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Lin J, Jin M, Yang D, Li Z, Zhang Y, Xiao Q, Wang Y, Yu Y, Zhang X, Shao Z, Shi L, Zhang S, Chen WJ, Wang N, Wu S, Yang H, Xu C, Li G. Adenine base editing-mediated exon skipping restores dystrophin in humanized Duchenne mouse model. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5927. [PMID: 39009678 PMCID: PMC11251194 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50340-x] [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: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) affecting 1 in 3500-5000 live male newborns is the frequently fatal genetic disease resulted from various mutations in DMD gene encoding dystrophin protein. About 70% of DMD-causing mutations are exon deletion leading to frameshift of open reading frame and dystrophin deficiency. To facilitate translating human DMD-targeting CRISPR therapeutics into patients, we herein establish a genetically humanized mouse model of DMD by replacing exon 50 and 51 of mouse Dmd gene with human exon 50 sequence. This humanized mouse model recapitulats patient's DMD phenotypes of dystrophin deficiency and muscle dysfunction. Furthermore, we target splicing sites in human exon 50 with adenine base editor to induce exon skipping and robustly restored dystrophin expression in heart, tibialis anterior and diaphragm muscles. Importantly, systemic delivery of base editor via adeno-associated virus in the humanized male mouse model improves the muscle function of DMD mice to the similar level of wildtype ones, indicating the therapeutic efficacy of base editing strategy in treating most of DMD types with exon deletion or point mutations via exon-skipping induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajia Lin
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ming Jin
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Dong Yang
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Inc., Shanghai, China
| | | | - Yu Zhang
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Inc., Shanghai, China
| | | | - Yin Wang
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Inc., Shanghai, China
| | - Yuyang Yu
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Inc., Shanghai, China
| | | | - Zhurui Shao
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Inc., Shanghai, China
| | - Linyu Shi
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Inc., Shanghai, China
| | - Shu Zhang
- Department of Neurology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wan-Jin Chen
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ning Wang
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.
| | - Shiwen Wu
- Department of Neurology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Hui Yang
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Inc., Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology, Shanghai, China.
| | - Chunlong Xu
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology, Shanghai, China.
| | - Guoling Li
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Inc., Shanghai, China.
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Niba ETE, Awano H, Nishimura N, Koide H, Matsuo M, Shinohara M. Differential metabolic secretion between muscular dystrophy mouse-derived spindle cell sarcomas and rhabdomyosarcomas drives tumor type development. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2024; 327:C34-C47. [PMID: 38646787 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00523.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
The dystrophin gene (Dmd) is recognized for its significance in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a lethal and progressive skeletal muscle disease. Some patients with DMD and model mice with muscular dystrophy (mdx) spontaneously develop various types of tumors, among which rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most prominent. By contrast, spindle cell sarcoma (SCS) has rarely been reported in patients or mdx mice. In this study, we aimed to use metabolomics to better understand the rarity of SCS development in mdx mice. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to compare the metabolic profiles of spontaneously developed SCS and RMS tumors from mdx mice, and metabolite supplementation assays and silencing experiments were used to assess the effects of metabolic differences in SCS tumor-derived cells. The levels of 75 metabolites exhibited differences between RMS and SCS, 25 of which were significantly altered. Further characterization revealed downregulation of nonessential amino acids, including alanine, in SCS tumors. Alanine supplementation enhanced the growth, epithelial mesenchymal transition, and invasion of SCS cells. Reduction of intracellular alanine via knockdown of the alanine transporter Slc1a5 reduced the growth of SCS cells. Lower metabolite secretion and reduced proliferation of SCS tumors may explain the lower detection rate of SCS in mdx mice. Targeting of alanine depletion pathways may have potential as a novel treatment strategy.NEW & NOTEWORTHY To the best of our knowledge, SCS has rarely been identified in patients with DMD or mdx mice. We observed that RMS and SCS tumors that spontaneously developed from mdx mice with the same Dmd genetic background exhibited differences in metabolic secretion. We proposed that, in addition to dystrophin deficiency, the levels of secreted metabolites may play a role in the determination of tumor-type development in a Dmd-deficient background.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Tabe Eko Niba
- Laboratory of Molecular and Biochemical Research, Biomedical Research Core Facilities, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Division of Molecular Epidemiology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Awano
