved before the clinical application of CRISPR-based gene therapy. Herein, we provide an overview of therapeutic CRISPR genome-editing systems, summarize recent advancements in their applications in DMD contexts, and discuss several potential obstacles lying ahead of clinical translation.
Collapse
|
5
|
Song MH, Yoo J, Oh JG, Kook H, Park WJ, Jeong D. Matricellular Protein CCN5 Gene Transfer Ameliorates Cardiac and Skeletal Dysfunction in mdx/utrn (±) Haploinsufficient Mice by Reducing Fibrosis and Upregulating Utrophin Expression. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:763544. [PMID: 35557546 PMCID: PMC9088811 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.763544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration due to dystrophin gene mutations. Patients with DMD initially experience muscle weakness in their limbs during adolescence. With age, patients develop fatal respiratory and cardiac dysfunctions. During the later stages of the disease, severe cardiac fibrosis occurs, compromising cardiac function. Previously, our research showed that the matricellular protein CCN5 has antifibrotic properties. Therefore, we hypothesized that CCN5 gene transfer would ameliorate cardiac fibrosis and thus improve cardiac function in DMD-induced cardiomyopathy. We utilized mdx/utrn (±) haploinsufficient mice that recapitulated the DMD-disease phenotypes and used an adeno-associated virus serotype-9 viral vector for CCN5 gene transfer. We evaluated the onset of cardiac dysfunction using echocardiography and determined the experimental starting point in 13-month-old mice. Two months after CCN5 gene transfer, cardiac function was significantly enhanced, and cardiac fibrosis was ameliorated. Additionally, running performance was improved in CCN5 gene-transfected mice. Furthermore, in silico gene profiling analysis identified utrophin as a novel transcriptional target of CCN5. This was supplemented by a utrophin promoter assay and RNA-seq analysis, which confirmed that CCN5 was directly associated with utrophin expression. Our results showed that CCN5 may be a promising therapeutic molecule for DMD-induced cardiac and skeletal dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Ho Song
- College of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Jimeen Yoo
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jae Gyun Oh
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Hyun Kook
- Basic Research Laboratory, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Woo Jin Park
- College of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Dongtak Jeong
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.,Department of Molecular and Life Science, College of Science and Convergence Technology, Hanyang University-ERICA, Ansan, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Adams JA, Martínez A. Editorial: Non-pharmacologic Sustained Endothelial Shear Stress: An Evolving Clinical Paradigm. Front Physiol 2021; 12:790022. [PMID: 34867490 PMCID: PMC8635141 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.790022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jose A Adams
- Division of Neonatology, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL, United States
| | - Alfredo Martínez
- Angiogenesis Group, Oncology Area, Center for Biomedical Research of La Rioja, Logroño, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Péladeau C, Jasmin BJ. Targeting IRES-dependent translation as a novel approach for treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy. RNA Biol 2020; 18:1238-1251. [PMID: 33164678 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2020.1847894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Internal-ribosomal entry sites (IRES) are translational elements that allow the initiation machinery to start protein synthesis via internal initiation. IRESs promote tissue-specific translation in stress conditions when conventional cap-dependent translation is inhibited. Since many IRES-containing mRNAs are relevant to diseases, this cellular mechanism is emerging as an attractive therapeutic target for pharmacological and genetic modulations. Indeed, there has been growing interest over the past years in determining the therapeutic potential of IRESs for several disease conditions such as cancer, neurodegeneration and neuromuscular diseases including Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). IRESs relevant for DMD have been identified in several transcripts whose protein product results in functional improvements in dystrophic muscles. Together, these converging lines of evidence indicate that activation of IRES-mediated translation of relevant transcripts in DMD muscle represents a novel and appropriate therapeutic strategy for DMD that warrants further investigation, particularly to identify agents that can modulate their activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christine Péladeau
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, and the Eric Poulin Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bernard J Jasmin
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, and the Eric Poulin Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Yue F, Song C, Huang D, Narayanan N, Qiu J, Jia Z, Yuan Z, Oprescu SN, Roseguini BT, Deng M, Kuang S. PTEN Inhibition Ameliorates Muscle Degeneration and Improves Muscle Function in a Mouse Model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Mol Ther 2020; 29:132-148. [PMID: 33068545 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is caused by a mutation of the muscle membrane protein dystrophin and characterized by severe degeneration of myofibers, progressive muscle wasting, loss of mobility, and, ultimately, cardiorespiratory failure and premature death. Currently there is no cure for DMD. Herein, we report that skeletal muscle-specific knockout (KO) of the phosphatase and tensin homolog (Pten) gene in an animal model of DMD (mdx mice) alleviates myofiber degeneration and restores muscle function without increasing tumor incidence. Specifically, Pten KO normalizes myofiber size and prevents muscular atrophy, and it improves grip strength and exercise performance in mdx mice. Pten KO also reduces fibrosis and inflammation, and it ameliorates muscle pathology in mdx mice. Unbiased RNA sequencing reveals that Pten KO upregulates extracellular matrix and basement membrane components positively correlated with wound healing and suppresses negative regulators of wound healing and lipid biosynthesis, thus improving the integrity of muscle basement membrane at the ultrastructural level. Importantly, pharmacological inhibition of PTEN similarly ameliorates muscle pathology and improves muscle integrity and function in mdx mice. Our findings provide evidence that PTEN inhibition may represent a potential therapeutic strategy to restore muscle function in DMD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feng Yue
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
| | - Changyou Song
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Di Huang
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Naagarajan Narayanan
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Jiamin Qiu
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Zhihao Jia
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Zhengrong Yuan
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Stephanie N Oprescu
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Bruno T Roseguini
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Meng Deng
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Shihuan Kuang
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Hofmann I, Kemter E, Theobalt N, Fiedler S, Bidlingmaier M, Hinrichs A, Aichler M, Burkhardt K, Klymiuk N, Wolf E, Wanke R, Blutke A. Linkage between growth retardation and pituitary cell morphology in a dystrophin-deficient pig model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Growth Horm IGF Res 2020; 51:6-16. [PMID: 31926372 DOI: 10.1016/j.ghir.2019.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Human patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) commonly exhibit a short stature, but the pathogenesis of this growth retardation is not completely understood. Due to the suspected involvement of the growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor 1 (GH/IGF1) system, controversial therapeutic approaches have been developed, including both GH- administration, as well as GH-inhibition. In the present study, we examined relevant histomorphological and ultrastructural features of adenohypophyseal GH-producing somatotroph cells in a porcine DMD model. METHODS The numbers and volumes of immunohistochemically labelled somatotroph cells were determined in consecutive semi-thin sections of plastic resin embedded adenohypophyseal tissue samples using unbiased state-of-the-art quantitative stereological analysis methods. RESULTS DMD pigs displayed a significant growth retardation, accounting for a 55% reduction of body weight, accompanied by a significant 50% reduction of the number of somatotroph cells, as compared to controls. However, the mean volumes of somatotroph cells and the volume of GH-granules per cell were not altered. Western blot analyses of the adenohypophyseal protein samples showed no differences in the relative adenohypophyseal GH-abundance between DMD pigs and controls. CONCLUSION The findings of this study do not provide evidence for involvement of somatotroph cells in the pathogenesis of growth retardation of DMD pigs. These results are in contrast with previous findings in other dystrophin-deficient animal models, such as the golden retriever model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, where increased mean somatotroph cell volumes and elevated volumes of intracellular GH-granules were reported and associated with DMD-related growth retardation. Possible reasons for the differences of somatotroph morphology observed in different DMD models are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I Hofmann
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology at the Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - E Kemter
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Centre and Department of Veterinary Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany; Centre for Innovative Medical Models (CiMM), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - N Theobalt
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology at the Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - S Fiedler
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology at the Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - M Bidlingmaier
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - A Hinrichs
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Centre and Department of Veterinary Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany; Centre for Innovative Medical Models (CiMM), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - M Aichler
