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Zhang H, Chang M, Chen D, Yang J, Zhang Y, Sun J, Yao X, Sun H, Gu X, Li M, Shen Y, Dai B. Congenital myopathies: pathophysiological mechanisms and promising therapies. J Transl Med 2024; 22:815. [PMID: 39223631 PMCID: PMC11370226 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05626-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Congenital myopathies (CMs) are a kind of non-progressive or slow-progressive muscle diseases caused by genetic mutations, which are currently defined and categorized mainly according to their clinicopathological features. CMs exhibit pleiotropy and genetic heterogeneity. Currently, supportive treatment and pharmacological remission are the mainstay of treatment, with no cure available. Some adeno-associated viruses show promising prospects in the treatment of MTM1 and BIN1-associated myopathies; however, such gene-level therapeutic interventions target only specific mutation types and are not generalizable. Thus, it is particularly crucial to identify the specific causative genes. Here, we outline the pathogenic mechanisms based on the classification of causative genes: excitation-contraction coupling and triadic assembly (RYR1, MTM1, DNM2, BIN1), actin-myosin interaction and production of myofibril forces (NEB, ACTA1, TNNT1, TPM2, TPM3), as well as other biological processes. Furthermore, we provide a comprehensive overview of recent therapeutic advancements and potential treatment modalities of CMs. Despite ongoing research endeavors, targeted strategies and collaboration are imperative to address diagnostic uncertainties and explore potential treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Medical College, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, 226001, P. R. China
| | - Mengyuan Chang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Medical College, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, 226001, P. R. China
| | - Daiyue Chen
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Medical College, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, 226001, P. R. China
| | - Jiawen Yang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Medical College, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, 226001, P. R. China
| | - Yijie Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Medical College, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, 226001, P. R. China
| | - Jiacheng Sun
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Medical College, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, 226001, P. R. China
| | - Xinlei Yao
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Medical College, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, 226001, P. R. China
| | - Hualin Sun
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Medical College, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, 226001, P. R. China
| | - Xiaosong Gu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Medical College, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, 226001, P. R. China
| | - Meiyuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Medical College, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, 226001, P. R. China.
| | - Yuntian Shen
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Medical College, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, 226001, P. R. China.
| | - Bin Dai
- Department of Orthopedics, Binhai County People's Hospital, Binhai, Jiangsu Province, 224500, P. R. China.
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2
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Euler L, Deinert K, Wagener F, Walpurgis K, Thevis M. Identification of human metabolites of fast skeletal troponin activators Tirasemtiv and Reldesemtiv for doping control purposes. Drug Test Anal 2024. [PMID: 39138120 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
The fast skeletal troponin activators (FSTAs) Reldesemtiv and Tirasemtiv were developed for patients suffering from neuro-degenerative diseases of the motor nervous system, e.g. amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The drug candidates can increase the sensitivity of troponin C to calcium by selectively activating the troponin complex resulting in increased skeletal muscle contraction. Although the development of the drug candidates is currently discontinued because of missed end points in phase III clinical studies with patients with ALS, phase I clinical trials showed an increase in muscle contraction force in healthy humans. This effect could be abused by athletes to enhance performance in sports. As the substances are listed on the 2024 edition of the World Anti-Doping Agency's Prohibited List, the aim of this study was to identify and characterize metabolites of Reldesemtiv and Tirasemtiv to ensure their reliable identification in doping control analyses. The biotransformation of the drug candidates was studied in vitro using pooled human liver microsomes and 3D cultivated human hepatic cells of the cell line HepaRG, yielding a total of 11 metabolites of Reldesemtiv and eight of Tirasemtiv. In addition, a human elimination study was conducted to investigate the metabolism and elimination profile of Tirasemtiv and Reldesemtiv in vivo, suggesting the N-glucuronide of Tirasemtiv and hydroxylated 3-fluoro-2-(3-fluoro-1-methylcyclobutyl)pyridine as well as its glucuronide as suitable target analytes for routine doping controls. Applying a validating HPLC-MS/MS method, optimized to detect Reldesemtiv and Tirasemtiv in human urine, microdosing (50 μg) of each substance was traceable for 24-72 h.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Euler
- Center for Preventive Doping Research Institute of Biochemistry, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Kim Deinert
- Center for Preventive Doping Research Institute of Biochemistry, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Technical University of Kaiserslautern, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Felicitas Wagener
- Center for Preventive Doping Research Institute of Biochemistry, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Katja Walpurgis
- Center for Preventive Doping Research Institute of Biochemistry, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Mario Thevis
- Center for Preventive Doping Research Institute of Biochemistry, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- European Monitoring Center for Emerging Doping Agents, Cologne, Germany
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3
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van den Berg M, Shi Z, Claassen WJ, Hooijman P, Lewis CTA, Andersen JL, van der Pijl RJ, Bogaards SJP, Conijn S, Peters EL, Begthel LPL, Uijterwijk B, Lindqvist J, Langlais PR, Girbes ARJ, Stapel S, Granzier H, Campbell KS, Ma W, Irving T, Hwee DT, Hartman JJ, Malik FI, Paul M, Beishuizen A, Ochala J, Heunks L, Ottenheijm CAC. Super-relaxed myosins contribute to respiratory muscle hibernation in mechanically ventilated patients. Sci Transl Med 2024; 16:eadg3894. [PMID: 39083588 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adg3894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Patients receiving mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit (ICU) frequently develop contractile weakness of the diaphragm. Consequently, they may experience difficulty weaning from mechanical ventilation, which increases mortality and poses a high economic burden. Because of a lack of knowledge regarding the molecular changes in the diaphragm, no treatment is currently available to improve diaphragm contractility. We compared diaphragm biopsies from ventilated ICU patients (N = 54) to those of non-ICU patients undergoing thoracic surgery (N = 27). By integrating data from myofiber force measurements, x-ray diffraction experiments, and biochemical assays with clinical data, we found that in myofibers isolated from the diaphragm of ventilated ICU patients, myosin is trapped in an energy-sparing, super-relaxed state, which impairs the binding of myosin to actin during diaphragm contraction. Studies on quadriceps biopsies of ICU patients and on the diaphragm of previously healthy mechanically ventilated rats suggested that the super-relaxed myosins are specific to the diaphragm and not a result of critical illness. Exposing slow- and fast-twitch myofibers isolated from the diaphragm biopsies to small-molecule compounds activating troponin restored contractile force in vitro. These findings support the continued development of drugs that target sarcomere proteins to increase the calcium sensitivity of myofibers for the treatment of ICU-acquired diaphragm weakness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marloes van den Berg
- Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, Department of Physiology, Amsterdam 1081, HV, Netherlands
- Bispebjerg Hospital, Institute of Sports Medicine, Copenhagen 2400, Denmark
| | - Zhonghua Shi
- Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, Department of Physiology, Amsterdam 1081, HV, Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Amsterdam 1081, HV, Netherlands
- Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Intensive Care Medicine, Beijing 100093, China
| | - Wout J Claassen
- Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, Department of Physiology, Amsterdam 1081, HV, Netherlands
| | - Pleuni Hooijman
- Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, Department of Physiology, Amsterdam 1081, HV, Netherlands
| | - Christopher T A Lewis
- University of Copenhagen, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark
- Research and Early Development, Novo Nordisk A/S, Måløv 2760, Denmark
| | - Jesper L Andersen
- Bispebjerg Hospital, Institute of Sports Medicine, Copenhagen 2400, Denmark
| | - Robbert J van der Pijl
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson AZ 85721, USA
| | - Sylvia J P Bogaards
- Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, Department of Physiology, Amsterdam 1081, HV, Netherlands
| | - Stefan Conijn
- Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, Department of Physiology, Amsterdam 1081, HV, Netherlands
| | - Eva L Peters
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson AZ 85721, USA
| | - Leon P L Begthel
- Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, Department of Physiology, Amsterdam 1081, HV, Netherlands
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Bas Uijterwijk
- Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, Department of Physiology, Amsterdam 1081, HV, Netherlands
| | - Johan Lindqvist
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson AZ 85721, USA
| | - Paul R Langlais
- Department of Endocrinology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Armand R J Girbes
- Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Amsterdam 1081, HV, Netherlands
| | - Sandra Stapel
- Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Amsterdam 1081, HV, Netherlands
| | - Henk Granzier
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson AZ 85721, USA
| | - Kenneth S Campbell
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Weikang Ma
- BioCAT, Illinois Institute of Technology, Lemont, IL 60439, USA
| | - Thomas Irving
- BioCAT, Illinois Institute of Technology, Lemont, IL 60439, USA
| | - Darren T Hwee
- Research and Early Development, Cytokinetics Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - James J Hartman
- Research and Early Development, Cytokinetics Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Fady I Malik
- Research and Early Development, Cytokinetics Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Marinus Paul
- Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Amsterdam 1081, HV, Netherlands
| | - Albertus Beishuizen
- Medisch Spectrum Twente, Intensive Care Center, Enschede 7511, HN, Netherlands
| | - Julien Ochala
- University of Copenhagen, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark
| | - Leo Heunks
- Radboud UMC, Department of Intensive Care, Nijmegen 6525, GA, Netherlands
| | - Coen A C Ottenheijm
- Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, Department of Physiology, Amsterdam 1081, HV, Netherlands
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson AZ 85721, USA
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4
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Wei Y, Zhong S, Yang H, Wang X, Lv B, Bian Y, Pei Y, Xu C, Zhao Q, Wu Y, Luo D, Wang F, Sun H, Chen Y. Current therapy in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): A review on past and future therapeutic strategies. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 272:116496. [PMID: 38759454 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that affects the first and second motoneurons (MNs), associated with muscle weakness, paralysis and finally death. The exact etiology of the disease still remains unclear. Currently, efforts to develop novel ALS treatments which target specific pathomechanisms are being studied. The mechanisms of ALS pathogenesis involve multiple factors, such as protein aggregation, glutamate excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, inflammation etc. Unfortunately, to date, there are only two FDA-approved drugs for ALS, riluzole and edavarone, without curative treatment for ALS. Herein, we give an overview of the many pathways and review the recent discovery and preclinical characterization of neuroprotective compounds. Meanwhile, drug combination and other therapeutic approaches are also reviewed. In the last part, we analyze the reasons of clinical failure and propose perspective on the treatment of ALS in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Wei
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Sheng Zhong
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Huajing Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Xueqing Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Bingbing Lv
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yaoyao Bian
- Jiangsu Provincial Engineering Center of TCM External Medication Researching and Industrializing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yuqiong Pei
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Chunlei Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Qun Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yulan Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Daying Luo
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Fan Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Haopeng Sun
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China.
