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Harazi A, Yakovlev L, Ilouz N, Selke P, Horstkorte R, Fellig Y, Lahat O, Lifschytz T, Abudi N, Abramovitch R, Argov Z, Mitrani-Rosenbaum S. Induced muscle and liver absence of Gne in postnatal mice does not result in structural or functional muscle impairment. J Neuromuscul Dis 2024:JND240056. [PMID: 38875046 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-240056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Background GNE Myopathy is a unique recessive neuromuscular disorder characterized by adult-onset, slowly progressive distal and proximal muscle weakness, caused by mutations in the GNE gene which is a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of sialic acid. To date, the precise pathophysiology of the disease is not well understood and no reliable animal model is available. Gne KO is embryonically lethal in mice. Objective To gain insights into GNE function in muscle, we have generated an inducible muscle Gne KO mouse. To minimize the contribution of the liver to the availability of sialic acid to muscle via the serum, we have also induced combined Gne KO in liver and muscle. Methods A mouse carrying loxp sequences flanking Gne exon3 was generated by Crispr/Cas9 and bred with a human skeletal actin (HSA) promoter driven CreERT mouse. Gne muscle knock out was induced by tamoxifen injection of the resulting homozygote GneloxpEx3loxp/HSA Cre mouse. Liver Gne KO was induced by systemic injection of AAV8 vectors carrying the Cre gene driven by the hepatic specific promoter of the thyroxine binding globulin gene. Results Characterization of these mice for a 12 months period showed no significant changes in their general behaviour, motor performance, muscle mass and structure in spite of a dramatic reduction in sialic acid content in both muscle and liver. Conclusions We conclude that post weaning lack of Gne and sialic acid in muscle and liver have no pathologic effect in adult mice. These findings could reflect a strong interspecies versatility, but also raise questions about the loss of function hypothesis in Gne Myopathy. If these findings apply to humans they have a major impact on therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avi Harazi
- Goldyne Savad Institute of Gene Therapy, Hadassah Medical Center, The Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Lena Yakovlev
- Goldyne Savad Institute of Gene Therapy, Hadassah Medical Center, The Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Nili Ilouz
- Goldyne Savad Institute of Gene Therapy, Hadassah Medical Center, The Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Philipp Selke
- Institute for Physiological Chemistry, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Rudiger Horstkorte
- Institute for Physiological Chemistry, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Yakov Fellig
- Department of Pathology, Hadassah Medical Center, The Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Olga Lahat
- Goldyne Savad Institute of Gene Therapy, Hadassah Medical Center, The Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Tzuri Lifschytz
- Biological Psychiatry Laboratory and Hadassah BrainLabs Center for Psychedelic Research, Hadassah Medical Center, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Nathalie Abudi
- Goldyne Savad Institute of Gene Therapy, Hadassah Medical Center, The Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
- The Wohl Institute for Translational Medicine, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Rinat Abramovitch
- Goldyne Savad Institute of Gene Therapy, Hadassah Medical Center, The Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
- The Wohl Institute for Translational Medicine, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Zohar Argov
- Department of Neurology, Hadassah Medical Center, The Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Stella Mitrani-Rosenbaum
- Goldyne Savad Institute of Gene Therapy, Hadassah Medical Center, The Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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Laurent M, Geoffroy M, Pavani G, Guiraud S. CRISPR-Based Gene Therapies: From Preclinical to Clinical Treatments. Cells 2024; 13:800. [PMID: 38786024 PMCID: PMC11119143 DOI: 10.3390/cells13100800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPRs) and CRISPR-associated (Cas) protein have emerged as a revolutionary gene editing tool to treat inherited disorders affecting different organ systems, such as blood and muscles. Both hematological and neuromuscular genetic disorders benefit from genome editing approaches but face different challenges in their clinical translation. The ability of CRISPR/Cas9 technologies to modify hematopoietic stem cells ex vivo has greatly accelerated the development of genetic therapies for blood disorders. In the last decade, many clinical trials were initiated and are now delivering encouraging results. The recent FDA approval of Casgevy, the first CRISPR/Cas9-based drug for severe sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia, represents a significant milestone in the field and highlights the great potential of this technology. Similar preclinical efforts are currently expanding CRISPR therapies to other hematologic disorders such as primary immunodeficiencies. In the neuromuscular field, the versatility of CRISPR/Cas9 has been instrumental for the generation of new cellular and animal models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), offering innovative platforms to speed up preclinical development of therapeutic solutions. Several corrective interventions have been proposed to genetically restore dystrophin production using the CRISPR toolbox and have demonstrated promising results in different DMD animal models. Although these advances represent a significant step forward to the clinical translation of CRISPR/Cas9 therapies to DMD, there are still many hurdles to overcome, such as in vivo delivery methods associated with high viral vector doses, together with safety and immunological concerns. Collectively, the results obtained in the hematological and neuromuscular fields emphasize the transformative impact of CRISPR/Cas9 for patients affected by these debilitating conditions. As each field suffers from different and specific challenges, the clinical translation of CRISPR therapies may progress differentially depending on the genetic disorder. Ongoing investigations and clinical trials will address risks and limitations of these therapies, including long-term efficacy, potential genotoxicity, and adverse immune reactions. This review provides insights into the diverse applications of CRISPR-based technologies in both preclinical and clinical settings for monogenic blood disorders and muscular dystrophy and compare advances in both fields while highlighting current trends, difficulties, and challenges to overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine Laurent
- INTEGRARE, UMR_S951, Genethon, Inserm, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91190 Evry, France
| | | | - Giulia Pavani
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Simon Guiraud
- SQY Therapeutics, 78180 Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
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Tochinai R, Kimura K, Saika T, Fujii W, Morita H, Nakanishi K, Tsuru Y, Sekizawa SI, Yamanouchi K, Kuwahara M. Ivabradine ameliorates cardiomyopathy progression in a Duchenne muscular dystrophy model rat. Exp Anim 2024; 73:145-153. [PMID: 37914289 PMCID: PMC11091361 DOI: 10.1538/expanim.23-0087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive myopathy caused by dystrophin mutations. Inevitable progressive cardiomyopathy is a current leading cause of premature death although respiratory management has improved the prognosis of patients with DMD. Recent evidence shows that reducing the heart rate is expected as one of the promising strategies for heart failure treatment, but administering a sufficient dose of β-blocker for patients with DMD with tachycardia is difficult because of their low blood pressure (BP). Thus, this study aimed to clarify the role of ivabradine, which suppresses cardiac sinus node pacemakers without decreasing BP, in ameliorating cardiomyopathy progression in a rat model with DMD. A trans-oral single ivabradine administration demonstrated a declined dose-dependent heart rate without any significant BP reduction. Trans-gastric repeated administrations of 5 mg/kg of ivabradine twice a day for 3 months showed ameliorated cardiomyopathy in DMD rats based on echocardiography and histopathological observations (left ventricular dysfunction, right ventricular dysfunction, and myocardial fibrosis) as compared with vehicle administration.Our finding indicates that ivabradine is expected as another treatment choice for patients with DMD having tachycardia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryota Tochinai
- Department of Veterinary Pathophysiology and Animal Health, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Koichi Kimura
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Cardiology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
| | - Takeru Saika
- Department of Veterinary Pathophysiology and Animal Health, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Wataru Fujii
- Laboratory of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Morita
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Koki Nakanishi
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Yoshiharu Tsuru
- Life Science Laboratory, Primetech Corporation, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Shin-Ichi Sekizawa
- Department of Veterinary Pathophysiology and Animal Health, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Keitaro Yamanouchi
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Masayoshi Kuwahara
- Department of Veterinary Pathophysiology and Animal Health, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
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Yamanouchi K, Kato S, Tanaka Y, Ikeda M, Oshimo Y, Shiga T, Hatamoto K, Chambers J, Imamura T, Hiramatsu R, Uchida K, Matsuda F, Matsuwaki T, Kohsaka T. Identification and characterization of dystrophin-locus-derived testis-specific protein: A testis-specific gene within the intronic region of the rat dystrophin gene. J Reprod Dev 2024; 70:55-64. [PMID: 38246612 PMCID: PMC11017100 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2023-073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The mammalian X chromosome exhibits enrichment in genes associated with germ cell development. Previously, we generated a rat model of Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) characterized by an in-frame mutation in the dystrophin gene, situated on the X chromosome and responsible for encoding a protein crucial for muscle integrity. Male BMD rats are infertile owing to the absence of normal spermatids in the epididymis. Within the seminiferous tubules of BMD rats, elongated spermatids displayed abnormal morphology. To elucidate the cause of infertility, we identified a putative gene containing an open reading frame situated in the intronic region between exons 6 and 7 of the dystrophin gene, specifically deleted in male BMD rats. This identified gene, along with its encoded protein, exhibited specific detection within the testes, exclusively localized in round to elongated spermatids during spermiogenesis. Consequently, we designated the encoded protein as dystrophin-locus-derived testis-specific protein (DTSP). Given the absence of DTSP in the testes of BMD rats, we hypothesized that the loss of DTSP contributes to the infertility observed in male BMD rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keitaro Yamanouchi
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Shizuka Kato
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Yukie Tanaka
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Masanari Ikeda
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Yukina Oshimo
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Takanori Shiga
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Kei Hatamoto
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - James Chambers
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Takuya Imamura
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Program of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 739-8526, Japan
| | - Ryuji Hiramatsu
- Laboratory of Veterinary Anatomy, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Kazuyuki Uchida
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Fuko Matsuda
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Takashi Matsuwaki
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Kohsaka
- Faculty of Health Science, Butsuryo College of Osaka, Osaka 593-8328, Japan
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Tamura Y, Jee E, Kouzaki K, Kotani T, Nakazato K. Monocarboxylate transporter 4 deficiency enhances high-intensity interval training-induced metabolic adaptations in skeletal muscle. J Physiol 2024; 602:1313-1340. [PMID: 38513062 DOI: 10.1113/jp285719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
High-intensity exercise stimulates glycolysis, subsequently leading to elevated lactate production within skeletal muscle. While lactate produced within the muscle is predominantly released into the circulation via the monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4), recent research underscores lactate's function as an intercellular and intertissue signalling molecule. However, its specific intracellular roles within muscle cells remains less defined. In this study, our objective was to elucidate the effects of increased intramuscular lactate accumulation on skeletal muscle adaptation to training. To achieve this, we developed MCT4 knockout mice and confirmed that a lack of MCT4 indeed results in pronounced lactate accumulation in skeletal muscle during high-intensity exercise. A key finding was the significant enhancement in endurance exercise capacity at high intensities when MCT4 deficiency was paired with high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Furthermore, metabolic adaptations supportive of this enhanced exercise capacity were evident with the combination of MCT4 deficiency and HIIT. Specifically, we observed a substantial uptick in the activity of glycolytic enzymes, notably hexokinase, glycogen phosphorylase and pyruvate kinase. The mitochondria also exhibited heightened pyruvate oxidation capabilities, as evidenced by an increase in oxygen consumption when pyruvate served as the substrate. This mitochondrial adaptation was further substantiated by elevated pyruvate dehydrogenase activity, increased activity of isocitrate dehydrogenase - the rate-limiting enzyme in the TCA cycle - and enhanced function of cytochrome c oxidase, pivotal to the electron transport chain. Our findings provide new insights into the physiological consequences of lactate accumulation in skeletal muscle during high-intensity exercises, deepening our grasp of the molecular intricacies underpinning exercise adaptation. KEY POINTS: We pioneered a unique line of monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4) knockout mice specifically tailored to the ICR strain, an optimal background for high-intensity exercise studies. A deficiency in MCT4 exacerbates the accumulation of lactate in skeletal muscle during high-intensity exercise. Pairing MCT4 deficiency with high-intensity interval training (HIIT) results in a synergistic boost in high-intensity exercise capacity, observable both at the organismal level (via a treadmill running test) and at the muscle tissue level (through an ex vivo muscle contractile function test). Coordinating MCT4 deficiency with HIIT enhances both the glycolytic enzyme activities and mitochondrial capacity to oxidize pyruvate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Tamura
- Faculty of Sport Science, Nippon Sport Science University, Tokyo, Japan
- Graduate School of Health and Sport Science, Nippon Sport Science University, Tokyo, Japan
- Research Institute for Sport Science, Nippon Sport Science University, Tokyo, Japan
- Sport Training Center, Nippon Sport Science University, Tokyo, Japan
- High Performance Center, Nippon Sport Science University, Tokyo, Japan
- Center for Coaching Excellence, Nippon Sport Science University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Eunbin Jee
- Graduate School of Health and Sport Science, Nippon Sport Science University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Karina Kouzaki
- Research Institute for Sport Science, Nippon Sport Science University, Tokyo, Japan
- Faculty of Medical Science, Nippon Sport Science University, Tokyo, Japan
- Graduate School of Medical and Health Science, Nippon Sport Science University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takaya Kotani
- Research Institute for Sport Science, Nippon Sport Science University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koichi Nakazato
- Graduate School of Health and Sport Science, Nippon Sport Science University, Tokyo, Japan
- Research Institute for Sport Science, Nippon Sport Science University, Tokyo, Japan
- Faculty of Medical Science, Nippon Sport Science University, Tokyo, Japan
- Graduate School of Medical and Health Science, Nippon Sport Science University, Tokyo, Japan
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Sun C, Serra C, Kalicharan BH, Harding J, Rao M. Challenges and Considerations of Preclinical Development for iPSC-Based Myogenic Cell Therapy. Cells 2024; 13:596. [PMID: 38607035 PMCID: PMC11011706 DOI: 10.3390/cells13070596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell therapies derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) offer a promising avenue in the field of regenerative medicine due to iPSCs' expandability, immune compatibility, and pluripotent potential. An increasing number of preclinical and clinical trials have been carried out, exploring the application of iPSC-based therapies for challenging diseases, such as muscular dystrophies. The unique syncytial nature of skeletal muscle allows stem/progenitor cells to integrate, forming new myonuclei and restoring the expression of genes affected by myopathies. This characteristic makes genome-editing techniques especially attractive in these therapies. With genetic modification and iPSC lineage specification methodologies, immune-compatible healthy iPSC-derived muscle cells can be manufactured to reverse the progression of muscle diseases or facilitate tissue regeneration. Despite this exciting advancement, much of the development of iPSC-based therapies for muscle diseases and tissue regeneration is limited to academic settings, with no successful clinical translation reported. The unknown differentiation process in vivo, potential tumorigenicity, and epigenetic abnormality of transplanted cells are preventing their clinical application. In this review, we give an overview on preclinical development of iPSC-derived myogenic cell transplantation therapies including processes related to iPSC-derived myogenic cells such as differentiation, scaling-up, delivery, and cGMP compliance. And we discuss the potential challenges of each step of clinical translation. Additionally, preclinical model systems for testing myogenic cells intended for clinical applications are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congshan Sun
- Vita Therapeutics, Baltimore, MD 21043, USA (M.R.)