- Research Unit Analytical Pathology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - K Burkhardt
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Centre and Department of Veterinary Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany; Centre for Innovative Medical Models (CiMM), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - N Klymiuk
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Centre and Department of Veterinary Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany; Centre for Innovative Medical Models (CiMM), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - E Wolf
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Centre and Department of Veterinary Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany; Centre for Innovative Medical Models (CiMM), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Oberschleißheim, Germany; Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Centre, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - R Wanke
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology at the Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - A Blutke
- Research Unit Analytical Pathology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ren X, Xu H, Barker RG, Lamb GD, Murphy RM. Elevated MMP2 abundance and activity in mdx mice are alleviated by prenatal taurine supplementation. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2020; 318:C1083-C1091. [PMID: 32208990 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00437.2019] [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] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe, progressive muscle-wasting disorder that leads to early death. The mdx mouse is a naturally occurring mutant model for DMD. It lacks dystrophin and displays peak muscle cell necrosis at ~28 days (D28), but in contrast to DMD, mdx mice experience muscle regeneration by D70. We hypothesized that matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2) and/or MMP9 play key roles in the degeneration/regeneration phases in mdx mice. MMP2 abundance in muscle homogenates, measured by calibrated Western blotting, and activity, measured by zymogram, were lower at D70 compared with D28 in both mdx and wild-type (WT) mice. Importantly, MMP2 abundance was higher in both D28 and D70 mdx mice than in age-matched WT mice. The higher MMP2 abundance was not due to infiltrating macrophages, because MMP2 content was still higher in isolated muscle fibers where most macrophages had been removed. Prenatal supplementation with the amino acid taurine, which improved muscle strength in D28 mdx mice, produced approximately twofold lower MMP2 activity, indicating that increased MMP2 abundance is not required when muscle damage is attenuated. There was no difference in MMP9 abundance between age-matched WT and mdx mice (P > 0.05). WT mice displayed decreased MMP9 abundance as they aged. While MMP9 may have a role during age-related skeletal muscle growth, it does not appear essential for degeneration/regeneration cycles in the mdx mouse. Our findings indicate that MMP2 plays a more active role than MMP9 in the degenerative phases of muscle fibers in D28 mdx mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Ren
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Hongyang Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Robert G Barker
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Graham D Lamb
- School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Robyn M Murphy
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Russell MA. Synemin Redefined: Multiple Binding Partners Results in Multifunctionality. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:159. [PMID: 32258037 PMCID: PMC7090255 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Historically synemin has been studied as an intermediate filament protein. However, synemin also binds the type II regulatory (R) subunit α of protein kinase A (PKA) and protein phosphatase type 2A, thus participating in the PKA and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt and signaling pathways. In addition, recent studies using transgenic mice indicate that a significant function of synemin is its role in signaling pathways in various tissues, including the heart. Recent clinical reports have shown that synemin mutations led to multiple cases of dilated cardiomyopathy. Additionally, a single case of the rare condition ulnar-mammary-like syndrome with left ventricular tachycardia due to a mutation in the synemin gene (SYNM) has been reported. Therefore, this review uses these recent studies to provide a new framework for detailed discussions on synemin tissue distribution, binding partners and synemin in disease. Differences between α- and β-synemin are highlighted. The studies presented here indicate that while synemin does function as an intermediate filament protein, it is unique among this large family of proteins as it is also a regulator of signaling pathways and a crosslinker. Also evident is that the dominant function(s) are isoform-, developmental-, and tissue-specific.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary A Russell
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University at Trumbull, Warren, OH, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
|
13
|
Wells DJ. Tracking progress: an update on animal models for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Dis Model Mech 2018; 11:11/6/dmm035774. [PMID: 29914884 PMCID: PMC6031358 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.035774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive, fatal, X-linked monogenic muscle disorder caused by mutations in the DMD gene. In order to test treatments for DMD, a range of natural and engineered animal models have been developed, including mice, rats, dogs and pigs. Sui and colleagues have now added a dystrophic rabbit model to this range using CRISPR/Cas9 to disrupt exon 51 of DMD. Rabbits have the advantage of being easier to breed and less costly than dog or pig models, but having clear clinical signs, in contrast to many mouse models. There appears to be an effect of body size in models of DMD, as the severity of the clinical signs increases with increasing body size across species. All DMD models have advantages and disadvantages, and it is crucial that investigators understand the limitations of each model when testing novel therapies for DMD in pre-clinical studies. Summary: With the development of a novel rabbit model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (dmm032201), this Editorial reflects on the current animal models of this disease, their promise, prospects and pitfalls.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dominic J Wells
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London NW1 0TU, UK
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Péladeau C, Adam NJ, Jasmin BJ. Celecoxib treatment improves muscle function in mdx mice and increases utrophin A expression. FASEB J 2018; 32:5090-5103. [PMID: 29723037 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201800081r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic and progressive neuromuscular disorder caused by mutations and deletions in the dystrophin gene. Although there is currently no cure, one promising treatment for DMD is aimed at increasing endogenous levels of utrophin A to compensate functionally for the lack of dystrophin. Recent studies from our laboratory revealed that heparin treatment of mdx mice activates p38 MAPK, leading to an upregulation of utrophin A expression and improvements in the dystrophic phenotype. Based on these findings, we sought to determine the effects of other potent p38 activators, including the cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitor celecoxib. In this study, we treated 6-wk-old mdx mice for 4 wk with celecoxib. Immunofluorescence analysis of celecoxib-treated mdx muscles revealed a fiber type switch from a fast to a slower phenotype along with beneficial effects on muscle fiber integrity. In agreement, celecoxib-treated mdx mice showed improved muscle strength. Celecoxib treatment also induced increases in utrophin A expression ranging from ∼1.5- to 2-fold in tibialis anterior diaphragm and heart muscles. Overall, these results highlight that activation of p38 in muscles can indeed lead to an attenuation of the dystrophic phenotype and reveal the potential role of celecoxib as a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of DMD.-Péladeau, C., Adam, N. J., Jasmin, B. J. Celecoxib treatment improves muscle function in mdx mice and increases utrophin A expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christine Péladeau
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nadine J Adam
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bernard J Jasmin
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Lamon S, Zacharewicz E, Butchart LC, Orellana L, Mikovic J, Grounds MD, Russell AP. MicroRNA expression patterns in post-natal mouse skeletal muscle development. BMC Genomics 2017; 18:52. [PMID: 28061746 PMCID: PMC5219731 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-016-3399-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 12/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background MiRNAs are essential regulators of skeletal muscle development and homeostasis. To date, the role and regulation of miRNAs in myogenesis have been mostly studied in tissue culture and during embryogenesis. However, little information relating to miRNA regulation during early post-natal skeletal muscle growth in mammals is available. Using a high-throughput miRNA qPCR-based array, followed by stringent statistical and bioinformatics analysis, we describe the expression pattern and putative role of 768 miRNAs in the quadriceps muscle of mice aged 2 days, 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 12 weeks. Results Forty-six percent of all measured miRNAs were expressed in mouse quadriceps muscle during the first 12 weeks of life. We report unprecedented changes in miRNA expression levels over time. The expression of a majority of miRNAs significantly decreased with post-natal muscle maturation in vivo. MiRNA clustering identified 2 subsets of miRNAs that are potentially involved in cell proliferation and differentiation, mainly via the regulation of non-muscle specific targets. Conclusion Collective miRNA expression in mouse quadriceps muscle is subjected to substantial levels of regulation during the first 12 weeks of age. This study identified a new suite of highly conserved miRNAs that are predicted to influence early muscle development. As such it provides novel knowledge pertaining to post-natal myogenesis and muscle regeneration in mammals. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-016-3399-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Séverine Lamon
- Deakin University, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (I-PAN), Geelong, Australia.
