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Evans MM, Liu S, Krautner JS, Seguin CG, Leung R, Ronald JA. Evaluation of DNA minicircles for delivery of adenine and cytosine base editors using activatable gene on "GO" reporter imaging systems. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102248. [PMID: 39040503 PMCID: PMC11260848 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Over 30,000 point mutations are associated with debilitating diseases, including many cancer types, underscoring a critical need for targeted genomic solutions. CRISPR base editors, like adenine base editors (ABEs) and cytosine base editors (CBEs), enable precise modifications by converting adenine to guanine and cytosine to thymine, respectively. Challenges in efficiency and safety concerns regarding viral vectors used in delivery limit the scope of base editing. This study introduces non-viral minicircles, bacterial-backbone-free plasmids, as a delivery vehicle for ABEs and CBEs. The research uses cells engineered with the "Gene On" (GO) reporter gene systems for tracking minicircle-delivered ABEs, CBEs, or Cas9 nickase (control), using green fluorescent protein (GFPGO), bioluminescence reporter firefly luciferase (LUCGO), or a highly sensitive Akaluciferase (AkalucGO) designed in this study. The results show that transfection of minicircles expressing CBE or ABE resulted in significantly higher GFP expression and luminescence signals over controls, with minicircles demonstrating the most substantial editing. This study presents minicircles as a new strategy for base editor delivery and develops an enhanced bioluminescence imaging reporter system for tracking ABE activity. Future studies aim to evaluate the use of minicircles in preclinical cancer models, facilitating potential clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa M. Evans
- Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Shirley Liu
- Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Joshua S. Krautner
- Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Caroline G. Seguin
- Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Rajan Leung
- Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - John A. Ronald
- Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 2R5, Canada
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Galetaki D, Szymczuk V, Shi M, Merchant N. Is endocrine surveillance important in the care of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy? Results from a national survey to patients and families on endocrine complications. eNeurologicalSci 2024; 36:100513. [PMID: 38989274 PMCID: PMC11231648 DOI: 10.1016/j.ensci.2024.100513] [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: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids are standard of care for patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Although prolonged exposure is associated with multiple endocrine side effects, current guidelines related to monitoring and management of endocrinopathies are suboptimal. We aim to explore community perceptions of endocrine related complications in patients with DMD, assess current level of understanding, and desire for further education. A 31-item online survey was sent through Parent Project to Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) to Duchenne Registry members to be completed by patients or their caretakers. Response rate was 55% (n = 75). Steroids were taken by 93%, but only 50% were followed by endocrinology and 21% report never been seen by endocrinology. Bone health was discussed with 87% of patients and 60% were diagnosed with osteoporosis. Delayed puberty was discussed with 41% of patients with 23% receiving testosterone therapy. About half the patients reported a diagnosis of slowed growth. Only 51% of the participants recalled discussing adrenal insufficiency. Obesity was discussed with 59% of participants. Families felt education about steroid-induced endocrinopathies to be very or extremely important and prefer to discuss about this at the beginning of their steroid therapy. This demonstrates significant gaps in education and access to endocrine care in patients with DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Despoina Galetaki
- Division of Endocrinology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Vivian Szymczuk
- Metabolic Bone Disorders Unit, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Melody Shi
- Division of Endocrinology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Nadia Merchant
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, United States of America
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Molnar MJ, Szabó L, Vladacenco OA, Cobzaru AM, Dor T, Dori A, Papadimas G, Juříková L, Litvinenko I, Tournev I, Dixon C. Essential components of an effective transition from paediatric to adult neurologist care for adolescents with Duchenne muscular dystrophy; a consensus derived using the Delphi methodology in Eastern Europe, Greece and Israel. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2024; 19:260. [PMID: 38982500 PMCID: PMC11234532 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-024-03270-2] [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: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE An increasing number of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) now have access to improved standard of care and disease modifying treatments, which improve the clinical course of DMD and extend life expectancy beyond 30 years of age. A key issue for adolescent DMD patients is the transition from paediatric- to adult-oriented healthcare. Adolescents and adults with DMD have unique but highly complex healthcare needs associated with long-term steroid use, orthopaedic, respiratory, cardiac, psychological, and gastrointestinal problems meaning that a comprehensive transition process is required. A sub-optimal transition into adult care can have disruptive and deleterious consequences for a patient's long-term care. This paper details the results of a consensus amongst clinicians on transitioning adolescent DMD patients from paediatric to adult neurologists that can act as a guide to best practice to ensure patients have continuous comprehensive care at every stage of their journey. METHODS The consensus was derived using the Delphi methodology. Fifty-three statements were developed by a Steering Group (the authors of this paper) covering seven topics: Define the goals of transition, Preparing the patient, carers/parents and the adult centre, The transition process at the paediatric centre, The multidisciplinary transition summary - Principles, The multidisciplinary transition summary - Content, First visit in the adult centre, Evaluation of transition. The statements were shared with paediatric and adult neurologists across Central Eastern Europe (CEE) as a survey requesting their level of agreement with each statement. RESULTS Data from 60 responders (54 full responses and six partial responses) were included in the data set analysis. A consensus was agreed across 100% of the statements. CONCLUSIONS It is hoped that the findings of this survey which sets out agreed best practice statements, and the transfer template documents developed, will be widely used and so facilitate an effective transition from paediatric to adult care for adolescents with DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Judit Molnar
- Director of Institute of Genomic Medicine and Rare Disorders, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Léna Szabó
- Pediatric Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | | | - Talya Dor
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Amir Dori
- Sheba Medical Center at Tel-Hashomer, Neurology Clinic, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | | | - Lenka Juříková
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ivan Litvinenko
- Pediatric Neurology Department, SHATPD "Prof. Dr. Ivan Mitev", Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Ivailo Tournev
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Aleksandrovska, Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria
- Department of Cognitive Science and Psychology, New Bulgarian University, Sofia, Bulgaria
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Ghosh S, Arshi MU, Ghosh S, Jash M, Sen S, Mamchaoui K, Bhattacharyya S, Rana NK, Ghosh S. Discovery of Quinazoline and Quinoline-Based Small Molecules as Utrophin Upregulators via AhR Antagonism for the Treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. J Med Chem 2024; 67:9260-9276. [PMID: 38771158 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a fatal muscle-wasting disease caused by the absence of a dystrophin protein. Elevating utrophin, a dystrophin paralogue, offers an alternative therapeutic strategy for treating DMD, irrespective of the mutation type. Herein, we report the design and synthesis of novel quinazoline and quinoline-based small molecules as potent utrophin modulators screened via high throughput In-Cell ELISA in C2C12 cells. Remarkably, lead molecule SG-02, identified from a library of 70 molecules, upregulates utrophin 2.7-fold at 800 nM in a dose-dependent manner, marking the highest upregulation within the nanomolar range. SG-02's efficacy was further validated through DMD patient-derived cells, demonstrating a significant 2.3-fold utrophin expression. Mechanistically, SG-02 functions as an AhR antagonist, with excellent binding affinity (Kd = 41.68 nM). SG-02 also enhances myogenesis, as indicated by an increased MyHC expression. ADME evaluation supports SG-02's oral bioavailability. Overall, SG-02 holds promise for addressing the global DMD population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surojit Ghosh
- Smart Healthcare Department, Interdisciplinary Research Platform, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
| | - Mohammad Umar Arshi
- Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
| | - Satyajit Ghosh
- Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
| | - Moumita Jash
- Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
| | - Samya Sen
- Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
| | - Kamel Mamchaoui
- Inserm, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie,Sorbonne Université, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Sudipta Bhattacharyya
- Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
| | - Nirmal Kumar Rana
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
| | - Surajit Ghosh
- Smart Healthcare Department, Interdisciplinary Research Platform, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
- Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
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Golli T, Juříková L, Sejersen T, Dixon C. The role of ataluren in the treatment of ambulatory and non-ambulatory children with nonsense mutation duchenne muscular dystrophy - a consensus derived using a modified Delphi methodology in Eastern Europe, Greece, Israel and Sweden. BMC Neurol 2024; 24:73. [PMID: 38383326 PMCID: PMC10880248 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-024-03570-x] [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: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This paper details the results of an evaluation of the level of consensus amongst clinicians on the use of ataluren in both ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients with nonsense mutation Duchenne muscular dystrophy (nmDMD). The consensus was derived using a modified Delphi methodology that involved an exploration phase and then an evaluation phase. METHODS The exploration phase involved 90-minute virtual 1:1 interviews of 12 paediatric neurologists who cared for 30-120 DMD patients each and had patient contact every one or two weeks. The respondents managed one to ten nmDMD patients taking ataluren. The Discussion Guide for the interviews can be viewed as Appendix A. Following the exploration phase interviews, the interview transcripts were analysed by an independent party to identify common themes, views and opinions and developed 43 draft statements that the Steering Group (authors) reviewed, refined and endorsed a final list of 42 statements. Details of the recruitment of participants for the exploration and evaluation phases can be found under the Methods section. RESULTS A consensus was agreed (> 66% of respondents agreeing) for 41 of the 42 statements using results from a consensus survey of healthcare professionals (n = 20) experienced in the treatment of nmDMD. CONCLUSIONS The statements with a high consensus suggest that treatment with ataluren should be initiated as soon as possible to delay disease progression and allow patients to remain ambulatory for as long as possible. Ataluren is indicated for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy that results from a nonsense mutation in the dystrophin gene, in ambulatory patients aged 2 years and older (see Summary of Product Characteristics for each country).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Golli
- Department of Child, Adolescent and Developmental Neurology, Ljubljana University Medical Centre, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Lenka Juříková
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Brno, Masaryk University in Brno, Brno, Moravia, Czech Republic
| | - Thomas Sejersen
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Craig Dixon
- MASS Team, Suite 99, 95 Mortimer Street, London, W1W 7GB, UK.
