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Lemoine J, Dubois A, Dorval A, Jaber A, Warthi G, Mamchaoui K, Wang T, Corre G, Bovolenta M, Richard I. Correction of exon 2, exon 2-9 and exons 8-9 duplications in DMD patient myogenic cells by a single CRISPR/Cas9 system. Sci Rep 2024; 14:21238. [PMID: 39261505 PMCID: PMC11390959 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-70075-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Duchenne Muscular dystrophy (DMD), a yet-incurable X-linked recessive disorder that results in muscle wasting and loss of ambulation is due to mutations in the dystrophin gene. Exonic duplications of dystrophin gene are a common type of mutations found in DMD patients. In this study, we utilized a single guide RNA CRISPR strategy targeting intronic regions to delete the extra duplicated regions in patient myogenic cells carrying duplication of exon 2, exons 2-9, and exons 8-9 in the DMD gene. Immunostaining on CRISPR-corrected derived myotubes demonstrated the rescue of dystrophin protein. Subsequent RNA sequencing of the DMD cells indicated rescue of genes of dystrophin related pathways. Examination of predicted close-match off-targets evidenced no aberrant gene editing at these loci. Here, we further demonstrate the efficiency of a single guide CRISPR strategy capable of deleting multi-exon duplications in the DMD gene without significant off target effect. Our study contributes valuable insights into the safety and efficacy of using single guide CRISPR strategy as a potential therapeutic approach for DMD patients with duplications of variable size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliette Lemoine
- Genethon, 1, bis rue de l'internationale, 91000, Evry, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, Univ Evry, Inserm, Généthon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, 91000, Evry-Courcouronnes, France
| | - Auriane Dubois
- Genethon, 1, bis rue de l'internationale, 91000, Evry, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, Univ Evry, Inserm, Généthon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, 91000, Evry-Courcouronnes, France
| | - Alan Dorval
- Genethon, 1, bis rue de l'internationale, 91000, Evry, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, Univ Evry, Inserm, Généthon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, 91000, Evry-Courcouronnes, France
- ADLIN Science, Pépinière « Genopole Entreprises », 91058, Evry, France
| | - Abbass Jaber
- Genethon, 1, bis rue de l'internationale, 91000, Evry, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, Univ Evry, Inserm, Généthon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, 91000, Evry-Courcouronnes, France
| | - Ganesh Warthi
- Genethon, 1, bis rue de l'internationale, 91000, Evry, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, Univ Evry, Inserm, Généthon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, 91000, Evry-Courcouronnes, France
| | - Kamel Mamchaoui
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, 75013, Paris, France
| | - Tao Wang
- Genethon, 1, bis rue de l'internationale, 91000, Evry, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, Univ Evry, Inserm, Généthon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, 91000, Evry-Courcouronnes, France
| | - Guillaume Corre
- Genethon, 1, bis rue de l'internationale, 91000, Evry, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, Univ Evry, Inserm, Généthon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, 91000, Evry-Courcouronnes, France
| | - Matteo Bovolenta
- Genethon, 1, bis rue de l'internationale, 91000, Evry, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, Univ Evry, Inserm, Généthon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, 91000, Evry-Courcouronnes, France
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Isabelle Richard
- Genethon, 1, bis rue de l'internationale, 91000, Evry, France.
- Université Paris-Saclay, Univ Evry, Inserm, Généthon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, 91000, Evry-Courcouronnes, France.
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2
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Elasbali AM, Al-Soud WA, Anwar S, Alhassan HH, Adnan M, Hassan MI. A review on mechanistic insights into structure and function of dystrophin protein in pathophysiology and therapeutic targeting of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 264:130544. [PMID: 38428778 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive genetic disorder characterized by progressive and severe muscle weakening and degeneration. Among the various forms of muscular dystrophy, it stands out as one of the most common and impactful, predominantly affecting boys. The condition arises due to mutations in the dystrophin gene, a key player in maintaining the structure and function of muscle fibers. The manuscript explores the structural features of dystrophin protein and their pivotal roles in DMD. We present an in-depth analysis of promising therapeutic approaches targeting dystrophin and their implications for the therapeutic management of DMD. Several therapies aiming to restore dystrophin protein or address secondary pathology have obtained regulatory approval, and many others are ongoing clinical development. Notably, recent advancements in genetic approaches have demonstrated the potential to restore partially functional dystrophin forms. The review also provides a comprehensive overview of the status of clinical trials for major therapeutic genetic approaches for DMD. In addition, we have summarized the ongoing therapeutic approaches and advanced mechanisms of action for dystrophin restoration and the challenges associated with DMD therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelbaset Mohamed Elasbali
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences-Qurayyat, Jouf University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Waleed Abu Al-Soud
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Sciences-Sakaka, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia; Molekylärbiologi, Klinisk Mikrobiologi och vårdhygien, Region Skåne, Sölvegatan 23B, 221 85 Lund, Sweden
| | - Saleha Anwar
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Hassan H Alhassan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Sciences-Sakaka, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohd Adnan
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Ha'il, Ha'il, Saudi Arabia
| | - Md Imtaiyaz Hassan
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India.
