1
|
Vázquez-Domínguez I, Anido AA, Duijkers L, Hoppenbrouwers T, Hoogendoorn ADM, Koster C, Collin RWJ, Garanto A. Efficacy, biodistribution and safety comparison of chemically modified antisense oligonucleotides in the retina. Nucleic Acids Res 2024:gkae686. [PMID: 39119918 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides (AONs) are a versatile tool for treating inherited retinal diseases. However, little is known about how different chemical modifications of AONs can affect their biodistribution, toxicity, and uptake in the retina. Here, we addressed this question by comparing splice-switching AONs with three different chemical modifications commonly used in a clinical setting (2'O-methyl-phosphorothioate (2-OMe/PS), 2'O-methoxyethyl-phosphoriate (2-MOE/PS), and phosphorodiamidite morpholino oligomers (PMO)). These AONs targeted genes exclusively expressed in certain types of retinal cells. Overall, studies in vitro and in vivo in C57BL/6J wild-type mouse retinas showed that 2-OMe/PS and 2-MOE/PS AONs have comparable efficacy and safety profiles. In contrast, octa-guanidine-dendrimer-conjugated in vivo PMO-oligonucleotides (ivPMO) caused toxicity. This was evidenced by externally visible ocular phenotypes in 88.5% of all ivPMO-treated animals, accompanied by severe alterations at the morphological level. However, delivery of unmodified PMO-AONs did not cause any toxicity, although it clearly reduced the efficacy. We conducted the first systematic comparison of different chemical modifications of AONs in the retina. Our results showed that the same AON sequence with different chemical modifications displayed different splicing modulation efficacies, suggesting the 2'MOE/PS modification as the most efficacious in these conditions. Thereby, our work provides important insights for future clinical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Alejandro Allo Anido
- Radboud university medical center, Department of Human Genetics, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Lonneke Duijkers
- Radboud university medical center, Department of Human Genetics, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Tamara Hoppenbrouwers
- Radboud university medical center, Department of Human Genetics, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Anita D M Hoogendoorn
- Radboud university medical center, Amalia Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Céline Koster
- Departments of Human Genetics and Ophthalmology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rob W J Collin
- Radboud university medical center, Department of Human Genetics, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Alejandro Garanto
- Radboud university medical center, Department of Human Genetics, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboud university medical center, Amalia Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Donati F, Biasini GM, de la Torre X, Botrè F. Serum myokines as potential biomarkers of myostatin inhibition in sport doping: a preliminary study on their baseline levels in elite athletes. Biol Sport 2024; 41:175-183. [PMID: 38524822 PMCID: PMC10955737 DOI: 10.5114/biolsport.2024.132982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
We considered in this study the possibility of developing an indirect procedure for detecting myostatin inhibition/suppression, a practice that is prohibited as doping in sport. We have specifically considered the potential diagnostic utility of human serum myokines as indirect markers of myostatin inhibition. Myostatin, its main antagonist follistatin, and other myokines (follistatin-like 1, musclin, oncostatin, osteonectin, irisin, brain derived neurotrophic factor, and insulin-like growth factor-1) were selected as a panel of potential biomarkers whose levels may be altered following myostatine suppression. The serum levels of myostatin and of the nine myokines were measured in elite athletes of different age, sex, and sport discipline, and their cross correlation assessed by multivariate analysis. All myokines resulted to be measurable in human serum, except for musclin and irisine, whose levels were below the limits of quantitation in a reduced number of samples. Serum concentrations varied of different orders in magnitude (musclin and osteonectin < 1 ng/mL; follistatin, myostatine and irisine 1-5 ng/mL; brainderived neurotrophic factor, follistatin-like 1 and iinsulin-like growth factor-1 > 10 ng/mL), while no significant differences were found between female and male subjects, with the exceptions of follistatin-like 1 and musclin, showing a higher concentrations in females (p < 0.05). Levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 and brain derived neurotrophic factor were significantly higher in power athletes than in endurance ones. Multivariate statistics showed that musclin, follistatin-like 1 and oncostatin are more clustered and correlated to myostatin than other myokines, suggesting they could be considered as potential biomarkers of doping by myostatin inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Donati
- Laboratorio Antidoping, Federazione Medico Sportiva Italiana, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Xavier de la Torre
- Laboratorio Antidoping, Federazione Medico Sportiva Italiana, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Botrè
- Laboratorio Antidoping, Federazione Medico Sportiva Italiana, Rome, Italy
- REDs – Research and Expertise in anti-Doping sciences, ISSUL – Institute of sport sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Nicholson TA, Sagmeister M, Wijesinghe SN, Farah H, Hardy RS, Jones SW. Oligonucleotide Therapeutics for Age-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders: Successes and Challenges. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:237. [PMID: 36678864 PMCID: PMC9866666 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15010237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related disorders of the musculoskeletal system including sarcopenia, osteoporosis and arthritis represent some of the most common chronic conditions worldwide, for which there remains a great clinical need to develop safer and more efficacious pharmacological treatments. Collectively, these conditions involve multiple tissues, including skeletal muscle, bone, articular cartilage and the synovium within the joint lining. In this review, we discuss the potential for oligonucleotide therapies to combat the unmet clinical need in musculoskeletal disorders by evaluating the successes of oligonucleotides to modify candidate pathological gene targets and cellular processes in relevant tissues and cells of the musculoskeletal system. Further, we discuss the challenges that remain for the clinical development of oligonucleotides therapies for musculoskeletal disorders and evaluate some of the current approaches to overcome these.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A. Nicholson
- MRC Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Michael Sagmeister
- Institute for Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Susanne N. Wijesinghe
- MRC Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Hussein Farah
- MRC Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Rowan S. Hardy
- Institute for Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Simon W. Jones
- MRC Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Malerba A, Harish P, Popplewell L. Systemic Delivery of a Monoclonal Antibody to Immunologically Block Myostatin in the A17 Mouse Model of OPMD. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2587:557-568. [PMID: 36401050 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2772-3_30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD) is a late-onset rare muscle disease affecting approximately 1 in 80,000 individuals worldwide. However, it can affect as much as 1:600 individuals in some populations due to a strong founder effect. The muscle pathology is characterized by progressive eyelid drooping (ptosis), swallowing difficulties (dysphagia), and limb weakness at later stages of disease progression. The genetic defect is associated with significant fibrotic deposition and atrophy in affected muscles. No treatments are available to cure the disease. Only surgical techniques to correct ptosis and swallowing are currently possible, though they carry a risk of recurrence. Myostatin is a negative regulator of muscle growth, and several strategies to downregulate its expression have been developed with the aim of improving muscle mass and strength in muscular pathologies. We recently showed that weekly systemic treatment of the A17 murine model of OPMD with a monoclonal antibody for myostatin improves body and muscle mass, increases muscle strength, and reduces muscle fibrosis. Here, we describe the methodology for repeated intraperitoneal delivery of myostatin antibody in the murine model. Furthermore, we detail the most relevant analyses to assess histopathological and functional improvements of this treatment in this mouse model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Malerba
- Department of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey, UK
| | - Pradeep Harish
- College of Health, Medicine and Life Science, Biosciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UK
| | - Linda Popplewell
- Department of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey, UK.
- National Horizons Centre, Teesside University, Darlington, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Leier A, Moore M, Liu H, Daniel M, Hyde AM, Messiaen L, Korf BR, Selvakumaran J, Ciszewski L, Lambert L, Foote J, Wallace MR, Kesterson RA, Dickson G, Popplewell L, Wallis D. Targeted exon skipping of NF1 exon 17 as a therapeutic for neurofibromatosis type I. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 28:261-278. [PMID: 35433111 PMCID: PMC8983316 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the feasibility of utilizing an exon-skipping approach as a genotype-dependent therapeutic for neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) by determining which NF1 exons might be skipped while maintaining neurofibromin protein expression and GTPase activating protein (GAP)-related domain (GRD) function. Initial in silico analysis predicted exons that can be skipped with minimal loss of neurofibromin function, which was confirmed by in vitro assessments utilizing an Nf1 cDNA-based functional screening system. Skipping of exons 17 or 52 fit our criteria, as minimal effects on protein expression and GRD activity were noted. Antisense phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PMOs) were utilized to skip exon 17 in human cell lines with patient-specific pathogenic variants in exon 17, c.1885G>A, and c.1929delG. PMOs restored functional neurofibromin expression. To determine the in vivo significance of exon 17 skipping, we generated a homozygous deletion of exon 17 in a novel mouse model. Mice were viable and exhibited a normal lifespan. Initial studies did not reveal the presence of tumor development; however, altered nesting behavior and systemic lymphoid hyperplasia was noted in peripheral lymphoid organs. Alterations in T and B cell frequencies in the thymus and spleen were identified. Hence, exon skipping should be further investigated as a therapeutic approach for NF1 patients with pathogenic variants in exon 17, as homozygous deletion of exon 17 is consistent with at least partial function of neurofibromin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- André Leier
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Marc Moore
- Centre of Biomedical Science, Department of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway - University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Michael Daniel
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Alexis M. Hyde
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Ludwine Messiaen
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Bruce R. Korf
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Jamuna Selvakumaran
- Centre of Biomedical Science, Department of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway - University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK
| | - Lukasz Ciszewski
- Centre of Biomedical Science, Department of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway - University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK
| | - Laura Lambert
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Jeremy Foote
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Margaret R. Wallace
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, and UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Robert A. Kesterson
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - George Dickson
- Centre of Biomedical Science, Department of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway - University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK
| | - Linda Popplewell
- Centre of Biomedical Science, Department of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway - University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK
| | - Deeann Wallis
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Eilers W, Cleasby M, Foster K. Development of antisense-mediated myostatin knockdown for the treatment of insulin resistance. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1604. [PMID: 33452345 PMCID: PMC7810755 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81222-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Myostatin is a negative regulator of muscle mass and its inhibition represents a promising strategy for the treatment of muscle disorders and type 2 diabetes. However, there is currently no clinically effective myostatin inhibitor, and therefore novel methods are required. We evaluated the use of antisense phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PMO) to reduce myostatin expression in skeletal muscle and measured their effects on muscle mass and glucose uptake. C57/Bl6 mice received intramuscular or intravenous injections of anti-myostatin PMOs. Repeated intramuscular administration lead to a reduction in myostatin transcript levels (~ 20–40%), and an increase in muscle mass in chow and high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice, but insulin-stimulated glucose uptake was reduced in PMO-treated muscles of HFD-fed mice. Five weekly intravenous administrations of 100 nmol PMO did not reduce myostatin expression, and therefore had no significant physiological effects. Unexpectedly, exon skipping levels were higher after intramuscular administration of PMO in HFD- than chow-fed mice. These results suggest that a modest PMO-induced reduction in myostatin transcript levels is sufficient to induce an increase in muscle mass, but that a greater degree of inhibition may be required to improve muscle glucose uptake.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wouter Eilers
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK.