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Qu Z, Shi L, Wu Z, Lin P, Zhang G, Cong X, Zhao X, Ge H, Yan S, Jiang L, Wu H. Kinesin light chain 1 stabilizes insulin receptor substrate 1 to regulate the IGF-1-AKT signaling pathway during myoblast differentiation. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23432. [PMID: 38300173 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202201065rr] [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: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
The IGF signaling pathway plays critical role in regulating skeletal myogenesis. We have demonstrated that KIF5B, the heavy chain of kinesin-1 motor, promotes myoblast differentiation through regulating IGF-p38MAPK activation. However, the roles of the kinesin light chain (Klc) in IGF pathway and myoblast differentiation remain elusive. In this study, we found that Klc1 was upregulated during muscle regeneration and downregulated in senescence mouse muscles and dystrophic muscles from mdx (X-linked muscular dystrophic) mice. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments further displayed that Klc1 promotes AKT-mTOR activity and positively regulates myogenic differentiation. We further identified that the expression levels of IRS1, the critical node of IGF-1 signaling, are downregulated in Klc1-depleted myoblasts. Coimmunoprecipitation study revealed that IRS1 interacted with the 88-154 amino acid sequence of Klc1 via its PTB domain. Notably, the reduced Klc1 levels were found in senescence and osteoporosis skeletal muscle samples from both mice and human. Taken together, our findings suggested a crucial role of Klc1 in the regulation of IGF-AKT pathway during myogenesis through stabilizing IRS1, which might ultimately influence the development of muscle-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihao Qu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Linjing Shi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhen Wu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Peng Lin
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guangan Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxia Cong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiang Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Huiqing Ge
- Department of Respiratory Care, Regional Medical Center for the National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shigui Yan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liangjun Jiang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haobo Wu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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Nguyen L. RNA therapeutics for neurological disease. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2024; 203:165-180. [PMID: 38359997 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2024.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Neurological disorders are the group of diseases that primarily affect the center nervous system, which could lead to a significant negative impact on the ability of learning new skills, speaking, breathing, walking, judging, making decision, and other essential living skills. In the last decade, neurological disorders have significantly increased their impact to our community and become the one of leading causes of disability and death. The World Health Organization has identified neurological disorders including Alzheimer's disease and other dementia as the health crisis for the modern life. Tremendous ongoing research efforts focus on understanding of disease genetics, molecular mechanisms and developing therapeutic interventions. Because of the urgent need of the effective therapeutics and the recent advances in the toolkits and understanding for developing more drug-like RNA molecules, there is a growing interest for developing RNA therapeutics for neurological disorders. This article will discuss genetics and mechanisms of neurological disorders and how RNA-based molecules have been used to develop therapeutics for this group of diseases, challenges of RNA therapeutics and future perspectives on this rising therapeutic intervention tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lien Nguyen
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Center for NeuroGenetics, University of Florida, Cancer Genetics Research Complex (CGRC), Gainesville, FL, United States.
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Mousa NO, Abdellatif A, Fahmy N, El-Fawal H, Osman A. MicroRNAs as a Tool for Differential Diagnosis of Neuromuscular Disorders. Neuromolecular Med 2023; 25:603-615. [PMID: 37856057 PMCID: PMC10721695 DOI: 10.1007/s12017-023-08763-0] [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: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Neuromuscular disorders (NMD) are a class of progressive disorders that are characterized by wasting of the muscles. Some of the disorders like Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD), congenital muscular dystrophies (CMDs), limb-girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMD), and mild spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type III share several presenting clinical features, and hence, diagnosis is usually a challenging task. In this study, the diagnostic potential of some species of microRNAs (miRNAs) that are known to play roles in normal and pathological contexts of myocytes (myomiRs) were evaluated to assess their potential in differential diagnosis of NMDs. In this study, seventy-four patients with different neuromuscular disorders along with thirty age-matched healthy control subjects were enrolled. Peripheral blood samples were collected from enrolled subjects followed by miRNA extraction and reverse transcription followed by quantification of the circulating levels of the studied miRNAs (miR-499, miR-206, miR-208a, miR-223, miR-191, miR-103a-3p, miR-103a-5p), by real-time PCR and statistical analysis. The data indicated that miR-499 level showed high circulating levels in DMD patients as well as in patients with other related disorders such as BMD. However, the levels of miR-499 were much higher in DMD patients and it can be used to diagnose DMD. In addition, miR-206 can selectively differentiate between DMD and all other disorders. The results also revealed that miR-208a and miR-223 were significantly dysregulated in SMA patients, and miR-103a-3p could distinguish DMD from BMD. The expression levels of some miRNA species can be utilized in the process of differential diagnosis of NMDs and can serve as a diagnostic biomarker, and such findings will pave the way towards generating targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahla O Mousa
- Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, 12613, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Abdellatif
- Biology Department, School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo, Cairo, 11835, Egypt.
| | - Nagia Fahmy
- Neuropsychiatry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, 11566, Egypt
| | - Hassan El-Fawal
- Institute of Global Health and Human Ecology, School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo, Cairo, 11835, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Osman
- Biotechnology Department, Basic and Applied Sciences Institute, Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology, Borg Al Arab, 21934, Egypt.
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, 11566, Egypt.
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Verkhratsky A, Butt A, Li B, Illes P, Zorec R, Semyanov A, Tang Y, Sofroniew MV. Astrocytes in human central nervous system diseases: a frontier for new therapies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:396. [PMID: 37828019 PMCID: PMC10570367 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01628-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Astroglia are a broad class of neural parenchymal cells primarily dedicated to homoeostasis and defence of the central nervous system (CNS). Astroglia contribute to the pathophysiology of all neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders in ways that can be either beneficial or detrimental to disorder outcome. Pathophysiological changes in astroglia can be primary or secondary and can result in gain or loss of functions. Astroglia respond to external, non-cell autonomous signals associated with any form of CNS pathology by undergoing complex and variable changes in their structure, molecular expression, and function. In addition, internally driven, cell autonomous changes of astroglial innate properties can lead to CNS pathologies. Astroglial pathophysiology is complex, with different pathophysiological cell states and cell phenotypes that are context-specific and vary with disorder, disorder-stage, comorbidities, age, and sex. Here, we classify astroglial pathophysiology into (i) reactive astrogliosis, (ii) astroglial atrophy with loss of function, (iii) astroglial degeneration and death, and (iv) astrocytopathies characterised by aberrant forms that drive disease. We review astroglial pathophysiology across the spectrum of human CNS diseases and disorders, including neurotrauma, stroke, neuroinfection, autoimmune attack and epilepsy, as well as neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, metabolic and neuropsychiatric disorders. Characterising cellular and molecular mechanisms of astroglial pathophysiology represents a new frontier to identify novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexei Verkhratsky
- International Joint Research Centre on Purinergic Signalling/School of Health and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
- Achucarro Centre for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain.
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, LT-01102, Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | - Arthur Butt
- Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Baoman Li
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Peter Illes
- International Joint Research Centre on Purinergic Signalling/School of Health and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Rudolf Boehm Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Leipzig, 04109, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Robert Zorec
- Celica Biomedical, Lab Cell Engineering, Technology Park, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology-Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alexey Semyanov
- Department of Physiology, Jiaxing University College of Medicine, 314033, Jiaxing, China
| | - Yong Tang
- International Joint Research Centre on Purinergic Signalling/School of Health and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture for Senile Disease (Chengdu University of TCM), Ministry of Education/Acupuncture and Chronobiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China.
| | - Michael V Sofroniew
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Kaspute G, Arunagiri BD, Alexander R, Ramanavicius A, Samukaite-Bubniene U. Development of Essential Oil Delivery Systems by 'Click Chemistry' Methods: Possible Ways to Manage Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 16:6537. [PMID: 37834674 PMCID: PMC10573547 DOI: 10.3390/ma16196537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Recently, rare diseases have received attention due to the need for improvement in diagnosed patients' and their families' lives. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a rare, severe, progressive, muscle-wasting disease. Today, the therapeutic standard for treating DMD is corticosteroids, which cause serious adverse side effects. Nutraceuticals, e.g., herbal extracts or essential oils (EOs), are possible active substances to develop new drug delivery systems to improve DMD patients' lives. New drug delivery systems lead to new drug effects, improved safety and accuracy, and new therapies for rare diseases. Herbal extracts and EOs combined with click chemistry can lead to the development of safer treatments for DMD. In this review, we focus on the need for novel drug delivery systems using EOs as the therapy for DMD and the potential use of click chemistry for drug delivery systems. New EO complex drug delivery systems may offer a new approach for improving muscle conditions and mental health issues associated with DMD. However, further research should identify the potential of these systems in the context of DMD. In this review, we discuss possibilities for applying EOs to DMD before implementing expensive research in a theoretical way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Kaspute
- Department of Nanotechnology, State Research Institute Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC), Sauletekis av. 3, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania;
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Geosciences, Vilnius University, Naugarduko Str. 24, LT-03225 Vilnius, Lithuania; (B.D.A.); (R.A.)
| | - Bharani Dharan Arunagiri
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Geosciences, Vilnius University, Naugarduko Str. 24, LT-03225 Vilnius, Lithuania; (B.D.A.); (R.A.)
| | - Rakshana Alexander
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Geosciences, Vilnius University, Naugarduko Str. 24, LT-03225 Vilnius, Lithuania; (B.D.A.); (R.A.)
| | - Arunas Ramanavicius
- Department of Nanotechnology, State Research Institute Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC), Sauletekis av. 3, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania;
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Geosciences, Vilnius University, Naugarduko Str. 24, LT-03225 Vilnius, Lithuania; (B.D.A.); (R.A.)
| | - Urte Samukaite-Bubniene
- Department of Nanotechnology, State Research Institute Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC), Sauletekis av. 3, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania;
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Geosciences, Vilnius University, Naugarduko Str. 24, LT-03225 Vilnius, Lithuania; (B.D.A.); (R.A.)