| | - Yao Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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5
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Donkervoort S, van de Locht M, Ronchi D, Reunert J, McLean CA, Zaki M, Orbach R, de Winter JM, Conijn S, Hoomoedt D, Neto OLA, Magri F, Viaene AN, Foley AR, Gorokhova S, Bolduc V, Hu Y, Acquaye N, Napoli L, Park JH, Immadisetty K, Miles LB, Essawi M, McModie S, Ferreira LF, Zanotti S, Neuhaus SB, Medne L, ElBagoury N, Johnson KR, Zhang Y, Laing NG, Davis MR, Bryson-Richardson RJ, Hwee DT, Hartman JJ, Malik FI, Kekenes-Huskey PM, Comi GP, Sharaf-Eldin W, Marquardt T, Ravenscroft G, Bönnemann CG, Ottenheijm CAC. Pathogenic TNNI1 variants disrupt sarcomere contractility resulting in hypo- and hypercontractile muscle disease. Sci Transl Med 2024; 16:eadg2841. [PMID: 38569017 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adg2841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Troponin I (TnI) regulates thin filament activation and muscle contraction. Two isoforms, TnI-fast (TNNI2) and TnI-slow (TNNI1), are predominantly expressed in fast- and slow-twitch myofibers, respectively. TNNI2 variants are a rare cause of arthrogryposis, whereas TNNI1 variants have not been conclusively established to cause skeletal myopathy. We identified recessive loss-of-function TNNI1 variants as well as dominant gain-of-function TNNI1 variants as a cause of muscle disease, each with distinct physiological consequences and disease mechanisms. We identified three families with biallelic TNNI1 variants (F1: p.R14H/c.190-9G>A, F2 and F3: homozygous p.R14C), resulting in loss of function, manifesting with early-onset progressive muscle weakness and rod formation on histology. We also identified two families with a dominantly acting heterozygous TNNI1 variant (F4: p.R174Q and F5: p.K176del), resulting in gain of function, manifesting with muscle cramping, myalgias, and rod formation in F5. In zebrafish, TnI proteins with either of the missense variants (p.R14H; p.R174Q) incorporated into thin filaments. Molecular dynamics simulations suggested that the loss-of-function p.R14H variant decouples TnI from TnC, which was supported by functional studies showing a reduced force response of sarcomeres to submaximal [Ca2+] in patient myofibers. This contractile deficit could be reversed by a slow skeletal muscle troponin activator. In contrast, patient myofibers with the gain-of-function p.R174Q variant showed an increased force to submaximal [Ca2+], which was reversed by the small-molecule drug mavacamten. Our findings demonstrated that TNNI1 variants can cause muscle disease with variant-specific pathomechanisms, manifesting as either a hypo- or a hypercontractile phenotype, suggesting rational therapeutic strategies for each mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Donkervoort
- Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disorders of Childhood Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Martijn van de Locht
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam UMC (location VUmc), Amsterdam, 1081 HV Netherlands
| | - Dario Ronchi
- Dino Ferrari Center, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, 20135, Italy
| | - Janine Reunert
- Department of General Pediatrics, University of Münster, Münster, 48149, Germany
| | - Catriona A McLean
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing, and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | - Maha Zaki
- Clinical Genetics Department, Human Genetics and Genome Research Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, 12622, Egypt
| | - Rotem Orbach
- Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disorders of Childhood Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Josine M de Winter
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam UMC (location VUmc), Amsterdam, 1081 HV Netherlands
| | - Stefan Conijn
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam UMC (location VUmc), Amsterdam, 1081 HV Netherlands
| | - Daan Hoomoedt
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam UMC (location VUmc), Amsterdam, 1081 HV Netherlands
| | - Osorio Lopes Abath Neto
- Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disorders of Childhood Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Francesca Magri
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neurology Unit, Milan, 20122, Italy
| | - Angela N Viaene
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, 19104 PA, USA
| | - A Reghan Foley
- Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disorders of Childhood Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Svetlana Gorokhova
- Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disorders of Childhood Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Department of Medical Genetics, Timone Children's Hospital, APHM, Marseille, 13005, France
- INSERM, U1251-MMG, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, 13009, France
| | - Véronique Bolduc
- Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disorders of Childhood Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ying Hu
- Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disorders of Childhood Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Nicole Acquaye
- Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disorders of Childhood Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Laura Napoli
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neuromuscular and Rare Disease Unit, Milan, 20122, Italy
| | - Julien H Park
- Department of General Pediatrics, University Hospital Münster, Münster, 48149 Germany
| | - Kalyan Immadisetty
- Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, Loyola University, Chicago, IL 60153, USA
| | - Lee B Miles
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Mona Essawi
- Medical Molecular Genetics Department, Human Genetics and Genome Research Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, 12622, Egypt
| | - Salar McModie
- Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia
| | - Leonardo F Ferreira
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam UMC (location VUmc), Amsterdam, 1081 HV Netherlands
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Simona Zanotti
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neuromuscular and Rare Disease Unit, Milan, 20122, Italy
| | - Sarah B Neuhaus
- Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disorders of Childhood Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Livija Medne
- Division of Human Genetics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Nagham ElBagoury
- Medical Molecular Genetics Department, Human Genetics and Genome Research Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, 12622, Egypt
| | - Kory R Johnson
- Bioinformatics Core, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yong Zhang
- Bioinformatics Core, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Nigel G Laing
- Neurogenetics Unit, Department of Diagnostic Genomics, PathWest Laboratory Medicine, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
- Centre for Medical Research University of Western Australia, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
| | - Mark R Davis
- Neurogenetics Unit, Department of Diagnostic Genomics, PathWest Laboratory Medicine, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
| | | | - Darren T Hwee
- Research and Development, Cytokinetics Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - James J Hartman
- Research and Development, Cytokinetics Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Fady I Malik
- Research and Development, Cytokinetics Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | | | - Giacomo Pietro Comi
- Dino Ferrari Center, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, 20135, Italy
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neuromuscular and Rare Disease Unit, Milan, 20122, Italy
| | - Wessam Sharaf-Eldin
- Medical Molecular Genetics Department, Human Genetics and Genome Research Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, 12622, Egypt
| | - Thorsten Marquardt
- Department of General Pediatrics, University of Münster, Münster, 48149, Germany
| | - Gianina Ravenscroft
- Centre for Medical Research University of Western Australia, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
| | - Carsten G Bönnemann
- Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disorders of Childhood Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Coen A C Ottenheijm
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam UMC (location VUmc), Amsterdam, 1081 HV Netherlands
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6
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Galli RA, Borsboom TC, Gineste C, Brocca L, Rossi M, Hwee DT, Malik FI, Bottinelli R, Gondin J, Pellegrino MA, de Winter JM, Ottenheijm CA. Tirasemtiv enhances submaximal muscle tension in an Acta1:p.Asp286Gly mouse model of nemaline myopathy. J Gen Physiol 2024; 156:e202313471. [PMID: 38376469 PMCID: PMC10876480 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.202313471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Nemaline myopathies are the most common form of congenital myopathies. Variants in ACTA1 (NEM3) comprise 15-25% of all nemaline myopathy cases. Patients harboring variants in ACTA1 present with a heterogeneous disease course characterized by stable or progressive muscle weakness and, in severe cases, respiratory failure and death. To date, no specific treatments are available. Since NEM3 is an actin-based thin filament disease, we tested the ability of tirasemtiv, a fast skeletal muscle troponin activator, to improve skeletal muscle function in a mouse model of NEM3, harboring the patient-based p.Asp286Gly variant in Acta1. Acute and long-term tirasemtiv treatment significantly increased muscle contractile capacity at submaximal stimulation frequencies in both fast-twitch extensor digitorum longus and gastrocnemius muscle, and intermediate-twitch diaphragm muscle in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, long-term tirasemtiv treatment in NEM3 mice resulted in a decreased respiratory rate with preserved minute volume, suggesting more efficient respiration. Altogether, our data support the therapeutic potential of fast skeletal muscle troponin activators in alleviating skeletal muscle weakness in a mouse model of NEM3 caused by the Acta1:p.Asp286Gly variant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo A. Galli
- Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Physiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Musculoskeletal Health and Tissue Function and Regeneration, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tamara C. Borsboom
- Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Physiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Lorenza Brocca
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Maira Rossi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Darren T. Hwee
- Research and Early Development, Cytokinetics Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Fady I. Malik
- Research and Early Development, Cytokinetics Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Roberto Bottinelli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Julien Gondin
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, CRMBM, Marseille, France
- Institut NeuroMyoGène, Unité Physiopathologie et Génétique du Neurone et du Muscle, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR 5261, INSERM U1315, Université Lyon, Lyon, France
| | | | - Josine M. de Winter
- Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Physiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Musculoskeletal Health and Tissue Function and Regeneration, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Heart Failure and Arrhythmias, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Coen A.C. Ottenheijm
- Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Physiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Pulmonary Hypertension and Atherosclerosis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
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7
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Piga D, Rimoldi M, Magri F, Zanotti S, Napoli L, Ripolone M, Pagliarani S, Ciscato P, Velardo D, D’Amico A, Bertini E, Comi GP, Ronchi D, Corti S. Case report: A novel ACTA1 variant in a patient with nemaline rods and increased glycogen deposition. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1340693. [PMID: 38500810 PMCID: PMC10944937 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1340693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Congenital myopathies are a group of heterogeneous inherited disorders, mainly characterized by early-onset hypotonia and muscle weakness. The spectrum of clinical phenotype can be highly variable, going from very mild to severe presentations. The course also varies broadly resulting in a fatal outcome in the most severe cases but can either be benign or lead to an amelioration even in severe presentations. Muscle biopsy analysis is crucial for the identification of pathognomonic morphological features, such as core areas, nemaline bodies or rods, nuclear centralizations and congenital type 1 fibers disproportion. However, multiple abnormalities in the same muscle can be observed, making more complex the myopathological scenario. Case presentation Here, we describe an Italian newborn presenting with severe hypotonia, respiratory insufficiency, inability to suck and swallow, requiring mechanical ventilation and gastrostomy feeding. Muscle biopsy analyzed by light microscopy showed the presence of vacuoles filled with glycogen, suggesting a metabolic myopathy, but also fuchsinophilic inclusions. Ultrastructural studies confirmed the presence of normally structured glycogen, and the presence of minirods, directing the diagnostic hypothesis toward a nemaline myopathy. An expanded Next Generation Sequencing analysis targeting congenital myopathies genes revealed the presence of a novel heterozygous c.965 T > A p. (Leu322Gln) variant in the ACTA1 gene, which encodes the skeletal muscle alpha-actin. Conclusion Our case expands the repertoire of molecular and pathological features observed in actinopathies. We highlight the value of ultrastructural examination to investigate the abnormalities detected at the histological level. We also emphasized the use of expanded gene panels in the molecular analysis of neuromuscular patients, especially for those ones presenting multiple bioptic alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Piga
- IRCCS Fondazione Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neurology Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Martina Rimoldi
- IRCCS Fondazione Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neuromuscular and Rare Disease Unit, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Medical Genetics Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Magri
- IRCCS Fondazione Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neurology Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Simona Zanotti
- IRCCS Fondazione Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neuromuscular and Rare Disease Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Napoli
- IRCCS Fondazione Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neuromuscular and Rare Disease Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Michela Ripolone
- IRCCS Fondazione Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neuromuscular and Rare Disease Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Serena Pagliarani
- IRCCS Fondazione Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neurology Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Patrizia Ciscato
- IRCCS Fondazione Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neuromuscular and Rare Disease Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniele Velardo
- IRCCS Fondazione Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neuromuscular and Rare Disease Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Adele D’Amico
- Unit of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disorders, Bambino Gesu’ Children’s Research Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Bertini
- Unit of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disorders, Bambino Gesu’ Children’s Research Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giacomo Pietro Comi
- IRCCS Fondazione Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neurology Unit, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Dino Ferrari Center, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Dario Ronchi
- IRCCS Fondazione Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neurology Unit, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Dino Ferrari Center, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Corti
- IRCCS Fondazione Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neuromuscular and Rare Disease Unit, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Dino Ferrari Center, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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8
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Gebre AK, Sim M, Dalla Via J, Smith C, Rodriguez AJ, Hodgson JM, Bondonno CP, Lim W, Byrnes E, Thompson PR, Prince RL, Lewis JR. Association between high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I and fall-related hospitalisation in women aged over 70 years. Heart 2023; 110:108-114. [PMID: 37536758 DOI: 10.1136/heartjnl-2023-322861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the association between high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI), a biomarker of myocardial injury, muscle function decline and 14.5-year fall-related hospitalisation risk in women aged over 70 years. METHODS 1179 ambulatory community-dwelling women aged over 70 years with subclinical levels of hs-cTnI (ie, <15.6 ng/L), who were followed up for 14.5 years, were included. Samples for hs-cTnI were obtained in 1998. Fall-related hospitalisations were retrieved from linked health records. Muscle function measures, including handgrip strength and the Timed-Up-and-Go (TUG) test, were assessed in 1998 and 2003. RESULTS Mean±SD age was 75.2±2.7 years. Over 14.5 years of follow-up, 40.4% (476 of 1179) experienced fall-related hospitalisation. Participants were categorised into four approximate hs-cTnI quartiles: quartile 1 (<3.6 ng/L), quartile 2 (3.6-4.4 ng/L), quartile 3 (4.5-5.8 ng/L) and quartile 4 (≥5.9 ng/L). Compared with those in Q1, women in Q4 were likely to experience fall-related hospitalisation (36.0% vs 42.8%). In a multivariable-adjusted model that accounted for CVD and fall risk factors, compared with women in Q1, those in Q4 had a 46% higher risk of fall-related hospitalisation (HR 1.46, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.98). Additionally, women in Q4 had slower TUG performance compared with those in Q1 (10.3 s vs 9.5 s, p=0.032). CONCLUSION Elevated level of hs-cTnI was associated with slower TUG performance and increased fall-related hospitalisation risk. This indicates subclinical level of hs-cTnI can identify clinically relevant falls, emphasising the need to consider cardiac health during fall assessment in women aged over 70 years. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ACTRN12617000640303.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abadi Kahsu Gebre
- Nutrition and Health Innovation Research Institute,School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Pharmacy,College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia
| | - Marc Sim
- Nutrition and Health Innovation Research Institute,School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
- Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jack Dalla Via
- Nutrition and Health Innovation Research Institute,School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Cassandra Smith
- Nutrition and Health Innovation Research Institute,School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
- Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Alexander J Rodriguez
- School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jonathan M Hodgson
- Nutrition and Health Innovation Research Institute,School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
- Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Catherine P Bondonno
- Nutrition and Health Innovation Research Institute,School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
- Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Wai Lim
- Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Department of Renal Medicine, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Byrnes
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Peter R Thompson
- Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Department of Cardiology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Richard L Prince
- Nutrition and Health Innovation Research Institute,School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
- Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Joshua R Lewis
- Nutrition and Health Innovation Research Institute,School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
- Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Centre for Kidney Research, School of Public Health,Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Western Australia, Australia
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9
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Maragakis NJ, de Carvalho M, Weiss MD. Therapeutic targeting of ALS pathways: Refocusing an incomplete picture. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2023; 10:1948-1971. [PMID: 37641443 PMCID: PMC10647018 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous potential amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)-relevant pathways have been hypothesized and studied preclinically, with subsequent translation to clinical trial. However, few successes have been observed with only modest effects. Along with an improved but incomplete understanding of ALS as a neurodegenerative disease is the evolution of more sophisticated and diverse in vitro and in vivo preclinical modeling platforms, as well as clinical trial designs. We highlight proposed pathological pathways that have been major therapeutic targets for investigational compounds. It is likely that the failures of so many of these therapeutic compounds may not have occurred because of lack of efficacy but rather because of a lack of preclinical modeling that would help define an appropriate disease pathway, as well as a failure to establish target engagement. These challenges are compounded by shortcomings in clinical trial design, including lack of biomarkers that could predict clinical success and studies that are underpowered. Although research investments have provided abundant insights into new ALS-relevant pathways, most have not yet been developed more fully to result in clinical study. In this review, we detail some of the important, well-established pathways, the therapeutics targeting them, and the subsequent clinical design. With an understanding of some of the shortcomings in translational efforts over the last three decades of ALS investigation, we propose that scientists and clinicians may choose to revisit some of these therapeutic pathways reviewed here with an eye toward improving preclinical modeling, biomarker development, and the investment in more sophisticated clinical trial designs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mamede de Carvalho
- Faculdade de MedicinaInsqatituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Centro Académico de Medicina de Lisboa, Universidade de LisboaLisbonPortugal
| | - Michael D. Weiss
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
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10
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Ponomarev AS, Chulpanova DS, Yanygina LM, Solovyeva VV, Rizvanov AA. Emerging Gene Therapy Approaches in the Management of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA): An Overview of Clinical Trials and Patent Landscape. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13743. [PMID: 37762045 PMCID: PMC10530942 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare autosomal recessive neuromuscular disease that is characterized by progressive muscle atrophy (degeneration), including skeletal muscles in charge of the ability to move. SMA is caused by defects in the SMN1 gene (Survival of Motor Neuron 1) which encodes a protein crucial for the survival and functionality of neuron cells called motor neurons. Decreased level of functioning SMN protein leads to progressive degeneration of alpha-motor neurons performing muscular motility. Over the past decade, many strategies directed for SMN-level-restoration emerged, such as gene replacement therapy (GRT), CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing, usage of antisense oligonucleotides and small-molecule modulators, and all have been showing their perspectives in SMA therapy. In this review, modern SMA therapy strategies are described, making it a valuable resource for researchers, clinicians and everyone interested in the progress of therapy of this serious disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Albert A. Rizvanov
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia; (A.S.P.); (D.S.C.); (L.M.Y.); (V.V.S.)