| | - Carlo Serra
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | | | | - Mahendra Rao
- Vita Therapeutics, Baltimore, MD 21043, USA (M.R.)
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Chikamoto A, Tochinai R, Sekizawa SI, Kuwahara M. Plasticity occurs in a specific phenotype of neurons in the nucleus tractus solitarius of dystrophin gene-mutated rats. Eur J Neurosci 2023; 58:4282-4297. [PMID: 37933572 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe progressive neuromuscular disorder that causes cardiac and respiratory failure. Patients with DMD have tachycardia and autonomic nervous dysfunction at a young age, which can potentially worsen cardiorespiratory function. Therefore, we hypothesised that plasticity occurs in neurons of the cardiorespiratory brainstem nucleus (nucleus tractus solitarius [NTS]) due to DMD, thus affecting neuronal regulation because afferent information from cardiorespiratory organs changes with disease progression. Patch-clamp experiments were performed on second-order NTS neurons from Dmd-mutated (Dm) rats that showed no functional dystrophin protein expression, as confirmed by immunohistochemistry. NTS neurons are classified into two electrophysiological phenotypes: one showing a delayed onset of spiking from hyperpolarised membrane potentials, namely, delayed-onset spiking (DS)-type neurons, and the other showing a rapid onset, namely, rapid-onset spiking-type neurons. Neuroplasticity mainly occurs in DS-type neurons in Dm rats and is characterised by blunted neuronal excitability accompanied by reduced outward currents and a facilitatory effect on synaptic transmission, that is, an increased frequency of spontaneous and miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) without changes in the amplitude and an increased amplitude of tractus solitarius-evoked EPSCs without changes in the paired-pulse ratio. Although we cannot rule out the possibility that the neuroplastic changes observed in Dm rats were caused by dystrophin deficiency in the neurons themselves, the plasticity could be caused by cardiorespiratory deterioration and/or adaptation in DMD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akitoshi Chikamoto
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathophysiology and Animal Health, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryota Tochinai
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathophysiology and Animal Health, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shin-Ichi Sekizawa
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathophysiology and Animal Health, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masayoshi Kuwahara
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathophysiology and Animal Health, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Le Guiner C, Xiao X, Larcher T, Lafoux A, Huchet C, Toumaniantz G, Adjali O, Anegon I, Remy S, Grieger J, Li J, Farrokhi V, Neubert H, Owens J, McIntyre M, Moullier P, Samulski RJ. Evaluation of an AAV9-mini-dystrophin gene therapy candidate in a rat model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2023; 30:30-47. [PMID: 37746247 PMCID: PMC10512999 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked disease caused by loss-of-function mutations in the dystrophin gene and is characterized by muscle wasting and early mortality. Adeno-associated virus-mediated gene therapy is being investigated as a treatment for DMD. In the nonclinical study documented here, we determined the effective dose of fordadistrogene movaparvovec, a clinical candidate adeno-associated virus serotype 9 vector carrying a human mini-dystrophin transgene, after single intravenous injection in a dystrophin-deficient (DMDmdx) rat model of DMD. Overall, we found that transduction efficiency, number of muscle fibers expressing the human mini-dystrophin polypeptide, improvement of the skeletal and cardiac muscle tissue architecture, correction of muscle strength and fatigability, and improvement of diastolic and systolic cardiac function were directly correlated with the amount of vector administered. The effective dose was then tested in older DMDmdx rats with a more dystrophic phenotype similar to the pathology observed in older patients with DMD. Except for a less complete rescue of muscle function in the oldest cohort, fordadistrogene movaparvovec was also found to be therapeutically effective in older DMDmdx rats, suggesting that this product may be appropriate for evaluation in patients with DMD at all stages of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Le Guiner
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, TaRGeT, UMR 1089, Translational Research for Gene Therapies, 44200 Nantes, France
| | - Xiao Xiao
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7352, USA
| | | | - Aude Lafoux
- Therassay Platform, Capacités, Nantes Université, 44007 Nantes, France
| | - Corinne Huchet
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, TaRGeT, UMR 1089, Translational Research for Gene Therapies, 44200 Nantes, France
- Therassay Platform, Capacités, Nantes Université, 44007 Nantes, France
| | - Gilles Toumaniantz
- Therassay Platform, Capacités, Nantes Université, 44007 Nantes, France
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, CNRS, L’Institut du Thorax, 44007 Nantes, France
| | - Oumeya Adjali
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, TaRGeT, UMR 1089, Translational Research for Gene Therapies, 44200 Nantes, France
| | - Ignacio Anegon
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, UMR 1064, ITUN, 44093 Nantes, France
| | - Séverine Remy
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, UMR 1064, ITUN, 44093 Nantes, France
| | - Josh Grieger
- Bamboo Therapeutics, Pfizer, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - Juan Li
- Gene Therapy Center, Eshelman School of Pharmacy DPMP, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7352, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Philippe Moullier
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, TaRGeT, UMR 1089, Translational Research for Gene Therapies, 44200 Nantes, France
| | - R. Jude Samulski
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7352, USA
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Heier CR, McCormack NM, Tully CB, Novak JS, Newell‐Stamper BL, Russell AJ, Fiorillo AA. The X-linked Becker muscular dystrophy (bmx) mouse models Becker muscular dystrophy via deletion of murine dystrophin exons 45-47. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2023; 14:940-954. [PMID: 36628607 PMCID: PMC10067474 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.13171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) is a genetic neuromuscular disease of growing importance caused by in-frame, partial loss-of-function mutations in the dystrophin (DMD) gene. BMD presents with reduced severity compared with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), the allelic disorder of complete dystrophin deficiency. Significant therapeutic advancements have been made in DMD, including four FDA-approved drugs. BMD, however, is understudied and underserved-there are no drugs and few clinical trials. Discordance in therapeutic efforts is due in part to lack of a BMD mouse model which would enable greater understanding of disease and de-risk potential therapeutics before first-in-human trials. Importantly, a BMD mouse model is becoming increasingly critical as emerging DMD dystrophin restoration therapies aim to convert a DMD genotype into a BMD phenotype. METHODS We use CRISPR/Cas9 technology to generate bmx (Becker muscular dystrophy, X-linked) mice, which express an in-frame ~40 000 bp deletion of exons 45-47 in the murine Dmd gene, reproducing the most common BMD patient mutation. Here, we characterize muscle pathogenesis using molecular and histological techniques and then test skeletal muscle and cardiac function using muscle function assays and echocardiography. RESULTS Overall, bmx mice present with significant muscle weakness and heart dysfunction versus wild-type (WT) mice, despite a substantial improvement in pathology over dystrophin-null mdx52 mice. bmx mice show impaired motor function in grip strength (-39%, P < 0.0001), wire hang (P = 0.0025), and in vivo as well as ex vivo force assays. In aged bmx, echocardiography reveals decreased heart function through reduced fractional shortening (-25%, P = 0.0036). Additionally, muscle-specific serum CK is increased >60-fold (P < 0.0001), indicating increased muscle damage. Histologically, bmx muscles display increased myofibre size variability (minimal Feret's diameter: P = 0.0017) and centrally located nuclei indicating degeneration/regeneration (P < 0.0001). bmx muscles also display dystrophic pathology; however, levels of the following parameters are moderate in comparison with mdx52: inflammatory/necrotic foci (P < 0.0001), collagen deposition (+1.4-fold, P = 0.0217), and sarcolemmal damage measured by intracellular IgM (P = 0.0878). Like BMD patients, bmx muscles show reduced dystrophin protein levels (~20-50% of WT), whereas Dmd transcript levels are unchanged. At the molecular level, bmx muscles express increased levels of inflammatory genes, inflammatory miRNAs and fibrosis genes. CONCLUSIONS The bmx mouse recapitulates BMD disease phenotypes with histological, molecular and functional deficits. Importantly, it can inform both BMD pathology and DMD dystrophin restoration therapies. This novel model will enable further characterization of BMD disease progression, identification of biomarkers, identification of therapeutic targets and new preclinical drug studies aimed at developing therapies for BMD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher R. Heier
- Center for Genetic Medicine ResearchChildren's National HospitalWashingtonDCUSA
- Department of Genomics and Precision MedicineGeorge Washington University School of Medicine and Health SciencesWashingtonDCUSA
| | - Nikki M. McCormack
- Center for Genetic Medicine ResearchChildren's National HospitalWashingtonDCUSA
| | | | - James S. Novak
- Center for Genetic Medicine ResearchChildren's National HospitalWashingtonDCUSA
- Department of Genomics and Precision MedicineGeorge Washington University School of Medicine and Health SciencesWashingtonDCUSA
| | | | - Alan J. Russell
- Edgewise Therapeutics, BioFrontiers InstituteUniversity of ColoradoBoulderCO80303USA
| | - Alyson A. Fiorillo
- Center for Genetic Medicine ResearchChildren's National HospitalWashingtonDCUSA
- Department of Genomics and Precision MedicineGeorge Washington University School of Medicine and Health SciencesWashingtonDCUSA
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10
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Ben Yacoub T, Wohlschlegel J, Sahel JA, Zeitz C, Audo I. [CRISPR/Cas9: From research to therapeutic application]. J Fr Ophtalmol 2023; 46:398-407. [PMID: 36759244 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfo.2022.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
For several decades, genome engineering has raised interest among many researchers and physicians in the study of genetic disorders and their treatments. Compared to its predecessors, zinc-finger nucleases (ZFN) and transcription activator-like effectors (TALEN), clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR/Cas9) is currently the most efficient molecular tool for genome editing. This system, originally identified as a bacterial adaptive immune system, is capable of cutting and modifying any gene of a large number of living organisms. Numerous trials using this technology are being developed to provide effective treatment for several diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular and ophthalmic disorders. In research, this technology is increasingly used for genetic disease modelling, providing meaningful models of relevant studies as well as a better understanding of underlying pathological mechanisms. Many molecular tools are now available to put this technique into practice in laboratories, and despite the technical and ethical issues raised by manipulation of the genome, CRIPSR/Cas9 offers a new breath of hope for therapeutic research around the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Ben Yacoub
- Sorbonne université, Inserm, CNRS, institut de la Vision, 75012 Paris, France.
