1
|
Guiraud S, Edwards B, Squire SE, Moir L, Berg A, Babbs A, Ramadan N, Wood MJ, Davies KE. Embryonic myosin is a regeneration marker to monitor utrophin-based therapies for DMD. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 28:307-319. [PMID: 30304405 PMCID: PMC6322073 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a lethal, X-linked muscle-wasting disease caused by lack of the cytoskeletal protein dystrophin. Constitutive utrophin expression, a structural and functional paralogue of dystrophin, can successfully prevent the dystrophic pathology in the dystrophin-deficient mdx mouse model. In dystrophic muscles, utrophin is increased as part of the repair process and localized at the sarcolemma of regenerating myofibers. The presence of developmental myosin such as embryonic myosin (MyHC-emb) and neonatal represents a useful marker of muscle regeneration and a meaningful indicator of muscle damage, which correlates with the clinical severity of milder Becker muscular dystrophy and DMD patients. In the present study, we demonstrate that MyHC-emb is a robust marker of regeneration at different ages and in different skeletal muscles. We also evaluate the correlation between utrophin, dystrophin and MyHC-emb in wild-type (wt) and regenerating dystrophic muscles. Restoration of dystrophin significantly reduced MyHC-emb levels. Similarly, overexpression of utrophin in the transgenic mdx-Fiona mice reduced the number of MyHC-emb positive fibers to wt level, prevented the regenerative process and rescued the muscle function. In contrast, the absence of utrophin in the dystrophin-deficient double-knockout mice resulted in a higher MyHC-emb content and in a more severe dystrophic pathophysiology than in mdx mice. These data illustrate the importance of monitoring utrophin and MyHC-emb levels in the preclinical evaluation of therapies and provide translational support for the use of developmental myosin as a disease biomarker in DMD clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Guiraud
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin Edwards
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah E Squire
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, United Kingdom
| | - Lee Moir
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, United Kingdom
| | - Adam Berg
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, United Kingdom
| | - Arran Babbs
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, United Kingdom
| | - Nesrine Ramadan
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew J Wood
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, United Kingdom
| | - Kay E Davies
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rodrigues M, Echigoya Y, Fukada SI, Yokota T. Current Translational Research and Murine Models For Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. J Neuromuscul Dis 2018; 3:29-48. [PMID: 27854202 PMCID: PMC5271422 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-150113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration. Mutations in the DMD gene result in the absence of dystrophin, a protein required for muscle strength and stability. Currently, there is no cure for DMD. Since murine models are relatively easy to genetically manipulate, cost effective, and easily reproducible due to their short generation time, they have helped to elucidate the pathobiology of dystrophin deficiency and to assess therapies for treating DMD. Recently, several murine models have been developed by our group and others to be more representative of the human DMD mutation types and phenotypes. For instance, mdx mice on a DBA/2 genetic background, developed by Fukada et al., have lower regenerative capacity and exhibit very severe phenotype. Cmah-deficient mdx mice display an accelerated disease onset and severe cardiac phenotype due to differences in glycosylation between humans and mice. Other novel murine models include mdx52, which harbors a deletion mutation in exon 52, a hot spot region in humans, and dystrophin/utrophin double-deficient (dko), which displays a severe dystrophic phenotype due the absence of utrophin, a dystrophin homolog. This paper reviews the pathological manifestations and recent therapeutic developments in murine models of DMD such as standard mdx (C57BL/10), mdx on C57BL/6 background (C57BL/6-mdx), mdx52, dystrophin/utrophin double-deficient (dko), mdxβgeo, Dmd-null, humanized DMD (hDMD), mdx on DBA/2 background (DBA/2-mdx), Cmah-mdx, and mdx/mTRKO murine models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Merryl Rodrigues
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Yusuke Echigoya
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - So-Ichiro Fukada
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Toshifumi Yokota
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Muscular Dystrophy Canada Research Chair, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ponnusamy S, Sullivan RD, You D, Zafar N, He Yang C, Thiyagarajan T, Johnson DL, Barrett ML, Koehler NJ, Star M, Stephenson EJ, Bridges D, Cormier SA, Pfeffer LM, Narayanan R. Androgen receptor agonists increase lean mass, improve cardiopulmonary functions and extend survival in preclinical models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Hum Mol Genet 2017; 26:2526-2540. [PMID: 28453658 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddx150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a neuromuscular disease that predominantly affects boys as a result of mutation(s) in the dystrophin gene. DMD is characterized by musculoskeletal and cardiopulmonary complications, resulting in shorter life-span. Boys afflicted by DMD typically exhibit symptoms within 3-5 years of age and declining physical functions before attaining puberty. We hypothesized that rapidly deteriorating health of pre-pubertal boys with DMD could be due to diminished anabolic actions of androgens in muscle, and that intervention with an androgen receptor (AR) agonist will reverse musculoskeletal complications and extend survival. While castration of dystrophin and utrophin double mutant (mdx-dm) mice to mimic pre-pubertal nadir androgen condition resulted in premature death, maintenance of androgen levels extended the survival. Non-steroidal selective-AR modulator, GTx-026, which selectively builds muscle and bone was tested in X-linked muscular dystrophy mice (mdx). GTx-026 significantly increased body weight, lean mass and grip strength by 60-80% over vehicle-treated mdx mice. While vehicle-treated castrated mdx mice exhibited cardiopulmonary impairment and fibrosis of heart and lungs, GTx-026 returned cardiopulmonary function and intensity of fibrosis to healthy control levels. GTx-026 elicits its musculoskeletal effects through pathways that are distinct from dystrophin-regulated pathways, making AR agonists ideal candidates for combination approaches. While castration of mdx-dm mice resulted in weaker muscle and shorter survival, GTx-026 treatment increased the muscle mass, function and survival, indicating that androgens are important for extended survival. These preclinical results support the importance of androgens and the need for intervention with AR agonists to treat DMD-affected boys.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Erin J Stephenson
- Department of Pediatrics.,Department of Physiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Dave Bridges
- Department of Pediatrics.,Department of Physiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Spaulding HR, Ballmann CG, Quindry JC, Selsby JT. Long-Term Quercetin Dietary Enrichment Partially Protects Dystrophic Skeletal Muscle. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0168293. [PMID: 27977770 PMCID: PMC5158046 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0168293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) results from a genetic lesion in the dystrophin gene and leads to progressive muscle damage. PGC-1α pathway activation improves muscle function and decreases histopathological injury. We hypothesized that mild disease found in the limb muscles of mdx mice may be responsive to quercetin-mediated protection of dystrophic muscle via PGC-1α pathway activation. To test this hypothesis muscle function was measured in the soleus and EDL from 14 month old C57, mdx, and mdx mice treated with quercetin (mdxQ; 0.2% dietary enrichment) for 12 months. Quercetin reversed 50% of disease-related losses in specific tension and partially preserved fatigue resistance in the soleus. Specific tension and resistance to contraction-induced injury in the EDL were not protected by quercetin. Given some functional gain in the soleus it was probed with histological and biochemical approaches, however, in dystrophic muscle histopathological outcomes were not improved by quercetin and suppressed PGC-1α pathway activation was not increased. Similar to results in the diaphragm from these mice, these data suggest that the benefits conferred to dystrophic muscle following 12 months of quercetin enrichment were underwhelming. Spontaneous activity at the end of the treatment period was greater in mdxQ compared to mdx indicating that quercetin fed mice were more active in addition to engaging in more vigorous activity. Hence, modest preservation of muscle function (specific tension) and elevated spontaneous physical activity largely in the absence of tissue damage in mdxQ suggests dietary quercetin may mediate protection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah R. Spaulding
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States of America
| | | | - John C. Quindry
- School of Kinesiology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States of America
| | - Joshua T. Selsby
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Selsby JT, Ballmann CG, Spaulding HR, Ross JW, Quindry JC. Oral quercetin administration transiently protects respiratory function in dystrophin-deficient mice. J Physiol 2016; 594:6037-6053. [PMID: 27094343 DOI: 10.1113/jp272057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 04/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
KEY POINT PGC-1α pathway activation has been shown to decrease disease severity and can be driven by quercetin. Oral quercetin supplementation protected respiratory function for 4-6 months during a 12 month dosing regimen. This transient protection was probably due to a failure to sustain elevated SIRT1 activity and downstream PGC-1α signalling. Quercetin supplementation may be a beneficial treatment as part of a cocktail provided continued SIRT1 activity elevation is achieved. ABSTRACT Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) impacts 1 : 3500 boys and leads to muscle dysfunction culminating in death due to respiratory or cardiac failure. There is an urgent need for effective therapies with the potential for immediate application for this patient population. Quercetin, a flavonoid with an outstanding safety profile, may provide therapeutic relief to DMD patients as the wait for additional therapies continues. This study evaluated the capacity of orally administered quercetin (0.2%) in 2 month old mdx mice to improve respiratory function and end-point functional and histological outcomes in the diaphragm following 12 months of treatment. Respiratory function was protected for the first 4-6 months of treatment but appeared to become insensitive to quercetin thereafter. Consistent with this, end-point functional measures were decreased and histopathological measures were more severe in dystrophic muscle compared to C57 and similar between control-fed and quercetin-fed mdx mice. To better understand the transient nature of improved respiratory function, we measured PGC-1α pathway activity, which is suggested to be up-regulated by quercetin supplementation. This pathway was largely suppressed in dystrophic muscle compared to healthy muscle, and at the 14 month time point dietary quercetin enrichment did not increase expression of downstream effectors. These data support the efficacy of quercetin as an intervention for DMD in skeletal muscle, and also indicate the development of age-dependent quercetin insensitivity when continued supplementation fails to drive the PGC-1α pathway. Continued study is needed to determine if this is related to disease severity, age or other factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua T Selsby
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA. .,School of Kinesiology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA.