- Organization for Research Initiative and Promotion, Research Initiative Center, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Nishimura
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Koide
- Laboratory of Molecular and Biochemical Research, Biomedical Research Core Facilities, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masafumi Matsuo
- Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation , Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Masakazu Shinohara
- Division of Molecular Epidemiology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
- The Integrated Center for Mass Spectrometry, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
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3
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McDonald C, Camino E, Escandon R, Finkel RS, Fischer R, Flanigan K, Furlong P, Juhasz R, Martin AS, Villa C, Sweeney HL. Draft Guidance for Industry Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Becker Muscular Dystrophy, and Related Dystrophinopathies - Developing Potential Treatments for the Entire Spectrum of Disease. J Neuromuscul Dis 2024; 11:499-523. [PMID: 38363616 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-230219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Background Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and related dystrophinopathies are neuromuscular conditions with great unmet medical needs that require the development of effective medical treatments. Objective To aid sponsors in clinical development of drugs and therapeutic biological products for treating DMD across the disease spectrum by integrating advancements, patient registries, natural history studies, and more into a comprehensive guidance. Methods This guidance emerged from collaboration between the FDA, the Duchenne community, and industry stakeholders. It entailed a structured approach, involving multiple committees and boards. From its inception in 2014, the guidance underwent revisions incorporating insights from gene therapy studies, cardiac function research, and innovative clinical trial designs. Results The guidance provides a deeper understanding of DMD and its variants, focusing on patient engagement, diagnostic criteria, natural history, biomarkers, and clinical trials. It underscores patient-focused drug development, the significance of dystrophin as a biomarker, and the pivotal role of magnetic resonance imaging in assessing disease progression. Additionally, the guidance addresses cardiomyopathy's prominence in DMD and the burgeoning field of gene therapy. Conclusions The updated guidance offers a comprehensive understanding of DMD, emphasizing patient-centric approaches, innovative trial designs, and the importance of biomarkers. The focus on cardiomyopathy and gene therapy signifies the evolving realm of DMD research. It acts as a crucial roadmap for sponsors, potentially leading to improved treatments for DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eric Camino
- Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Rafael Escandon
- DGBI Consulting, LLC, Bainbridge Island, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Ryan Fischer
- Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kevin Flanigan
- Center for Experimental Neurotherapeutics, Department of Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Pat Furlong
- Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Rose Juhasz
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ann S Martin
- Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Chet Villa
- Trinity Health Michigan, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - H Lee Sweeney
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center within the UC Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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4
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Roberts TC, Wood MJA, Davies KE. Therapeutic approaches for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:917-934. [PMID: 37652974 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00775-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a monogenic muscle-wasting disorder and a priority candidate for molecular and cellular therapeutics. Although rare, it is the most common inherited myopathy affecting children and so has been the focus of intense research activity. It is caused by mutations that disrupt production of the dystrophin protein, and a plethora of drug development approaches are under way that aim to restore dystrophin function, including exon skipping, stop codon readthrough, gene replacement, cell therapy and gene editing. These efforts have led to the clinical approval of four exon skipping antisense oligonucleotides, one stop codon readthrough drug and one gene therapy product, with other approvals likely soon. Here, we discuss the latest therapeutic strategies that are under development and being deployed to treat DMD. Lessons from these drug development programmes are likely to have a major impact on the DMD field, but also on molecular and cellular medicine more generally. Thus, DMD is a pioneer disease at the forefront of future drug discovery efforts, with these experimental treatments paving the way for therapies using similar mechanisms of action being developed for other genetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas C Roberts
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Oxford, UK.
| | - Matthew J A Wood
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Kay E Davies
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Oxford, UK.