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Jayash SN, Hamoudi D, Stephen LA, Argaw A, Huesa C, Joseph S, Wong SC, Frenette J, Farquharson C. Anti-RANKL Therapy Prevents Glucocorticoid-Induced Bone Loss and Promotes Muscle Function in a Mouse Model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Calcif Tissue Int 2023; 113:449-468. [PMID: 37470794 PMCID: PMC10516841 DOI: 10.1007/s00223-023-01116-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Bisphosphonates prevent bone loss in glucocorticoid (GC)-treated boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and are recommended as standard of care. Targeting receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) may have advantages in DMD by ameliorating dystrophic skeletal muscle function in addition to their bone anti-resorptive properties. However, the potential effects of anti-RANKL treatment upon discontinuation in GC-induced animal models of DMD are unknown and need further investigation prior to exploration in the clinical research setting. In the first study, the effects of anti-RANKL and deflazacort (DFZ) on dystrophic skeletal muscle function and bone microstructure were assessed in mdx mice treated with DFZ or anti-RANKL, or both for 8 weeks. Anti-RANKL and DFZ improved grip force performance of mdx mice but an additive effect was not noted. However, anti-RANKL but not DFZ improved ex vivo contractile properties of dystrophic muscles. This functional improvement was associated with a reduction in muscle damage and fibrosis, and inflammatory cell number. Anti-RANKL treatment, with or without DFZ, also improved trabecular bone structure of mdx mice. In a second study, intravenous zoledronate (Zol) administration (1 or 2 doses) following 2 months of discontinuation of anti-RANKL treatment was mostly required to record an improvement in bone microarchitecture and biomechanical properties in DFZ-treated mdx mice. In conclusion, the ability of anti-RANKL therapy to restore muscle function has profound implications for DMD patients as it offers the possibility of improving skeletal muscle function without the steroid-related skeletal side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soher Nagi Jayash
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG UK
| | - Dounia Hamoudi
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier, Universitaire de Québec-Centre, Hospitalier de L’Université Laval, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC Canada
| | - Louise A. Stephen
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG UK
| | - Anteneh Argaw
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier, Universitaire de Québec-Centre, Hospitalier de L’Université Laval, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC Canada
| | - Carmen Huesa
- School of Infection and Immunity, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Shuko Joseph
- Royal Hospital for Children Glasgow, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, Child Health, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, UK
| | - Sze Choong Wong
- University of Glasgow/Royal Hospital for Children Glasgow, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing, Child Health, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, UK
| | - Jérôme Frenette
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier, Universitaire de Québec-Centre, Hospitalier de L’Université Laval, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC Canada
| | - Colin Farquharson
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG UK
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12
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Wu J, Ren L, Huang X, Hu L, Zhang L, Xie D, Li Z, Han N, Huang S. Identification of Two Novel Variants of the DMD Gene in Chinese Families with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Pharmgenomics Pers Med 2023; 16:759-766. [PMID: 37609034 PMCID: PMC10441636 DOI: 10.2147/pgpm.s416294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), an X-linked recessive neuromuscular disorder, is caused by pathogenic variants in the DMD gene encoding a large structural protein in muscle cells. Methods Two probands, a 6-year old boy and a 1-month old infant, respectively, were clinically diagnosed with DMD based on elevated levels of creatine kinase and creatine kinase isoenzyme. CNVplex and whole exome sequencing (WES) were performed for causal variants, and Sanger sequencing was used for verification. Results CNVplex found no large deletions or duplications in the DMD gene in both patients, but WES discovered a single-nucleotide deletion in exon 48 (NM_004006.2:c.6963del, p.Asp2322ThrfsTer16) in the proband of pedigree 1, and a nonsense mutation in exon 27 (NM_004006.2:c.3637A>T, p.K1213Ter) in the proband of pedigree 2. Conclusion The results of our study expand the mutation spectrum of DMD and enrich our understanding of the clinical characteristics of DMD. Genetic counseling was provided for the two families involved in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangfen Wu
- GuiZhou University Medical College, Guiyang, Guizhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lingyan Ren
- Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Guizhou Provincial People’s Hospital, Guiyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinyi Huang
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li Hu
- Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Guizhou Provincial People’s Hospital, Guiyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Liangliang Zhang
- Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Guizhou Provincial People’s Hospital, Guiyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dan Xie
- GuiZhou University Medical College, Guiyang, Guizhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhimin Li
- Annoroad Gene Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Naijian Han
- Annoroad Gene Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shengwen Huang
- GuiZhou University Medical College, Guiyang, Guizhou, People’s Republic of China
- Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Guizhou Provincial People’s Hospital, Guiyang, People’s Republic of China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Pulmonary Immunological Diseases, Guizhou Provincial, People’s Hospital, Guiyang, People’s Republic of China
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13
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Savaş D, Şimşek TT. Functional level and its relationship to upper extremity function, pain, and muscle stiffness in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Ir J Med Sci 2023; 192:1867-1873. [PMID: 36112314 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-022-03162-z] [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: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The progressive symptoms of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) negatively affect upper extremity skills, and this may have an effect that reduces the independence of daily life. AIMS The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between functional level and upper extremity function, pain, and stiffness in children with DMD. METHODS A total of 38 children with DMD were participated. The functional level of the upper and lower extremities was assessed using Brooke scale and Vignos scale. Upper extremity function, pain and stiffness were assessed using Upper Limb Short Questionnaire (ULSQ). The correlation between ULSQ and Brooke and Vignos scales was calculated. RESULTS A moderate positive correlation was calculated between ULSQ total scores and Vignos scale (r = 0.52, p < 0.001) and Brooke scale (r = 0.65, p < 0.001). There was a moderate positive correlation between Vignos scale scores and ULSQ subscores of function (r = 0.42, p < 0.05) and stiffness (r = 0.56, p < 0.001); no significant correlation was found between pain scores and Vignos scale (p = 0.053). There was a moderate positive correlation between the function (r = 0.54, p < 0.001), pain (r = 0.40, p < 0.05), and stiffness (r = 0.62, p < 0.001) subscores of the ULSQ with the Brooke scale. CONCLUSION In our study, there was a significant relationship between the functional level of patients with DMD and upper extremity function, pain, and muscle stiffness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilan Savaş
- Institute of Health Sciences, Dokuz Eylul University, Mithatpasa Street No:1606, TR-35340, Balcova, Izmir, Turkey.
| | - Tülay Tarsuslu Şimşek
- Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
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14
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Radzka J, Łapińska Z, Szwedowicz U, Gajewska-Naryniecka A, Gizak A, Kulbacka J. Alternations of NF-κB Signaling by Natural Compounds in Muscle-Derived Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11900. [PMID: 37569275 PMCID: PMC10418583 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241511900] [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: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The NF-κB-signaling pathway plays a crucial role in cancer progression, including muscle-derived cancers such as rhabdomyosarcoma or sarcoma. Several natural compounds have been studied for their ability to alter NF-κB signaling in these types of cancers. This review paper summarizes the current knowledge on the effects of natural compounds, including curcumin, resveratrol, quercetin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, and berberine, on NF-κB signaling in muscle-derived cancers. These compounds have been shown to inhibit NF-κB signaling in rhabdomyosarcoma cells through various mechanisms, such as inhibiting the activation of the IKK complex and the NF-κB transcription factor. These findings suggest that natural compounds could be potential therapeutic agents for muscle-derived cancers. However, further research is needed to fully understand their mechanisms of action and potential clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Radzka
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Wroclaw, 50-335 Wroclaw, Poland; (J.R.); (A.G.)
| | - Zofia Łapińska
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland; (Z.Ł.); (U.S.); (A.G.-N.)
| | - Urszula Szwedowicz
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland; (Z.Ł.); (U.S.); (A.G.-N.)
| | - Agnieszka Gajewska-Naryniecka
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland; (Z.Ł.); (U.S.); (A.G.-N.)
| | - Agnieszka Gizak
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Wroclaw, 50-335 Wroclaw, Poland; (J.R.); (A.G.)
| | - Julita Kulbacka
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland; (Z.Ł.); (U.S.); (A.G.-N.)