| | - Mark Cleasby
- Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London, UK
| | - Keith Foster
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Fukushima S, Farea M, Maeta K, Rani AQM, Fujioka K, Nishio H, Matsuo M. Dual Fluorescence Splicing Reporter Minigene Identifies an Antisense Oligonucleotide to Skip Exon v8 of the CD44 Gene. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21239136. [PMID: 33266296 PMCID: PMC7729581 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Splicing reporter minigenes are used in cell-based in vitro splicing studies. Exon skippable antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) has been identified using minigene splicing assays, but these assays include a time- and cost-consuming step of reverse transcription PCR amplification. To make in vitro splicing assay easier, a ready-made minigene (FMv2) amenable to quantitative splicing analysis by fluorescence microscopy was constructed. FMv2 was designed to encode two fluorescence proteins namely, mCherry, a transfection marker and split eGFP, a marker of splicing reaction. The split eGFP was intervened by an artificial intron containing a multicloning site sequence. Expectedly, FMv2 transfected HeLa cells produced not only red mCherry but also green eGFP signals. Transfection of FMv2CD44v8, a modified clone of FMv2 carrying an insertion of CD44 exon v8 in the multicloning site, that was applied to screen exon v8 skippable ASO, produced only red signals. Among seven different ASOs tested against exon v8, ASO#14 produced the highest index of green signal positive cells. Hence, ASO#14 was the most efficient exon v8 skippable ASO. Notably, the well containing ASO#14 was clearly identified among the 96 wells containing randomly added ASOs, enabling high throughput screening. A ready-made FMv2 is expected to contribute to identify exon skippable ASOs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sachiyo Fukushima
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan; (S.F.); (K.F.)
- Research Center for Locomotion Biology, Kobe Gakuin University, Kobe 651-2180, Japan; (M.F.); (K.M.); (A.Q.M.R.); (H.N.)
| | - Manal Farea
- Research Center for Locomotion Biology, Kobe Gakuin University, Kobe 651-2180, Japan; (M.F.); (K.M.); (A.Q.M.R.); (H.N.)
| | - Kazuhiro Maeta
- Research Center for Locomotion Biology, Kobe Gakuin University, Kobe 651-2180, Japan; (M.F.); (K.M.); (A.Q.M.R.); (H.N.)
- KNC Department of Nucleic Acid Drug Discovery, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kobe Gakuin University, Kobe 651-2180, Japan
| | - Abdul Qawee Mahyoob Rani
- Research Center for Locomotion Biology, Kobe Gakuin University, Kobe 651-2180, Japan; (M.F.); (K.M.); (A.Q.M.R.); (H.N.)
- KNC Department of Nucleic Acid Drug Discovery, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kobe Gakuin University, Kobe 651-2180, Japan
| | - Kazumichi Fujioka
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan; (S.F.); (K.F.)
| | - Hisahide Nishio
- Research Center for Locomotion Biology, Kobe Gakuin University, Kobe 651-2180, Japan; (M.F.); (K.M.); (A.Q.M.R.); (H.N.)
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kobe Gakuin University, Kobe 651-2180, Japan
| | - Masafumi Matsuo
- Research Center for Locomotion Biology, Kobe Gakuin University, Kobe 651-2180, Japan; (M.F.); (K.M.); (A.Q.M.R.); (H.N.)
- KNC Department of Nucleic Acid Drug Discovery, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kobe Gakuin University, Kobe 651-2180, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-78-974-6194
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Leier A, Bedwell DM, Chen AT, Dickson G, Keeling KM, Kesterson RA, Korf BR, Marquez Lago TT, Müller UF, Popplewell L, Zhou J, Wallis D. Mutation-Directed Therapeutics for Neurofibromatosis Type I. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2020; 20:739-753. [PMID: 32408052 PMCID: PMC7225739 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2020.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Significant advances in biotechnology have led to the development of a number of different mutation-directed therapies. Some of these techniques have matured to a level that has allowed testing in clinical trials, but few have made it to approval by drug-regulatory bodies for the treatment of specific diseases. While there are still various hurdles to be overcome, recent success stories have proven the potential power of mutation-directed therapies and have fueled the hope of finding therapeutics for other genetic disorders. In this review, we summarize the state-of-the-art of various therapeutic approaches and assess their applicability to the genetic disorder neurofibromatosis type I (NF1). NF1 is caused by the loss of function of neurofibromin, a tumor suppressor and downregulator of the Ras signaling pathway. The condition is characterized by a variety of phenotypes and includes symptoms such as skin spots, nervous system tumors, skeletal dysplasia, and others. Hence, depending on the patient, therapeutics may need to target different tissues and cell types. While we also discuss the delivery of therapeutics, in particular via viral vectors and nanoparticles, our main focus is on therapeutic techniques that reconstitute functional neurofibromin, most notably cDNA replacement, CRISPR-based DNA repair, RNA repair, antisense oligonucleotide therapeutics including exon skipping, and nonsense suppression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andre Leier
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - David M Bedwell
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Ann T Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - George Dickson
- Centre of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK
| | - Kim M Keeling
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Robert A Kesterson
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Bruce R Korf
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | | | - Ulrich F Müller
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Linda Popplewell
- Centre of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK
| | - Jiangbing Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Deeann Wallis
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Dzierlega K, Yokota T. Optimization of antisense-mediated exon skipping for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Gene Ther 2020; 27:407-416. [DOI: 10.1038/s41434-020-0156-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
|
10
|
Zhou H, Meng J, Malerba A, Catapano F, Sintusek P, Jarmin S, Feng L, Lu-Nguyen N, Sun L, Mariot V, Dumonceaux J, Morgan JE, Gissen P, Dickson G, Muntoni F. Myostatin inhibition in combination with antisense oligonucleotide therapy improves outcomes in spinal muscular atrophy. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2020; 11:768-782. [PMID: 32031328 PMCID: PMC7296258 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.12542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is caused by genetic defects in the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene that lead to SMN deficiency. Different SMN-restoring therapies substantially prolong survival and function in transgenic mice of SMA. However, these therapies do not entirely prevent muscle atrophy and restore function completely. To further improve the outcome, we explored the potential of a combinatorial therapy by modulating SMN production and muscle-enhancing approach as a novel therapeutic strategy for SMA. METHODS The experiments were performed in a mouse model of severe SMA. A previously reported 25-mer morpholino antisense oligomer PMO25 was used to restore SMN expression. The adeno-associated virus-mediated expression of myostatin propeptide was used to block the myostatin pathway. Newborn SMA mice were treated with a single subcutaneous injection of 40 μg/g (therapeutic dose) or 10 μg/g (low-dose) PMO25 on its own or together with systemic delivery of a single dose of adeno-associated virus-mediated expression of myostatin propeptide. The multiple effects of myostatin inhibition on survival, skeletal muscle phenotype, motor function, neuromuscular junction maturation, and proprioceptive afferences were evaluated. RESULTS We show that myostatin inhibition acts synergistically with SMN-restoring antisense therapy in SMA mice treated with the higher therapeutic dose PMO25 (40 μg/g), by increasing not only body weight (21% increase in male mice at Day 40), muscle mass (38% increase), and fibre size (35% increase in tibialis anterior muscle in 3 month female SMA mice), but also motor function and physical performance as measured in hanging wire test (two-fold increase in time score) and treadmill exercise test (two-fold increase in running distance). In SMA mice treated with low-dose PMO25 (10 μg/g), the early application of myostatin inhibition prolongs survival (40% increase), improves neuromuscular junction maturation (50% increase) and innervation (30% increase), and increases both the size of sensory neurons in dorsal root ganglia (60% increase) and the preservation of proprioceptive synapses in the spinal cord (30% increase). CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that myostatin inhibition, in addition to the well-known effect on muscle mass, can also positively influence the sensory neural circuits that may enhance motor neurons function. While the availability of the antisense drug Spinraza for SMA and other SMN-enhancing therapies has provided unprecedented improvement in SMA patients, there are still unmet needs in these patients. Our study provides further rationale for considering myostatin inhibitors as a therapeutic intervention in SMA patients, in combination with SMN-restoring drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Zhou
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Research and Teaching Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jinhong Meng
- The Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, Developmental Neurosciences Research and Teaching Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Alberto Malerba
- Centres of Gene and Cell Therapy and Biomedical Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, UK
| | - Francesco Catapano
- The Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, Developmental Neurosciences Research and Teaching Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Palittiya Sintusek
- The Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, Developmental Neurosciences Research and Teaching Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK.,Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Susan Jarmin
- Centres of Gene and Cell Therapy and Biomedical Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, UK
| | - Lucy Feng
- The Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, Developmental Neurosciences Research and Teaching Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Ngoc Lu-Nguyen
- Centres of Gene and Cell Therapy and Biomedical Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, UK
| | - Lianwen Sun
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Virginie Mariot
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Julie Dumonceaux
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Jennifer E Morgan
