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Wei Y, Jiang Y, Lu Y, Hu Q. Histone modifications in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: pathogenesis insights and therapeutic implications. J Med Genet 2024:jmg-2024-110045. [PMID: 39327039 DOI: 10.1136/jmg-2024-110045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 09/18/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a commonly encountered genetic ailment marked by loss-of-function mutations in the Dystrophin gene, ultimately resulting in progressive debilitation of skeletal muscle. The investigation into the pathogenesis of DMD has increasingly converged on the role of histone modifications within the broader context of epigenetic regulation. These modifications, including histone acetylation, methylation and phosphorylation, are catalysed by specific enzymes and play a critical role in gene expression. This article provides an overview of the histone modifications occurring in DMD and analyses the research progress and potential of different types of histone modifications in DMD due to changes in cellular signalling for muscle regeneration, to provide new insights into diagnostic and therapeutic options for DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanning Wei
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Biological Molecular Medicine Research of Education, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yuanyuan Jiang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yufei Lu
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Qiping Hu
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Longevity and Aging-related Diseases, Ministry of Education, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
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2
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Dowling P, Trollet C, Negroni E, Swandulla D, Ohlendieck K. How Can Proteomics Help to Elucidate the Pathophysiological Crosstalk in Muscular Dystrophy and Associated Multi-System Dysfunction? Proteomes 2024; 12:4. [PMID: 38250815 PMCID: PMC10801633 DOI: 10.3390/proteomes12010004] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
This perspective article is concerned with the question of how proteomics, which is a core technique of systems biology that is deeply embedded in the multi-omics field of modern bioresearch, can help us better understand the molecular pathogenesis of complex diseases. As an illustrative example of a monogenetic disorder that primarily affects the neuromuscular system but is characterized by a plethora of multi-system pathophysiological alterations, the muscle-wasting disease Duchenne muscular dystrophy was examined. Recent achievements in the field of dystrophinopathy research are described with special reference to the proteome-wide complexity of neuromuscular changes and body-wide alterations/adaptations. Based on a description of the current applications of top-down versus bottom-up proteomic approaches and their technical challenges, future systems biological approaches are outlined. The envisaged holistic and integromic bioanalysis would encompass the integration of diverse omics-type studies including inter- and intra-proteomics as the core disciplines for systematic protein evaluations, with sophisticated biomolecular analyses, including physiology, molecular biology, biochemistry and histochemistry. Integrated proteomic findings promise to be instrumental in improving our detailed knowledge of pathogenic mechanisms and multi-system dysfunction, widening the available biomarker signature of dystrophinopathy for improved diagnostic/prognostic procedures, and advancing the identification of novel therapeutic targets to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Dowling
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, National University of Ireland, W23 F2H6 Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland;
- Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, W23 F2H6 Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - Capucine Trollet
- Center for Research in Myology U974, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Myology Institute, 75013 Paris, France; (C.T.); (E.N.)
| | - Elisa Negroni
- Center for Research in Myology U974, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Myology Institute, 75013 Paris, France; (C.T.); (E.N.)