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3
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Richard I. Basic notions about gene therapy from the nucleic acid perspective and applications in a pediatric disease: Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Arch Pediatr 2023; 30:8S2-8S11. [PMID: 38043979 DOI: 10.1016/s0929-693x(23)00221-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapy involves the introduction of genetic material into cells as a therapeutic molecule to cure a disease. Through the transfer of specific nucleic acid to the target tissue, gene expression can be downregulated, augmented, or corrected thanks to the nucleic acid sequence as a support of gene expression. This is achieved through molecular interactions according to the sequence arrangement or the secondary structure of the molecules or through their catalytic properties. Over the past two decades, the rapid advances of knowledge and technologies in gene therapy have led to the development of different strategies and to the extension of its use to numerous indications, including certain cancers. Major success has been achieved in clinical trials and the field of gene therapy is booming. Several gene therapy products are now on the market in Europe, the United States, and China. In this review, we cover the basic principles of gene therapy and the characteristics of the main vectors used to transfer genetic material into the cell. As an example of applications, we address the various strategies applied to a rare pediatric muscle disease: Duchenne muscular dystrophy. © 2023 Published by Elsevier Masson SAS on behalf of French Society of Pediatrics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Richard
- Genethon, 91000, Evry, France; Université Paris-Saclay, Univ. Evry, Inserm, Integrare research unit UMR_S951, 91000, Evry-Courcouronnes, France; Atamyo Therapeutics, 1, bis rue de l'internationale, Evry, France.
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4
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Jha NN, Kim JK, Her YR, Monani UR. Muscle: an independent contributor to the neuromuscular spinal muscular atrophy disease phenotype. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e171878. [PMID: 37737261 PMCID: PMC10561723 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.171878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a pediatric-onset neuromuscular disorder caused by insufficient survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. SMN restorative therapies are now approved for the treatment of SMA; however, they are not curative, likely due to a combination of imperfect treatment timing, inadequate SMN augmentation, and failure to optimally target relevant organs. Here, we consider the implications of imperfect treatment administration, focusing specifically on outcomes for skeletal muscle. We examine the evidence that muscle plays a contributing role in driving neuromuscular dysfunction in SMA. Next, we discuss how SMN might regulate the health of myofibers and their progenitors. Finally, we speculate on therapeutic outcomes of failing to raise muscle SMN to healthful levels and present strategies to restore function to this tissue to ensure better treatment results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narendra N. Jha
- Department of Neurology
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, and
| | - Jeong-Ki Kim
- Department of Neurology
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, and
| | - Yoon-Ra Her
- Department of Neurology
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, and
| | - Umrao R. Monani
- Department of Neurology
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, and
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
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5
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Groppa E, Martini P, Derakhshan N, Theret M, Ritso M, Tung LW, Wang YX, Soliman H, Hamer MS, Stankiewicz L, Eisner C, Erwan LN, Chang C, Yi L, Yuan JH, Kong S, Weng C, Adams J, Chang L, Peng A, Blau HM, Romualdi C, Rossi FMV. Spatial compartmentalization of signaling imparts source-specific functions on secreted factors. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112051. [PMID: 36729831 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112051] [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: 10/04/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Efficient regeneration requires multiple cell types acting in coordination. To better understand the intercellular networks involved and how they change when regeneration fails, we profile the transcriptome of hematopoietic, stromal, myogenic, and endothelial cells over 14 days following acute muscle damage. We generate a time-resolved computational model of interactions and identify VEGFA-driven endothelial engagement as a key differentiating feature in models of successful and failed regeneration. In addition, the analysis highlights that the majority of secreted signals, including VEGFA, are simultaneously produced by multiple cell types. To test whether the cellular source of a factor determines its function, we delete VEGFA from two cell types residing in close proximity: stromal and myogenic progenitors. By comparing responses to different types of damage, we find that myogenic and stromal VEGFA have distinct functions in regeneration. This suggests that spatial compartmentalization of signaling plays a key role in intercellular communication networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Groppa
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, 2222 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Borea Therapeutics, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati, Via Bonomea 265, Trieste, Italy
| | - Paolo Martini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy; Department of Biology, University of Padova, via U. Bassi 58B, Padova, Italy
| | - Nima Derakhshan
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, 2222 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Marine Theret
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, 2222 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Morten Ritso
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, 2222 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Lin Wei Tung
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, 2222 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Yu Xin Wang
- Baxter Laboratory for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Hesham Soliman