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11
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Saito A, Matsui S, Chino A, Sato S, Takeshita N. Discovery and pharmacological characterization of novel positive allosteric modulators acting on skeletal muscle-type nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 668:27-34. [PMID: 37235916 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.04.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Skeletal muscle-type nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (m-nAChRs) are ligand-gated ion channels that open after activation by ACh and whose signals cause muscle contraction. Defects in neurotransmission are reported in disorders such as myasthenia gravis (MG) and congenital myasthenia syndromes (CMS). Although treatments for these disorders exist, therapies which significantly increase muscle strength have yet to be reported. Positive allosteric modulators (PAMs), which promote ACh signaling through AChRs, are expected to be promising therapeutic agents. In this study, we identified an m-nAChR PAM called AS3513678 by high-throughput screening using human myotube cells and modified it to obtain novel compounds (AS3566987 and AS3580239) that showed even stronger PAM activity. AS3580239 caused a leftward shift in the ACh concentration-response curve and was 14.0-fold potent at 10 μM compared with vehicle. Next, we examined the effect of AS3580239 on electrically-induced isometric contraction of the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle in wild-type (WT) and MG model rats. AS3580239 enhanced EDL muscle contraction in both WT and MG model rats at 30 μM. These data suggest that AS3580239 improved neurotransmission and enhanced muscle strength. Thus, m-nAChR PAMs may be a useful treatment for neuromuscular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asako Saito
- Astellas Pharma Inc, 21, Miyukigaoka, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8585, Japan.
| | - Shigeo Matsui
- Astellas Pharma Inc, 21, Miyukigaoka, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8585, Japan
| | - Ayaka Chino
- Astellas Pharma Inc, 21, Miyukigaoka, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8585, Japan
| | - Shota Sato
- Astellas Pharma Inc, 21, Miyukigaoka, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8585, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Takeshita
- Astellas Pharma Inc, 21, Miyukigaoka, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8585, Japan
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12
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Claassen WJ, Baelde RJ, Galli RA, de Winter JM, Ottenheijm CAC. Small molecule drugs to improve sarcomere function in those with acquired and inherited myopathies. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2023; 325:C60-C68. [PMID: 37212548 PMCID: PMC10281779 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00047.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Muscle weakness is a hallmark of inherited or acquired myopathies. It is a major cause of functional impairment and can advance to life-threatening respiratory insufficiency. During the past decade, several small-molecule drugs that improve the contractility of skeletal muscle fibers have been developed. In this review, we provide an overview of the available literature and the mechanisms of action of small-molecule drugs that modulate the contractility of sarcomeres, the smallest contractile units in striated muscle, by acting on myosin and troponin. We also discuss their use in the treatment of skeletal myopathies. The first of three classes of drugs discussed here increase contractility by decreasing the dissociation rate of calcium from troponin and thereby sensitizing the muscle to calcium. The second two classes of drugs directly act on myosin and stimulate or inhibit the kinetics of myosin-actin interactions, which may be useful in patients with muscle weakness or stiffness.NEW & NOTEWORTHY During the past decade, several small molecule drugs that improve the contractility of skeletal muscle fibers have been developed. In this review, we provide an overview of the available literature and the mechanisms of action of small molecule drugs that modulate the contractility of sarcomeres, the smallest contractile units in striated muscle, by acting on myosin and troponin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wout J Claassen
- Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Physiology, De Boelelaan, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Rianne J Baelde
- Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Physiology, De Boelelaan, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ricardo A Galli
- Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Physiology, De Boelelaan, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Josine M de Winter
- Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Physiology, De Boelelaan, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Coen A C Ottenheijm
- Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Physiology, De Boelelaan, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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13
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Issahaku AR, Ibrahim MAA, Mukelabai N, Soliman MES. Intermolecular And Dynamic Investigation of The Mechanism of Action of Reldesemtiv on Fast Skeletal Muscle Troponin Complex Toward the Treatment of Impaired Muscle Function. Protein J 2023:10.1007/s10930-023-10091-y. [PMID: 36959428 DOI: 10.1007/s10930-023-10091-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
Muscle weakness as a secondary feature of attenuated neuronal input often leads to disability and sometimes death in patients with neurogenic neuromuscular diseases. These impaired muscle function has been observed in several diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Charcot-Marie-Tooth, spinal muscular atrophy and Myasthenia gravis. This has spurred the search for small molecules which could activate fast skeletal muscle troponin complex as a means to increase muscle strength. Discovered small molecules have however been punctuated by off-target and side effects leading to the development of the second-generation small molecule, Reldesemtiv. In this study, we investigated the impact of Reldesemtiv binding to the fast skeletal troponin complex and the molecular determinants that condition the therapeutic prowess of Redesemtiv through computational techniques. It was revealed that Reldesemtiv binding possibly potentiates troponin C compacting characterized by reduced exposure to solvent molecules which could favor the slow release of calcium ions and the resultant sensitization of the subunit to calcium. These conformational changes were underscored by conventional and carbon hydrogen bonds, pi-alkyl, pi-sulfur and halogen interactions between Reldesemtiv the binding site residues. Arg113 (-3.96 kcal/mol), Met116 (-2.23 kcal/mol), Val114 (-1.28 kcal/mol) and Met121 (-0.63 kcal/mol) of the switch region of the inhibitory subunit were among the residues that contributed the most to the total free binding energy of Reldesemtiv highlighting their importance. These findings present useful insights which could lay the foundation for the development of fast skeletal muscle small molecule activators with high specificity and potency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Rashid Issahaku
- Molecular Bio-Computation and Drug Design Laboratory, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, 4001, South Africa
- West African Centre for Computational Research and Innovation, Accra, Ghana
| | - Mahmoud A A Ibrahim
- CompChem Research Group, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Minia University, Minia, 61519, Egypt
| | - Namutula Mukelabai
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu- Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, 4001, South Africa
| | - Mahmoud E S Soliman
- Molecular Bio-Computation and Drug Design Laboratory, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, 4001, South Africa.
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14
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Bofanova NS, Eliseeva AR, Onchina VS. [Modern principles of therapy for patients with spinal muscular atrophy]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2023; 123:34-40. [PMID: 36946394 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro202312303134] [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: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a common cause of childhood mortality among hereditary diseases of the central nervous system, which are caused by the processes of degeneration and death of motor neurons of the anterior horns of the spinal cord. An urgent issue of modern neurology is pathogenetic therapy for this group of patients, the purpose of which is to increase the level of motoneuron survival protein. We performed a search on current methods of treating SMA in Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Embase by the keywords: spinal muscular atrophy, neuromuscular diseases, pathogenetic therapy. Significant progress has been made in the treatment of SMA over the past 7 years. A major advance is the introduction of disease-modifying therapies using SMN2 splicing modulation or gene replacement therapy. At the moment, there are 3 FDA-approved drugs for pathogenetic therapy: Nusinersen, Risdiplam, Zolgensma. The article compares the drugs, evaluates their safety and effectiveness according to the available literature. Modern drugs for the pathogenetic therapy of SMA are highly effective and reduce the mortality rate. The results of clinical trials predict the emergence of new modern drugs. This suggests a favorable prognosis for the treatment of patients with SMA.
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15
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Fisher G, Mackels L, Markati T, Sarkozy A, Ochala J, Jungbluth H, Ramdas S, Servais L. Early clinical and pre-clinical therapy development in Nemaline myopathy. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2022; 26:853-867. [PMID: 36524401 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2022.2157258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nemaline myopathies (NM) represent a group of clinically and genetically heterogeneous congenital muscle disorders with the common denominator of nemaline rods on muscle biopsy. NEB and ACTA1 are the most common causative genes. Currently, available treatments are supportive. AREAS COVERED We explored experimental treatments for NM, identifying at least eleven mainly pre-clinical approaches utilizing murine and/or human muscle cells. These approaches target either i) the causative gene or associated genes implicated in the same pathway; ii) pathophysiologically relevant biochemical mechanisms such as calcium/myosin regulation of muscle contraction; iii) myogenesis; iv) other therapies that improve or optimize muscle function more generally; v) and/or combinations of the above. The scope and efficiency of these attempts is diverse, ranging from gene-specific effects to those widely applicable to all NM-associated genes. EXPERT OPINION The wide range of experimental therapies currently under consideration for NM is promising. Potential translation into clinical use requires consideration of additional factors such as the potential muscle type specificity as well as the possibility of gene expression remodeling. Challenges in clinical translation include the rarity and heterogeneity of genotypes, phenotypes, and disease trajectories, as well as the lack of longitudinal natural history data and validated outcomes and biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Fisher
- MDUK Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Laurane Mackels
- MDUK Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Neuromuscular Reference Center, University and University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Theodora Markati
- MDUK Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Anna Sarkozy
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Hospital, Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Julien Ochala
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Heinz Jungbluth
- Department of Paediatric Neurology - Neuromuscular Service, Evelina Children's Hospital, Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, Muscle Signalling Section, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine (FoLSM), King's College London, London, UK
| | - Sithara Ramdas
- MDUK Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Department of Paediatric Neurology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Laurent Servais
- MDUK Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Neuromuscular Reference Center, University and University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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16
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Yin L, Li N, Jia W, Wang N, Liang M, Shang J, Qiang G, Du G, Yang X. Urotensin receptor acts as a novel target for ameliorating fasting-induced skeletal muscle atrophy. Pharmacol Res 2022; 185:106468. [PMID: 36167277 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Urotensin receptor (UT) is a G-protein-coupled receptor, whose endogenous ligand is urotensin-II (U-II). Skeletal muscle mass is regulated by various conditions, such as nutritional status, exercise, and diseases. Previous studies have pointed out that the urotensinergic system is involved in skeletal muscle metabolism and function, but its mechanism remains unclear, especially given the lack of research on the effect and mechanism of fasting. In this study, UT receptor knockout mice were generated to evaluate whether UT has effects on fasting induced skeletal muscle atrophy. Furthermore, the UT antagonist palosuran (3, 10, 30mg/kg) was intraperitoneally administered daily for 5 days to clarify the therapeutic effect of UT antagonism. Our results found the mice that fasted for 48hours exhibited skeletal muscle atrophy, accompanied by enhanced U-II levels in both skeletal muscles and blood. UT receptor knockout effectively prevented fasting-induced skeletal muscle atrophy. The UT antagonist ameliorated fasting-induced muscle atrophy in mice as determined by increased muscle strengths, weights, and muscle fiber areas (including fast, slow, and mixed types). In addition, the UT antagonist reduced skeletal muscle atrophic markers, including F-box only protein 32 (FBXO32) and tripartite motif containing 63 (TRIM63). Moreover, the UT antagonist was also observed to enhance PI3K/AKT/mTOR while inhibiting autophagy signaling. In summary, our study provides the first evidence that UT antagonism may represent a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of fasting-induced skeletal muscle atrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Yin
- Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences,Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030032, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target Identification and New Drug Screening, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Na Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target Identification and New Drug Screening, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Weihua Jia
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target Identification and New Drug Screening, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Nuoqi Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target Identification and New Drug Screening, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Meidai Liang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target Identification and New Drug Screening, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Jiamin Shang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target Identification and New Drug Screening, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Guifen Qiang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target Identification and New Drug Screening, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China; State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target and Screening Research, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Guanhua Du
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target Identification and New Drug Screening, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China; State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target and Screening Research, Beijing 100050, China.
| | - Xiuying Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target Identification and New Drug Screening, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China.