| | - Dieter Swandulla
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bonn, D53115 Bonn, Germany;
| | - Kay Ohlendieck
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, National University of Ireland, W23 F2H6 Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland;
- Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, W23 F2H6 Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
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Szwec S, Kapłucha Z, Chamberlain JS, Konieczny P. Dystrophin- and Utrophin-Based Therapeutic Approaches for Treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Comparative Review. BioDrugs 2024; 38:95-119. [PMID: 37917377 PMCID: PMC10789850 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-023-00632-3] [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] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a devastating disease that leads to progressive muscle loss and premature death. While medical management focuses mostly on symptomatic treatment, decades of research have resulted in first therapeutics able to restore the affected reading frame of dystrophin transcripts or induce synthesis of a truncated dystrophin protein from a vector, with other strategies based on gene therapy and cell signaling in preclinical or clinical development. Nevertheless, recent reports show that potentially therapeutic dystrophins can be immunogenic in patients. This raises the question of whether a dystrophin paralog, utrophin, could be a more suitable therapeutic protein. Here, we compare dystrophin and utrophin amino acid sequences and structures, combining published data with our extended in silico analyses. We then discuss these results in the context of therapeutic approaches for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Specifically, we focus on strategies based on delivery of micro-dystrophin and micro-utrophin genes with recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors, exon skipping of the mutated dystrophin pre-mRNAs, reading through termination codons with small molecules that mask premature stop codons, dystrophin gene repair by clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9)-mediated genetic engineering, and increasing utrophin levels. Our analyses highlight the importance of various dystrophin and utrophin domains in Duchenne muscular dystrophy treatment, providing insights into designing novel therapeutic compounds with improved efficacy and decreased immunoreactivity. While the necessary actin and β-dystroglycan binding sites are present in both proteins, important functional distinctions can be identified in these domains and some other parts of truncated dystrophins might need redesigning due to their potentially immunogenic qualities. Alternatively, therapies based on utrophins might provide a safer and more effective approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylwia Szwec
- Institute of Human Biology and Evolution, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614, Poznań, Poland
| | - Zuzanna Kapłucha
- Institute of Human Biology and Evolution, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614, Poznań, Poland
| | - Jeffrey S Chamberlain
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, 98109-8055, USA
- Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, 98109-8055, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, 98109-8055, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, 98109-8055, USA
| | - Patryk Konieczny
- Institute of Human Biology and Evolution, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614, Poznań, Poland.
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Dowling P, Swandulla D, Ohlendieck K. Cellular pathogenesis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy: progressive myofibre degeneration, chronic inflammation, reactive myofibrosis and satellite cell dysfunction. Eur J Transl Myol 2023; 33:11856. [PMID: 37846661 PMCID: PMC10811648 DOI: 10.4081/ejtm.2023.11856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a highly progressive muscle wasting disease of early childhood and characterized by complex pathophysiological and histopathological changes in the voluntary contractile system, including myonecrosis, chronic inflammation, fat substitution and reactive myofibrosis. The continued loss of functional myofibres and replacement with non-contractile cells, as well as extensive tissue scarring and decline in tissue elasticity, leads to severe skeletal muscle weakness. In addition, dystrophic muscles exhibit a greatly diminished regenerative capacity to counteract the ongoing process of fibre degeneration. In normal muscle tissues, an abundant stem cell pool consisting of satellite cells that are localized between the sarcolemma and basal lamina, provides a rich source for the production of activated myogenic progenitor cells that are involved in efficient myofibre repair and tissue regeneration. Interestingly, the self-renewal of satellite cells for maintaining an essential pool of stem cells in matured skeletal muscles is increased in dystrophin-deficient fibres. However, satellite cell hyperplasia does not result in efficient recovery of dystrophic muscles due to impaired asymmetric cell divisions. The lack of expression of the full-length dystrophin isoform Dp427-M, which is due to primary defects in the DMD gene, appears to affect key regulators of satellite cell polarity causing a reduced differentiation of myogenic progenitors, which are essential for myofibre regeneration. This review outlines the complexity of dystrophinopathy and describes the importance of the pathophysiological role of satellite cell dysfunction. A brief discussion of the bioanalytical usefulness of single cell proteomics for future studies of satellite cell biology is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Dowling
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, National University of Ireland, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland; Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare.
| | - Dieter Swandulla
- Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn.
| | - Kay Ohlendieck
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, National University of Ireland, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland; Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare.