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, 2222 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Minia University, Minia, Egypt; Aspect Biosystems, 1781 W 75th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mark Stephen Hamer
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, 2222 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Laura Stankiewicz
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, 2222 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Christine Eisner
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, 2222 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Le Nevé Erwan
- Department of Pediatrics, Université Laval, Laval, QC, Canada
| | - Chihkai Chang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, 2222 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Lin Yi
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, 2222 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jack H Yuan
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, 2222 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sunny Kong
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, 2222 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Curtis Weng
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, 2222 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Josephine Adams
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, 2222 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Lucas Chang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, 2222 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Anne Peng
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, 2222 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Helen M Blau
- Baxter Laboratory for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Chiara Romualdi
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, via U. Bassi 58B, Padova, Italy
| | - Fabio M V Rossi
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, 2222 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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6
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Donandt T, Hintze S, Krause S, Wolf E, Schoser B, Walter MC, Meinke P. Isolation and Characterization of Primary DMD Pig Muscle Cells as an In Vitro Model for Preclinical Research on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12101668. [PMID: 36295103 PMCID: PMC9604785 DOI: 10.3390/life12101668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most frequent genetic myopathy in childhood and leads to progressive muscle atrophy, weakness, and premature death. So far, there is no curative treatment available. Therapeutic development from bench to bedside takes time, and promising therapies need to be tested in suitable preclinical animal models prior to clinical trials in DMD patients. Existing mouse and dog models are limited with regard to the comparability of the clinical phenotype and the underlying mutation. Therefore, our group established a tailored large animal model of DMD, the DMD pig, mirroring the human size, anatomy, and physiology. For testing novel approaches, we developed a corresponding in vitro model, facilitating preclinical testing for toxicity, dosing, and efficacy, which we describe here. We first extracted primary muscle cells from wild-type and DMD pigs of different age groups and characterized those cells, then improved their differentiation process for identification of dystrophin and utrophin in myotubes. Our porcine in vitro model represents an important step for the development of novel therapeutic approaches, which should be validated further to minimize the need for living animals for bioassays, and thereby support the '3R' (replace, reduce, refine) principle, as fewer animals have to be raised and treated for preclinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Donandt
- Friedrich-Baur-Institute at the Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan Hintze
- Friedrich-Baur-Institute at the Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Sabine Krause
- Friedrich-Baur-Institute at the Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Eckhard Wolf
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Benedikt Schoser
- Friedrich-Baur-Institute at the Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Maggie C. Walter
- Friedrich-Baur-Institute at the Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Meinke
- Friedrich-Baur-Institute at the Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-(0)-89-2180-78279
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7
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Tam PKH, Wong KKY, Atala A, Giobbe GG, Booth C, Gruber PJ, Monone M, Rafii S, Rando TA, Vacanti J, Comer CD, Elvassore N, Grikscheit T, de Coppi P. Regenerative medicine: postnatal approaches. THE LANCET. CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH 2022; 6:654-666. [PMID: 35963270 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-4642(22)00193-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Paper 2 of the paediatric regenerative medicine Series focuses on recent advances in postnatal approaches. New gene, cell, and niche-based technologies and their combinations allow structural and functional reconstitution and simulation of complex postnatal cell, tissue, and organ hierarchies. Organoid and tissue engineering advances provide human disease models and novel treatments for both rare paediatric diseases and common diseases affecting all ages, such as COVID-19. Preclinical studies for gastrointestinal disorders are directed towards oesophageal replacement, short bowel syndrome, enteric neuropathy, biliary atresia, and chronic end-stage liver failure. For respiratory diseases, beside the first human tracheal replacement, more complex tissue engineering represents a promising solution to generate transplantable lungs. Genitourinary tissue replacement and expansion usually involve application of biocompatible scaffolds seeded with patient-derived cells. Gene and cell therapy approaches seem appropriate for rare paediatric diseases of the musculoskeletal system such as spinal muscular dystrophy, whereas congenital diseases of complex organs, such as the heart, continue to challenge new frontiers of regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Kwong Hang Tam
- Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau Special Administrative Region, China; Division of Paediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Queen Mary Hospital, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.
