1
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Jin X, Huang CX, Tian Y. The multifaceted perspectives on the regulation of lncRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma ferroptosis: from bench-to-bedside. Clin Exp Med 2024; 24:146. [PMID: 38960924 PMCID: PMC11222271 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-024-01418-9] [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: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Despite being characterized by high malignancy, high morbidity, and low survival rates, the underlying mechanism of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been fully elucidated. Ferroptosis, a non-apoptotic form of regulated cell death, possesses distinct morphological, biochemical, and genetic characteristics compared to other types of cell death. Dysregulated actions within the molecular network that regulates ferroptosis have been identified as significant contributors to the progression of HCC. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as influential contributors to diverse cellular processes, regulating gene function and expression through multiple mechanistic pathways. An increasing body of evidence indicates that deregulated lncRNAs are implicated in regulating malignant events such as cell proliferation, growth, invasion, and metabolism by influencing ferroptosis in HCC. Therefore, elucidating the inherent role of ferroptosis and the modulatory functions of lncRNAs on ferroptosis in HCC might promote the development of novel therapeutic interventions for this disease. This review provides a succinct overview of the roles of ferroptosis and ferroptosis-related lncRNAs in HCC progression and treatment, aiming to drive the development of promising therapeutic targets and biomarkers for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Jin
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fengdu People's Hospital, Fengdu County, Chongqing, 408200, China
| | - Chun Xia Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fengdu People's Hospital, Fengdu County, Chongqing, 408200, China
| | - Yue Tian
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fengdu People's Hospital, Fengdu County, Chongqing, 408200, China.
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2
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Núñez-Manchón J, Capó J, Martínez-Piñeiro A, Juanola E, Pesovic J, Mosqueira-Martín L, González-Imaz K, Maestre-Mora P, Odria R, Savic-Pavicevic D, Vallejo-Illarramendi A, Mamchaoui K, Bigot A, Mouly V, Suelves M, Nogales-Gadea G. Immortalized human myotonic dystrophy type 1 muscle cell lines to address patient heterogeneity. iScience 2024; 27:109930. [PMID: 38832025 PMCID: PMC11144749 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109930] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Historically, cellular models have been used as a tool to study myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) and the validation of therapies in said pathology. However, there is a need for in vitro models that represent the clinical heterogeneity observed in patients with DM1 that is lacking in classical models. In this study, we immortalized three DM1 muscle lines derived from patients with different DM1 subtypes and clinical backgrounds and characterized them at the genetic, epigenetic, and molecular levels. All three cell lines display DM1 hallmarks, such as the accumulation of RNA foci, MBNL1 sequestration, splicing alterations, and reduced fusion. In addition, alterations in early myogenic markers, myotube diameter and CTCF1 DNA methylation were also found in DM1 cells. Notably, the new lines show a high level of heterogeneity in both the size of the CTG expansion and the aforementioned molecular alterations. Importantly, these immortalized cells also responded to previously tested therapeutics. Altogether, our results show that these three human DM1 cellular models are suitable to study the pathophysiological heterogeneity of DM1 and to test future therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judit Núñez-Manchón
- Grup de REcerca Neuromuscular de BAdalona (GRENBA), Institut d'Investigació en Ciències de la Salut Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Campus Can Ruti, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08916 Badalona, Spain
| | - Júlia Capó
- Grup de REcerca Neuromuscular de BAdalona (GRENBA), Institut d'Investigació en Ciències de la Salut Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Campus Can Ruti, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08916 Badalona, Spain
| | - Alicia Martínez-Piñeiro
- Grup de REcerca Neuromuscular de BAdalona (GRENBA), Institut d'Investigació en Ciències de la Salut Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Campus Can Ruti, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08916 Badalona, Spain
- Neuromuscular Pathology Unit, Neurology Service, Neuroscience Department, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, 08916 Badalona, Spain
| | - Eduard Juanola
- Grup de REcerca Neuromuscular de BAdalona (GRENBA), Institut d'Investigació en Ciències de la Salut Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Campus Can Ruti, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08916 Badalona, Spain
- Neuromuscular Pathology Unit, Neurology Service, Neuroscience Department, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, 08916 Badalona, Spain
| | - Jovan Pesovic
- University of Belgrade - Faculty of Biology, Center for Human Molecular Genetics, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Laura Mosqueira-Martín
- Group of Neurosciences, Department of Pediatrics, UPV/EHU, Hospital Universitario Donostia - IIS Biodonostia, 20014 San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Klaudia González-Imaz
- Group of Neurosciences, Department of Pediatrics, UPV/EHU, Hospital Universitario Donostia - IIS Biodonostia, 20014 San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Pau Maestre-Mora
- Grup de REcerca Neuromuscular de BAdalona (GRENBA), Institut d'Investigació en Ciències de la Salut Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Campus Can Ruti, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08916 Badalona, Spain
| | - Renato Odria
- Grup de REcerca Neuromuscular de BAdalona (GRENBA), Institut d'Investigació en Ciències de la Salut Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Campus Can Ruti, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08916 Badalona, Spain
| | - Dusanka Savic-Pavicevic
- University of Belgrade - Faculty of Biology, Center for Human Molecular Genetics, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ainara Vallejo-Illarramendi
- Group of Neurosciences, Department of Pediatrics, UPV/EHU, Hospital Universitario Donostia - IIS Biodonostia, 20014 San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Kamel Mamchaoui
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Anne Bigot
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Vincent Mouly
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Mònica Suelves
- Grup de REcerca Neuromuscular de BAdalona (GRENBA), Institut d'Investigació en Ciències de la Salut Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Campus Can Ruti, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08916 Badalona, Spain
| | - Gisela Nogales-Gadea
- Grup de REcerca Neuromuscular de BAdalona (GRENBA), Institut d'Investigació en Ciències de la Salut Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Campus Can Ruti, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08916 Badalona, Spain
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3
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Liu Y, Wang L, Zhao L, Zhang Y, Li ZT, Huang F. Multiple hydrogen bonding driven supramolecular architectures and their biomedical applications. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:1592-1623. [PMID: 38167687 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs00705g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Supramolecular chemistry combines the strength of molecular assembly via various molecular interactions. Hydrogen bonding facilitated self-assembly with the advantages of directionality, specificity, reversibility, and strength is a promising approach for constructing advanced supramolecules. There are still some challenges in hydrogen bonding based supramolecular polymers, such as complexity originating from tautomerism of the molecular building modules, the assembly process, and structure versatility of building blocks. In this review, examples are selected to give insights into multiple hydrogen bonding driven emerging supramolecular architectures. We focus on chiral supramolecular assemblies, multiple hydrogen bonding modules as stimuli responsive sources, interpenetrating polymer networks, multiple hydrogen bonding assisted organic frameworks, supramolecular adhesives, energy dissipators, and quantitative analysis of nano-adhesion. The applications in biomedical materials are focused with detailed examples including drug design evolution for myotonic dystrophy, molecular assembly for advanced drug delivery, an indicator displacement strategy for DNA detection, tissue engineering, and self-assembly complexes as gene delivery vectors for gene transfection. In addition, insights into the current challenges and future perspectives of this field to propel the development of multiple hydrogen bonding facilitated supramolecular materials are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanxia Liu
- School of Materials and Energy, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, Sichuan, China.
| | - Lulu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemistry and Utilization of Carbon-based Energy Resource, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830046, China
| | - Lin Zhao
- School of Materials and Energy, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, Sichuan, China.
| | - Yagang Zhang
- School of Materials and Energy, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, Sichuan, China.
| | - Zhan-Ting Li
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Self-Assembly Chemistry for Organic Functional Molecules, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry (SIOC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Chemistry, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, Fudan University, 2205 Songhu Road, Shanghai 200438, China.
| | - Feihe Huang
- Stoddart Institute of Molecular Science, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
- ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center-Hangzhou Zhijiang Silicone Chemicals Co. Ltd. Joint Lab, Zhejiang-Israel Joint Laboratory of Self-Assembling Functional Materials, ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311215, China
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4
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El Boujnouni N, van der Bent ML, Willemse M, ’t Hoen PA, Brock R, Wansink DG. Block or degrade? Balancing on- and off-target effects of antisense strategies against transcripts with expanded triplet repeats in DM1. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 32:622-636. [PMID: 37200862 PMCID: PMC10185704 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.04.010] [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: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapies for myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) are based on elimination of transcripts containing an expanded repeat or inhibition of sequestration of RNA-binding proteins. This activity is achievable by both degradation of expanded transcripts and steric hindrance, although it is unknown which approach is superior. We compared blocking ASOs with RNase H-recruiting gapmers of equivalent chemistries. Two DMPK target sequences were selected: the triplet repeat and a unique sequence upstream thereof. We assessed ASO effects on transcript levels, ribonucleoprotein foci and disease-associated missplicing, and performed RNA sequencing to investigate on- and off-target effects. Both gapmers and the repeat blocker led to significant DMPK knockdown and a reduction in (CUG)exp foci. However, the repeat blocker was more effective in MBNL1 protein displacement and had superior efficiency in splicing correction at the tested dose of 100 nM. By comparison, on a transcriptome level, the blocking ASO had the fewest off-target effects. In particular, the off-target profile of the repeat gapmer asks for cautious consideration in further therapeutic development. Altogether, our study demonstrates the importance of evaluating both on-target and downstream effects of ASOs in a DM1 context, and provides guiding principles for safe and effective targeting of toxic transcripts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najoua El Boujnouni
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - M. Leontien van der Bent
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Marieke Willemse
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Peter A.C. ’t Hoen
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Roland Brock
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama 293, Bahrain
- Corresponding author Roland Brock, Department of Medical BioSciences, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Derick G. Wansink
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Corresponding author Derick G. Wansink, Department of Medical BioSciences, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
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5
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Pluripotent Stem Cells in Disease Modeling and Drug Discovery for Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040571. [PMID: 36831237 PMCID: PMC9954118 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040571] [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: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a progressive multisystemic disease caused by the expansion of a CTG repeat tract within the 3' untranslated region (3' UTR) of the dystrophia myotonica protein kinase gene (DMPK). Although DM1 is considered to be the most frequent myopathy of genetic origin in adults, DM1 patients exhibit a vast diversity of symptoms, affecting many different organs. Up until now, different in vitro models from patients' derived cells have largely contributed to the current understanding of DM1. Most of those studies have focused on muscle physiopathology. However, regarding the multisystemic aspect of DM1, there is still a crucial need for relevant cellular models to cover the whole complexity of the disease and open up options for new therapeutic approaches. This review discusses how human pluripotent stem cell-based models significantly contributed to DM1 mechanism decoding, and how they provided new therapeutic strategies that led to actual phase III clinical trials.