| | - Christopher G Ballmann
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA.,School of Kinesiology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Hannah R Spaulding
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA.,School of Kinesiology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Jason W Ross
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA.,School of Kinesiology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - John C Quindry
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA.,School of Kinesiology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Namgoong JH, Bertoni C. Clinical potential of ataluren in the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Degener Neurol Neuromuscul Dis 2016; 6:37-48. [PMID: 30050367 PMCID: PMC6053089 DOI: 10.2147/dnnd.s71808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an autosomal dominant, X-linked neuromuscular disorder caused by mutations in dystrophin, one of the largest genes known to date. Dystrophin gene mutations are generally transmitted from the mother to male offspring and can occur throughout the coding length of the gene. The majority of the methodologies aimed at treating the disorder have focused on restoring a shorter, although partially functional, dystrophin protein. The approach has the potential of converting a severe DMD phenotype into a milder form of the disease known as Becker muscular dystrophy. Others have focused on ameliorating the disease by targeting secondary pathologies such as inflammation or loss of regeneration. Of great potential is the development of strategies that are capable of restoring full-length dystrophin expression due to their ability to produce a normal, fully functional protein. Among these strategies, the use of read-through compounds (RTCs) that could be administered orally represents an ideal option. Gentamicin has been previously tested in clinical trials for DMD with limited or no success, and its use in the clinic has been dismissed due to issues of toxicity and lack of clear benefits to patients. More recently, new RTCs have been identified and tested in animal models for DMD. This review will focus on one of those RTCs known as ataluren that has now completed Phase III clinical studies for DMD and at providing an overview of the different stages that have led to its clinical development for the disease. The impact that this new drug may have on DMD and its future perspectives will also be described, with an emphasis on the importance of further assessing the clinical benefits of this molecule in patients as it becomes available on the market in different countries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John Hyun Namgoong
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA,
| | - Carmen Bertoni
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA,
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sekulic-Jablanovic M, Ullrich ND, Goldblum D, Palmowski-Wolfe A, Zorzato F, Treves S. Functional characterization of orbicularis oculi and extraocular muscles. J Gen Physiol 2016; 147:395-406. [PMID: 27069119 PMCID: PMC4845688 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.201511542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Facial muscles are skeletal muscles that control facial expression. Sekulic-Jablanovic et al. characterize orbicularis oculi and extraocular muscles and find divergence in the expression of key molecules for muscle function between facial, extraocular, and quadriceps muscles. The orbicularis oculi are the sphincter muscles of the eyelids and are involved in modulating facial expression. They differ from both limb and extraocular muscles (EOMs) in their histology and biochemistry. Weakness of the orbicularis oculi muscles is a feature of neuromuscular disorders affecting the neuromuscular junction, and weakness of facial muscles and ptosis have also been described in patients with mutations in the ryanodine receptor gene. Here, we investigate human orbicularis oculi muscles and find that they are functionally more similar to quadriceps than to EOMs in terms of excitation–contraction coupling components. In particular, they do not express the cardiac isoform of the dihydropyridine receptor, which we find to be highly expressed in EOMs where it is likely responsible for the large depolarization-induced calcium influx. We further show that human orbicularis oculi and EOMs express high levels of utrophin and low levels of dystrophin, whereas quadriceps express dystrophin and low levels of utrophin. The results of this study highlight the notion that myotubes obtained by explanting satellite cells from different muscles are not functionally identical and retain the physiological characteristics of their muscle of origin. Furthermore, our results indicate that sparing of facial and EOMs in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the result of the higher levels of utrophin expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marijana Sekulic-Jablanovic
- Department of Anesthesia, Basel University Hospital, 4031 Basel, Switzerland Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nina D Ullrich
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - David Goldblum
- Eye Clinic, Basel University and Basel University Hospital, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anja Palmowski-Wolfe
- Eye Clinic, Basel University and Basel University Hospital, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Francesco Zorzato
- Department of Anesthesia, Basel University Hospital, 4031 Basel, Switzerland Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital, 4031 Basel, Switzerland Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, General Pathology Section, University of Ferrara, 44100 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Susan Treves
- Department of Anesthesia, Basel University Hospital, 4031 Basel, Switzerland Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital, 4031 Basel, Switzerland Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, General Pathology Section, University of Ferrara, 44100 Ferrara, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
2015 William Allan Award. Am J Hum Genet 2016; 98:419-426. [PMID: 26942278 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2016.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
|
9
|
Fisch G. 2015 William Allan Award Introduction: Kay E. Davies 1. Am J Hum Genet 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2016.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
|
10
|
Parvatiyar MS, Marshall JL, Nguyen RT, Jordan MC, Richardson VA, Roos KP, Crosbie-Watson RH. Sarcospan Regulates Cardiac Isoproterenol Response and Prevents Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy-Associated Cardiomyopathy. J Am Heart Assoc 2015; 4:JAHA.115.002481. [PMID: 26702077 PMCID: PMC4845268 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.115.002481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Background Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a fatal cardiac and skeletal muscle disease resulting from mutations in the dystrophin gene. We have previously demonstrated that a dystrophin‐associated protein, sarcospan (SSPN), ameliorated Duchenne muscular dystrophy skeletal muscle degeneration by activating compensatory pathways that regulate muscle cell adhesion (laminin‐binding) to the extracellular matrix. Conversely, loss of SSPN destabilized skeletal muscle adhesion, hampered muscle regeneration, and reduced force properties. Given the importance of SSPN to skeletal muscle, we investigated the consequences of SSPN ablation in cardiac muscle and determined whether overexpression of SSPN into mdx mice ameliorates cardiac disease symptoms associated with Duchenne muscular dystrophy cardiomyopathy. Methods and Results SSPN‐null mice exhibited cardiac enlargement, exacerbated cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, and increased fibrosis in response to β‐adrenergic challenge (isoproterenol; 0.8 mg/day per 2 weeks). Biochemical analysis of SSPN‐null cardiac muscle revealed reduced sarcolemma localization of many proteins with a known role in cardiomyopathy pathogenesis: dystrophin, the sarcoglycans (α‐, δ‐, and γ‐subunits), and β1D integrin. Transgenic overexpression of SSPN in Duchenne muscular dystrophy mice (mdxTG) improved cardiomyofiber cell adhesion, sarcolemma integrity, cardiac functional parameters, as well as increased expression of compensatory transmembrane proteins that mediate attachment to the extracellular matrix. Conclusions SSPN regulates sarcolemmal expression of laminin‐binding complexes that are critical to cardiac muscle function and protects against transient and chronic injury, including inherited cardiomyopathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle S Parvatiyar
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA (M.S.P., J.L.M., R.T.N., V.A.R., R.H.C.W.) Center for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, University of California, Los Angeles, CA (M.S.P., J.L.M., M.C.J., V.A.R., K.P.R., R.H.C.W.)
| | - Jamie L Marshall
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA (M.S.P., J.L.M., R.T.N., V.A.R., R.H.C.W.) Center for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, University of California, Los Angeles, CA (M.S.P., J.L.M., M.C.J., V.A.R., K.P.R., R.H.C.W.)
| | - Reginald T Nguyen
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA (M.S.P., J.L.M., R.T.N., V.A.R., R.H.C.W.)
| | - Maria C Jordan
- Center for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, University of California, Los Angeles, CA (M.S.P., J.L.M., M.C.J., V.A.R., K.P.R., R.H.C.W.) Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA (M.C.J., K.P.R.)
| | - Vanitra A Richardson
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA (M.S.P., J.L.M., R.T.N., V.A.R., R.H.C.W.) Center for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, University of California, Los Angeles, CA (M.S.P., J.L.M., M.C.J., V.A.R., K.P.R., R.H.C.W.)
| | - Kenneth P Roos
- Center for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, University of California, Los Angeles, CA (M.S.P., J.L.M., M.C.J., V.A.R., K.P.R., R.H.C.W.) Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA (M.C.J., K.P.R.)