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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Li L, Vasan L, Kartono B, Clifford K, Attarpour A, Sharma R, Mandrozos M, Kim A, Zhao W, Belotserkovsky A, Verkuyl C, Schmitt-Ulms G. Advances in Recombinant Adeno-Associated Virus Vectors for Neurodegenerative Diseases. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2725. [PMID: 37893099 PMCID: PMC10603849 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors are gene therapy delivery tools that offer a promising platform for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Keeping up with developments in this fast-moving area of research is a challenge. This review was thus written with the intention to introduce this field of study to those who are new to it and direct others who are struggling to stay abreast of the literature towards notable recent studies. In ten sections, we briefly highlight early milestones within this field and its first clinical success stories. We showcase current clinical trials, which focus on gene replacement, gene augmentation, or gene suppression strategies. Next, we discuss ongoing efforts to improve the tropism of rAAV vectors for brain applications and introduce pre-clinical research directed toward harnessing rAAV vectors for gene editing applications. Subsequently, we present common genetic elements coded by the single-stranded DNA of rAAV vectors, their so-called payloads. Our focus is on recent advances that are bound to increase treatment efficacies. As needed, we included studies outside the neurodegenerative disease field that showcased improved pre-clinical designs of all-in-one rAAV vectors for gene editing applications. Finally, we discuss risks associated with off-target effects and inadvertent immunogenicity that these technologies harbor as well as the mitigation strategies available to date to make their application safer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leyao Li
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
| | - Lakshmy Vasan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Bryan Kartono
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Kevan Clifford
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), 250 College St., Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Ahmadreza Attarpour
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, 101 College St., Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Raghav Sharma
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Matthew Mandrozos
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Ain Kim
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Wenda Zhao
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Ari Belotserkovsky
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Claire Verkuyl
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Gerold Schmitt-Ulms
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
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6
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Bez Batti Angulski A, Hosny N, Cohen H, Martin AA, Hahn D, Bauer J, Metzger JM. Duchenne muscular dystrophy: disease mechanism and therapeutic strategies. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1183101. [PMID: 37435300 PMCID: PMC10330733 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1183101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe, progressive, and ultimately fatal disease of skeletal muscle wasting, respiratory insufficiency, and cardiomyopathy. The identification of the dystrophin gene as central to DMD pathogenesis has led to the understanding of the muscle membrane and the proteins involved in membrane stability as the focal point of the disease. The lessons learned from decades of research in human genetics, biochemistry, and physiology have culminated in establishing the myriad functionalities of dystrophin in striated muscle biology. Here, we review the pathophysiological basis of DMD and discuss recent progress toward the development of therapeutic strategies for DMD that are currently close to or are in human clinical trials. The first section of the review focuses on DMD and the mechanisms contributing to membrane instability, inflammation, and fibrosis. The second section discusses therapeutic strategies currently used to treat DMD. This includes a focus on outlining the strengths and limitations of approaches directed at correcting the genetic defect through dystrophin gene replacement, modification, repair, and/or a range of dystrophin-independent approaches. The final section highlights the different therapeutic strategies for DMD currently in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Joseph M. Metzger
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States
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7
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Development of novel therapeutics for all individuals with CF (the future goes on). J Cyst Fibros 2023; 22 Suppl 1:S45-S49. [PMID: 36319570 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcf.2022.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Despite the major advances and successes in finding and establishing new treatments that tackle the basic defect in Cystic Fibrosis (CF), there is still an unmet need to bring these potentially curative therapies to all individuals with CF. Here, we review aspects of what is still missing to treat all individuals with CF by such approaches. On the one hand, we discuss novel holistic (high-throughput) approaches to elucidate mechanistic defects caused by distinct classes of mutations to identify novel drug targets. On the other hand, we examine therapeutic approaches to correct the gene in its own environment, i.e., in the genome.
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8
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Clarke LA, Amaral MD. What Can RNA-Based Therapy Do for Monogenic Diseases? Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15010260. [PMID: 36678889 PMCID: PMC9863139 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15010260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of RNA-based approaches to treat monogenic diseases (i.e., hereditary disorders caused by mutations in single genes) has been developed on different fronts. One approach uses small antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) to modulate RNA processing at various stages; namely, to enhance correct splicing, to stimulate exon skipping (to exclude premature termination codon variants), to avoid undesired messenger RNA (mRNA) transcript degradation via the nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) pathway, or to induce mRNA degradation where they encode toxic proteins (e.g., in dominant diseases). Another approach consists in administering mRNA, which, like gene therapy, is a mutation-agnostic approach with potential application to any recessive monogenic disease. This is simpler than gene therapy because instead of requiring targeting of the nucleus, the mRNA only needs to be delivered to the cytoplasm. Although very promising (as demonstrated by COVID-19 vaccines), these approaches still have potential for optimisation, namely regarding delivery efficiency, adverse drug reactions and toxicity.