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6
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Stoodley J, Vallejo-Bedia F, Seone-Miraz D, Debasa-Mouce M, Wood MJA, Varela MA. Application of Antisense Conjugates for the Treatment of Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032697. [PMID: 36769018 PMCID: PMC9916419 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is one of the most common muscular dystrophies and can be potentially treated with antisense therapy decreasing mutant DMPK, targeting miRNAs or their binding sites or via a blocking mechanism for MBNL1 displacement from the repeats. Unconjugated antisense molecules are able to correct the disease phenotype in mouse models, but they show poor muscle penetration upon systemic delivery in DM1 patients. In order to overcome this challenge, research has focused on the improvement of the therapeutic window and biodistribution of antisense therapy using bioconjugation to lipids, cell penetrating peptides or antibodies. Antisense conjugates are able to induce the long-lasting correction of DM1 pathology at both molecular and functional levels and also efficiently penetrate hard-to-reach tissues such as cardiac muscle. Delivery to the CNS at clinically relevant levels remains challenging and the use of alternative administration routes may be necessary to ameliorate some of the symptoms experienced by DM1 patients. With several antisense therapies currently in clinical trials, the outlook for achieving a clinically approved treatment for patients has never looked more promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Stoodley
- Department of Paediatrics, Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM), University of Oxford, Roosevelt Dr, Oxford OX3 7TY, UK
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Oxford OX3 7TY, UK
| | - Francisco Vallejo-Bedia
- Department of Paediatrics, Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM), University of Oxford, Roosevelt Dr, Oxford OX3 7TY, UK
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Oxford OX3 7TY, UK
| | - David Seone-Miraz
- Department of Paediatrics, Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM), University of Oxford, Roosevelt Dr, Oxford OX3 7TY, UK
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Oxford OX3 7TY, UK
| | - Manuel Debasa-Mouce
- Department of Paediatrics, Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM), University of Oxford, Roosevelt Dr, Oxford OX3 7TY, UK
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Oxford OX3 7TY, UK
| | - Matthew J A Wood
- Department of Paediatrics, Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM), University of Oxford, Roosevelt Dr, Oxford OX3 7TY, UK
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Oxford OX3 7TY, UK
| | - Miguel A Varela
- Department of Paediatrics, Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM), University of Oxford, Roosevelt Dr, Oxford OX3 7TY, UK
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Oxford OX3 7TY, UK
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7
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Repellin M, Carton F, Boschi F, Galiè M, Perduca M, Calderan L, Jacquier A, Carras J, Schaeffer L, Briançon S, Lollo G, Malatesta M. Repurposing pentamidine using hyaluronic acid-based nanocarriers for skeletal muscle treatment in myotonic dystrophy. NANOMEDICINE : NANOTECHNOLOGY, BIOLOGY, AND MEDICINE 2023; 47:102623. [PMID: 36309185 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2022.102623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
In a context of drug repurposing, pentamidine (PTM), an FDA-approved antiparasitic drug, has been proposed to reverse the splicing defects associated in myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). However, clinical use of PTM is hinder by substantial toxicity, leading to find alternative delivery strategies. In this work we proposed hyaluronic acid-based nanoparticles as a novel encapsulation strategy to efficiently deliver PTM to skeletal muscles cells. In vitro studies on C2C12 myoblasts and myotubes showed an efficient nanoparticles' internalization with minimal toxicity. More interestingly, our findings evidenced for the first time the endosomal escape of hyaluronic acid-based nanocarriers. Ex vivo studies showed an efficient nanoparticles' internalization within skeletal muscle fibers. Finally, the therapeutic efficacy of PTM-loaded nanosystems to reduce the number of nuclear foci has been demonstrated in a novel DM1 in vitro model. So far, current data demonstrated the potency of hyaluronic acid-based nanosystems as efficient nanocarrier for delivering PTM into skeletal muscle and mitigate DM1 pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Repellin
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 8, 37134 Verona, Italy; University of Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, LAGEPP UMR 5007, 43 bd 11 Novembre 1918, 69622 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Flavia Carton
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 8, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Federico Boschi
- Department of Computer Science, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 15, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Mirco Galiè
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 8, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Perduca
- Department of Biotechnology, Biocrystallography and Nanostructure Laboratory, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 15, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Laura Calderan
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 8, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Arnaud Jacquier
- Institut NeuroMyogène, University of Lyon1, CNRS UMR 5310, INSERM U1217, 8 avenue Rockefeller, 69008 Lyon, France; Centre de Biotechnologie Cellulaire, CBC Biotec, CHU de Lyon - Hospices civils de Lyon groupement Est, Bron, France
| | - Julien Carras
- Institut NeuroMyogène, University of Lyon1, CNRS UMR 5310, INSERM U1217, 8 avenue Rockefeller, 69008 Lyon, France; Centre de Biotechnologie Cellulaire, CBC Biotec, CHU de Lyon - Hospices civils de Lyon groupement Est, Bron, France
| | - Laurent Schaeffer
- Institut NeuroMyogène, University of Lyon1, CNRS UMR 5310, INSERM U1217, 8 avenue Rockefeller, 69008 Lyon, France; Centre de Biotechnologie Cellulaire, CBC Biotec, CHU de Lyon - Hospices civils de Lyon groupement Est, Bron, France
| | - Stéphanie Briançon
- University of Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, LAGEPP UMR 5007, 43 bd 11 Novembre 1918, 69622 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Giovanna Lollo
- University of Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, LAGEPP UMR 5007, 43 bd 11 Novembre 1918, 69622 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Manuela Malatesta
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 8, 37134 Verona, Italy.
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8
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Stoodley J, Miraz DS, Jad Y, Fischer M, Wood MJA, Varela MA. Peptide-Conjugated PMOs for the Treatment of Myotonic Dystrophy. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2587:209-237. [PMID: 36401033 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2772-3_13] [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: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) have shown great therapeutic potential in the treatment of many neuromuscular diseases including myotonic dystrophy 1 (DM1). However, systemically delivered ASOs display poor biodistribution and display limited penetration into skeletal muscle. The conjugation of cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) to phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligonucleotides (PMOs), a class of ASOs with a modified backbone, can be used to enhance ASO skeletal muscle penetration. Peptide-PMOs (P-PMOs) have been shown to be highly effective in correcting the DM1 skeletal muscle phenotype in both murine and cellular models of DM1 and at a molecular and functional level. Here we describe the synthesis and conjugation of P-PMOs and methods for analyzing their biodistribution and toxicity in the HSA-LR DM1 mouse model and their efficacy both in vitro and in vivo using FISH and RT-PCR splicing analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Stoodley
- Department of Paediatrics, Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - David Seoane Miraz
- Department of Paediatrics, Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Yahya Jad
- Department of Paediatrics, Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Mathieu Fischer
- Department of Paediatrics, Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Matthew J A Wood
- Department of Paediatrics, Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Miguel A Varela
- Department of Paediatrics, Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. .,MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Oxford, UK.
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9
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De Serres-Bérard T, Ait Benichou S, Jauvin D, Boutjdir M, Puymirat J, Chahine M. Recent Progress and Challenges in the Development of Antisense Therapies for Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13359. [PMID: 36362145 PMCID: PMC9657934 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a dominant genetic disease in which the expansion of long CTG trinucleotides in the 3' UTR of the myotonic dystrophy protein kinase (DMPK) gene results in toxic RNA gain-of-function and gene mis-splicing affecting mainly the muscles, the heart, and the brain. The CUG-expanded transcripts are a suitable target for the development of antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapies. Various chemical modifications of the sugar-phosphate backbone have been reported to significantly enhance the affinity of ASOs for RNA and their resistance to nucleases, making it possible to reverse DM1-like symptoms following systemic administration in different transgenic mouse models. However, specific tissue delivery remains to be improved to achieve significant clinical outcomes in humans. Several strategies, including ASO conjugation to cell-penetrating peptides, fatty acids, or monoclonal antibodies, have recently been shown to improve potency in muscle and cardiac tissues in mice. Moreover, intrathecal administration of ASOs may be an advantageous complementary administration route to bypass the blood-brain barrier and correct defects of the central nervous system in DM1. This review describes the evolution of the chemical design of antisense oligonucleotides targeting CUG-expanded mRNAs and how recent advances in the field may be game-changing by forwarding laboratory findings into clinical research and treatments for DM1 and other microsatellite diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiéry De Serres-Bérard
- CERVO Research Center, Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Québec, Quebec City, QC G1J 2G3, Canada
| | - Siham Ait Benichou
- LOEX, CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Quebec City, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
| | - Dominic Jauvin
- CERVO Research Center, Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Québec, Quebec City, QC G1J 2G3, Canada
| | - Mohamed Boutjdir
- Cardiovascular Research Program, VA New York Harbor Healthcare System, New York, NY 11209, USA
- Department of Medicine, Cell Biology and Pharmacology, State University of New York Downstate Health Science University, New York, NY 11203, USA
- Department of Medicine, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Jack Puymirat
- LOEX, CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Quebec City, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Mohamed Chahine
- CERVO Research Center, Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Québec, Quebec City, QC G1J 2G3, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
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10
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Rhine K, Al-Azzam N, Yu T, Yeo GW. Aging RNA granule dynamics in neurodegeneration. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:991641. [PMID: 36188213 PMCID: PMC9523239 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.991641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Disordered RNA-binding proteins and repetitive RNA sequences are the main genetic causes of several neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Huntington’s disease. Importantly, these components also seed the formation of cytoplasmic liquid-like granules, like stress granules and P bodies. Emerging evidence demonstrates that healthy granules formed via liquid-liquid phase separation can mature into solid- or gel-like inclusions that persist within the cell. These solidified inclusions are a precursor to the aggregates identified in patients, demonstrating that dysregulation of RNA granule biology is an important component of neurodegeneration. Here, we review recent literature highlighting how RNA molecules seed proteinaceous granules, the mechanisms of healthy turnover of RNA granules in cells, which biophysical properties underly a transition to solid- or gel-like material states, and why persistent granules disrupt the cellular homeostasis of neurons. We also identify various methods that will illuminate the contributions of disordered proteins and RNAs to neurodegeneration in ongoing research efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Rhine
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
- Stem Cell Program, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Norah Al-Azzam
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
- Stem Cell Program, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
- Neurosciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Tao Yu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
- Stem Cell Program, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Gene W. Yeo
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
- Stem Cell Program, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
- Neurosciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Gene W. Yeo,
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11
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Kelley CP, Haerle MC, Wang ET. Negative autoregulation mitigates collateral RNase activity of repeat-targeting CRISPR-Cas13d in mammalian cells. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111226. [PMID: 35977479 PMCID: PMC9809062 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas13 RNA endonucleases show promise for programmable RNA knockdown. However, sequence-specific binding of Cas13 unleashes non-specific bystander RNA cleavage, or collateral activity, raising concerns for experiments and therapeutic applications. Although robust in cell-free and bacterial environments, collateral activity in mammalian cells remains disputed. We investigate Cas13d collateral activity in a therapeutic context for myotonic dystrophy type 1, caused by a transcribed CTG repeat expansion. We find that, when targeting CUGn RNA in mammalian cells, Cas13d depletes endogenous and transgenic RNAs, interferes with critical cellular processes, and activates stress response and apoptosis. Collateral effects also occur when targeting abundant endogenous transcripts. To minimize collateral activity for repeat-targeting approaches, we introduce GENO, an adeno-associated virus-compatible strategy that leverages guide RNA processing to control Cas13d expression. We argue that thorough assessment of collateral activity is necessary when applying Cas13 in mammalian cells and that GENO illustrates advantages of compact regulatory systems for Cas-based gene therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chase P Kelley
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, Center for NeuroGenetics, Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA; Genetics and Genomics Graduate Program, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
| | - Maja C Haerle
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, Center for NeuroGenetics, Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
| | - Eric T Wang
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, Center for NeuroGenetics, Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA; Myology Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA.