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17
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Morelli C, Ingrasciotta G, Jacoby D, Masri A, Olivotto I. Sarcomere protein modulation: The new frontier in cardiovascular medicine and beyond. Eur J Intern Med 2022; 102:1-7. [PMID: 35534374 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2022.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Over the past decade, the constant progress in science and technologies has provided innovative drug molecules that address specific disease mechanisms thus opening the era of drugs targeting the underlying pathophysiology of the disease. In this scenario, a new paradigm of modulation has emerged, following the development of small molecules capable of interfering with sarcomere contractile proteins. Potential applications include heart muscle disease and various forms of heart failure, although promising targets also include conditions affecting the skeletal muscle, such as degenerative neuromuscular diseases. In cardiac patients, a cardiac myosin stimulator, omecamtiv mecarbil, has shown efficacy in heart failure with reduced systolic function, lowering heart failure related events or cardiovascular death, while two inhibitors, mavacamten and aficamten, in randomized trials targeting hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, have been shown to reduce hypercontractility and left ventricular outflow obstruction improving functional capacity. Based on years of intensive basic and translational research, these agents are the prototypes of active pipelines promising to deliver an array of molecules in the near future. We here review the available evidence and future perspectives of myosin modulation in cardiovascular medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Morelli
- Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Careggi and University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Gessica Ingrasciotta
- Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Careggi and University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Daniel Jacoby
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ahmad Masri
- Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Iacopo Olivotto
- Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Careggi and University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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18
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Mahmud Z, Tikunova S, Belevych N, Wagg CS, Zhabyeyev P, Liu PB, Rasicci DV, Yengo CM, Oudit GY, Lopaschuk GD, Reiser PJ, Davis JP, Hwang PM. Small Molecule RPI-194 Stabilizes Activated Troponin to Increase the Calcium Sensitivity of Striated Muscle Contraction. Front Physiol 2022; 13:892979. [PMID: 35755445 PMCID: PMC9213791 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.892979] [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: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Small molecule cardiac troponin activators could potentially enhance cardiac muscle contraction in the treatment of systolic heart failure. We designed a small molecule, RPI-194, to bind cardiac/slow skeletal muscle troponin (Cardiac muscle and slow skeletal muscle share a common isoform of the troponin C subunit.) Using solution NMR and stopped flow fluorescence spectroscopy, we determined that RPI-194 binds to cardiac troponin with a dissociation constant KD of 6-24 μM, stabilizing the activated complex between troponin C and the switch region of troponin I. The interaction between RPI-194 and troponin C is weak (KD 311 μM) in the absence of the switch region. RPI-194 acts as a calcium sensitizer, shifting the pCa50 of isometric contraction from 6.28 to 6.99 in mouse slow skeletal muscle fibers and from 5.68 to 5.96 in skinned cardiac trabeculae at 100 μM concentration. There is also some cross-reactivity with fast skeletal muscle fibers (pCa50 increases from 6.27 to 6.52). In the slack test performed on the same skinned skeletal muscle fibers, RPI-194 slowed the velocity of unloaded shortening at saturating calcium concentrations, suggesting that it slows the rate of actin-myosin cross-bridge cycling under these conditions. However, RPI-194 had no effect on the ATPase activity of purified actin-myosin. In isolated unloaded mouse cardiomyocytes, RPI-194 markedly decreased the velocity and amplitude of contractions. In contrast, cardiac function was preserved in mouse isolated perfused working hearts. In summary, the novel troponin activator RPI-194 acts as a calcium sensitizer in all striated muscle types. Surprisingly, it also slows the velocity of unloaded contraction, but the cause and significance of this is uncertain at this time. RPI-194 represents a new class of non-specific troponin activator that could potentially be used either to enhance cardiac muscle contractility in the setting of systolic heart failure or to enhance skeletal muscle contraction in neuromuscular disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zabed Mahmud
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Svetlana Tikunova
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Natalya Belevych
- Division of Biosciences, College of Dentistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Cory S Wagg
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Pavel Zhabyeyev
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Philip B Liu
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - David V Rasicci
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Christopher M Yengo
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Gavin Y Oudit
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Gary D Lopaschuk
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Peter J Reiser
- Division of Biosciences, College of Dentistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Jonathan P Davis
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Peter M Hwang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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19
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Lynch GS. Identifying the challenges for successful pharmacotherapeutic management of sarcopenia. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2022; 23:1233-1237. [PMID: 35549577 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2022.2076593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gordon S Lynch
- Centre for Muscle Research, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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20
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Novel treatment strategies for acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive myasthenia gravis and related disorders. Autoimmun Rev 2022; 21:103104. [PMID: 35452851 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2022.103104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The presence of autoantibodies directed against the muscle nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) is the most common cause of myasthenia gravis (MG). These antibodies damage the postsynaptic membrane of the neuromuscular junction and cause muscle weakness by depleting AChRs and thus impairing synaptic transmission. As one of the best-characterized antibody-mediated autoimmune diseases, AChR-MG has often served as a reference model for other autoimmune disorders. Classical pharmacological treatments, including broad-spectrum immunosuppressive drugs, are effective in many patients. However, complete remission cannot be achieved in all patients, and 10% of patients do not respond to currently used therapies. This may be attributed to production of autoantibodies by long-lived plasma cells which are resistant to conventional immunosuppressive drugs. Hence, novel therapies specifically targeting plasma cells might be a suitable therapeutic approach for selected patients. Additionally, in order to reduce side effects of broad-spectrum immunosuppression, targeted immunotherapies and symptomatic treatments will be required. This review presents established therapies as well as novel therapeutic approaches for MG and related conditions, with a focus on AChR-MG.
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21
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Spinal muscular atrophy: Where are we now? Current challenges and high hopes. POSTEP HIG MED DOSW 2022. [DOI: 10.2478/ahem-2022-0030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neuromuscular disorder characterized by muscle weakness. It causes movement issues and severe physical disability. SMA is classified into four types based on the level of function achieved, age of onset, and maximum function achieved. The deletion or point mutation in the Survival of Motor Neuron 1 (SMN1) gene causes SMA. As a result, no full-length protein is produced. A nearly identical paralog, SMN2, provides enough stable protein to prevent death but not enough to compensate for SMN1's loss. The difference between SMN1 and SMN2 is due to different exon 7 alternative splicing patterns. SMA molecular therapies currently focus on restoring functional SMN protein by splicing modification of SMN2 exon 7 or elevated SMN protein levels. Nusinersen, an antisense oligonucleotide targeting the ISS-N1 sequence in SMN2 intron 7, was the first drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Risdiplam, a novel therapeutic that acts as an SMN2 exon 7 splicing modifier, was recently approved. All of these drugs result in the inclusion of SMN2 exon 7, and thus the production of functional SMN protein. Onasemnogene abeparvovec is a gene therapy that uses a recombinant adeno-associated virus that encodes the SMN protein. There are also experimental therapies available, such as reldesemtiv and apitegromab (SRK-015), which focus on improving muscle function or increasing muscle tissue growth, respectively. Although approved therapies have been shown to be effective, not all SMA patients can benefit from them due to age or weight, but primarily due to their high cost. This demonstrates the significance of continuous treatment improvement in today's medical challenges.
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22
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Kray KM, McGovern VL, Chugh D, Arnold WD, Burghes AHM. Dual SMN inducing therapies can rescue survival and motor unit function in symptomatic ∆7SMA mice. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 159:105488. [PMID: 34425216 PMCID: PMC8502210 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by survival motor neuron (SMN) protein deficiency which results in motor neuron loss and muscle atrophy. SMA is caused by a mutation or deletion of the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene and retention of the nearly identical SMN2 gene. SMN2 contains a C to T change in exon 7 that results in exon 7 exclusion from 90% of transcripts. SMN protein lacking exon 7 is unstable and rapidly degraded. The remaining full-length transcripts from SMN2 are insufficient for normal motor neuron function leading to the development of SMA. Three different therapeutic approaches that increase full-length SMN (FL-SMN) protein production are approved for treatment of SMA patients. Studies in both animal models and humans have demonstrated increasing SMN levels prior to onset of symptoms provides the greatest therapeutic benefit. Treatment of SMA, after some motor neuron loss has occurred, is also effective but to a lesser degree. The SMN∆7 mouse model is a well characterized model of severe or type 1 SMA, dying at 14 days of age. Here we treated three groups of ∆7SMA mice starting before, roughly during, and after symptom onset to determine if combining two mechanistically distinct SMN inducing therapies could improve the therapeutic outcome both before and after motor neuron loss. We found, compared with individual therapies, that morpholino antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) directed against ISS-N1 combined with the small molecule compound RG7800 significantly increased FL-SMN transcript and protein production resulting in improved survival and weight of ∆7SMA mice. Moreover, when give late symptomatically, motor unit function was completely rescued with no loss in function at 100 days of age in the dual treatment group. We have therefore shown that this dual therapeutic approach successfully increases SMN protein and rescues motor function in symptomatic ∆7SMA mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlyn M Kray
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 1060 Carmack Road, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - Vicki L McGovern
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 1060 Carmack Road, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - Deepti Chugh
- Department of Neurology, Neuromuscular Division, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 395 W. 12(th) Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - W David Arnold
- Department of Neurology, Neuromuscular Division, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 395 W. 12(th) Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - Arthur H M Burghes
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 1060 Carmack Road, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Department of Neurology, Neuromuscular Division, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 395 W. 12(th) Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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23
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Collibee SE, Bergnes G, Chuang C, Ashcraft L, Gardina J, Garard M, Jamison CR, Lu K, Lu PP, Muci A, Romero A, Valkevich E, Wang W, Warrington J, Yao B, Durham N, Hartman J, Marquez A, Hinken A, Schaletzky J, Xu D, Hwee DT, Morgans D, Malik FI, Morgan BP. Discovery of Reldesemtiv, a Fast Skeletal Muscle Troponin Activator for the Treatment of Impaired Muscle Function. J Med Chem 2021; 64:14930-14941. [PMID: 34636234 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of reldesemtiv, a second-generation fast skeletal muscle troponin activator (FSTA) that increases force production at submaximal stimulation frequencies, is reported. Property-based optimization of high throughput screening hit 1 led to compounds with improved free exposure and in vivo muscle activation potency compared to the first-generation FSTA, tirasemtiv. Reldesemtiv demonstrated increased muscle force generation in a phase 1 clinical trial and is currently being evaluated in clinical trials for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott E Collibee
- Cytokinetics, Inc., 280 East Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Gustave Bergnes
- Cytokinetics, Inc., 280 East Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Chihyuan Chuang
- Cytokinetics, Inc., 280 East Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Luke Ashcraft
- Cytokinetics, Inc., 280 East Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Jeffrey Gardina
- Cytokinetics, Inc., 280 East Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Marc Garard
- Cytokinetics, Inc., 280 East Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Chris R Jamison
- Cytokinetics, Inc., 280 East Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Kevin Lu
- Cytokinetics, Inc., 280 East Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Pu-Ping Lu
- Cytokinetics, Inc., 280 East Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Alexander Muci
- Cytokinetics, Inc., 280 East Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Antonio Romero
- Cytokinetics, Inc., 280 East Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Ellen Valkevich
- Cytokinetics, Inc., 280 East Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Wenyue Wang
- Cytokinetics, Inc., 280 East Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Jeffrey Warrington
- Cytokinetics, Inc., 280 East Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Bing Yao
- Cytokinetics, Inc., 280 East Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Nickie Durham
- Cytokinetics, Inc., 280 East Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - James Hartman
- Cytokinetics, Inc., 280 East Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Anna Marquez
- Cytokinetics, Inc., 280 East Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Aaron Hinken
- Cytokinetics, Inc., 280 East Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Julia Schaletzky
- Cytokinetics, Inc., 280 East Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Donghong Xu
- Cytokinetics, Inc., 280 East Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Darren T Hwee
- Cytokinetics, Inc., 280 East Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - David Morgans
- Cytokinetics, Inc., 280 East Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Fady I Malik
- Cytokinetics, Inc., 280 East Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Bradley P Morgan
- Cytokinetics, Inc., 280 East Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
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24
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Matrigel 3D bioprinting of contractile human skeletal muscle models recapitulating exercise and pharmacological responses. Commun Biol 2021; 4:1183. [PMID: 34650188 PMCID: PMC8516940 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02691-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
A key to enhance the low translatability of preclinical drug discovery are in vitro human three-dimensional (3D) microphysiological systems (MPS). Here, we show a new method for automated engineering of 3D human skeletal muscle models in microplates and functional compound screening to address the lack of muscle wasting disease medication. To this end, we adapted our recently described 24-well plate 3D bioprinting platform with a printhead cooling system to allow microvalve-based drop-on-demand printing of cell-laden Matrigel containing primary human muscle precursor cells. Mini skeletal muscle models develop within a week exhibiting contractile, striated myofibers aligned between two attachment posts. As an in vitro exercise model, repeated high impact stimulation of contractions for 3 h by a custom-made electrical pulse stimulation (EPS) system for 24-well plates induced interleukin-6 myokine expression and Akt hypertrophy pathway activation. Furthermore, the known muscle stimulators caffeine and Tirasemtiv acutely increase EPS-induced contractile force of the models. This validated new human muscle MPS will benefit development of drugs against muscle wasting diseases. Moreover, our Matrigel 3D bioprinting platform will allow engineering of non-self-organizing complex human 3D MPS. Alave-Furrer et al adapted their recently-developed 3D bioprinting platform to allow microvalve-based drop-on-demand printing of cell-laden Matrigel containing primary human muscle precursor cells. Their bioprinting platform recapitulated aspects of exercise and pharmacological responses and thus could aid the engineering of more complex 3D microphysiological systems.