| | - Rachelle H Crosbie-Watson
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA (M.S.P., J.L.M., R.T.N., V.A.R., R.H.C.W.) Center for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, University of California, Los Angeles, CA (M.S.P., J.L.M., M.C.J., V.A.R., K.P.R., R.H.C.W.) Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA (R.H.C.W.)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
McGreevy JW, Hakim CH, McIntosh MA, Duan D. Animal models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy: from basic mechanisms to gene therapy. Dis Model Mech 2015; 8:195-213. [PMID: 25740330 PMCID: PMC4348559 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.018424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 316] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive muscle-wasting disorder. It is caused by loss-of-function mutations in the dystrophin gene. Currently, there is no cure. A highly promising therapeutic strategy is to replace or repair the defective dystrophin gene by gene therapy. Numerous animal models of DMD have been developed over the last 30 years, ranging from invertebrate to large mammalian models. mdx mice are the most commonly employed models in DMD research and have been used to lay the groundwork for DMD gene therapy. After ~30 years of development, the field has reached the stage at which the results in mdx mice can be validated and scaled-up in symptomatic large animals. The canine DMD (cDMD) model will be excellent for these studies. In this article, we review the animal models for DMD, the pros and cons of each model system, and the history and progress of preclinical DMD gene therapy research in the animal models. We also discuss the current and emerging challenges in this field and ways to address these challenges using animal models, in particular cDMD dogs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joe W McGreevy
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Chady H Hakim
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Mark A McIntosh
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Dongsheng Duan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Guiraud S, Squire SE, Edwards B, Chen H, Burns DT, Shah N, Babbs A, Davies SG, Wynne GM, Russell AJ, Elsey D, Wilson FX, Tinsley JM, Davies KE. Second-generation compound for the modulation of utrophin in the therapy of DMD. Hum Mol Genet 2015; 24:4212-24. [PMID: 25935002 PMCID: PMC4492389 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddv154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 04/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a lethal, X-linked muscle-wasting disease caused by lack of the cytoskeletal protein dystrophin. There is currently no cure for DMD although various promising approaches are progressing through human clinical trials. By pharmacologically modulating the expression of the dystrophin-related protein utrophin, we have previously demonstrated in dystrophin-deficient mdx studies, daily SMT C1100 treatment significantly reduced muscle degeneration leading to improved muscle function. This manuscript describes the significant disease modifying benefits associated with daily dosing of SMT022357, a second-generation compound in this drug series with improved physicochemical properties and a more robust metabolism profile. These studies in the mdx mouse demonstrate that oral administration of SMT022357 leads to increased utrophin expression in skeletal, respiratory and cardiac muscles. Significantly, utrophin expression is localized along the length of the muscle fibre, not just at the synapse, and is fibre-type independent, suggesting that drug treatment is modulating utrophin transcription in extra-synaptic myonuclei. This results in improved sarcolemmal stability and prevents dystrophic pathology through a significant reduction of regeneration, necrosis and fibrosis. All these improvements combine to protect the mdx muscle from contraction induced damage and enhance physiological function. This detailed evaluation of the SMT C1100 drug series strongly endorses the therapeutic potential of utrophin modulation as a disease modifying therapeutic strategy for all DMD patients irrespective of their dystrophin mutation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Guiraud
- Medical Research Council Functional Genomics Unit, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK,
| | - Sarah E Squire
- Medical Research Council Functional Genomics Unit, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Benjamin Edwards
- Medical Research Council Functional Genomics Unit, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Huijia Chen
- Medical Research Council Functional Genomics Unit, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | - David T Burns
- Medical Research Council Functional Genomics Unit, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Nandini Shah
- Medical Research Council Functional Genomics Unit, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Arran Babbs
- Medical Research Council Functional Genomics Unit, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Stephen G Davies
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Graham M Wynne
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Angela J Russell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK, Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK and
| | - David Elsey
- Summit Therapeutics plc, 85b Park Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX14 4RY, UK
| | - Francis X Wilson
- Summit Therapeutics plc, 85b Park Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX14 4RY, UK
| | - Jon M Tinsley
- Summit Therapeutics plc, 85b Park Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX14 4RY, UK
| | - Kay E Davies
- Medical Research Council Functional Genomics Unit, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK,
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
McDonald AA, Hebert SL, Kunz MD, Ralles SJ, McLoon LK. Disease course in mdx:utrophin+/- mice: comparison of three mouse models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Physiol Rep 2015; 3:3/4/e12391. [PMID: 25921779 PMCID: PMC4425985 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.12391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is used to study disease mechanisms and potential treatments, but its pathology is less severe than DMD patients. Other mouse models were developed to more closely mimic the human disease based on knowledge that upregulation of utrophin has a protective effect in mdx muscle. An mdx:utrophin−/− (dko) mouse was created, which had a severe disease phenotype and a shortened life span. An mdx:utrophin+/− mouse was also created, which had an intermediate disease phenotype compared to the mdx and dko mice. To determine the usefulness of mdx:utrophin+/− mice for long-term DMD studies, limb muscle pathology and function were assessed across the life span of wild-type, mdx, mdx:utrophin+/−, and dko mice. Muscle function assessment, specifically grip duration and rotarod performance, demonstrated that mdx:utrophin+/− mice were weaker for a longer time than mdx mice. Mean myofiber area was smaller in mdx:utrophin+/− mice compared to mdx mice at 12 months. Mdx:utrophin+/− mice had a higher percentage of centrally nucleated myofibers compared to mdx mice at 6 and 12 months. Collagen I and IV density was significantly higher in mdx:utrophin+/− muscle compared to mdx at most ages examined. Generally, mdx:utrophin+/− mice showed an intermediate disease phenotype over a longer time course compared to the mdx and dko mice. While they do not genetically mirror human DMD, mdx:utrophin+/− mice may be a more useful animal model than mdx or dko mice for investigating long-term efficacy of potential treatments when fibrosis or muscle function is the focus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abby A McDonald
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota Graduate Program in Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology and Genetics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis Minnesota
| | - Sadie L Hebert
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Matthew D Kunz
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Steven J Ralles
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Linda K McLoon
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota Graduate Program in Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology and Genetics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis Minnesota Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Marshall JL, Oh J, Chou E, Lee JA, Holmberg J, Burkin DJ, Crosbie-Watson RH. Sarcospan integration into laminin-binding adhesion complexes that ameliorate muscular dystrophy requires utrophin and α7 integrin. Hum Mol Genet 2014; 24:2011-22. [PMID: 25504048 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddu615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene that result in loss of the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex, a laminin receptor that connects the myofiber to its surrounding extracellular matrix. Utrophin, a dystrophin ortholog that is normally localized to the neuromuscular junction, is naturally upregulated in DMD muscle, which partially compensates for the loss of dystrophin. Transgenic overexpression of utrophin causes broad sarcolemma localization of utrophin, restoration of laminin binding and amelioration of disease in the mdx mouse model of DMD. We previously demonstrated that overexpression of sarcospan, a dystrophin- and utrophin-binding protein, ameliorates mdx muscular dystrophy. Sarcospan boosts levels of utrophin to therapeutic levels at the sarcolemma, where attachment to laminin is restored. However, understanding the compensatory mechanism is complicated by concomitant upregulation of α7β1 integrin, which also binds laminin. Similar to the effects of utrophin, transgenic overexpression of α7 integrin prevents DMD disease in mice and is accompanied by increased abundance of utrophin around the extra-synaptic sarcolemma. In order to investigate the mechanisms underlying sarcospan 'rescue' of muscular dystrophy, we created double-knockout mice to test the contributions of utrophin or α7 integrin. We show that sarcospan-mediated amelioration of muscular dystrophy in DMD mice is dependent on the presence of both utrophin and α7β1 integrin, even when they are individually expressed at therapeutic levels. Furthermore, we found that association of sarcospan into laminin-binding complexes is dependent on utrophin and α7β1 integrin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jamie L Marshall
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, Center for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
| | - Jennifer Oh
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, Center for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
| | - Eric Chou
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, Center for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
| | - Joy A Lee
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, Center for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
| | - Johan Holmberg
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, Center for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
| | - Dean J Burkin
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Rachelle H Crosbie-Watson
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, Center for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Molecular Biology Institute, Department of Neurology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA and
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Gintjee TJJ, Magh ASH, Bertoni C. High throughput screening in duchenne muscular dystrophy: from drug discovery to functional genomics. BIOLOGY 2014; 3:752-80. [PMID: 25405319 PMCID: PMC4280510 DOI: 10.3390/biology3040752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2014] [Revised: 10/28/2014] [Accepted: 10/30/2014] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Centers for the screening of biologically active compounds and genomic libraries are becoming common in the academic setting and have enabled researchers devoted to developing strategies for the treatment of diseases or interested in studying a biological phenomenon to have unprecedented access to libraries that, until few years ago, were accessible only by pharmaceutical companies. As a result, new drugs and genetic targets have now been identified for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), the most prominent of the neuromuscular disorders affecting children. Although the work is still at an early stage, the results obtained to date are encouraging and demonstrate the importance that these centers may have in advancing therapeutic strategies for DMD as well as other diseases. This review will provide a summary of the status and progress made toward the development of a cure for this disorder and implementing high-throughput screening (HTS) technologies as the main source of discovery. As more academic institutions are gaining access to HTS as a valuable discovery tool, the identification of new biologically active molecules is likely to grow larger. In addition, the presence in the academic setting of experts in different aspects of the disease will offer the opportunity to develop novel assays capable of identifying new targets to be pursued as potential therapeutic options. These assays will represent an excellent source to be used by pharmaceutical companies for the screening of larger libraries providing the opportunity to establish strong collaborations between the private and academic sectors and maximizing the chances of bringing into the clinic new drugs for the treatment of DMD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J J Gintjee