- The Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, Developmental Neurosciences Research and Teaching Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Paul Gissen
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Research and Teaching Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK.,NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - George Dickson
- Centres of Gene and Cell Therapy and Biomedical Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, UK
| | - Francesco Muntoni
- The Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, Developmental Neurosciences Research and Teaching Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK.,NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Lu-Nguyen N, Ferry A, Schnell FJ, Hanson GJ, Popplewell L, Dickson G, Malerba A. Functional muscle recovery following dystrophin and myostatin exon splice modulation in aged mdx mice. Hum Mol Genet 2020; 28:3091-3100. [PMID: 31179493 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddz125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a rare genetic disease affecting 1 in 3500-5000 newborn boys. It is due to mutations in the DMD gene with a consequent lack of dystrophin protein that leads to deterioration of myofibres and their replacement with fibro-adipogenic tissue. Out-of-frame mutations in the DMD gene can be modified by using antisense oligonucleotides (AONs) to promote skipping of specific exons such that the reading frame is restored and the resulting protein produced, though truncated, is functional. We have shown that AONs can also be used to knock down myostatin, a negative regulator of muscle growth and differentiation, through disruption of the transcript reading frame, and thereby enhance muscle strength. In young mdx mice, combined dystrophin and myostatin exon skipping therapy greatly improved DMD pathology, compared to the single dystrophin skipping approach. Here we show that in aged (>15-month-old) mdx mice, when the pathology is significantly more severe and more similar to the one observed in DMD patients, the effect of the combined therapy is slightly attenuated but still beneficial in improving the disease phenotype. These results confirm the beneficial outcome of the combination approach and support its translation into DMD clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ngoc Lu-Nguyen
- Centres of Gene and Cell Therapy and Biomedical Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway-University of London, Egham, Surrey, TW20 0EX, UK
| | - Arnaud Ferry
- Sorbonne Université UMRS974 INSERM, Institut de Myologie, 75013 Paris, France.,Université Sorbonne Paris Cité, 75006 Paris, France
| | | | - Gunnar J Hanson
- Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc., 215 First Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Linda Popplewell
- Centres of Gene and Cell Therapy and Biomedical Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway-University of London, Egham, Surrey, TW20 0EX, UK
| | - George Dickson
- Centres of Gene and Cell Therapy and Biomedical Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway-University of London, Egham, Surrey, TW20 0EX, UK
| | - Alberto Malerba
- Centres of Gene and Cell Therapy and Biomedical Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway-University of London, Egham, Surrey, TW20 0EX, UK
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Lu-Nguyen N, Dickson G, Malerba A. Systemic Intravenous Administration of Antisense Therapeutics for Combinatorial Dystrophin and Myostatin Exon Splice Modulation. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1828:343-354. [PMID: 30171552 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-8651-4_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Using antisense oligonucleotides (AOs) to reframe mutated dystrophin, a recently developed therapeutic approach for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) named exon skipping, is considered among the most promising treatments for DMD patients. The development of this strategy is rapidly moving forward and the AO designed to skip exon 51 has received accelerated approval in the USA. However the strong complexity of the DMD pathology suggests that at least in older patients, where the muscle structure is almost completely compromised and the muscle is wasted and significantly infiltrated with fat and connective tissue, combined therapeutic approaches should be developed to approach the disease more effectively. Here we describe the methodology for the systemic intravenous delivery of AOs targeting dystrophin and myostatin in mdx mice, a DMD mouse model, in order to express dystrophin while downregulating myostatin, aiming for an increase in the muscle size and muscle strength. Furthermore the most relevant functional analyses to be performed in living mice and the most informative histopathological and molecular assays to evaluate the effect of this treatment are detailed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ngoc Lu-Nguyen
- Centre of Gene and Cell Therapy, School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, Surrey, TW20 0EX, UK
| | - George Dickson
- Centre of Gene and Cell Therapy, School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, Surrey, TW20 0EX, UK.
| | - Alberto Malerba
- Centre of Gene and Cell Therapy, School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, Surrey, TW20 0EX, UK
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Spitali P, Hettne K, Tsonaka R, Charrout M, van den Bergen J, Koeks Z, Kan HE, Hooijmans MT, Roos A, Straub V, Muntoni F, Al-Khalili-Szigyarto C, Koel-Simmelink MJA, Teunissen CE, Lochmüller H, Niks EH, Aartsma-Rus A. Tracking disease progression non-invasively in Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2018; 9:715-726. [PMID: 29682908 PMCID: PMC6104105 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.12304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Revised: 01/25/2018] [Accepted: 03/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Analysis of muscle biopsies allowed to characterize the pathophysiological changes of Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies (D/BMD) leading to the clinical phenotype. Muscle tissue is often investigated during interventional dose finding studies to show in situ proof of concept and pharmacodynamics effect of the tested drug. Less invasive readouts are needed to objectively monitor patients' health status, muscle quality, and response to treatment. The identification of serum biomarkers correlating with clinical function and able to anticipate functional scales is particularly needed for personalized patient management and to support drug development programs. METHODS A large-scale proteomic approach was used to identify serum biomarkers describing pathophysiological changes (e.g. loss of muscle mass), association with clinical function, prediction of disease milestones, association with in vivo 31 P magnetic resonance spectroscopy data and dystrophin levels in muscles. Cross-sectional comparisons were performed to compare DMD patients, BMD patients, and healthy controls. A group of DMD patients was followed up for a median of 4.4 years to allow monitoring of individual disease trajectories based on yearly visits. RESULTS Cross-sectional comparison enabled to identify 10 proteins discriminating between healthy controls, DMD and BMD patients. Several proteins (285) were able to separate DMD from healthy, while 121 proteins differentiated between BMD and DMD; only 13 proteins separated BMD and healthy individuals. The concentration of specific proteins in serum was significantly associated with patients' performance (e.g. BMP6 serum levels and elbow flexion) or dystrophin levels (e.g. TIMP2) in BMD patients. Analysis of longitudinal trajectories allowed to identify 427 proteins affected over time indicating loss of muscle mass, replacement of muscle by adipose tissue, and cardiac involvement. Over-representation analysis of longitudinal data allowed to highlight proteins that could be used as pharmacodynamic biomarkers for drugs currently in clinical development. CONCLUSIONS Serum proteomic analysis allowed to not only discriminate among DMD, BMD, and healthy subjects, but it enabled to detect significant associations with clinical function, dystrophin levels, and disease progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Spitali
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Kristina Hettne
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Roula Tsonaka
- Department of Medical Statistics and Bioinformatics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Mohammed Charrout
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Zaïda Koeks
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Hermien E Kan
- C.J. Gorter Center for High Field MRI, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Melissa T Hooijmans
- C.J. Gorter Center for High Field MRI, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Andreas Roos
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, Institute of Genetic Medicine, University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Volker Straub
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, Institute of Genetic Medicine, University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Francesco Muntoni
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | | | - Marleen J A Koel-Simmelink
- Neurochemistry Lab and Biobank, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Amsterdam Neuroscience, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Charlotte E Teunissen
- Neurochemistry Lab and Biobank, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Amsterdam Neuroscience, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hanns Lochmüller
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, Institute of Genetic Medicine, University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Erik H Niks
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Annemieke Aartsma-Rus
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,C.J. Gorter Center for High Field MRI, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Cell-Penetrating Peptides to Enhance Delivery of Oligonucleotide-Based Therapeutics. Biomedicines 2018; 6:biomedicines6020051. [PMID: 29734750 PMCID: PMC6027240 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines6020051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 04/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The promise of nucleic acid based oligonucleotides as effective genetic therapies has been held back by their low bioavailability and poor cellular uptake to target tissues upon systemic administration. One such strategy to improve upon delivery is the use of short cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) that can be either directly attached to their cargo through covalent linkages or through the formation of noncovalent nanoparticle complexes that can facilitate cellular uptake. In this review, we will highlight recent proof-of-principle studies that have utilized both of these strategies to improve nucleic acid delivery and discuss the prospects for translation of this approach for clinical application.