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25
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van de Locht M, Borsboom TC, Winter JM, Ottenheijm CAC. Troponin Variants in Congenital Myopathies: How They Affect Skeletal Muscle Mechanics. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179187. [PMID: 34502093 PMCID: PMC8430961 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The troponin complex is a key regulator of muscle contraction. Multiple variants in skeletal troponin encoding genes result in congenital myopathies. TNNC2 has been implicated in a novel congenital myopathy, TNNI2 and TNNT3 in distal arthrogryposis (DA), and TNNT1 and TNNT3 in nemaline myopathy (NEM). Variants in skeletal troponin encoding genes compromise sarcomere function, e.g., by altering the Ca2+ sensitivity of force or by inducing atrophy. Several potential therapeutic strategies are available to counter the effects of variants, such as troponin activators, introduction of wild-type protein through AAV gene therapy, and myosin modulation to improve muscle contraction. The mechanisms underlying the pathophysiological effects of the variants in skeletal troponin encoding genes are incompletely understood. Furthermore, limited knowledge is available on the structure of skeletal troponin. This review focusses on the physiology of slow and fast skeletal troponin and the pathophysiology of reported variants in skeletal troponin encoding genes. A better understanding of the pathophysiological effects of these variants, together with enhanced knowledge regarding the structure of slow and fast skeletal troponin, will direct the development of treatment strategies.
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26
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Yin L, Li N, Jia W, Wang N, Liang M, Yang X, Du G. Skeletal muscle atrophy: From mechanisms to treatments. Pharmacol Res 2021; 172:105807. [PMID: 34389456 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Skeletal muscle is a crucial tissue for movement, gestural assistance, metabolic homeostasis, and thermogenesis. It makes up approximately 40% of the total body weight and 50% of total protein. However, several pathological abnormalities (e.g., chronic diseases, cancer, long-term infection, aging) can induce an imbalance in skeletal muscle protein synthesis and degradation, which triggers muscle wasting and even leads to atrophy. Skeletal muscle atrophy is characterized by weakening, shrinking, and decreasing muscle mass and fiber cross-sectional area at the histological level. It manifests as a reduction in force production, easy fatigue and decreased exercise capability, along with a lower quality of life. Mechanistically, there are several pathophysiological processes involved in skeletal muscle atrophy, including oxidative stress and inflammation, which then activate signal transduction, such as the ubiquitin proteasome system, autophagy lysosome system, and mTOR. Considering the great economic and social burden that muscle atrophy can inflict, effective prevention and treatment strategies are essential but still limited. Exercise is widely acknowledged as the most effective therapy for skeletal muscle atrophy; unfortunately, it is not applicable for all patients. Several active substances for skeletal muscle atrophy have been discovered and evaluated in clinical trials, however, they have not been marketed to date. Knowledge is being gained on the underlying mechanisms, highlighting more promising treatment strategies in the future. In this paper, the mechanisms and treatment strategies for skeletal muscle atrophy are briefly reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target and Screening Research, Institute of Materia Medica of Peking Union Medical College, 1 Xian Nong Tan Street, Beijing 100050, PR China
| | - Na Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target and Screening Research, Institute of Materia Medica of Peking Union Medical College, 1 Xian Nong Tan Street, Beijing 100050, PR China
| | - Weihua Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target and Screening Research, Institute of Materia Medica of Peking Union Medical College, 1 Xian Nong Tan Street, Beijing 100050, PR China
| | - Nuoqi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target and Screening Research, Institute of Materia Medica of Peking Union Medical College, 1 Xian Nong Tan Street, Beijing 100050, PR China
| | - Meidai Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target and Screening Research, Institute of Materia Medica of Peking Union Medical College, 1 Xian Nong Tan Street, Beijing 100050, PR China
| | - Xiuying Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target and Screening Research, Institute of Materia Medica of Peking Union Medical College, 1 Xian Nong Tan Street, Beijing 100050, PR China.
| | - Guanhua Du
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target and Screening Research, Institute of Materia Medica of Peking Union Medical College, 1 Xian Nong Tan Street, Beijing 100050, PR China.
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27
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de Winter JM, Gineste C, Minardi E, Brocca L, Rossi M, Borsboom T, Beggs AH, Bernard M, Bendahan D, Hwee DT, Malik FI, Pellegrino MA, Bottinelli R, Gondin J, Ottenheijm CAC. Acute and chronic tirasemtiv treatment improves in vivo and in vitro muscle performance in actin-based nemaline myopathy mice. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 30:1305-1320. [PMID: 33909041 PMCID: PMC8255131 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddab112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nemaline myopathy, a disease of the actin-based thin filament, is one of the most frequent congenital myopathies. To date, no specific therapy is available to treat muscle weakness in nemaline myopathy. We tested the ability of tirasemtiv, a fast skeletal troponin activator that targets the thin filament, to augment muscle force-both in vivo and in vitro-in a nemaline myopathy mouse model with a mutation (H40Y) in Acta1. In Acta1H40Y mice, treatment with tirasemtiv increased the force response of muscles to submaximal stimulation frequencies. This resulted in a reduced energetic cost of force generation, which increases the force production during a fatigue protocol. The inotropic effects of tirasemtiv were present in locomotor muscles and, albeit to a lesser extent, in respiratory muscles, and they persisted during chronic treatment, an important finding as respiratory failure is the main cause of death in patients with congenital myopathy. Finally, translational studies on permeabilized muscle fibers isolated from a biopsy of a patient with the ACTA1H40Y mutation revealed that at physiological Ca2+ concentrations, tirasemtiv increased force generation to values that were close to those generated in muscle fibers of healthy subjects. These findings indicate the therapeutic potential of fast skeletal muscle troponin activators to improve muscle function in nemaline myopathy due to the ACTA1H40Y mutation, and future studies should assess their merit for other forms of nemaline myopathy and for other congenital myopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josine M de Winter
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam UMC (location VUmc), Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands
| | | | - Elisa Minardi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - Lorenza Brocca
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - Maira Rossi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - Tamara Borsboom
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam UMC (location VUmc), Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands
| | - Alan H Beggs
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, The Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Monique Bernard
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, CRMBM, UMR 7339, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - David Bendahan
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, CRMBM, UMR 7339, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Darren T Hwee
- Research and Early Development, Cytokinetics Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Fady I Malik
- Research and Early Development, Cytokinetics Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Maria Antonietta Pellegrino
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia 27100, Italy
- Interdipartimental Centre for Biology and Sport Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - Roberto Bottinelli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia 27100, Italy
- Istituti Clinici Maugeri (IRCCS), Scientific Institute of Pavia, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - Julien Gondin
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, CRMBM, UMR 7339, 13005 Marseille, France
- Institut NeuroMyoGène, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS 5310, INSERM U1217, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Coen A C Ottenheijm
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam UMC (location VUmc), Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands
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28
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van de Locht M, Donkervoort S, de Winter JM, Conijn S, Begthel L, Kusters B, Mohassel P, Hu Y, Medne L, Quinn C, Moore SA, Foley AR, Seo G, Hwee DT, Malik FI, Irving T, Ma W, Granzier HL, Kamsteeg EJ, Immadisetty K, Kekenes-Huskey P, Pinto JR, Voermans N, Bönnemann CG, Ottenheijm CA. Pathogenic variants in TNNC2 cause congenital myopathy due to an impaired force response to calcium. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:145700. [PMID: 33755597 DOI: 10.1172/jci145700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Troponin C (TnC) is a critical regulator of skeletal muscle contraction; it binds Ca2+ to activate muscle contraction. Surprisingly, the gene encoding fast skeletal TnC (TNNC2) has not yet been implicated in muscle disease. Here, we report 2 families with pathogenic variants in TNNC2. Patients present with a distinct, dominantly inherited congenital muscle disease. Molecular dynamics simulations suggested that the pathomechanisms by which the variants cause muscle disease include disruption of the binding sites for Ca2+ and for troponin I. In line with these findings, physiological studies in myofibers isolated from patients' biopsies revealed a markedly reduced force response of the sarcomeres to [Ca2+]. This pathomechanism was further confirmed in experiments in which contractile dysfunction was evoked by replacing TnC in myofibers from healthy control subjects with recombinant, mutant TnC. Conversely, the contractile dysfunction of myofibers from patients was repaired by replacing endogenous, mutant TnC with recombinant, wild-type TnC. Finally, we tested the therapeutic potential of the fast skeletal muscle troponin activator tirasemtiv in patients' myofibers and showed that the contractile dysfunction was repaired. Thus, our data reveal that pathogenic variants in TNNC2 cause congenital muscle disease, and they provide therapeutic angles to repair muscle contractility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martijn van de Locht
- Deptartment of Physiology, Amsterdam UMC (location VUmc), Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sandra Donkervoort
- Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disorders of Childhood Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Josine M de Winter
- Deptartment of Physiology, Amsterdam UMC (location VUmc), Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Stefan Conijn
- Deptartment of Physiology, Amsterdam UMC (location VUmc), Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Leon Begthel
- Deptartment of Physiology, Amsterdam UMC (location VUmc), Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Benno Kusters
- Department of Neurology and Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Payam Mohassel
- Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disorders of Childhood Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Ying Hu
- Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disorders of Childhood Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Livija Medne
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Individualized Medical Genetics Center, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Colin Quinn
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Steven A Moore
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - A Reghan Foley
- Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disorders of Childhood Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Gwimoon Seo
- Protein Expression Facility, Institute of Molecular Biophysics, The Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Darren T Hwee
- Research and Early Development, Cytokinetics Inc., South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Fady I Malik
- Research and Early Development, Cytokinetics Inc., South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Thomas Irving
- BioCAT, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Weikang Ma
- BioCAT, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Henk L Granzier
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Erik-Jan Kamsteeg
- Department of Neurology and Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Kalyan Immadisetty
- Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, Loyola University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Peter Kekenes-Huskey
- Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, Loyola University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - José R Pinto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, The Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Nicol Voermans
- Department of Neurology and Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Carsten G Bönnemann
- Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disorders of Childhood Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Coen Ac Ottenheijm
- Deptartment of Physiology, Amsterdam UMC (location VUmc), Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
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29
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Nicolau S, Waldrop MA, Connolly AM, Mendell JR. Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Semin Pediatr Neurol 2021; 37:100878. [PMID: 33892848 DOI: 10.1016/j.spen.2021.100878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy is one of the most common neuromuscular disorders of childhood and has high morbidity and mortality. Three different disease-modifying treatments were introduced in the last 4 years: nusinersen, onasemnogene abeparvovec, and risdiplam. These agents have demonstrated safety and efficacy, but their long-term benefits require further study. Newborn screening programs are enabling earlier diagnosis and treatment and better outcomes, but respiratory care and other supportive measures retain a key role in the management of spinal muscular atrophy. Ongoing efforts seek to optimize gene therapy vectors, explore new therapeutic targets beyond motor neurons, and evaluate the role of combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Nicolau
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH.
| | - Megan A Waldrop
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH; Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Anne M Connolly
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH; Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Jerry R Mendell
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH; Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
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Cruz ACF, Mateus EM, Peterson MJ. Process Development of a Sonogashira Cross-Coupling Reaction as the Key Step of Tirasemtiv Synthesis Using Design of Experiments. Org Process Res Dev 2021. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.oprd.0c00524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ana C. F. Cruz
- R&D, Process Chemistry Development, Hovione FarmaCiencia SA, Campus do Lumiar, Building S, 1649-038 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Elisabete M. Mateus
- R&D, Process Chemistry Development, Hovione FarmaCiencia SA, Campus do Lumiar, Building S, 1649-038 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Matthew J. Peterson
- Acadia Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 12830 El Camino Real #400, San Diego, CA 92130, United States
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31
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Li MX, Mercier P, Hartman JJ, Sykes BD. Structural Basis of Tirasemtiv Activation of Fast Skeletal Muscle. J Med Chem 2021; 64:3026-3034. [PMID: 33703886 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Troponin regulates the calcium-mediated activation of skeletal muscle. Muscle weakness in diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and spinal muscular atrophy occurs from diminished neuromuscular output. The first direct fast skeletal troponin activator, tirasemtiv, amplifies the response of muscle to neuromuscular input. Tirasemtiv binds selectively and strongly to fast skeletal troponin, slowing the rate of calcium release and sensitizing muscle to calcium. We report the solution NMR structure of tirasemtiv bound to a fast skeletal troponin C-troponin I chimera. The structure reveals that tirasemtiv binds in a hydrophobic pocket between the regulatory domain of troponin C and the switch region of troponin I, which overlaps with that of Anapoe in the X-ray structure of skeletal troponin. Multiple interactions stabilize the troponin C-troponin I interface, increase the affinity of troponin C for the switch region of fast skeletal troponin I, and drive the equilibrium toward the active state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica X Li
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
| | - Pascal Mercier
- National High Field NMR Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - James J Hartman
- Cytokinetics, Inc., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Brian D Sykes
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
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32
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Emerging Medical Treatment for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10050951. [PMID: 33804412 PMCID: PMC7957690 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10050951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common myocardial disease characterized by otherwise unexplained left ventricular hypertrophy. The main cause of disabling symptoms in patients with HCM is left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction. This phenomenon is multifactorial, determined both by anatomical and functional abnormalities: myocardial hypercontractility is believed to represent one of its major determinants. The anatomical anomalies are targeted by surgical interventions, whereas attenuating hypercontractility is the objective of old and new drugs including the novel class of allosteric myosin inhibitors. This review summarizes the current treatment modalities and discusses the emerging therapeutical opportunities focusing on the recently developed cardiac myosin ATPase inhibitors Mavacamten and CK-274. Novel surgical and interventional approaches are also discussed.