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, 710 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - Alvin S H Magh
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, 710 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - Carmen Bertoni
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, 710 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Heier CR, Damsker JM, Yu Q, Dillingham BC, Huynh T, Van der Meulen JH, Sali A, Miller BK, Phadke A, Scheffer L, Quinn J, Tatem K, Jordan S, Dadgar S, Rodriguez OC, Albanese C, Calhoun M, Gordish-Dressman H, Jaiswal JK, Connor EM, McCall JM, Hoffman EP, Reeves EKM, Nagaraju K. VBP15, a novel anti-inflammatory and membrane-stabilizer, improves muscular dystrophy without side effects. EMBO Mol Med 2013; 5:1569-85. [PMID: 24014378 PMCID: PMC3799580 DOI: 10.1002/emmm.201302621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2013] [Revised: 07/30/2013] [Accepted: 08/02/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Absence of dystrophin makes skeletal muscle more susceptible to injury, resulting in breaches of the plasma membrane and chronic inflammation in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Current management by glucocorticoids has unclear molecular benefits and harsh side effects. It is uncertain whether therapies that avoid hormonal stunting of growth and development, and/or immunosuppression, would be more or less beneficial. Here, we discover an oral drug with mechanisms that provide efficacy through anti-inflammatory signaling and membrane-stabilizing pathways, independent of hormonal or immunosuppressive effects. We find VBP15 protects and promotes efficient repair of skeletal muscle cells upon laser injury, in opposition to prednisolone. Potent inhibition of NF-κB is mediated through protein interactions of the glucocorticoid receptor, however VBP15 shows significantly reduced hormonal receptor transcriptional activity. The translation of these drug mechanisms into DMD model mice improves muscle strength, live-imaging and pathology through both preventive and post-onset intervention regimens. These data demonstrate successful improvement of dystrophy independent of hormonal, growth, or immunosuppressive effects, indicating VBP15 merits clinical investigation for DMD and would benefit other chronic inflammatory diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher R Heier
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Partridge TA. The mdx mouse model as a surrogate for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. FEBS J 2013; 280:4177-86. [PMID: 23551987 DOI: 10.1111/febs.12267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2013] [Revised: 03/18/2013] [Accepted: 03/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Research into fundamental principles and the testing of therapeutic hypotheses for treatment of human disease is commonly performed on mouse models of human diseases. Although this is often the only practicable approach, it carries a number of caveats arising from differences between the two species. This review focuses on the example of skeletal muscle disease, in particular muscular dystrophy, to identify some of the principal classes of obstacles to translation of data from mouse to humans. Of these, the difference in scale is one of the most commonly ignored, and is of particular interest because it has quite major repercussions for evaluation of some classes of intervention and of outcome criteria, while having comparatively little bearing on others. Likewise, inter-species differences and similarities in cell and molecular biological mechanisms underlying development, growth and response to pathological processes should be considered on an individual basis. An awareness of such distinctions is crucial if we are to avoid misjudging the likely applicability to humans of results obtained on mouse models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Terence A Partridge
- Children's National Medical Center, Center for Genetic Medicine, Washington, DC 20010, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Moorwood C, Khurana TS. Duchenne muscular dystrophy drug discovery - the application of utrophin promoter activation screening. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2013; 8:569-81. [PMID: 23473647 DOI: 10.1517/17460441.2013.777040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a devastating genetic muscle wasting disease caused by mutations in the DMD gene that in turn lead to an absence of dystrophin. Currently, there is no definitive therapy for DMD. Gene- and cell-based therapies designed to replace dystrophin have met some degree of success, as have strategies that seek to improve the dystrophic pathology independent of dystrophin. AREAS COVERED In this review the authors focus on utrophin promoter activation-based strategies and their implications on potential therapeutics for DMD. These strategies in common are designed to identify drugs/small molecules that can activate the utrophin promoter and would allow the functional substitution of dystrophin by upregulating utrophin expression in dystrophic muscle. The authors provide an overview of utrophin biology with a focus on regulation of the utrophin promoter and discuss current attempts in identifying utrophin promoter-activating molecules using high-throughput screening (HTS). EXPERT OPINION The characterisation of utrophin promoter regulatory mechanisms coupled with advances in HTS have allowed researchers to undertake screens and identify a number of promising lead compounds that may prove useful for DMD. In principle, these pharmacological compounds offer significant advantages from a translational viewpoint for developing DMD therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Moorwood
- University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, 438 Levy Research Building, 240 S. 40th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Seto JT, Ramos JN, Muir L, Chamberlain JS, Odom GL. Gene replacement therapies for duchenne muscular dystrophy using adeno-associated viral vectors. Curr Gene Ther 2012; 12:139-51. [PMID: 22533379 DOI: 10.2174/156652312800840603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2012] [Revised: 04/16/2012] [Accepted: 04/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The muscular dystrophies collectively represent a major health challenge, as few significant treatment options currently exist for any of these disorders. Recent years have witnessed a proliferation of novel approaches to therapy, spanning increased testing of existing and new pharmaceuticals, DNA delivery (both anti-sense oligonucleotides and plasmid DNA), gene therapies and stem cell technologies. While none of these has reached the point of being used in clinical practice, all show promise for being able to impact different types of muscular dystrophies. Our group has focused on developing direct gene replacement strategies to treat recessively inherited forms of muscular dystrophy, particularly Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy (DMD/BMD). Both forms of dystrophy are caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene and all cases can in theory be treated by gene replacement using synthetic forms of the dystrophin gene. The major challenges for success of this approach are the development of a suitable gene delivery shuttle, generating a suitable gene expression cassette able to be carried by such a shuttle, and achieving safe and effective delivery without elicitation of a destructive immune response. This review summarizes the current state of the art in terms of using adeno-associated viral vectors to deliver synthetic dystrophin genes for the purpose of developing gene therapy for DMD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jane T Seto
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-7720, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Seppanen EJ, Hodgson SS, Khosrotehrani K, Bou-Gharios G, Fisk NM. Fetal microchimeric cells in a fetus-treats-its-mother paradigm do not contribute to dystrophin production in serially parous mdx females. Stem Cells Dev 2012; 21:2809-16. [PMID: 22731493 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2012.0047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Throughout every pregnancy, genetically distinct fetal microchimeric stem/progenitor cells (FMCs) engraft in the mother, persist long after delivery, and may home to damaged maternal tissues. Phenotypically normal fetal lymphoid progenitors have been described to develop in immunodeficient mothers in a fetus-treats-its-mother paradigm. Since stem cells contribute to muscle repair, we assessed this paradigm in the mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. mdx females were bred serially to either ROSAeGFP males or mdx males to obtain postpartum microchimeras that received either wild-type FMCs or dystrophin-deficient FMCs through serial gestations. To enhance regeneration, notexin was injected into the tibialis anterior of postpartum mice. FMCs were detected by qPCR at a higher frequency in injected compared to noninjected side muscle (P=0.02). However, the number of dystrophin-positive fibers was similar in mothers delivering wild-type compared to mdx pups. In addition, there was no correlation between FMC detection and percentage dystrophin, and no GFP+ve FMCs were identified that expressed dystrophin. In 10/11 animals, GFP+ve FMCs were detected by immunohistochemistry, of which 60% expressed CD45 with 96% outside the basal lamina defining myofiber contours. Finally we confirmed lack of FMC contribution to statellite cells in postpartum mdx females mated with Myf5-LacZ males. We conclude that the FMC contribution to regenerating muscles is insufficient to have a functional impact.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elke Jane Seppanen
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Singh SM, Molas JF, Kongari N, Bandi S, Armstrong GS, Winder SJ, Mallela KM. Thermodynamic stability, unfolding kinetics, and aggregation of the N-terminal actin-binding domains of utrophin and dystrophin. Proteins 2012; 80:1377-92. [PMID: 22275054 PMCID: PMC3439503 DOI: 10.1002/prot.24033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2011] [Revised: 12/21/2011] [Accepted: 01/02/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Muscular dystrophy (MD) is the most common genetic lethal disorder in children. Mutations in dystrophin trigger the most common form of MD, Duchenne, and its allelic variant Becker MD. Utrophin is the closest homologue and has been shown to compensate for the loss of dystrophin in human disease animal models. However, the structural and functional similarities and differences between utrophin and dystrophin are less understood. Both proteins interact with actin through their N-terminal actin-binding domain (N-ABD). In this study, we examined the thermodynamic stability and aggregation of utrophin N-ABD and compared with that of dystrophin. Our results show that utrophin N-ABD has spectroscopic properties similar to dystrophin N-ABD. However, utrophin N-ABD has decreased denaturant and thermal stability, unfolds faster, and is correspondingly more susceptible to proteolysis, which might account for its decreased in vivo half-life compared to dystrophin. In addition, utrophin N-ABD aggregates to a lesser extent compared with dystrophin N-ABD, contrary to the general behavior of proteins in which decreased stability enhances protein aggregation. Despite these differences in stability and aggregation, both proteins exhibit deleterious effects of mutations. When utrophin N-ABD mutations analogous in position to the dystrophin disease-causing mutations were generated, they behaved similarly to dystrophin mutants in terms of decreased stability and the formation of cross-β aggregates, indicating a possible role for utrophin mutations in disease mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Surinder M. Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA
| | - Justine F. Molas
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA
| | - Narsimulu Kongari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA
| | - Swati Bandi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA
| | - Geoffrey S. Armstrong
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309, USA
| | - Steve J. Winder
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Krishna M.G. Mallela
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Beck AJ, Vitale JM, Zhao Q, Schneider JS, Chang C, Altaf A, Michaels J, Bhaumik M, Grange R, Fraidenraich D. Differential requirement for utrophin in the induced pluripotent stem cell correction of muscle versus fat in muscular dystrophy mice. PLoS One 2011; 6:e20065. [PMID: 21603573 PMCID: PMC3095639 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0020065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2011] [Accepted: 04/18/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an incurable degenerative muscle disorder. We injected WT mouse induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into mdx and mdx∶utrophin mutant blastocysts, which are predisposed to develop DMD with an increasing degree of severity (mdx <<< mdx∶utrophin). In mdx chimeras, iPSC-dystrophin was supplied to the muscle sarcolemma to effect corrections at morphological and functional levels. Dystrobrevin was observed in dystrophin-positive and, at a lesser extent, utrophin-positive areas. In the mdx∶utrophin mutant chimeras, although iPSC-dystrophin was also supplied to the muscle sarcolemma, mice still displayed poor skeletal muscle histopathology, and negligible levels of dystrobrevin in dystrophin- and utrophin-negative areas. Not only dystrophin-expressing tissues are affected by iPSCs. Mdx and mdx∶utrophin mice have reduced fat/body weight ratio, but iPSC injection normalized this parameter in both mdx and mdx∶utrophin chimeras, despite the fact that utrophin was compromised in the mdx∶utrophin chimeric fat. The results suggest that the presence of utrophin is required for the iPSC-corrections in skeletal muscle. Furthermore, the results highlight a potential (utrophin-independent) non-cell autonomous role for iPSC-dystrophin in the corrections of non-muscle tissue like fat, which is intimately related to the muscle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda J. Beck