| | - Kenneth Kak Yuen Wong
- Division of Paediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Queen Mary Hospital, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Anthony Atala
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Giovanni Giuseppe Giobbe
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Section, Developmental Biology and Cancer Research and Teaching Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Claire Booth
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Section, Developmental Biology and Cancer Research and Teaching Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Peter J Gruber
- Department of Surgery, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Mimmi Monone
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Shahin Rafii
- Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Department of Medicine, Division of Regenerative Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Thomas A Rando
- Paul F Glenn Center for the Biology of Aging, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Joseph Vacanti
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Laboratory for Tissue Engineering and Organ Fabrication, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Mass General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Carly D Comer
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Laboratory for Tissue Engineering and Organ Fabrication, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Mass General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nicola Elvassore
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Section, Developmental Biology and Cancer Research and Teaching Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK; Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Tracy Grikscheit
- Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Paolo de Coppi
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Section, Developmental Biology and Cancer Research and Teaching Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK; Department of Specialist Neonatal and Paediatric Surgery, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK.
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8
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Lombardi S, Testa MF, Pinotti M, Branchini A. Translation termination codons in protein synthesis and disease. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2022; 132:1-48. [PMID: 36088072 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2022.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Fidelity of protein synthesis, a process shaped by several mechanisms involving specialized ribosome regions and external factors, ensures the precise reading of sense as well as stop codons (UGA, UAG, UAA), which are usually localized at the 3' of mRNA and drive the release of the polypeptide chain. However, either natural (NTCs) or premature (PTCs) termination codons, the latter arising from nucleotide changes, can undergo a recoding process named ribosome or translational readthrough, which insert specific amino acids (NTCs) or subset(s) depending on the stop codon type (PTCs). This process is particularly relevant for nonsense mutations, a relatively frequent cause of genetic disorders, which impair gene expression at different levels by potentially leading to mRNA degradation and/or synthesis of truncated proteins. As a matter of fact, many efforts have been made to develop efficient and safe readthrough-inducing compounds, which have been challenged in several models of human disease to provide with a therapy. In this view, the dissection of the molecular determinants shaping the outcome of readthrough, namely nucleotide and protein contexts as well as their interplay and impact on protein structure/function, is crucial to identify responsive nonsense mutations resulting in functional full-length proteins. The interpretation of experimental and mechanistic findings is also important to define a possibly clear picture of potential readthrough-favorable features useful to achieve rescue profiles compatible with therapeutic thresholds typical of each targeted disorder, which is of primary importance for the potential translatability of readthrough into a personalized and mutation-specific, and thus patient-oriented, therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Lombardi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Francesca Testa
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mirko Pinotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessio Branchini
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
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9
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Imamoglu S, Kenis-Coskun O, Deveci M, Ozturk G, Karadag-Saygi E. Validity and Reliability of Quick Motor Function Test in Ambulatory Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Patients. JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC NEUROLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1743434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe quick motor function test (QMFT) is used to evaluate Pompe patients' motor function. This study aims to evaluate the convergent validity and reliability of the cross-culturally adapted Turkish version of QMFT in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Twenty-eight patients diagnosed with DMD were included in the study. The QMFT was translated and adapted to Turkish. The functionality of the patients was assessed with the north star ambulatory assessment (NSAA) and the 6-minute walk test (6MWT); muscle strength was evaluated with a hand-held dynamometer. There were two separate practitioners on the first day of the QMFT study; it was applied a second time by the first practitioner 14 days later. The mean age of DMD patients was 9.03 ± 3.39 (minimum 4–maximum 18 . Twenty-seven patients concluded all the necessary assessments. Intrarater reliability of QMFT in patients with DMD was intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.98, and interrater reliability ICC = 0.98 was excellent. QMFT correlated very well with 6MWT (r
s = 0.86; p < 0.001) and NSAA (r
s = 0.91; p < 0.001). Both the QMFT and NSAA show stronger correlations with proximal muscle groups (convergent validity) than with distal muscle groups (divergent validity). QMFT is a reliable and valid test for evaluating motor function in patients with DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sena Imamoglu
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Marmara University Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ozge Kenis-Coskun
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Marmara University Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Deveci
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Marmara University Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gulten Ozturk