- Department of Immunology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, 08410 Vilnius, Lithuania
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15
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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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16
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Kodippili K, Rudnicki MA. Satellite cell contribution to disease pathology in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1180980. [PMID: 37324396 PMCID: PMC10266354 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1180980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Progressive muscle weakness and degeneration characterize Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a lethal, x-linked neuromuscular disorder that affects 1 in 5,000 boys. Loss of dystrophin protein leads to recurrent muscle degeneration, progressive fibrosis, chronic inflammation, and dysfunction of skeletal muscle resident stem cells, called satellite cells. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for DMD. In this mini review, we discuss how satellite cells in dystrophic muscle are functionally impaired, and how this contributes to the DMD pathology, and the tremendous potential of restoring endogenous satellite cell function as a viable treatment strategy to treat this debilitating and fatal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasun Kodippili
- The Sprott Centre for Stem Cell Research, Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Michael A. Rudnicki
- The Sprott Centre for Stem Cell Research, Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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17
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Nizamis K, Ayvaz A, Rijken NHM, Koopman BFJM, Sartori M. Real-time myoelectric control of wrist/hand motion in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: A case study. Front Robot AI 2023; 10:1100411. [PMID: 37090893 PMCID: PMC10116050 DOI: 10.3389/frobt.2023.1100411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disorder that induces progressive muscular degeneration. Currently, the increase in DMD individuals' life expectancy is not being matched by an increase in quality of life. The functioning of the hand and wrist is central for performing daily activities and for providing a higher degree of independence. Active exoskeletons can assist this functioning but require the accurate decoding of the users' motor intention. These methods have, however, never been systematically analyzed in the context of DMD.Methods: This case study evaluated direct control (DC) and pattern recognition (PR), combined with an admittance model. This enabled customization of myoelectric controllers to one DMD individual and to a control population of ten healthy participants during a target-reaching task in 1- and 2- degrees of freedom (DOF). We quantified real-time myocontrol performance using target reaching times and compared the differences between the healthy individuals and the DMD individual.Results and Discussion: Our findings suggest that despite the muscle tissue degeneration, the myocontrol performance of the DMD individual was comparable to that of the healthy individuals in both DOFs and with both control approaches. It was also evident that PR control performed better for the 2-DOF tasks for both DMD and healthy participants, while DC performed better for the 1-DOF tasks. The insights gained from this study can lead to further developments for the intuitive multi-DOF myoelectric control of active hand exoskeletons for individuals with DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kostas Nizamis
- Systems Engineering and Multidisciplinary Design Group, Department of Design, Production, and Management, Faculty of Engineering Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Kostas Nizamis,
| | - Anıl Ayvaz
- Neuromechanical Modelling and Engineering lab, Department of Biomechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
| | - Noortje H. M. Rijken
- Research Group Smart Health, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Enschede, Netherlands
| | - Bart F. J. M. Koopman
- Neuromechanical Modelling and Engineering lab, Department of Biomechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
| | - Massimo Sartori
- Neuromechanical Modelling and Engineering lab, Department of Biomechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
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18
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Li L, Umbach DM, Li Y, Halani P, Shi M, Ahn M, Yeung DSC, Vaughn B, Fan ZJ. Sleep apnoea and hypoventilation in patients with five major types of muscular dystrophy. BMJ Open Respir Res 2023; 10:10/1/e001506. [PMID: 37072321 PMCID: PMC10124300 DOI: 10.1136/bmjresp-2022-001506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The characteristics of and relationship between sleep apnoea and hypoventilation in patients with muscular dystrophy (MD) remain to be fully understood. METHODS We analysed 104 in-laboratory sleep studies of 73 patients with MD with five common types (DMD-Duchenne, Becker MD, CMD-congenital, LGMD-limb-girdle and DM-myotonic dystrophy). We used generalised estimating equations to examine differences among these types for outcomes. RESULTS Patients in all five types had high risk of sleep apnoea with 53 of the 73 patients (73%) meeting the diagnostic criteria in at least one study. Patients with DM had higher risk of sleep apnoea compared with patients with LGMD (OR=5.15, 95% CI 1.47 to 18.0; p=0.003). Forty-three per cent of patients had hypoventilation with observed prevalence higher in CMD (67%), DMD (48%) and DM (44%). Hypoventilation and sleep apnoea were associated in those patients (unadjusted OR=2.75, 95% CI 1.15 to 6.60; p=0.03), but the association weakened after adjustment (OR=2.32, 95% CI 0.92 to 5.81; p=0.08). In-sleep average heart rate was about 10 beats/min higher in patients with CMD and DMD compared with patients with DM (p=0.0006 and p=0.02, respectively, adjusted for multiple testing). CONCLUSION Sleep-disordered breathing is common in patients with MD but each type has its unique features. Hypoventilation was only weakly associated with sleep apnoea; thus, high clinical suspicion is needed for diagnosing hypoventilation. Identifying the window when respiratory muscle weakness begins to cause hypoventilation is important for patients with MD; it enables early intervention with non-invasive ventilation-a therapy that should both lengthen the expected life of these patients and improve its quality.Cite Now.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leping Li
- Biostatistics and Computational Biology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - David M Umbach
- Biostatistics and Computational Biology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Biostatistics and Computational Biology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Pallav Halani
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Min Shi
- Biostatistics and Computational Biology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Mihye Ahn
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Nevada Reno, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | - Deryck S C Yeung
- Biostatistics and Computational Biology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Bradley Vaughn
- Department of Neurology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Zheng Jane Fan
- Department of Neurology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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19
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Hibma JE, Jayachandran P, Neelakantan S, Harnisch LO. Disease progression modeling of the North Star Ambulatory Assessment for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. CPT Pharmacometrics Syst Pharmacol 2023; 12:375-386. [PMID: 36718719 PMCID: PMC10014057 DOI: 10.1002/psp4.12921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a rare genetic disorder caused by decreased or absent dystrophin gene leading to progressive muscle degeneration and weakness in young boys. Disease progression models for the North Star Ambulatory Assessment (NSAA), a functional measurement widely used to assess outcomes in clinical trials, were developed using a longitudinal population modeling approach. The relationship between NSAA total score over time, loss of ambulation, and potential covariates that may influence disease progression were evaluated. Data included individual participant observations from an internal placebo-controlled phase II clinical trial and from the external natural history database for male patients with DMD obtained through the Cooperative International Neuromuscular Research Group (CINRG). A modified indirect response model for NSAA joined to a loss of ambulation (LOA) time-to-event model described the data well. Age was used as the independent variable because ambulatory function is known to vary with age. The NSAA and LOA models were linked using the dissipation rate constant parameter from the NSAA model by including the parameter as a covariate on the hazard equation for LOA. No covariates were identified. The model was then used as a simulation tool to explore various clinical trial design scenarios. This model contributes to the quantitative understanding of disease progression in DMD and may guide model-informed drug development decisions for ongoing and future DMD clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E Hibma
- Global Product Development, Pfizer Inc., La Jolla, California, USA
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20
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Romeo FJ, Mavropoulos SA, Ishikawa K. Progress in Clinical Gene Therapy for Cardiac Disorders. Mol Diagn Ther 2023; 27:179-191. [PMID: 36641770 PMCID: PMC10023344 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-022-00632-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Despite significant advances in novel treatments and approaches, cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death globally. Gene therapy is a promising option for many diseases, including cardiovascular diseases. In the last 30 years, gene therapy has slowly proceeded towards clinical translation and recently reached US Food and Drug Administration approval for several diseases such as Leber congenital amaurosis and spinal muscular atrophy, among others. Previous attempts at developing gene therapies for cardiovascular diseases have yielded promising results in preclinical studies and early-phase clinical trials. However, larger trials failed to demonstrate consistent benefits in patients with ischemic heart disease and heart failure. In this review, we summarize the history and current status of clinical cardiac gene therapy. Starting with angiogenic gene therapy, we also cover more recent gene therapy trials for heart failure and cardiomyopathies. New programs are actively vying to be the first to get Food and Drug Administration approval for a cardiac gene therapy product by taking advantage of novel techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco J Romeo
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Cardiovascular Research Institute, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1014, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Spyros A Mavropoulos
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Cardiovascular Research Institute, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1014, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Kiyotake Ishikawa
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Cardiovascular Research Institute, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1014, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
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21
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Recent Trends in Antisense Therapies for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15030778. [PMID: 36986639 PMCID: PMC10054484 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15030778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a debilitating and fatal genetic disease affecting 1/5000 boys globally, characterized by progressive muscle breakdown and eventual death, with an average lifespan in the mid–late twenties. While no cure yet exists for DMD, gene and antisense therapies have been heavily explored in recent years to better treat this disease. Four antisense therapies have received conditional FDA approval, and many more exist in varying stages of clinical trials. These upcoming therapies often utilize novel drug chemistries to address limitations of existing therapies, and their development could herald the next generation of antisense therapy. This review article aims to summarize the current state of development for antisense-based therapies for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, exploring candidates designed for both exon skipping and gene knockdown.
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22
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Khan MW, Raza SA, Raza M, Rogers E, Riel-Romero RMS. Coexistence of a Heterozygous Caveolin-3 Deletion and a Novel Dystrophin Gene Mutation in a Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Patient. Cureus 2023; 15:e34704. [PMID: 36909082 PMCID: PMC9995560 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.34704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited muscular abnormalities are debilitating disorders that greatly diminish the quality of life in affected individuals. Mutations in proteins such as dystrophin and caveolin, which together with other proteins form structural connections between the cytoskeleton and the extracellular matrix, are frequently the culprit of muscular dystrophies. In this case report, we describe a patient with a novel pathogenic dystrophin mutation co-existing with a caveolin-3 deletion. While genetically composed of this unique combination, the patient phenotypically presented with a primary clinical manifestation of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in contrast to other cases of dual mutations in dystrophin and dystrophin-associated proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Syed Ali Raza
- Neurology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, USA
| | - Madiha Raza
- Neurology, Ziauddin University, Karachi, PAK
| | - Eli Rogers
- Neurology, University of Rochester, Rochester, USA
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23
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Thapa S, Elhadidy S, Asakura A. Vascular therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Fac Rev 2023; 12:3. [PMID: 36873982 PMCID: PMC9979239 DOI: 10.12703/r/12-3] [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] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive disease characterized by the wasting of the muscles that eventually lead to difficulty moving and, ultimately, premature death from heart and respiratory complications. DMD deficiency is caused by mutations in the gene encoding dystrophin, which prevents skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, and other cells from producing the functional protein. Located on the cytoplasmic face of the plasma membrane of muscle fibers, dystrophin serves as a component of the dystrophin glycoprotein complex (DGC), mechanically reinforces the sarcolemma, and stabilizes the DGC, preventing it from contraction-mediated muscle degradation. In DMD muscle, dystrophin deficiency leads to progressive fibrosis, myofiber damage, chronic inflammation, and dysfunction of the mitochondria and muscle stem cells. Currently, DMD is incurable, and treatment involves the administration of glucocorticoids in order to delay disease progression. In the presence of developmental delay, proximal weakness, and elevated serum creatine kinase levels, a definitive diagnosis can usually be made after an extensive review of the patient's history and physical examination, as well as confirmation through muscle biopsy or genetic testing. Current standards of care include the use of corticosteroids to prolong ambulation and delay the onset of secondary complications, including respiratory muscle and cardiac functions. However, different studies have been carried out to show the relationship between vascular density and impaired angiogenesis in the pathogenesis of DMD. Several recent studies on DMD management are vascular targeted and focused on ischemia as a culprit for the pathogenesis of DMD. This review critically discusses approaches-such as modulation of nitric oxide (NO) or vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-related pathways-to attenuate the dystrophic phenotype and enhance angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangharsha Thapa
- Stem Cell Institute, Paul & Sheila Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Center, Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota Medical School, MN, USA
| | - Shaymaa Elhadidy
- Stem Cell Institute, Paul & Sheila Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Center, Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota Medical School, MN, USA
| | - Atsushi Asakura
- Stem Cell Institute, Paul & Sheila Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Center, Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota Medical School, MN, USA
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Wilton-Clark H, Yokota T. Biological and genetic therapies for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2023; 23:49-59. [PMID: 36409820 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2022.2150543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a lethal genetic disease which currently has no cure, and poor standard treatment options largely focused on symptom relief. The development of multiple biological and genetic therapies is underway across various stages of clinical progress which could markedly affect how DMD patients are treated in the future. AREAS COVERED The purpose of this review is to provide an introduction to the different therapeutic modalities currently being studied, as well as a brief description of their progress to date and relative advantages and disadvantages for the treatment of DMD. This review discusses exon skipping therapy, microdystrophin therapy, stop codon readthrough therapy, CRISPR-based gene editing, cell-based therapy, and utrophin upregulation. Secondary therapies addressing nonspecific symptoms of DMD were excluded. EXPERT OPINION Despite the vast potential held by gene replacement therapy options such as microdystrophin production and utrophin upregulation, safety risks inherent to the adeno-associated virus delivery vector might hamper the clinical viability of these approaches until further improvements can be made. Of the mutation-specific therapies, exon skipping therapy remains the most extensively validated and explored option, and the cell-based CAP-1002 therapy may prove to be a suitable adjunct therapy filling the urgent need for cardiac-specific therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry Wilton-Clark
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Toshifumi Yokota
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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25
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Sato M, Goto M, Yamanouchi K, Sakurai H. A new immunodeficient Duchenne muscular dystrophy rat model to evaluate engraftment after human cell transplantation. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1094359. [PMID: 37101699 PMCID: PMC10123282 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1094359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked fatal muscular disease, affecting one in 3,500 live male births worldwide. Currently, there is no cure for this disease, except for steroid-based treatment to attenuate disease progression. Cell transplantation therapy is a promising therapeutic approach, however, there is a lack of appropriate animal models to conduct large-scale preclinical studies using human cells, including biochemical and functional tests. Here, we established an immunodeficient DMD rat model and performed exhaustive pathological analysis and transplantation efficiency evaluation to assess its suitability to study DMD. Our DMD rat model exhibited histopathological characteristics similar to those observed in human patients with DMD. Human myoblasts demonstrated successful engraftment following transplantation into these rats. Therefore, this immunodeficient DMD rat model would be useful in preclinical studies to develop cellular transplantation therapies for DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masae Sato
- Department of Clinical Application, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Megumi Goto
- Department of Clinical Application, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Keitaro Yamanouchi
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Sakurai
- Department of Clinical Application, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- *Correspondence: Hidetoshi Sakurai,
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26
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Turner Syndrome Mosaicism 45,X/46,XY with Genital Ambiguity and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: Translational Approach of a Rare Italian Case. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214408. [PMID: 36430887 PMCID: PMC9692496 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214408] [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: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Turner syndrome (gonadal dysgenesis with short stature and sterility) is characterized by chromosomal karyotype 45,X in 50% of cases or by mosaicism (45,X/46,XX and 45,X/46,XY) in 30-40% or X structural defects (deletions, long arm isochromosome, ring chromosome). When mosaic Turner syndrome (TS) occurs with a Y chromosome, there may be ambiguous genitalia. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an inherited neuromuscular disease with an X-Linked recessive pattern of inheritance that predominantly affects males, while females are usually asymptomatic. DMD has also been observed in groups of females affected by TS, not homozygous for the mutation. Here, we report a case of an Indian neonate born with ambiguous genitalia diagnosed prenatally by ultrasound who had a karyotype of 45,X/46,XY and who also had Duchenne muscular dystrophy caused by a de novo mutation in the DMD gene. Physical examination was normal without the typical dysmorphic features of TS with the exception of the genitourinary system showing ambiguous genitalia. Gender was assigned as female. At the age of three years, she had increasing difficulty walking, running, jumping and climbing stairs, proximal upper and lower extremity muscle weakness and a positive Gowers' sign. In addition, the serum creatine kinase (CK) value was over 30X the upper limit of normal. This study shows that DMD can occur in females with TS having 45,X/46,XY mosaicism and that this coexistence should be considered in women affected by TS who start to develop potential typical symptoms such as motor or developmental delay.