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9
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Shah MNA, Yokota T. Restoring Dystrophin Expression by Skipping Exons 6 and 8 in Neonatal Dystrophic Dogs. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2587:107-124. [PMID: 36401026 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2772-3_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is caused by the mutations in the DMD gene resulting in no dystrophin production. Skipping DMD exons using phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PMOs) is an emerging treatment strategy that can restore the reading frame of the mutated gene and produce truncated but functional dystrophin protein. To date, four PMOs, including eteplirsen, casimersen, viltolarsen, and golodirsen, have been conditionally approved by the FDA for the treatment of DMD. Since degeneration of muscle fibers and irreversible fibrosis occur from childhood, the earlier treatment is preferred. The canine X-linked muscular dystrophy in Japan (CXMDj), a dog model of DMD, produces no dystrophin and exhibits a severe phenotype similar to human patients from early childhood. As such, CXMDj, which harbors a splice site mutation in intron 6, is a useful model for examining the long-term effects of early PMO treatment. In this chapter, we describe the systemic delivery of a cocktail of four PMOs that can successfully induce multiple exon skipping (exons 6-9) in neonatal dystrophic dogs. We also describe the procedures to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity, including clinical grading of dystrophic dogs, ELISA-based quantification of PMOs, histology, RT-PCR, and western blotting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Nur Ahad Shah
- 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.
- Muscular Dystrophy Canada Research Chair, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
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10
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Hanson B, Stenler S, Ahlskog N, Chwalenia K, Svrzikapa N, Coenen-Stass AM, Weinberg MS, Wood MJ, Roberts TC. Non-uniform dystrophin re-expression after CRISPR-mediated exon excision in the dystrophin/utrophin double-knockout mouse model of DMD. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 30:379-397. [PMID: 36420212 PMCID: PMC9664411 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most prevalent inherited myopathy affecting children, caused by genetic loss of the gene encoding the dystrophin protein. Here we have investigated the use of the Staphylococcus aureus CRISPR-Cas9 system and a double-cut strategy, delivered using a pair of adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (AAV9) vectors, for dystrophin restoration in the severely affected dystrophin/utrophin double-knockout (dKO) mouse. Single guide RNAs were designed to excise Dmd exon 23, with flanking intronic regions repaired by non-homologous end joining. Exon 23 deletion was confirmed at the DNA level by PCR and Sanger sequencing, and at the RNA level by RT-qPCR. Restoration of dystrophin protein expression was demonstrated by western blot and immunofluorescence staining in mice treated via either intraperitoneal or intravenous routes of delivery. Dystrophin restoration was most effective in the diaphragm, where a maximum of 5.7% of wild-type dystrophin expression was observed. CRISPR treatment was insufficient to extend lifespan in the dKO mouse, and dystrophin was expressed in a within-fiber patchy manner in skeletal muscle tissues. Further analysis revealed a plethora of non-productive DNA repair events, including AAV genome integration at the CRISPR cut sites. This study highlights potential challenges for the successful development of CRISPR therapies in the context of DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britt Hanson
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Sofia Stenler
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Nina Ahlskog
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, University of Oxford, IMS-Tetsuya Nakamura Building, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Dr, Headington, Oxford OX3 7TY, UK
| | - Katarzyna Chwalenia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, University of Oxford, IMS-Tetsuya Nakamura Building, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Dr, Headington, Oxford OX3 7TY, UK
| | - Nenad Svrzikapa
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, University of Oxford, IMS-Tetsuya Nakamura Building, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Dr, Headington, Oxford OX3 7TY, UK
- Wave Life Sciences Ltd., Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Anna M.L. Coenen-Stass
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Marc S. Weinberg
- Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, University of the Witwatersrand Medical School, WITS 2050, South Africa
- Asklepios BioPharmaceutical, Inc., Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Matthew J.A. Wood
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, University of Oxford, IMS-Tetsuya Nakamura Building, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Dr, Headington, Oxford OX3 7TY, UK
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Thomas C. Roberts
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, University of Oxford, IMS-Tetsuya Nakamura Building, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Dr, Headington, Oxford OX3 7TY, UK
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
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11