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Joseph M. Vitale
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Qingshi Zhao
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Joel S. Schneider
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Corey Chang
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Aneela Altaf
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Michaels
- Department of Neurology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Mantu Bhaumik
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Robert Grange
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Diego Fraidenraich
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Henderson DM, Belanto JJ, Li B, Heun-Johnson H, Ervasti JM. Internal deletion compromises the stability of dystrophin. Hum Mol Genet 2011; 20:2955-63. [PMID: 21558423 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddr199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a deadly and common childhood disease caused by mutations that disrupt dystrophin protein expression. Several miniaturized dystrophin/utrophin constructs are utilized for gene therapy, and while these constructs have shown promise in mouse models, the functional integrity of these proteins is not well described. Here, we compare the biophysical properties of full-length dystrophin and utrophin with therapeutically relevant miniaturized constructs using an insect cell expression system. Full-length utrophin, like dystrophin, displayed a highly cooperative melting transition well above 37°C. Utrophin constructs involving N-terminal, C-terminal or internal deletions were remarkably stable, showing cooperative melting transitions identical to full-length utrophin. In contrast, large dystrophin deletions from either the N- or C-terminus exhibited variable stability, as evidenced by melting transitions that differed by 20°C. Most importantly, deletions in the large central rod domain of dystrophin resulted in a loss of cooperative unfolding with increased propensity for aggregation. Our results suggest that the functionality of dystrophin therapeutics based on mini- or micro-constructs may be compromised by the presence of non-native protein junctions that result in protein misfolding, instability and aggregation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Davin M Henderson
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Crisp A, Yin H, Goyenvalle A, Betts C, Moulton HM, Seow Y, Babbs A, Merritt T, Saleh AF, Gait MJ, Stuckey DJ, Clarke K, Davies KE, Wood MJA. Diaphragm rescue alone prevents heart dysfunction in dystrophic mice. Hum Mol Genet 2010; 20:413-21. [PMID: 21062902 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddq477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive disease caused, in most cases, by the complete absence of the 427 kDa cytoskeletal protein, dystrophin. There is no effective treatment, and affected individuals die from respiratory failure and cardiomyopathy by age 30. Here, we investigated whether cardiomyopathy could be prevented in animal models of DMD by increasing diaphragm utrophin or dystrophin expression and thereby restoring diaphragm function. In a transgenic mdx mouse, where utrophin was over expressed in the skeletal muscle and the diaphragm, but not in the heart, we found cardiac function, specifically right and left ventricular ejection fraction as measured using in vivo magnetic resonance imaging, was restored to wild-type levels. In mdx mice treated with a peptide-conjugated phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomer (PPMO) that resulted in high levels of dystrophin restoration in the skeletal muscle and the diaphragm only, cardiac function was also restored to wild-type levels. In dystrophin/utrophin-deficient double-knockout (dKO) mice, a more severely affected animal model of DMD, treatment with a PPMO again produced high levels of dystrophin only in the skeletal muscle and the diaphragm, and once more restored cardiac function to wild-type levels. In the dKO mouse, there was no difference in heart function between treatment of the diaphragm plus the heart and treatment of the diaphragm alone. Restoration of diaphragm and other respiratory muscle function, irrespective of the method used, was sufficient to prevent cardiomyopathy in dystrophic mice. This novel mechanism of treating respiratory muscles to prevent cardiomyopathy in dystrophic mice warrants further investigation for its implications on the need to directly treat the heart in DMD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alastair Crisp
- MRC Annex Building, MRC Clinical Sciences Centre, Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Durko M, Allen C, Nalbantoglu J, Karpati G. CT-GalNAc transferase overexpression in adult mice is associated with extrasynaptic utrophin in skeletal muscle fibres. J Muscle Res Cell Motil 2010; 31:181-93. [DOI: 10.1007/s10974-010-9222-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2010] [Accepted: 07/16/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
26
|
Tang Y, Cummins J, Huard J, Wang B. AAV-directed muscular dystrophy gene therapy. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2010; 10:395-408. [PMID: 20132060 DOI: 10.1517/14712591003604690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD Muscle-directed gene therapy for genetic muscle diseases can be performed by the recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vector delivery system to achieve long-term therapeutic gene transfer in all affected muscles. AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW Recent progress in rAAV-vector-mediated muscle-directed gene transfer and associated techniques for the treatment of muscular dystrophies (MD). The review covers literature from the past 2 - 3 years. WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN rAAV-directed muscular dystrophy gene therapy can be achieved by mini-dystrophin replacement and exon-skipping strategies. The additional strategies of enhancing muscle regeneration and reducing inflammation in the muscle micro-environment should be useful to optimize therapeutic efficacy. This review compares the merits and shortcomings of different administration methods, promoters and experimental animals that will guide the choice of the appropriate strategy for clinical trials. TAKE HOME MESSAGE Restoration of muscle histopathology and function has been performed using rAAV systemic gene delivery. In addition, the combination of gene replacement and adjuvant therapies in the future may be beneficial with regard to improving muscle regeneration and decreasing myofiber necrosis. The challenges faced by large animal model studies and in human trials arise from gene transfer efficiency and immune response, which may be overcome by optimizing the rAAV vectors utilized and the administration methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Tang
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Wang Z, Chamberlain JS, Tapscott SJ, Storb R. Gene therapy in large animal models of muscular dystrophy. ILAR J 2009; 50:187-98. [PMID: 19293461 DOI: 10.1093/ilar.50.2.187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The muscular dystrophies are a group of genetically and phenotypically heterogeneously inherited diseases characterized by progressive muscle wasting, which can lead to premature death in severe forms such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). In many cases they are caused by the absence of proteins that are critical components of the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex, which links the cytoskeleton and the basal lamina. There is no effective treatment for these disorders at present, but several novel strategies for replacing or repairing the defective gene are in development, with early encouraging results from animal models. We review these strategies, which include the use of stem cells of different tissue origins, gene replacement therapies mediated by various viral vectors, and transcript repair treatments using exon skipping strategies. We comment on their advantages and on limitations that must be overcome before successful application to human patients. Our focus is on studies in a clinically relevant large canine model of DMD. Recent advances in the field suggest that effective therapies for muscular dystrophies are on the horizon. Because of the complex nature of these diseases, it may be necessary to combine multiple approaches to achieve a successful treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zejing Wang
- Division of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, Washington 98109, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
The value of mammalian models for duchenne muscular dystrophy in developing therapeutic strategies. Curr Top Dev Biol 2009; 84:431-53. [PMID: 19186250 DOI: 10.1016/s0070-2153(08)00609-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common form of muscular dystrophy. There is no effective treatment and patients typically die in approximately the third decade. DMD is an X-linked recessive disease caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene. There are three mammalian models of DMD that have been used to understand better the pathogenesis of disease and develop therapeutic strategies. The mdx mouse is the most widely used model of DMD that displays some features of muscle degeneration, but the pathogenesis of disease is comparatively mild. The severity of disease in mice lacking both dystrophin and utrophin is similar to DMD, but one has to account for the discrete functions of utrophin. Canine X-linked muscular dystrophy (cxmd) is the best representation of DMD, but the phenotype of the most widely used golden retriever (GRMD) model is variable, making functional endpoints difficult to ascertain. Although each mammalian model has its limitations, together they have been essential for the development of several treatment strategies for DMD that target dystrophin replacement, disease progression, and muscle regeneration.
Collapse
|
29
|
Willmann R, Possekel S, Dubach-Powell J, Meier T, Ruegg MA. Mammalian animal models for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Neuromuscul Disord 2009; 19:241-9. [PMID: 19217290 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2008.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2008] [Revised: 11/24/2008] [Accepted: 11/27/2008] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a fatal neuromuscular disease that affects boys and leads to early death. In the quest for new treatments that improve the quality of life and in the search for a possible definitive cure, the use of animal models plays undoubtedly an important role. Therefore, a number of different mammalian models for DMD have been described. Much knowledge on the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease has arisen from studies in these animals. However, the use of different models does not often allow a direct comparison of results obtained in preclinical trials and therefore hinders a straightforward translational research. In the frame of "TREAT-NMD", a European Network of Excellence addressing the fragmentation in the assessment and treatment of neuromuscular diseases, we compare here the currently used mammalian animal models for DMD with the aim of selecting and recommending the most appropriate ones for preclinical efficacy testing of new therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raffaella Willmann
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 70, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Therapeutic approaches for the sarcomeric protein diseases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2009. [PMID: 19181103 DOI: 10.1007/978-0-387-84847-1_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
No curative treatment currently exists for patients with skeletal myopathies caused by defects in sarcomeric proteins though symptomatic treatments including orthoses, night-time ventilation, or mechanical ventilation can provide major benefits. The molecular genetic discovery era has enabled many families to know which gene and precisely which gene defect their family, or in some cases only their affected child has. This knowledge has enormously increased the accuracy of genetic counselling and in some cases can enable prognosis, which helps families to make better-informed life decisions. However, symptomatic treatments and molecular genetics do not help the patient's skeletal muscle problems. The patients with skeletal muscle sarcomeric protein diseases, (from severely affected patients with shortened lifespan, through to the more mildly affected patients), would all benefit from more effective or curative treatments, as would their parents and families. This chapter outlines the experimental therapeutic strategies that have been investigated for other muscle diseases (predominantly the muscular dystrophies, towards which the majority of research emphasis has been focussed) and those that are beginning to be investigated for sarcomeric diseases. It analyses which of these approaches might be applicable to the different skeletal muscle sarcomeric protein diseases.