| | - Evelyn Zacharewicz
- Deakin University, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (I-PAN), Geelong, Australia
| | - Lauren C Butchart
- The University of Western Australia, School of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Liliana Orellana
- Deakin University, Biostatistics Unit, Faculty of Health, Geelong, Australia
| | - Jasmine Mikovic
- Deakin University, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (I-PAN), Geelong, Australia
| | - Miranda D Grounds
- The University of Western Australia, School of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Aaron P Russell
- Deakin University, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (I-PAN), Geelong, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Sekulic-Jablanovic M, Ullrich ND, Goldblum D, Palmowski-Wolfe A, Zorzato F, Treves S. Functional characterization of orbicularis oculi and extraocular muscles. J Gen Physiol 2016; 147:395-406. [PMID: 27069119 PMCID: PMC4845688 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.201511542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Facial muscles are skeletal muscles that control facial expression. Sekulic-Jablanovic et al. characterize orbicularis oculi and extraocular muscles and find divergence in the expression of key molecules for muscle function between facial, extraocular, and quadriceps muscles. The orbicularis oculi are the sphincter muscles of the eyelids and are involved in modulating facial expression. They differ from both limb and extraocular muscles (EOMs) in their histology and biochemistry. Weakness of the orbicularis oculi muscles is a feature of neuromuscular disorders affecting the neuromuscular junction, and weakness of facial muscles and ptosis have also been described in patients with mutations in the ryanodine receptor gene. Here, we investigate human orbicularis oculi muscles and find that they are functionally more similar to quadriceps than to EOMs in terms of excitation–contraction coupling components. In particular, they do not express the cardiac isoform of the dihydropyridine receptor, which we find to be highly expressed in EOMs where it is likely responsible for the large depolarization-induced calcium influx. We further show that human orbicularis oculi and EOMs express high levels of utrophin and low levels of dystrophin, whereas quadriceps express dystrophin and low levels of utrophin. The results of this study highlight the notion that myotubes obtained by explanting satellite cells from different muscles are not functionally identical and retain the physiological characteristics of their muscle of origin. Furthermore, our results indicate that sparing of facial and EOMs in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the result of the higher levels of utrophin expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marijana Sekulic-Jablanovic
- Department of Anesthesia, Basel University Hospital, 4031 Basel, Switzerland Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nina D Ullrich
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - David Goldblum
- Eye Clinic, Basel University and Basel University Hospital, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anja Palmowski-Wolfe
- Eye Clinic, Basel University and Basel University Hospital, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Francesco Zorzato
- Department of Anesthesia, Basel University Hospital, 4031 Basel, Switzerland Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital, 4031 Basel, Switzerland Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, General Pathology Section, University of Ferrara, 44100 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Susan Treves
- Department of Anesthesia, Basel University Hospital, 4031 Basel, Switzerland Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital, 4031 Basel, Switzerland Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, General Pathology Section, University of Ferrara, 44100 Ferrara, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Huang Q, Miller MR, Schappet J, Henry MD. The glycosyltransferase LARGE2 is repressed by Snail and ZEB1 in prostate cancer. Cancer Biol Ther 2015; 16:125-36. [PMID: 25455932 DOI: 10.4161/15384047.2014.987078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Reductions in both expression of the dystroglycan core protein and functional glycosylation of the α-dystroglycan (αDG) subunit have been reported in a number of cancers and may contribute to disease progression. In the case of prostate cancer, one mechanism that contributes to αDG hypoglycosylation is transcriptional down-regulation of LARGE2 (GYLTY1B), a glycosyltransferase that produces the functional (laminin-binding) glycan on αDG, but the mechanism(s) underlying reduction of LARGE2 mRNA remain unclear. Here, we show that αDG hypoglycosylation is associated with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-like status. We examined immunoreactivity for both functionally-glycosylated αDG and E-cadherin by flow cytometry and the relative expression of ZEB1 mRNA and the αDG glycosyltransferase LARGE2 mRNA in prostate and other cancer cell lines by quantitative RT-PCR. To study the role of ZEB1 and other transcription factors in the regulation of LARGE2, we employed overexpression and knockdown approaches. Snail- or ZEB1-driven EMT caused αDG hypoglycosylation by repressing expression of the LARGE2 mRNA, with both ZEB1-dependent and -independent mechanisms contributing to Snail-mediated LARGE2 repression. To examine the direct regulation of LARGE2 by Snail and ZEB1 we employed luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. Snail and ZEB1 were found to bind directly to the LARGE2 promoter, specifically to E/Z-box clusters. Furthermore, analysis of gene expression profiles of clinical samples in The Cancer Genome Atlas reveals negative correlation of LARGE2 and ZEB1 expression in various cancers. Collectively, our results suggest that LARGE2 is negatively regulated by Snail and/or ZEB1, revealing a mechanistic basis for αDG hypoglycosylation during prostate cancer progression and metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qin Huang
- a Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics ; University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine ; Iowa City , IA USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Chiappalupi S, Luca G, Mancuso F, Madaro L, Fallarino F, Nicoletti C, Calvitti M, Arato I, Falabella G, Salvadori L, Di Meo A, Bufalari A, Giovagnoli S, Calafiore R, Donato R, Sorci G. Intraperitoneal injection of microencapsulated Sertoli cells restores muscle morphology and performance in dystrophic mice. Biomaterials 2015; 75:313-326. [PMID: 26523508 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2015.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2015] [Revised: 09/30/2015] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disease characterized by progressive muscle degeneration leading to impaired locomotion, respiratory failure and premature death. In DMD patients, inflammatory events secondary to dystrophin mutation play a major role in the progression of the pathology. Sertoli cells (SeC) have been largely used to protect xenogeneic engraftments or induce trophic effects thanks to their ability to secrete trophic, antiinflammatory, and immunomodulatory factors. Here we have purified SeC from specific pathogen-free (SPF)-certified neonatal pigs, and embedded them into clinical grade alginate microcapsules. We show that a single intraperitoneal injection of microencapsulated SPF SeC (SeC-MC) in an experimental model of DMD can rescue muscle morphology and performance in the absence of pharmacologic immunosuppressive treatments. Once i.p. injected, SeC-MC act as a drug delivery system that modulates the inflammatory response in muscle tissue, and upregulates the expression of the dystrophin paralogue, utrophin in muscles through systemic release of heregulin-β1, thus promoting sarcolemma stability. Analyses performed five months after single injection show high biocompatibility and long-term efficacy of SeC-MC. Our results might open new avenues for the treatment of patients with DMD and related diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Chiappalupi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06132, Italy; Interuniversity Institute of Myology (IIM), Italy
| | - Giovanni Luca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06132, Italy
| | - Francesca Mancuso
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06132, Italy
| | - Luca Madaro
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome 00143, Italy; National Research Council, Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome 00143, Italy; Interuniversity Institute of Myology (IIM), Italy
| | - Francesca Fallarino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06132, Italy
| | - Carmine Nicoletti
- Unit of Histology, DAHFMO, La Sapienza University, Rome 00161, Italy; Interuniversity Institute of Myology (IIM), Italy
| | - Mario Calvitti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06132, Italy
| | - Iva Arato
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06132, Italy
| | - Giulia Falabella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06132, Italy
| | - Laura Salvadori
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06132, Italy
| | - Antonio Di Meo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06126, Italy
| | - Antonello Bufalari
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06126, Italy
| | - Stefano Giovagnoli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia 06123, Italy
| | | | - Rosario Donato
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06132, Italy; Interuniversity Institute of Myology (IIM), Italy
| | - Guglielmo Sorci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia 06132, Italy; Interuniversity Institute of Myology (IIM), Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Péladeau C, Ahmed A, Amirouche A, Crawford Parks TE, Bronicki LM, Ljubicic V, Renaud JM, Jasmin BJ. Combinatorial therapeutic activation with heparin and AICAR stimulates additive effects on utrophin A expression in dystrophic muscles. Hum Mol Genet 2015; 25:24-43. [PMID: 26494902 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddv444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Upregulation of utrophin A is an attractive therapeutic strategy for treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Over the years, several studies revealed that utrophin A is regulated by multiple transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms, and that pharmacological modulation of these pathways stimulates utrophin A expression in dystrophic muscle. In particular, we recently showed that activation of p38 signaling causes an increase in the levels of utrophin A mRNAs and protein by decreasing the functional availability of the destabilizing RNA-binding protein called K-homology splicing regulatory protein, thereby resulting in increases in the stability of existing mRNAs. Here, we treated 6-week-old mdx mice for 4 weeks with the clinically used anticoagulant drug heparin known to activate p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, and determined the impact of this pharmacological intervention on the dystrophic phenotype. Our results show that heparin treatment of mdx mice caused a significant ∼1.5- to 3-fold increase in utrophin A expression in diaphragm, extensor digitorum longus and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles. In agreement with these findings, heparin-treated diaphragm and TA muscle fibers showed an accumulation of utrophin A and β-dystroglycan along their sarcolemma and displayed improved morphology and structural integrity. Moreover, combinatorial drug treatment using both heparin and 5-amino-4-imidazolecarboxamide riboside (AICAR), the latter targeting 5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase and the transcriptional activation of utrophin A, caused an additive effect on utrophin A expression in dystrophic muscle. These findings establish that heparin is a relevant therapeutic agent for treating DMD, and illustrate that combinatorial treatment of heparin with AICAR may serve as an effective strategy to further increase utrophin A expression in dystrophic muscle via activation of distinct signaling pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christine Péladeau
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aatika Ahmed
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Adel Amirouche
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tara E Crawford Parks
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lucas M Bronicki
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vladimir Ljubicic
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jean-Marc Renaud
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bernard J Jasmin
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Peptide Nucleic Acid Promotes Systemic Dystrophin Expression and Functional Rescue in Dystrophin-deficient mdx Mice. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2015; 4:e255. [PMID: 26440599 PMCID: PMC4881755 DOI: 10.1038/mtna.2015.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2015] [Accepted: 08/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotide (AO)-mediated exon-skipping therapeutics shows great promise for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients. However, recent failure with drisapersen, an AO candidate drug in phase 3 trial, highlights the importance of exploring other effective AO chemistries for DMD. Previously, we demonstrated the appreciable biological activity of peptide nucleic acid (PNA) AOs in restoring dystrophin expression in dystrophin-deficient mdx mice intramuscularly. Here, we further explore the systemic potential and feasibility of PNA AOs in mediating exon skipping in mdx mice as a comprehensive systemic evaluation remains lacking. Systemic delivery of PNA AOs resulted in therapeutic level of dystrophin expression in body-wide peripheral muscles and improved dystrophic pathology in mdx mice without any detectable toxicity. Up to 40% of dystrophin restoration was achieved in gastrocnemius, to a less extent with other skeletal muscles, with no dystrophin in heart. Notably, comparable systemic activity was obtained between PNA AOs and phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomer, a DMD AO chemistry in phase 3 clinical trial, under an identical dosing regimen. Overall, our data demonstrate that PNA is viable for DMD exon-skipping therapeutics with 20 mer showing the best combination of activity, solubility, and safety and further modifications to increase PNA aqueous solubility can enable longer, more effective therapeutics without the associated toxicity.