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Li R, Wang Q, She K, Lu F, Yang Y. CRISPR/Cas systems usher in a new era of disease treatment and diagnosis. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2022; 3:31. [PMID: 36239875 PMCID: PMC9560888 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-022-00095-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery and development of the CRISPR/Cas system is a milestone in precise medicine. CRISPR/Cas nucleases, base-editing (BE) and prime-editing (PE) are three genome editing technologies derived from CRISPR/Cas. In recent years, CRISPR-based genome editing technologies have created immense therapeutic potential with safe and efficient viral or non-viral delivery systems. Significant progress has been made in applying genome editing strategies to modify T cells and hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) ex vivo and to treat a wide variety of diseases and disorders in vivo. Nevertheless, the clinical translation of this unique technology still faces many challenges, especially targeting, safety and delivery issues, which require further improvement and optimization. In addition, with the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), CRISPR-based molecular diagnosis has attracted extensive attention. Growing from the specific set of molecular biological discoveries to several active clinical trials, CRISPR/Cas systems offer the opportunity to create a cost-effective, portable and point-of-care diagnosis through nucleic acid screening of diseases. In this review, we describe the development, mechanisms and delivery systems of CRISPR-based genome editing and focus on clinical and preclinical studies of therapeutic CRISPR genome editing in disease treatment as well as its application prospects in therapeutics and molecular detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiting Li
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Ke-yuan Road 4, No. 1, Gao-peng Street, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan China
| | - Qin Wang
- grid.412723.10000 0004 0604 889XSchool of Pharmacy, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610225 Sichuan China
| | - Kaiqin She
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Ke-yuan Road 4, No. 1, Gao-peng Street, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan China ,grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan China
| | - Fang Lu
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan China
| | - Yang Yang
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Ke-yuan Road 4, No. 1, Gao-peng Street, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan China ,grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan China
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Chwalenia K, Oieni J, Zemła J, Lekka M, Ahlskog N, Coenen-Stass AM, McClorey G, Wood MJ, Lomonosova Y, Roberts TC. Exon skipping induces uniform dystrophin rescue with dose-dependent restoration of serum miRNA biomarkers and muscle biophysical properties. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 29:955-968. [PMID: 36159597 PMCID: PMC9464767 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Therapies that restore dystrophin expression are presumed to correct Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), with antisense-mediated exon skipping being the leading approach. Here we aimed to determine whether exon skipping using a peptide-phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligonucleotide (PPMO) conjugate results in dose-dependent restoration of uniform dystrophin localization, together with correction of putative DMD serum and muscle biomarkers. Dystrophin-deficient mdx mice were treated with a PPMO (Pip9b2-PMO) designed to induce Dmd exon 23 skipping at single, ascending intravenous doses (3, 6, or 12 mg/kg) and sacrificed 2 weeks later. Dose-dependent exon skipping and dystrophin protein restoration were observed, with dystrophin uniformly distributed at the sarcolemma of corrected myofibers at all doses. Serum microRNA biomarkers (i.e., miR-1a-3p, miR-133a-3p, miR-206-3p, miR-483-3p) and creatinine kinase levels were restored toward wild-type levels after treatment in a dose-dependent manner. All biomarkers were strongly anti-correlated with both exon skipping level and dystrophin expression. Dystrophin rescue was also strongly positively correlated with muscle stiffness (i.e., Young's modulus) as determined by atomic force microscopy (AFM) nanoindentation assay. These data demonstrate that PPMO-mediated exon skipping generates myofibers with uniform dystrophin expression and that both serum microRNA biomarkers and muscle AFM have potential utility as pharmacodynamic biomarkers of dystrophin restoration therapy in DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Chwalenia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, University of Oxford, IMS-Tetsuya Nakamura Building, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, Oxford OX3 7TY, UK
| | - Jacopo Oieni
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Joanna Zemła
- Department of Biophysical Microstructures, Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, PL-31342 Kraków, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Lekka
- Department of Biophysical Microstructures, Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, PL-31342 Kraków, Poland
| | - Nina Ahlskog
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, University of Oxford, IMS-Tetsuya Nakamura Building, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, Oxford OX3 7TY, UK
| | - Anna M.L. Coenen-Stass
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Graham McClorey
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Matthew J.A. Wood
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, University of Oxford, IMS-Tetsuya Nakamura Building, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, Oxford OX3 7TY, UK
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Yulia Lomonosova
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, University of Oxford, IMS-Tetsuya Nakamura Building, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, Oxford OX3 7TY, UK
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Thomas C. Roberts
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, University of Oxford, IMS-Tetsuya Nakamura Building, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, Oxford OX3 7TY, UK
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
- Corresponding author Thomas C. Roberts, Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, University of Oxford, IMS-Tetsuya Nakamura Building, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, Oxford OX3 7TY, UK.