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Happi Mbakam C, Tremblay JP. Gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy: an update on the latest clinical developments. Expert Rev Neurother 2023; 23:905-920. [PMID: 37602688 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2023.2249607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is one of the most severe and devastating neuromuscular hereditary diseases with a male newborn incidence of 20 000 cases each year. The disease caused by mutations (exon deletions, nonsense mutations, intra-exonic insertions or deletions, exon duplications, splice site defects, and deep intronic mutations) in the DMD gene, progressively leads to muscle wasting and loss of ambulation. This situation is painful for both patients and their families, calling for an emergent need for effective treatments. AREAS COVERED In this review, the authors describe the state of the gene therapy approach in clinical trials for DMD. This therapeutics included gene replacement, gene substitution, RNA-based therapeutics, readthrough mutation, and the CRISPR approach. EXPERT OPINION Only a few drug candidates have yet been granted conditional approval for the treatment of DMD. Most of these therapies have only a modest capability to restore the dystrophin or improve muscle function, suggesting an important unmet need in the development of DMD therapeutics. Complementary genes and cellular therapeutics need to be explored to both restore dystrophin, improve muscle function, and efficiently reconstitute the muscle fibers in the advanced stage of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cedric Happi Mbakam
- CHU de Québec research centre, Laval University, Québec, Canada
- Molecular Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec, Canada
| | - Jacques P Tremblay
- CHU de Québec research centre, Laval University, Québec, Canada
- Molecular Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec, Canada
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Yu D. An overview of recent US-approved gene therapies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy and their respective clinical development programs. DRUGS & THERAPY PERSPECTIVES 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s40267-023-00986-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
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Gleneadie HJ, Fernandez-Ruiz B, Sardini A, Van de Pette M, Dimond A, Prinjha RK, McGinty J, French PMW, Bagci H, Merkenschlager M, Fisher AG. Endogenous bioluminescent reporters reveal a sustained increase in utrophin gene expression upon EZH2 and ERK1/2 inhibition. Commun Biol 2023; 6:318. [PMID: 36966198 PMCID: PMC10039851 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04666-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked disorder caused by loss of function mutations in the dystrophin gene (Dmd), resulting in progressive muscle weakening. Here we modelled the longitudinal expression of endogenous Dmd, and its paralogue Utrn, in mice and in myoblasts by generating bespoke bioluminescent gene reporters. As utrophin can partially compensate for Dmd-deficiency, these reporters were used as tools to ask whether chromatin-modifying drugs can enhance Utrn expression in developing muscle. Myoblasts treated with different PRC2 inhibitors showed significant increases in Utrn transcripts and bioluminescent signals, and these responses were independently verified by conditional Ezh2 deletion. Inhibition of ERK1/2 signalling provoked an additional increase in Utrn expression that was also seen in Dmd-mutant cells, and maintained as myoblasts differentiate. These data reveal PRC2 and ERK1/2 to be negative regulators of Utrn expression and provide specialised molecular imaging tools to monitor utrophin expression as a therapeutic strategy for DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah J Gleneadie
- Epigenetic Memory Group, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Beatriz Fernandez-Ruiz
- Epigenetic Memory Group, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Alessandro Sardini
- Whole Animal Physiology and Imaging Facility, MRC LMS, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Mathew Van de Pette
- Epigenetic Memory Group, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
- MRC Toxicology Unit, Gleeson Building, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QR, UK
| | - Andrew Dimond
- Epigenetic Memory Group, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Rab K Prinjha
- Immunology and Epigenetics Research Unit, Research, GlaxoSmithKline, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Herts, SG1 2NY, UK
| | - James McGinty
- Photonics Group, Department of Physics, Blackett Laboratory, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Paul M W French
- Photonics Group, Department of Physics, Blackett Laboratory, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Hakan Bagci
- Lymphocyte Development Group, MRC LMS, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Matthias Merkenschlager
- Lymphocyte Development Group, MRC LMS, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Amanda G Fisher
- Epigenetic Memory Group, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK.
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, OX1 3QU, Oxford, UK.