Collapse
|
15
|
Nan Y, Zhang YJ. Antisense Phosphorodiamidate Morpholino Oligomers as Novel Antiviral Compounds. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:750. [PMID: 29731743 PMCID: PMC5920040 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PMO) are short single-stranded DNA analogs that are built upon a backbone of morpholine rings connected by phosphorodiamidate linkages. As uncharged nucleic acid analogs, PMO bind to complementary sequences of target mRNA by Watson–Crick base pairing to block protein translation through steric blockade. PMO interference of viral protein translation operates independently of RNase H. Meanwhile, PMO are resistant to a variety of enzymes present in biologic fluids, a characteristic that makes them highly suitable for in vivo applications. Notably, PMO-based therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration which is now a hallmark for PMO-based antisense therapy. In this review, the development history of PMO, delivery methods for improving cellular uptake of neutrally charged PMO molecules, past studies of PMO antagonism against RNA and DNA viruses, PMO target selection, and remaining questions of PMO antiviral strategies are discussed in detail and new insights are provided.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Nan
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China.,Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine and Maryland Pathogen Research Institute, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Yan-Jin Zhang
- Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine and Maryland Pathogen Research Institute, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Lin J, Lee JHJ, Paramasivam K, Pathak E, Wang Z, Pramono ZAD, Lim B, Wee KB, Surana U. Induced-Decay of Glycine Decarboxylase Transcripts as an Anticancer Therapeutic Strategy for Non-Small-Cell Lung Carcinoma. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2017; 9:263-273. [PMID: 29246305 PMCID: PMC5675722 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2017.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Revised: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Self-renewing tumor-initiating cells (TICs) are thought to be responsible for tumor recurrence and chemo-resistance. Glycine decarboxylase, encoded by the GLDC gene, is reported to be overexpressed in TIC-enriched primary non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). GLDC is a component of the mitochondrial glycine cleavage system, and its high expression is required for growth and tumorigenic capacity. Currently, there are no therapeutic agents against GLDC. As a therapeutic strategy, we have designed and tested splicing-modulating steric hindrance antisense oligonucleotides (shAONs) that efficiently induce exon skipping (half maximal inhibitory concentration [IC50] at 3.5–7 nM), disrupt the open reading frame (ORF) of GLDC transcript (predisposing it for nonsense-mediated decay), halt cell proliferation, and prevent colony formation in both A549 cells and TIC-enriched NSCLC tumor sphere cells (TS32). One candidate shAON causes 60% inhibition of tumor growth in mice transplanted with TS32. Thus, our shAONs candidates can effectively inhibit the expression of NSCLC-associated metabolic enzyme GLDC and may have promising therapeutic implications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Lin
- Bioinformatics Institute, A*STAR, 30 Biopolis Street, Singapore 138671, Singapore; Institute of High Performance Computing, A*STAR, 1 Fusionopolis Way, Singapore 138632, Singapore
| | - Jia Hui Jane Lee
- Genome Institute of Singapore, A*STAR, 60 Biopolis Street, Singapore 138672, Singapore
| | - Kathirvel Paramasivam
- Department of Pharmacology, National University of Singapore, 16 Medical Drive, Singapore 117660, Singapore
| | - Elina Pathak
- Genome Institute of Singapore, A*STAR, 60 Biopolis Street, Singapore 138672, Singapore
| | - Zhenxun Wang
- Genome Institute of Singapore, A*STAR, 60 Biopolis Street, Singapore 138672, Singapore
| | | | - Bing Lim
- Genome Institute of Singapore, A*STAR, 60 Biopolis Street, Singapore 138672, Singapore
| | - Keng Boon Wee
- Bioinformatics Institute, A*STAR, 30 Biopolis Street, Singapore 138671, Singapore; Institute of High Performance Computing, A*STAR, 1 Fusionopolis Way, Singapore 138632, Singapore.
| | - Uttam Surana
- Department of Pharmacology, National University of Singapore, 16 Medical Drive, Singapore 117660, Singapore; Bioprocessing Technology Institute, A*STAR, 20 Biopolis Way, Singapore 138668, Singapore; Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, A*STAR, 61 Biopolis Drive, Singapore 138673, Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
N1-Src Kinase Is Required for Primary Neurogenesis in Xenopus tropicalis. J Neurosci 2017; 37:8477-8485. [PMID: 28765332 PMCID: PMC5577857 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3881-16.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Revised: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence of the neuronal-specific N1-Src splice variant of the C-Src tyrosine kinase is conserved through vertebrate evolution, suggesting an important role in complex nervous systems. Alternative splicing involving an N1-Src-specific microexon leads to a 5 or 6 aa insertion into the SH3 domain of Src. A prevailing model suggests that N1-Src regulates neuronal differentiation via cytoskeletal dynamics in the growth cone. Here we investigated the role of n1-src in the early development of the amphibian Xenopus tropicalis, and found that n1-src expression is regulated in embryogenesis, with highest levels detected during the phases of primary and secondary neurogenesis. In situ hybridization analysis, using locked nucleic acid oligo probes complementary to the n1-src microexon, indicates that n1-src expression is highly enriched in the open neural plate during neurula stages and in the neural tissue of adult frogs. Given the n1-src expression pattern, we investigated a possible role for n1-src in neurogenesis. Using splice site-specific antisense morpholino oligos, we inhibited n1-src splicing, while preserving c-src expression. Differentiation of neurons in the primary nervous system is reduced in n1-src-knockdown embryos, accompanied by a severely impaired touch response in later development. These data reveal an essential role for n1-src in amphibian neural development and suggest that alternative splicing of C-Src in the developing vertebrate nervous system evolved to regulate neurogenesis. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The Src family of nonreceptor tyrosine kinases acts in signaling pathways that regulate cell migration, cell adhesion, and proliferation. Srcs are also enriched in the brain, where they play key roles in neuronal development and neurotransmission. Vertebrates have evolved a neuron-specific splice variant of C-Src, N1-Src, which differs from C-Src by just 5 or 6 aa. N1-Src is poorly understood and its high similarity to C-Src has made it difficult to delineate its function. Using antisense knockdown of the n1-src microexon, we have studied neuronal development in the Xenopus embryo in the absence of n1-src, while preserving c-src. Loss of n1-src causes a striking absence of primary neurogenesis, implicating n1-src in the specification of neurons early in neural development.
Collapse
|
18
|
Lu-Nguyen N, Malerba A, Popplewell L, Schnell F, Hanson G, Dickson G. Systemic Antisense Therapeutics for Dystrophin and Myostatin Exon Splice Modulation Improve Muscle Pathology of Adult mdx Mice. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2016; 6:15-28. [PMID: 28325281 PMCID: PMC5363451 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2016.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Revised: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Antisense-mediated exon skipping is a promising approach for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a rare life-threatening genetic disease due to dystrophin deficiency. Such an approach can restore the disrupted reading frame of dystrophin pre-mRNA, generating a truncated form of the protein. Alternatively, antisense therapy can be used to induce destructive exon skipping of myostatin pre-mRNA, knocking down myostatin expression to enhance muscle strength and reduce fibrosis. We have reported previously that intramuscular or intraperitoneal antisense administration inducing dual exon skipping of dystrophin and myostatin pre-mRNAs was beneficial in mdx mice, a mouse model of DMD, although therapeutic effects were muscle type restricted, possibly due to the delivery routes used. Here, following systemic intravascular antisense treatment, muscle strength and body activity of treated adult mdx mice increased to the levels of healthy controls. Importantly, hallmarks of muscular dystrophy were greatly improved in mice receiving the combined exon-skipping therapy, as compared to those receiving dystrophin antisense therapy alone. Our results support the translation of antisense therapy for dystrophin restoration and myostatin inhibition into the clinical setting for DMD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ngoc Lu-Nguyen
- School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway-University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK
| | - Alberto Malerba
- School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway-University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK
| | - Linda Popplewell
- School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway-University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK
| | - Fred Schnell
- Sarepta Therapeutics Inc., 215 First Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Gunnar Hanson
- Sarepta Therapeutics Inc., 215 First Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - George Dickson
- School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway-University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Havens MA, Hastings ML. Splice-switching antisense oligonucleotides as therapeutic drugs. Nucleic Acids Res 2016; 44:6549-63. [PMID: 27288447 PMCID: PMC5001604 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkw533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 290] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Splice-switching oligonucleotides (SSOs) are short, synthetic, antisense, modified nucleic acids that base-pair with a pre-mRNA and disrupt the normal splicing repertoire of the transcript by blocking the RNA–RNA base-pairing or protein–RNA binding interactions that occur between components of the splicing machinery and the pre-mRNA. Splicing of pre-mRNA is required for the proper expression of the vast majority of protein-coding genes, and thus, targeting the process offers a means to manipulate protein production from a gene. Splicing modulation is particularly valuable in cases of disease caused by mutations that lead to disruption of normal splicing or when interfering with the normal splicing process of a gene transcript may be therapeutic. SSOs offer an effective and specific way to target and alter splicing in a therapeutic manner. Here, we discuss the different approaches used to target and alter pre-mRNA splicing with SSOs. We detail the modifications to the nucleic acids that make them promising therapeutics and discuss the challenges to creating effective SSO drugs. We highlight the development of SSOs designed to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy and spinal muscular atrophy, which are currently being tested in clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mallory A Havens
- Department of Biology, Lewis University, Romeoville, IL 60446, USA
| | - Michelle L Hastings
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Bao TL, Veedu RN, Fletcher S, Wilton SD. Antisense oligonucleotide development for the treatment of muscular dystrophies. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2015. [DOI: 10.1517/21678707.2016.1122517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
|
21
|
Zhang Y, Huang Y, Zhang J, Zhu L, Chen K, Hao J. Two unprecedented aromatic guanidines supramolecular chains self-assembled by hydrogen bonding interaction. J Mol Struct 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2015.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
|
22
|
Lu-Nguyen NB, Jarmin SA, Saleh AF, Popplewell L, Gait MJ, Dickson G. Combination Antisense Treatment for Destructive Exon Skipping of Myostatin and Open Reading Frame Rescue of Dystrophin in Neonatal mdx Mice. Mol Ther 2015; 23:1341-1348. [PMID: 25959011 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2015.88] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2015] [Accepted: 04/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The fatal X-linked Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), characterized by progressive muscle wasting and muscle weakness, is caused by mutations within the DMD gene. The use of antisense oligonucleotides (AOs) modulating pre-mRNA splicing to restore the disrupted dystrophin reading frame, subsequently generating a shortened but functional protein has emerged as a potential strategy in DMD treatment. AO therapy has recently been applied to induce out-of-frame exon skipping of myostatin pre-mRNA, knocking-down expression of myostatin protein, and such an approach is suggested to enhance muscle hypertrophy/hyperplasia and to reduce muscle necrosis. Within this study, we investigated dual exon skipping of dystrophin and myostatin pre-mRNAs using phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers conjugated with an arginine-rich peptide (B-PMOs). Intraperitoneal administration of B-PMOs was performed in neonatal mdx males on the day of birth, and at weeks 3 and 6. At week 9, we observed in treated mice (as compared to age-matched, saline-injected controls) normalization of muscle mass, a recovery in dystrophin expression, and a decrease in muscle necrosis, particularly in the diaphragm. Our data provide a proof of concept for antisense therapy combining dystrophin restoration and myostatin inhibition for the treatment of DMD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ngoc B Lu-Nguyen
- School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway, University of London, Surrey, UK