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13
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Harrison PT. CFTR RNA- and DNA-based therapies. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2022; 65:102247. [PMID: 35709547 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2022.102247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This review provides an update on recent developments of RNA- and DNA-based methodologies and their intracellular targets in the context of cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease. Ultimately, clinical success will require a suitable delivery system, but since the cargo for all these strategies is nucleic acid, it should hopefully be possible to exploit delivery breakthroughs from one study and apply these innovations to other experiments in order to identify the best strategy for everyone with CF. Ultimately, it may be the same approach for everyone, or possibly a number of different strategies tailored to particular mutations or classes/groups of mutations. And whilst the current focus is on CF lung disease, in the longer term the goal is to treat all affected organs in people with CF such as the pancreas, gut, and liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick T Harrison
- Department of Physiology, BioSciences Institute, University College Cork, Ireland.
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14
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Messenger RNA brings gene editing a step closer to treat muscular dystrophies. MOLECULAR THERAPY - NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 28:462-463. [PMID: 35505962 PMCID: PMC9044167 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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15
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Saifullah, Motohashi N, Tsukahara T, Aoki Y. Development of Therapeutic RNA Manipulation for Muscular Dystrophy. Front Genome Ed 2022; 4:863651. [PMID: 35620642 PMCID: PMC9127466 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2022.863651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Approval of therapeutic RNA molecules, including RNA vaccines, has paved the way for next-generation treatment strategies for various diseases. Oligonucleotide-based therapeutics hold particular promise for treating incurable muscular dystrophies, including Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). DMD is a severe monogenic disease triggered by deletions, duplications, or point mutations in the DMD gene, which encodes a membrane-linked cytoskeletal protein to protect muscle fibers from contraction-induced injury. Patients with DMD inevitably succumb to muscle degeneration and atrophy early in life, leading to premature death from cardiac and respiratory failure. Thus far, the disease has thwarted all curative strategies. Transcriptomic manipulation, employing exon skipping using antisense oligonucleotides (ASO), has made significant progress in the search for DMD therapeutics. Several exon-skipping drugs employing RNA manipulation technology have been approved by regulatory agencies and have shown promise in clinical trials. This review summarizes recent scientific and clinical progress of ASO and other novel RNA manipulations, including RNA-based editing using MS2 coat protein-conjugated adenosine deaminase acting on the RNA (MCP-ADAR) system illustrating the efficacy and limitations of therapies to restore dystrophin. Perhaps lessons from this review will encourage the application of RNA-editing therapy to other neuromuscular disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saifullah
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Norio Motohashi
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshifumi Tsukahara
- Area of Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Materials Science, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST), Ishikawa, Japan
- Division of Transdisciplinary Science, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST), Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Yoshitsugu Aoki
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), Tokyo, Japan
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Antisense Oligonucleotides Conjugated with Lipophilic Compounds: Synthesis and In Vitro Evaluation of Exon Skipping in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084270. [PMID: 35457088 PMCID: PMC9032562 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Our groups previously reported that conjugation at 3′-end with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) significantly enhanced in vitro exon skipping properties of ASO 51 oligonucleotide targeting the human DMD exon 51. In this study, we designed a series of lipophilic conjugates of ASO 51, to explore the influence of the lipophilic moiety on exon skipping efficiency. To this end, three bile acids and two fatty acids have been derivatized and/or modified and conjugated to ASO 51 by automatized solid phase synthesis. We measured the melting temperature (Tm) of lipophilic conjugates to evaluate their ability to form a stable duplex with the target RNA. The exon skipping efficiency has been evaluated in myogenic cell lines first in presence of a transfection agent, then in gymnotic conditions on a selection of conjugated ASO 51. In the case of 5′-UDC-ASO 51, we also evaluated the influence of PS content on exon skipping efficiency; we found that it performed better exon skipping with full PS linkages. The more efficient compounds in terms of exon skipping were found to be 5′-UDC- and 5′,3′-bis-UDC-ASO 51.