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Happi Mbakam C, Rousseau J, Lu Y, Bigot A, Mamchaoui K, Mouly V, Tremblay JP. Prime editing optimized RTT permits the correction of the c.8713C>T mutation in DMD gene. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 30:272-285. [PMID: 36320324 PMCID: PMC9587501 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a severe debilitating genetic disease caused by different mutations in the DMD gene leading to the absence of dystrophin protein under the sarcolemma. We used CRISPR-Cas9 prime editing technology for correction of the c.8713C>T mutation in the DMD gene and tested different variations of reverse transcription template (RTT) sequences. We increased by 3.8-fold the editing percentage of the target nucleotide located at +13. A modification of the protospacer adjacent motif sequence (located at +6) and a silent mutation (located at +9) were also simultaneously added to the target sequence modification. We observed significant differences in editing efficiency in interconversion of different nucleotides and the distance between the target, the nicking site, and the additional mutations. We achieved 22% modifications in myoblasts of a DMD patient, which led to dystrophin expression detected by western blot in the myotubes that they formed. RTT optimization permitted us to improve the prime editing of a point mutation located at +13 nucleotides from the nick site to restore dystrophin protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cedric Happi Mbakam
- CHU de Québec Research Centre, Laval University, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Molecular Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Joel Rousseau
- CHU de Québec Research Centre, Laval University, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Molecular Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Yaoyao Lu
- CHU de Québec Research Centre, Laval University, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Molecular Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Anne Bigot
- Myology Research Center, Institute of Myology, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Kamel Mamchaoui
- Myology Research Center, Institute of Myology, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Vincent Mouly
- Myology Research Center, Institute of Myology, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Jacques P. Tremblay
- CHU de Québec Research Centre, Laval University, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Molecular Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
- Corresponding author Jacques P. Tremblay, CHU de Québec Research Centre, Laval University, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada.
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28
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Lombardi S, Testa MF, Pinotti M, Branchini A. Translation termination codons in protein synthesis and disease. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2022; 132:1-48. [PMID: 36088072 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2022.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Fidelity of protein synthesis, a process shaped by several mechanisms involving specialized ribosome regions and external factors, ensures the precise reading of sense as well as stop codons (UGA, UAG, UAA), which are usually localized at the 3' of mRNA and drive the release of the polypeptide chain. However, either natural (NTCs) or premature (PTCs) termination codons, the latter arising from nucleotide changes, can undergo a recoding process named ribosome or translational readthrough, which insert specific amino acids (NTCs) or subset(s) depending on the stop codon type (PTCs). This process is particularly relevant for nonsense mutations, a relatively frequent cause of genetic disorders, which impair gene expression at different levels by potentially leading to mRNA degradation and/or synthesis of truncated proteins. As a matter of fact, many efforts have been made to develop efficient and safe readthrough-inducing compounds, which have been challenged in several models of human disease to provide with a therapy. In this view, the dissection of the molecular determinants shaping the outcome of readthrough, namely nucleotide and protein contexts as well as their interplay and impact on protein structure/function, is crucial to identify responsive nonsense mutations resulting in functional full-length proteins. The interpretation of experimental and mechanistic findings is also important to define a possibly clear picture of potential readthrough-favorable features useful to achieve rescue profiles compatible with therapeutic thresholds typical of each targeted disorder, which is of primary importance for the potential translatability of readthrough into a personalized and mutation-specific, and thus patient-oriented, therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Lombardi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Francesca Testa
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mirko Pinotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessio Branchini
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
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29
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Babaeijandaghi F, Cheng R, Kajabadi N, Soliman H, Chang CK, Smandych J, Tung LW, Long R, Ghassemi A, Rossi FMV. Metabolic reprogramming of skeletal muscle by resident macrophages points to CSF1R inhibitors as muscular dystrophy therapeutics. Sci Transl Med 2022; 14:eabg7504. [PMID: 35767650 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abg7504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The role of tissue-resident macrophages during tissue regeneration or fibrosis is not well understood, mainly due to the lack of a specific marker for their identification. Here, we identified three populations of skeletal muscle-resident myelomonocytic cells: a population of macrophages positive for lymphatic vessel endothelial receptor 1 (LYVE1) and T cell membrane protein 4 (TIM4 or TIMD4), a population of LYVE1-TIM4- macrophages, and a population of cells likely representing dendritic cells that were positive for CD11C and major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII). Using a combination of parabiosis and lineage-tracing experiments, we found that, at steady state, TIM4- macrophages were replenished from the blood, whereas TIM4+ macrophages locally self-renewed [self-renewing resident macrophages (SRRMs)]. We further showed that Timd4 could be reliably used to distinguish SRRMs from damage-induced infiltrating macrophages. Using a colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R) inhibition/withdrawal approach to specifically deplete SRRMs, we found that SRRMs provided a nonredundant function in clearing damage-induced apoptotic cells early after extensive acute injury. In contrast, in chronic mild injury as seen in a mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, depletion of both TIM4-- and TIM4+-resident macrophage populations through long-term CSF1R inhibition changed muscle fiber composition from damage-sensitive glycolytic fibers toward damage-resistant glycolytic-oxidative fibers, thereby protecting muscle against contraction-induced injury both ex vivo and in vivo. This work reveals a previously unidentified role for resident macrophages in modulating tissue metabolism and may have therapeutic potential given the ongoing clinical testing of CSF1R inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farshad Babaeijandaghi
- Biomedical Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Ryan Cheng
- Biomedical Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Nasim Kajabadi
- Biomedical Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Hesham Soliman
- Biomedical Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Minia 61519, Egypt.,Aspect Biosystems, 1781 W 75th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6P 6P2, Canada
| | - Chih-Kai Chang
- Biomedical Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Josh Smandych
- Biomedical Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Lin Wei Tung
- Biomedical Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Reece Long
- Biomedical Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Amirhossein Ghassemi
- Biomedical Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Fabio M V Rossi
- Biomedical Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
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30
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Mitropoulou P, Hobson A, Morton G, Anantharam B. ST-elevation myocardial infarction in a young patient with Duchenne's muscular dystrophy: a case report. Eur Heart J Case Rep 2022; 6:ytac184. [PMID: 35582544 PMCID: PMC9109008 DOI: 10.1093/ehjcr/ytac184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Background Duchenne's muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked muscular disease which is caused by the absence of dystrophin. This results in the death of muscle cells and cardiomyocytes and consequent substitution by fat and fibrous tissue. The clinical translation of this is muscle weakness and cardiomyopathy. We report on the case of a young patient with dilated cardiomyopathy on a background of DMD who developed ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Case summary A 19-year-old male patient with DMD, known dilated cardiomyopathy, and no risk factors for ischaemic heart disease presented with central crushing chest pain. His electrocardiogram revealed anterior ST elevation. His angiogram revealed distally occluded left anterior descending and second diagonal branch with no evidence of underlying coronary artery disease. He was treated with balloon angioplasty. An echocardiogram raised the suspicion of a left ventricular thrombus, and the mechanism of STEMI was felt to be embolism from the left ventricular thrombus on a background of dilated cardiomyopathy in the context of DMD. The patient was treated with anticoagulants (warfarin). On a repeat echocardiogram a few months later, the thrombus had resolved. At 3 years of follow-up, the patient did not present any more embolic events. Discussion To our knowledge, this is the first case of STEMI secondary to thrombotic coronary occlusion that has been described in a patient with DMD. This case highlights an unusual complication of DMD. Based on this case, we discuss the dilemmas in the management and follow-up of this complex patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiota Mitropoulou
- Cardiology Department, University Hospital
Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK,Corresponding author: Tel: +44 7437841478,
| | - Alexander Hobson
- Cardiology Department, Portsmouth Hospitals
University NHS Trust, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Geraint Morton
- Cardiology Department, Portsmouth Hospitals
University NHS Trust, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Brijesh Anantharam
- Cardiology Department, Portsmouth Hospitals
University NHS Trust, Portsmouth, UK
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31
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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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32
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Iberite F, Gruppioni E, Ricotti L. Skeletal muscle differentiation of human iPSCs meets bioengineering strategies: perspectives and challenges. NPJ Regen Med 2022; 7:23. [PMID: 35393412 PMCID: PMC8991236 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-022-00216-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Although skeletal muscle repairs itself following small injuries, genetic diseases or severe damages may hamper its ability to do so. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can generate myogenic progenitors, but their use in combination with bioengineering strategies to modulate their phenotype has not been sufficiently investigated. This review highlights the potential of this combination aimed at pushing the boundaries of skeletal muscle tissue engineering. First, the overall organization and the key steps in the myogenic process occurring in vivo are described. Second, transgenic and non-transgenic approaches for the myogenic induction of human iPSCs are compared. Third, technologies to provide cells with biophysical stimuli, biomaterial cues, and biofabrication strategies are discussed in terms of recreating a biomimetic environment and thus helping to engineer a myogenic phenotype. The embryonic development process and the pro-myogenic role of the muscle-resident cell populations in co-cultures are also described, highlighting the possible clinical applications of iPSCs in the skeletal muscle tissue engineering field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Iberite
- The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, 56127, Pisa (PI), Italy. .,Department of Excellence in Robotics & AI, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, 56127, Pisa (PI), Italy.