| | - J Wohlschlegel
- Sorbonne université, Inserm, CNRS, institut de la Vision, 75012 Paris, France
| | - J-A Sahel
- Sorbonne université, Inserm, CNRS, institut de la Vision, 75012 Paris, France; CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, Inserm-DGOS CIC 1423, 75012 Paris, France; Department of ophthalmology, fondation ophtalmologique Adolphe De Rothschild, 75019 Paris, France; Department of ophthalmology, the university of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh PA 15213, United States; Académie des sciences, institut de France, 75006 Paris, France
| | - C Zeitz
- Sorbonne université, Inserm, CNRS, institut de la Vision, 75012 Paris, France
| | - I Audo
- Sorbonne université, Inserm, CNRS, institut de la Vision, 75012 Paris, France; CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, Inserm-DGOS CIC 1423, 75012 Paris, France; Institute of ophthalmology, university College of London, London EC1V 9EL, United Kingdom
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11
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Terrill JR, Huchet C, Le Guiner C, Lafoux A, Caudal D, Tulangekar A, Bryson-Richardson RJ, Sztal TE, Grounds MD, Arthur PG. Muscle Pathology in Dystrophic Rats and Zebrafish Is Unresponsive to Taurine Treatment, Compared to the mdx Mouse Model for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Metabolites 2023; 13:metabo13020232. [PMID: 36837851 PMCID: PMC9963000 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13020232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation and oxidative stress are strongly implicated in the pathology of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), and the sulphur-containing amino acid taurine ameliorates both and decreases dystropathology in the mdx mouse model for DMD. We therefore further tested taurine as a therapy using dystrophic DMDmdx rats and dmd zebrafish models for DMD that have a more severe dystropathology. However, taurine treatment had little effect on the indices of dystropathology in both these models. While we and others have previously observed a deficiency in taurine in mdx mice, in the current study we show that the rat and zebrafish models had increased taurine content compared with wild-type, and taurine treatment did not increase muscle taurine levels. We therefore hypothesised that endogenous levels of taurine are a key determinate in potential taurine treatment efficacy. Because of this, we felt it important to measure taurine levels in DMD patient plasma samples and showed that in non-ambulant patients (but not in younger patients) there was a deficiency of taurine. These data suggest that taurine homeostasis varies greatly between species and may be influenced by age and disease progression. The potential for taurine to be an effective therapy may depend on such variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica R. Terrill
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth 6009, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - Corinne Huchet
- TaRGeT Lab, Translational Research for Gene Therapy, INSERM, UMR 1089, Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, 440200 Nantes, France
| | - Caroline Le Guiner
- TaRGeT Lab, Translational Research for Gene Therapy, INSERM, UMR 1089, Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, 440200 Nantes, France
| | - Aude Lafoux
- Therassay Platform, CAPACITES, Nantes Université, 44007 Nantes, France
| | - Dorian Caudal
- Therassay Platform, CAPACITES, Nantes Université, 44007 Nantes, France
| | - Ankita Tulangekar
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne 3800, Australia
| | | | - Tamar E. Sztal
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne 3800, Australia
| | - Miranda D. Grounds
- School of Human Sciences, the University of Western Australia, Perth 6009, Australia
| | - Peter G. Arthur
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth 6009, Australia
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12
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Chey YCJ, Arudkumar J, Aartsma-Rus A, Adikusuma F, Thomas PQ. CRISPR applications for Duchenne muscular dystrophy: From animal models to potential therapies. WIREs Mech Dis 2023; 15:e1580. [PMID: 35909075 PMCID: PMC10078488 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR gene-editing technology creates precise and permanent modifications to DNA. It has significantly advanced our ability to generate animal disease models for use in biomedical research and also has potential to revolutionize the treatment of genetic disorders. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a monogenic muscle-wasting disease that could potentially benefit from the development of CRISPR therapy. It is commonly associated with mutations that disrupt the reading frame of the DMD gene that encodes dystrophin, an essential scaffolding protein that stabilizes striated muscles and protects them from contractile-induced damage. CRISPR enables the rapid generation of various animal models harboring mutations that closely simulates the wide variety of mutations observed in DMD patients. These models provide a platform for the testing of sequence-specific interventions like CRISPR therapy that aim to reframe or skip DMD mutations to restore functional dystrophin expression. This article is categorized under: Congenital Diseases > Genetics/Genomics/Epigenetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu C J Chey
- School of Biomedicine and Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Genome Editing Program, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jayshen Arudkumar
- School of Biomedicine and Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Genome Editing Program, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Annemieke Aartsma-Rus
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Fatwa Adikusuma
- School of Biomedicine and Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Genome Editing Program, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,CSIRO Synthetic Biology Future Science Platform, Canberra, Australia
| | - Paul Q Thomas
- School of Biomedicine and Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Genome Editing Program, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,South Australian Genome Editing (SAGE), South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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13
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Sato M, Goto M, Yamanouchi K, Sakurai H. A new immunodeficient Duchenne muscular dystrophy rat model to evaluate engraftment after human cell transplantation. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1094359. [PMID: 37101699 PMCID: PMC10123282 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1094359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked fatal muscular disease, affecting one in 3,500 live male births worldwide. Currently, there is no cure for this disease, except for steroid-based treatment to attenuate disease progression. Cell transplantation therapy is a promising therapeutic approach, however, there is a lack of appropriate animal models to conduct large-scale preclinical studies using human cells, including biochemical and functional tests. Here, we established an immunodeficient DMD rat model and performed exhaustive pathological analysis and transplantation efficiency evaluation to assess its suitability to study DMD. Our DMD rat model exhibited histopathological characteristics similar to those observed in human patients with DMD. Human myoblasts demonstrated successful engraftment following transplantation into these rats. Therefore, this immunodeficient DMD rat model would be useful in preclinical studies to develop cellular transplantation therapies for DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masae Sato
- Department of Clinical Application, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Megumi Goto
- Department of Clinical Application, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Keitaro Yamanouchi
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Sakurai
- Department of Clinical Application, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- *Correspondence: Hidetoshi Sakurai,
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14
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Bencze M. Mechanisms of Myofibre Death in Muscular Dystrophies: The Emergence of the Regulated Forms of Necrosis in Myology. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010362. [PMID: 36613804 PMCID: PMC9820579 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Myofibre necrosis is a central pathogenic process in muscular dystrophies (MD). As post-lesional regeneration cannot fully compensate for chronic myofibre loss, interstitial tissue accumulates and impairs muscle function. Muscle regeneration has been extensively studied over the last decades, however, the pathway(s) controlling muscle necrosis remains largely unknown. The recent discovery of several regulated cell death (RCD) pathways with necrotic morphology challenged the dogma of necrosis as an uncontrolled process, opening interesting perspectives for many degenerative disorders. In this review, we focus on how cell death affects myofibres in MDs, integrating the latest research in the cell death field, with specific emphasis on Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the best-known and most common hereditary MD. The role of regulated forms of necrosis in myology is still in its infancy but there is increasing evidence that necroptosis, a genetically programmed form of necrosis, is involved in muscle degenerating disorders. The existence of apoptosis in myofibre demise will be questioned, while other forms of non-apoptotic RCDs may also have a role in myonecrosis, illustrating the complexity and possibly the heterogeneity of the cell death pathways in muscle degenerating conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilien Bencze
- “Biology of the Neuromuscular System” Team, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale (IMRB), University Paris-Est Créteil, INSERM, U955 IMRB, 94010 Créteil, France;
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, IMRB, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
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15
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Fujikura Y, Yamanouchi K, Sugihara H, Hatakeyama M, Abe T, Ato S, Oishi K. Ketogenic diet containing medium-chain triglyceride ameliorates transcriptome disruption in skeletal muscles of rat models of duchenne muscular dystrophy. Biochem Biophys Rep 2022; 32:101378. [PMID: 36386439 PMCID: PMC9661647 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2022.101378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a myopathy characterized by progressive muscle weakness caused by a mutation in the dystrophin gene on the X chromosome. We recently showed that a medium-chain triglyceride-containing ketogenic diet (MCTKD) improves skeletal muscle myopathy in a CRISPR/Cas9 gene-edited rat model of DMD. We examined the effects of the MCTKD on transcription profiles in skeletal muscles of the model rats to assess the underlying mechanism of the MCTKD-induced improvement in DMD. DMD rats were fed MCTKD or normal diet (ND) from weaning to 9 months, and wild-type rats were fed with the ND, then tibialis anterior muscles were sampled for mRNA-seq analysis. Pearson correlation heatmaps revealed a one-node transition in the expression profile between DMD and wild-type rats. A total of 10,440, 11,555 and 11,348 genes were expressed in the skeletal muscles of wild-type and ND-fed DMD rats the MCTKD-fed DMD rats, respectively. The MCTKD reduced the number of DMD-specific mRNAs from 1624 to 1350 and increased the number of mRNAs in common with wild-type rats from 9931 to 9998. Among 2660 genes were differentially expressed in response to MCTKD intake, the mRNA expression of 1411 and 1249 of them was respectively increased and decreased. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses suggested that the MCTKD significantly suppressed the mRNA expression of genes associated with extracellular matrix organization and inflammation. This suggestion was consistent with our previous findings that the MCTKD significantly suppressed fibrosis and inflammation in DMD rats. In contrast, the MCTKD significantly increased the mRNA expression of genes associated with oxidative phosphorylation and ATP production pathways, suggesting altered energy metabolism. The decreased and increased mRNA expression of Sln and Atp2a1 respectively suggested that Sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase activation is involved in the MCTKD-induced improvement of skeletal muscle myopathy in DMD rats. This is the first report to examine transcription profiles in the skeletal muscle of CRISPR/Cas9 gene-edited DMD model rats and the effect of MCTKD feeding on it. We evaluated the effects of an MCTKD on the global transcriptome of DMD rats. DMD rats are suitable models of human DMD for assessing transcriptome changes. MCTKD suppressed fibrosis and inflammatory pathways at the transcriptional level. MCTKD upregulated oxidative phosphorylation and ATP production pathways. MCTKD might activate SERCA at the transcriptional level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Fujikura
- Healthy Food Science Research Group, Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8566, Japan
| | - Keitaro Yamanouchi
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
- Corresponding author. Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Graduate School of Agricultural & Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan.
| | - Hidetoshi Sugihara
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | | | - Tomoki Abe
- Healthy Food Science Research Group, Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8566, Japan
| | - Satoru Ato
- Healthy Food Science Research Group, Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8566, Japan
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Katsutaka Oishi
- Healthy Food Science Research Group, Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8566, Japan
- Department of Applied Biological Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Chiba, Noda, Japan
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Chiba, Kashiwa, Japan
- School of Integrative and Global Majors (SIGMA), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
- Corresponding author. Healthy Food Science Research Group, Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Central 6, 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8566, Japan.