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Bhattacharjee G, Gohil N, Khambhati K, Mani I, Maurya R, Karapurkar JK, Gohil J, Chu DT, Vu-Thi H, Alzahrani KJ, Show PL, Rawal RM, Ramakrishna S, Singh V. Current approaches in CRISPR-Cas9 mediated gene editing for biomedical and therapeutic applications. J Control Release 2022; 343:703-723. [PMID: 35149141 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
A single gene mutation can cause a number of human diseases that affect quality of life. Until the development of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) systems, it was challenging to correct a gene mutation to avoid disease by reverting phenotypes. The advent of CRISPR technology has changed the field of gene editing, given its simplicity and intrinsic programmability, surpassing the limitations of both zinc-finger nuclease and transcription activator-like effector nuclease and becoming the method of choice for therapeutic gene editing by overcoming the bottlenecks of conventional gene-editing techniques. Currently, there is no commercially available medicinal cure to correct a gene mutation that corrects and reverses the abnormality of a gene's function. Devising reprogramming strategies for faithful recapitulation of normal phenotypes is a crucial aspect for directing the reprogrammed cells toward clinical trials. The CRISPR-Cas9 system has been promising as a tool for correcting gene mutations in maladies including blood disorders and muscular degeneration as well as neurological, cardiovascular, renal, genetic, stem cell, and optical diseases. In this review, we highlight recent developments and utilization of the CRISPR-Cas9 system in correcting or generating gene mutations to create model organisms to develop deeper insights into diseases, rescue normal gene functionality, and curb the progression of a disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gargi Bhattacharjee
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science, Indrashil University, Rajpur, Mehsana 382715, Gujarat, India
| | - Nisarg Gohil
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science, Indrashil University, Rajpur, Mehsana 382715, Gujarat, India
| | - Khushal Khambhati
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science, Indrashil University, Rajpur, Mehsana 382715, Gujarat, India
| | - Indra Mani
- Department of Microbiology, Gargi College, University of Delhi, New Delhi 110049, India
| | - Rupesh Maurya
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science, Indrashil University, Rajpur, Mehsana 382715, Gujarat, India
| | | | - Jigresh Gohil
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science, Indrashil University, Rajpur, Mehsana 382715, Gujarat, India
| | - Dinh-Toi Chu
- Center for Biomedicine and Community Health, International School, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Hue Vu-Thi
- Center for Biomedicine and Community Health, International School, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Khalid J Alzahrani
- Department of Clinical Laboratories Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Pau-Loke Show
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Jalan Broga, Semenyih 43500, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Rakesh M Rawal
- Department of Biochemistry and Forensic Science, School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380009, India
| | - Suresh Ramakrishna
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea; College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea.
| | - Vijai Singh
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science, Indrashil University, Rajpur, Mehsana 382715, Gujarat, India.
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Synthesis and Exon-Skipping Properties of a 3'-Ursodeoxycholic Acid-Conjugated Oligonucleotide Targeting DMD Pre-mRNA: Pre-Synthetic versus Post-Synthetic Approach. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26247662. [PMID: 34946743 PMCID: PMC8707236 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26247662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Steric blocking antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) are promising tools for splice modulation such as exon-skipping, although their therapeutic effect may be compromised by insufficient delivery. To address this issue, we investigated the synthesis of a 20-mer 2'-OMe PS oligonucleotide conjugated at 3'-end with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) involved in the targeting of human DMD exon 51, by exploiting both a pre-synthetic and a solution phase approach. The two approaches have been compared. Both strategies successfully provided the desired ASO 51 3'-UDC in good yield and purity. It should be pointed out that the pre-synthetic approach insured better yields and proved to be more cost-effective. The exon skipping efficiency of the conjugated oligonucleotide was evaluated in myogenic cell lines and compared to that of unconjugated one: a better performance was determined for ASO 51 3'-UDC with an average 9.5-fold increase with respect to ASO 51.