| | - Susan A Jarmin
- School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway, University of London, Surrey, UK
| | - Amer F Saleh
- Medical Research Council, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK; Current address: AstraZeneca R&D, Discovery Safety, Drug Safety and Metabolism, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, UK
| | - Linda Popplewell
- School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway, University of London, Surrey, UK
| | - Michael J Gait
- Medical Research Council, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - George Dickson
- School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway, University of London, Surrey, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Nancy MM, Nora RM, Rebeca MC. Peptidic tools applied to redirect alternative splicing events. Peptides 2015; 67:1-11. [PMID: 25748022 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2015.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2014] [Revised: 02/05/2015] [Accepted: 02/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Peptides are versatile and attractive biomolecules that can be applied to modulate genetic mechanisms like alternative splicing. In this process, a single transcript yields different mature RNAs leading to the production of protein isoforms with diverse or even antagonistic functions. During splicing events, errors can be caused either by mutations present in the genome or by defects or imbalances in regulatory protein factors. In any case, defects in alternative splicing have been related to several genetic diseases including muscular dystrophy, Alzheimer's disease and cancer from almost every origin. One of the most effective approaches to redirect alternative splicing events has been to attach cell-penetrating peptides to oligonucleotides that can modulate a single splicing event and restore correct gene expression. Here, we summarize how natural existing and bioengineered peptides have been applied over the last few years to regulate alternative splicing and genetic expression. Under different genetic and cellular backgrounds, peptides have been shown to function as potent vehicles for splice correction, and their therapeutic benefits have reached clinical trials and patenting stages, emphasizing the use of regulatory peptides as an exciting therapeutic tool for the treatment of different genetic diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martínez-Montiel Nancy
- Laboratorio de Ecología Molecular Microbiana, Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Microbiológicas, Instituto de Ciencias, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Mexico
| | - Rosas-Murrieta Nora
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Instituto de Ciencias, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Mexico
| | - Martínez-Contreras Rebeca
- Laboratorio de Ecología Molecular Microbiana, Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Microbiológicas, Instituto de Ciencias, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Sepulveda PV, Bush ED, Baar K. Pharmacology of manipulating lean body mass. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2015; 42:1-13. [PMID: 25311629 PMCID: PMC4383600 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.12320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2014] [Revised: 09/29/2014] [Accepted: 09/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Dysfunction and wasting of skeletal muscle as a consequence of illness decreases the length and quality of life. Currently, there are few, if any, effective treatments available to address these conditions. Hence, the existence of this unmet medical need has fuelled large scientific efforts. Fortunately, these efforts have shown many of the underlying mechanisms adversely affecting skeletal muscle health. With increased understanding have come breakthrough disease-specific and broad spectrum interventions, some progressing through clinical development. The present review focuses its attention on the role of the antagonistic process regulating skeletal muscle mass before branching into prospective promising therapeutic targets and interventions. Special attention is given to therapies in development against cancer cachexia and Duchenne muscular dystrophy before closing remarks on design and conceptualization of future therapies are presented to the reader.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patricio V Sepulveda
- Department of Physiology, Monash University, Monash College Wellington Rd, Melbourne Victoria, Australia
| | - Ernest D Bush
- Akashi Therapeutics, Cambridge, MA, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Keith Baar
- Departments of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behaviour and Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Shabanpoor F, McClorey G, Saleh AF, Järver P, Wood MJA, Gait MJ. Bi-specific splice-switching PMO oligonucleotides conjugated via a single peptide active in a mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Nucleic Acids Res 2014; 43:29-39. [PMID: 25468897 PMCID: PMC4288157 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gku1256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The potential for therapeutic application of splice-switching oligonucleotides (SSOs) to modulate pre-mRNA splicing is increasingly evident in a number of diseases. However, the primary drawback of this approach is poor cell and in vivo oligonucleotide uptake efficacy. Biological activities can be significantly enhanced through the use of synthetically conjugated cationic cell penetrating peptides (CPPs). Studies to date have focused on the delivery of a single SSO conjugated to a CPP, but here we describe the conjugation of two phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligonucleotide (PMO) SSOs to a single CPP for simultaneous delivery and pre-mRNA targeting of two separate genes, exon 23 of the Dmd gene and exon 5 of the Acvr2b gene, in a mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Conjugations of PMOs to a single CPP were carried out through an amide bond in one case and through a triazole linkage (‘click chemistry’) in the other. The most active bi-specific CPP–PMOs demonstrated comparable exon skipping levels for both pre-mRNA targets when compared to individual CPP–PMO conjugates both in cell culture and in vivo in the mdx mouse model. Thus, two SSOs with different target sequences conjugated to a single CPP are biologically effective and potentially suitable for future therapeutic exploitation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fazel Shabanpoor
- Medical Research Council, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Graham McClorey
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Amer F Saleh
- Medical Research Council, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Peter Järver
- Medical Research Council, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Matthew J A Wood
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Michael J Gait
- Medical Research Council, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Cao L, Han G, Gu B, Yin H. Wild-type mouse models to screen antisense oligonucleotides for exon-skipping efficacy in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. PLoS One 2014; 9:e111079. [PMID: 25365558 PMCID: PMC4217760 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0111079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2014] [Accepted: 09/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
A readily available animal model is essential for rapidly identifying effective treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a devastating neuromuscular disorder caused by the lack of dystrophin protein, which results from frame-disrupting mutations in the DMD gene. Currently, the mdx mouse is the most commonly used model for antisense oligonucleotide (AO)-mediated exon skipping pre-clinical studies, with a mild phenotype. However, the accessibility of mdx mouse colonies particularly in developing countries can constrain research. Therefore in this study we explore the feasibility of using wild-type mice as models to establish exon-skipping efficiency of various DMD AO chemistries and their conjugates. Four different strains of wild-type mice and six different AO chemistries were investigated intramuscularly and the results indicated that the same exon-skipping efficiency was achieved for all tested AOs as that from mdx mice. Notably, levels of exon-skipping obtained in C57BL6 and C3H and mdx mice were most closely matched, followed by ICR and BALB/C mice. Systemic validation revealed that wild-type mice are less responsive to AO-mediated exon skipping than mdx mice. Our study provides evidence for the first time that wild-type mice can be appropriate models for assessing DMD AO exon-skipping efficiency with similar sensitivity to that of mdx mice and this finding can further accelerate the development of effective DMD AOs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Limin Cao
- Research Centre of Basic Medical Science and Department of Cell Biology, Tianjin Medical University, Heping District, Tianjin, China
| | - Gang Han
- Research Centre of Basic Medical Science and Department of Cell Biology, Tianjin Medical University, Heping District, Tianjin, China
| | - Ben Gu
- Research Centre of Basic Medical Science and Department of Cell Biology, Tianjin Medical University, Heping District, Tianjin, China
| | - HaiFang Yin
- Research Centre of Basic Medical Science and Department of Cell Biology, Tianjin Medical University, Heping District, Tianjin, China
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Bouyer C, Forestier L, Renand G, Oulmouden A. Deep intronic mutation and pseudo exon activation as a novel muscular hypertrophy modifier in cattle. PLoS One 2014; 9:e97399. [PMID: 24827585 PMCID: PMC4020855 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0097399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2013] [Accepted: 04/17/2014] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Myostatin is essential for proper regulation of myogenesis, and inactivation of Myostatin results in muscle hypertrophy. Here, we identified an unexpected mutation in the myostatin gene which is almost fixed in Blonde d'Aquitaine cattle. In skeletal muscle, the mutant allele was highly expressed leading to an abnormal transcript consisting of a 41-bp inclusion and premature termination codons and to residual levels of a correctly spliced transcript. This expression pattern, caused by a leaky intronic mutation with regard to spliceosome activity and its apparent stability with regard to surveillance mechanisms, could contribute to the moderate muscle hypertrophy in this cattle breed. This finding is of importance for genetic counseling for meat quantity and quality in livestock production and possibly to manipulate myostatin pre-mRNA in human muscle diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire Bouyer
- Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 1061 INRA/Université de Limoges, Unité de Génétique Moléculaire Animale, Limoges, France
| | - Lionel Forestier
- Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 1061 INRA/Université de Limoges, Unité de Génétique Moléculaire Animale, Limoges, France
| | - Gilles Renand
- UMR 1313 INRA, Unité de Génétique Animale et Biologie Intégrative, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Ahmad Oulmouden
- Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 1061 INRA/Université de Limoges, Unité de Génétique Moléculaire Animale, Limoges, France
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Ferguson DP, Dangott LJ, Lightfoot JT. Lessons learned from vivo-morpholinos: How to avoid vivo-morpholino toxicity. Biotechniques 2014; 56:251-6. [PMID: 24806225 DOI: 10.2144/000114167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2013] [Accepted: 03/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Vivo-morpholinos are a promising tool for gene silencing. These oligonucleotide analogs transiently silence genes by blocking either translation or pre-mRNA splicing. Little to no toxicity has been reported for vivo-morpholino treatment. However, in a recent study conducted in our lab, treatment of mice with vivo-morpholinos resulted in high mortality rates. We hypothesized that the deaths were the result of oligonucleotide hybridization, causing an increased cationic charge associated with the dendrimer delivery moiety of the vivo-morpholino. The cationic charge increased blood clot formation in whole blood treated with vivo-morpholinos, suggesting that clotting could have caused cardiac arrest in the deceased mice. Therefore, we investigate the mechanism by which some vivo-morpholinos increase mortality rates and propose techniques to alleviate vivo-morpholino toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David P Ferguson
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Biology of Physical Activity Laboratory, Dept. of Health & Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Lawrence J Dangott
- Protein Chemistry Laboratory, Dept. of Biochemistry/Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - J Timothy Lightfoot