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In Search of a Cure: The Development of Therapeutics to Alter the Progression of Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11020194. [PMID: 33562482 PMCID: PMC7915832 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11020194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Until the recent development of disease-modifying therapeutics, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) was considered a devastating neuromuscular disease with a poor prognosis for most affected individuals. Symptoms generally present during early childhood and manifest as muscle weakness and progressive paralysis, severely compromising the affected individual’s quality of life, independence, and lifespan. SMA is most commonly caused by the inheritance of homozygously deleted SMN1 alleles with retention of one or more copies of a paralog gene, SMN2, which inversely correlates with disease severity. The recent advent and use of genetically targeted therapies have transformed SMA into a prototype for monogenic disease treatment in the era of genetic medicine. Many SMA-affected individuals receiving these therapies achieve traditionally unobtainable motor milestones and survival rates as medicines drastically alter the natural progression of this disease. This review discusses historical SMA progression and underlying disease mechanisms, highlights advances made in therapeutic research, clinical trials, and FDA-approved medicines, and discusses possible second-generation and complementary medicines as well as optimal temporal intervention windows in order to optimize motor function and improve quality of life for all SMA-affected individuals.
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Parijat P, Kondacs L, Alexandrovich A, Gautel M, Cobb AJA, Kampourakis T. High Throughput Screen Identifies Small Molecule Effectors That Modulate Thin Filament Activation in Cardiac Muscle. ACS Chem Biol 2021; 16:225-235. [PMID: 33315370 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.0c00908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Current therapeutic interventions for both heart disease and heart failure are largely insufficient and associated with undesired side effects. Biomedical research has emphasized the role of sarcomeric protein function for the normal performance and energy efficiency of the heart, suggesting that directly targeting the contractile myofilaments themselves using small molecule effectors has therapeutic potential and will likely result in greater drug efficacy and selectivity. In this study, we developed a robust and highly reproducible fluorescence polarization-based high throughput screening (HTS) assay that directly targets the calcium-dependent interaction between cardiac troponin C (cTnC) and the switch region of cardiac troponin I (cTnISP), with the aim of identifying small molecule effectors of the cardiac thin filament activation pathway. We screened a commercially available small molecule library and identified several hit compounds with both inhibitory and activating effects. We used a range of biophysical and biochemical methods to characterize hit compounds and identified fingolimod, a sphingosin-1-phosphate receptor modulator, as a new troponin-based small molecule effector. Fingolimod decreased the ATPase activity and calcium sensitivity of demembranated cardiac muscle fibers in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting that the compound acts as a calcium desensitizer. We investigated fingolimod's mechanism of action using a combination of computational studies, biophysical methods, and synthetic chemistry, showing that fingolimod bound to cTnC repels cTnISP via mainly electrostatic repulsion of its positively charged tail. These results suggest that fingolimod is a potential new lead compound/scaffold for the development of troponin-directed heart failure therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Parijat
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King’s College London, and British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, London SE1 1UL, United Kingdom
| | - Laszlo Kondacs
- Department of Chemistry, King’s College London, 7 Trinity Street, London, SE1 1DB, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander Alexandrovich
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King’s College London, and British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, London SE1 1UL, United Kingdom
| | - Mathias Gautel
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King’s College London, and British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, London SE1 1UL, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander J. A. Cobb
- Department of Chemistry, King’s College London, 7 Trinity Street, London, SE1 1DB, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Kampourakis
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King’s College London, and British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, London SE1 1UL, United Kingdom
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35
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Alsulami K, Marston S. Small Molecules acting on Myofilaments as Treatments for Heart and Skeletal Muscle Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E9599. [PMID: 33339418 PMCID: PMC7767104 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) are the most prevalent forms of the chronic and progressive pathological condition known as cardiomyopathy. These diseases have different aetiologies; however, they share the feature of haemodynamic abnormalities, which is mainly due to dysfunction in the contractile proteins that make up the contractile unit known as the sarcomere. To date, pharmacological treatment options are not disease-specific and rather focus on managing the symptoms, without addressing the disease mechanism. Earliest attempts at improving cardiac contractility by modulating the sarcomere indirectly (inotropes) resulted in unwanted effects. In contrast, targeting the sarcomere directly, aided by high-throughput screening systems, could identify small molecules with a superior therapeutic value in cardiac muscle disorders. Herein, an extensive literature review of 21 small molecules directed to five different targets was conducted. A simple scoring system was created to assess the suitability of small molecules for therapy by evaluating them in eight different criteria. Most of the compounds failed due to lack of target specificity or poor physicochemical properties. Six compounds stood out, showing a potential therapeutic value in HCM, DCM or heart failure (HF). Omecamtiv Mecarbil and Danicamtiv (myosin activators), Mavacamten, CK-274 and MYK-581 (myosin inhibitors) and AMG 594 (Ca2+-sensitiser) are all small molecules that allosterically modulate troponin or myosin. Omecamtiv Mecarbil showed limited efficacy in phase III GALACTIC-HF trial, while, results from phase III EXPLORER-HCM trial were recently published, indicating that Mavacamten reduced left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction and diastolic dysfunction and improved the health status of patients with HCM. A novel category of small molecules known as "recouplers" was reported to target a phenomenon termed uncoupling commonly found in familial cardiomyopathies but has not progressed beyond preclinical work. In conclusion, the contractile apparatus is a promising target for new drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khulud Alsulami
- Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK;
- National Centre for Pharmaceutical Technology, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia
| | - Steven Marston
- Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK;
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36
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Cheng AJ, Ström J, Hwee DT, Malik FI, Westerblad H. Fast skeletal muscle troponin activator CK-2066260 mitigates skeletal muscle weakness independently of the underlying cause. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2020; 11:1747-1757. [PMID: 32954682 PMCID: PMC7749611 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.12624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Muscle weakness is a common symptom in numerous diseases and a regularly occurring problem associated with ageing. Prolonged low-frequency force depression (PLFFD) is a form of exercise-induced skeletal muscle weakness observed after exercise. Three different intramuscular mechanisms underlying PLFFD have been identified: decreased sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release, decreased myofibrillar Ca2+ sensitivity, and myofibrillar dysfunction. We here used these three forms of PLFFD as models to study the effectiveness of a fast skeletal muscle troponin activator, CK-2066260, to mitigate muscle weakness. METHODS Experiments were performed on intact single muscle fibres or fibre bundles from mouse flexor digitorum brevis, which were stimulated with electrical current pulses, while force and the free cytosolic [Ca2+ ] ([Ca2+ ]i ) were measured. PLFFD was induced by three different stimulation protocols: (i) repeated isometric contractions at low intensity (350 ms tetani given every 5 s for 100 contractions); (ii) repeated isometric contractions at high intensity (250 ms tetani given every 0.5 s for 300 contractions); and (iii) repeated eccentric contractions (350 ms tetani with 20% length increase given every 20 s for 10 contractions). The extent and cause of PLFFD were assessed by comparing the force-[Ca2+ ]i relationship at low (30 Hz) and high (120 Hz) stimulation frequencies before (control) and 30 min after induction of PLFFD, and after an additional 5 min of rest in the presence of CK-2066260 (10 μM). RESULTS Prolonged low-frequency force depression following low-intensity and high-intensity fatiguing contractions was predominantly due to decreased sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release and decreased myofibrillar Ca2+ sensitivity, respectively. CK-2066260 exposure resulted in marked increases in 30 Hz force from 52 ± 16% to 151 ± 13% and from 6 ± 4% to 98 ± 40% of controls with low-intensity and high-intensity contractions, respectively. Following repeated eccentric contractions, PLFFD was mainly due to myofibrillar dysfunction, and it was not fully reversed by CK-2066260 with 30 Hz force increasing from 48 ± 8% to 76 ± 6% of the control. CONCLUSIONS The fast skeletal muscle troponin activator CK-2066260 effectively mitigates muscle weakness, especially when it is caused by impaired activation of the myofibrillar contractile machinery due to either decreased sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release or reduced myofibrillar Ca2+ sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur J Cheng
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jennifer Ström
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Darren T Hwee
- Research and Early Development, Cytokinetics, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Fady I Malik
- Research and Early Development, Cytokinetics, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Håkan Westerblad
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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37
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Potential of the Cardiovascular Drug Levosimendan in the Management of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: An Overview of a Working Hypothesis. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2020; 74:389-399. [PMID: 31730560 DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0000000000000728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Levosimendan is a calcium sensitizer that promotes myocyte contractility through its calcium-dependent interaction with cardiac troponin C. Administered intravenously, it has been used for nearly 2 decades to treat acute and advanced heart failure and to support the heart function in various therapy settings characterized by low cardiac output. Effects of levosimendan on noncardiac muscle suggest a possible new application in the treatment of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neuromuscular disorder characterized by progressive weakness, and eventual paralysis. Previous attempts to improve the muscle response in ALS patients and thereby maintain respiratory function and delay progression of disability have produced some mixed results. Continuing this line of investigation, levosimendan has been shown to enhance in vitro the contractility of the diaphragm muscle fibers of non-ALS patients and to improve in vivo diaphragm neuromuscular efficiency in healthy subjects. Possible positive effects on respiratory function in people with ALS were seen in an exploratory phase 2 study, and a phase 3 clinical trial is now underway to evaluate the potential benefit of an oral form of levosimendan on both respiratory and overall functions in patients with ALS. Here, we will review the various known pharmacologic effects of levosimendan, considering their relevance to people living with ALS.
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38
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Shefner JM, Cudkowicz ME, Hardiman O, Cockcroft BM, Lee JH, Malik FI, Meng L, Rudnicki SA, Wolff AA, Andrews JA. A phase III trial of tirasemtiv as a potential treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2020; 0:1-11. [PMID: 31081694 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2019.1612922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Objective To assess the efficacy of tirasemtiv, a fast skeletal muscle troponin activator, vs. placebo in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Methods: VITALITY-ALS (NCT02496767) was a multinational, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Participants tolerating 2 weeks of open-label tirasemtiv (125 mg twice daily) were randomized 3:2:2:2 to placebo or one of three target tirasemtiv dose levels, using an escalating dosage protocol lasting 28 days. The primary outcome measure was changed in slow vital capacity (SVC) at 24 weeks. Secondary endpoints included a change in muscle strength and time to respiratory milestones of disease progression. Results Of 744 participants, 565 tolerated open-label tirasemtiv and received randomized treatment. By 24 weeks, 23 (12.2%) placebo-treated participants discontinued study treatment vs. 129 (34.2%) randomized to tirasemtiv. SVC declined by 14.4% (95% CI: −16.8, −11.9) in the placebo group and 13.4% (95% CI: −15.3, −11.6) in the tirasemtiv group (p = 0.56). Secondary endpoints did not show significant differences. However, participants who tolerated tirasemtiv at their randomized dose showed a numeric trend toward a dose-related slowing of decline in SVC (p = 0.11). Dizziness, fatigue, nausea, weight loss, and insomnia occurred more frequently on tirasemtiv. Serious adverse events were similar across groups. Conclusions Tirasemtiv did not alter the decline of SVC or significantly impact secondary outcome measures. Poor tolerability of tirasemtiv may have contributed to this result. However, participants tolerating their intended dose exhibited a trend toward treatment benefit on SVC, suggesting the underlying mechanism of action may still hold promise, as is being tested with a different fast skeletal muscle troponin activator (NCT03160898).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy M Shefner
- Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona.,Department of Neurology, University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Merit E Cudkowicz
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Clinical Research Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Orla Hardiman
- Academic Unit of Neurology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | | | - Fady I Malik
- Cytokinetics, Inc., South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Lisa Meng
- Cytokinetics, Inc., South San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Andrew A Wolff
- Cytokinetics, Inc., South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jinsy A Andrews
- The Neurological Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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39
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Wobst HJ, Mack KL, Brown DG, Brandon NJ, Shorter J. The clinical trial landscape in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-Past, present, and future. Med Res Rev 2020; 40:1352-1384. [PMID: 32043626 PMCID: PMC7417284 DOI: 10.1002/med.21661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 12/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease marked by progressive loss of muscle function. It is the most common adult-onset form of motor neuron disease, affecting about 16 000 people in the United States alone. The average survival is about 3 years. Only two interventional drugs, the antiglutamatergic small-molecule riluzole and the more recent antioxidant edaravone, have been approved for the treatment of ALS to date. Therapeutic strategies under investigation in clinical trials cover a range of different modalities and targets, and more than 70 different drugs have been tested in the clinic to date. Here, we summarize and classify interventional therapeutic strategies based on their molecular targets and phenotypic effects. We also discuss possible reasons for the failure of clinical trials in ALS and highlight emerging preclinical strategies that could provide a breakthrough in the battle against this relentless disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heike J Wobst
- Neuroscience, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Korrie L Mack
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Merck & Co, Inc, Kenilworth, New Jersey
| | - Dean G Brown
- Hit Discovery, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nicholas J Brandon
- Neuroscience, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - James Shorter
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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40
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Abstract
Nebulin, encoded by NEB, is a giant skeletal muscle protein of about 6669 amino acids which forms an integral part of the sarcomeric thin filament. In recent years, the nebula around this protein has been largely lifted resulting in the discovery that nebulin is critical for a number of tasks in skeletal muscle. In this review, we firstly discussed nebulin’s role as a structural component of the thin filament and the Z-disk, regulating the length and the mechanical properties of the thin filament as well as providing stability to myofibrils by interacting with structural proteins within the Z-disk. Secondly, we reviewed nebulin’s involvement in the regulation of muscle contraction, cross-bridge cycling kinetics, Ca2+-homeostasis and excitation contraction (EC) coupling. While its role in Ca2+-homeostasis and EC coupling is still poorly understood, a large number of studies have helped to improve our knowledge on how nebulin affects skeletal muscle contractile mechanics. These studies suggest that nebulin affects the number of force generating actin-myosin cross-bridges and may also affect the force that each cross-bridge produces. It may exert this effect by interacting directly with actin and myosin and/or indirectly by potentially changing the localisation and function of the regulatory complex (troponin and tropomyosin). Besides unravelling the biology of nebulin, these studies are particularly helpful in understanding the patho-mechanism of myopathies caused by NEB mutations, providing knowledge which constitutes the critical first step towards the development of therapeutic interventions. Currently, effective treatments are not available, although a number of therapeutic strategies are being investigated.