| | - Emanuele Gruppioni
- Centro Protesi INAIL, Istituto Nazionale per l'Assicurazione contro gli Infortuni sul Lavoro, 40054, Vigorso di Budrio (BO), Italy
| | - Leonardo Ricotti
- The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, 56127, Pisa (PI), Italy.,Department of Excellence in Robotics & AI, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, 56127, Pisa (PI), Italy
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Rossi A, Kontarakis Z. Beyond Mendelian Inheritance: Genetic Buffering and Phenotype Variability. PHENOMICS (CHAM, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 2:79-87. [PMID: 36939776 PMCID: PMC9590499 DOI: 10.1007/s43657-021-00030-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the way genes work amongst individuals and across generations to shape form and function is a common theme for many genetic studies. The recent advances in genetics, genome engineering and DNA sequencing reinforced the notion that genes are not the only players that determine a phenotype. Due to physiological or pathological fluctuations in gene expression, even genetically identical cells can behave and manifest different phenotypes under the same conditions. Here, we discuss mechanisms that can influence or even disrupt the axis between genotype and phenotype; the role of modifier genes, the general concept of genetic redundancy, genetic compensation, the recently described transcriptional adaptation, environmental stressors, and phenotypic plasticity. We furthermore highlight the usage of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), the generation of isogenic lines through genome engineering, and sequencing technologies can help extract new genetic and epigenetic mechanisms from what is hitherto considered 'noise'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Rossi
- Genome Engineering and Model Development Lab (GEMD), IUF-Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Zacharias Kontarakis
- Genome Engineering and Measurement Laboratory (GEML), Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Functional Genomics Center Zurich of ETH Zurich, University of Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
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34
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Jeong GJ, Castels H, Kang I, Aliya B, Jang YC. Nanomaterial for Skeletal Muscle Regeneration. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2022; 19:253-261. [PMID: 35334091 PMCID: PMC8971233 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-022-00446-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle has an innate regenerative capacity to restore their structure and function following acute damages and injuries. However, in congenital muscular dystrophies, large volumetric muscle loss, cachexia, or aging, the declined regenerative capacity of skeletal muscle results in muscle wasting and functional impairment. Recent studies indicate that muscle mass and function are closely correlated with morbidity and mortality due to the large volume and location of skeletal muscle. However, the options for treating neuromuscular disorders are limited. Biomedical engineering strategies such as nanotechnologies have been implemented to address this issue.In this review, we focus on recent studies leveraging nano-sized materials for regeneration of skeletal muscle. We look at skeletal muscle pathologies and describe various proof-of-concept and pre-clinical studies that have used nanomaterials, with a focus on how nano-sized materials can be used for skeletal muscle regeneration depending on material dimensionality.Depending on the dimensionality of nano-sized materials, their application have been changed because of their different physical and biochemical properties.Nanomaterials have been spotlighted as a great candidate for addressing the unmet needs of regenerative medicine. Nanomaterials could be applied to several types of tissues and diseases along with the unique characteristics of nanomaterials. However, when confined to muscle tissue, the targets of nanomaterial applications are limited and can be extended in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gun-Jae Jeong
- Department of Orthopedics, Emory Musculoskeletal Institute, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Hannah Castels
- Department of Orthopedics, Emory Musculoskeletal Institute, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Innie Kang
- Department of Orthopedics, Emory Musculoskeletal Institute, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Berna Aliya
- Department of Orthopedics, Emory Musculoskeletal Institute, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Young C Jang
- Department of Orthopedics, Emory Musculoskeletal Institute, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA.
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.
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35
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Happi Mbakam C, Lamothe G, Tremblay G, Tremblay JP. CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Therapy for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Neurotherapeutics 2022; 19:931-941. [PMID: 35165856 PMCID: PMC9294086 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-022-01197-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Discovery of the CRISPR-Cas (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat, CRISPR-associated) system a decade ago has opened new possibilities in the field of precision medicine. CRISPR-Cas was initially identified in bacteria and archaea to play a protective role against foreign genetic elements during viral infections. The application of this technique for the correction of different mutations found in the Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) gene led to the development of several potential therapeutic approaches for DMD patients. The mutations responsible for Duchenne muscular dystrophy mainly include exon deletions (70% of patients) and point mutations (about 30% of patients). The CRISPR-Cas 9 technology is becoming increasingly precise and is acquiring diverse functions through novel innovations such as base editing and prime editing. However, questions remain about its translation to the clinic. Current research addressing off-target editing, efficient muscle-specific delivery, immune response to nucleases, and vector challenges may eventually lead to the clinical use of the CRISPR-Cas9 technology. In this review, we present recent CRISPR-Cas9 strategies to restore dystrophin expression in vitro and in animal models of DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cedric Happi Mbakam
- CHU de Québec Research Center - Laval University, Québec, Canada
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Gabriel Lamothe
- CHU de Québec Research Center - Laval University, Québec, Canada
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Guillaume Tremblay
- CHU de Québec Research Center - Laval University, Québec, Canada
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Jacques P Tremblay
- CHU de Québec Research Center - Laval University, Québec, Canada.
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec City, Québec, Canada.
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Kim YK. RNA therapy: rich history, various applications and unlimited future prospects. Exp Mol Med 2022; 54:455-465. [PMID: 35440755 PMCID: PMC9016686 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-022-00757-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA therapy refers to the treatment or prevention of diseases using RNA-based molecules. The recent advent of a series of effective messenger RNA-based vaccines in response to the COVID-19 pandemic has reignited research interest in RNA therapy. Based on the accumulated results of long-term research in the field of RNA therapy spanning several decades, therapeutic agents for various diseases are being rapidly developed. These therapeutics tend to target diseases that cannot be treated with other conventional drug groups, and several clinical studies are underway for a variety of RNA-based therapeutics against various incurable diseases. This review describes the history of several important discoveries in RNA biology and their impact on key developments in RNA therapy as well as the advantages of RNA therapy. In addition, it describes the action mechanisms and examples of drugs approved for RNA therapy. Finally, this review discusses methods for RNA drug delivery to target organs and cells. Given that RNA therapy is expected to advance and play an integral role in the development of novel therapeutic agents for human diseases in the future, this review is designed to offer an updated reference point for researchers in this field. RNA-based therapies should improve the lives of many people affected by difficult-to-treat diseases, provided novel drug delivery methods are fully explored and optimized. Young-Kook Kim at Chonnam National University Medical School in Hwasun, Korea, reviewed the current status of RNA therapies, particularly given recent successes in developing messenger RNA vaccines for COVID-19. RNA therapeutics work by manipulating the expression and activity of specific target molecules, providing the means to treat diseases that do not respond to conventional drug types. Such therapies can be tweaked to cover a wide range of different forms of RNA and protein, and could open the way to personalized medicines and treatments for rare diseases. However, RNA-based drugs are larger molecules than other therapeutics, making targeted delivery within the body more difficult. Kim suggests that ensuring effective RNA drug delivery should be a paramount focus for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Kook Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun, Jeollanam-do, 58128, Republic of Korea.
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Birnkrant DJ, Bello L, Butterfield RJ, Carter JC, Cripe LH, Cripe TP, McKim DA, Nandi D, Pegoraro E. Cardiorespiratory management of Duchenne muscular dystrophy: emerging therapies, neuromuscular genetics, and new clinical challenges. THE LANCET RESPIRATORY MEDICINE 2022; 10:403-420. [DOI: 10.1016/s2213-2600(21)00581-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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RNA sequencing and its applications in cancer and rare diseases. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:2325-2333. [PMID: 34988891 PMCID: PMC8731134 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06963-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
With the invention of RNA sequencing over a decade ago, diagnosis and identification of the gene-related diseases entered a new phase that enabled more accurate analysis of the diseases that are difficult to approach and analyze. RNA sequencing has availed in-depth study of transcriptomes in different species and provided better understanding of rare diseases and taxonomical classifications of various eukaryotic organisms. Development of single-cell, short-read, long-read and direct RNA sequencing using both blood and biopsy specimens of the organism together with recent advancement in computational analysis programs has made the medical professional’s ability in identifying the origin and cause of genetic disorders indispensable. Altogether, such advantages have evolved the treatment design since RNA sequencing can detect the resistant genes against the existing therapies and help medical professions to take a further step in improving methods of treatments towards higher effectiveness and less side effects. Therefore, it is of essence to all researchers and scientists to have deeper insight in all available methods of RNA sequencing while taking a step-in therapy design.