Collapse
|
21
|
Sharma P, Basu S, Mitchell RW, Stelmack GL, Anderson JE, Halayko AJ. Role of dystrophin in airway smooth muscle phenotype, contraction and lung function. PLoS One 2014; 9:e102737. [PMID: 25054970 PMCID: PMC4108318 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0102737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2013] [Accepted: 06/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Dystrophin links the transmembrane dystrophin-glycoprotein complex to the actin cytoskeleton. We have shown that dystrophin-glycoprotein complex subunits are markers for airway smooth muscle phenotype maturation and together with caveolin-1, play an important role in calcium homeostasis. We tested if dystrophin affects phenotype maturation, tracheal contraction and lung physiology. We used dystrophin deficient Golden Retriever dogs (GRMD) and mdx mice vs healthy control animals in our approach. We found significant reduction of contractile protein markers: smooth muscle myosin heavy chain (smMHC) and calponin and reduced Ca2+ response to contractile agonist in dystrophin deficient cells. Immunocytochemistry revealed reduced stress fibers and number of smMHC positive cells in dystrophin-deficient cells, when compared to control. Immunoblot analysis of Akt1, GSK3β and mTOR phosphorylation further revealed that downstream PI3K signaling, which is essential for phenotype maturation, was suppressed in dystrophin deficient cell cultures. Tracheal rings from mdx mice showed significant reduction in the isometric contraction to methacholine (MCh) when compared to genetic control BL10ScSnJ mice (wild-type). In vivo lung function studies using a small animal ventilator revealed a significant reduction in peak airway resistance induced by maximum concentrations of inhaled MCh in mdx mice, while there was no change in other lung function parameters. These data show that the lack of dystrophin is associated with a concomitant suppression of ASM cell phenotype maturation in vitro, ASM contraction ex vivo and lung function in vivo, indicating that a linkage between the DGC and the actin cytoskeleton via dystrophin is a determinant of the phenotype and functional properties of ASM.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Blotting, Western
- Cells, Cultured
- Dogs
- Dystrophin/deficiency
- Dystrophin/genetics
- Dystrophin/physiology
- Immunohistochemistry
- Lung/metabolism
- Lung/physiology
- Methacholine Chloride/pharmacology
- Mice, Inbred mdx
- Mice, Knockout
- Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
- Microscopy, Fluorescence
- Muscle Contraction/genetics
- Muscle Contraction/physiology
- Muscle, Smooth/cytology
- Muscle, Smooth/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth/physiology
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/cytology
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/physiology
- Myosin Heavy Chains/metabolism
- Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism
- Respiratory System/cytology
- Respiratory System/metabolism
- Respiratory System/ultrastructure
- Signal Transduction/genetics
- Signal Transduction/physiology
- Trachea/drug effects
- Trachea/metabolism
- Trachea/physiology
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pawan Sharma
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- CIHR National Training Program in Allergy and Asthma, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Biology of Breathing Group, Manitoba Institute of Child Health, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Sujata Basu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Biology of Breathing Group, Manitoba Institute of Child Health, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Richard W. Mitchell
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Biology of Breathing Group, Manitoba Institute of Child Health, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Gerald L. Stelmack
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Biology of Breathing Group, Manitoba Institute of Child Health, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Judy E. Anderson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Andrew J. Halayko
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Section of Respiratory Disease, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- CIHR National Training Program in Allergy and Asthma, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Biology of Breathing Group, Manitoba Institute of Child Health, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Gordon BS, Lowe DA, Kostek MC. Exercise increases utrophin protein expression in the mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Muscle Nerve 2014; 49:915-8. [PMID: 24375286 DOI: 10.1002/mus.24151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/12/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a lethal genetic disease caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene resulting in chronic muscle damage, muscle wasting, and premature death. Utrophin is a dystrophin protein homologue that increases dystrophic muscle function and reduces pathology. Currently, no treatments that increase utrophin protein expression exist. However, exercise increases utrophin mRNA expression in healthy humans. Therefore, the purpose was to determine whether exercise increases utrophin protein expression in dystrophic muscle. METHODS Utrophin protein was measured in the quadriceps and soleus muscles of mdx mice after 12 weeks of voluntary wheel running exercise or sedentary controls. Muscle pathology was measured in the quadriceps. RESULTS Exercise increased utrophin protein expression 334 ± 63% in the quadriceps relative to sedentary controls. Exercise increased central nuclei 4 ± 1% but not other measures of pathology. CONCLUSIONS Exercise may be an intervention that increases utrophin expression in patients with DMD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bradley S Gordon
- University of South Carolina, Department of Exercise Science, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Immunoproteasome in animal models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. J Muscle Res Cell Motil 2014; 35:191-201. [PMID: 24934129 DOI: 10.1007/s10974-014-9385-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2013] [Accepted: 05/20/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Increased proteasome activity has been implicated in the atrophy and deterioration associated with dystrophic muscles of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). While proteasome inhibitors show promise in the attenuation of muscle degeneration, proteasome inhibition-induced toxicity was a major drawback of this therapeutic strategy. Inhibitors that selectively target the proteasome subtype that is responsible for the loss in muscle mass and quality would reduce side effects and be less toxic. This study examined proteasome activity and subtype populations, along with muscle function, morphology and damage in wild-type (WT) mice and two murine models of DMD, dystrophin-deficient (MDX) and dystrophin- and utrophin-double-knockout (DKO) mice. We found that immunoproteasome content was increased in dystrophic muscles while the total proteasome content was unchanged among the three genotypes of mice. Proteasome proteolytic activity was elevated in dystrophic muscles, especially in DKO mice. These mice also exhibited more severe muscle atrophy than either WT or MDX mice. Muscle damage and regeneration, characterized by the activity of muscle creatine kinase in the blood and the percentage of central nuclei were equally increased in dystrophic mice. Accordingly, the overall muscle function was similarly reduced in both dystrophic mice compared with WT. These data demonstrated that there was transformation of standard proteasomes to immunoproteasomes in dystrophic muscles. In addition, DKO that showed greatest increase in proteasome activities also demonstrated more severe atrophy compared with MDX and WT. These results suggest a putative role for the immunoproteasome in muscle deterioration associated with DMD and provide a potential target for therapeutic intervention.