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Lassche S, Voermans NC, van der Pijl R, van den Berg M, Heerschap A, van Hees H, Kusters B, van der Maarel SM, Ottenheijm CAC, van Engelen BGM. Preserved single muscle fiber specific force in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy. Neurology 2020; 94:e1157-e1170. [PMID: 31964688 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000008977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate single muscle fiber contractile performance in muscle biopsies from patients with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), one of the most common hereditary muscle disorders. METHODS We collected 50 muscle biopsies (26 vastus lateralis, 24 tibialis anterior) from 14 patients with genetically confirmed FSHD and 12 healthy controls. Single muscle fibers (n = 547) were isolated for contractile measurements. Titin content and titin phosphorylation were examined in vastus lateralis muscle biopsies. RESULTS Single muscle fiber specific force was intact at saturating and physiologic calcium concentrations in all FSHD biopsies, with (FSHDFAT) and without (FSHDNORMAL) fatty infiltration, compared to healthy controls. Myofilament calcium sensitivity of force is increased in single muscle fibers obtained from FSHD muscle biopsies with increased fatty infiltration, but not in FSHD muscle biopsies without fatty infiltration (pCa50: 5.77-5.80 in healthy controls, 5.74-5.83 in FSHDNORMAL, and 5.86-5.90 in FSHDFAT single muscle fibers). Cross-bridge cycling kinetics at saturating calcium concentrations and myofilament cooperativity did not differ from healthy controls. Development of single muscle fiber passive tension was changed in all FSHD vastus lateralis and in FSHDFAT tibialis anterior, resulting in increased fiber stiffness. Titin content was increased in FSHD vastus lateralis biopsies; however, titin phosphorylation did not differ from healthy controls. CONCLUSION Muscle weakness in patients with FSHD is not caused by reduced specific force of individual muscle fibers, even in severely affected tissue with marked fatty infiltration of muscle tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskia Lassche
- From the Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour (S.L., N.C.V., B.G.M.v.E.), Department of Radiology (A.H.), and Department of Pulmonary Diseases (H.V.H.), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen; Department of Physiology (S.L., R.v.d.P., M.v.d.B., C.A.C.O.) and Department of Pathology, Institute for Cardiovascular Research (B.K.), Amsterdam University Medical Center, the Netherlands; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (R.v.d.P., C.A.C.O.), University of Arizona, Tucson; and Department of Human Genetics (S.M.v.d.M.), Leiden University Medical Centre, the Netherlands.
| | - Nicol C Voermans
- From the Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour (S.L., N.C.V., B.G.M.v.E.), Department of Radiology (A.H.), and Department of Pulmonary Diseases (H.V.H.), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen; Department of Physiology (S.L., R.v.d.P., M.v.d.B., C.A.C.O.) and Department of Pathology, Institute for Cardiovascular Research (B.K.), Amsterdam University Medical Center, the Netherlands; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (R.v.d.P., C.A.C.O.), University of Arizona, Tucson; and Department of Human Genetics (S.M.v.d.M.), Leiden University Medical Centre, the Netherlands
| | - Robbert van der Pijl
- From the Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour (S.L., N.C.V., B.G.M.v.E.), Department of Radiology (A.H.), and Department of Pulmonary Diseases (H.V.H.), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen; Department of Physiology (S.L., R.v.d.P., M.v.d.B., C.A.C.O.) and Department of Pathology, Institute for Cardiovascular Research (B.K.), Amsterdam University Medical Center, the Netherlands; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (R.v.d.P., C.A.C.O.), University of Arizona, Tucson; and Department of Human Genetics (S.M.v.d.M.), Leiden University Medical Centre, the Netherlands
| | - Marloes van den Berg
- From the Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour (S.L., N.C.V., B.G.M.v.E.), Department of Radiology (A.H.), and Department of Pulmonary Diseases (H.V.H.), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen; Department of Physiology (S.L., R.v.d.P., M.v.d.B., C.A.C.O.) and Department of Pathology, Institute for Cardiovascular Research (B.K.), Amsterdam University Medical Center, the Netherlands; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (R.v.d.P., C.A.C.O.), University of Arizona, Tucson; and Department of Human Genetics (S.M.v.d.M.), Leiden University Medical Centre, the Netherlands
| | - Arend Heerschap
- From the Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour (S.L., N.C.V., B.G.M.v.E.), Department of Radiology (A.H.), and Department of Pulmonary Diseases (H.V.H.), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen; Department of Physiology (S.L., R.v.d.P., M.v.d.B., C.A.C.O.) and Department of Pathology, Institute for Cardiovascular Research (B.K.), Amsterdam University Medical Center, the Netherlands; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (R.v.d.P., C.A.C.O.), University of Arizona, Tucson; and Department of Human Genetics (S.M.v.d.M.), Leiden University Medical Centre, the Netherlands
| | - Hieronymus van Hees
- From the Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour (S.L., N.C.V., B.G.M.v.E.), Department of Radiology (A.H.), and Department of Pulmonary Diseases (H.V.H.), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen; Department of Physiology (S.L., R.v.d.P., M.v.d.B., C.A.C.O.) and Department of Pathology, Institute for Cardiovascular Research (B.K.), Amsterdam University Medical Center, the Netherlands; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (R.v.d.P., C.A.C.O.), University of Arizona, Tucson; and Department of Human Genetics (S.M.v.d.M.), Leiden University Medical Centre, the Netherlands
| | - Benno Kusters
- From the Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour (S.L., N.C.V., B.G.M.v.E.), Department of Radiology (A.H.), and Department of Pulmonary Diseases (H.V.H.), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen; Department of Physiology (S.L., R.v.d.P., M.v.d.B., C.A.C.O.) and Department of Pathology, Institute for Cardiovascular Research (B.K.), Amsterdam University Medical Center, the Netherlands; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (R.v.d.P., C.A.C.O.), University of Arizona, Tucson; and Department of Human Genetics (S.M.v.d.M.), Leiden University Medical Centre, the Netherlands
| | - Silvère M van der Maarel
- From the Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour (S.L., N.C.V., B.G.M.v.E.), Department of Radiology (A.H.), and Department of Pulmonary Diseases (H.V.H.), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen; Department of Physiology (S.L., R.v.d.P., M.v.d.B., C.A.C.O.) and Department of Pathology, Institute for Cardiovascular Research (B.K.), Amsterdam University Medical Center, the Netherlands; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (R.v.d.P., C.A.C.O.), University of Arizona, Tucson; and Department of Human Genetics (S.M.v.d.M.), Leiden University Medical Centre, the Netherlands
| | - Coen A C Ottenheijm
- From the Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour (S.L., N.C.V., B.G.M.v.E.), Department of Radiology (A.H.), and Department of Pulmonary Diseases (H.V.H.), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen; Department of Physiology (S.L., R.v.d.P., M.v.d.B., C.A.C.O.) and Department of Pathology, Institute for Cardiovascular Research (B.K.), Amsterdam University Medical Center, the Netherlands; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (R.v.d.P., C.A.C.O.), University of Arizona, Tucson; and Department of Human Genetics (S.M.v.d.M.), Leiden University Medical Centre, the Netherlands
| | - Baziel G M van Engelen
- From the Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour (S.L., N.C.V., B.G.M.v.E.), Department of Radiology (A.H.), and Department of Pulmonary Diseases (H.V.H.), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen; Department of Physiology (S.L., R.v.d.P., M.v.d.B., C.A.C.O.) and Department of Pathology, Institute for Cardiovascular Research (B.K.), Amsterdam University Medical Center, the Netherlands; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (R.v.d.P., C.A.C.O.), University of Arizona, Tucson; and Department of Human Genetics (S.M.v.d.M.), Leiden University Medical Centre, the Netherlands
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Rausch M, Böhringer D, Steinmann M, Schubert DW, Schrüfer S, Mark C, Fabry B. Measurement of Skeletal Muscle Fiber Contractility with High-Speed Traction Microscopy. Biophys J 2019; 118:657-666. [PMID: 31952805 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2019.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We describe a technique for simultaneous quantification of the contractile forces and cytosolic calcium dynamics of muscle fibers embedded in three-dimensional biopolymer gels under auxotonic loading conditions. We derive a scaling law for linear elastic matrices such as basement membrane extract hydrogels (Matrigel) that allows us to measure contractile force from the shape of the relaxed and contracted muscle cell and the Young's modulus of the matrix without further knowledge of the matrix deformations surrounding the cell and without performing computationally intensive inverse force reconstruction algorithms. We apply our method to isolated mouse flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) fibers that are embedded in 10 mg/mL Matrigel. Upon electrical stimulation, individual FDB fibers show twitch forces of 0.37 ± 0.15 μN and tetanic forces (100-Hz stimulation frequency) of 2.38 ± 0.71 μN, corresponding to a tension of 0.44 ± 0.25 kPa and 2.53 ± 1.17 kPa, respectively. Contractile forces of FDB fibers increase in response to caffeine and the troponin-calcium stabilizer tirasemtiv, similar to responses measured in whole muscle. From simultaneous high-speed measurements of cell length changes and cytosolic calcium concentration using confocal line scanning at a frequency of 2048 Hz, we show that twitch and tetanic force responses to electric pulses follow the low-pass filtered calcium signal. In summary, we present a technically simple high-speed method for measuring contractile forces and cytosolic calcium dynamics of single muscle fibers. We expect that our method will help to reduce preparation time, costs, and the number of sacrificed animals needed for experiments such as drug testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Rausch
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - David Böhringer
- Department of Physics, Institute for Polymer Materials, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Dirk W Schubert
- Department of Materials Science, Institute for Polymer Materials, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Stefan Schrüfer
- Department of Materials Science, Institute for Polymer Materials, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christoph Mark
- Department of Physics, Institute for Polymer Materials, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ben Fabry
- Department of Physics, Institute for Polymer Materials, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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Lee EJ, Kolb J, Hwee DT, Malik FI, Granzier HL. Functional Characterization of the Intact Diaphragm in a Nebulin-Based Nemaline Myopathy (NM) Model-Effects of the Fast Skeletal Muscle Troponin Activator tirasemtiv. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E5008. [PMID: 31658633 PMCID: PMC6829460 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20205008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 10/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Respiratory failure due to diaphragm dysfunction is considered a main cause of death in nemaline myopathy (NM) and we studied both isometric force and isotonic shortening of diaphragm muscle in a mouse model of nebulin-based NM (Neb cKO). A large contractile deficit was found in nebulin-deficient intact muscle that is frequency dependent, with the largest deficits at low-intermediate stimulation frequencies (e.g., a deficit of 72% at a stimulation frequency of 20 Hz). The effect of the fast skeletal muscle troponin activator (FSTA) tirasemtiv on force was examined. Tirasemtiv had a negligible effect at maximal stimulation frequencies, but greatly reduced the force deficit of the diaphragm at sub-maximal stimulation levels with an effect that was largest in Neb cKO diaphragm. As a result, the force deficit of Neb cKO diaphragm fell (from 72% to 29% at 20 Hz). Similar effects were found in in vivo experiments on the nerve-stimulated gastrocnemius muscle complex. Load-clamp experiments on diaphragm muscle showed that tirasemtiv increased the shortening velocity, and reduced the deficit in mechanical power by 33%. Thus, tirasemtiv significantly improves muscle function in a mouse model of nebulin-based nemaline myopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Jeong Lee
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA.
| | - Justin Kolb
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA.
| | - Darren T Hwee
- Research and Early Development, Cytokinetics, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA.
| | - Fady I Malik
- Research and Early Development, Cytokinetics, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA.
| | - Henk L Granzier
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA.
- Medical Research Building, RM 325, 1656 E Mabel St, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA.