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Wu R, Song Y, Wu S, Chen Y. Promising therapeutic approaches of utrophin replacing dystrophin in the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 2:885-893. [PMID: 38933385 PMCID: PMC11197810 DOI: 10.1016/j.fmre.2022.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a serious genetic neuromuscular rare disease that is prevalent and caused by the mutation/deletion of the X-linked DMD gene that encodes dystrophin. Utrophin is a dystrophin homologous protein on human chromosome 6. Dystrophin and utrophin are highly homologous. They can recruit many dystrophin-glycoprotein complex (DGC)-related proteins and co-localize at the sarcolemma in the early stage of human embryonic development. Moreover, utrophin is overexpressed naturally at the mature myofiber sarcolemma in DMD patients. Therefore, utrophin is considered the most promising homologous protein to replace dystrophin. This review summarizes various modulating drugs and gene therapy approaches for utrophin replacement. As a universal method to treat DMD disease, utrophin has a promising therapeutic prospect and deserves further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruo Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research & Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Yafeng Song
- Institute of Sport and Health Science, Beijing Sport University, No.48 Xinxi Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Shiwen Wu
- Department of Neurology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Yongchang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research & Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming 650500, China
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Happi Mbakam C, Lamothe G, Tremblay JP. Therapeutic Strategies for Dystrophin Replacement in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:859930. [PMID: 35419381 PMCID: PMC8995704 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.859930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked hereditary disease characterized by progressive muscle wasting due to modifications in the DMD gene (exon deletions, nonsense mutations, intra-exonic insertions or deletions, exon duplications, splice site defects, and deep intronic mutations) that result in a lack of functional dystrophin expression. Many therapeutic approaches have so far been attempted to induce dystrophin expression and improve the patient phenotype. In this manuscript, we describe the relevant updates for some therapeutic strategies for DMD aiming to restore dystrophin expression. We also present and analyze in vitro and in vivo ongoing experimental approaches to treat the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cedric Happi Mbakam
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Gabriel Lamothe
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Jacques P Tremblay
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada
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10
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Rocha CT, Escolar DM. Treatment and Management of Muscular Dystrophies. Neuromuscul Disord 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-71317-7.00020-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Coelho NR, Pimpão AB, Correia MJ, Rodrigues TC, Monteiro EC, Morello J, Pereira SA. Pharmacological blockage of the AHR-CYP1A1 axis: a call for in vivo evidence. J Mol Med (Berl) 2021; 100:215-243. [PMID: 34800164 PMCID: PMC8605459 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-021-02163-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that can be activated by structurally diverse compounds arising from the environment and the microbiota and host metabolism. Expanding evidence has been shown that the modulation of the canonical pathway of AHR occurs during several chronic diseases and that its abrogation might be of clinical interest for metabolic and inflammatory pathological processes. However, most of the evidence on the pharmacological abrogation of the AHR-CYP1A1 axis has been reported in vitro, and therefore, guidance for in vivo studies is needed. In this review, we cover the state-of-the-art of the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of AHR antagonists and CYP1A1 inhibitors in different in vivo rodent (mouse or rat) models of disease. This review will serve as a road map for those researchers embracing this emerging therapeutic area targeting the AHR. Moreover, it is a timely opportunity as the first AHR antagonists have recently entered the clinical stage of drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- N R Coelho
- CEDOC, NOVA Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - A B Pimpão
- CEDOC, NOVA Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - M J Correia
- CEDOC, NOVA Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - T C Rodrigues
- CEDOC, NOVA Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - E C Monteiro
- CEDOC, NOVA Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - J Morello
- CEDOC, NOVA Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - S A Pereira
- CEDOC, NOVA Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056, Lisboa, Portugal.
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Ohlendieck K, Swandulla D. Complexity of skeletal muscle degeneration: multi-systems pathophysiology and organ crosstalk in dystrophinopathy. Pflugers Arch 2021; 473:1813-1839. [PMID: 34553265 PMCID: PMC8599371 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-021-02623-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a highly progressive muscle wasting disorder due to primary abnormalities in one of the largest genes in the human genome, the DMD gene, which encodes various tissue-specific isoforms of the protein dystrophin. Although dystrophinopathies are classified as primary neuromuscular disorders, the body-wide abnormalities that are associated with this disorder and the occurrence of organ crosstalk suggest that a multi-systems pathophysiological view should be taken for a better overall understanding of the complex aetiology of X-linked muscular dystrophy. This article reviews the molecular and cellular effects of deficiency in dystrophin isoforms in relation to voluntary striated muscles, the cardio-respiratory system, the kidney, the liver, the gastrointestinal tract, the nervous system and the immune system. Based on the establishment of comprehensive biomarker signatures of X-linked muscular dystrophy using large-scale screening of both patient specimens and genetic animal models, this article also discusses the potential usefulness of novel disease markers for more inclusive approaches to differential diagnosis, prognosis and therapy monitoring that also take into account multi-systems aspects of dystrophinopathy. Current therapeutic approaches to combat muscular dystrophy are summarised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kay Ohlendieck
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, National University of Ireland, Co. Kildare, Maynooth, W23F2H6, Ireland.
- Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, Co. Kildare, Maynooth, W23F2H6, Ireland.
| | - Dieter Swandulla
- Institute of Physiology, University of Bonn, 53115, Bonn, Germany.
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Soblechero-Martín P, Albiasu-Arteta E, Anton-Martinez A, de la Puente-Ovejero L, Garcia-Jimenez I, González-Iglesias G, Larrañaga-Aiestaran I, López-Martínez A, Poyatos-García J, Ruiz-Del-Yerro E, Gonzalez F, Arechavala-Gomeza V. Duchenne muscular dystrophy cell culture models created by CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing and their application in drug screening. Sci Rep 2021; 11:18188. [PMID: 34521928 PMCID: PMC8440673 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97730-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene editing methods are an attractive therapeutic option for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and they have an immediate application in the generation of research models. To generate myoblast cultures that could be useful in in vitro drug screening, we have optimised a CRISPR/Cas9 gene edition protocol. We have successfully used it in wild type immortalised myoblasts to delete exon 52 of the dystrophin gene, modelling a common Duchenne muscular dystrophy mutation; and in patient's immortalised cultures we have deleted an inhibitory microRNA target region of the utrophin UTR, leading to utrophin upregulation. We have characterised these cultures by demonstrating, respectively, inhibition of dystrophin expression and overexpression of utrophin, and evaluating the expression of myogenic factors (Myf5 and MyH3) and components of the dystrophin associated glycoprotein complex (α-sarcoglycan and β-dystroglycan). To demonstrate their use in the assessment of DMD treatments, we have performed exon skipping on the DMDΔ52-Model and have used the unedited DMD cultures/ DMD-UTRN-Model combo to assess utrophin overexpression after drug treatment. While the practical use of DMDΔ52-Model is limited to the validation to our gene editing protocol, DMD-UTRN-Model presents a possible therapeutic gene edition target as well as a useful positive control in the screening of utrophin overexpression drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Soblechero-Martín
- Neuromuscular Disorders, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain.,Osakidetza Basque Health Service, Bilbao-Basurto Integrated Health Organisation, Basurto University Hospital, Clinical Laboratory Service, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Edurne Albiasu-Arteta
- Neuromuscular Disorders, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Aina Anton-Martinez
- Neuromuscular Disorders, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain
| | | | - Iker Garcia-Jimenez
- Neuromuscular Disorders, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain
| | | | - Irene Larrañaga-Aiestaran
- Neuromuscular Disorders, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Andrea López-Martínez
- Neuromuscular Disorders, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain
| | | | - Estíbaliz Ruiz-Del-Yerro
- Neuromuscular Disorders, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Federico Gonzalez
- Pluripotent Stem Cells and Activation of Endogenous Tissue Programs for Organ Regeneration (PR Lab), Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Virginia Arechavala-Gomeza
- Neuromuscular Disorders, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain. .,Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain.