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12
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Ait Benichou S, Jauvin D, De-Serres-Berard T, Bennett F, Rigo F, Gourdon G, Boutjdir M, Chahine M, Puymirat J. Enhanced Delivery of Ligand-Conjugated Antisense Oligonucleotides (C16-HA-ASO) Targeting DMPK Transcripts for the Treatment of Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1. Hum Gene Ther 2022; 33:810-820. [PMID: 35794764 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2022.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a neuromuscular disorder that affects many organs. It is caused by the expansion of a cytosine-thymine-guanine (CTG) triplet repeat in the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of the human myotonic dystrophy protein kinase (hDMPK) gene, which results in a toxic gain-of-function of mutant hDMPK RNA transcripts. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) have emerged in recent years as a potential gene therapy to treat DM1. However, the clinical efficacy of the systemic administration of ASOs is limited by a combination of insufficient potency and poor tissue distribution. In the present study, we assessed the potential of a new ligand-conjugated ASO (IONIS-877864; C16-HA-ASO) to target mutant hDMPK mRNA transcripts in the DMSXL mouse model of DM1. DMSXL mice were treated subcutaneously for 9 weeks with either IONIS-877864 (12.5, or 25 mg/kg) or with IONIS-486178 (12.5 or 25 mg/kg), an unconjugated ASO with the same sequence. At 25 mg/kg, IONIS-877864 significantly enhanced ASO delivery into the striated muscles of DMSXL mice following systemic administration compared to the unconjugated control. IONIS-877864 was also more efficacious than IONIS-486178, reducing mutant hDMPK transcripts by up to 92% in the skeletal muscles and 78% in the hearts of DMSXL mice. The decrease in mutant hDMPK transcripts in the skeletal muscles caused by IONIS-877864 was associated with a significant improvement in skeletal muscle strength. IONIS-877864 was non-toxic in the DMSXL mouse model. The present study showed that the C16-HA-conjugated ASO is a powerful tool for the development of a gene therapy for DM1.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Frank Bennett
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc, 448132, Carlsbad, California, United States;
| | - Frank Rigo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc, 448132, Carlsbad, California, United States;
| | - Geneiviève Gourdon
- Sorbonne Université Faculté de Médecine, 517733, Paris, Île-de-France, France;
| | - Mohamed Boutjdir
- State University of New York , VA New York Harbor Healthcare System , New York, United States;
| | - Mohamed Chahine
- Laval University, 4440, Medecine, 2325 Rue de l'Université,, Québec, QC, Quebec, Quebec, Canada, G1V 0A6;
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13
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Gulyurtlu S, Magon MS, Guest P, Papavasiliou PP, Morrison KD, Prescott AR, Sleeman JE. Condensation properties of stress granules and processing bodies are compromised in Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:276177. [PMID: 35642886 PMCID: PMC9366894 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049294] [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: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA regulation in mammalian cells requires complex physical compartmentalisation, using structures thought to be formed by liquid-liquid phase separation. Disruption of these structures is implicated in numerous degenerative diseases. Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a multi-systemic trinucleotide repeat disorder resulting from an expansion of nucleotides CTG (CTGexp) in the DNA encoding DM1 protein kinase (DMPK). The cellular hallmark of DM1 is the formation of nuclear foci that contain expanded DMPK RNA (CUGexp) (with thymine instead of uracil). We report here the deregulation of stress granules (SGs) and processing bodies (P-bodies), two cytoplasmic structures key for mRNA regulation, in cell culture models of DM1. Alterations to the rates of formation and dispersal of SGs suggest an altered ability of cells to respond to stress associated with DM1, while changes to the structure and dynamics of SGs and P-bodies suggest that a widespread alteration to the biophysical properties of cellular structures is a consequence of the presence of CUGexp RNA. Summary: Validation of an inducible model of myotonic dystrophy type 1 that shows altered cellular stress responses. These involve phase-separated cellular structures also implicated in other degenerative conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selma Gulyurtlu
- Biomolecular Sciences Research Complex, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9ST, UK
| | - Monika S Magon
- Biomolecular Sciences Research Complex, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9ST, UK
| | - Patrick Guest
- Biomolecular Sciences Research Complex, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9ST, UK
| | - Panagiotis P Papavasiliou
- Biomolecular Sciences Research Complex, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9ST, UK
| | - Kim D Morrison
- Biomolecular Sciences Research Complex, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9ST, UK
| | - Alan R Prescott
- School of Life Science, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Judith E Sleeman
- Biomolecular Sciences Research Complex, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9ST, UK
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14
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Lee J, Li K, Zimmerman SC. A Selective Alkylating Agent for CTG Repeats in Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:1103-1110. [PMID: 35483041 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.1c00949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Disease intervention at the DNA level generally has been avoided because of off-target effects. Recent advances in genome editing technologies using CRISPR-Cas9 have opened a new era in DNA-targeted therapeutic approaches. However, delivery of such systems remains a major challenge. Here, we report a selective DNA-modifying small molecule that targets a disease-specific structure and mismatches involved in myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). This ligand alkylates T-T mismatch-containing hairpins formed in the expanded CTG repeats (d(CTG)exp) in DM1. Ligand alkylation of d(CTG)exp inhibits the transcription of d(CAG·CTG)exp, thereby reducing the level of the toxic r(CUG)exp transcript. The bioactivity of the ligand also included a reduction in DM1 pathological features such as disease foci formation and misregulation of pre-mRNA splicing in DM1 model cells. Furthermore, the CTG-alkylating ligand may change the d(CAG·CTG)exp repeat length dynamics in DM1 patient cells. Our strategy of linking an alkylating moiety to a DNA mismatch-selective small molecule may be generally applicable to other repeat expansion diseases such as Huntington's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- JuYeon Lee
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana−Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Ke Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana−Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Steven C. Zimmerman
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana−Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
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15
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Molecular Therapies for Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1: From Small Drugs to Gene Editing. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094622. [PMID: 35563013 PMCID: PMC9101876 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094622] [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: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is the most common muscular dystrophy affecting many different body tissues, predominantly skeletal and cardiac muscles and the central nervous system. The expansion of CTG repeats in the DM1 protein-kinase (DMPK) gene is the genetic cause of the disease. The pathogenetic mechanisms are mainly mediated by the production of a toxic expanded CUG transcript from the DMPK gene. With the availability of new knowledge, disease models, and technical tools, much progress has been made in the discovery of altered pathways and in the potential of therapeutic intervention, making the path to the clinic a closer reality. In this review, we describe and discuss the molecular therapeutic strategies for DM1, which are designed to directly target the CTG genomic tract, the expanded CUG transcript or downstream signaling molecules.
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16
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Fourier A, Quadrio I. Proteinopathies associated to repeat expansion disorders. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2022; 129:173-185. [DOI: 10.1007/s00702-021-02454-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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17
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Cerro-Herreros E, González-Martínez I, Moreno N, Espinosa-Espinosa J, Fernández-Costa JM, Colom-Rodrigo A, Overby SJ, Seoane-Miraz D, Poyatos-García J, Vilchez JJ, López de Munain A, Varela MA, Wood MJ, Pérez-Alonso M, Llamusí B, Artero R. Preclinical characterization of antagomiR-218 as a potential treatment for myotonic dystrophy. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2021; 26:174-191. [PMID: 34513303 PMCID: PMC8413838 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2021.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a rare neuromuscular disease caused by expansion of unstable CTG repeats in a non-coding region of the DMPK gene. CUG expansions in mutant DMPK transcripts sequester MBNL1 proteins in ribonuclear foci. Depletion of this protein is a primary contributor to disease symptoms such as muscle weakness and atrophy and myotonia, yet upregulation of endogenous MBNL1 levels may compensate for this sequestration. Having previously demonstrated that antisense oligonucleotides against miR-218 boost MBNL1 expression and rescue phenotypes in disease models, here we provide preclinical characterization of an antagomiR-218 molecule using the HSALR mouse model and patient-derived myotubes. In HSALR, antagomiR-218 reached 40–60 pM 2 weeks after injection, rescued molecular and functional phenotypes in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and showed a good toxicity profile after a single subcutaneous administration. In muscle tissue, antagomiR rescued the normal subcellular distribution of Mbnl1 and did not alter the proportion of myonuclei containing CUG foci. In patient-derived cells, antagomiR-218 improved defective fusion and differentiation and rescued up to 34% of the gene expression alterations found in the transcriptome of patient cells. Importantly, miR-218 was found to be upregulated in DM1 muscle biopsies, pinpointing this microRNA (miRNA) as a relevant therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estefanía Cerro-Herreros
- University Research Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), Universidad de Valencia, Dr. Moliner, 50, 46100 Burjasot, Valencia, Spain.,Incliva Biomedical Research Institute, Avenida Menéndez Pelayo 4 acc, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Irene González-Martínez
- University Research Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), Universidad de Valencia, Dr. Moliner, 50, 46100 Burjasot, Valencia, Spain.,Incliva Biomedical Research Institute, Avenida Menéndez Pelayo 4 acc, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Nerea Moreno
- University Research Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), Universidad de Valencia, Dr. Moliner, 50, 46100 Burjasot, Valencia, Spain.,Incliva Biomedical Research Institute, Avenida Menéndez Pelayo 4 acc, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Jorge Espinosa-Espinosa
- University Research Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), Universidad de Valencia, Dr. Moliner, 50, 46100 Burjasot, Valencia, Spain.,Incliva Biomedical Research Institute, Avenida Menéndez Pelayo 4 acc, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan M Fernández-Costa
- University Research Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), Universidad de Valencia, Dr. Moliner, 50, 46100 Burjasot, Valencia, Spain.,Incliva Biomedical Research Institute, Avenida Menéndez Pelayo 4 acc, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Anna Colom-Rodrigo
- University Research Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), Universidad de Valencia, Dr. Moliner, 50, 46100 Burjasot, Valencia, Spain.,Incliva Biomedical Research Institute, Avenida Menéndez Pelayo 4 acc, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Sarah J Overby
- University Research Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), Universidad de Valencia, Dr. Moliner, 50, 46100 Burjasot, Valencia, Spain.,Incliva Biomedical Research Institute, Avenida Menéndez Pelayo 4 acc, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - David Seoane-Miraz
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, OX3 9DU, Oxford, UK.,MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Javier Poyatos-García
- The IISLAFE Health Research Institute, Avenida Fernando Abril Martorell, 106 Torre A 7 planta, 46026 Valencia, Spain.,Neuromuscular Reference Centre ERN EURO-NMD and Neuromuscular Pathology and Ataxia Research Group, Hospital La Fe Health Research Institute, Valencia, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan J Vilchez
- The IISLAFE Health Research Institute, Avenida Fernando Abril Martorell, 106 Torre A 7 planta, 46026 Valencia, Spain.,Neuromuscular Reference Centre ERN EURO-NMD and Neuromuscular Pathology and Ataxia Research Group, Hospital La Fe Health Research Institute, Valencia, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Adolfo López de Munain
- Biodonostia Health Research Institute, P° Dr. Beguiristain s/n, 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain.,Hospital Universitario Donostia-Osakidetza-Departamento de Neurociencias-Universidad del Pais Vasco-CIBERNED
| | - Miguel A Varela
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, OX3 9DU, Oxford, UK.,MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Matthew J Wood
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, OX3 9DU, Oxford, UK.,MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Manuel Pérez-Alonso
- University Research Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), Universidad de Valencia, Dr. Moliner, 50, 46100 Burjasot, Valencia, Spain.,Incliva Biomedical Research Institute, Avenida Menéndez Pelayo 4 acc, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Beatriz Llamusí
- University Research Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), Universidad de Valencia, Dr. Moliner, 50, 46100 Burjasot, Valencia, Spain.,Incliva Biomedical Research Institute, Avenida Menéndez Pelayo 4 acc, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Rubén Artero
- University Research Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), Universidad de Valencia, Dr. Moliner, 50, 46100 Burjasot, Valencia, Spain.,Incliva Biomedical Research Institute, Avenida Menéndez Pelayo 4 acc, 46010 Valencia, Spain
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18
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Liu J, Guo ZN, Yan XL, Yang Y, Huang S. Brain Pathogenesis and Potential Therapeutic Strategies in Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:755392. [PMID: 34867280 PMCID: PMC8634727 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.755392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is the most common muscular dystrophy that affects multiple systems including the muscle and heart. The mutant CTG expansion at the 3′-UTR of the DMPK gene causes the expression of toxic RNA that aggregate as nuclear foci. The foci then interfere with RNA-binding proteins, affecting hundreds of mis-spliced effector genes, leading to aberrant alternative splicing and loss of effector gene product functions, ultimately resulting in systemic disorders. In recent years, increasing clinical, imaging, and pathological evidence have indicated that DM1, though to a lesser extent, could also be recognized as true brain diseases, with more and more researchers dedicating to develop novel therapeutic tools dealing with it. In this review, we summarize the current advances in the pathogenesis and pathology of central nervous system (CNS) deficits in DM1, intervention measures currently being investigated are also highlighted, aiming to promote novel and cutting-edge therapeutic investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Liu
- Department of Neurology, Stroke Center & Clinical Trial and Research Center for Stroke, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- China National Comprehensive Stroke Center, Changchun, China
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Disease, Changchun, China
| | - Zhen-Ni Guo
- Department of Neurology, Stroke Center & Clinical Trial and Research Center for Stroke, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- China National Comprehensive Stroke Center, Changchun, China
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Disease, Changchun, China
| | - Xiu-Li Yan
- Department of Neurology, Stroke Center & Clinical Trial and Research Center for Stroke, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of Neurology, Stroke Center & Clinical Trial and Research Center for Stroke, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- China National Comprehensive Stroke Center, Changchun, China
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Disease, Changchun, China
| | - Shuo Huang
- Department of Neurology, Stroke Center & Clinical Trial and Research Center for Stroke, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- China National Comprehensive Stroke Center, Changchun, China
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Disease, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Shuo Huang,
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19
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De Serres-Bérard T, Pierre M, Chahine M, Puymirat J. Deciphering the mechanisms underlying brain alterations and cognitive impairment in congenital myotonic dystrophy. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 160:105532. [PMID: 34655747 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a multisystemic and heterogeneous disorder caused by the expansion of CTG repeats in the 3' UTR of the myotonic dystrophy protein kinase (DMPK) gene. There is a congenital form (CDM1) of the disease characterized by severe hypotonia, respiratory insufficiency as well as developmental delays and intellectual disabilities. CDM1 infants manifest important brain structure abnormalities present from birth while, in contrast, older patients with adult-onset DM1 often present neurodegenerative features and milder progressive cognitive deficits. Promising therapies targeting central molecular mechanisms contributing to the symptoms of adult-onset DM1 are currently in development, but their relevance for treating cognitive impairment in CDM1, which seems to be a partially distinct neurodevelopmental disorder, remain to be elucidated. Here, we provide an update on the clinical presentation of CDM1 and review recent in vitro and in vivo models that have provided meaningful insights on its consequences in development, with a particular focus on the brain. We discuss how enhanced toxic gain-of-function of the mutated DMPK transcripts with larger CUG repeats and the resulting dysregulation of RNA-binding proteins may affect the developing cortex in utero. Because the methylation of CpG islets flanking the trinucleotide repeats has emerged as a strong biomarker of CDM1, we highlight the need to investigate the tissue-specific impacts of these chromatin modifications in the brain. Finally, we outline promising potential therapeutic treatments for CDM1 and propose future in vitro and in vivo models with great potential to shed light on this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiéry De Serres-Bérard
- LOEX, CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Quebec City, Canada; CERVO Brain Research Center, Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Québec, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Marion Pierre
- CERVO Brain Research Center, Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Québec, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Mohamed Chahine
- CERVO Brain Research Center, Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Québec, Quebec City, Canada; Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada.