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Lamandé SR. Collagen VI Muscle Disorders: Mutation Types, Pathogenic Mechanisms and Approaches to Therapy. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1348:311-323. [PMID: 34807426 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-80614-9_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in the genes encoding the major collagen VI isoform, COL6A1, COL6A2 and COL6A3, are responsible for the muscle disorders Bethlem myopathy and Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy. These disorders form a disease spectrum from mild to severe. Dominant and recessive mutations are found along the entire spectrum and the clinical phenotype is strongly influenced by the way mutations impede collagen VI protein assembly. Most mutations are in the triple helical domain, towards the N-terminus and they compromise microfibril assembly. Some mutations are found outside the helix in the C- and N-terminal globular domains, but because these regions are highly polymorphic it is difficult to discriminate mutations from rare benign changes without detailed structural and functional studies. Collagen VI deficiency leads to mitochondrial dysfunction, deficient autophagy and increased apoptosis. Therapies that target these consequences have been tested in mouse models and some have shown modest efficacy in small human trials. Antisense therapies for a common mutation that introduces a pseudoexon show promise in cell culture but haven't yet been tested in an animal model. Future therapeutic approaches await new research into how collagen VI deficiency signals downstream consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shireen R Lamandé
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute and Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
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20
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Molecular and cellular basis of genetically inherited skeletal muscle disorders. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2021; 22:713-732. [PMID: 34257452 PMCID: PMC9686310 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-021-00389-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Neuromuscular disorders comprise a diverse group of human inborn diseases that arise from defects in the structure and/or function of the muscle tissue - encompassing the muscle cells (myofibres) themselves and their extracellular matrix - or muscle fibre innervation. Since the identification in 1987 of the first genetic lesion associated with a neuromuscular disorder - mutations in dystrophin as an underlying cause of Duchenne muscular dystrophy - the field has made tremendous progress in understanding the genetic basis of these diseases, with pathogenic variants in more than 500 genes now identified as underlying causes of neuromuscular disorders. The subset of neuromuscular disorders that affect skeletal muscle are referred to as myopathies or muscular dystrophies, and are due to variants in genes encoding muscle proteins. Many of these proteins provide structural stability to the myofibres or function in regulating sarcolemmal integrity, whereas others are involved in protein turnover, intracellular trafficking, calcium handling and electrical excitability - processes that ensure myofibre resistance to stress and their primary activity in muscle contraction. In this Review, we discuss how defects in muscle proteins give rise to muscle dysfunction, and ultimately to disease, with a focus on pathologies that are most common, best understood and that provide the most insight into muscle biology.
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21
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Puthanveettil S. The emerging RNA-centric world of neurobiology. RNA Biol 2021; 18:933-935. [PMID: 34142924 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2021.1930367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
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22
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Starosta A, Konieczny P. Therapeutic aspects of cell signaling and communication in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:4867-4891. [PMID: 33825942 PMCID: PMC8233280 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03821-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a devastating chromosome X-linked disease that manifests predominantly in progressive skeletal muscle wasting and dysfunctions in the heart and diaphragm. Approximately 1/5000 boys and 1/50,000,000 girls suffer from DMD, and to date, the disease is incurable and leads to premature death. This phenotypic severity is due to mutations in the DMD gene, which result in the absence of functional dystrophin protein. Initially, dystrophin was thought to be a force transducer; however, it is now considered an essential component of the dystrophin-associated protein complex (DAPC), viewed as a multicomponent mechanical scaffold and a signal transduction hub. Modulating signal pathway activation or gene expression through epigenetic modifications has emerged at the forefront of therapeutic approaches as either an adjunct or stand-alone strategy. In this review, we propose a broader perspective by considering DMD to be a disease that affects myofibers and muscle stem (satellite) cells, as well as a disorder in which abrogated communication between different cell types occurs. We believe that by taking this systemic view, we can achieve safe and holistic treatments that can restore correct signal transmission and gene expression in diseased DMD tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicja Starosta
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Human Biology and Evolution, Adam Mickiewicz University, ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614, Poznań, Poland
| | - Patryk Konieczny
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Human Biology and Evolution, Adam Mickiewicz University, ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614, Poznań, Poland.
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