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14
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Xu DQ, Zhao L, Li SJ, Huang XF, Li CJ, Sun LX, Li XH, Zhang LY, Jiang ZZ. Catalpol counteracts the pathology in a mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy by inhibiting the TGF-β1/TAK1 signaling pathway. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2021; 42:1080-1089. [PMID: 32939036 PMCID: PMC8209148 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-020-00515-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive neuromuscular disease caused by a mutation in the gene encoding the dystrophin protein. Catalpol is an iridoid glycoside found in Chinese herbs with anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic, and hypoglycemic activities that can protect against muscle wasting. In the present study we investigated the effects of catalpol on DMD. Aged Dystrophin-deficient (mdx) mice (12 months old) were treated with catalpol (100, 200 mg·kg-1·d-1, ig) for 6 weeks. At the end of the experiment, the mice were sacrificed, and gastrocnemius (GAS), tibialis anterior (TA), extensor digitorum longus (EDL), soleus (SOL) muscles were collected. We found that catalpol administration dose-dependently increased stride length and decreased stride width in Gait test. Wire grip test showed that the time of wire grip and grip strength were increased. We found that catalpol administration dose-dependently alleviated skeletal muscle damage, evidenced by reduced plasma CK and LDH activity as well as increased the weight of skeletal muscles. Catalpol administration had no effect on dystrophin expression, but exerted anti-inflammatory effects. Furthermore, catalpol administration dose-dependently decreased tibialis anterior (TA) muscle fibrosis, and inhibited the expression of TGF-β1, TAK1 and α-SMA. In primary myoblasts from mdx mice, knockdown of TAK1 abolished the inhibitory effects of catalpol on the expression levels of TGF-β1 and α-SMA. In conclusion, catalpol can restore skeletal muscle strength and alleviate skeletal muscle damage in aged mdx mice, thus may provide a novel therapy for DMD. Catalpol attenuates muscle fibrosis by inhibiting the TGF-β1/TAK1 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deng-Qiu Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Lei Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Si-Jia Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Xiao-Fei Huang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Chun-Jie Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Li-Xin Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Xi-Hua Li
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lu-Yong Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
- Center for Drug Screening and Pharmacodynamics Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Zhen-Zhou Jiang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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15
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Soblechero-Martín P, López-Martínez A, de la Puente-Ovejero L, Vallejo-Illarramendi A, Arechavala-Gomeza V. Utrophin modulator drugs as potential therapies for Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2021; 47:711-723. [PMID: 33999469 PMCID: PMC8518368 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Utrophin is an autosomal paralogue of dystrophin, a protein whose deficit causes Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies (DMD/BMD). Utrophin is naturally overexpressed at the sarcolemma of mature dystrophin‐deficient fibres in DMD and BMD patients as well as in the mdx Duchenne mouse model. Dystrophin and utrophin can co‐localise in human foetal muscle, in the dystrophin‐competent fibres from DMD/BMD carriers, and revertant fibre clusters in biopsies from DMD patients. These findings suggest that utrophin overexpression could act as a surrogate, compensating for the lack of dystrophin, and, as such, it could be used in combination with dystrophin restoration therapies. Different strategies to overexpress utrophin are currently under investigation. In recent years, many compounds have been reported to modulate utrophin expression efficiently in preclinical studies and ameliorate the dystrophic phenotype in animal models of the disease. In this manuscript, we discuss the current knowledge on utrophin protein and the different mechanisms that modulate its expression in skeletal muscle. We also include a comprehensive review of compounds proposed as utrophin regulators and, as such, potential therapeutic candidates for these muscular dystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Soblechero-Martín
- Neuromuscular Disorders, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain.,Clinical Laboratory Service, Osakidetza Basque Health Service, Bilbao-Basurto Integrated Health Organisation, Basurto University Hospital, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Andrea López-Martínez
- Neuromuscular Disorders, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | | | | | - Virginia Arechavala-Gomeza
- Neuromuscular Disorders, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain.,Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
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16
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Choi E, Koo T. CRISPR technologies for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Mol Ther 2021; 29:3179-3191. [PMID: 33823301 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The emerging clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-mediated genome editing technologies have progressed remarkably in recent years, opening up the potential of precise genome editing as a therapeutic approach to treat various diseases. The CRISPR-CRISPR-associated (Cas) system is an attractive platform for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), which is a neuromuscular disease caused by mutations in the DMD gene. CRISPR-Cas can be used to permanently repair the mutated DMD gene, leading to the expression of the encoded protein, dystrophin, in systems ranging from cells derived from DMD patients to animal models of DMD. However, the development of more efficient therapeutic approaches and delivery methods remains a great challenge for DMD. Here, we review various therapeutic strategies that use CRISPR-Cas to correct or bypass DMD mutations and discuss their therapeutic potential, as well as obstacles that lie ahead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunyoung Choi
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Taeyoung Koo
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea.