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16
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Kihara Y, Tanaka Y, Ikeda M, Homma J, Takagi R, Ishigaki K, Yamanouchi K, Honda H, Nagata S, Yamato M. In utero transplantation of myoblasts and adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells to murine models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy does not lead to engraftment and frequently results in fetal death. Regen Ther 2022; 21:486-493. [PMID: 36313392 PMCID: PMC9596598 DOI: 10.1016/j.reth.2022.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive disease that leads to damage of muscle and myocardium due to genetic abnormalities in the dystrophin gene. In utero cell transplantation that might facilitate allogenic transplantation is worth considering to treat this disease. Methods We performed allogeneic in utero transplantation of GFP-positive myoblasts and adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells into murine DMD model animals. The transplantation route in this study was fetal intraperitoneal transplantation and transplacental transplantation. Transplanted animals were examined at 4-weeks old by immunofluorescence staining and RT-qPCR. Results No GFP-positive cells were found by immunofluorescence staining of skeletal muscle and no GFP mRNA was detected by RT-qPCR in any animal, transplantation method and cell type. Compared with previous reports, myoblast transplantation exhibited an equivalent mortality rate, but adipose-derived stem cell (ASC) transplantation produced a higher mortality rate. Conclusions In utero transplantation of myoblasts or ASCs to murine models of DMD does not lead to engraftment and, in ASC transplantation primarily, frequently results in fetal death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Kihara
- Department of Pediatrics, Tokyo Women’s Medical University, School of Medicine, 8-1 Kawada-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8666 Japan,Institute of Advanced Biomedical Engineering and Science, Tokyo Women’s Medical University, 8-1 Kawada-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8666 Japan
| | - Yukie Tanaka
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
| | - Masanari Ikeda
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
| | - Jun Homma
- Institute of Advanced Biomedical Engineering and Science, Tokyo Women’s Medical University, 8-1 Kawada-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8666 Japan
| | - Ryo Takagi
- Institute of Advanced Biomedical Engineering and Science, Tokyo Women’s Medical University, 8-1 Kawada-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8666 Japan
| | - Keiko Ishigaki
- Department of Pediatrics, Tokyo Women’s Medical University, School of Medicine, 8-1 Kawada-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8666 Japan
| | - Keitaro Yamanouchi
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Honda
- Human Disease Models, Institute of Laboratory Animals, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoru Nagata
- Department of Pediatrics, Tokyo Women’s Medical University, School of Medicine, 8-1 Kawada-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8666 Japan
| | - Masayuki Yamato
- Institute of Advanced Biomedical Engineering and Science, Tokyo Women’s Medical University, 8-1 Kawada-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8666 Japan,Corresponding author. Fax: +81 3-3359-6046.
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17
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Yamanouchi K, Tanaka Y, Ikeda M, Kato S, Okino R, Nishi H, Hakuno F, Takahashi SI, Chambers J, Matsuwaki T, Uchida K. Macroglossia and less advanced dystrophic change in the tongue muscle of the Duchenne muscular dystrophy rat. Skelet Muscle 2022; 12:24. [PMID: 36258243 PMCID: PMC9580129 DOI: 10.1186/s13395-022-00307-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked muscle disease caused by a complete lack of dystrophin, which stabilizes the plasma membrane of myofibers. The orofacial function is affected in an advanced stage of DMD and this often leads to an eating disorder such as dysphagia. Dysphagia is caused by multiple etiologies including decreased mastication and swallowing. Therefore, preventing the functional declines of mastication and swallowing in DMD is important to improve the patient’s quality of life. In the present study, using a rat model of DMD we generated previously, we performed analyses on the masseter and tongue muscles, both are required for proper eating function. Methods Age-related changes of the masseter and tongue muscle of DMD rats were analyzed morphometrically, histologically, and immunohistochemically. Also, transcription of cellular senescent markers, and utrophin (Utrn), a functional analog of dystrophin, was examined. Results The masseter muscle of DMD rats showed progressive dystrophic changes as observed in their hindlimb muscle, accompanied by increased transcription of p16 and p19. On the other hand, the tongue of DMD rats showed macroglossia due to hypertrophy of myofibers with less dystrophic changes. Proliferative activity was preserved in the satellite cells from the tongue muscle but was perturbed severely in those from the masseter muscle. While Utrn transcription was increased in the masseter muscle of DMD rats compared to WT rats, probably due to a compensatory mechanism, its level in the tongue muscle was comparable between WT and DMD rats and was similar to that in the masseter muscle of DMD rats. Conclusions Muscular dystrophy is less advanced in the tongue muscle compared to the masseter muscle in the DMD rat. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13395-022-00307-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keitaro Yamanouchi
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan.
| | - Yukie Tanaka
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | - Masanari Ikeda
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | - Shizuka Kato
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Okino
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Regulation, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | - Hiroki Nishi
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Regulation, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | - Fumihiko Hakuno
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Regulation, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | - Shin-Ichiro Takahashi
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Regulation, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | - James Chambers
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | - Takashi Matsuwaki
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | - Kazuyuki Uchida
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
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A medium-chain triglyceride containing ketogenic diet exacerbates cardiomyopathy in a CRISPR/Cas9 gene-edited rat model with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Sci Rep 2022; 12:11580. [PMID: 35803994 PMCID: PMC9270409 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15934-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive myopathy caused by dystrophin mutations. Although respiratory management has improved the prognosis of patients with DMD, inevitable progressive cardiomyopathy is a current leading cause of premature death. Recently, we showed that a medium-chain triglyceride containing ketogenic diet (MCTKD) improves skeletal muscle function and pathology in a CRISPR/Cas9 gene-edited rat model with DMD. In this study, we sought to clarify whether MCTKD also improves the cardiomyopathy in these rats. DMD rats were fed either the MCTKD or normal diet (ND) from ages of 3 weeks to 9 months old. Compared with the ND-fed rats, MCTKD-fed rats showed significantly prolonged QRS duration, decreased left ventricular fractional shortening, an increased heart weight/body weight ratio, and progression of cardiac fibrosis. In contrast to our previous study which found that MCTKD improved skeletal myopathy, the current study showed unexpected exacerbation of the cardiomyopathy. Further studies are needed to explore the underlying mechanisms for these differences and to explore modified dietary options that improve skeletal and cardiac muscles simultaneously.
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19
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Ruan J, Zhang X, Zhao S, Xie S. Advances in CRISPR-Based Functional Genomics and Nucleic Acid Detection in Pigs. Front Genet 2022; 13:891098. [PMID: 35711930 PMCID: PMC9195075 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.891098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jinxue Ruan
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education & Key Lab of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xuying Zhang
- Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Shuhong Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education & Key Lab of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shengsong Xie
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education & Key Lab of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
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Taglietti V, Kefi K, Bronisz-Budzyńska I, Mirciloglu B, Rodrigues M, Cardone N, Coulpier F, Periou B, Gentil C, Goddard M, Authier FJ, Pietri-Rouxel F, Malfatti E, Lafuste P, Tiret L, Relaix F. Duchenne muscular dystrophy trajectory in R-DMDdel52 preclinical rat model identifies COMP as biomarker of fibrosis. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2022; 10:60. [PMID: 35468843 PMCID: PMC9036715 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-022-01355-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a fatal muscle-wasting disorder caused by mutations in the Dystrophin gene and for which there is currently no cure. To bridge the gap between preclinical and therapeutic evaluation studies, we have generated a rat model for DMD that carries an exon 52 deletion (R-DMDdel52) causing a complete lack of dystrophin protein. Here we show that R-DMDdel52 animals recapitulated human DMD pathophysiological trajectory more faithfully than the mdx mouse model. We report that R-DMDdel52 rats displayed progressive and severe skeletal muscle loss associated with fibrotic deposition, fat infiltration and fibre type switch. Early fibrosis was also apparent in the cardiac muscle. These histological modifications led to severe muscle, respiratory and cardiac functional impairments leading to premature death around 1 year. Moreover, DMD muscle exhibited systemic inflammation with a mixed M1/M2 phenotype. A comparative single cell RNAseq analysis of the diaphragm muscle was performed, revealing cellular populations alteration and molecular modifications in all muscle cell types. We show that DMD fibroadipogenic progenitors produced elevated levels of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein, a glycoprotein responsible for modulating homeostasis of extracellular matrix, and whose increased concentration correlated with muscle fibrosis both in R-DMDdel52 rats and human patients. Fibrosis is a component of tissue remodelling impacting the whole musculature of DMD patients, at the tissue level but most importantly at the functional level. We therefore propose that this specific biomarker can optimize the prognostic monitoring of functional improvement of patients included in clinical trials.
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21
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Stirm M, Fonteyne LM, Shashikadze B, Stöckl JB, Kurome M, Keßler B, Zakhartchenko V, Kemter E, Blum H, Arnold GJ, Matiasek K, Wanke R, Wurst W, Nagashima H, Knieling F, Walter MC, Kupatt C, Fröhlich T, Klymiuk N, Blutke A, Wolf E. Pig models for Duchenne muscular dystrophy – from disease mechanisms to validation of new diagnostic and therapeutic concepts. Neuromuscul Disord 2022; 32:543-556. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2022.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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22
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Sato M, Nakamura S, Inada E, Takabayashi S. Recent Advances in the Production of Genome-Edited Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052548. [PMID: 35269691 PMCID: PMC8910656 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The rat is an important animal model for understanding gene function and developing human disease models. Knocking out a gene function in rats was difficult until recently, when a series of genome editing (GE) technologies, including zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), and the type II bacterial clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated Cas9 (CRISPR/Cas9) systems were successfully applied for gene modification (as exemplified by gene-specific knockout and knock-in) in the endogenous target genes of various organisms including rats. Owing to its simple application for gene modification and its ease of use, the CRISPR/Cas9 system is now commonly used worldwide. The most important aspect of this process is the selection of the method used to deliver GE components to rat embryos. In earlier stages, the microinjection (MI) of GE components into the cytoplasm and/or nuclei of a zygote was frequently employed. However, this method is associated with the use of an expensive manipulator system, the skills required to operate it, and the egg transfer (ET) of MI-treated embryos to recipient females for further development. In vitro electroporation (EP) of zygotes is next recognized as a simple and rapid method to introduce GE components to produce GE animals. Furthermore, in vitro transduction of rat embryos with adeno-associated viruses is potentially effective for obtaining GE rats. However, these two approaches also require ET. The use of gene-engineered embryonic stem cells or spermatogonial stem cells appears to be of interest to obtain GE rats; however, the procedure itself is difficult and laborious. Genome-editing via oviductal nucleic acids delivery (GONAD) (or improved GONAD (i-GONAD)) is a novel method allowing for the in situ production of GE zygotes existing within the oviductal lumen. This can be performed by the simple intraoviductal injection of GE components and subsequent in vivo EP toward the injected oviducts and does not require ET. In this review, we describe the development of various approaches for producing GE rats together with an assessment of their technical advantages and limitations, and present new GE-related technologies and current achievements using those rats in relation to human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Sato
- Department of Genome Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan
- Correspondence: (M.S.); (S.T.); Tel.: +81-3-3416-0181 (M.S.); +81-53-435-2001 (S.T.)
| | - Shingo Nakamura
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, National Defense Medical College Research Institute, Saitama 359-8513, Japan;
| | - Emi Inada
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan;
| | - Shuji Takabayashi
- Laboratory Animal Facilities & Services, Preeminent Medical Photonics Education & Research Center, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 431-3192, Japan
- Correspondence: (M.S.); (S.T.); Tel.: +81-3-3416-0181 (M.S.); +81-53-435-2001 (S.T.)