Collapse
|
24
|
Dorchies OM, Reutenauer-Patte J, Dahmane E, Ismail HM, Petermann O, Patthey- Vuadens O, Comyn SA, Gayi E, Piacenza T, Handa RJ, Décosterd LA, Ruegg UT. The anticancer drug tamoxifen counteracts the pathology in a mouse model of duchenne muscular dystrophy. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2013; 182:485-504. [PMID: 23332367 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2012.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2012] [Revised: 09/17/2012] [Accepted: 10/07/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe disorder characterized by progressive muscle wasting,respiratory and cardiac impairments, and premature death. No treatment exists so far, and the identification of active substances to fight DMD is urgently needed. We found that tamoxifen, a drug used to treat estrogen-dependent breast cancer, caused remarkable improvements of muscle force and of diaphragm and cardiac structure in the mdx(5Cv) mouse model of DMD. Oral tamoxifen treatment from 3 weeks of age for 15 months at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day stabilized myofiber membranes, normalized whole body force, and increased force production and resistance to repeated contractions of the triceps muscle above normal values. Tamoxifen improved the structure of leg muscles and diminished cardiac fibrosis by~ 50%. Tamoxifen also reduced fibrosis in the diaphragm, while increasing its thickness,myofiber count, and myofiber diameter, thereby augmenting by 72% the amount of contractile tissue available for respiratory function. Tamoxifen conferred a markedly slower phenotype to the muscles.Tamoxifen and its metabolites were present in nanomolar concentrations in plasma and muscles,suggesting signaling through high-affinity targets. Interestingly, the estrogen receptors ERa and ERb were several times more abundant in dystrophic than in normal muscles, and tamoxifen normalized the relative abundance of ERb isoforms. Our findings suggest that tamoxifen might be a useful therapy for DMD.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use
- Behavior, Animal/drug effects
- Biomarkers/metabolism
- Biomechanical Phenomena/drug effects
- Body Weight/drug effects
- Creatine Kinase/blood
- Diaphragm/pathology
- Diaphragm/physiopathology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Feeding Behavior/drug effects
- Fibrosis
- Mice
- Muscle Contraction/drug effects
- Muscle Fibers, Skeletal/drug effects
- Muscle Fibers, Skeletal/pathology
- Muscular Dystrophy, Animal/blood
- Muscular Dystrophy, Animal/drug therapy
- Muscular Dystrophy, Animal/pathology
- Muscular Dystrophy, Animal/physiopathology
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/blood
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/drug therapy
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/pathology
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/physiopathology
- Myocardium/pathology
- Organ Size/drug effects
- Receptors, Estrogen/metabolism
- Tamoxifen/blood
- Tamoxifen/pharmacology
- Tamoxifen/therapeutic use
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olivier M Dorchies
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Geneva and University of Lausanne, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Jahnke VE, Van Der Meulen JH, Johnston HK, Ghimbovschi S, Partridge T, Hoffman EP, Nagaraju K. Metabolic remodeling agents show beneficial effects in the dystrophin-deficient mdx mouse model. Skelet Muscle 2012; 2:16. [PMID: 22908954 PMCID: PMC3482394 DOI: 10.1186/2044-5040-2-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2012] [Accepted: 07/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a genetic disease involving a severe muscle wasting that is characterized by cycles of muscle degeneration/regeneration and culminates in early death in affected boys. Mitochondria are presumed to be involved in the regulation of myoblast proliferation/differentiation; enhancing mitochondrial activity with exercise mimetics (AMPK and PPAR-delta agonists) increases muscle function and inhibits muscle wasting in healthy mice. We therefore asked whether metabolic remodeling agents that increase mitochondrial activity would improve muscle function in mdx mice. Methods Twelve-week-old mdx mice were treated with two different metabolic remodeling agents (GW501516 and AICAR), separately or in combination, for 4 weeks. Extensive systematic behavioral, functional, histological, biochemical, and molecular tests were conducted to assess the drug(s)' effects. Results We found a gain in body and muscle weight in all treated mice. Histologic examination showed a decrease in muscle inflammation and in the number of fibers with central nuclei and an increase in fibers with peripheral nuclei, with significantly fewer activated satellite cells and regenerating fibers. Together with an inhibition of FoXO1 signaling, these results indicated that the treatments reduced ongoing muscle damage. Conclusions The three treatments produced significant improvements in disease phenotype, including an increase in overall behavioral activity and significant gains in forelimb and hind limb strength. Our findings suggest that triggering mitochondrial activity with exercise mimetics improves muscle function in dystrophin-deficient mdx mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa E Jahnke
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Ljubicic V, Miura P, Burt M, Boudreault L, Khogali S, Lunde JA, Renaud JM, Jasmin BJ. Chronic AMPK activation evokes the slow, oxidative myogenic program and triggers beneficial adaptations in mdx mouse skeletal muscle. Hum Mol Genet 2011; 20:3478-93. [PMID: 21659335 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddr265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
A therapeutic approach for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is to up-regulate utrophin in skeletal muscle in an effort to compensate for the lack of dystrophin. We previously hypothesized that promotion of the slow, oxidative myogenic program, which triggers utrophin up-regulation, can attenuate the dystrophic pathology in mdx animals. Since treatment of healthy mice with the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activator 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-D-ribofuranoside (AICAR) enhances oxidative capacity and elicits a fast-to-slow fiber-type transition, we evaluated the effects of chronic AMPK stimulation on skeletal muscle phenotype and utrophin expression in mdx mice. Daily AICAR administration (500 mg/kg/day, 30 days) of 5-7-week-old mdx animals induced an elevation in mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase enzyme activity, an increase in myosin heavy-chain type IIa-positive fibers and slower twitch contraction kinetics in the fast, glycolytic extensor digitorum longus muscle. Utrophin expression was significantly enhanced in response to AICAR, which occurred coincident with an elevated β-dystroglycan expression along the sarcolemma. These adaptations were associated with an increase in sarcolemmal structural integrity under basal conditions, as well as during damaging eccentric contractions ex vivo. Notably, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ co-activator-1α (PGC-1α) and silent information regulator two ortholog 1 protein contents were significantly higher in muscle from mdx mice compared with wild-type littermates and AICAR further increased PGC-1α expression. Our data show that AICAR-evoked muscle plasticity results in beneficial phenotypic adaptations in mdx mice and suggest that the contextually novel application of this compound for muscular dystrophy warrants further study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Ljubicic
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1H 8M5
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Ishizaki M, Maeda Y, Kawano R, Suga T, Uchida Y, Uchino K, Yamashita S, Kimura E, Uchino M. Rescue from respiratory dysfunction by transduction of full-length dystrophin to diaphragm via the peritoneal cavity in utrophin/dystrophin double knockout mice. Mol Ther 2011; 19:1230-5. [PMID: 21467999 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2011.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an inherited severe muscle wasting disorder with, thus far, no effective therapy. DMD causes respiratory and cardiac failure as well as muscle wastage. Among the various symptoms, respiratory insufficiency is a major cause of death in DMD patients at about 20 years of age. So, naturally, the improvement of respiratory function will extend the patient's life. We report here, for the first time, a sensitive procedure using whole-body plethysmography to monitor respiratory parameters detected in the utrophin/dystrophin double knockout mouse (dko mouse), showing quite similar systemic symptoms to human DMD including restrictive ventilatory impairment. Furthermore, we show that a highly efficient dystrophin-transduction to the dko's diaphragm--achieved by simple intraperitoneal injection of a helper-dependent adenovirus vector (HDAdv) containing the full-length dystrophin expression cassette--provided beneficial results. In spite of dystrophin expression only in the diaphragm, this focal gene transfer could result in the rescue from ventilatory impairment (increased tidal volume (TV) and improvement of compensatory hyperpnea). Our result suggests that a DMD patient's mortal ventilatory impairment may be improved via technically easy means through the intraperitoneal injection of HDAdv.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masatoshi Ishizaki
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience, Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Wang Q, Cao DH, Jin CL, Lin CK, Ma HW, Wu YY. A Method of Utrophin Up-Regulation through RNAi-Mediated Knockdown of the Transcription Factor EN1. J Int Med Res 2011; 39:161-71. [PMID: 21672318 DOI: 10.1177/147323001103900117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to induce up-regulation of the dystrophin-related gene UTRN that encodes the protein utrophin, to determine whether this could compensate for the lack of dystrophin function in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The human UTRN promoter, which contains two putative binding sites for homeobox protein engrailed-1 (EN1), was analysed. It was found that EN1 binding site 2 in the UTRN gene promoter directly interacted with transcription factor EN1 in vitro. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays of the EN1– UTRN promoter complex from rhabdomyosarcoma and HeLa cell lines confirmed that endogenous EN1 interacted with this region in vivo. The findings suggest that EN1 directly interacts with the UTRN promoter. Small interfering RNA was used to inhibit EN1 gene expression. Higher utrophin mRNA levels were observed in EN1-inhibited cells compared with controls. The increase in utrophin mRNA in rhabdomyosarcoma cells and HeLa cells may have resulted from inhibition of EN1 expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Q Wang
- Senior Profession College, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Medical Genetics, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - D-H Cao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, No. 202 Hospital of the People's Liberation Army, Shenyang, China
| | - C-L Jin
- Department of Medical Genetics, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - C-K Lin
- Department of Medical Genetics, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - H-W Ma
- Department of Paediatrics, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Y-Y Wu
- Department of Paediatrics, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Tabet AC, Aboura A, Gérard M, Pilorge M, Dupont C, Gadisseux JF, Hervy N, Pipiras E, Delahaye A, Kanafani S, Verloes A, Benzacken B, Betancur C. Molecular characterization of a de novo 6q24.2q25.3 duplication interrupting UTRN in a patient with arthrogryposis. Am J Med Genet A 2010; 152A:1781-8. [PMID: 20583184 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.33433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Chromosome 6q duplications have been documented repeatedly, allowing the delineation of a "6q duplication syndrome," characterized by hypertelorism, downslanting palpebral fissures, tented upper lip, short neck, severe mental and growth retardation, and joint contractures. Most reported cases result from malsegregation of a reciprocal translocation leading to a terminal 6q duplication and partial monosomy of another chromosome. Only 11 cases of de novo pure duplication have been reported so far. The breakpoints do not appear to be recurrent, but in most cases they have not been characterized molecularly, precluding genotype-phenotype correlation. We report on an 8-year-old girl with a phenotype consistent with mild 6q duplication syndrome, including characteristic physical findings, mild mental retardation, and joint contractures. She carries a 13 Mb de novo 6q24.2q25.3 duplication, diagnosed by high-resolution karyotype and confirmed by array-CGH. Molecular characterization of the duplicated segment with quantitative PCR showed that the proximal breakpoint is localized within the UTRN gene, encoding utrophin, the autosomal homologue of dystrophin. We discuss the possible implication of UTRN in arthrogryposis associated with duplications spanning the 6q23q26 region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Claude Tabet