| | - Jack Puymirat
- LOEX, CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Quebec City, Canada; Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada
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20
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Tateishi-Karimata H, Sugimoto N. Roles of non-canonical structures of nucleic acids in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:7839-7855. [PMID: 34244785 PMCID: PMC8373145 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer and neurodegenerative diseases are caused by genetic and environmental factors. Expression of tumour suppressor genes is suppressed by mutations or epigenetic silencing, whereas for neurodegenerative disease-related genes, nucleic acid-based effects may be presented through loss of protein function due to erroneous protein sequences or gain of toxic function from extended repeat transcripts or toxic peptide production. These diseases are triggered by damaged genes and proteins due to lifestyle and exposure to radiation. Recent studies have indicated that transient, non-canonical structural changes in nucleic acids in response to the environment can regulate the expression of disease-related genes. Non-canonical structures are involved in many cellular functions, such as regulation of gene expression through transcription and translation, epigenetic regulation of chromatin, and DNA recombination. Transcripts generated from repeat sequences of neurodegenerative disease-related genes form non-canonical structures that are involved in protein transport and toxic aggregate formation. Intracellular phase separation promotes transcription and protein assembly, which are controlled by the nucleic acid structure and can influence cancer and neurodegenerative disease progression. These findings may aid in elucidating the underlying disease mechanisms. Here, we review the influence of non-canonical nucleic acid structures in disease-related genes on disease onset and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisae Tateishi-Karimata
- Frontier Institute for Biomolecular Engineering Research (FIBER), Konan University, 7-1-20 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Naoki Sugimoto
- Frontier Institute for Biomolecular Engineering Research (FIBER), Konan University, 7-1-20 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan.,Graduate School of Frontiers of Innovative Research in Science and Technology (FIRST), Konan University, 7-1-20 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
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21
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Bizot F, Vulin A, Goyenvalle A. Current Status of Antisense Oligonucleotide-Based Therapy in Neuromuscular Disorders. Drugs 2021; 80:1397-1415. [PMID: 32696107 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-020-01363-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Neuromuscular disorders include a wide range of diseases affecting the peripheral nervous system, which are primarily characterized by progressive muscle weakness and wasting. While there were no effective therapies until recently, several therapeutic approaches have advanced to clinical trials in the past few years. Among these, the antisense technology aiming at modifying RNA processing and function has remarkably progressed and a few antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) have now been approved. Despite these recent clinical successes, several ASOs have also failed and clinical programs have been suspended, in most cases when the route of administration was systemic, highlighting the existing challenges notably with respect to effective ASO delivery. In this review we summarize the recent advances and current status of antisense based-therapies for neuromuscular disorders, using successful as well as unsuccessful examples to highlight the variability of outcomes depending on the target tissue and route of administration. We describe the different ASO-mediated therapeutic approaches, including splice-switching applications, steric-blocking strategies and targeted gene knock-down mediated by ribonuclease H recruitment. In this overview, we discuss the merits and challenges of the current ASO technology, and discuss the future of ASO development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavien Bizot
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, END-ICAP, 78000, Versailles, France
| | - Adeline Vulin
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, END-ICAP, 78000, Versailles, France.,SQY Therapeutics, Université de Versailles St-Quentin, Montigny le Bretonneux, France
| | - Aurélie Goyenvalle
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, END-ICAP, 78000, Versailles, France. .,LIA BAHN, Centre scientifique de Monaco, Monaco, Monaco.
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22
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Ketley A, Wojciechowska M, Ghidelli-Disse S, Bamborough P, Ghosh TK, Morato ML, Sedehizadeh S, Malik NA, Tang Z, Powalowska P, Tanner M, Billeter-Clark R, Trueman RC, Geiszler PC, Agostini A, Othman O, Bösche M, Bantscheff M, Rüdiger M, Mossakowska DE, Drewry DH, Zuercher WJ, Thornton CA, Drewes G, Uings I, Hayes CJ, Brook JD. CDK12 inhibition reduces abnormalities in cells from patients with myotonic dystrophy and in a mouse model. Sci Transl Med 2021; 12:12/541/eaaz2415. [PMID: 32350131 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aaz2415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is an RNA-based disease with no current treatment. It is caused by a transcribed CTG repeat expansion within the 3' untranslated region of the dystrophia myotonica protein kinase (DMPK) gene. Mutant repeat expansion transcripts remain in the nuclei of patients' cells, forming distinct microscopically detectable foci that contribute substantially to the pathophysiology of the condition. Here, we report small-molecule inhibitors that remove nuclear foci and have beneficial effects in the HSALR mouse model, reducing transgene expression, leading to improvements in myotonia, splicing, and centralized nuclei. Using chemoproteomics in combination with cell-based assays, we identify cyclin-dependent kinase 12 (CDK12) as a druggable target for this condition. CDK12 is a protein elevated in DM1 cell lines and patient muscle biopsies, and our results showed that its inhibition led to reduced expression of repeat expansion RNA. Some of the inhibitors identified in this study are currently the subject of clinical trials for other indications and provide valuable starting points for a drug development program in DM1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ami Ketley
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Marzena Wojciechowska
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Sonja Ghidelli-Disse
- Cellzome GmbH, Molecular Discovery Research, GlaxoSmithKline, Meyerhofstrasse 1, 61997 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Paul Bamborough
- Computational and Modelling Sciences, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Tushar K Ghosh
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Marta Lopez Morato
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Saam Sedehizadeh
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Naveed Altaf Malik
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Zhenzhi Tang
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642-0001, USA
| | - Paulina Powalowska
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK.,School of Chemistry, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Matthew Tanner
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642-0001, USA
| | - Rudolf Billeter-Clark
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Rebecca C Trueman
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Philippine C Geiszler
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Alessandra Agostini
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Othman Othman
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Markus Bösche
- Cellzome GmbH, Molecular Discovery Research, GlaxoSmithKline, Meyerhofstrasse 1, 61997 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marcus Bantscheff
- Cellzome GmbH, Molecular Discovery Research, GlaxoSmithKline, Meyerhofstrasse 1, 61997 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martin Rüdiger
- Screening Profiling and Mechanistic Biology, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Danuta E Mossakowska
- Discovery Partnerships with Academia, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, UK.,Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-348 Krakow, Poland
| | - David H Drewry
- Department of Chemical Biology, GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-3398, USA
| | - William J Zuercher
- Department of Chemical Biology, GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-3398, USA.,SGC Center for Chemical Biology, UNC, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Charles A Thornton
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642-0001, USA
| | - Gerard Drewes
- Cellzome GmbH, Molecular Discovery Research, GlaxoSmithKline, Meyerhofstrasse 1, 61997 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Iain Uings
- Discovery Partnerships with Academia, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Christopher J Hayes
- School of Chemistry, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - J David Brook
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK.
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23
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Li K, Krueger SB, Zimmerman SC. A Novel Minor Groove Binder as a Potential Therapeutic Agent for Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1. ChemMedChem 2021; 16:2638-2644. [PMID: 34114350 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202100243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a multisystemic neuromuscular disorder that is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. DM1 originates in a (CTG⋅CAG) repeat expansion in the 3'-UTR of the dystrophia myotonic protein kinase (DMPK) gene on chromosome 19. One of the transcripts, r(CUG)exp , is toxic in various ways. Herein we report a rationally designed small molecule with a thiazole peptidomimetic unit that can serve as a minor groove binder for the nucleic acid targets. This peptide unit linked to two triaminotriazine recognition units selectively binds to d(CTG)exp to inhibit the transcription process, and also targets r(CUG)exp selectively to improve representative DM1 pathological molecular features, including foci formation and pre-mRNA splicing defects in DM1 model cells. As such, it represents a new structure type that might serve as a lead compound for future structure-activity optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 S Mathews Avenue, 61801, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Sarah B Krueger
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 S Mathews Avenue, 61801, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Steven C Zimmerman
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 S Mathews Avenue, 61801, Urbana, IL, USA
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24
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Natural antisense transcript of Period2, Per2AS, regulates the amplitude of the mouse circadian clock. Genes Dev 2021; 35:899-913. [PMID: 34016691 PMCID: PMC8168560 DOI: 10.1101/gad.343541.120] [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: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In mammals, a set of core clock genes form transcription-translation feedback loops to generate circadian oscillations. We and others recently identified a novel transcript at the Period2 (Per2) locus that is transcribed from the antisense strand of Per2 This transcript, Per2AS, is expressed rhythmically and antiphasic to Per2 mRNA, leading to our hypothesis that Per2AS and Per2 mutually inhibit each other's expression and form a double negative feedback loop. By perturbing the expression of Per2AS, we found that Per2AS transcription, but not transcript, represses Per2 However, Per2 does not repress Per2AS, as Per2 knockdown led to a decrease in the Per2AS level, indicating that Per2AS forms a single negative feedback loop with Per2 and maintains the level of Per2 within the oscillatory range. Per2AS also regulates the amplitude of the circadian clock, and this function cannot be solely explained through its interaction with Per2, as Per2 knockdown does not recapitulate the phenotypes of Per2AS perturbation. Overall, our data indicate that Per2AS is an important regulatory molecule in the mammalian circadian clock machinery. Our work also supports the idea that antisense transcripts of core clock genes constitute a common feature of circadian clocks, as they are found in other organisms.