- Biology of Physical Activity Laboratory, Dept. of Health & Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Cleasby ME, Jarmin S, Eilers W, Elashry M, Andersen DK, Dickson G, Foster K. Local overexpression of the myostatin propeptide increases glucose transporter expression and enhances skeletal muscle glucose disposal. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2014; 306:E814-23. [PMID: 24473441 PMCID: PMC3962614 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00586.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2013] [Accepted: 01/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Insulin resistance (IR) in skeletal muscle is a prerequisite for type 2 diabetes and is often associated with obesity. IR also develops alongside muscle atrophy in older individuals in sarcopenic obesity. The molecular defects that underpin this syndrome are not well characterized, and there is no licensed treatment. Deletion of the transforming growth factor-β family member myostatin, or sequestration of the active peptide by overexpression of the myostatin propeptide/latency-associated peptide (ProMyo) results in both muscle hypertrophy and reduced obesity and IR. We aimed to establish whether local myostatin inhibition would have a paracrine/autocrine effect to enhance glucose disposal beyond that simply generated by increased muscle mass, and the mechanisms involved. We directly injected adeno-associated virus expressing ProMyo in right tibialis cranialis/extensor digitorum longus muscles of rats and saline in left muscles and compared the effects after 17 days. Both test muscles were increased in size (by 7 and 11%) and showed increased radiolabeled 2-deoxyglucose uptake (26 and 47%) and glycogen storage (28 and 41%) per unit mass during an intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test. This was likely mediated through increased membrane protein levels of GLUT1 (19% higher) and GLUT4 (63% higher). Interestingly, phosphorylation of phosphoinositol 3-kinase signaling intermediates and AMP-activated kinase was slightly decreased, possibly because of reduced expression of insulin-like growth factor-I in these muscles. Thus, myostatin inhibition has direct effects to enhance glucose disposal in muscle beyond that expected of hypertrophy alone, and this approach may offer potential for the therapy of IR syndromes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M. E. Cleasby
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - S. Jarmin
- School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, Surrey, United Kingdom; and
| | - W. Eilers
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, Berkshire, United Kingdom
| | - M. Elashry
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, Berkshire, United Kingdom
| | - D. K. Andersen
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - G. Dickson
- School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, Surrey, United Kingdom; and
| | - K. Foster
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, Berkshire, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Bestas B, McClorey G, Tedebark U, Moreno PMD, Roberts TC, Hammond SM, Smith CIE, Wood MJA, Andaloussi SE. Design and application of bispecific splice-switching oligonucleotides. Nucleic Acid Ther 2014; 24:13-24. [PMID: 24506779 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2013.0462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeting of pre-mRNA by short splice-switching oligonucleotides (SSOs) is increasingly being used as a therapeutic modality, one rationale being to disrupt splicing so as to remove exons containing premature termination codons, or to restore the translation reading frame around out-of-frame deletion mutations. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of chemically linking individual SSOs so as to ascertain equimolar cellular uptake that would provide for more defined drug formulations. In contrast to conventional bispecific SSOs generated by conjugation in solution, here we describe a protocol for synthesis of bispecific SSOs on solid phase. These SSOs comprised of either a non-cleavable hydrocarbon linker or disulfide-based cleavable linkers. To assess the efficacy of these SSOs we have utilized splice switching to bypass a disease-causing mutation in the DMD gene concurrent with disruption of the reading frame of the myostatin gene (Mstn). The premise of this approach is that disruption of myostatin expression is known to induce muscle hypertrophy and so for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) could be expected to have a better outcome than dystrophin restoration alone. All tested SSOs mediated simultaneous robust exon removal from mature Dmd and Mstn transcripts in myotubes. Our results also demonstrate that using cleavable SSOs is preferred over the non-cleavable counterparts and that these are equally efficient at inducing exon skipping as cocktails of monospecific versions. In conclusion, we have developed a protocol for solid-phase synthesis of single molecule cleavable bispecific SSOs that can be efficiently exploited for targeting of multiple RNA transcripts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Burcu Bestas
- 1 Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet , Huddinge, Sweden
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Veltrop M, Aartsma-Rus A. Antisense-mediated exon skipping: taking advantage of a trick from Mother Nature to treat rare genetic diseases. Exp Cell Res 2014; 325:50-5. [PMID: 24486759 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2014.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2013] [Revised: 01/20/2014] [Accepted: 01/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Rare diseases can be caused by genetic mutations that disrupt normal pre-mRNA splicing. Antisense oligonucleotide treatment to the splicing thus has therapeutic potential for many rare diseases. In this review we will focus on the state of the art on exon skipping using antisense oligonucleotides as a potential therapy for rare genetic diseases, outlining how this versatile approach can be exploited to correct for different mutations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcel Veltrop
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Annemieke Aartsma-Rus
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Jarmin S, Kymalainen H, Popplewell L, Dickson G. New developments in the use of gene therapy to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2013; 14:209-30. [PMID: 24308293 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2014.866087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a lethal X-linked inherited disorder characterised by progressive muscle weakness, wasting and degeneration. Although the gene affected in DMD was identified over 25 years ago, there is still no effective treatment. AREAS COVERED Here we review some of the genetic-based strategies aimed at amelioration of the DMD phenotype. A number of Phase II/III clinical trials of antisense oligonucleotide-induced exon skipping for restoration of the open reading frame (ORF) of the DMD gene have recently been completed. The potential strategies for overcoming the hurdles that appear to prevent exon skipping becoming an effective treatment for DMD currently are discussed. EXPERT OPINION The applicability of exon skipping as a therapy to DMD is restricted and the development of alternative strategies that are more encompassing is needed. The rapid pre-clinical advances that are being made in the field of adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based delivery of micro-dystrophin would address this. The obstacles to be faced with gene replacement strategies would include the need for high viral titres, efficient muscle targeting and avoidance of immune response to vector and transgene. The new emerging field of gene editing could potentially provide permanent correction of the DMD gene and the feasibility of such an approach to DMD is discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susan Jarmin
- Royal Holloway University of London , Egham, Surrey , UK
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Smith RC, Lin BK. Myostatin inhibitors as therapies for muscle wasting associated with cancer and other disorders. Curr Opin Support Palliat Care 2013; 7:352-60. [PMID: 24157714 PMCID: PMC3819341 DOI: 10.1097/spc.0000000000000013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review summarizes recent progress in the development of myostatin inhibitors for the treatment of muscle wasting disorders. It also focuses on findings in myostatin biology that may have implications for the development of antimyostatin therapies. RECENT FINDINGS There has been progress in evaluating antimyostatin therapies in animal models of muscle wasting disorders. Some programs have progressed into clinical development with initial results showing positive impact on muscle volume.In normal mice myostatin deficiency results in enlarged muscles with increased total force but decreased specific force (total force/total mass). An increase in myofibrillar protein synthesis without concomitant satellite cell proliferation and fusion leads to muscle hypertrophy with unchanged myonuclear number. A specific force reduction is not observed when atrophied muscle, the predominant therapeutic target of myostatin inhibitor therapy, is made myostatindeficient.Myostatin has been shown to be expressed by a number of tumor cell lines in mice and man. SUMMARY Myostatin inhibition remains a promising therapeutic strategy for a range of muscle wasting disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosamund C Smith
- aBiotechnology Discovery Research bOncology Business Unit, Eli Lilly and Company
| | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Havens MA, Duelli DM, Hastings ML. Targeting RNA splicing for disease therapy. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2013; 4:247-66. [PMID: 23512601 PMCID: PMC3631270 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Splicing of pre-messenger RNA into mature messenger RNA is an essential step for the expression of most genes in higher eukaryotes. Defects in this process typically affect cellular function and can have pathological consequences. Many human genetic diseases are caused by mutations that cause splicing defects. Furthermore, a number of diseases are associated with splicing defects that are not attributed to overt mutations. Targeting splicing directly to correct disease-associated aberrant splicing is a logical approach to therapy. Splicing is a favorable intervention point for disease therapeutics, because it is an early step in gene expression and does not alter the genome. Significant advances have been made in the development of approaches to manipulate splicing for therapy. Splicing can be manipulated with a number of tools including antisense oligonucleotides, modified small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs), trans-splicing, and small molecule compounds, all of which have been used to increase specific alternatively spliced isoforms or to correct aberrant gene expression resulting from gene mutations that alter splicing. Here we describe clinically relevant splicing defects in disease states, the current tools used to target and alter splicing, specific mutations and diseases that are being targeted using splice-modulating approaches, and emerging therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mallory A. Havens
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. North Chicago, IL, 60064, USA. No conflicts of interest
| | - Dominik M. Duelli
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, 60064, USA. No conflicts of interest
| | - Michelle L. Hastings
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. North Chicago, IL, 60064, USA, Phone: 847-578-8517 Fax: 847-578-3253. No conflicts of interest
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Ferguson DP, Schmitt EE, Lightfoot JT. Vivo-morpholinos induced transient knockdown of physical activity related proteins. PLoS One 2013; 8:e61472. [PMID: 23630592 PMCID: PMC3632599 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0061472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2013] [Accepted: 03/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Physical activity is associated with disease prevention and overall wellbeing. Additionally there has been evidence that physical activity level is a result of genetic influence. However, there has not been a reliable method to silence candidate genes in vivo to determine causal mechanisms of physical activity regulation. Vivo-morpholinos are a potential method to transiently silence specific genes. Thus, the aim of this study was to validate the use of Vivo-morpholinos in a mouse model for voluntary physical activity with several sub-objectives. We observed that Vivo-morpholinos achieved between 60–97% knockdown of Drd1-, Vmat2-, and Glut4-protein in skeletal muscle, the delivery moiety of Vivo-morpholinos (scramble) did not influence physical activity and that a cocktail of multiple Vivo-morpholinos can be given in a single treatment to achieve protein knockdown of two different targeted proteins in skeletal muscle simultaneously. Knocking down Drd1, Vmat2, or Glut4 protein in skeletal muscle did not affect physical activity. Vivo-morpholinos injected intravenously alone did not significantly knockdown Vmat2-protein expression in the brain (p = 0.28). However, the use of a bradykinin analog to increase blood-brain-barrier permeability in conjunction with the Vivo-morpholinos significantly (p = 0.0001) decreased Vmat2-protein in the brain with a corresponding later over-expression of Vmat2 coincident with a significant (p = 0.0016) increase in physical activity. We conclude that Vivo-morpholinos can be a valuable tool in determining causal gene-phenotype relationships in whole animal models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David P Ferguson
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a severe neuromuscular disorder for which there is currently no cure. Years of research have come to fruition during the past 18 months with publications on clinical trials for several gene therapy approaches for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. This review covers the present status of these approaches. RECENT FINDINGS The exon skipping approach is most advanced in the process of clinical application. Encouraging results have been obtained in two systemic clinical trials and further optimization has increased delivery to the heart in animal models. Limitations of the approach are the mutation-specificity and the anticipated requirement for lifelong treatment. Gene therapy by means of gene transfer holds the promise of more long-lasting effects. Results of a first, early-stage gene therapy trial, using viral vectors to deliver a minidystrophin gene, were reported. Animal studies suggest that it may be possible to overcome the main challenges currently facing gene therapy (immunogenicity of the vector and systemic body-wide delivery). SUMMARY Significant steps have been made in the development of gene therapy approaches for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. These approaches aim to slow down disease progression, requiring robust outcome measures to assess efficacy.