- AP-HP, Cytogenetics Unit, Department of Genetics, Robert Debré Hospital, Paris, France.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Li D, Bareja A, Judge L, Yue Y, Lai Y, Fairclough R, Davies KE, Chamberlain JS, Duan D. Sarcolemmal nNOS anchoring reveals a qualitative difference between dystrophin and utrophin. J Cell Sci 2010; 123:2008-13. [PMID: 20483958 PMCID: PMC2880012 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.064808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/17/2010] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a lethal muscle disease caused by dystrophin deficiency. In normal muscle, dystrophin helps maintain sarcolemmal stability. Dystrophin also recruits neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) to the sarcolemma. Failure to anchor nNOS to the membrane leads to functional ischemia and aggravates muscle disease in DMD. Over the past two decades, a great variety of therapeutic modalities have been explored to treat DMD. A particularly attractive approach is to increase utrophin expression. Utrophin shares considerable sequence, structural and functional similarity with dystrophin. Here, we test the hypothesis that utrophin also brings nNOS to the sarcolemma. Full-length utrophin cDNA was expressed in dystrophin-deficient mdx mice by gutted adenovirus or via transgenic overexpression. Subcellular nNOS localization was determined by immunofluorescence staining, in situ nNOS activity staining and microsomal preparation western blot. Despite supra-physiological utrophin expression, we did not detect nNOS at the sarcolemma. Furthermore, transgenic utrophin overexpression failed to protect mdx muscle from exercise-associated injury. Our results suggest that full-length utrophin cannot anchor nNOS to the sarcolemma. This finding might have important implications for the development of utrophin-based DMD therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dejia Li
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, The University of Missouri, M610G Medical Science Building, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Akshay Bareja
- Department of Physiology Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Le Gros Clark Building, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Luke Judge
- Department of Neurology, The University of Washington, Health Sciences Building K234, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 357720, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Yongping Yue
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, The University of Missouri, M610G Medical Science Building, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Yi Lai
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, The University of Missouri, M610G Medical Science Building, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Rebecca Fairclough
- Department of Physiology Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Le Gros Clark Building, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Kay E. Davies
- Department of Physiology Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Le Gros Clark Building, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Jeffrey S. Chamberlain
- Department of Neurology, The University of Washington, Health Sciences Building K234, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 357720, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Dongsheng Duan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, The University of Missouri, M610G Medical Science Building, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Tang Y, Cummins J, Huard J, Wang B. AAV-directed muscular dystrophy gene therapy. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2010; 10:395-408. [PMID: 20132060 DOI: 10.1517/14712591003604690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD Muscle-directed gene therapy for genetic muscle diseases can be performed by the recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vector delivery system to achieve long-term therapeutic gene transfer in all affected muscles. AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW Recent progress in rAAV-vector-mediated muscle-directed gene transfer and associated techniques for the treatment of muscular dystrophies (MD). The review covers literature from the past 2 - 3 years. WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN rAAV-directed muscular dystrophy gene therapy can be achieved by mini-dystrophin replacement and exon-skipping strategies. The additional strategies of enhancing muscle regeneration and reducing inflammation in the muscle micro-environment should be useful to optimize therapeutic efficacy. This review compares the merits and shortcomings of different administration methods, promoters and experimental animals that will guide the choice of the appropriate strategy for clinical trials. TAKE HOME MESSAGE Restoration of muscle histopathology and function has been performed using rAAV systemic gene delivery. In addition, the combination of gene replacement and adjuvant therapies in the future may be beneficial with regard to improving muscle regeneration and decreasing myofiber necrosis. The challenges faced by large animal model studies and in human trials arise from gene transfer efficiency and immune response, which may be overcome by optimizing the rAAV vectors utilized and the administration methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Tang
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
A 3 months mild functional test regime does not affect disease parameters in young mdx mice. Neuromuscul Disord 2010; 20:273-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2010.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2009] [Revised: 01/26/2010] [Accepted: 02/08/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
33
|
Burelle Y, Khairallah M, Ascah A, Allen BG, Deschepper CF, Petrof BJ, Des Rosiers C. Alterations in mitochondrial function as a harbinger of cardiomyopathy: lessons from the dystrophic heart. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2009; 48:310-21. [PMID: 19769982 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2009.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2009] [Revised: 09/03/2009] [Accepted: 09/09/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
While compelling evidence supports the central role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of heart failure, there is comparatively less information available on mitochondrial alterations that occur prior to failure. Building on our recent work with the dystrophin-deficient mdx mouse heart, this review focuses on how early changes in mitochondrial functional phenotype occur prior to overt cardiomyopathy and may be a determinant for the development of adverse cardiac remodelling leading to failure. These include alterations in energy substrate utilization and signalling of cell death through increased permeability of mitochondrial membranes, which may result from abnormal calcium handling, and production of reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, we will discuss evidence supporting the notion that these alterations in the dystrophin-deficient heart may represent an early "subclinical" signature of a defective nitric oxide/cGMP signalling pathway, as well as the potential benefit of mitochondria-targeted therapies. While the mdx mouse is an animal model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), changes in the structural integrity of dystrophin, the mutated cytoskeletal protein responsible for DMD, have also recently been implicated as a common mechanism for contractile dysfunction in heart failure. In fact, altogether our findings support a critical role for dystrophin in maintaining optimal coupling between metabolism and contraction in the heart.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Burelle
- Department of Kinesiology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Li D, Long C, Yue Y, Duan D. Sub-physiological sarcoglycan expression contributes to compensatory muscle protection in mdx mice. Hum Mol Genet 2009; 18:1209-20. [PMID: 19131360 PMCID: PMC2655768 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddp015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2008] [Revised: 12/31/2008] [Accepted: 01/06/2009] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Sarcoglycans are a group of single-pass transmembrane glycoproteins. In striated muscle, sarcoglycans interact with dystrophin and other dystrophin-associated proteins (DAPs) to form the dystrophin-associated glycoprotein complex (DGC). The DGC protects the sarcolemma from contraction-induced injury. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is caused by dystrophin gene mutations. In the absence of dystrophin, the DGC is disassembled from the sarcolemma. This initiates a chain reaction of muscle degeneration, necrosis, inflammation and fibrosis. In contrast to human patients, dystrophin-null mdx mice are only mildly affected. Enhanced muscle regeneration and the up-regulation of utrophin and integrin are thought to protect mdx muscle. Interestingly, trace amounts of sarcoglycans and other DAPs can be detected at the mdx sarcolemma. It is currently unclear whether sub-physiological sarcoglycan expression also contributes to the mild phenotype in mdx mice. To answer this question, we generated delta-sarcoglycan/dystrophin double knockout mice (delta-Dko) in which residual sarcoglycans were completely eliminated from the sarcolemma. Interestingly, utrophin levels were further increased in these mice. However, enhanced utrophin expression did not mitigate disease. The clinical manifestation of delta-Dko mice was worse than that of mdx mice. They showed characteristic dystrophic signs, body emaciation and more macrophage infiltration. Their lifespan was reduced by 60%. Furthermore, delta-Dko muscle generated significantly less absolute muscle force and became more susceptible to contraction-induced injury. Our results suggest that sub-physiological sarcoglycan expression plays a critical role in ameliorating muscle disease in mdx mice. We speculate that low-level sarcoglycan expression may represent a useful strategy to palliate DMD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Dongsheng Duan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Therapeutic approaches for the sarcomeric protein diseases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2009. [PMID: 19181103 DOI: 10.1007/978-0-387-84847-1_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
No curative treatment currently exists for patients with skeletal myopathies caused by defects in sarcomeric proteins though symptomatic treatments including orthoses, night-time ventilation, or mechanical ventilation can provide major benefits. The molecular genetic discovery era has enabled many families to know which gene and precisely which gene defect their family, or in some cases only their affected child has. This knowledge has enormously increased the accuracy of genetic counselling and in some cases can enable prognosis, which helps families to make better-informed life decisions. However, symptomatic treatments and molecular genetics do not help the patient's skeletal muscle problems. The patients with skeletal muscle sarcomeric protein diseases, (from severely affected patients with shortened lifespan, through to the more mildly affected patients), would all benefit from more effective or curative treatments, as would their parents and families. This chapter outlines the experimental therapeutic strategies that have been investigated for other muscle diseases (predominantly the muscular dystrophies, towards which the majority of research emphasis has been focussed) and those that are beginning to be investigated for sarcomeric diseases. It analyses which of these approaches might be applicable to the different skeletal muscle sarcomeric protein diseases.