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25
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Nguyen Q, Yokota T. Degradation of Toxic RNA in Myotonic Dystrophy Using Gapmer Antisense Oligonucleotides. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2176:99-109. [PMID: 32865785 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0771-8_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy (DM) types 1 (DM1) and 2 (DM2) are caused by autosomal dominant gain-of-function RNA which are, in turn, created by the expansion of repeat sequences in the DMPK and ZNF9 genes, respectively. The expansions are highly unstable and biased for further expansion in somatic cells and across generations. Despite the different genes involved, DM1 and DM2 share several clinical features due to having the similar underlying mechanism of repetitive RNA-mediated toxicity. Both disorders manifest as multisystemic conditions with features including myotonia, cataract development, and abnormalities in cardiac conduction. At present, there is no cure for DM and treatments mostly aim at symptom management. Among the therapeutics being developed, antisense therapy using gapmers is one of the most promising. Compared to other antisense oligonucleotides, gapmers maintain the ability to induce RNase H cleavage while having enhanced target binding affinity and nuclease resistance. This chapter will consolidate the different strategies studied thus far to develop a treatment for DM1 through the targeting of toxic repetitive RNA using gapmers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quynh Nguyen
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Toshifumi Yokota
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
- The Friends of Garret Cumming Research and Muscular Dystrophy Canada HM Toupin Neurological Science Research Chair, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
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26
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Chan L, Yokota T. Development and Clinical Applications of Antisense Oligonucleotide Gapmers. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2176:21-47. [PMID: 32865780 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0771-8_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
DNA-like molecules called antisense oligonucleotides have opened new treatment possibilities for genetic diseases by offering a method of regulating gene expression. Antisense oligonucleotides are often used to suppress the expression of mutated genes which may interfere with essential downstream pathways. Since antisense oligonucleotides have been introduced for clinical use, different chemistries have been developed to further improve efficacy, potency, and safety. One such chemistry is a chimeric structure of a central block of deoxyribonucleotides flanked by sequences of modified nucleotides. Referred to as a gapmer, this chemistry produced promising results in the treatment of genetic diseases. Mipomersen and inotersen are examples of recent FDA-approved antisense oligonucleotide gapmers used for the treatment of familial hypercholesterolemia and hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis, respectively. In addition, volanesorsen was conditionally approved in the EU for the treatment of adult patients with familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS) in 2019. Many others are being tested in clinical trials or under preclinical development. This chapter will cover the development of mipomersen and inotersen in clinical trials, along with advancement in gapmer treatments for cancer, triglyceride-elevating genetic diseases, Huntington's disease, myotonic dystrophy, and prion diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leanna Chan
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Faculty of Arts and Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Toshifumi Yokota
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada. .,Faculty of Arts and Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,The Friends of Garrett Cumming Research and Muscular Dystrophy Canada HM Toupin Neurological Science Research Chair, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
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27
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Andreana I, Repellin M, Carton F, Kryza D, Briançon S, Chazaud B, Mounier R, Arpicco S, Malatesta M, Stella B, Lollo G. Nanomedicine for Gene Delivery and Drug Repurposing in the Treatment of Muscular Dystrophies. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:278. [PMID: 33669654 PMCID: PMC7922331 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13020278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Muscular Dystrophies (MDs) are a group of rare inherited genetic muscular pathologies encompassing a variety of clinical phenotypes, gene mutations and mechanisms of disease. MDs undergo progressive skeletal muscle degeneration causing severe health problems that lead to poor life quality, disability and premature death. There are no available therapies to counteract the causes of these diseases and conventional treatments are administered only to mitigate symptoms. Recent understanding on the pathogenetic mechanisms allowed the development of novel therapeutic strategies based on gene therapy, genome editing CRISPR/Cas9 and drug repurposing approaches. Despite the therapeutic potential of these treatments, once the actives are administered, their instability, susceptibility to degradation and toxicity limit their applications. In this frame, the design of delivery strategies based on nanomedicines holds great promise for MD treatments. This review focuses on nanomedicine approaches able to encapsulate therapeutic agents such as small chemical molecules and oligonucleotides to target the most common MDs such as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and the Myotonic Dystrophies. The challenge related to in vitro and in vivo testing of nanosystems in appropriate animal models is also addressed. Finally, the most promising nanomedicine-based strategies are highlighted and a critical view in future developments of nanomedicine for neuromuscular diseases is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Andreana
- Laboratoire d’Automatique, de Génie des Procédés et de Génie Pharmaceutique, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR 5007, 43 bd 11 Novembre 1918, 69622 Villeurbanne, France; (I.A.); (M.R.); (D.K.); (S.B.)
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, Via P. Giuria 9, 10125 Torino, Italy;
| | - Mathieu Repellin
- Laboratoire d’Automatique, de Génie des Procédés et de Génie Pharmaceutique, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR 5007, 43 bd 11 Novembre 1918, 69622 Villeurbanne, France; (I.A.); (M.R.); (D.K.); (S.B.)
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 8, 37134 Verona, Italy; (F.C.); (M.M.)
| | - Flavia Carton
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 8, 37134 Verona, Italy; (F.C.); (M.M.)
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - David Kryza
- Laboratoire d’Automatique, de Génie des Procédés et de Génie Pharmaceutique, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR 5007, 43 bd 11 Novembre 1918, 69622 Villeurbanne, France; (I.A.); (M.R.); (D.K.); (S.B.)
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69437 Lyon, France
| | - Stéphanie Briançon
- Laboratoire d’Automatique, de Génie des Procédés et de Génie Pharmaceutique, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR 5007, 43 bd 11 Novembre 1918, 69622 Villeurbanne, France; (I.A.); (M.R.); (D.K.); (S.B.)
| | - Bénédicte Chazaud
- Institut NeuroMyoGène, University of Lyon, INSERM U1217, CNRS UMR 5310, 8 Avenue Rockefeller, 69008 Lyon, France; (B.C.); (R.M.)
| | - Rémi Mounier
- Institut NeuroMyoGène, University of Lyon, INSERM U1217, CNRS UMR 5310, 8 Avenue Rockefeller, 69008 Lyon, France; (B.C.); (R.M.)
| | - Silvia Arpicco
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, Via P. Giuria 9, 10125 Torino, Italy;
| | - Manuela Malatesta
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 8, 37134 Verona, Italy; (F.C.); (M.M.)
| | - Barbara Stella
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, Via P. Giuria 9, 10125 Torino, Italy;
| | - Giovanna Lollo
- Laboratoire d’Automatique, de Génie des Procédés et de Génie Pharmaceutique, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR 5007, 43 bd 11 Novembre 1918, 69622 Villeurbanne, France; (I.A.); (M.R.); (D.K.); (S.B.)
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28
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Zhang N, Bewick B, Xia G, Furling D, Ashizawa T. A CRISPR-Cas13a Based Strategy That Tracks and Degrades Toxic RNA in Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1. Front Genet 2020; 11:594576. [PMID: 33362853 PMCID: PMC7758406 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.594576] [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: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cas13a, an effector of type VI CRISPR-Cas systems, is an RNA guided RNase with multiplexing and therapeutic potential. This study employs the Leptotrichia shahii (Lsh) Cas13a and a repeat-based CRISPR RNA (crRNA) to track and eliminate toxic RNA aggregates in myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) – a neuromuscular disease caused by CTG expansion in the DMPK gene. We demonstrate that LshCas13a cleaves CUG repeat RNA in biochemical assays and reduces toxic RNA load in patient-derived myoblasts. As a result, LshCas13a reverses the characteristic adult-to-embryonic missplicing events in several key genes that contribute to DM1 phenotype. The deactivated LshCas13a can further be repurposed to track RNA-rich organelles within cells. Our data highlights the reprogrammability of LshCas13a and the possible use of Cas13a to target expanded repeat sequences in microsatellite expansion diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Brittani Bewick
- Department of Neurology, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Guangbin Xia
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Fort Wayne, IN, United States
| | - Denis Furling
- Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale (INSERM), Centre de Recherche en Myologie (CRM), Association Institut de Myologie, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Tetsuo Ashizawa
- Department of Neurology, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, United States
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29
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Marsh S, Hanson B, Wood MJA, Varela MA, Roberts TC. Application of CRISPR-Cas9-Mediated Genome Editing for the Treatment of Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1. Mol Ther 2020; 28:2527-2539. [PMID: 33171139 PMCID: PMC7704741 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a debilitating multisystemic disorder, caused by expansion of a CTG microsatellite repeat in the 3' untranslated region of the DMPK (dystrophia myotonica protein kinase) gene. To date, novel therapeutic approaches have focused on transient suppression of the mutant, repeat-expanded RNA. However, recent developments in the field of genome editing have raised the exciting possibility of inducing permanent correction of the DM1 genetic defect. Specifically, repurposing of the prokaryotic CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)-Cas9 (CRISPR-associated protein 9) system has enabled programmable, site-specific, and multiplex genome editing. CRISPR-based strategies for the treatment of DM1 can be applied either directly to patients, or indirectly through the ex vivo modification of patient-derived cells, and they include excision of the repeat expansion, insertion of synthetic polyadenylation signals upstream of the repeat, steric interference with RNA polymerase II procession through the repeat leading to transcriptional downregulation of DMPK, and direct RNA targeting of the mutant RNA species. Potential obstacles to such therapies are discussed, including the major challenge of Cas9 and guide RNA transgene/ribonuclear protein delivery, off-target gene editing, vector genome insertion at cut sites, on-target unintended mutagenesis (e.g., repeat inversion), pre-existing immunity to Cas9 or AAV antigens, immunogenicity, and Cas9 persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seren Marsh
- University of Oxford Medical School, Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Britt Hanson
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK; Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Matthew J A Wood
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK; MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, UK
| | - Miguel A Varela
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Thomas C Roberts
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK; MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, UK.
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30
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The sustained expression of Cas9 targeting toxic RNAs reverses disease phenotypes in mouse models of myotonic dystrophy type 1. Nat Biomed Eng 2020; 5:157-168. [PMID: 32929188 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-020-00607-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type I (DM1) is a multisystemic autosomal-dominant inherited human disorder that is caused by CTG microsatellite repeat expansions (MREs) in the 3' untranslated region of DMPK. Toxic RNAs expressed from such repetitive sequences can be eliminated using CRISPR-mediated RNA targeting, yet evidence of its in vivo efficacy and durability is lacking. Here, using adult and neonatal mouse models of DM1, we show that intramuscular or systemic injections of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors encoding nuclease-dead Cas9 and a single-guide RNA targeting CUG repeats results in the expression of the RNA-targeting Cas9 for up to three months, redistribution of the RNA-splicing protein muscleblind-like splicing regulator 1, elimination of foci of toxic RNA, reversal of splicing biomarkers and amelioration of myotonia. The sustained reversal of DM1 phenotypes provides further support that RNA-targeting Cas9 is a viable strategy for treating DM1 and other MRE-associated diseases.