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Roesthuis L, van der Hoeven H, Sinderby C, Frenzel T, Ottenheijm C, Brochard L, Doorduin J, Heunks L. Effects of levosimendan on respiratory muscle function in patients weaning from mechanical ventilation. Intensive Care Med 2019; 45:1372-1381. [PMID: 31576436 PMCID: PMC6773912 DOI: 10.1007/s00134-019-05767-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Respiratory muscle weakness frequently develops in critically ill patients and is associated with adverse outcome, including difficult weaning from mechanical ventilation. Today, no drug is approved to improve respiratory muscle function in these patients. Previously, we have shown that the calcium sensitizer levosimendan improves calcium sensitivity of human diaphragm muscle fibers in vitro and contractile efficiency of the diaphragm in healthy subjects. The main purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of levosimendan on diaphragm contractile efficiency in mechanically ventilated patients. METHODS In a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial, mechanically ventilated patients performed two 30-min continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) trials with 5-h interval. After the first CPAP trial, study medication (levosimendan 0.2 µg/kg/min continuous infusion or placebo) was administered. During the CPAP trials, electrical activity of the diaphragm (EAdi), transdiaphragmatic pressure (Pdi), and flow were measured. Neuromechanical efficiency (primary outcome parameter) was calculated. RESULTS Thirty-nine patients were included in the study. Neuromechanical efficiency was not different during the CPAP trial after levosimendan administration compared to the CPAP trial before study medication. Tidal volume and minute ventilation were higher after levosimendan administration (11 and 21%, respectively), whereas EAdi and Pdi were higher in both groups in the CPAP trial after study medication compared to the CPAP trial before study medication. CONCLUSIONS Levosimendan does not improve diaphragm contractile efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisanne Roesthuis
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Hans van der Hoeven
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Christer Sinderby
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Science Technology (iBEST), Ryerson University and St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tim Frenzel
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Coen Ottenheijm
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Laurent Brochard
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Interdepartmental Division of Critical Care Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jonne Doorduin
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Leo Heunks
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc, Postbox 7057, 1007 MB, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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45
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Allen DG. Calcium sensitivity and muscle disease. J Physiol 2019; 597:4435-4436. [DOI: 10.1113/jp278471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- David G. Allen
- School of Medical SciencesFaculty of MedicineUniversity of Sydney Australia
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46
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Juraschek SP, Daya N, Appel LJ, Miller ER, Matsushita K, Michos ED, Windham BG, Ballantyne CM, Selvin E. Subclinical Cardiovascular Disease and Fall Risk in Older Adults: Results From the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study. J Am Geriatr Soc 2019; 67:1795-1802. [PMID: 31493355 PMCID: PMC6733582 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.16041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Falls are frequent and often devastating events among older adults. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is associated with greater fall risk; however, it is unknown if pathways that contribute to CVD, such as subclinical myocardial damage or wall strain, are related to future falls. We hypothesized that elevations in high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), measured in older adults, would be associated with greater fall risk. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study participants without known coronary heart disease, heart failure, or stroke. MEASUREMENTS We measured hs-cTnT or NT-proBNP in 2011 to 2013. Falls were identified from hospital discharge International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9), codes or Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services claims. We used Poisson models adjusted for age, sex, and race/study center to quantify fall rates across approximate quartiles of hs-cTnT (less than 8, 8-10, 11-16, and 17 or greater ng/L) and NT-proBNP (less than 75, 75-124, 125-274, and 275 or greater pg/mL). We used Cox models to determine the association of cardiac markers with fall risk, adjusted for age, sex, race/center, and multiple fall risk factors. RESULTS Among 3973 participants (mean age = 76 ± 5 years, 62% women, 22% black), 457 had a subsequent fall during a median follow-up of 4.5 years. Incidence rates across quartiles of hs-cTnT and NT-proBNP were 17.1, 20.0, 26.2, and 36.4 per 1000 person-years and 12.8, 22.2, 28.7, and 48.4 per 1000 person-years, respectively. Comparing highest vs lowest quartiles of either hs-cTnT or NT-proBNP demonstrated a greater than two-fold higher fall risk, with hazard ratios of 2.17 (95% confidence interval {CI} = 1.60-2.95) and 2.34 (95% CI = 1.73-3.16), respectively. In a joint model, the relationships of hs-cTnT and NT-proBNP with falls were significant and independent. CONCLUSION Subclinical elevations of cardiac damage and wall strain were each associated with a higher fall risk in older adults. Further research is needed to determine whether interventions that lower hs-cTnT or NT-proBNP also lower fall risk. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:1795-1802, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen P Juraschek
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Natalie Daya
- The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Department of Epidemiology, The Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology and Clinical Research, and Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Lawrence J Appel
- The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Department of Epidemiology, The Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology and Clinical Research, and Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Edgar R Miller
- The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Department of Epidemiology, The Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology and Clinical Research, and Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Kunihiro Matsushita
- The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Department of Epidemiology, The Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology and Clinical Research, and Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Erin D Michos
- The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Department of Epidemiology, The Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology and Clinical Research, and Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - B Gwen Windham
- Department of Medicine and Center of Biostatistics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Christie M Ballantyne
- Section of Cardiovascular Research, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart and Vascular Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Elizabeth Selvin
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Cheng AJ, Hwee DT, Kim LH, Durham N, Yang HT, Hinken AC, Kennedy AR, Terjung RL, Jasper JR, Malik FI, Westerblad H. Fast skeletal muscle troponin activator CK-2066260 increases fatigue resistance by reducing the energetic cost of muscle contraction. J Physiol 2019; 597:4615-4625. [PMID: 31246276 PMCID: PMC6851859 DOI: 10.1113/jp278235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Key points Skeletal muscle fatigue limits performance in various physical activities, with exercise intolerance being a key symptom in a broad spectrum of diseases. We investigated whether a small molecule fast skeletal troponin activator (FSTA), CK‐2066260, can mitigate muscle fatigue by reducing the cytosolic free [Ca2+] required to produce a given submaximal force and hence decreasing the energy requirement. Isolated intact single mouse muscle fibres and rat muscles in‐situ treated with CK‐2066260 showed improved muscle endurance., which was accompanied by decreased ATP demand and reduced glycogen usage. CK‐2066260 treatment improved in‐vivo exercise capacity in healthy rats and in a rat model of peripheral artery insufficiency. In conclusion, we show that the FSTA CK‐2066260 effectively counteracts muscle fatigue in rodent skeletal muscle in vitro, in situ, and in vivo. This may translate to humans and provide a promising pharmacological treatment to patients suffering from severe muscle weakness and exercise intolerance.
Abstract Skeletal muscle fatigue limits performance during physical exercise and exacerbated muscle fatigue is a prominent symptom among a broad spectrum of diseases. The present study investigated whether skeletal muscle fatigue is affected by the fast skeletal muscle troponin activator (FSTA) CK‐2066260, which increases myofibrillar Ca2+ sensitivity and amplifies the submaximal force response. Because more force is produced for a given Ca2+, we hypothesized that CK‐2066260 could mitigate muscle fatigue by reducing the energetic cost of muscle activation. Isolated single mouse muscle fibres were fatigued by 100 repeated 350 ms contractions while measuring force and the cytosolic free [Ca2+] or [Mg2+] ([Mg2+]i). When starting fatiguing stimulation at matching forces (i.e. lower stimulation frequency with CK‐2066260): force was decreased by ∼50% with and by ∼75% without CK‐2066260; [Mg2+]i was increased by ∼10% with and ∼32% without CK‐2066260, reflecting a larger decrease in [ATP] in the latter. The glycogen content in in situ stimulated rat muscles fatigued by repeated contractions at matching forces was about two times higher with than without CK‐2066260. Voluntary exercise capacity, assessed by rats performing rotarod exercise and treadmill running, was improved in the presence of CK‐2066260. CK‐2066260 treatment also increased skeletal muscle fatigue resistance and exercise performance in a rat model of peripheral artery insufficiency. In conclusion, we demonstrate that the FSTA CK‐2066260 mitigates skeletal muscle fatigue by reducing the metabolic cost of force generation. Skeletal muscle fatigue limits performance in various physical activities, with exercise intolerance being a key symptom in a broad spectrum of diseases. We investigated whether a small molecule fast skeletal troponin activator (FSTA), CK‐2066260, can mitigate muscle fatigue by reducing the cytosolic free [Ca2+] required to produce a given submaximal force and hence decreasing the energy requirement. Isolated intact single mouse muscle fibres and rat muscles in‐situ treated with CK‐2066260 showed improved muscle endurance., which was accompanied by decreased ATP demand and reduced glycogen usage. CK‐2066260 treatment improved in‐vivo exercise capacity in healthy rats and in a rat model of peripheral artery insufficiency. In conclusion, we show that the FSTA CK‐2066260 effectively counteracts muscle fatigue in rodent skeletal muscle in vitro, in situ, and in vivo. This may translate to humans and provide a promising pharmacological treatment to patients suffering from severe muscle weakness and exercise intolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur J Cheng
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Darren T Hwee
- Research and Early Development, Cytokinetics, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Leo H Kim
- Research and Early Development, Cytokinetics, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Nickie Durham
- Research and Early Development, Cytokinetics, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Hsiao T Yang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Aaron C Hinken
- Research and Early Development, Cytokinetics, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Adam R Kennedy
- Research and Early Development, Cytokinetics, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Ronald L Terjung
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Jeffrey R Jasper
- Research and Early Development, Cytokinetics, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Fady I Malik
- Research and Early Development, Cytokinetics, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Håkan Westerblad
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
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Abstract
The congenital myopathies are a genetically heterogeneous and diverse group of early-onset, nondystrophic neuromuscular disorders. While the originally reported "classical" entities within this group - Central Core Disease, Multiminicore Disease, Nemaline Myopathy, and Centronuclear Myopathy - were defined by the predominant finding on muscle biopsy, "novel" forms with multiple, subtle, and unusual histopathologic features have been described more recently, reflective of an expanding phenotypical spectrum. The main disease mechanisms concern excitation-contraction coupling, intracellular calcium homeostasis, and thin/thick filament interactions. Management to date has been mainly supportive. Therapeutic strategies currently at various stages of exploration include genetic interventions aimed at direct correction of the underlying genetic defect, enzyme replacement therapy, and pharmacologic approaches, either specifically targeting the principal effect of the underlying gene mutation, or addressing its downstream consequences more generally. Clinical trial development is accelerating but will require more robust natural history data and tailored outcome measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heinz Jungbluth
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Neuromuscular Service, Evelina's Children Hospital, Guy's and St. Thomas' Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom; Randall Division for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, Muscle Signalling Section, London, United Kingdom; Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, IoPPN, King's College, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Francesco Muntoni
- The Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, Developmental Neurosciences Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health & Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, United Kingdom; NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, United Kingdom
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49
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Prasad A, Bharathi V, Sivalingam V, Girdhar A, Patel BK. Molecular Mechanisms of TDP-43 Misfolding and Pathology in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:25. [PMID: 30837838 PMCID: PMC6382748 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 428] [Impact Index Per Article: 85.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
TAR DNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43) is a versatile RNA/DNA binding protein involved in RNA-related metabolism. Hyper-phosphorylated and ubiquitinated TDP-43 deposits act as inclusion bodies in the brain and spinal cord of patients with the motor neuron diseases: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). While the majority of ALS cases (90-95%) are sporadic (sALS), among familial ALS cases 5-10% involve the inheritance of mutations in the TARDBP gene and the remaining (90-95%) are due to mutations in other genes such as: C9ORF72, SOD1, FUS, and NEK1 etc. Strikingly however, the majority of sporadic ALS patients (up to 97%) also contain the TDP-43 protein deposited in the neuronal inclusions, which suggests of its pivotal role in the ALS pathology. Thus, unraveling the molecular mechanisms of the TDP-43 pathology seems central to the ALS therapeutics, hence, we comprehensively review the current understanding of the TDP-43's pathology in ALS. We discuss the roles of TDP-43's mutations, its cytoplasmic mis-localization and aberrant post-translational modifications in ALS. Also, we evaluate TDP-43's amyloid-like in vitro aggregation, its physiological vs. pathological oligomerization in vivo, liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), and potential prion-like propagation propensity of the TDP-43 inclusions. Finally, we describe the various evolving TDP-43-induced toxicity mechanisms, such as the impairment of endocytosis and mitotoxicity etc. and also discuss the emerging strategies toward TDP-43 disaggregation and ALS therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Basant K. Patel
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Sangareddy, India
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50
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Bowerman M, Becker CG, Yáñez-Muñoz RJ, Ning K, Wood MJA, Gillingwater TH, Talbot K. Therapeutic strategies for spinal muscular atrophy: SMN and beyond. Dis Model Mech 2018; 10:943-954. [PMID: 28768735 PMCID: PMC5560066 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.030148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a devastating neuromuscular disorder characterized by loss of motor neurons and muscle atrophy, generally presenting in childhood. SMA is caused by low levels of the survival motor neuron protein (SMN) due to inactivating mutations in the encoding gene SMN1. A second duplicated gene, SMN2, produces very little but sufficient functional protein for survival. Therapeutic strategies to increase SMN are in clinical trials, and the first SMN2-directed antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapy has recently been licensed. However, several factors suggest that complementary strategies may be needed for the long-term maintenance of neuromuscular and other functions in SMA patients. Pre-clinical SMA models demonstrate that the requirement for SMN protein is highest when the structural connections of the neuromuscular system are being established, from late fetal life throughout infancy. Augmenting SMN may not address the slow neurodegenerative process underlying progressive functional decline beyond childhood in less severe types of SMA. Furthermore, individuals receiving SMN-based treatments may be vulnerable to delayed symptoms if rescue of the neuromuscular system is incomplete. Finally, a large number of older patients living with SMA do not fulfill the present criteria for inclusion in gene therapy and ASO clinical trials, and may not benefit from SMN-inducing treatments. Therefore, a comprehensive whole-lifespan approach to SMA therapy is required that includes both SMN-dependent and SMN-independent strategies that treat the CNS and periphery. Here, we review the range of non-SMN pathways implicated in SMA pathophysiology and discuss how various model systems can serve as valuable tools for SMA drug discovery. Summary: Translational research for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) should address the development of non-CNS and survival motor neuron (SMN)-independent therapeutic approaches to complement and enhance the benefits of CNS-directed and SMN-dependent therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Bowerman
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Catherina G Becker
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research and Centre for Neuroregeneration, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Rafael J Yáñez-Muñoz
- AGCTlab.org, Centre for Biomedical Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham Hill, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK
| | - Ke Ning
- Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Matthew J A Wood
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Thomas H Gillingwater
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research and Centre for Integrative Physiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Kevin Talbot
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
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