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Marmara University Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Evrim Karadag-Saygi
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Marmara University Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey
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10
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Han J, Zhang H, Li N, Aziz AUR, Zhang Z, Liu B. The raft cytoskeleton binding protein complexes personate functional regulators in cell behaviors. Acta Histochem 2022; 124:151859. [PMID: 35123353 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2022.151859] [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: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Abstract
Several cytoskeleton proteins interact with raft proteins to form raft-cytoskeleton binding protein complexes (RCPCs) that control cell migration and adhesion. The purpose of this paper is to review the latest research on the modes and mechanisms by which a RCPC controls different cellular functions. This paper discusses RCPC composition and its role in cytoskeleton reorganization, as well as the latest developments in molecular mechanisms that regulate cell adhesion and migration under normal conditions. In addition, the role of some external stimuli (such as stress and chemical signals) in this process is further debated, and meanwhile potential mechanisms for RCPC to regulate lipid raft fluidity is proposed. Thus, this review mainly contributes to the understanding of RCPC signal transduction in cells. Additionally, the targeted signal transduction of RCPC and its mechanism connection with cell behaviors will provide a logical basis for the development of unified interventions to combat metastasis related dysfunction and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinxin Han
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Key Laboratory for Integrated Circuit and Biomedical Electronic System of Liaoning Province, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Hangyu Zhang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Key Laboratory for Integrated Circuit and Biomedical Electronic System of Liaoning Province, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Na Li
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Key Laboratory for Integrated Circuit and Biomedical Electronic System of Liaoning Province, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Aziz Ur Rehman Aziz
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Key Laboratory for Integrated Circuit and Biomedical Electronic System of Liaoning Province, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Zhengyao Zhang
- School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin 124221, China.
| | - Bo Liu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Key Laboratory for Integrated Circuit and Biomedical Electronic System of Liaoning Province, Dalian 116024, China.
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Soblechero-Martín P, López-Martínez A, de la Puente-Ovejero L, Vallejo-Illarramendi A, Arechavala-Gomeza V. Utrophin modulator drugs as potential therapies for Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2021; 47:711-723. [PMID: 33999469 PMCID: PMC8518368 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Utrophin is an autosomal paralogue of dystrophin, a protein whose deficit causes Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies (DMD/BMD). Utrophin is naturally overexpressed at the sarcolemma of mature dystrophin‐deficient fibres in DMD and BMD patients as well as in the mdx Duchenne mouse model. Dystrophin and utrophin can co‐localise in human foetal muscle, in the dystrophin‐competent fibres from DMD/BMD carriers, and revertant fibre clusters in biopsies from DMD patients. These findings suggest that utrophin overexpression could act as a surrogate, compensating for the lack of dystrophin, and, as such, it could be used in combination with dystrophin restoration therapies. Different strategies to overexpress utrophin are currently under investigation. In recent years, many compounds have been reported to modulate utrophin expression efficiently in preclinical studies and ameliorate the dystrophic phenotype in animal models of the disease. In this manuscript, we discuss the current knowledge on utrophin protein and the different mechanisms that modulate its expression in skeletal muscle. We also include a comprehensive review of compounds proposed as utrophin regulators and, as such, potential therapeutic candidates for these muscular dystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Soblechero-Martín
- Neuromuscular Disorders, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain.,Clinical Laboratory Service, Osakidetza Basque Health Service, Bilbao-Basurto Integrated Health Organisation, Basurto University Hospital, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Andrea López-Martínez
- Neuromuscular Disorders, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | | | | | - Virginia Arechavala-Gomeza
- Neuromuscular Disorders, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain.,Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
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12
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β-Glucans as Dietary Supplement to Improve Locomotion and Mitochondrial Respiration in a Model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13051619. [PMID: 34065946 PMCID: PMC8151547 DOI: 10.3390/nu13051619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe X-linked neuromuscular childhood disorder that causes progressive muscle weakness and degeneration. A lack of dystrophin in DMD leads to inflammatory response, autophagic dysregulation, and oxidative stress in skeletal muscle fibers that play a key role in the progression of the pathology. β-glucans can modulate immune function by modifying the phagocytic activity of immunocompetent cells, notably macrophages. Mitochondrial function is also involved in an important mechanism of the innate and adaptive immune responses, owing to high need for energy of immune cells. In the present study, the effects of 1,3-1,6 β-glucans on five-day-old non-dystrophic and dystrophic (sapje) zebrafish larvae were investigated. The effects of the sonication of β-glucans and the dechorionation of embryos were also evaluated. The results showed that the incidence of dystrophic phenotypes was reduced when dystrophic embryos were exposed to 2 and 4 mg L-1 of 1,3-1,6 β-glucans. Moreover, when the dystrophic larvae underwent 8 mg L-1 treatment, an improvement of the locomotor performances and mitochondrial respiration were observed. In conclusion, the observed results demonstrated that 1,3-1,6 β-glucans improve locomotor performances and mitochondrial function in dystrophic zebrafish. Therefore, for ameliorating their life quality, 1,3-1,6 β-glucans look like a promising diet supplement for DMD patients, even though further investigations are required.