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31
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Chu Y, Hu J, Liang H, Kanchwala M, Xing C, Beebe W, Bowman CB, Gong X, Corey DR, Mootha VV. Analyzing pre-symptomatic tissue to gain insights into the molecular and mechanistic origins of late-onset degenerative trinucleotide repeat disease. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:6740-6758. [PMID: 32463444 PMCID: PMC7337964 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
How genetic defects trigger the molecular changes that cause late-onset disease is important for understanding disease progression and therapeutic development. Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) is an RNA-mediated disease caused by a trinucleotide CTG expansion in an intron within the TCF4 gene. The mutant intronic CUG RNA is present at one-two copies per cell, posing a challenge to understand how a rare RNA can cause disease. Late-onset FECD is a uniquely advantageous model for studying how RNA triggers disease because: (i) Affected tissue is routinely removed during surgery; (ii) The expanded CTG mutation is one of the most prevalent disease-causing mutations, making it possible to obtain pre-symptomatic tissue from eye bank donors to probe how gene expression changes precede disease; and (iii) The affected tissue is a homogeneous single cell monolayer, facilitating accurate transcriptome analysis. Here, we use RNA sequencing (RNAseq) to compare tissue from individuals who are pre-symptomatic (Pre_S) to tissue from patients with late stage FECD (FECD_REP). The abundance of mutant repeat intronic RNA in Pre_S and FECD_REP tissue is elevated due to increased half-life in a corneal cells. In Pre_S tissue, changes in splicing and extracellular matrix gene expression foreshadow the changes observed in advanced disease and predict the activation of the fibrosis pathway and immune system seen in late-stage patients. The absolute magnitude of splicing changes is similar in pre-symptomatic and late stage tissue. Our data identify gene candidates for early drivers of disease and biomarkers that may represent diagnostic and therapeutic targets for FECD. We conclude that changes in alternative splicing and gene expression are observable decades prior to the diagnosis of late-onset trinucleotide repeat disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjun Chu
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Jiaxin Hu
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Hanquan Liang
- Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Mohammed Kanchwala
- Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Chao Xing
- Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.,Department of Bioinformatics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.,Department of Population and Data Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | | | | | - Xin Gong
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9057, USA
| | - David R Corey
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - V Vinod Mootha
- Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9057, USA
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32
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Klein AF, Varela MA, Arandel L, Holland A, Naouar N, Arzumanov A, Seoane D, Revillod L, Bassez G, Ferry A, Jauvin D, Gourdon G, Puymirat J, Gait MJ, Furling D, Wood MJ. Peptide-conjugated oligonucleotides evoke long-lasting myotonic dystrophy correction in patient-derived cells and mice. J Clin Invest 2020; 129:4739-4744. [PMID: 31479430 PMCID: PMC6819114 DOI: 10.1172/jci128205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) targeting pathologic RNAs have shown promising therapeutic corrections for many genetic diseases including myotonic dystrophy (DM1). Thus, ASO strategies for DM1 can abolish the toxic RNA gain-of-function mechanism caused by nucleus-retained mutant DMPK (DM1 protein kinase) transcripts containing CUG expansions (CUGexps). However, systemic use of ASOs for this muscular disease remains challenging due to poor drug distribution to skeletal muscle. To overcome this limitation, we test an arginine-rich Pip6a cell-penetrating peptide and show that Pip6a-conjugated morpholino phosphorodiamidate oligomer (PMO) dramatically enhanced ASO delivery into striated muscles of DM1 mice following systemic administration in comparison with unconjugated PMO and other ASO strategies. Thus, low-dose treatment with Pip6a-PMO-CAG targeting pathologic expansions is sufficient to reverse both splicing defects and myotonia in DM1 mice and normalizes the overall disease transcriptome. Moreover, treated DM1 patient–derived muscle cells showed that Pip6a-PMO-CAG specifically targets mutant CUGexp-DMPK transcripts to abrogate the detrimental sequestration of MBNL1 splicing factor by nuclear RNA foci and consequently MBNL1 functional loss, responsible for splicing defects and muscle dysfunction. Our results demonstrate that Pip6a-PMO-CAG induces long-lasting correction with high efficacy of DM1-associated phenotypes at both molecular and functional levels, and strongly support the use of advanced peptide conjugates for systemic corrective therapy in DM1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnaud F Klein
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Association Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France
| | - Miguel A Varela
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Department of Paediatrics, John Radcliffe Hospital, and.,MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ludovic Arandel
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Association Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France
| | - Ashling Holland
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Department of Paediatrics, John Radcliffe Hospital, and.,MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Naira Naouar
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Association Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France
| | - Andrey Arzumanov
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Medical Research Council, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - David Seoane
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Department of Paediatrics, John Radcliffe Hospital, and.,MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Lucile Revillod
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Association Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Bassez
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Association Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France
| | - Arnaud Ferry
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Association Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Dominic Jauvin
- Unit of Human Genetics, Hôpital de l'Enfant-Jésus, CHU Research Center, Quebec, Canada
| | - Genevieve Gourdon
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Association Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France
| | - Jack Puymirat
- Unit of Human Genetics, Hôpital de l'Enfant-Jésus, CHU Research Center, Quebec, Canada
| | - Michael J Gait
- Medical Research Council, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Denis Furling
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Association Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France
| | - Matthew Ja Wood
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Department of Paediatrics, John Radcliffe Hospital, and.,MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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33
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Yadava RS, Yu Q, Mandal M, Rigo F, Bennett CF, Mahadevan MS. Systemic therapy in an RNA toxicity mouse model with an antisense oligonucleotide therapy targeting a non-CUG sequence within the DMPK 3'UTR RNA. Hum Mol Genet 2020; 29:1440-1453. [PMID: 32242217 PMCID: PMC7268549 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddaa060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), the most common adult muscular dystrophy, is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by an expansion of a (CTG)n tract within the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of the dystrophia myotonica protein kinase (DMPK) gene. Mutant DMPK mRNAs are toxic, present in nuclear RNA foci and correlated with a plethora of RNA splicing defects. Cardinal features of DM1 are myotonia and cardiac conduction abnormalities. Using transgenic mice, we have demonstrated that expression of the mutant DMPK 3'UTR is sufficient to elicit these features of DM1. Here, using these mice, we present a study of systemic treatment with an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) (ISIS 486178) targeted to a non-CUG sequence within the 3'UTR of DMPK. RNA foci and DMPK 3'UTR mRNA levels were reduced in both the heart and skeletal muscles. This correlated with improvements in several splicing defects in skeletal and cardiac muscles. The treatment reduced myotonia and this correlated with increased Clcn1 expression. Furthermore, functional testing showed improvements in treadmill running. Of note, we demonstrate that the ASO treatment reversed the cardiac conduction abnormalities, and this correlated with restoration of Gja5 (connexin 40) expression in the heart. This is the first time that an ASO targeting a non-CUG sequence within the DMPK 3'UTR has demonstrated benefit on the key DM1 phenotypes of myotonia and cardiac conduction defects. Our data also shows for the first time that ASOs may be a viable option for treating cardiac pathology in DM1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh S Yadava
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Qing Yu
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Mahua Mandal
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Frank Rigo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc., Carlsbad, CA 90210, USA
| | | | - Mani S Mahadevan
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
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34
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Stepniak-Konieczna E, Konieczny P, Cywoniuk P, Dluzewska J, Sobczak K. AON-induced splice-switching and DMPK pre-mRNA degradation as potential therapeutic approaches for Myotonic Dystrophy type 1. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:2531-2543. [PMID: 31965181 PMCID: PMC7049696 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 12/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Expansion of an unstable CTG repeat in the 3′UTR of the DMPK gene causes Myotonic Dystrophy type 1 (DM1). CUG-expanded DMPK transcripts (CUGexp) sequester Muscleblind-like (MBNL) alternative splicing regulators in ribonuclear inclusions (foci), leading to abnormalities in RNA processing and splicing. To alleviate the burden of CUGexp, we tested therapeutic approach utilizing antisense oligonucleotides (AONs)-mediated DMPK splice-switching and degradation of mutated pre-mRNA. Experimental design involved: (i) skipping of selected constitutive exons to induce frameshifting and decay of toxic mRNAs by an RNA surveillance mechanism, and (ii) exclusion of the alternative exon 15 (e15) carrying CUGexp from DMPK mRNA. While first strategy failed to stimulate DMPK mRNA decay, exclusion of e15 enhanced DMPK nuclear export but triggered accumulation of potentially harmful spliced out pre-mRNA fragment containing CUGexp. Neutralization of this fragment with antisense gapmers complementary to intronic sequences preceding e15 failed to diminish DM1-specific spliceopathy due to AONs’ chemistry-related toxicity. However, intronic gapmers alone reduced the level of DMPK mRNA and mitigated DM1-related cellular phenotypes including spliceopathy and nuclear foci. Thus, a combination of the correct chemistry and experimental approach should be carefully considered to design a safe AON-based therapeutic strategy for DM1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Stepniak-Konieczna
- Department of Gene Expression, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Uniwersytetu Poznanskiego 6, 61-614 Poznan, Poland
| | - Patryk Konieczny
- Institute of Human Biology and Evolution, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Uniwersytetu Poznanskiego 6, 61-614 Poznan, Poland
| | - Piotr Cywoniuk
- Department of Gene Expression, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Uniwersytetu Poznanskiego 6, 61-614 Poznan, Poland
| | - Julia Dluzewska
- Department of Gene Expression, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Uniwersytetu Poznanskiego 6, 61-614 Poznan, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Sobczak
- Department of Gene Expression, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Uniwersytetu Poznanskiego 6, 61-614 Poznan, Poland
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35
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Yadava RS, Kim YK, Mandal M, Mahadevan K, Gladman JT, Yu Q, Mahadevan MS. MBNL1 overexpression is not sufficient to rescue the phenotypes in a mouse model of RNA toxicity. Hum Mol Genet 2020; 28:2330-2338. [PMID: 30997488 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddz065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2019] [Revised: 03/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is caused by an expanded (CTG)n tract in the 3'UTR of the DM protein kinase (DMPK) gene. The RNA transcripts produced from the expanded allele sequester or alter the function of RNA-binding proteins (MBNL1, CUGBP1, etc.). The sequestration of MBNL1 results in RNA-splicing defects that contribute to disease. Overexpression of MBNL1 in skeletal muscle has been shown to rescue some of the DM1 features in a mouse model and has been proposed as a therapeutic strategy for DM1. Here, we sought to confirm if overexpression of MBNL1 rescues the phenotypes in a different mouse model of RNA toxicity. Using an inducible mouse model of RNA toxicity in which expression of the mutant DMPK 3'UTR results in RNA foci formation, MBNL1 sequestration, splicing defects, myotonia and cardiac conduction defects, we find that MBNL1 overexpression did not rescue skeletal muscle function nor beneficially affect cardiac conduction. Surprisingly, MBNL1 overexpression also did not rescue myotonia, though variable rescue of Clcn1 splicing and other splicing defects was seen. Additionally, contrary to the previous study, we found evidence for increased muscle histopathology with MBNL1 overexpression. Overall, we did not find evidence for beneficial effects from overexpression of MBNL1 as a means to correct RNA toxicity mediated by mRNAs containing an expanded DMPK 3'UTR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh S Yadava
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Yun K Kim
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Mahua Mandal
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | | | - Jordan T Gladman
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Qing Yu
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Mani S Mahadevan
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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36
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A CTG repeat-selective chemical screen identifies microtubule inhibitors as selective modulators of toxic CUG RNA levels. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:20991-21000. [PMID: 31570586 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1901893116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
A CTG repeat expansion in the DMPK gene is the causative mutation of myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). Transcription of the expanded CTG repeat produces toxic gain-of-function CUG RNA, leading to disease symptoms. A screening platform that targets production or stability of the toxic CUG RNA in a selective manner has the potential to provide new biological and therapeutic insights. A DM1 HeLa cell model was generated that stably expresses a toxic r(CUG)480 and an analogous r(CUG)0 control from DMPK and was used to measure the ratio-metric level of r(CUG)480 versus r(CUG)0. This DM1 HeLa model recapitulates pathogenic hallmarks of DM1, including CUG ribonuclear foci and missplicing of pre-mRNA targets of the muscleblind (MBNL) alternative splicing factors. Repeat-selective screening using this cell line led to the unexpected identification of multiple microtubule inhibitors as hits that selectively reduce r(CUG)480 levels and partially rescue MBNL-dependent missplicing. These results were validated by using the Food and Drug Administration-approved clinical microtubule inhibitor colchicine in DM1 mouse and primary patient cell models. The mechanism of action was found to involve selective reduced transcription of the CTG expansion that we hypothesize to involve the LINC (linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton) complex. The unanticipated identification of microtubule inhibitors as selective modulators of toxic CUG RNA opens research directions for this form of muscular dystrophy and may shed light on the biology of CTG repeat expansion and inform therapeutic avenues. This approach has the potential to identify modulators of expanded repeat-containing gene expression for over 30 microsatellite expansion disorders.