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17
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Rugowska A, Starosta A, Konieczny P. Epigenetic modifications in muscle regeneration and progression of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Clin Epigenetics 2021; 13:13. [PMID: 33468200 PMCID: PMC7814631 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01001-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a multisystemic disorder that affects 1:5000 boys. The severity of the phenotype varies dependent on the mutation site in the DMD gene and the resultant dystrophin expression profile. In skeletal muscle, dystrophin loss is associated with the disintegration of myofibers and their ineffective regeneration due to defective expansion and differentiation of the muscle stem cell pool. Some of these phenotypic alterations stem from the dystrophin absence-mediated serine-threonine protein kinase 2 (MARK2) misplacement/downregulation in activated muscle stem (satellite) cells and neuronal nitric oxide synthase loss in cells committed to myogenesis. Here, we trace changes in DNA methylation, histone modifications, and expression of regulatory noncoding RNAs during muscle regeneration, from the stage of satellite cells to myofibers. Furthermore, we describe the abrogation of these epigenetic regulatory processes due to changes in signal transduction in DMD and point to therapeutic treatments increasing the regenerative potential of diseased muscles based on this acquired knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Rugowska
- Institute of Human Biology and Evolution, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614, Poznan, Poland
| | - Alicja Starosta
- Institute of Human Biology and Evolution, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614, Poznan, Poland
| | - Patryk Konieczny
- Institute of Human Biology and Evolution, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614, Poznan, Poland.
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18
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Gibbs EM, McCourt JL, Shin KM, Hammond KG, Marshall JL, Crosbie RH. Loss of sarcospan exacerbates pathology in mdx mice, but does not affect utrophin amelioration of disease. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 30:149-159. [PMID: 33432327 PMCID: PMC8091037 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddaa264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The dystrophin-glycoprotein complex (DGC) is a membrane adhesion complex that provides structural stability at the sarcolemma by linking the myocyte's internal cytoskeleton and external extracellular matrix. In Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), the absence of dystrophin leads to the loss of the DGC at the sarcolemma, resulting in sarcolemmal instability and progressive muscle damage. Utrophin (UTRN), an autosomal homolog of dystrophin, is upregulated in dystrophic muscle and partially compensates for the loss of dystrophin in muscle from patients with DMD. Here, we examine the interaction between Utr and sarcospan (SSPN), a small transmembrane protein that is a core component of both UTRN-glycoprotein complex (UGC) and DGC. We show that additional loss of SSPN causes an earlier onset of disease in dystrophin-deficient mdx mice by reducing the expression of the UGC at the sarcolemma. In order to further evaluate the role of SSPN in maintaining therapeutic levels of Utr at the sarcolemma, we tested the effect of Utr transgenic overexpression in mdx mice lacking SSPN (mdx:SSPN -/-:Utr-Tg). We found that overexpression of Utr restored SSPN to the sarcolemma in mdx muscle but that the ablation of SSPN in mdx muscle reduced Utr at the membrane. Nevertheless, Utr overexpression reduced central nucleation and improved grip strength in both lines. These findings demonstrate that high levels of Utr transgenic overexpression ameliorate the mdx phenotype independently of SSPN expression but that loss of SSPN may impair Utr-based mechanisms that rely on lower levels of Utr protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Gibbs
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jackie L McCourt
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Kara M Shin
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Katherine G Hammond
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jamie L Marshall
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Rachelle H Crosbie
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.,Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.,Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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19
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Péladeau C, Jasmin BJ. Targeting IRES-dependent translation as a novel approach for treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy. RNA Biol 2020; 18:1238-1251. [PMID: 33164678 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2020.1847894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Internal-ribosomal entry sites (IRES) are translational elements that allow the initiation machinery to start protein synthesis via internal initiation. IRESs promote tissue-specific translation in stress conditions when conventional cap-dependent translation is inhibited. Since many IRES-containing mRNAs are relevant to diseases, this cellular mechanism is emerging as an attractive therapeutic target for pharmacological and genetic modulations. Indeed, there has been growing interest over the past years in determining the therapeutic potential of IRESs for several disease conditions such as cancer, neurodegeneration and neuromuscular diseases including Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). IRESs relevant for DMD have been identified in several transcripts whose protein product results in functional improvements in dystrophic muscles. Together, these converging lines of evidence indicate that activation of IRES-mediated translation of relevant transcripts in DMD muscle represents a novel and appropriate therapeutic strategy for DMD that warrants further investigation, particularly to identify agents that can modulate their activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Péladeau
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, and the Eric Poulin Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bernard J Jasmin
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, and the Eric Poulin Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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