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23
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Obara H, Tajima T, Tsukamoto M, Yamanaka Y, Suzuki H, Zenke Y, Kawasaki M, Kouzaki K, Nakazato K, Hiranuma K, Sakai A. Trabecular Bone Volume Is Reduced, With Deteriorated Microstructure, With Aging in a Rat Model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. J UOEH 2022; 44:323-330. [PMID: 36464306 DOI: 10.7888/juoeh.44.323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
We aimed to clarify the effect of aging on trabecular bone volume and trabecular bone microstructure in a rat model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Six rats each of wild type (WT) and DMD model at 15 weeks of age, and 4 rats each at 30 weeks of age, were analyzed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and by micro-CT for analysis of trabecular and cortical bone of the femur. Bone mineral density was significantly lower in the DMD group than in the WT group at both 15 and 30 weeks of age. Micro-CT showed that trabecular bone volume and number were not significantly different between the two groups at 15 weeks, but at 30 weeks both were significantly lower in the DMD group than in the WT group. Connectivity density and structure model index were not significantly different between the two groups at 15 weeks, but at 30 weeks they differed significantly. No significant differences between the WT and DMD groups in cortical thickness and cortical area were evident at both 15 and 30 weeks. In conclusion, trabecular bone volume is significantly reduced, with deteriorated microstructure, with aging in a rat model of DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hinako Obara
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan. Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu 807-8555, Japan
| | - Takafumi Tajima
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan. Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu 807-8555, Japan
| | - Manabu Tsukamoto
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan. Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu 807-8555, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Yamanaka
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan. Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu 807-8555, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Suzuki
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan. Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu 807-8555, Japan
| | - Yukichi Zenke
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan. Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu 807-8555, Japan
| | - Makoto Kawasaki
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan. Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu 807-8555, Japan
| | - Karina Kouzaki
- Graduate School of Health and Sport Science, Nippon Sport Science University, Japan. Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-8508, Japan
| | - Koichi Nakazato
- Graduate School of Health and Sport Science, Nippon Sport Science University, Japan. Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-8508, Japan
| | - Kenji Hiranuma
- Graduate School of Health and Sport Science, Nippon Sport Science University, Japan. Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-8508, Japan
| | - Akinori Sakai
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan. Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu 807-8555, Japan
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24
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Pichon J, Ledevin M, Larcher T, Jamme F, Rouger K, Dubreil L. Label-free 3D characterization of cardiac fibrosis in muscular dystrophy using SHG imaging of cleared tissue. Biol Cell 2021; 114:91-103. [PMID: 34964145 DOI: 10.1111/boc.202100056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND INFORMATION Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a neuromuscular disease caused by mutations in the gene encoding dystrophin. It leads to repeated cycles of muscle fiber necrosis and regeneration and progressive replacement of fibers by fibrotic and adipose tissue, with consequent muscle weakness and premature death. Fibrosis and, in particular, collagen accumulation are important pathological features of dystrophic muscle. A better understanding of the development of fibrosis is crucial to enable better management of DMD. Three-dimensional (3D) characterization of collagen organization by second harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy has already proven a highly informative means of studying the fibrotic network in tissue. RESULTS Here, we combine for the first-time tissue clearing with SHG microscopy to characterize in depth the 3D cardiac fibrosis network from DMDmdx rat model. Heart sections (1-mm-thick) from 1-year-old wild-type (WT) and DMDmdx rats were cleared using the CUBIC protocol. SHG microscopy revealed significantly greater collagen deposition in DMDmdx versus WT sections. Analyses revealed a specific pattern of SHG+ segmented objects in DMDmdx cardiac muscle, characterized by a less elongated shape and increased density. Compared with the observed alignment of SHG+ collagen fibers in WT rats, profound fiber disorganization was observed in DMDmdx rats, in which we observed two distinct SHG+ collagen fiber profiles, which may reflect two distinct stages of the fibrotic process in DMD. CONCLUSION AND SIGNIFICANCE The current work highlights the interest to combine multiphoton SHG microscopy and tissue clearing for 3D fibrosis network characterization in label free organ. It could be a relevant tool to characterize the fibrotic tissue remodeling in relation to the disease progression and/or to evaluate the efficacy of therapeutic strategies in preclinical studies in DMD model or others fibrosis-related cardiomyopathies diseases. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Frédéric Jamme
- Synchrotron SOLEIL, l'Orme des Merisiers, Gif-sur-Yvette, F-91192, France
| | - Karl Rouger
- INRAE, Oniris, PAnTher, Nantes, F-44307, France
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25
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Stirm M, Fonteyne LM, Shashikadze B, Lindner M, Chirivi M, Lange A, Kaufhold C, Mayer C, Medugorac I, Kessler B, Kurome M, Zakhartchenko V, Hinrichs A, Kemter E, Krause S, Wanke R, Arnold GJ, Wess G, Nagashima H, de Angelis MH, Flenkenthaler F, Kobelke LA, Bearzi C, Rizzi R, Bähr A, Reese S, Matiasek K, Walter MC, Kupatt C, Ziegler S, Bartenstein P, Fröhlich T, Klymiuk N, Blutke A, Wolf E. A scalable, clinically severe pig model for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Dis Model Mech 2021; 14:273744. [PMID: 34796900 PMCID: PMC8688409 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Large animal models for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) are crucial for evaluation of diagnostic procedures and treatment strategies. Pigs cloned from male cells lacking DMD exon 52 (DMDΔ52) resemble molecular, clinical and pathological hallmarks of DMD, but die before sexual maturity and cannot be propagated by breeding. Therefore, we generated female DMD+/- carriers. A single founder animal had 11 litters with 29 DMDY/-, 34 DMD+/- as well as 36 male and 29 female wild-type offspring. Breeding with F1 and F2 DMD+/- carriers resulted in additional 114 DMDY/- piglets. With intensive neonatal management, the majority survived for 3-4 months, providing statistically relevant cohorts for experimental studies. Pathological investigations and proteome studies of skeletal muscles and myocardium confirmed the resemblance of human disease mechanisms. Importantly, DMDY/- pigs reveal progressive myocardial fibrosis and increased expression of connexin-43, associated with significantly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction already at age 3 months. Furthermore, behavioral tests provided evidence for impaired cognitive ability. Our breeding cohort of DMDΔ52 pigs and standardized tissue repositories provide important resources for studying DMD disease mechanisms and for testing novel treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Stirm
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Center for Innovative Medical Models (CiMM), LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Lina Marie Fonteyne
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Center for Innovative Medical Models (CiMM), LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Bachuki Shashikadze
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Magdalena Lindner
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Maila Chirivi
- Fondazione Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare, Milan, Italy.,Department of Medical Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Latina, Italy
| | - Andreas Lange
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Center for Innovative Medical Models (CiMM), LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Clara Kaufhold
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Center for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Mayer
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Center for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Ivica Medugorac
- Population Genomics Group, Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Barbara Kessler
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Center for Innovative Medical Models (CiMM), LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Mayuko Kurome
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Center for Innovative Medical Models (CiMM), LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Valeri Zakhartchenko
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Center for Innovative Medical Models (CiMM), LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Arne Hinrichs
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Center for Innovative Medical Models (CiMM), LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Kemter
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Center for Innovative Medical Models (CiMM), LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sabine Krause
- Friedrich Baur Institute, Department of Neurology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Wanke
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Center for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Georg J Arnold
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Gerhard Wess
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Center for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Hiroshi Nagashima
- Meiji University International Institute for Bio-Resource Research, Kawasaki, Japan
| | | | - Florian Flenkenthaler
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Levin Arne Kobelke
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Claudia Bearzi
- Fondazione Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare, Milan, Italy.,Institute of Genetic and Biomedical Research, UOS of Milan, National Research Council (IRGB-CNR), Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Rizzi
- Fondazione Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare, Milan, Italy.,Institute for Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council (ITB-CNR), Segrate, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Bähr
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin I, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich and German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Sven Reese
- Chair for Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Kaspar Matiasek
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Center for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Maggie C Walter
- Friedrich Baur Institute, Department of Neurology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Kupatt
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin I, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich and German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Sibylle Ziegler
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Bartenstein
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Fröhlich
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Nikolai Klymiuk
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Center for Innovative Medical Models (CiMM), LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Blutke
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Eckhard Wolf
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Center for Innovative Medical Models (CiMM), LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
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26
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Genome editing in large animal models. Mol Ther 2021; 29:3140-3152. [PMID: 34601132 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.09.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Although genome editing technologies have the potential to revolutionize the way we treat human diseases, barriers to successful clinical implementation remain. Increasingly, preclinical large animal models are being used to overcome these barriers. In particular, the immunogenicity and long-term safety of novel gene editing therapeutics must be evaluated rigorously. However, short-lived small animal models, such as mice and rats, cannot address secondary pathologies that may arise years after a gene editing treatment. Likewise, immunodeficient mouse models by definition lack the ability to quantify the host immune response to a novel transgene or gene-edited locus. Large animal models, including dogs, pigs, and non-human primates (NHPs), bear greater resemblance to human anatomy, immunology, and lifespan and can be studied over longer timescales with clinical dosing regimens that are more relevant to humans. These models allow for larger scale and repeated blood and tissue sampling, enabling greater depth of study and focus on rare cellular subsets. Here, we review current progress in the development and evaluation of novel genome editing therapies in large animal models, focusing on applications in human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) infection, cancer, and genetic diseases including hemoglobinopathies, Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), hypercholesterolemia, and inherited retinal diseases.