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37
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Jenquin JR, Yang H, Huigens RW, Nakamori M, Berglund JA. Combination Treatment of Erythromycin and Furamidine Provides Additive and Synergistic Rescue of Mis-Splicing in Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 Models. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2019; 2:247-263. [PMID: 31485578 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.9b00020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a multi-systemic disease that presents with clinical symptoms including myotonia, cardiac dysfunction and cognitive impairment. DM1 is caused by a CTG expansion in the 3' UTR of the DMPK gene. The transcribed expanded CUG repeat RNA sequester the muscleblind-like (MBNL) and up-regulate the CUG-BP Elav-like (CELF) families of RNA-binding proteins leading to global mis-regulation of RNA processing and altered gene expression. Currently, there are no disease-targeting treatments for DM1. Given the multi-step pathogenic mechanism, combination therapies targeting different aspects of the disease mechanism may be a viable therapeutic approach. Here, as proof-of-concept, we studied a combination of two previously characterized small molecules, erythromycin and furamidine, in two DM1 models. In DM1 patient-derived myotubes, rescue of mis-splicing was observed with little to no cell toxicity. In a DM1 mouse model, a combination of erythromycin and the prodrug of furamidine (pafuramidine), administered orally, displayed both additive and synergistic mis-splicing rescue. Gene expression was only modestly affected and over 40 % of the genes showing significant expression changes were rescued back toward WT expression levels. Further, the combination treatment partially rescued the myotonia phenotype in the DM1 mouse. This combination treatment showed a high degree of mis-splicing rescue coupled with low off-target gene expression changes. These results indicate that combination therapies are a promising therapeutic approach for DM1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana R Jenquin
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Center for NeuroGenetics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, 32610, USA
| | - Hongfen Yang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Center for Natural Products Drug Discovery and Development, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Robert W Huigens
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Center for Natural Products Drug Discovery and Development, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Masayuki Nakamori
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - J Andrew Berglund
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Center for NeuroGenetics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, 32610, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, RNA Institute, College of Arts and Sciences, University at Albany-SUNY, Albany, New York, 12222, USA
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38
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Intrinsically cell-penetrating multivalent and multitargeting ligands for myotonic dystrophy type 1. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:8709-8714. [PMID: 30975744 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1820827116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Developing highly active, multivalent ligands as therapeutic agents is challenging because of delivery issues, limited cell permeability, and toxicity. Here, we report intrinsically cell-penetrating multivalent ligands that target the trinucleotide repeat DNA and RNA in myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), interrupting the disease progression in two ways. The oligomeric ligands are designed based on the repetitive structure of the target with recognition moieties alternating with bisamidinium groove binders to provide an amphiphilic and polycationic structure, mimicking cell-penetrating peptides. Multiple biological studies suggested the success of our multivalency strategy. The designed oligomers maintained cell permeability and exhibited no apparent toxicity both in cells and in mice at working concentrations. Furthermore, the oligomers showed important activities in DM1 cells and in a DM1 liver mouse model, reducing or eliminating prominent DM1 features. Phenotypic recovery of the climbing defect in adult DM1 Drosophila was also observed. This design strategy should be applicable to other repeat expansion diseases and more generally to DNA/RNA-targeted therapeutics.
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39
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van Cruchten RTP, Wieringa B, Wansink DG. Expanded CUG repeats in DMPK transcripts adopt diverse hairpin conformations without influencing the structure of the flanking sequences. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2019; 25:481-495. [PMID: 30700578 PMCID: PMC6426290 DOI: 10.1261/rna.068940.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a complex neuromuscular disorder caused by expansion of a CTG repeat in the 3'-untranslated region (UTR) of the DMPK gene. Mutant DMPK transcripts form aberrant structures and anomalously associate with RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). As a first step toward better understanding of the involvement of abnormal DMPK mRNA folding in DM1 manifestation, we used SHAPE, DMS, CMCT, and RNase T1 structure probing in vitro for modeling of the topology of the DMPK 3'-UTR with normal and pathogenic repeat lengths of up to 197 CUG triplets. The resulting structural information was validated by disruption of base-pairing with LNA antisense oligonucleotides (AONs) and used for prediction of therapeutic AON accessibility and verification of DMPK knockdown efficacy in cells. Our model for DMPK RNA structure demonstrates that the hairpin formed by the CUG repeat has length-dependent conformational plasticity, with a structure that is guided by and embedded in an otherwise rigid architecture of flanking regions in the DMPK 3'-UTR. Evidence is provided that long CUG repeats may form not only single asymmetrical hairpins but also exist as branched structures. These newly identified structures have implications for DM1 pathogenic mechanisms, like sequestration of RBPs and repeat-associated non-AUG (RAN) translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remco T P van Cruchten
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, 6525 GA, The Netherlands
| | - Bé Wieringa
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, 6525 GA, The Netherlands
| | - Derick G Wansink
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, 6525 GA, The Netherlands
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40
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Maury Y, Poydenot P, Brinon B, Lesueur L, Gide J, Roquevière S, Côme J, Polvèche H, Auboeuf D, Alexandre Denis J, Pietu G, Furling D, Lechuga M, Baghdoyan S, Peschanski M, Martinat C. Pluripotent Stem Cell-Based Drug Screening Reveals Cardiac Glycosides as Modulators of Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1. iScience 2019; 11:258-271. [PMID: 30639849 PMCID: PMC6327858 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2018.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
There is currently no treatment for myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), the most frequent myopathy of genetic origin. This progressive neuromuscular disease is caused by nuclear-retained RNAs containing expanded CUG repeats. These toxic RNAs alter the activities of RNA splicing factors, resulting in alternative splicing misregulation. By combining human mutated pluripotent stem cells and phenotypic drug screening, we revealed that cardiac glycosides act as modulators for both upstream nuclear aggregations of DMPK mRNAs and several downstream alternative mRNA splicing defects. However, these occurred at different drug concentration ranges. Similar biological effects were recorded in a DM1 mouse model. At the mechanistic level, we demonstrated that this effect was calcium dependent and was synergic with inhibition of the ERK pathway. These results further underscore the value of stem-cell-based assays for drug discovery in monogenic diseases. Myotonic dystrophy type 1 hPSCs were adapted for high content screening FDA-approved cardiac glycosides normalize in vitro and in vivo DM1 biological markers Cardiac glycosides synergize with the ERK pathway to normalize DM1 biomarkers This study emphasizes the value of human pluripotent stem cells for drug discovery
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Affiliation(s)
- Yves Maury
- CECS, I-STEM, AFM, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France
| | | | | | - Lea Lesueur
- INSERM, UMR 861, UEVE, ISTEM, AFM, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France
| | | | | | - Julien Côme
- CECS, I-STEM, AFM, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France
| | | | | | | | - Geneviève Pietu
- INSERM, UMR 861, UEVE, ISTEM, AFM, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France
| | - Denis Furling
- Sorbonne Universités UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, Centre de Recherche en Myologie - UMRS974, Institut de Myologie, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Marc Lechuga
- CECS, I-STEM, AFM, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France
| | | | - Marc Peschanski
- CECS, I-STEM, AFM, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France; INSERM, UMR 861, UEVE, ISTEM, AFM, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France
| | - Cécile Martinat
- INSERM, UMR 861, UEVE, ISTEM, AFM, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France.
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41
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Myotonic Dystrophy: an RNA Toxic Gain of Function Tauopathy? ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1184:207-216. [PMID: 32096040 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-32-9358-8_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophies (DM) are rare inherited neuromuscular disorders linked to microsatellite unstable expansions in non-coding regions of ubiquitously expressed genes. The DMPK and ZNF9/CNBP genes which mutations are responsible for DM1 and DM2 respectively. DM are multisystemic disorders with brain affection and cognitive deficits. Brain lesions consisting of neurofibrillary tangles are often observed in DM1 and DM2 brain. Neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) made of aggregates of hyper and abnormally phosphorylated isoforms of Tau proteins are neuropathological lesions common to more than 20 neurological disorders globally referred to as Tauopathies. Although NFT are observed in DM1 and DM2 brain, the question of whether DM1 and DM2 are Tauopathies remains a matter of debate. In the present review, several pathophysiological processes including, missplicing, nucleocytoplasmic transport disruption, RAN translation which are common mechanisms implicated in neurodegenerative diseases will be described. Together, these processes including the missplicing of Tau are providing evidence that DM1 and DM2 are not solely muscular diseases but that their brain affection component share many similarities with Tauopathies and other neurodegenerative diseases. Understanding DM1 and DM2 pathophysiology is therefore valuable to more globally understand other neurodegenerative diseases such as Tauopathies but also frontotemporal lobar neurodegeneration and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
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42
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Kato M. Noncoding RNAs as therapeutic targets in early stage diabetic kidney disease. Kidney Res Clin Pract 2018; 37:197-209. [PMID: 30254844 PMCID: PMC6147183 DOI: 10.23876/j.krcp.2018.37.3.197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a major renal complication of diabetes that leads to renal dysfunction and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Major features of DKD include accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins and glomerular hypertrophy, especially in early stage. Transforming growth factor-β plays key roles in regulation of profibrotic genes and signal transducers such as Akt kinase and MAPK as well as endoplasmic reticulum stress, oxidant stress, and autophagy related to hypertrophy in diabetes. Many drugs targeting the pathogenic signaling in DKD (mostly through protein-coding genes) are under development. However, because of the limited number of protein-coding genes, noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) including microRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are attracting more attention as potential new drug targets for human diseases. Some miRNAs and lncRNAs regulate each other (by hosting, enhancing transcription from the neighbor, hybridizing each other, and changing chromatin modifications) and create circuits and cascades enhancing the pathogenic signaling in DKD. In this short and focused review, the functional significance of ncRNAs (miRNAs and lncRNAs) in the early stages of DKD and their therapeutic potential are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitsuo Kato
- Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
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43
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Jenquin JR, Coonrod LA, Silverglate QA, Pellitier NA, Hale MA, Xia G, Nakamori M, Berglund JA. Furamidine Rescues Myotonic Dystrophy Type I Associated Mis-Splicing through Multiple Mechanisms. ACS Chem Biol 2018; 13:2708-2718. [PMID: 30118588 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.8b00646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is an autosomal dominant, CTG•CAG microsatellite expansion disease. Expanded CUG repeat RNA sequester the muscleblind-like (MBNL) family of RNA-binding proteins, thereby disrupting their normal cellular function which leads to global mis-regulation of RNA processing. Previously, the small molecule furamidine was shown to reduce CUG foci and rescue mis-splicing in a DM1 HeLa cell model and to rescue mis-splicing in the HSALR DM1 mouse model, but furamidine's mechanism of action was not explored. Here we use a combination of biochemical, cell toxicity, and genomic studies in DM1 patient-derived myotubes and the HSALR DM1 mouse model to investigate furamidine's mechanism of action. Mis-splicing rescue was observed in DM1 myotubes and the HSALR DM1 mouse with furamidine treatment. Interestingly, while furamidine was found to bind CTG•CAG repeat DNA with nanomolar affinity, a reduction in expanded CUG repeat transcript levels was observed in the HSALR DM1 mouse but not DM1 patient-derived myotubes. Further investigation in these cells revealed that furamidine treatment at nanomolar concentrations led to up-regulation of MBNL1 and MBNL2 protein levels and a reduction of ribonuclear foci. Additionally, furamidine was shown to bind CUG RNA with nanomolar affinity and disrupted the MBNL1 -CUG RNA complex in vitro at micromolar concentrations. Furamidine's likely promiscuous interactions in vitro and in vivo appear to affect multiple pathways in the DM1 mechanism to rescue mis-splicing, yet surprisingly furamidine was shown globally to rescue many mis-splicing events with only modest off-target effects on gene expression in the HSALR DM1 mouse model. Importantly, over 20% of the differentially expressed genes were shown to be returned, to varying degrees, to wild-type expression levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana R. Jenquin
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Center for NeuroGenetics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Leslie A. Coonrod
- Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403, United States
| | - Quinn A. Silverglate
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Center for NeuroGenetics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Natalie A. Pellitier
- Department of Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403, United States
| | - Melissa A. Hale
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Center for NeuroGenetics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Guangbin Xia
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Masayuki Nakamori
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - J. Andrew Berglund
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Center for NeuroGenetics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
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44
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RNA-mediated therapies in myotonic dystrophy. Drug Discov Today 2018; 23:2013-2022. [PMID: 30086404 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2018.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Revised: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy 1 (DM1) is a multisystemic neuromuscular disease caused by a dominantly inherited 'CTG' repeat expansion in the gene encoding DM Protein Kinase (DMPK). The repeats are transcribed into mRNA, which forms hairpins and binds with high affinity to the Muscleblind-like (MBNL) family of proteins, sequestering them from their normal function. The loss of function of MBNL proteins causes numerous downstream effects, primarily the appearance of nuclear foci, mis-splicing, and ultimately myotonia and other clinical symptoms. Antisense and other RNA-mediated technologies have been applied to target toxic-repeat mRNA transcripts to restore MBNL protein function in DM1 models, such as cells and mice, and in humans. This technique has had promising results in DM1 therapeutics by alleviating pathogenic phenotypes.