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A Long Journey before Cycling: Regulation of Quiescence Exit in Adult Muscle Satellite Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031748. [PMID: 35163665 PMCID: PMC8836154 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle harbors a pool of stem cells called muscle satellite cells (MuSCs) that are mainly responsible for its robust regenerative capacities. Adult satellite cells are mitotically quiescent in uninjured muscles under homeostasis, but they exit quiescence upon injury to re-enter the cell cycle to proliferate. While most of the expanded satellites cells differentiate and fuse to form new myofibers, some undergo self-renewal to replenish the stem cell pool. Specifically, quiescence exit describes the initial transition of MuSCs from quiescence to the first cell cycle, which takes much longer than the time required for subsequent cell cycles and involves drastic changes in cell size, epigenetic and transcriptomic profiles, and metabolic status. It is, therefore, an essential period indispensable for the success of muscle regeneration. Diverse mechanisms exist in MuSCs to regulate quiescence exit. In this review, we summarize key events that occur during quiescence exit in MuSCs and discuss the molecular regulation of this process with an emphasis on multiple levels of intrinsic regulatory mechanisms. A comprehensive understanding of how quiescence exit is regulated will facilitate satellite cell-based muscle regenerative therapies and advance their applications in various disease and aging conditions.
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Antisense and Gene Therapy Options for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Arising from Mutations in the N-Terminal Hotspot. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13020257. [PMID: 35205302 PMCID: PMC8872079 DOI: 10.3390/genes13020257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a fatal genetic disease affecting children that is caused by a mutation in the gene encoding for dystrophin. In the absence of functional dystrophin, patients experience progressive muscle deterioration, leaving them wheelchair-bound by age 12 and with few patients surviving beyond their third decade of life as the disease advances and causes cardiac and respiratory difficulties. In recent years, an increasing number of antisense and gene therapies have been studied for the treatment of muscular dystrophy; however, few of these therapies focus on treating mutations arising in the N-terminal encoding region of the dystrophin gene. This review summarizes the current state of development of N-terminal antisense and gene therapies for DMD, mainly focusing on exon-skipping therapy for duplications and deletions, as well as microdystrophin therapy.
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Sattenapalli NC, Areti AR, G. SKR, Kulandaivelu US, Alavala RR, Manne R. Study of Clinical Features and Diagnosis Pattern of Duchene Muscular Dystrophy in Southern India. J Neurosci Rural Pract 2022; 13:43-49. [PMID: 35110919 PMCID: PMC8803508 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1740614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Duchene muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked progressive muscle disorder that is characterized by proximal muscle weakness followed by a premature death in young boys. There is a low index of reports on diagnosis ratio and clinical features in Southern India.
Objective
The present study aimed to conduct an observational survey on preliminary analysis, family history, associated complaints, and diagnosis ratio of DMD in southern regions of India.
Materials and Methods
A systematic observation and survey were conducted on clinically confirmed DMD patients registered between 2019 and 2021 through the questionnaire. The questionnaire and pattern of study were identified by exploring published and unpublished studies available from electronic databases and critical assessment criteria considered by physicians. Preliminary analysis such as onset criteria, motor difficulties, milestone delay; family history and consanguinity analysis; chief complaints (ambulatory status, lordosis, respiratory, and cardiac outcomes), associated complaints such as enlarged tongue, oral hygiene, behavioral problems; and other similar parameters were studied. An assessment of the diagnosis rate and pattern was performed.
Statistical analysis
The data were reviewed and interpreted through statistical methods mean ± standard deviation represented as a percentage.
Results
In total, 400 DMD patients were included and 250 participated in the study. The onset age group was 2 to 5 years in 37% of the population. Milestone delay was seen in 86%; consanguinity marriage of parents was reported in 39%. Frequent falls were reported in 62% in 5 to 8 years old group. Wheelchair status was reported in 65% in 9 to 12 years old. Cervical and lumbar lordoses were seen in 57 and 69%, respectively, in above 13 years old. Respiratory and cardiac complications were 88 and 78% reported in above 13 years old, respectively. Other major associated complaints such as enlarged tongue were reported in 79%. Fifty-one percent underwent genetic diagnosis and 79% of the population underwent serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK) analysis for the confirmation of DMD.
Conclusion
In this study population of South India, milestone delay was a major observation. Although there was a slight margin, family history shows “no blood relation among parents” in the majority of the study population. Chief complaints were predominantly severe above 13-year age group population. Serum CPK was the first choice for the first investigation, which is followed by a genetic diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nigama Chandra Sattenapalli
- Department of Pharmacy, KL College of Pharmacy, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Anka Rao Areti
- Department of Pharmacy, KL College of Pharmacy, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - S.N. Koteswara Rao G.
- Department of Pharmacy, KL College of Pharmacy, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Uma Sankar Kulandaivelu
- Department of Pharmacy, KL College of Pharmacy, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Rajasekhar Reddy Alavala
- Department of Pharmacy, KL College of Pharmacy, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Ravi Manne
- Department of QA and QC, Chemtex Environmental Lab 3082, Port Arthur, Texas, United States
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Sarasati SA, Iskandar K, Septianastiti MA, Malueka RG, Dwianingsih EK. Diagnostic Value of Dystrophin Immunostaining in the Diagnosis of Duchenne and Becker Muscular Dystrophy Patients. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2021.7612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) are X-linked recessive muscular disorders caused by the absence or reduction of the muscle cytoskeletal protein dystrophin. Standard procedures to detect deletion and duplication of the DMD gene use Multiplex Ligation-Dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA). However, genetic testing, such as MLPA, is not covered by the national insurance scheme in Indonesia. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of dystrophin from muscle biopsy in the form of Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) specimens can be an alternative method to detect dystrophin expression in protein levels to establish the diagnosis of DMD or BMD.
Objectives: To determinate sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of IHC analysis of dystrophin in DMD/BMD patient in comparison with the standard genetic testing, MLPA.
Methods: Twenty-six patients enrolled in this study were clinically diagnosed as DMD/BMD in Dr. Sardjito Hospital and Universitas Gadjah Mada Academic Hospital. Genomic DNA was isolated from 3 mL of EDTA-peripheral whole blood samples. The deletion and duplication of DMD genes were detected by MLPA. IHC examination was performed using a specific antibody dystrophin (DYS2). Complete loss of dystrophin staining indicated DMD, while partial loss of dystrophin staining indicated BMD. MLPA result was used as the gold standard to determine sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of IHC technique using a 2x2 table.
Results: MLPA results revealed 18 (18/26; 69.3%) patients with deletion and 3 (3/26; 11.5%) patients with duplication. Five (5/26; 19.2%) patients who showed no deletion nor duplication were excluded from the analysis. Among 21 patients with deletion or duplication, 18 (18/21; 85.7%) patients were out-of-frame (DMD) and 3 (3/21; 14.3%) patients were in-frame (BMD). Six patients showed a discrepancy between the IHC and MLPA results with 9.5% (2/21) false positive and 19% (4/21) false negative. The sensitivity of dystrophin IHC was 77.78%, specificity 33.33%, positive predictive value 87.5%, negative predictive value 20%, and accuracy 71.43%.
Conclusion: Muscle biopsy followed by IHC can be one of the diagnostic tools to diagnose BMD or DMD, with high sensitivity. The protein-based strategy is probably the most efficient way to approach the diagnosis of Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy in limited health care settings.
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David A, Islam S, Tankhilevich E, Sternberg MJE. The AlphaFold Database of Protein Structures: A Biologist's Guide. J Mol Biol 2021; 434:167336. [PMID: 34757056 PMCID: PMC8783046 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.167336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
AlphaFold, the deep learning algorithm developed by DeepMind, recently released the three-dimensional models of the whole human proteome to the scientific community. Here we discuss the advantages, limitations and the still unsolved challenges of the AlphaFold models from the perspective of a biologist, who may not be an expert in structural biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia David
- Centre for Integrative System Biology and Bioinformatics, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK.
| | - Suhail Islam
- Centre for Integrative System Biology and Bioinformatics, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Evgeny Tankhilevich
- Centre for Integrative System Biology and Bioinformatics, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Michael J E Sternberg
- Centre for Integrative System Biology and Bioinformatics, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
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Cho S, Jang J. Recent Trends in Biofabrication Technologies for Studying Skeletal Muscle Tissue-Related Diseases. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:782333. [PMID: 34778240 PMCID: PMC8578921 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.782333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In native skeletal muscle, densely packed myofibers exist in close contact with surrounding motor neurons and blood vessels, which are embedded in the fibrous connective tissue. In comparison to conventional two-dimensional (2D) cultures, the three-dimensional (3D) engineered skeletal muscle models allow structural and mechanical resemblance with native skeletal muscle tissue by providing geometric confinement and physiological matrix stiffness to the cells. In addition, various external stimuli applied to these models enhance muscle maturation along with cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interaction. Therefore, 3D in vitro muscle models can adequately recapitulate the pathophysiologic events occurring in tissue-tissue interfaces inside the native skeletal muscle such as neuromuscular junction. Moreover, 3D muscle models can induce pathological phenotype of human muscle dystrophies such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy by incorporating patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells and human primary cells. In this review, we discuss the current biofabrication technologies for modeling various skeletal muscle tissue-related diseases (i.e., muscle diseases) including muscular dystrophies and inflammatory muscle diseases. In particular, these approaches would enable the discovery of novel phenotypic markers and the mechanism study of human muscle diseases with genetic mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seungyeun Cho
- Department of Convergence IT Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, South Korea
| | - Jinah Jang
- Department of Convergence IT Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, South Korea
- School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, South Korea
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, South Korea
- Institute for Convergence Research and Education in Advanced Technology, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
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Matured Myofibers in Bioprinted Constructs with In Vivo Vascularization and Innervation. Gels 2021; 7:gels7040171. [PMID: 34698150 PMCID: PMC8544540 DOI: 10.3390/gels7040171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
For decades, the study of tissue-engineered skeletal muscle has been driven by a clinical need to treat neuromuscular diseases and volumetric muscle loss. The in vitro fabrication of muscle offers the opportunity to test drug-and cell-based therapies, to study disease processes, and to perhaps, one day, serve as a muscle graft for reconstructive surgery. This study developed a biofabrication technique to engineer muscle for research and clinical applications. A bioprinting protocol was established to deliver primary mouse myoblasts in a gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) bioink, which was implanted in an in vivo chamber in a nude rat model. For the first time, this work demonstrated the phenomenon of myoblast migration through the bioprinted GelMA scaffold with cells spontaneously forming fibers on the surface of the material. This enabled advanced maturation and facilitated the connection between incoming vessels and nerve axons in vivo without the hindrance of a scaffold material. Immunohistochemistry revealed the hallmarks of tissue maturity with sarcomeric striations and peripherally placed nuclei in the organized bundles of muscle fibers. Such engineered muscle autografts could, with further structural development, eventually be used for surgical reconstructive purposes while the methodology presented here specifically has wide applications for in vitro and in vivo neuromuscular function and disease modelling.