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27
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Markati T, De Waele L, Schara-Schmidt U, Servais L. Lessons Learned from Discontinued Clinical Developments in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:735912. [PMID: 34790118 PMCID: PMC8591262 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.735912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked condition caused by a deficiency of functional dystrophin protein. Patients experience progressive muscle weakness, cardiomyopathy and have a decreased life expectancy. Standards of care, including treatment with steroids, and multidisciplinary approaches have extended the life expectancy and improved the quality of life of patients. In the last 30 years, several compounds have been assessed in preclinical and clinical studies for their ability to restore functional dystrophin levels or to modify pathways involved in DMD pathophysiology. However, there is still an unmet need with regards to a disease-modifying treatment for DMD and the attrition rate between early-phase and late-phase clinical development remains high. Currently, there are 40 compounds in clinical development for DMD, including gene therapy and antisense oligonucleotides for exon skipping. Only five of them have received conditional approval in one jurisdiction subject to further proof of efficacy. In this review, we present data of another 16 compounds that failed to complete clinical development, despite positive results in early phases of development in some cases. We examine the reasons for the high attrition rate and we suggest solutions to avoid similar mistakes in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodora Markati
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Center, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Liesbeth De Waele
- KU Leuven Department of Development and Regeneration, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Urlike Schara-Schmidt
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Center for Neuromuscular Diseases, Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Laurent Servais
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Center, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Division of Child Neurology, Reference Center for Neuromuscular Disease, Centre Hospitalier Régional de Références des Maladies Neuromusculaires, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Liège, Liège, Belgium
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28
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TERAMOTO N, IKEDA M, SUGIHARA H, SHIGA T, MATSUWAKI T, NISHIHARA M, UCHIDA K, YAMANOUCHI K. Loss of p16/Ink4a drives high frequency of rhabdomyosarcoma in a rat model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. J Vet Med Sci 2021; 83:1416-1424. [PMID: 34334511 PMCID: PMC8498826 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.21-0243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is an aggressive type of soft tissue sarcoma, and pleomorphic RMS is a rare subtype of RMS found in adult. p16 is a tumor suppressor which inhibits cell cycle. In human RMS, p16 gene is frequently deleted, but p16-null mice do not develop RMS. We reported that genetic ablation of p16 by the crossbreeding of p16 knock-out rats (p16-KO rats) improved the dystrophic phenotype of a rat model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (Dmd-KO rats). However, p16/Dmd double knock-out rats (dKO rats) unexpectedly developed sarcoma. In the present study, we raised p16-KO, Dmd-KO, and dKO rats until 11 months of age. Twelve out of 22 dKO rats developed pleomorphic RMS after 9 months of age, while none of p16-KO rats and Dmd-KO rats developed tumor. The neoplasms were connected to skeletal muscle tissue with indistinct borders and characterized by diffuse proliferation of pleomorphic cells which had eosinophilic cytoplasm and atypical nuclei with anisokaryosis. For almost all cases, the tumor cells immunohistochemically expressed myogenic markers including desmin, MyoD, and myogenin. The single cell cloning from tumor primary cells gained 20 individual Pax7-negative MyoD-positive RMS cell clones. Our results demonstrated that double knock-out of p16 and dystrophin in rats leads to the development of pleomorphic RMS, providing an animal model that may be useful to study the developmental mechanism of pleomorphic RMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi TERAMOTO
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Masanari IKEDA
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi SUGIHARA
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Takanori SHIGA
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Takashi MATSUWAKI
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Masugi NISHIHARA
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Kazuyuki UCHIDA
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Keitaro YAMANOUCHI
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
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Fujikura Y, Sugihara H, Hatakeyama M, Oishi K, Yamanouchi K. Ketogenic diet with medium-chain triglycerides restores skeletal muscle function and pathology in a rat model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21861. [PMID: 34416029 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100629r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an intractable genetic disease associated with progressive skeletal muscle weakness and degeneration. Recently, it was reported that intraperitoneal injections of ketone bodies partially ameliorated muscular dystrophy by increasing satellite cell (SC) proliferation. Here, we evaluated whether a ketogenic diet (KD) with medium-chain triglycerides (MCT-KD) could alter genetically mutated DMD in model rats. We found that the MCT-KD significantly increased muscle strength and fiber diameter in these rats. The MCT-KD significantly suppressed the key features of DMD, namely, muscle necrosis, inflammation, and subsequent fibrosis. Immunocytochemical analysis revealed that the MCT-KD promoted the proliferation of muscle SCs, suggesting enhanced muscle regeneration. The muscle strength of DMD model rats fed with MCT-KD was significantly improved even at the age of 9 months. Our findings suggested that the MCT-KD ameliorates muscular dystrophy by inhibiting myonecrosis and promoting the proliferation of muscle SCs. As far as we can ascertain, this is the first study to apply a functional diet as therapy for DMD in experimental animals. Further studies are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of the MCT-KD-induced improvement of DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Fujikura
- Healthy Food Science Research Group, Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Sugihara
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
| | | | - Katsutaka Oishi
- Healthy Food Science Research Group, Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Japan.,Department of Applied Biological Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Noda, Japan.,Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan.,School of Integrative and Global Majors (SIGMA), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Keitaro Yamanouchi
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
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Animal models for researching approaches to therapy of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Transgenic Res 2021; 30:709-725. [PMID: 34409525 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-021-00278-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a relatively widespread genetic disease which develops as a result of a mutation in the gene DMD encoding dystrophin. In this review, animal models of DMD are described. These models are used in preclinical studies to elucidate the pathogenesis of the disease or to develop effective treatments; each animal model has its own advantages and disadvantages. For instance, Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila melanogaster, and zebrafish (sapje) are suitable for large-scale chemical screening of large numbers of small molecules, but their disease phenotype differs from that of mammals. The use of larger animals is important for understanding of the potential efficacy of various treatments for DMD. While mdx mice have their advantages, they exhibit a milder disease phenotype compared to humans or dogs, making it difficult to evaluate the efficacy of new treatment for DMD. The disease in dogs and pigs is more severe and progresses faster than in mice, but it is more difficult to breed and obtain sufficient numbers of specimens in order to achieve statistically significant results. Moreover, working with large animals is also more labor-intensive. Therefore, when choosing the optimal animal model for research, it is worth considering all the goals and objectives.
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31
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Multiomic Approaches to Uncover the Complexities of Dystrophin-Associated Cardiomyopathy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168954. [PMID: 34445659 PMCID: PMC8396646 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite major progress in treating skeletal muscle disease associated with dystrophinopathies, cardiomyopathy is emerging as a major cause of death in people carrying dystrophin gene mutations that remain without a targeted cure even with new treatment directions and advances in modelling abilities. The reasons for the stunted progress in ameliorating dystrophin-associated cardiomyopathy (DAC) can be explained by the difficulties in detecting pathophysiological mechanisms which can also be efficiently targeted within the heart in the widest patient population. New perspectives are clearly required to effectively address the unanswered questions concerning the identification of authentic and effectual readouts of DAC occurrence and severity. A potential way forward to achieve further therapy breakthroughs lies in combining multiomic analysis with advanced preclinical precision models. This review presents the fundamental discoveries made using relevant models of DAC and how omics approaches have been incorporated to date.
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Swiderski K, Lynch GS. Murine models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy: is there a best model? Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2021; 321:C409-C412. [PMID: 34260298 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00212.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kristy Swiderski
- Centre for Muscle Research, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gordon S Lynch
- Centre for Muscle Research, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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33
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Eksi YE, Sanlioglu AD, Akkaya B, Ozturk BE, Sanlioglu S. Genome engineering and disease modeling via programmable nucleases for insulin gene therapy: Promises of CRISPR/Cas9 technology. World J Stem Cells 2021; 13:485-502. [PMID: 34249224 PMCID: PMC8246254 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v13.i6.485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeted genome editing is a continually evolving technology employing programmable nucleases to specifically change, insert, or remove a genomic sequence of interest. These advanced molecular tools include meganucleases, zinc finger nucleases, transcription activator-like effector nucleases and RNA-guided engineered nucleases (RGENs), which create double-strand breaks at specific target sites in the genome, and repair DNA either by homologous recombination in the presence of donor DNA or via the error-prone non-homologous end-joining mechanism. A recently discovered group of RGENs known as CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing systems allowed precise genome manipulation revealing a causal association between disease genotype and phenotype, without the need for the reengineering of the specific enzyme when targeting different sequences. CRISPR/Cas9 has been successfully employed as an ex vivo gene-editing tool in embryonic stem cells and patient-derived stem cells to understand pancreatic beta-cell development and function. RNA-guided nucleases also open the way for the generation of novel animal models for diabetes and allow testing the efficiency of various therapeutic approaches in diabetes, as summarized and exemplified in this manuscript.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunus E Eksi
- Department of Gene and Cell Therapy, Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine, Antalya 07058, Turkey
| | - Ahter D Sanlioglu
- Department of Gene and Cell Therapy, Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine, Antalya 07058, Turkey
| | - Bahar Akkaya
- Department of Gene and Cell Therapy, Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine, Antalya 07058, Turkey
| | - Bilge Esin Ozturk
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | - Salih Sanlioglu
- Department of Gene and Cell Therapy, Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine, Antalya 07058, Turkey
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Kuraoka M, Aoki Y, Takeda S. Development of outcome measures according to dystrophic phenotypes in canine X-linked muscular dystrophy in Japan. Exp Anim 2021; 70:419-430. [PMID: 34135266 PMCID: PMC8614006 DOI: 10.1538/expanim.21-0072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked lethal muscle disorder characterized by primary muscle degeneration. Therapeutic strategies for DMD have been extensively explored, and some are in the stage of human clinical trials. Along with the development of new therapies, sensitive outcome measures are needed to monitor the effects of new treatments. Therefore, we investigated outcome measures such as biomarkers and motor function evaluation in a dystrophic model of beagle dogs, canine X-linked muscular dystrophy in Japan (CXMDJ). Osteopontin (OPN), a myogenic inflammatory cytokine, was explored as a potential biomarker in dystrophic dogs over the disease course. The serum OPN levels of CXMDJ dystrophic dogs were elevated, even in the early disease phase, and this could be related to the presence of regenerating muscle fibers; as such, OPN would be a promising biomarker for muscle regeneration. Next, accelerometry, which is an efficient method to quantify performance in validated tasks, was used to evaluate motor function longitudinally in dystrophic dogs. We measured three-axis acceleration and angular velocity with wireless hybrid sensors during gait evaluations. Multiple parameters of acceleration and angular velocity showed notedly lower values in dystrophic dogs compared with wild-type dogs, even at the onset of muscle weakness. These parameters accordingly decreased with exacerbation of clinical manifestations along with the disease course. Multiple parameters also indicated gait abnormalities in dystrophic dogs, such as a waddling gait. These outcome measures could be applicable in clinical trials of patients with DMD or other muscle disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mutsuki Kuraoka
- Laboratory of Experimental Animal Science, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University.,Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry
| | - Yoshitsugu Aoki
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry
| | - Shin'ichi Takeda
- National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry
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Ellwood RA, Piasecki M, Szewczyk NJ. Caenorhabditis elegans as a Model System for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094891. [PMID: 34063069 PMCID: PMC8125261 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans has been used extensively to enhance our understanding of the human neuromuscular disorder Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). With new arising clinically relevant models, technologies and treatments, there is a need to reconcile the literature and collate the key findings associated with this model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A. Ellwood
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Versus Arthritis, Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, Royal Derby Hospital, University of Nottingham, Derby DE22 3DT, UK; (R.A.E.); (M.P.)
- National Institute for Health Research, Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Derby DE22 3DT, UK
| | - Mathew Piasecki
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Versus Arthritis, Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, Royal Derby Hospital, University of Nottingham, Derby DE22 3DT, UK; (R.A.E.); (M.P.)
- National Institute for Health Research, Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Derby DE22 3DT, UK
| | - Nathaniel J. Szewczyk
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Versus Arthritis, Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, Royal Derby Hospital, University of Nottingham, Derby DE22 3DT, UK; (R.A.E.); (M.P.)
- National Institute for Health Research, Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Derby DE22 3DT, UK
- Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurologic Institute, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA
- Correspondence:
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36
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Chenouard V, Remy S, Tesson L, Ménoret S, Ouisse LH, Cherifi Y, Anegon I. Advances in Genome Editing and Application to the Generation of Genetically Modified Rat Models. Front Genet 2021; 12:615491. [PMID: 33959146 PMCID: PMC8093876 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.615491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The rat has been extensively used as a small animal model. Many genetically engineered rat models have emerged in the last two decades, and the advent of gene-specific nucleases has accelerated their generation in recent years. This review covers the techniques and advances used to generate genetically engineered rat lines and their application to the development of rat models more broadly, such as conditional knockouts and reporter gene strains. In addition, genome-editing techniques that remain to be explored in the rat are discussed. The review also focuses more particularly on two areas in which extensive work has been done: human genetic diseases and immune system analysis. Models are thoroughly described in these two areas and highlight the competitive advantages of rat models over available corresponding mouse versions. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive description of the advantages and potential of rat models for addressing specific scientific questions and to characterize the best genome-engineering tools for developing new projects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Chenouard
- CHU Nantes, Inserm, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
- genOway, Lyon, France
| | - Séverine Remy
- CHU Nantes, Inserm, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Laurent Tesson
- CHU Nantes, Inserm, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Séverine Ménoret
- CHU Nantes, Inserm, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
- CHU Nantes, Inserm, CNRS, SFR Santé, Inserm UMS 016, CNRS UMS 3556, Nantes Université, Nantes, France
| | - Laure-Hélène Ouisse
- CHU Nantes, Inserm, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | | | - Ignacio Anegon
- CHU Nantes, Inserm, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
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37
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Choi E, Koo T. CRISPR technologies for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Mol Ther 2021; 29:3179-3191. [PMID: 33823301 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The emerging clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-mediated genome editing technologies have progressed remarkably in recent years, opening up the potential of precise genome editing as a therapeutic approach to treat various diseases. The CRISPR-CRISPR-associated (Cas) system is an attractive platform for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), which is a neuromuscular disease caused by mutations in the DMD gene. CRISPR-Cas can be used to permanently repair the mutated DMD gene, leading to the expression of the encoded protein, dystrophin, in systems ranging from cells derived from DMD patients to animal models of DMD. However, the development of more efficient therapeutic approaches and delivery methods remains a great challenge for DMD. Here, we review various therapeutic strategies that use CRISPR-Cas to correct or bypass DMD mutations and discuss their therapeutic potential, as well as obstacles that lie ahead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunyoung Choi
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Taeyoung Koo
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea.