Collapse
|
36
|
Puttini S, Lekka M, Dorchies OM, Saugy D, Incitti T, Ruegg UT, Bozzoni I, Kulik AJ, Mermod N. Gene-mediated restoration of normal myofiber elasticity in dystrophic muscles. Mol Ther 2008; 17:19-25. [PMID: 19002166 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2008.239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Dystrophin mediates a physical link between the cytoskeleton of muscle fibers and the extracellular matrix, and its absence leads to muscle degeneration and dystrophy. In this article, we show that the lack of dystrophin affects the elasticity of individual fibers within muscle tissue explants, as probed using atomic force microscopy (AFM), providing a sensitive and quantitative description of the properties of normal and dystrophic myofibers. The rescue of dystrophin expression by exon skipping or by the ectopic expression of the utrophin analogue normalized the elasticity of dystrophic muscles, and these effects were commensurate to the functional recovery of whole muscle strength. However, a more homogeneous and widespread restoration of normal elasticity was obtained by the exon-skipping approach when comparing individual myofibers. AFM may thus provide a quantification of the functional benefit of gene therapies from live tissues coupled to single-cell resolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Puttini
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Jung C, Martins AS, Niggli E, Shirokova N. Dystrophic cardiomyopathy: amplification of cellular damage by Ca2+ signalling and reactive oxygen species-generating pathways. Cardiovasc Res 2007; 77:766-73. [PMID: 18056762 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvm089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Cardiac myopathies are the second leading cause of death in patients with Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy, the two most common and severe forms of a disabling striated muscle disease. Although the genetic defect has been identified as mutations of the dystrophin gene, very little is known about the molecular and cellular events leading to progressive cardiac muscle damage. Dystrophin is a protein linking the cytoskeleton to a complex of transmembrane proteins that interact with the extracellular matrix. The fragility of the cell membrane resulting from the lack of dystrophin is thought to cause an excessive susceptibility to mechanical stress. Here, we examined cellular mechanisms linking the initial membrane damage to the dysfunction of dystrophic heart. METHODS AND RESULTS Cardiac ventricular myocytes were enzymatically isolated from 5- to 9-month-old dystrophic mdx and wild-type (WT) mice. Cells were exposed to mechanical stress, applied as osmotic shock. Stress-induced cytosolic and mitochondrial Ca(2+) signals, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and mitochondrial membrane potential were monitored with confocal microscopy and fluorescent indicators. Pharmacological tools were used to scavenge ROS and to identify their possible sources. Osmotic shock triggered excessive cytosolic Ca(2+) signals, often lasting for several minutes, in 82% of mdx cells. In contrast, only 47% of the WT cardiomyocytes responded with transient and moderate intracellular Ca(2+) signals. On average, the reaction was 6-fold larger in mdx cells. Removal of extracellular Ca(2+) abolished these responses, implicating Ca(2+) influx as a trigger for abnormal Ca(2+) signalling. Our further experiments revealed that osmotic stress in mdx cells produced an increase in ROS production and mitochondrial Ca(2+) overload. The latter was followed by collapse of the mitochondrial membrane potential, an early sign of cell death. CONCLUSION Overall, our findings reveal that excessive intracellular Ca(2+) signals and ROS generation link the initial sarcolemmal injury to mitochondrial dysfunctions. The latter possibly contribute to the loss of functional cardiac myocytes and heart failure in dystrophy. Understanding the sequence of events of dystrophic cell damage and the deleterious amplification systems involved, including several positive feed-back loops, may allow for a rational development of novel therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carole Jung
- Department of Physiology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Abstract
Over the years various steroid trials have been conducted in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). In children who are still able to walk as well as in those who are wheelchair-bound, corticosteroids have been found to stabilize muscle strength for a period of time. Controlled clinical observations have shown that some boys remain ambulatory for years longer than reported in natural history data. The two main steroids used are prednisone/prednisolone and deflazacort. They are probably equally effective in stabilizing muscle strength but may have different side-effect profiles; for instance, deflazacort causes less weight gain. The exact mechanism by which steroids slow the dystrophic process is under investigation. DMD children treated long term also seem to develop other complications of the condition less frequently. For instance, they develop respiratory insufficiency later and have fewer cardiac symptoms. The therapeutic value of corticosteroids is limited, but these drugs represent the best treatment option currently available.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Corrado Angelini
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 5, Padova, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Kleopa KA, Drousiotou A, Mavrikiou E, Ormiston A, Kyriakides T. Naturally occurring utrophin correlates with disease severity in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Hum Mol Genet 2006; 15:1623-8. [PMID: 16595608 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddl083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Although there is good experimental data that utrophin, the autosomal analog of dystrophin, can ameliorate the phenotype in dystrophinopathies, there is scant evidence from human data to support this hypothesis. We investigated in diagnostic muscle biopsies from 16 patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) the level of utrophin expression using quantitative immunoblot analysis. In 13 of 16 patients, in whom there was adequate follow-up data, utrophin expression was correlated to two clinical endpoints: age at reaching Hammersmith score of 30/40 and age at becoming wheelchair-bound. We found that utrophin expression increases with age in DMD and that there is a significant positive correlation between the quantity of utrophin at initial biopsy and time to becoming wheelchair-bound.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kleopas A Kleopa
- Division of Clinical Neurosciences, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Miura P, Jasmin BJ. Utrophin upregulation for treating Duchenne or Becker muscular dystrophy: how close are we? Trends Mol Med 2006; 12:122-9. [PMID: 16443393 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2006.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2005] [Revised: 12/16/2005] [Accepted: 01/13/2006] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe muscle-wasting disorder for which there is currently no effective treatment. This disorder is caused by mutations or deletions in the gene encoding dystrophin that prevent expression of dystrophin at the sarcolemma. A promising pharmacological treatment for DMD aims to increase levels of utrophin, a homolog of dystrophin, in muscle fibers of affected patients to compensate for the absence of dystrophin. Here, we review recent developments in our understanding of the regulatory pathways that govern utrophin expression, and highlight studies that have used activators of these pathways to alleviate the dystrophic symptoms in DMD animal models. The results of these preclinical studies are promising and bring us closer to implementing appropriate utrophin-based drug therapies for DMD patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Miura
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Bonet-Kerrache A, Fortier M, Comunale F, Gauthier-Rouvière C. The GTPase RhoA increases utrophin expression and stability, as well as its localization at the plasma membrane. Biochem J 2006; 391:261-8. [PMID: 15963030 PMCID: PMC1276923 DOI: 10.1042/bj20050024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The Rho family of small GTPases are signalling molecules involved in cytoskeleton remodelling and gene transcription. Their activities are important for many cellular processes, including myogenesis. In particular, RhoA positively regulates skeletal-muscle differentiation. We report in the present study that the active form of RhoA increases the expression of utrophin, the autosomal homologue of dystrophin in the mouse C2C12 and rat L8 myoblastic cell lines. Even though this RhoA-dependent utrophin increase is higher in proliferating myoblasts, it is maintained during myogenic differentiation. This occurs via two mechanisms: (i) transcriptional activation of the utrophin promoter A and (ii) post-translational stabilization of utrophin. In addition, RhoA increases plasma-membrane localization of utrophin. Thus RhoA activation up-regulates utrophin levels and enhances its localization at the plasma membrane.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Armelle Bonet-Kerrache
- CRBM (Centre de Recherches en Biochimie Macromoléculaire), CNRS FRE2593, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier Cedex, France
| | - Mathieu Fortier
- CRBM (Centre de Recherches en Biochimie Macromoléculaire), CNRS FRE2593, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier Cedex, France
| | - Franck Comunale
- CRBM (Centre de Recherches en Biochimie Macromoléculaire), CNRS FRE2593, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier Cedex, France
| | - Cécile Gauthier-Rouvière
- CRBM (Centre de Recherches en Biochimie Macromoléculaire), CNRS FRE2593, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier Cedex, France
- To whom correspondence should be addressed (email )
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Guo LT, Shelton GD, Wewer UM, Engvall E. ADAM12 overexpression does not improve outcome in mice with laminin alpha2-deficient muscular dystrophy. Neuromuscul Disord 2005; 15:786-9. [PMID: 16198565 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2005.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2004] [Revised: 05/23/2005] [Accepted: 06/23/2005] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
We have recently shown that overexpression of ADAM12 results in increased muscle regeneration and significantly reduced pathology in mdx, dystrophin deficient mice. In the present study, we tested the effect of overexpressing ADAM12 in dy(W) laminin-deficient mice. dy mice have a very severe clinical phenotype and would be expected to benefit greatly from enhanced regeneration. We found that dy(W) mice overexpressing ADAM12 indeed have increased muscle regeneration, as evidenced by increased numbers of muscle fibers expressing fetal myosin. However, overexpression of ADAM12 had no significant effect on overall health, as evidenced by body weight, and did not improve muscle pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ling T Guo
- The Burnham Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Nowak KJ, Davies KE. Duchenne muscular dystrophy and dystrophin: pathogenesis and opportunities for treatment. EMBO Rep 2005; 5:872-6. [PMID: 15470384 PMCID: PMC1299132 DOI: 10.1038/sj.embor.7400221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 213] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2004] [Accepted: 07/14/2004] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kristen J. Nowak