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46
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Tulangekar A, Sztal TE. Inflammation in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy-Exploring the Role of Neutrophils in Muscle Damage and Regeneration. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9101366. [PMID: 34680483 PMCID: PMC8533596 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9101366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe and progressive, X-linked, neuromuscular disorder caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene. In DMD, the lack of functional dystrophin protein makes the muscle membrane fragile, leaving the muscle fibers prone to damage during contraction. Muscle degeneration in DMD patients is closely associated with a prolonged inflammatory response, and while this is important to stimulate regeneration, inflammation is also thought to exacerbate muscle damage. Neutrophils are one of the first immune cells to be recruited to the damaged muscle and are the first line of defense during tissue injury or infection. Neutrophils can promote inflammation by releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines and compounds, including myeloperoxidase (MPO) and neutrophil elastase (NE), that lead to oxidative stress and are thought to have a role in prolonging inflammation in DMD. In this review, we provide an overview of the roles of the innate immune response, with particular focus on mechanisms used by neutrophils to exacerbate muscle damage and impair regeneration in DMD.
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Ito K, Takakusa H, Kakuta M, Kanda A, Takagi N, Nagase H, Watanabe N, Asano D, Goda R, Masuda T, Nakamura A, Onishi Y, Onoda T, Koizumi M, Takeshima Y, Matsuo M, Takaishi K. Renadirsen, a Novel 2'OMeRNA/ENA ® Chimera Antisense Oligonucleotide, Induces Robust Exon 45 Skipping for Dystrophin In Vivo. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2021; 43:1267-1281. [PMID: 34698059 PMCID: PMC8928966 DOI: 10.3390/cimb43030090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive muscle-wasting disease caused by out-of-frame or nonsense mutation in the dystrophin gene. It begins with a loss of ambulation between 9 and 14 years of age, followed by various other symptoms including cardiac dysfunction. Exon skipping of patients’ DMD pre-mRNA induced by antisense oligonucleotides (AOs) is expected to produce shorter but partly functional dystrophin proteins, such as those possessed by patients with the less severe Becker muscular dystrophy. We are working on developing modified nucleotides, such as 2′-O,4′-C-ethylene-bridged nucleic acids (ENAs), possessing high nuclease resistance and high affinity for complementary RNA strands. Here, we demonstrate the preclinical characteristics (exon-skipping activity in vivo, stability in blood, pharmacokinetics, and tissue distribution) of renadirsen, a novel AO modified with 2′-O-methyl RNA/ENA chimera phosphorothioate designed for dystrophin exon 45 skipping and currently under clinical trials. Notably, systemic delivery of renadirsen sodium promoted dystrophin exon skipping in cardiac muscle, skeletal muscle, and diaphragm, compared with AOs with the same sequence as renadirsen but conventionally modified by PMO and 2′OMePS. These findings suggest the promise of renadirsen sodium as a therapeutic agent that improves not only skeletal muscle symptoms but also other symptoms in DMD patients, such as cardiac dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kentaro Ito
- Specialty Medicine Research Laboratories I, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Shinagawa, Tokyo 1408710, Japan; (K.I.); (A.K.); (H.N.)
| | - Hideo Takakusa
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics Research Laboratories, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Shinagawa, Tokyo 1408710, Japan; (H.T.); (N.W.); (D.A.); (R.G.)
| | - Masayo Kakuta
- Medical Information Department, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Chuo, Tokyo 1038426, Japan;
| | - Akira Kanda
- Specialty Medicine Research Laboratories I, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Shinagawa, Tokyo 1408710, Japan; (K.I.); (A.K.); (H.N.)
| | - Nana Takagi
- Safety and Risk Management Department, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Chuo, Tokyo 1038426, Japan;
| | - Hiroyuki Nagase
- Specialty Medicine Research Laboratories I, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Shinagawa, Tokyo 1408710, Japan; (K.I.); (A.K.); (H.N.)
| | - Nobuaki Watanabe
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics Research Laboratories, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Shinagawa, Tokyo 1408710, Japan; (H.T.); (N.W.); (D.A.); (R.G.)
| | - Daigo Asano
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics Research Laboratories, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Shinagawa, Tokyo 1408710, Japan; (H.T.); (N.W.); (D.A.); (R.G.)
| | - Ryoya Goda
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics Research Laboratories, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Shinagawa, Tokyo 1408710, Japan; (H.T.); (N.W.); (D.A.); (R.G.)
| | - Takeshi Masuda
- Modality Research Laboratories, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Shinagawa, Tokyo 1409710, Japan; (T.M.); (A.N.); (Y.O.); (M.K.)
| | - Akifumi Nakamura
- Modality Research Laboratories, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Shinagawa, Tokyo 1409710, Japan; (T.M.); (A.N.); (Y.O.); (M.K.)
| | - Yoshiyuki Onishi
- Modality Research Laboratories, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Shinagawa, Tokyo 1409710, Japan; (T.M.); (A.N.); (Y.O.); (M.K.)
| | - Toshio Onoda
- Intellectual Property Department, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Shinagawa, Tokyo 1409710, Japan;
| | - Makoto Koizumi
- Modality Research Laboratories, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Shinagawa, Tokyo 1409710, Japan; (T.M.); (A.N.); (Y.O.); (M.K.)
| | - Yasuhiro Takeshima
- Department of Pediatrics, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya 6638501, Japan;
| | - Masafumi Matsuo
- Research Center for Locomotion Biology, Kobe Gakuin University, Nishi, Kobe 6512180, Japan;
| | - Kiyosumi Takaishi
- Specialty Medicine Research Laboratories I, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Shinagawa, Tokyo 1408710, Japan; (K.I.); (A.K.); (H.N.)
- Correspondence:
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Wharton's Jelly-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Reduce Fibrosis in a Mouse Model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy by Upregulating microRNA 499. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9091089. [PMID: 34572277 PMCID: PMC8469349 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9091089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) in an animal model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Mdx mice (3-5 months old) were administered five different doses of WJ-MSCs through their tail veins. A week after injection, grip strength measurements, creatine kinase (CK) assays, immunohistochemistry, and western blots were performed for comparison between healthy mice, mdx control mice, and WJ-MSC-injected mdx mice. WJ-MSCs exerted dose-dependent multisystem therapeutic effects in mdx mice, by decreasing CK, recovering normal behavior, regenerating muscle, and reducing apoptosis and fibrosis in skeletal muscle. We also confirmed that miR-499-5p is significantly downregulated in mdx mice, and that intravenous injection of WJ-MSCs enhanced its expression, leading to anti-fibrotic effects via targeting TGFβR 1 and 3. Thus, WJ-MSCs may represent novel allogeneic "off-the-shelf" cellular products for the treatment of DMD and possibly other muscle disorders.
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Washburn RL, Hibler T, Thompson LA, Kaur G, Dufour JM. Therapeutic application of Sertoli cells for treatment of various diseases. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2021; 121:10-23. [PMID: 33910764 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Sertoli cells (SCs) are immune privileged cells found in the testis that function to immunologically protect maturing germ cells from immune destruction. This immune protection is due to the blood-testis-barrier, which prevents infiltration of cytotoxic immune cells and antibodies, and SC production of immunomodulatory factors, that favor a tolerogenic environment. The ability of SCs to create an immune privileged environment has led to the exploration of their potential use in the treatment of various diseases. SCs have been utilized to create a tolerogenic ectopic microenvironment, to protect co-grafted cells, and to deliver therapeutic proteins through gene therapy. To date, numerous studies have reported the potential use of SCs for the treatment of diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, and restoration of spermatogenesis. Additionally, SCs have been investigated as a delivery vehicle for therapeutic products to treat other diseases like Laron syndrome, muscular dystrophy, and infections. This review will provide an overview of these therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L Washburn
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Taylor Hibler
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Lea Ann Thompson
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Gurvinder Kaur
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; Department of Medical Education, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA.
| | - Jannette M Dufour
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; Department of Medical Education, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA.
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Maruyama R, Yokota T. Antisense Oligonucleotide Treatment in a Humanized Mouse Model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Highly Sensitive Detection of Dystrophin Using Western Blotting. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2224:203-214. [PMID: 33606217 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1008-4_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a devastating X-linked muscle disorder affecting many children. The disease is caused by the lack of dystrophin production and characterized by muscle wasting. The most common causes of death are respiratory failure and heart failure. Antisense oligonucleotide-mediated exon skipping using a phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomer (PMO) is a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of DMD. In preclinical studies, dystrophic mouse models are commonly used for the development of therapeutic oligos. We employ a humanized model carrying the full-length human DMD transgene along with the complete knockout of the mouse Dmd gene. In this model, the effects of human-targeting AOs can be tested without cross-reaction between mouse sequences and human sequences (note that mdx, a conventional dystrophic mouse model, carries a nonsense point mutation in exon 23 and express the full-length mouse Dmd mRNA, which is a significant complicating factor). To determine if dystrophin expression is restored, the Western blotting analysis is commonly performed; however, due to the extremely large protein size of dystrophin (427 kDa), detection and accurate quantification of full-length dystrophin can be a challenge. Here, we present methodologies to systemically inject PMOs into humanized DMD model mice and determine levels of dystrophin restoration via Western blotting. Using a tris-acetate gradient SDS gel and semi-dry transfer with three buffers, including the Concentrated Anode Buffer, Anode Buffer, and Cathode Buffer, less than 1% normal levels of dystrophin expression are easily detectable. This method is fast, easy, and sensitive enough for the detection of dystrophin from both cultured muscle cells and muscle biopsy samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rika Maruyama
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Toshifumi Yokota
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada. .,The Friends of Garrett Cumming Research & Muscular Dystrophy Canada HM Toupin Neurological Science Research Chair, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
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