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38
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Siva N, Gupta S, Gupta A, Shukla JN, Malik B, Shukla N. Genome-editing approaches and applications: a brief review on CRISPR technology and its role in cancer. 3 Biotech 2021; 11:146. [PMID: 33732568 PMCID: PMC7910401 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-021-02680-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of genome-editing technologies in 1970s has discerned a new beginning in the field of science. Out of different genome-editing approaches such as Zing-finger nucleases, TALENs, and meganucleases, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) is a recent and versatile technology that has the ability of making changes to the genome of different organisms with high specificity. Cancer is a complex process that is characterized by multiple genetic and epigenetic changes resulting in abnormal cell growth and proliferation. As cancer is one of the leading causes of deaths worldwide, a large number of studies are done to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of cancer. Because of its high efficiency and specificity, CRISPR/Cas9 has emerged as a novel and powerful tool in the field of cancer research. CRISPR/Cas9 has the potential to accelerate cancer research by dissecting tumorigenesis process, generating animal and cellular models, and identify drug targets for chemotherapeutic approaches. However, despite having tremendous potential, there are certain challenges associated with CRISPR/Cas9 such as safe delivery to the target, potential off-target effects and its efficacy which needs to be addressed prior to its clinical application. In this review, we give a gist of different genome-editing technologies with a special focus on CRISPR/Cas9 development, its mechanism of action and its applications, especially in different type of cancers. We also highlight the importance of CRISPR/Cas9 in generating animal models of different cancers. Finally, we present an overview of the clinical trials and discuss the challenges associated with translating CRISPR/Cas9 in clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narmadhaa Siva
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Birla Institute of Scientific Research, Statue Circle, Jaipur, India
| | - Sonal Gupta
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Birla Institute of Scientific Research, Statue Circle, Jaipur, India
| | - Ayam Gupta
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Birla Institute of Scientific Research, Statue Circle, Jaipur, India
| | - Jayendra Nath Shukla
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, Bandarsindari, Ajmer, India
| | - Babita Malik
- Department of Chemistry, Manipal University Jaipur, Jaipur, India
| | - Nidhi Shukla
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Birla Institute of Scientific Research, Statue Circle, Jaipur, India
- Department of Chemistry, Manipal University Jaipur, Jaipur, India
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Bayarsaikhan D, Bayarsaikhan G, Lee B. Recent advances in stem cells and gene editing: Drug discovery and therapeutics. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2021; 181:231-269. [PMID: 34127195 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2021.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The recently introduced genome editing technology has had a remarkable impact on genetic medicine. Zinc finger nucleases, transcription activator-like effector nucleases, and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/Cas nucleases are the three major platforms used for priming of stem cells or correction of mutated genes. Among these nucleases, CRISPR/Cas is the most easily applicable. Various CRISPR/Cas variants such as base editors, prime editors, mad7 nucleases, RESCUE, REPAIR, digenome sequencing, and SHERLOCK are being developed and considered as a promising tool for gene therapy and drug discovery. These advances in the CRISPR/Cas platform have enabled the correction of gene mutations from DNA to RNA level and validation of the safety of genome editing performance at a very precise level by allowing the detection of one base-pair mismatch. These promising alternatives of the CRISPR/Cas system can benefit millions of patients with intractable diseases. Although the therapeutic effects of stem cells have been confirmed in a wide range of disease models, their safety still remains an issue. Hence, scientists are concentrating on generating functionally improved stem cells by using programmable nucleases such as CRISPR. Therefore, in this chapter, we have summarized the applicable options of the CRISPR/Cas platforms by weighing their advantages and limitations in drug discovery and gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delger Bayarsaikhan
- Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, School of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon City, Republic of Korea
| | - Govigerel Bayarsaikhan
- Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, School of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon City, Republic of Korea
| | - Bonghee Lee
- Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, School of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon City, Republic of Korea.
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40
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Karapurkar JK, Antao AM, Kim KS, Ramakrishna S. CRISPR-Cas9 based genome editing for defective gene correction in humans and other mammals. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2021; 181:185-229. [PMID: 34127194 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2021.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat-Cas9 (CRISPR/Cas9), derived from bacterial and archean immune systems, has received much attention from the scientific community as a powerful, targeted gene editing tool. The CRISPR/Cas9 system enables a simple, relatively effortless and highly specific gene targeting strategy through temporary or permanent genome regulation or editing. This endonuclease has enabled gene correction by taking advantage of the endogenous homology directed repair (HDR) pathway to successfully target and correct disease-causing gene mutations. Numerous studies using CRISPR support the promise of efficient and simple genome manipulation, and the technique has been validated in in vivo and in vitro experiments, indicating its potential for efficient gene correction at any genomic loci. In this chapter, we detailed various strategies related to gene editing using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. We also outlined strategies to improve the efficiency of gene correction via the HDR pathway and to improve viral and non-viral mediated gene delivery methods, with an emphasis on their therapeutic potential for correcting genetic disorder in humans and other mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ainsley Mike Antao
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kye-Seong Kim
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea; College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea.
| | - Suresh Ramakrishna
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea; College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea.
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41
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Daisy PS, Shreyas KS, Anitha TS. Will CRISPR-Cas9 Have Cards to Play Against Cancer? An Update on its Applications. Mol Biotechnol 2021; 63:93-108. [PMID: 33386579 PMCID: PMC7775740 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-020-00289-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Genome editing employs targeted nucleases as powerful tools to precisely alter the genome of target cells and regulate functional genes. Various strategies have been risen so far as the molecular scissors-mediated genome editing that includes zinc finger nuclease, transcription activator-like effector nucleases, and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-CRISPR-related protein 9. These tools allow researchers to understand the basics of manipulating the genome, create animal models to study human diseases, understand host-pathogen interactions and design disease targets. Targeted genome modification utilizing RNA-guided nucleases are of recent curiosity, as it is a fast and effective strategy that enables the researchers to manipulate the gene of interest, carry out functional studies, understand the molecular basis of the disease and design targeted therapies. CRISPR-Cas9, a bacterial defense system employed against viruses, consists of a single-strand RNA-guided Cas9 nuclease connected to the corresponding complementary target sequence. This powerful and versatile tool has gained tremendous attention among the researchers, owing to its ability to correct genetic disorders. To help illustrate the potential of this gene editor in unexplored corners of oncology, we describe the history of CRISPR-Cas9, its rapid progression in cancer research as well as future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Precilla S Daisy
- Central Inter-Disciplinary Research Facility, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (Deemed To-Be University), Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute Campus, Pillaiyarkuppam, Puducherry, 607403, India
| | - Kuduvalli S Shreyas
- Central Inter-Disciplinary Research Facility, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (Deemed To-Be University), Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute Campus, Pillaiyarkuppam, Puducherry, 607403, India
| | - T S Anitha
- Central Inter-Disciplinary Research Facility, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (Deemed To-Be University), Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute Campus, Pillaiyarkuppam, Puducherry, 607403, India.
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Sugihara H, Kimura K, Yamanouchi K, Teramoto N, Okano T, Daimon M, Morita H, Takenaka K, Shiga T, Tanihata J, Aoki Y, Inoue-Nagamura T, Yotsuyanagi H, Komuro I. Age-Dependent Echocardiographic and Pathologic Findings in a Rat Model with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Generated by CRISPR/Cas9 Genome Editing. Int Heart J 2020; 61:1279-1284. [PMID: 33191355 DOI: 10.1536/ihj.20-372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is X-linked recessive myopathy caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene. Although conventional treatments have improved their prognosis, inevitable progressive cardiomyopathy is still the leading cause of death in patients with DMD. To explore novel therapeutic options, a suitable animal model with heart involvement has been warranted.We have generated a rat model with an out-of-frame mutation in the dystrophin gene using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing (DMD rats). The aim of this study was to evaluate their cardiac functions and pathologies to provide baseline data for future experiments developing treatment options for DMD.In comparison with age-matched wild rats, 6-month-old DMD rats showed no significant differences by echocardiographic evaluations. However, 10-month-old DMD rats showed significant deterioration in left ventricular (LV) fractional shortening (P = 0.024), and in tissue Doppler peak systolic velocity (Sa) at the LV lateral wall (P = 0.041) as well as at the right ventricular (RV) free-wall (P = 0.004). These functional findings were consistent with the fibrotic distributions by histological analysis.Although the cardiac phenotype was milder than anticipated, DMD rats showed similar distributions and progression of heart involvement to those of patients with DMD. This animal may be a useful model with which to develop effective drugs and to understand the underlying mechanisms of progressive heart failure in patients with DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidetoshi Sugihara
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo
| | - Koichi Kimura
- The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo.,Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo
| | - Keitaro Yamanouchi
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo
| | - Naomi Teramoto
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo
| | - Tomoko Okano
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The University of Tokyo Hospital
| | - Masao Daimon
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, The University of Tokyo Hospital
| | - Hiroyuki Morita
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo
| | - Katsu Takenaka
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The University of Tokyo Hospital
| | - Takanori Shiga
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo
| | - Jun Tanihata
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry
| | - Yoshitsugu Aoki
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry
| | | | | | - Issei Komuro
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo
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Cellular senescence-mediated exacerbation of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16385. [PMID: 33046751 PMCID: PMC7550355 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73315-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive disease characterised by chronic muscle degeneration and inflammation. Our previously established DMD model rats (DMD rats) have a more severe disease phenotype than the broadly used mouse model. We aimed to investigate the role of senescence in DMD using DMD rats and patients. Senescence was induced in satellite cells and mesenchymal progenitor cells, owing to the increased expression of CDKN2A, p16- and p19-encoding gene. Genetic ablation of p16 in DMD rats dramatically restored body weight and muscle strength. Histological analysis showed a reduction of fibrotic and adipose tissues invading skeletal muscle, with increased muscle regeneration. Senolytic drug ABT263 prevented loss of body weight and muscle strength, and increased muscle regeneration in rats even at 8 months—the late stage of DMD. Moreover, senescence markers were highly expressed in the skeletal muscle of DMD patients. In situ hybridization of CDKN2A confirmed the expression of it in satellite cells and mesenchymal progenitor cells in patients with DMD. Collectively, these data provide new insights into the integral role of senescence in DMD progression.