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45
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Braz SO, Acquaire J, Gourdon G, Gomes-Pereira M. Of Mice and Men: Advances in the Understanding of Neuromuscular Aspects of Myotonic Dystrophy. Front Neurol 2018; 9:519. [PMID: 30050493 PMCID: PMC6050950 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Intensive effort has been directed toward the modeling of myotonic dystrophy (DM) in mice, in order to reproduce human disease and to provide useful tools to investigate molecular and cellular pathogenesis and test efficient therapies. Mouse models have contributed to dissect the multifaceted impact of the DM mutation in various tissues, cell types and in a pleiotropy of pathways, through the expression of toxic RNA transcripts. Changes in alternative splicing, transcription, translation, intracellular RNA localization, polyadenylation, miRNA metabolism and phosphorylation of disease intermediates have been described in different tissues. Some of these events have been directly associated with specific disease symptoms in the skeletal muscle and heart of mice, offering the molecular explanation for individual disease phenotypes. In the central nervous system (CNS), however, the situation is more complex. We still do not know how the molecular abnormalities described translate into CNS dysfunction, nor do we know if the correction of individual molecular events will provide significant therapeutic benefits. The variability in model design and phenotypes described so far requires a thorough and critical analysis. In this review we discuss the recent contributions of mouse models to the understanding of neuromuscular aspects of disease, therapy development, and we provide a reflective assessment of our current limitations and pressing questions that remain unanswered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra O Braz
- Laboratory CTGDM, INSERM UMR1163, Paris, France.,Institut Imagine, Université Paris Descartes-Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Julien Acquaire
- Laboratory CTGDM, INSERM UMR1163, Paris, France.,Institut Imagine, Université Paris Descartes-Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Geneviève Gourdon
- Laboratory CTGDM, INSERM UMR1163, Paris, France.,Institut Imagine, Université Paris Descartes-Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Mário Gomes-Pereira
- Laboratory CTGDM, INSERM UMR1163, Paris, France.,Institut Imagine, Université Paris Descartes-Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
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46
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Matloka M, Klein AF, Rau F, Furling D. Cells of Matter- In Vitro Models for Myotonic Dystrophy. Front Neurol 2018; 9:361. [PMID: 29875732 PMCID: PMC5974047 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1 also known as Steinert disease) is a multisystemic disorder mainly characterized by myotonia, progressive muscle weakness and wasting, cognitive impairments, and cardiac defects. This autosomal dominant disease is caused by the expression of nuclear retained RNAs containing pathologic expanded CUG repeats that alter the function of RNA-binding proteins in a tissue-specific manner, leading ultimately to neuromuscular dysfunction and clinical symptoms. Although considerable knowledge has been gathered on myotonic dystrophy since its first description, the development of novel relevant disease models remains of high importance to investigate pathophysiologic mechanisms and to assess new therapeutic approaches. In addition to animal models, in vitro cell cultures provide a unique resource for both fundamental and translational research. This review discusses how cellular models broke ground to decipher molecular basis of DM1 and describes currently available cell models, ranging from exogenous expression of the CTG tracts to variable patients' derived cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Denis Furling
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Association Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France
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47
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López-Morató M, Brook JD, Wojciechowska M. Small Molecules Which Improve Pathogenesis of Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1. Front Neurol 2018; 9:349. [PMID: 29867749 PMCID: PMC5968088 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is the most common muscular dystrophy in adults for which there is currently no treatment. The pathogenesis of this autosomal dominant disorder is associated with the expansion of CTG repeats in the 3'-UTR of the DMPK gene. DMPK transcripts with expanded CUG repeats (CUGexpDMPK) are retained in the nucleus forming multiple discrete foci, and their presence triggers a cascade of toxic events. Thus far, most research emphasis has been on interactions of CUGexpDMPK with the muscleblind-like (MBNL) family of splicing factors. These proteins are sequestered by the expanded CUG repeats of DMPK RNA leading to their functional depletion. As a consequence, abnormalities in many pathways of RNA metabolism, including alternative splicing, are detected in DM1. To date, in vitro and in vivo efforts to develop therapeutic strategies for DM1 have mostly been focused on targeting CUGexpDMPK via reducing their expression and/or preventing interactions with MBNL1. Antisense oligonucleotides targeted to the CUG repeats in the DMPK transcripts are of particular interest due to their potential capacity to discriminate between mutant and normal transcripts. However, a growing number of reports describe alternative strategies using small molecule chemicals acting independently of a direct interaction with CUGexpDMPK. In this review, we summarize current knowledge about these chemicals and we describe the beneficial effects they caused in different DM1 experimental models. We also present potential mechanisms of action of these compounds and pathways they affect which could be considered for future therapeutic interventions in DM1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta López-Morató
- Queen’s Medical Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - John David Brook
- Queen’s Medical Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Marzena Wojciechowska
- Queen’s Medical Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Poznan, Poland
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48
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Thomas JD, Oliveira R, Sznajder ŁJ, Swanson MS. Myotonic Dystrophy and Developmental Regulation of RNA Processing. Compr Physiol 2018; 8:509-553. [PMID: 29687899 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c170002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy (DM) is a multisystemic disorder caused by microsatellite expansion mutations in two unrelated genes leading to similar, yet distinct, diseases. DM disease presentation is highly variable and distinguished by differences in age-of-onset and symptom severity. In the most severe form, DM presents with congenital onset and profound developmental defects. At the molecular level, DM pathogenesis is characterized by a toxic RNA gain-of-function mechanism that involves the transcription of noncoding microsatellite expansions. These mutant RNAs disrupt key cellular pathways, including RNA processing, localization, and translation. In DM, these toxic RNA effects are predominantly mediated through the modulation of the muscleblind-like and CUGBP and ETR-3-like factor families of RNA binding proteins (RBPs). Dysfunction of these RBPs results in widespread RNA processing defects culminating in the expression of developmentally inappropriate protein isoforms in adult tissues. The tissue that is the focus of this review, skeletal muscle, is particularly sensitive to mutant RNA-responsive perturbations, as patients display a variety of developmental, structural, and functional defects in muscle. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of DM1 and DM2 clinical presentation and pathology as well as the underlying cellular and molecular defects associated with DM disease onset and progression. Additionally, fundamental aspects of skeletal muscle development altered in DM are highlighted together with ongoing and potential therapeutic avenues to treat this muscular dystrophy. © 2018 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 8:509-553, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- James D Thomas
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Center for NeuroGenetics and the Genetics Institute, University of Florida, College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Ruan Oliveira
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Center for NeuroGenetics and the Genetics Institute, University of Florida, College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Łukasz J Sznajder
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Center for NeuroGenetics and the Genetics Institute, University of Florida, College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Maurice S Swanson
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Center for NeuroGenetics and the Genetics Institute, University of Florida, College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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49
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Zhang F, Bodycombe NE, Haskell KM, Sun YL, Wang ET, Morris CA, Jones LH, Wood LD, Pletcher MT. A flow cytometry-based screen identifies MBNL1 modulators that rescue splicing defects in myotonic dystrophy type I. Hum Mol Genet 2018; 26:3056-3068. [PMID: 28535287 PMCID: PMC5886090 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddx190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2016] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy Type 1 (DM1) is a rare genetic disease caused by the expansion of CTG trinucleotide repeats ((CTG)exp) in the 3' untranslated region of the DMPK gene. The repeat transcripts sequester the RNA binding protein Muscleblind-like protein 1 (MBNL1) and hamper its normal function in pre-mRNA splicing. Overexpressing exogenous MBNL1 in the DM1 mouse model has been shown to rescue the splicing defects and reverse myotonia. Although a viable therapeutic strategy, pharmacological modulators of MBNL1 expression have not been identified. Here, we engineered a ZsGreen tag into the endogenous MBNL1 locus in HeLa cells and established a flow cytometry-based screening system to identify compounds that increase MBNL1 level. The initial screen of small molecule compound libraries identified more than thirty hits that increased MBNL1 expression greater than double the baseline levels. Further characterization of two hits revealed that the small molecule HDAC inhibitors, ISOX and vorinostat, increased MBNL1 expression in DM1 patient-derived fibroblasts and partially rescued the splicing defect caused by (CUG)exp repeats in these cells. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of this flow-based cytometry screen to identify both small molecule compounds and druggable targets for MBNL1 upregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicole E Bodycombe
- Medicine Design, Worldwide Research and Development, Pfizer, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Keith M Haskell
- Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics and Metabolism - New Chemical Entities, Worldwide Research and Development, Pfizer, CT 06340, USA
| | | | - Eric T Wang
- Center for Neurogenetics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | | | - Lyn H Jones
- Medicine Design, Worldwide Research and Development, Pfizer, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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50
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Manning KS, Rao AN, Castro M, Cooper TA. BNA NC Gapmers Revert Splicing and Reduce RNA Foci with Low Toxicity in Myotonic Dystrophy Cells. ACS Chem Biol 2017; 12:2503-2509. [PMID: 28853853 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.7b00416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a multisystemic disease caused by an expanded CTG repeat in the 3' UTR of the dystrophia myotonica protein kinase (DMPK) gene. Short, DNA-based antisense oligonucleotides termed gapmers are a promising strategy to degrade toxic CUG expanded repeat (CUGexp) RNA. Nucleoside analogs are incorporated to increase gapmer affinity and stability; however, some analogs also exhibit toxicity. In this study, we demonstrate that the 2',4'-BNANC[NMe] (BNANC) modification is a promising nucleoside analog with high potency similar to 2',4'-LNA (LNA). BNANC gapmers targeting a nonrepetitive region of the DMPK 3' UTR show allele-specific knockdown of CUGexp RNA and revert characteristic DM1 molecular defects including mis-splicing and accumulation of RNA foci. Notably, the BNANC gapmers tested in this study did not induce caspase activation, in contrast to a sequence matched LNA gapmer. This study indicates that BNANC gapmers warrant further study as a promising RNA targeting therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Miguel Castro
- Bio-Synthesis, Inc., 612 East Main Street, Lewisville, Texas 75057, United States
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