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13
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Shastry A, Aravind S, Sunil M, Ramesh K, Ashley B, T. N, Ramprasad VL, Gupta R, Seshagiri S, Nongthomba U, Phalke S. Matrilineal analysis of mutations in the DMD gene in a multigenerational South Indian cohort using DMD gene panel sequencing. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2021; 9:e1633. [PMID: 33960727 PMCID: PMC8172192 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.1633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive neuromuscular disorder characterised by progressive irreversible muscle weakness, primarily of the skeletal and the cardiac muscles. DMD is characterised by mutations in the dystrophin gene, resulting in the absence or sparse quantities of dystrophin protein. A precise and timely molecular detection of DMD mutations encourages interventions such as carrier genetic counselling and in undertaking therapeutic measures for the DMD patients. RESULTS In this study, we developed a 2.1 Mb custom DMD gene panel that spans the entire DMD gene, including the exons and introns. The panel also includes the probes against 80 additional genes known to be mutated in other muscular dystrophies. This custom DMD gene panel was used to identify single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and large deletions with precise breakpoints in 77 samples that included 24 DMD patients and their matrilineage across four generations. We used this panel to evaluate the inheritance pattern of DMD mutations in maternal subjects representing 24 DMD patients. CONCLUSION Here we report our observations on the inheritance pattern of DMD gene mutations in matrilineage samples across four generations. Additionally, our data suggest that the DMD gene panel designed by us can be routinely used as a single genetic test to identify all DMD gene variants in DMD patients and the carrier mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun Shastry
- Dystrophy Annihilation Research Trust (DART)BangaloreIndia
| | - Sankaramoorthy Aravind
- Dystrophy Annihilation Research Trust (DART)BangaloreIndia
- Indian Institute of Science (IISc)BangaloreIndia
| | | | - Keerthi Ramesh
- Dystrophy Annihilation Research Trust (DART)BangaloreIndia
| | - Berty Ashley
- Dystrophy Annihilation Research Trust (DART)BangaloreIndia
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Sameer Phalke
- MedGenome LabsBangaloreIndia
- SciGenom Labs Pvt LtdCochinIndia
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Nutraceutical Screening in a Zebrafish Model of Muscular Dystrophy: Gingerol as a Possible Food Aid. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13030998. [PMID: 33808773 PMCID: PMC8003371 DOI: 10.3390/nu13030998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene, is an inherited neuromuscular disorder that causes loss of muscle mass and motor skills. In the era of genomic medicine, there is still no known cure for DMD. In clinical practice, there is a growing awareness of the possible importance of nutrition in neuromuscular diseases. This is mostly the result of patients’ or caregivers’ empirical reports of how active substances derived from food have led to improved muscle strength and, thus, better quality of life. In this report, we investigate several nutraceutical principles in the sapje strain of zebrafish, a validated model of DMD, in order to identify possible natural products that, if supplemented in the diet, might improve the quality of life of DMD patients. Gingerol, a constituent of fresh ginger, statistically increased the locomotion of mutant larvae and upregulated the expression of heme oxygenase 1, a target gene for therapy aimed at improving dystrophic symptoms. Although three other compounds showed a partial positive effect on locomotor and muscle structure phenotypes, our nutraceutical screening study lent preliminary support to the efficacy and safety only of gingerol. Gingerol could easily be proposed as a dietary supplement in DMD.