Collapse
|
37
|
Malerba A, Kang JK, McClorey G, Saleh AF, Popplewell L, Gait MJ, Wood MJ, Dickson G. Dual Myostatin and Dystrophin Exon Skipping by Morpholino Nucleic Acid Oligomers Conjugated to a Cell-penetrating Peptide Is a Promising Therapeutic Strategy for the Treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2012; 1:e62. [PMID: 23250360 PMCID: PMC3528303 DOI: 10.1038/mtna.2012.54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The knockdown of myostatin, a negative regulator of skeletal muscle mass may have
important implications in disease conditions accompanied by muscle mass loss like cancer,
HIV/AIDS, sarcopenia, muscle atrophy, and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). In DMD
patients, where major muscle loss has occurred due to a lack of dystrophin, the
therapeutic restoration of dystrophin expression alone in older patients may not be
sufficient to restore the functionality of the muscles. We recently demonstrated that
phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PMOs) can be used to re-direct myostatin splicing
and promote the expression of an out-of-frame transcript so reducing the amount of the
synthesized myostatin protein. Furthermore, the systemic administration of the same PMO
conjugated to an octaguanidine moiety (Vivo-PMO) led to a significant increase in the mass
of soleus muscle of treated mice. Here, we have further optimized the use of Vivo-PMO in
normal mice and also tested the efficacy of the same PMO conjugated to an arginine-rich
cell-penetrating peptide (B-PMO). Similar experiments conducted in mdx dystrophic mice
showed that B-PMO targeting myostatin is able to significantly increase the tibialis
anterior (TA) muscle weight and when coadministered with a B-PMO targeting the dystrophin
exon 23, it does not have a detrimental interaction. This study confirms that myostatin
knockdown by exon skipping is a potential therapeutic strategy to counteract muscle
wasting conditions and dual myostatin and dystrophin skipping has potential as a therapy
for DMD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Malerba
- 1] School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway, University of London, Surrey, UK [2] Department of Veterinary basic sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Perkins KJ, Davies KE. Recent advances in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Degener Neurol Neuromuscul Dis 2012; 2:141-164. [PMID: 30890885 DOI: 10.2147/dnnd.s26637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), an allelic X-linked progressive muscle-wasting disease, is one of the most common single-gene disorders in the developed world. Despite knowledge of the underlying genetic causation and resultant pathophysiology from lack of dystrophin protein at the muscle sarcolemma, clinical intervention is currently restricted to symptom management. In recent years, however, unprecedented advances in strategies devised to correct the primary defect through gene- and cell-based therapeutics hold particular promise for treating dystrophic muscle. Conventional gene replacement and endogenous modification strategies have greatly benefited from continued improvements in encapsidation capacity, transduction efficiency, and systemic delivery. In particular, RNA-based modifying approaches such as exon skipping enable expression of a shorter but functional dystrophin protein and rapid progress toward clinical application. Emerging combined gene- and cell-therapy strategies also illustrate particular promise in enabling ex vivo genetic correction and autologous transplantation to circumvent a number of immune challenges. These approaches are complemented by a vast array of pharmacological approaches, in particular the successful identification of molecules that enable functional replacement or ameliorate secondary DMD pathology. Animal models have been instrumental in providing proof of principle for many of these strategies, leading to several recent trials that have investigated their efficacy in DMD patients. Although none has reached the point of clinical use, rapid improvements in experimental technology and design draw this goal ever closer. Here, we review therapeutic approaches to DMD, with particular emphasis on recent progress in strategic development, preclinical evaluation and establishment of clinical efficacy. Further, we discuss the numerous challenges faced and synergistic approaches being devised to combat dystrophic pathology effectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelly J Perkins
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology.,MRC Functional Genomics Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK,
| | - Kay E Davies
- MRC Functional Genomics Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK,
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Yamada AK, Verlengia R, Bueno Junior CR. Myostatin: genetic variants, therapy and gene doping. BRAZ J PHARM SCI 2012. [DOI: 10.1590/s1984-82502012000300003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Since its discovery, myostatin (MSTN) has been at the forefront of muscle therapy research because intrinsic mutations or inhibition of this protein, by either pharmacological or genetic means, result in muscle hypertrophy and hyperplasia. In addition to muscle growth, MSTN inhibition potentially disturbs connective tissue, leads to strength modulation, facilitates myoblast transplantation, promotes tissue regeneration, induces adipose tissue thermogenesis and increases muscle oxidative phenotype. It is also known that current advances in gene therapy have an impact on sports because of the illicit use of such methods. However, the adverse effects of these methods, their impact on athletic performance in humans and the means of detecting gene doping are as yet unknown. The aim of the present review is to discuss biosynthesis, genetic variants, pharmacological/genetic manipulation, doping and athletic performance in relation to the MSTN pathway. As will be concluded from the manuscript, MSTN emerges as a promising molecule for combating muscle wasting diseases and for triggering wide-ranging discussion in view of its possible use in gene doping.
Collapse
|
40
|
Järver P, Coursindel T, Andaloussi SEL, Godfrey C, Wood MJA, Gait MJ. Peptide-mediated Cell and In Vivo Delivery of Antisense Oligonucleotides and siRNA. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2012; 1:e27. [PMID: 23344079 PMCID: PMC3390225 DOI: 10.1038/mtna.2012.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2012] [Revised: 04/26/2012] [Accepted: 04/26/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Järver
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Samir EL Andaloussi
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Hudidnge, Sweden
| | - Caroline Godfrey
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Matthew JA Wood
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Michael J Gait
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Abstract
Myostatin (Mstn) is a secreted growth factor that negatively regulates muscle mass and is therefore a potential pharmacological target for the treatment of muscle wasting disorders such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Here we describe a novel Mstn blockade approach in which small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) complementary to a promoter-associated transcript induce transcriptional gene silencing (TGS) in two differentiated mouse muscle cell lines. Silencing is sensitive to treatment with the histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A, and the silent state chromatin mark H3K9me2 is enriched at the Mstn promoter following siRNA transfection, suggesting epigenetic remodeling underlies the silencing effect. These observations suggest that long-term epigenetic silencing may be feasible for Mstn and that TGS is a promising novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of muscle wasting disorders.