Collapse
|
31
|
Desantis A, Onori A, Di Certo MG, Mattei E, Fanciulli M, Passananti C, Corbi N. Novel activation domain derived from Che-1 cofactor coupled with the artificial protein Jazz drives utrophin upregulation. Neuromuscul Disord 2009; 19:158-62. [PMID: 19162479 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2008.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2008] [Revised: 10/31/2008] [Accepted: 11/10/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Our aim is to upregulate the expression level of the dystrophin related gene utrophin in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, thus complementing the lack of dystrophin functions. To this end, we have engineered synthetic zinc finger based transcription factors. We have previously shown that the artificial three-zinc finger protein named Jazz fused with the Vp16 activation domain, is able to bind utrophin promoter A and to increase the endogenous level of utrophin in transgenic mice. Here, we report on an innovative artificial protein, named CJ7, that consists of Jazz DNA binding domain fused to a novel activation domain derived from the regulatory multivalent adaptor protein Che-1/AATF. This transcriptional activation domain is 100 amino acids in size and it is very powerful as compared to the Vp16 activation domain. We show that CJ7 protein efficiently promotes transcription and accumulation of the acetylated form of histone H3 on the genomic utrophin promoter locus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Agata Desantis
- Istituto di Biologia e Patologia Molecolari, CNR, c/o Regina Elena Cancer Institute, Via delle Messi d'Oro 156, 00158 Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Lu Y, Tian C, Danialou G, Gilbert R, Petrof BJ, Karpati G, Nalbantoglu J. Targeting artificial transcription factors to the utrophin A promoter: effects on dystrophic pathology and muscle function. J Biol Chem 2008; 283:34720-7. [PMID: 18945675 PMCID: PMC3259868 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m804518200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2008] [Revised: 10/15/2008] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is caused by a genetic defect in the dystrophin gene. The absence of dystrophin results in muscle fiber necrosis and regeneration, leading to progressive muscle fiber loss. Utrophin is a close analogue of dystrophin. A substantial, ectopic expression of utrophin in the extrasynaptic sarcolemma of dystrophin-deficient muscle fibers can prevent deleterious effects of dystrophin deficiency. An alternative approach for the extrasynaptic up-regulation of utrophin involves the augmentation of utrophin transcription via the endogenous utrophin A promoter using custom-designed transcriptional activator proteins with zinc finger (ZFP) motifs. We tested a panel of custom-designed ZFP for their ability to activate the utrophin A promoter. Expression of one such ZFP efficiently increased, in a time-dependent manner, utrophin transcript and protein levels both in vitro and in vivo. In dystrophic mouse (mdx) muscles, administration of adenoviral vectors expressing this ZFP led to significant enhancement of muscle function with decreased necrosis, restoration of the dystrophin-associated proteins, and improved resistance to eccentric contractions. These studies provide evidence that specifically designed ZFPs can act as strong transcriptional activators of the utrophin A promoter. These may thus serve as attractive therapeutic agents for dystrophin deficiency states such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Lu
- Montreal Neurological Institute and
Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal,
Quebec H3A 2B4, the Respiratory Division, McGill
University Health Center and Meakins-Christie Laboratories, McGill University,
Montreal, Quebec H3A 1A1, and the Biotechnology
Research Institute, National Research Council Canada, Montreal, Quebec H4P
2R2, Canada
| | - Chai Tian
- Montreal Neurological Institute and
Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal,
Quebec H3A 2B4, the Respiratory Division, McGill
University Health Center and Meakins-Christie Laboratories, McGill University,
Montreal, Quebec H3A 1A1, and the Biotechnology
Research Institute, National Research Council Canada, Montreal, Quebec H4P
2R2, Canada
| | - Gawiyou Danialou
- Montreal Neurological Institute and
Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal,
Quebec H3A 2B4, the Respiratory Division, McGill
University Health Center and Meakins-Christie Laboratories, McGill University,
Montreal, Quebec H3A 1A1, and the Biotechnology
Research Institute, National Research Council Canada, Montreal, Quebec H4P
2R2, Canada
| | - Rénald Gilbert
- Montreal Neurological Institute and
Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal,
Quebec H3A 2B4, the Respiratory Division, McGill
University Health Center and Meakins-Christie Laboratories, McGill University,
Montreal, Quebec H3A 1A1, and the Biotechnology
Research Institute, National Research Council Canada, Montreal, Quebec H4P
2R2, Canada
| | - Basil J. Petrof
- Montreal Neurological Institute and
Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal,
Quebec H3A 2B4, the Respiratory Division, McGill
University Health Center and Meakins-Christie Laboratories, McGill University,
Montreal, Quebec H3A 1A1, and the Biotechnology
Research Institute, National Research Council Canada, Montreal, Quebec H4P
2R2, Canada
| | - George Karpati
- Montreal Neurological Institute and
Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal,
Quebec H3A 2B4, the Respiratory Division, McGill
University Health Center and Meakins-Christie Laboratories, McGill University,
Montreal, Quebec H3A 1A1, and the Biotechnology
Research Institute, National Research Council Canada, Montreal, Quebec H4P
2R2, Canada
| | - Josephine Nalbantoglu
- Montreal Neurological Institute and
Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal,
Quebec H3A 2B4, the Respiratory Division, McGill
University Health Center and Meakins-Christie Laboratories, McGill University,
Montreal, Quebec H3A 1A1, and the Biotechnology
Research Institute, National Research Council Canada, Montreal, Quebec H4P
2R2, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Odom GL, Gregorevic P, Allen JM, Finn E, Chamberlain JS. Microutrophin delivery through rAAV6 increases lifespan and improves muscle function in dystrophic dystrophin/utrophin-deficient mice. Mol Ther 2008; 16:1539-45. [PMID: 18665159 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2008.149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), the most prevalent lethal genetic disorder in children, is caused by mutations in the 2.2-MB dystrophin gene. Absence of dystrophin and the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex (DGC) from the sarcolemma leads to severe muscle wasting and eventual respiratory and/or cardiac failure. There is presently no effective therapy for DMD. Several lines of evidence have suggested that methods to increase expression of utrophin, a dystrophin paralog, show promise as a treatment for DMD. Adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors are a promising vehicle for gene transfer to muscle, but microutrophin transgenes small enough to be carried by AAV have not been tested for function. In this study, we intravenously administered recombinant AAV (rAAV2/6) harboring a murine codon-optimized microutrophin (DeltaR4-R21/DeltaCT) transgene to adult dystrophin(-/-)/utrophin(-/-) (mdx:utrn(-/-)) double-knockout mice. Five-month-old mice demonstrated localization of microutrophin to the sarcolemma in all the muscles tested. These muscles displayed restoration of the DGC, increased myofiber size, and a considerable improvement in physiological performance when compared with untreated mdx:utrn(-/-) mice. Overall, microutrophin delivery alleviated most of the pathophysiological abnormalities associated with muscular dystrophy in the mdx:utrn(-/-) mouse model. This approach may hold promise as a treatment option for DMD because it avoids the potential immune responses that are associated with the delivery of exogenous dystrophin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guy L Odom
- Department of Neurology, Senator Paul D Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Takatoh J, Kudoh H, Kondo S, Hanaoka K. Loss of short dystrophin isoform Dp71 in olfactory ensheathing cells causes vomeronasal nerve defasciculation in mouse olfactory system. Exp Neurol 2008; 213:36-47. [PMID: 18586242 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2008.04.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2007] [Revised: 04/14/2008] [Accepted: 04/20/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) gene encodes dystrophin, which is a protein defective in DMD patients, as well as a number of shorter isoforms, which have been shown to be expressed in various non-muscle, primarily neural, tissues. As of yet, the physiological function of the various dystrophin isoforms is not fully understood. In the present study, we investigated the neurological phenotype that arises in the DMD-null mice, where expression of all dystrophin isoforms had been disrupted. We demonstrate that vomeronasal axons in the DMD-null mice are defasciculated, and some of the defasciculated vomeronasal axons aberrantly entered into the main olfactory bulb, which indicates that the product(s) of the DMD gene plays an important role in vomeronasal nerve organization. Through western blot and immunofluorescence analyses, we determined that the dystrophin isoform Dp71 was exclusively expressed in the mouse olfactory system: mainly in the olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs), an olfactory system-specific glia cell that ensheaths fascicles of the olfactory nerve. In the OECs, Dp71 was co-localized with beta-dystroglycan, utrophin, laminin, and perlecan. Since beta-dystroglycan and perlecan expression was decreased in the OECs of DMD-null mice, we hypothesize that Dp71 expressed in the OECs participates in fasciculation of the vomeronasal nerve, most likely through interactions with extracellular matrix.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Takatoh
- Laboratory of Molecular Embryology, Department of Bioscience, Kitasato University School of Science, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 228-8555, Japan
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Onori A, Desantis A, Buontempo S, Di Certo MG, Fanciulli M, Salvatori L, Passananti C, Corbi N. The artificial 4-zinc-finger protein Bagly binds human utrophin promoter A at the endogenous chromosomal site and activates transcription. Biochem Cell Biol 2007; 85:358-65. [PMID: 17612630 DOI: 10.1139/o07-015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Our aim is to upregulate the expression of the dystrophin-related gene utrophin in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, in this way complementing the lack of dystrophin function. To achieve utrophin upregulation, we designed and engineered synthetic zinc-finger based transcription factors. We have previously shown that the artificial 3-zinc-finger protein Jazz, fused with the appropriate effector domain, is able to drive the transcription of a test gene from utrophin promoter A. Here we report a novel artificial 4-zinc-finger protein, Bagly, which binds with optimized affinity-specificity to a 12 bp DNA target sequence that is internal to human utrophin promoter A. Bagly was generated adding to Jazz protein an extra-fourth zinc finger, derived from transcription factor YY1. Importantly, the Bagly DNA target sequence is statistically present in the human genome only 210 times, about 60 fewer times than the 9 bp Jazz DNA target sequence. Thanks to its additional zinc-finger domain, Bagly protein shows enhanced transcriptional activity. Moreover, we demonstrated Bagly's effective access and binding to active chromatin in the chromosomal context and its ability to upregulate endogenous utrophin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Onori
- Istituto di Biologia e Patologia Molecolari, CNR, c/o Regina Elena Cancer Institute, Via delle Messi d'Oro 156, 00158 Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Mattei E, Corbi N, Di Certo MG, Strimpakos G, Severini C, Onori A, Desantis A, Libri V, Buontempo S, Floridi A, Fanciulli M, Baban D, Davies KE, Passananti C. Utrophin up-regulation by an artificial transcription factor in transgenic mice. PLoS One 2007; 2:e774. [PMID: 17712422 PMCID: PMC1942121 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0000774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2007] [Accepted: 07/23/2007] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a severe muscle degenerative disease, due to absence of dystrophin. There is currently no effective treatment for DMD. Our aim is to up-regulate the expression level of the dystrophin related gene utrophin in DMD, complementing in this way the lack of dystrophin functions. To this end we designed and engineered several synthetic zinc finger based transcription factors. In particular, we have previously shown that the artificial three zinc finger protein named Jazz, fused with the appropriate effector domain, is able to drive the transcription of a test gene from the utrophin promoter “A”. Here we report on the characterization of Vp16-Jazz-transgenic mice that specifically over-express the utrophin gene at the muscular level. A Chromatin Immunoprecipitation assay (ChIP) demonstrated the effective access/binding of the Jazz protein to active chromatin in mouse muscle and Vp16-Jazz was shown to be able to up-regulate endogenous utrophin gene expression by immunohistochemistry, western blot analyses and real-time PCR. To our knowledge, this is the first example of a transgenic mouse expressing an artificial gene coding for a zinc finger based transcription factor. The achievement of Vp16-Jazz transgenic mice validates the strategy of transcriptional targeting of endogenous genes and could represent an exclusive animal model for use in drug discovery and therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Mattei
- Istituto di Neurobiologia e Medicina Molecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, European Brain Research Institute, Rome, Italy
- Italian Association for Cancer Research, Roman Oncogenomic Center, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Corbi
- Istituto di Biologia e Patologia Molecolari, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Regina Elena Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Di Certo
- Istituto di Neurobiologia e Medicina Molecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, European Brain Research Institute, Rome, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Georgios Strimpakos
- Istituto di Neurobiologia e Medicina Molecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, European Brain Research Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Cinzia Severini
- Istituto di Neurobiologia e Medicina Molecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, European Brain Research Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Annalisa Onori
- Istituto di Biologia e Patologia Molecolari, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Regina Elena Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Agata Desantis
- Istituto di Biologia e Patologia Molecolari, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Regina Elena Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Valentina Libri
- Istituto di Biologia e Patologia Molecolari, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Regina Elena Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Buontempo
- Istituto di Biologia e Patologia Molecolari, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Regina Elena Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Aristide Floridi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
- Laboratory B, Regina Elena Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Fanciulli
- Italian Association for Cancer Research, Roman Oncogenomic Center, Rome, Italy
- Laboratory B, Regina Elena Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Dilair Baban
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Medical Research Council Functional Genetics Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Kay E. Davies