- MRC Functional Genetics Unit, Department of Human Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Kay E. Davies
- MRC Functional Genetics Unit, Department of Human Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
- Tel: +44 1865 272179; Fax: +44 1865 272420;
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Fisher I, Abraham D, Bouri K, Hoffmann EP, Hoffman EP, Muntoni F, Morgan J. Prednisolone‐induced changes in dystrophic skeletal muscle. FASEB J 2005; 19:834-6. [PMID: 15734791 DOI: 10.1096/fj.04-2511fje] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Although glucocorticoids delay the progression of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) their mechanism of action is unknown. Skeletal muscle gene expression profiles of mdx mice, an animal model of DMD, treated with prednisolone were compared with control mice at 1 and 6 wk. Of the 89 early differentially regulated genes and ESTs, delta-sarcoglycan, myosin Va, FK506-binding protein 51 (FKBP51), the potassium channel regulator potassium inwardly-rectifying channel Isk-like (IRK2) and ADAM 10 were overexpressed, whereas growth hormone-releasing hormone receptor (GHRHR) and Homer-2 were underexpressed. The 58 late differentially overexpressed genes included kallikreins (13, 16, and 26), FKBP51, PI3K alpha regulatory subunit, and IGFBP6, while underexpressed genes included NeuroD and nicotinic cholinergic receptor gamma. At both time points, overexpression of a cohort of genes relating to metabolism and proteolysis was apparent, alongside the differential expression of genes relating to calcium metabolism. Treatment did not increase muscle regeneration, reduce the number of infiltrating macrophages, or alter utrophin expression or localization. However, in the treated mdx soleus muscle, the percentage of slow fibers was significantly lower compared with untreated controls after 6 wk of treatment. These results show that glucocorticoids confer their benefit to dystrophic muscle in a complex fashion, culminating in a switch to a more normal muscle fiber type.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases
- Animals
- Aspartic Acid Endopeptidases
- Blotting, Western
- Calcineurin/analysis
- Carrier Proteins/genetics
- Endopeptidases/genetics
- Gene Expression/drug effects
- Gene Expression Profiling
- Gene Expression Regulation/drug effects
- Homer Scaffolding Proteins
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred mdx
- Muscle Fibers, Slow-Twitch/drug effects
- Muscle Fibers, Slow-Twitch/pathology
- Muscle, Skeletal/drug effects
- Muscle, Skeletal/metabolism
- Muscle, Skeletal/pathology
- Muscular Dystrophy, Animal/metabolism
- Muscular Dystrophy, Animal/pathology
- NFATC Transcription Factors/analysis
- Necrosis
- Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis
- Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying/genetics
- Prednisolone/pharmacology
- Receptors, Neuropeptide/genetics
- Receptors, Pituitary Hormone-Regulating Hormone/genetics
- Tacrolimus Binding Proteins/genetics
- Utrophin/genetics
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Fisher
- Muscle Cell Biology Group, MRC Clinical Sciences Centre, Imperial College, London, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Pujol A, Ferrer I, Camps C, Metzger E, Hindelang C, Callizot N, Ruiz M, Pàmpols T, Giròs M, Mandel JL. Functional overlap between ABCD1 (ALD) and ABCD2 (ALDR) transporters: a therapeutic target for X-adrenoleukodystrophy. Hum Mol Genet 2004; 13:2997-3006. [PMID: 15489218 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddh323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is a severe neurodegenerative disease caused by loss of function of the peroxisomal transporter ABCD1 (ALD), which results in accumulation of very long chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) in organs and serum, central demyelination and peripheral axonopathy and Addison's disease. Knockout of the ALD gene in the mouse (ALD(-)) results in an adrenomyeloneuropathy-like disease (a late onset form of X-ALD). In the present study, we demonstrate that axonal damage occurs as first pathological event in this model, followed by myelin degeneration. We show that this phenotype can be modulated through expression levels of an ALD-related gene (ALDR/ABCD2), its closest paralogue and a target of PPARalpha and SREBP transcription factors. Overexpression of ALDR in ALD(-) mice prevents both VLCFAs accumulation and the neurodegenerative features, whereas double mutants for ALD and ALDR exhibit an earlier onset and more severe disease (including signs of inflammatory reaction) when compared with ALD single mutants. Thus, our results provide direct evidence for functional redundancy/overlap between both transporters in vivo and highlight ALDR as therapeutic target for treatment of X-ALD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aurora Pujol
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, CNRS/INSERM.ULP and Collè de France. Illkirch, CU de Strasbourg, France.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Rodova M, Brownback K, Werle MJ. Okadaic acid augments utrophin in myogenic cells. Neurosci Lett 2004; 363:163-7. [PMID: 15172107 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2004.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2004] [Revised: 03/05/2004] [Accepted: 04/01/2004] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a fatal childhood disease caused by mutations that abolish the expression of dystrophin in muscle. Utrophin is a paralogue of dystrophin and can functionally replace it in skeletal muscle. A potential therapeutic approach is to increase utrophin levels in muscle. One way to achieve this aim is to increase the expression of the utrophin gene at a transcriptional level via promoter activation. In this study, we have shown that utrophin A mRNA levels can be induced by okadaic acid in murine myogenic C2C12 cells. We have found that a utrophin A promoter reporter can be induced by Sp1 in C2C12 myoblasts, but not in myotubes. This activation can be enhanced by okadaic acid treatment. Our data suggest that this induction is due to Sp1 phosphorylation during myogenesis and thus, utrophin expression in muscle could be regulated by treatment with phosphatase inhibitors. Control of utrophin promoter activation could then be used to increase the expression of utrophin, and thus ameliorate the symptoms of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Base Sequence/genetics
- Cell Differentiation/drug effects
- Cell Differentiation/genetics
- Cell Line
- Cytoskeletal Proteins/genetics
- Enzyme Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Enzyme Inhibitors/therapeutic use
- Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental/drug effects
- Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental/genetics
- Humans
- Membrane Proteins/genetics
- Mice
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Muscle Fibers, Skeletal/drug effects
- Muscle Fibers, Skeletal/metabolism
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/genetics
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/metabolism
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/therapy
- Myoblasts, Skeletal/drug effects
- Myoblasts, Skeletal/metabolism
- Okadaic Acid/pharmacology
- Phosphoric Monoester Hydrolases/antagonists & inhibitors
- Phosphoric Monoester Hydrolases/metabolism
- Phosphorylation
- Promoter Regions, Genetic/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/drug effects
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Sp1 Transcription Factor/genetics
- Sp1 Transcription Factor/metabolism
- Sp1 Transcription Factor/pharmacology
- Up-Regulation/drug effects
- Up-Regulation/genetics
- Utrophin
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Rodova
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Gaud A, Simon JM, Witzel T, Carre-Pierrat M, Wermuth CG, Ségalat L. Prednisone reduces muscle degeneration in dystrophin-deficient Caenorhabditis elegans. Neuromuscul Disord 2004; 14:365-70. [PMID: 15145337 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2004.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2003] [Revised: 02/12/2004] [Accepted: 02/20/2004] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a degenerative muscular disease caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene. There is no curative treatment against Duchenne muscular dystrophy. In several countries, the steroid prednisone (or analogs) is prescribed as a palliative treatment. In the model animal Caenorhabditis elegans, mutations of the dys-1 dystrophin-like gene lead to a muscular degenerative phenotype when they are associated with a mild MyoD mutation. This cheap and fast-growing model of dystrophinopathy may be used to screen for molecules able to slow muscle degeneration. In a blind screen of approximately 100 compounds covering a wide spectrum of targets, we found that prednisone is beneficial to the C. elegans dystrophin-deficient muscles. Prednisone reduces by 40% the number of degenerating cells in this animal. This result is a proof-of-principle for the use of C. elegans as a tool in the search for molecules active against the effects of dystrophin-deficiency. Moreover, since C. elegans is not susceptible to inflammation, this suggests that prednisone exerts a direct effect on muscle survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Gaud
- CGMC, CNRS-UMR 5534, Université Lyon1, 43 bld du 11 Novembre, 69622 Villeurbanne cedex, France
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Bassett DI, Currie PD. The zebrafish as a model for muscular dystrophy and congenital myopathy. Hum Mol Genet 2004; 12 Spec No 2:R265-70. [PMID: 14504264 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddg279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The muscular dystrophies and congenital myopathies are inherited diseases of the skeletal muscle, which lead to a loss of muscle function and are often fatal. While many of the loci involved are already known, these conditions remain incurable, and genetic models are being developed in an effort to understand the pathological mechanisms involved. Recently several papers have shown that the zebrafish, which is now widely used in developmental genetic studies, will provide a useful addition to our toolkit in this regard. Here we describe these studies, including a zebrafish model of what is potentially the novel pathological mechanism of muscle attachment failure in Duchenne and other muscular dystrophies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David I Bassett
- Comparative and Developmental Genetics Section, Western General Hospital, Edingburgh, UK.
| | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Abstract
This review covers, in general terms, the salient features and impact of molecular myology under the following headings: its role in providing clues for the understanding of molecular etiology and pathogenesis of genetic myopathies, its contribution to the modernization and rationalization of the classification of muscle diseases, providing means of precise diagnosis and prevention of myopathies, development of radically new cell and gene therapies, and determination of future research directions. Myology appears to be among the medical disciplines that have benefited a great deal from molecular science. This remarkable progress will hopefully translate into effective treatment capabilities in the near future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- George Karpati
- Neuromuscular Research Group, Montreal Neurological Institute-McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | | |
Collapse
|