Collapse
|
42
|
Kemaladewi DU, ‘t Hoen PA, ten Dijke P, van Ommen GJ, Hoogaars WM. TGF-β signaling in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. FUTURE NEUROLOGY 2012. [DOI: 10.2217/fnl.12.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The TGF-β protein family consists of secreted multifunctional cytokines that control diverse processes, such as cell growth and differentiation. Aberrant expression and downstream signaling of these growth factors have been associated with multiple diseases, including muscle wasting disorders, such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy. In this review we discuss recent advances in understanding the role of TGF-β family members during normal skeletal muscle biology/regeneration and their role in muscle pathology, with a special focus on Duchenne muscular dystrophy. In addition, we will highlight progress in the development of potential therapeutics for Duchenne muscular dystrophy based on intervention of TGF-β signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dwi U Kemaladewi
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Postzone S4-P, PO Box 9600 2300RC Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Molecular & Cell Biology and Centre for Biomedical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Postzone S4-P, PO Box 9600 2300RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Peter A ‘t Hoen
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Postzone S4-P, PO Box 9600 2300RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Peter ten Dijke
- Department of Molecular & Cell Biology and Centre for Biomedical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Postzone S4-P, PO Box 9600 2300RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Gert Jan van Ommen
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Postzone S4-P, PO Box 9600 2300RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Willem M Hoogaars
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Postzone S4-P, PO Box 9600 2300RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Kohler M, Schänzer W, Thevis M. RNA interference for performance enhancement and detection in doping control. Drug Test Anal 2012; 3:661-7. [PMID: 22031503 DOI: 10.1002/dta.330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
RNA interference represents a comparably new route of regulating and manipulating specific gene expression. Promising results were obtained in experimental therapies aim at the treatment of different kinds of diseases including cancer, diabetes mellitus or Dychenne muscular dystrophy. While studies on down-regulation efficiency are often performed by analyzing the regulated protein, the direct detection of small, interfering RNA molecules and antisense oligonucleotides is of great interest for the investigation of the metabolism and degradation and also for the detection of a putative misuse of these molecules in sports. Myostatin down-regulation was shown to result in increased performance and muscle growth and the regulation of several other proteins could be relevant for performance enhancement. This mini-review summarizes current approaches for the mass spectrometric analysis of siRNA and antisense oligonucleotides from biological matrices and the available data on biodistribution, metabolism, and half-life of relevant substances are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maxie Kohler
- Center for Preventive Doping Research/Institute of Biochemistry, German Sport University Cologne, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50933, Cologne, Germany
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides a solid scaffold and signals to cells through ECM receptors. The cell-matrix interactions are crucial for normal biological processes and when disrupted they may lead to pathological processes. In particular, the biological importance of ECM-cell membrane-cytoskeleton interactions in skeletal muscle is accentuated by the number of inherited muscle diseases caused by mutations in proteins conferring these interactions. In this review we introduce laminins, collagens, dystroglycan, integrins, dystrophin and sarcoglycans. Mutations in corresponding genes cause various forms of muscular dystrophy. The muscle disorders are presented as well as advances toward the development of treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Virginie Carmignac
- Muscle Biology Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Garikipati DK, Rodgers BD. Myostatin stimulates myosatellite cell differentiation in a novel model system: evidence for gene subfunctionalization. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2012; 302:R1059-66. [PMID: 22262307 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00523.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Myosatellite cells play an important role in mammalian muscle regeneration as they differentiate and fuse with mature fibers. In fish, they also contribute to postnatal growth and the formation of new fibers. The relative conservation of fish systems, however, is not well known nor are the underlying mechanisms that control myosatellite cell differentiation. We therefore characterized this process in primary cells from rainbow trout and determined the effects of two known regulators in mammalian systems: IGF-I and myostatin. Unlike mammalian cell lines, subconfluent and proliferating trout myosatellite cells differentiated spontaneously and at a rate proportional to serum concentration. The expression of key myogenic markers (Myf5, MyoD1, myogenin, and MLC) and of the different myostatin paralogs (MSTN-1a/1b/2a) increased with serum-stimulated differentiation, although MSTN-1a expression was consistently higher than that of the other paralogs. In addition, MSTN-2a was only expressed as an unprocessed transcript. In low serum, where differentiation is normally suppressed, recombinant myostatin stimulated myogenic marker expression over time. The opposite was true for IGF-I as it stimulated proliferation, not differentiation, and additionally antagonized myostatin. This includes myostatin's effects on marker expression and on the autoregulation of MSTN-1a and -1b expression. These results conflict with studies using mammalian cell lines and suggest, alternatively, that myostatin is a positive, not negative, regulator of myosatellite cell differentiation. Mammalian myoblasts differentiate when confluent and with serum withdrawal, which differs considerably from how myosatellite cells differentiate in vivo. Thus the primary rainbow trout myosatellite cell culture system appears to be more physiologically relevant.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dilip K Garikipati
- Dept. Of Animal Sciences, Washington State Univ., Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
van Roon-Mom WMC, Aartsma-Rus A. Overview on applications of antisense-mediated exon skipping. Methods Mol Biol 2012; 867:79-96. [PMID: 22454056 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-61779-767-5_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Antisense-mediated exon skipping has multiple therapeutic applications. This chapter gives an overview of how this tool has been employed to restore normal splicing for cryptic splicing mutations, to switch between alternative splicing isoforms, to induce exon inclusion, to correct the reading frame to allow the production of internally deleted proteins, or to induce reading frame disruptions to achieve partial protein knockdown. For each application, examples are discussed and the current state of the art is described.
Collapse
|
47
|
Kemaladewi DU, de Gorter DJJ, Aartsma-Rus A, van Ommen GJ, ten Dijke P, 't Hoen PAC, Hoogaars WM. Cell-type specific regulation of myostatin signaling. FASEB J 2011; 26:1462-72. [PMID: 22202673 DOI: 10.1096/fj.11-191189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The transforming growth factor (TGF)-β family member myostatin is an important regulator of myoblast, adipocyte, and fibroblast growth and differentiation, but the signaling mechanisms remain to be established. We therefore determined the contribution of myostatin type I receptors activin receptor-like kinase-4 (ALK4) and -5 (ALK5) and different coreceptors in C2C12 myoblasts, C3H10T1/2 mesenchymal stem cells, and 3T3-L1 fibroblasts, as well as in primary myoblast and fibroblasts. We performed siRNA-mediated knockdown of each receptor and measured signaling activity using Smad3-dependent luciferase and Smad2 phosphorylation assays with nontargeting siRNA as control. We find that myostatin utilizes ALK4 in myoblasts, whereas it has a preference for ALK5 in nonmyogenic cells. Notably, our results show that coreceptor Cripto is expressed in myoblasts but not in the nonmyogenic cells and that it regulates myostatin activity. More specifically, myostatin requires Cripto in myoblasts, whereas Cripto represses activin activity and TGF-β signaling is Cripto independent. Cripto-mediated myostatin signaling is dependent on both epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like and Cripto-FRL1-cryptic (CFC) domains, whereas activin signaling is solely conferred by the CFC domain. Furthermore, Cripto down-regulation enhances myoblast differentiation, showing its importance in myostatin signaling. Together, our results identify a molecular mechanism that explains the cell-type specific aspects of signaling by myostatin and other TGF-β family members.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dwi U Kemaladewi
- Center for Human and Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Postzone S4-P, PO Box 9600, 2300RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Kemaladewi DU, Hoogaars WMH, van Heiningen SH, Terlouw S, de Gorter DJJ, den Dunnen JT, van Ommen GJB, Aartsma-Rus A, ten Dijke P, 't Hoen PAC. Dual exon skipping in myostatin and dystrophin for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. BMC Med Genomics 2011; 4:36. [PMID: 21507246 PMCID: PMC3107769 DOI: 10.1186/1755-8794-4-36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2010] [Accepted: 04/20/2011] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Myostatin is a potent muscle growth inhibitor that belongs to the Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β) family. Mutations leading to non functional myostatin have been associated with hypermuscularity in several organisms. By contrast, Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is characterized by a loss of muscle fibers and impaired regeneration. In this study, we aim to knockdown myostatin by means of exon skipping, a technique which has been successfully applied to reframe the genetic defect of dystrophin gene in DMD patients. Methods We targeted myostatin exon 2 using antisense oligonucleotides (AON) in healthy and DMD-derived myotubes cultures. We assessed the exon skipping level, transcriptional expression of myostatin and its target genes, and combined myostatin and several dystrophin AONs. These AONs were also applied in the mdx mice models via intramuscular injections. Results Myostatin AON induced exon 2 skipping in cell cultures and to a lower extent in the mdx mice. It was accompanied by decrease in myostatin mRNA and enhanced MYOG and MYF5 expression. Furthermore, combination of myostatin and dystrophin AONs induced simultaneous skipping of both genes. Conclusions We conclude that two AONs can be used to target two different genes, MSTN and DMD, in a straightforward manner. Targeting multiple ligands of TGF-beta family will be more promising as adjuvant therapies for DMD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dwi U Kemaladewi
- Center for Human and Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Postzone S4-P, PO Box 9600, Leiden, 2300RC, the Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Sotillo E, Thomas-Tikhonenko A. Shielding the messenger (RNA): microRNA-based anticancer therapies. Pharmacol Ther 2011; 131:18-32. [PMID: 21514318 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2011.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2011] [Accepted: 03/29/2011] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
It has been a decade since scientists realized that microRNAs (miRNAs) are not an oddity invented by worms to regulate gene expression at post-transcriptional levels. Rather, many of these 21-22-nucleotide-short RNAs exist in invertebrates and vertebrates alike and some of them are in fact highly conserved. miRNAs are now recognized as an important class of non-coding small RNAs that inhibit gene expression by targeting mRNA stability and translation. In the last ten years, our knowledge of the miRNAs world was expanding at vertiginous speed, propelled by the development of computational engines for miRNA identification and target prediction, biochemical tools and techniques to modulate miRNA activity, and last but not least, the emergence of miRNA-centric animal models. One important conclusion that has emerged from this effort is that many microRNAs and their cognate targets are strongly implicated in cancer, either as oncogenes or tumor and metastasis suppressors. In this review we will discuss the diverse role that miRNAs play in cancer initiation and progression and also the tools with which miRNA expression could be corrected in vivo. While the idea of targeting microRNAs towards therapeutic ends is getting considerable traction, basic, translational, and clinical research done in the next few years will tell whether this promise is well-founded.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Sotillo
- Division of Cancer Pathobiology, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Current status of pharmaceutical and genetic therapeutic approaches to treat DMD. Mol Ther 2011; 19:830-40. [PMID: 21468001 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2011.59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disease affecting about one in every 3,500 boys. This X-linked pathology is due to the absence of dystrophin in muscle fibers. This lack of dystrophin leads to the progressive muscle degeneration that is often responsible for the death of the DMD patients during the third decade of their life. There are currently no curative treatments for this disease but different therapeutic approaches are being studied. Gene therapy consists of introducing a transgene coding for full-length or a truncated version of dystrophin complementary DNA (cDNA) in muscles, whereas pharmaceutical therapy includes the use of chemical/biochemical substances to restore dystrophin expression or alleviate the DMD phenotype. Over the past years, many potential drugs were explored. This led to several clinical trials for gentamicin and ataluren (PTC124) allowing stop codon read-through. An alternative approach is to induce the expression of an internally deleted, partially functional dystrophin protein through exon skipping. The vectors and the methods used in gene therapy have been continually improving in order to obtain greater encapsidation capacity and better transduction efficiency. The most promising experimental approaches using pharmaceutical and gene therapies are reviewed in this article.
Collapse
|