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Medical Research Council Functional Genetics Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Claudio Passananti
- Italian Association for Cancer Research, Roman Oncogenomic Center, Rome, Italy
- Istituto di Biologia e Patologia Molecolari, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Regina Elena Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
- * To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Doran P, Gannon J, O'Connell K, Ohlendieck K. Proteomic profiling of animal models mimicking skeletal muscle disorders. Proteomics Clin Appl 2007; 1:1169-84. [PMID: 21136766 DOI: 10.1002/prca.200700042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2007] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Over the last few decades of biomedical research, animal models of neuromuscular diseases have been widely used for determining pathological mechanisms and for testing new therapeutic strategies. With the emergence of high-throughput proteomics technology, the identification of novel protein factors involved in disease processes has been decisively improved. This review outlines the usefulness of the proteomic profiling of animal disease models for the discovery of new reliable biomarkers, for the optimization of diagnostic procedures and the development of new treatment options for skeletal muscle disorders. Since inbred animal strains show genetically much less interindividual differences as compared to human patients, considerably lower experimental repeats are capable of producing meaningful proteomic data. Thus, animal model proteomics can be conveniently employed for both studying basic mechanisms of molecular pathogenesis and the effects of drugs, genetic modifications or cell-based therapies on disease progression. Based on the results from comparative animal proteomics, a more informed decision on the design of clinical proteomics studies could be reached. Since no one animal model represents a perfect pathobiochemical replica of all of the symptoms seen in complex human disorders, the proteomic screening of novel animal models can also be employed for swift and enhanced protein biochemical phenotyping.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philip Doran
- Department of Biology, National University of Ireland, Maynooth Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Deol JR, Danialou G, Larochelle N, Bourget M, Moon JS, Liu AB, Gilbert R, Petrof BJ, Nalbantoglu J, Karpati G. Successful compensation for dystrophin deficiency by a helper-dependent adenovirus expressing full-length utrophin. Mol Ther 2007; 15:1767-74. [PMID: 17667948 DOI: 10.1038/sj.mt.6300260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Helper-dependent adenovirus vector (AdV)-mediated full-length dystrophin expression leads to significant mitigation of the dystrophic phenotype of the mdx mouse. However, dystrophin, as a neoantigen, elicits antibody formation. As an alternative approach, we evaluated gene transfer of full-length murine utrophin, a functional homologue of dystrophin that is normally present only at the neuromuscular junction. A single injection in the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle of the helper-dependent adenovirus vector encoding utrophin provided very good transduction, with 58% of fibers demonstrating sarcolemmal utrophin expression in the neonates, and 35% utrophin-positive (Utr(+)) fibers in adults. The presence of utrophin prevented extensive necrosis in the neonates, halted further necrosis in the adults, and led to restoration of sarcolemmal expression of dystrophin-associated proteins up to 1 year after injection. Marked physiological improvement was observed in both neonates and adults. Neither increased humoral responses nor cellular immune responses were evident. However, there was a time-related decline of the initial high utrophin expression. Although viral DNA persisted in animals that were injected in the neonatal stage, viral DNA levels decreased in muscles of adult mice. These results demonstrate that although utrophin gene transfer leads to amelioration of the dystrophic phenotype, the effects are not sustained upon loss of utrophin expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jatinderpal R Deol
- Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Perkins KJ, Basu U, Budak MT, Ketterer C, Baby SM, Lozynska O, Lunde JA, Jasmin BJ, Rubinstein NA, Khurana TS. Ets-2 repressor factor silences extrasynaptic utrophin by N-box mediated repression in skeletal muscle. Mol Biol Cell 2007; 18:2864-72. [PMID: 17507653 PMCID: PMC1949368 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e06-12-1069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Utrophin is the autosomal homologue of dystrophin, the protein product of the Duchenne's muscular dystrophy (DMD) locus. Utrophin expression is temporally and spatially regulated being developmentally down-regulated perinatally and enriched at neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) in adult muscle. Synaptic localization of utrophin occurs in part by heregulin-mediated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-phosphorylation, leading to binding of GABPalpha/beta to the N-box/EBS and activation of the major utrophin promoter-A expressed in myofibers. However, molecular mechanisms contributing to concurrent extrasynaptic silencing that must occur to achieve NMJ localization are unknown. We demonstrate that the Ets-2 repressor factor (ERF) represses extrasynaptic utrophin-A in muscle. Gel shift and chromatin immunoprecipitation studies demonstrated physical association of ERF with the utrophin-A promoter N-box/EBS site. ERF overexpression repressed utrophin-A promoter activity; conversely, small interfering RNA-mediated ERF knockdown enhanced promoter activity as well as endogenous utrophin mRNA levels in cultured muscle cells in vitro. Laser-capture microscopy of tibialis anterior NMJ and extrasynaptic transcriptomes and gene transfer studies provide spatial and direct evidence, respectively, for ERF-mediated utrophin repression in vivo. Together, these studies suggest "repressing repressors" as a potential strategy for achieving utrophin up-regulation in DMD, and they provide a model for utrophin-A regulation in muscle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelly J Perkins
- Department of Physiology and Pennsylvania Muscle Institute, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6085, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Odom GL, Gregorevic P, Chamberlain JS. Viral-mediated gene therapy for the muscular dystrophies: successes, limitations and recent advances. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2007; 1772:243-62. [PMID: 17064882 PMCID: PMC1894910 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2006.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2006] [Revised: 09/16/2006] [Accepted: 09/20/2006] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Much progress has been made over the past decade elucidating the molecular basis for a variety of muscular dystrophies (MDs). Accordingly, there are examples of mouse models of MD whose disease progression has been halted in large part with the use of viral vector technology. Even so, we must acknowledge significant limitations of present vector systems that must be overcome prior to successful treatment of humans with such approaches. This review will present a variety of viral-mediated therapeutic strategies aimed at counteracting the muscle-wasting symptoms associated with muscular dystrophy. We include viral vector systems used for muscle gene transfer, with a particular emphasis on adeno-associated virus. Findings of several encouraging studies focusing on repair of the mutant dystrophin gene are also included. Lastly, we present a discussion of muscle compensatory therapeutics being considered that include pathways involved in the up-regulation of utrophin, promotion of cellular adhesion, enhancement of muscle mass, and antagonism of the inflammatory response. Considering the complexity of the muscular dystrophies, it appears likely that a multilayered approach tailored to a patient sub-group may be warranted in order to effectively contest the progression of this devastating disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guy L. Odom
- Department of Neurology Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA, 98195-7720, USA
| | - Paul Gregorevic
- Department of Neurology Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA, 98195-7720, USA
| | - Jeffrey S. Chamberlain
- Department of Neurology Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA, 98195-7720, USA
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Judge LM, Haraguchiln M, Chamberlain JS. Dissecting the signaling and mechanical functions of the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex. J Cell Sci 2006; 119:1537-46. [PMID: 16569668 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.02857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a severe disorder caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene. Dystrophin is required for assembly of the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex and provides a mechanically strong link between the cytoskeleton and the extracellular matrix. Several proteins in the complex also participate in signaling cascades, but the relationship between these signaling and mechanical functions in the development of muscular dystrophy is unclear. To explore the mechanisms of myofiber necrosis in dystrophin-deficient muscle, we tested the hypothesis that restoration of this complex without a link to the cytoskeleton ameliorates dystrophic pathology. Transgenic mice were generated that express Dp116, a non-muscle isoform of dystrophin that assembles the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex, in muscles of dystrophin-deficient mdx4cv mice. However, the phenotype of these mice was more severe than in controls. Displacement of utrophin by Dp116 correlated with the severity of dystrophy in different muscle groups. Comparison with other transgenic lines demonstrated that parts of the dystrophin central rod domain were required to localize neuronal nitric oxide synthase to the sarcolemma, but this was not correlated with presence or extent of dystrophy. Our results suggest that mechanical destabilization, rather than signaling dysfunction, is the primary cause of myofiber necrosis in dystrophin-deficient muscle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luke M Judge
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Department of Neurology Box 357720, Seattle, WA 98195-7720, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Stocksley MA, Chakkalakal JV, Bradford A, Miura P, De Repentigny Y, Kothary R, Jasmin BJ. A 1.3 kb promoter fragment confers spatial and temporal expression of utrophin A mRNA in mouse skeletal muscle fibers. Neuromuscul Disord 2005; 15:437-49. [PMID: 15907291 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2005.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2005] [Revised: 03/02/2005] [Accepted: 03/04/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Upregulation of utrophin in muscle is currently being examined as a potential therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients. In this context, we generated transgenic mice harboring a 1.3 kb human utrophin A promoter fragment driving expression of the lacZ gene. Characterization of reporter expression during postnatal muscle development revealed that the levels and localization of beta-galactosidase parallel expression of utrophin A transcripts. Moreover, we noted that the utrophin A promoter is more active in slow soleus muscles. Additionally, expression of the reporter gene was regulated during muscle regeneration in a manner similar to utrophin A transcripts. Together, these results show that the utrophin A promoter-lacZ construct mirrors expression of utrophin A mRNAs indicating that this utrophin A promoter fragment confers temporal and spatial patterns of expression in skeletal muscle. This transgenic mouse will be valuable as an in vivo model for developing and testing molecules aimed at increasing utrophin A expression.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Animals, Newborn
- Female
- Gene Expression
- Genes, Reporter
- Genetic Therapy
- Lac Operon
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Transgenic
- Muscle Fibers, Fast-Twitch/physiology
- Muscle Fibers, Slow-Twitch/physiology
- Muscle, Skeletal/cytology
- Muscle, Skeletal/physiology
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/physiopathology
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/therapy
- Neuromuscular Junction/physiology
- Promoter Regions, Genetic/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/analysis
- Regeneration/physiology
- Utrophin/genetics
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Stocksley
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ont., Canada K1H 8M5
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Abstract
Muscular dystrophy is a heterogeneous group of neuromuscular disorders that manifests as progressive muscle weakness, muscle wasting and, in many cases, death. Although there has been enormous progress in the molecular understanding of muscular dystrophy, there is still no cure. There are, however, several different therapeutic options under investigation, including adult-derived stem cell transplantation. Encouraging and pioneering experiments in mouse models for Duchenne's muscular dystrophy (DMD) demonstrated that myoblasts could be transplanted into dystrophic muscle; these myoblasts repaired a small proportion of damaged myofibres. Subsequent work has been devoted to optimisation of this technique. In doing so, a number of adult-derived stem cells have been isolated, characterised and used in promising animal transplantation experiments. Further research is ongoing, and is clearly necessary to make this therapy a viable treatment option for patients with muscular dystrophy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Regina Lee Sohn
- Division of Cardiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Karpati G. Molecular therapies for the nervous system and muscle. ERNST SCHERING RESEARCH FOUNDATION WORKSHOP 2004:159-78. [PMID: 12894456 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-662-05352-2_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- G Karpati
- Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, 3801 rue University Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Collins CA, Morgan JE. Duchenne's muscular dystrophy: animal models used to investigate pathogenesis and develop therapeutic strategies. Int J Exp Pathol 2003; 84:165-72. [PMID: 14632630 PMCID: PMC2517561 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2613.2003.00354.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne's muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a lethal childhood disease caused by mutations of the dystrophin gene, the protein product of which, dystrophin, has a vital role in maintaining muscle structure and function. Homologues of DMD have been identified in several animals including dogs, cats, mice, fish and invertebrates. The most notable of these are the extensively studied mdx mouse, a genetic and biochemical model of the human disease, and the muscular dystrophic Golden Retriever dog, which is the nearest pathological counterpart of DMD. These models have been used to explore potential therapeutic approaches along a number of avenues including gene replacement and cell transplantation strategies. High-throughput screening of pharmacological and genetic therapies could potentially be carried out in recently available smaller models such as zebrafish and Caenorhabditis elegans. It is possible that a successful treatment will eventually be identified through the integration of studies in multiple species differentially suited to addressing particular questions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C A Collins
- Muscle Cell Biology Group, MRC Clinical Sciences Centre, Imperial College Faculty of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK.
| | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
van Deutekom JCT, van Ommen GJB. Advances in Duchenne muscular dystrophy gene therapy. Nat Rev Genet 2003; 4:774-83. [PMID: 14526374 DOI: 10.1038/nrg1180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Since the initial characterization of the genetic defect for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, much effort has been expended in attempts to develop a therapy for this devastating childhood disease. Gene therapy was the obvious answer but, initially, the dystrophin gene and its product seemed too large and complex for this approach. However, our increasing knowledge of the organization of the gene and the role of dystrophin in muscle function has indicated ways to manipulate them both. Gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy now seems to be in reach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Judith C T van Deutekom
- Center for Human and Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Wassenaarseweg 72, 2333 AL Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Durbeej M, Sawatzki SM, Barresi R, Schmainda KM, Allamand V, Michele DE, Campbell KP. Gene transfer establishes primacy of striated vs. smooth muscle sarcoglycan complex in limb-girdle muscular dystrophy. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2003; 100:8910-5. [PMID: 12851463 PMCID: PMC166412 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1537554100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy types 2E and F are characterized by skeletal muscle weakness and often cardiomyopathy and are due to mutations in the genes encoding beta- and delta-sarcoglycan. We previously demonstrated that loss of sarcoglycans in smooth muscle leads to constrictions of the microvasculature that contributes to the cardiac phenotype. It is unclear how vasculature abnormalities affect skeletal muscle. We injected recombinant beta- or delta-sarcoglycan adenoviruses into skeletal muscles of corresponding null mice. We hypothesized that the adenoviruses would not transduce vascular smooth muscle, and we would only target skeletal muscle. Indeed, sustained expression of intact sarcoglycan-sarcospan complex was noted at the sarcolemma, neuromuscular junction, myotendinous junction, and in peripheral nerve, but not in vascular smooth muscle. Gene transfer of the corresponding deleted sarcoglycan gene preserved sarcolemmal integrity, prevented pathological dystrophy and hypertrophy, and protected against exercised-induced damage. We conclude that vascular dysfunction is not a primary cause of beta- and delta-sarcoglycan-deficient muscular dystrophy. In addition, we show successful functional rescue of entire muscles after adenovirus-mediated gene delivery. Thus, virus-mediated gene transfer of sarcoglycans to skeletal muscle in combination with pharmacological prevention of cardiomyopathy constitute promising therapeutic strategies for limb-girdle muscular dystrophies.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Adenoviridae/genetics
- Animals
- Cytoskeletal Proteins/chemistry
- Cytoskeletal Proteins/deficiency
- Cytoskeletal Proteins/genetics
- Cytoskeletal Proteins/metabolism
- Dystroglycans
- Gene Transfer Techniques
- Genetic Therapy
- Macromolecular Substances
- Membrane Glycoproteins/chemistry
- Membrane Glycoproteins/deficiency
- Membrane Glycoproteins/genetics
- Membrane Glycoproteins/metabolism
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Muscle, Skeletal/injuries
- Muscle, Skeletal/metabolism
- Muscle, Skeletal/pathology
- Muscle, Smooth/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth/pathology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Muscular Dystrophies/genetics
- Muscular Dystrophies/metabolism
- Muscular Dystrophies/pathology
- Muscular Dystrophies/therapy
- Muscular Dystrophy, Animal/genetics
- Muscular Dystrophy, Animal/metabolism
- Muscular Dystrophy, Animal/pathology
- Muscular Dystrophy, Animal/therapy
- Neuromuscular Junction/metabolism
- Physical Exertion
- Sarcoglycans
- Sarcolemma/metabolism
- Schwann Cells/metabolism
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine Durbeej
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242-1101, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a fatal, genetic disorder whose relentless progression underscores the urgency for developing a cure. Although Duchenne initiated clinical trials roughly 150 years ago, therapies for DMD remain supportive rather than curative. A paradigm shift towards developing rational therapeutic strategies occurred with identification of the DMD gene. Gene- and cell-based therapies designed to replace the missing gene and/or dystrophin protein have achieved varying degrees of success. However, pharmacological strategies not designed to replace dystrophin per se appear promising, and can circumvent many hurdles hampering gene- and cell-based therapy. Here, we will review present pharmacological strategies, in particular those dealing with functional substitution of dystrophin by utrophin and enhancing muscle progenitor commitment by myostatin blockade, with a view toward facilitating drug discovery for DMD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tejvir S Khurana
- Department of Physiology & Pennsylvania Muscle Institute, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6085, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Kronqvist P, Kawaguchi N, Albrechtsen R, Xu X, Schrøder HD, Moghadaszadeh B, Nielsen FC, Fröhlich C, Engvall E, Wewer UM. ADAM12 alleviates the skeletal muscle pathology in mdx dystrophic mice. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2002; 161:1535-40. [PMID: 12414501 PMCID: PMC1850802 DOI: 10.1016/s0002-9440(10)64431-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Muscular dystrophy is characterized by muscle degeneration and insufficient regeneration and replacement of muscle fibers by connective tissue. New therapeutic strategies directed toward various forms of muscular dystrophy are needed to preserve muscle mass and promote regeneration. In this study we examined the role of the transmembrane ADAM12, a disintegrin and metalloprotease, which is normally associated with development and regeneration of skeletal muscle. We demonstrate that ADAM12 overexpression in the dystrophin-deficient mdx mice alleviated the muscle pathology in these animals, as evidenced by less muscle cell necrosis and inflammation, lower levels of serum creatine kinase, and less uptake of Evans Blue dye into muscle fibers. These studies demonstrate that ADAM12 directly or indirectly contributes to muscle cell regeneration, stability, and survival.
Collapse
|
50
|
Wells DJ, Wells KE. Gene transfer studies in animals: what do they really tell us about the prospects for gene therapy in DMD? Neuromuscul Disord 2002; 12 Suppl 1:S11-22. [PMID: 12206790 DOI: 10.1016/s0960-8966(02)00077-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
There is a pressing need to develop new therapeutic approaches to Duchenne muscular dystrophy, an X-linked fatal disease primarily affecting skeletal and cardiac muscle. Gene therapy is an approach that has attracted much interest since the description of the Duchenne muscular dystrophy gene and its mutations in 1987. Since 1990 numerous reporter and dystrophin gene transfer studies have been conducted on muscles of animals but mostly in mice. Experimental protocols have ranged from germ-line gene transfer (via the production of transgenics) to somatic gene transfer studies using viral or non-viral vectors. But what have we actually learned from such studies that can be applied to patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy? Various dystrophin, utrophin and integrin recombinant cDNAs have been shown to prevent the development of muscular dystrophy in transgenic dystrophic (mdx) mice. Somatic gene transfer prior to the onset of pathology have been shown to prevent the development of the muscular dystrophy in the mdx mouse but the data is less convincing for the beneficial effects of somatic gene transfer following the establishment of pathology. The time of onset and the course of the disease differ substantially between mouse and man and raise concerns about the applicability of gene therapy in man where the disease manifests in utero and the progression is more severe. The other major concern relates to uncertainty over the efficiency of the different vectors in man, particularly as many patients are likely to have encountered the infectious forms of the viruses that are proposed as vectors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dominic J Wells
- Gene Targeting Unit, Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Division of Neuroscience and Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, Charing Cross Campus, St. Dunstan's Road, London W6 8RP, UK.
| | | |
Collapse
|