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Bayat F, Sarmiento IG, Ahmadian N, Dehghani Z. Iranian Registry of Duchenne and Becker Muscular Dystrophies: Characterization and Preliminary Data. J Neuromuscul Dis 2020; 8:251-259. [PMID: 33325392 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-200540] [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] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne (DMD) and Becker muscular dystrophies (BMD) are rare neuromuscular disorders caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene and failure in its protein production. The absence or the reduced expression of dystrophin render muscles prone to damage, including the cardiac and respiratory muscles with reduced life expectancy. Careful planning for clinical trials will require a sufficient number of confirmed cases to meet the inclusion criteria. National registries for rare disorders serve as an essential tool for personalized medicines or mutation-specific trials to facilitate patient recruitment. The Iranian Registry of DMD and BMD (IRDAB) collects detailed molecular data of Iranian DMD/BMD patients and carriers according to the TREAT-NMD Global Neuromuscular Network guidelines. As of March 2020, five hundred and twenty-two cases are registered. The registry incorporates multi-level web and database technologies, where registrants can access their data and compare it to the cumulative data. The registry's objectives are to recruit eligible patients for clinical trials and provide sufficient data for the national program of disease surveillance and social planning. Furthermore, the registry provides accurate epidemiological data, phenotype/genotype correlation, and evaluate the standards of care in Iran.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhad Bayat
- Department of Quality Control of Recombinant Vaccine Production, Karaj Research and Production Facilities, Tehran, Iran.,Incubator of Biotechnology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Isis G Sarmiento
- Department of Quality Control of Recombinant Vaccine Production, Karaj Research and Production Facilities, Tehran, Iran
| | - Negar Ahmadian
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
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Molecular Insights into Determinants of Translational Readthrough and Implications for Nonsense Suppression Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21249449. [PMID: 33322589 PMCID: PMC7764779 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The fidelity of protein synthesis, a process shaped by several mechanisms involving specialized ribosome regions and external factors, ensures the precise reading of sense and stop codons. However, premature termination codons (PTCs) arising from mutations may, at low frequency, be misrecognized and result in PTC suppression, named ribosome readthrough, with production of full-length proteins through the insertion of a subset of amino acids. Since some drugs have been identified as readthrough inducers, this fidelity drawback has been explored as a therapeutic approach in several models of human diseases caused by nonsense mutations. Here, we focus on the mechanisms driving translation in normal and aberrant conditions, the potential fates of mRNA in the presence of a PTC, as well as on the results obtained in the research of efficient readthrough-inducing compounds. In particular, we describe the molecular determinants shaping the outcome of readthrough, namely the nucleotide and protein context, with the latter being pivotal to produce functional full-length proteins. Through the interpretation of experimental and mechanistic findings, mainly obtained in lysosomal and coagulation disorders, we also propose a scenario of potential readthrough-favorable features to achieve relevant rescue profiles, representing the main issue for the potential translatability of readthrough as a therapeutic strategy.
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MiRNAs, Myostatin, and Muscle MRI Imaging as Biomarkers of Clinical Features in Becker Muscular Dystrophy. Diagnostics (Basel) 2020; 10:diagnostics10090713. [PMID: 32961888 PMCID: PMC7554733 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10090713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) is an X-linked recessive disorder caused by dystrophin gene mutations. The phenotype and evolution of this muscle disorder are extremely clinical variable. In the last years, circulating biomarkers have acquired remarkable importance in their use as noninvasive biological indicators of prognosis and in monitoring muscle disease progression, especially when associated to muscle MRI imaging. We investigated the levels of circulating microRNAs (myo-miRNAs and inflammatory miRNAs) and of the proteins follistatin (FSTN) and myostatin (GDF-8) and compared results with clinical and radiological imaging data. In eight BMD patients, including two cases with evolving lower extremity weakness treated with deflazacort, we evaluated the expression level of 4 myo-miRNAs (miR-1, miR-206, miR-133a, and miR-133b), 3 inflammatory miRNAs (miR-146b, miR-155, and miR-221), FSTN, and GDF-8 proteins. In the two treated cases, there was pronounced posterior thigh and leg fibrofatty replacement assessed by muscle MRI by Mercuri score. The muscle-specific miR-206 was increased in all patients, and inflammatory miR-221 and miR-146b were variably elevated. A significant difference in myostatin expression was observed between steroid-treated and untreated patients. This study suggests that microRNAs and myostatin protein levels could be used to better understand the progression and management of the disease.
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