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Teramoto N, Sugihara H, Yamanouchi K, Nakamura K, Kimura K, Okano T, Shiga T, Shirakawa T, Matsuo M, Nagata T, Daimon M, Matsuwaki T, Nishihara M. Pathological evaluation of rats carrying in-frame mutations in the dystrophin gene: a new model of Becker muscular dystrophy. Dis Model Mech 2020; 13:dmm044701. [PMID: 32859695 PMCID: PMC7541341 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.044701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Dystrophin, encoded by the DMD gene on the X chromosome, stabilizes the sarcolemma by linking the actin cytoskeleton with the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex (DGC). In-frame mutations in DMD cause a milder form of X-linked muscular dystrophy, called Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD), characterized by the reduced expression of truncated dystrophin. So far, no animal model with in-frame mutations in Dmd has been established. As a result, the effect of in-frame mutations on the dystrophin expression profile and disease progression of BMD remains unclear. In this study, we established a novel rat model carrying in-frame Dmd gene mutations (IF rats) and evaluated the pathology. We found that IF rats exhibited reduced expression of truncated dystrophin in a proteasome-independent manner. This abnormal dystrophin expression caused dystrophic changes in muscle tissues but did not lead to functional deficiency. We also found that the expression of additional dystrophin named dpX, which forms the DGC in the sarcolemma, was associated with the appearance of truncated dystrophin. In conclusion, the outcomes of this study contribute to the further understanding of BMD pathology and help elucidate the efficiency of dystrophin recovery treatments in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a more severe form of X-linked muscular dystrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Teramoto
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Sugihara
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | - Keitaro Yamanouchi
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | - Katsuyuki Nakamura
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | - Koichi Kimura
- Department of General Medicine, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Tomoko Okano
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The University of Tokyo Hospital, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Takanori Shiga
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | - Taku Shirakawa
- Research Center for Locomotion Biology, Kobe Gakuin University, Nishi, Kobe, 651-2180, Japan
- KNC Department of Nucleic Acid Drug Discovery, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kobe Gakuin University, Nishi, Kobe, 651-2180, Japan
| | - Masafumi Matsuo
- Research Center for Locomotion Biology, Kobe Gakuin University, Nishi, Kobe, 651-2180, Japan
- KNC Department of Nucleic Acid Drug Discovery, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kobe Gakuin University, Nishi, Kobe, 651-2180, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Nagata
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | - Masao Daimon
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The University of Tokyo Hospital, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Takashi Matsuwaki
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | - Masugi Nishihara
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
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"Betwixt Mine Eye and Heart a League Is Took": The Progress of Induced Pluripotent Stem-Cell-Based Models of Dystrophin-Associated Cardiomyopathy. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21196997. [PMID: 32977524 PMCID: PMC7582534 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21196997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The ultimate goal of precision disease modeling is to artificially recreate the disease of affected people in a highly controllable and adaptable external environment. This field has rapidly advanced which is evident from the application of patient-specific pluripotent stem-cell-derived precision therapies in numerous clinical trials aimed at a diverse set of diseases such as macular degeneration, heart disease, spinal cord injury, graft-versus-host disease, and muscular dystrophy. Despite the existence of semi-adequate treatments for tempering skeletal muscle degeneration in dystrophic patients, nonischemic cardiomyopathy remains one of the primary causes of death. Therefore, cardiovascular cells derived from muscular dystrophy patients' induced pluripotent stem cells are well suited to mimic dystrophin-associated cardiomyopathy and hold great promise for the development of future fully effective therapies. The purpose of this article is to convey the realities of employing precision disease models of dystrophin-associated cardiomyopathy. This is achieved by discussing, as suggested in the title echoing William Shakespeare's words, the settlements (or "leagues") made by researchers to manage the constraints ("betwixt mine eye and heart") distancing them from achieving a perfect precision disease model.
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Iyer SR, Xu S, Shah SB, Lovering RM. Muscle phenotype of a rat model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Muscle Nerve 2020; 62:757-761. [PMID: 32918339 DOI: 10.1002/mus.27061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Our aim was to assess key muscle imaging and contractility parameters in the Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) rat model (Dmd-KO rat), which have not yet been characterized sufficiently. METHODS We performed in-vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for thigh and leg muscles, and performed hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and in-vivo muscle contractility testing in specific hindlimb muscles. RESULTS MRI prior to testing muscle contractility revealed multiple, unevenly distributed focal hyperintensities in the Dmd-KO rat quadriceps and tibialis anterior muscles. H&E staining showed corresponding areas of inflammation and ongoing regeneration. In-vivo contractile testing showed maximal force generated by Dmd-KO muscles was significantly lower, and susceptibility to injury was ~ two-fold greater in the Dmd-KO rats compared to wild-type (WT) rats. DISCUSSION Together, the MRI findings, histological findings, and the low strength and high susceptibility to injury in muscles support use of the Dmd-KO rat as an animal model of DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shama R Iyer
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Su Xu
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sameer B Shah
- Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Richard M Lovering
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Xu S, Tang S, Li X, Iyer SR, Lovering RM. Abnormalities in Brain and Muscle Microstructure and Neurochemistry of the DMD Rat Measured by in vivo Diffusion Tensor Imaging and High Resolution Localized 1H MRS. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:739. [PMID: 32760246 PMCID: PMC7372970 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked disorder caused by the lack of dystrophin with progressive degeneration of skeletal muscles. Most studies regarding DMD understandably focus on muscle, but dystrophin is also expressed in the central nervous system, potentially resulting in cognitive and behavioral changes. Animal models are being used for developing more comprehensive neuromonitoring protocols and clinical image acquisition procedures. The recently developed DMD rat is an animal model that parallels the progressive muscle wasting seen in DMD. Here, we studied the brain and temporalis muscle structure and neurochemistry of wild type (WT) and dystrophic (DMD) rats using magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy. Both structural and neurochemistry alterations were observed in the DMD rat brain and the temporalis muscle. There was a decrease in absolute brain volume (WT = 1579 mm3; DMD = 1501 mm3; p = 0.039, Cohen’s d = 1.867), but not normalized (WT = 4.27; DMD = 4.02; p = 0.306) brain volume. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) revealed structural alterations in the DMD temporalis muscle, with increased mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD). In the DMD rat thalamus, DTI revealed an increase in fractional anisotropy (FA) and a decrease in RD. Smaller normalized brain volume correlated to severity of muscle dystrophy (r = −0.975). Neurochemical changes in the DMD rat brain included increased GABA and NAA in the prefrontal cortex, and GABA in the hippocampus. Such findings could indicate disturbed motor and sensory signaling, resulting in a dysfunctional GABAergic neurotransmission, and an unstable osmoregulation in the dystrophin-null brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Xu
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Center for Advanced Imaging Research, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Shiyu Tang
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Center for Advanced Imaging Research, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Shama R Iyer
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Richard M Lovering
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Szpirer C. Rat models of human diseases and related phenotypes: a systematic inventory of the causative genes. J Biomed Sci 2020; 27:84. [PMID: 32741357 PMCID: PMC7395987 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-020-00673-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The laboratory rat has been used for a long time as the model of choice in several biomedical disciplines. Numerous inbred strains have been isolated, displaying a wide range of phenotypes and providing many models of human traits and diseases. Rat genome mapping and genomics was considerably developed in the last decades. The availability of these resources has stimulated numerous studies aimed at discovering causal disease genes by positional identification. Numerous rat genes have now been identified that underlie monogenic or complex diseases and remarkably, these results have been translated to the human in a significant proportion of cases, leading to the identification of novel human disease susceptibility genes, helping in studying the mechanisms underlying the pathological abnormalities and also suggesting new therapeutic approaches. In addition, reverse genetic tools have been developed. Several genome-editing methods were introduced to generate targeted mutations in genes the function of which could be clarified in this manner [generally these are knockout mutations]. Furthermore, even when the human gene causing a disease had been identified without resorting to a rat model, mutated rat strains (in particular KO strains) were created to analyze the gene function and the disease pathogenesis. Today, over 350 rat genes have been identified as underlying diseases or playing a key role in critical biological processes that are altered in diseases, thereby providing a rich resource of disease models. This article is an update of the progress made in this research and provides the reader with an inventory of these disease genes, a significant number of which have similar effects in rat and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claude Szpirer
- Université Libre de Bruxelles, B-6041, Gosselies, Belgium.
- , Waterloo, Belgium.
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Miyamoto M, Tochinai R, Sekizawa SI, Shiga T, Uchida K, Tsuru Y, Kuwahara M. Cardiac lesions in Duchenne muscular dystrophy model rats with out-of-frame Dmd gene mutation mediated by CRISPR/Cas9 system. J Toxicol Pathol 2020; 33:227-236. [PMID: 33239841 PMCID: PMC7677620 DOI: 10.1293/tox.2020-0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive muscular disorder caused by
X-chromosomal DMD gene mutations. Recently, a new CRISPR/Cas9-mediated
DMD rat model (cDMDR) was established and is expected to show cardiac lesions similar to
those in humans. We therefore investigated the pathological and pathophysiological
features of the cardiac lesions and their progression in cDMDR. For our cDMDR,
Dmd-mutated rats (W-Dmdem1Kykn) were
obtained. Dmd heterozygous-deficient females and wild-type (WT) males
were mated, and male offspring including WT as controls were used. (1) Hearts were
collected at 3, 5, and 10 months of age, and HE- and Masson’s trichrome-stained specimens
were observed. (2) Electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings were made and analyzed at 3, 5, and
8 months of age. (3) Echocardiography was performed at 9 months of age. In cDMDR rats, (1)
degeneration/necrosis of cardiomyocytes and myocardial fibrosis prominent in the right
ventricular wall and the outer layer of the left ventricular wall were observed. Fibrosis
became more prominent with aging. (2) Lower P wave amplitudes and greater R wave
amplitudes were detected. PR intervals tended to be shorter. QT intervals were longer at 3
months but tended to be shorter at 8 months. Sinus irregularity and premature ventricular
contraction were observed at 8 months. (3) Echocardiography indicated myocardial sclerosis
and a tendency of systolic dysfunction. Pathological and pathophysiological changes
occurred in cDMDR rat hearts and progressed with aging, which is, to some extent, similar
to what occurs in humans. Thus, cDMDR could be a valuable model for studying cardiology of
human DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mao Miyamoto
- Department of Veterinary Pathophysiology and Animal Health, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Ryota Tochinai
- Department of Veterinary Pathophysiology and Animal Health, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Shin-Ich Sekizawa
- Department of Veterinary Pathophysiology and Animal Health, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Takanori Shiga
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Kazuyuki Uchida
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Yoshiharu Tsuru
- Primetech Corp. Life Science Laboratory, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Masayoshi Kuwahara
- Department of Veterinary Pathophysiology and Animal Health, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
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Toyoshima Y, Nakamura K, Tokita R, Teramoto N, Sugihara H, Kato H, Yamanouchi K, Minami S. Disruption of insulin receptor substrate-2 impairs growth but not insulin function in rats. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:11914-11927. [PMID: 32631952 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.013095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-2, along with IRS-1, is a key signaling molecule that mediates the action of insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I. The activated insulin and IGF-I receptors phosphorylate IRSs on tyrosine residues, leading to the activation of downstream signaling pathways and the induction of various physiological functions of insulin and IGF-I. Studies using IRS-2 knockout (KO) mice showed that the deletion of IRS-2 causes type 2 diabetes due to peripheral insulin resistance and impaired β-cell function. However, little is known about the roles of IRS-2 in other animal models. Here, we created IRS-2 KO rats to elucidate the physiological functions of IRS-2 in rats. The body weights of IRS-2 KO rats at birth were lower compared with those of their WT littermates. The postnatal growth of both male and female IRS-2 KO rats was also suppressed. Compared with male WT rats, the glucose and insulin tolerance of male IRS-2 KO rats were slightly enhanced, whereas a similar difference was not observed between female WT and IRS-2 KO rats. Besides the modestly increased insulin sensitivity, male IRS-2 KO rats displayed the enhanced insulin-induced activation of the mTOR complex 1 pathway in the liver compared with WT rats. Taken together, these results indicate that in rats, IRS-2 plays important roles in the regulation of growth but is not essential for the glucose-lowering effects of insulin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuka Toyoshima
- Department of Bioregulation, Institute for Advanced Medical Sciences, Nippon Medical School, Kosugi-machi, Nakahara-ku, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Katsuyuki Nakamura
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Reiko Tokita
- Department of Bioregulation, Institute for Advanced Medical Sciences, Nippon Medical School, Kosugi-machi, Nakahara-ku, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Naomi Teramoto
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Sugihara
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hisanori Kato
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keitaro Yamanouchi
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shiro Minami
- Department of Bioregulation, Institute for Advanced Medical Sciences, Nippon Medical School, Kosugi-machi, Nakahara-ku, Kawasaki, Japan
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