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Capelletti S, García Soto SC, Gonçalves MAFV. On RNA-programmable gene modulation as a versatile set of principles targeting muscular dystrophies. Mol Ther 2024:S1525-0016(24)00539-2. [PMID: 39169620 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.08.016] [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: 05/05/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The repurposing of RNA-programmable CRISPR systems from genome editing into epigenome editing tools is gaining pace, including in research and development efforts directed at tackling human disorders. This momentum stems from the increasing knowledge regarding the epigenetic factors and networks underlying cell physiology and disease etiology and from the growing realization that genome editing principles involving chromosomal breaks generated by programmable nucleases are prone to unpredictable genetic changes and outcomes. Hence, engineered CRISPR systems are serving as versatile DNA-targeting scaffolds for heterologous and synthetic effector domains that, via locally recruiting transcription factors and chromatin remodeling complexes, seek interfering with loss-of-function and gain-of-function processes underlying recessive and dominant disorders, respectively. Here, after providing an overview about epigenetic drugs and CRISPR-Cas-based activation and interference platforms, we cover the testing of these platforms in the context of molecular therapies for muscular dystrophies. Finally, we examine attributes, obstacles, and deployment opportunities for CRISPR-based epigenetic modulating technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Capelletti
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Sofía C García Soto
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Manuel A F V Gonçalves
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC Leiden, the Netherlands.
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2
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Ghosh S, Arshi MU, Ghosh S, Jash M, Sen S, Mamchaoui K, Bhattacharyya S, Rana NK, Ghosh S. Discovery of Quinazoline and Quinoline-Based Small Molecules as Utrophin Upregulators via AhR Antagonism for the Treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. J Med Chem 2024; 67:9260-9276. [PMID: 38771158 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00398] [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: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a fatal muscle-wasting disease caused by the absence of a dystrophin protein. Elevating utrophin, a dystrophin paralogue, offers an alternative therapeutic strategy for treating DMD, irrespective of the mutation type. Herein, we report the design and synthesis of novel quinazoline and quinoline-based small molecules as potent utrophin modulators screened via high throughput In-Cell ELISA in C2C12 cells. Remarkably, lead molecule SG-02, identified from a library of 70 molecules, upregulates utrophin 2.7-fold at 800 nM in a dose-dependent manner, marking the highest upregulation within the nanomolar range. SG-02's efficacy was further validated through DMD patient-derived cells, demonstrating a significant 2.3-fold utrophin expression. Mechanistically, SG-02 functions as an AhR antagonist, with excellent binding affinity (Kd = 41.68 nM). SG-02 also enhances myogenesis, as indicated by an increased MyHC expression. ADME evaluation supports SG-02's oral bioavailability. Overall, SG-02 holds promise for addressing the global DMD population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surojit Ghosh
- Smart Healthcare Department, Interdisciplinary Research Platform, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
| | - Mohammad Umar Arshi
- Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
| | - Satyajit Ghosh
- Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
| | - Moumita Jash
- Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
| | - Samya Sen
- Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
| | - Kamel Mamchaoui
- Inserm, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie,Sorbonne Université, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Sudipta Bhattacharyya
- Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
| | - Nirmal Kumar Rana
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
| | - Surajit Ghosh
- Smart Healthcare Department, Interdisciplinary Research Platform, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
- Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
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Escobar-Huertas JF, Vaca-González JJ, Guevara JM, Ramirez-Martinez AM, Trabelsi O, Garzón-Alvarado DA. Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy: Cellular mechanisms, image analysis, and computational models: A review. Cytoskeleton (Hoboken) 2024; 81:269-286. [PMID: 38224155 DOI: 10.1002/cm.21826] [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: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
The muscle is the principal tissue that is capable to transform potential energy into kinetic energy. This process is due to the transformation of chemical energy into mechanical energy to enhance the movements and all the daily activities. However, muscular tissues can be affected by some pathologies associated with genetic alterations that affect the expression of proteins. As the muscle is a highly organized structure in which most of the signaling pathways and proteins are related to one another, pathologies may overlap. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is one of the most severe muscle pathologies triggering degeneration and muscle necrosis. Several mathematical models have been developed to predict muscle response to different scenarios and pathologies. The aim of this review is to describe DMD and Becker muscular dystrophy in terms of cellular behavior and molecular disorders and to present an overview of the computational models implemented to understand muscle behavior with the aim of improving regenerative therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- J F Escobar-Huertas
- Numerical Methods and Modeling Research Group (GNUM), Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
- Université de technologie de Compiègne, CNRS, Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Centre de Recherche Royallieu, Compiègne Cedex, France
| | - Juan Jairo Vaca-González
- Escuela de pregrado, Dirección Académica, Vicerrectoría de Sede, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede la Paz, Cesar, Colombia
| | - Johana María Guevara
- Institute for the Study of Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Olfa Trabelsi
- Université de technologie de Compiègne, CNRS, Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Centre de Recherche Royallieu, Compiègne Cedex, France
| | - D A Garzón-Alvarado
- Numerical Methods and Modeling Research Group (GNUM), Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
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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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5
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Happi Mbakam C, Tremblay JP. Gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy: an update on the latest clinical developments. Expert Rev Neurother 2023; 23:905-920. [PMID: 37602688 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2023.2249607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is one of the most severe and devastating neuromuscular hereditary diseases with a male newborn incidence of 20 000 cases each year. The disease caused by mutations (exon deletions, nonsense mutations, intra-exonic insertions or deletions, exon duplications, splice site defects, and deep intronic mutations) in the DMD gene, progressively leads to muscle wasting and loss of ambulation. This situation is painful for both patients and their families, calling for an emergent need for effective treatments. AREAS COVERED In this review, the authors describe the state of the gene therapy approach in clinical trials for DMD. This therapeutics included gene replacement, gene substitution, RNA-based therapeutics, readthrough mutation, and the CRISPR approach. EXPERT OPINION Only a few drug candidates have yet been granted conditional approval for the treatment of DMD. Most of these therapies have only a modest capability to restore the dystrophin or improve muscle function, suggesting an important unmet need in the development of DMD therapeutics. Complementary genes and cellular therapeutics need to be explored to both restore dystrophin, improve muscle function, and efficiently reconstitute the muscle fibers in the advanced stage of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cedric Happi Mbakam
- CHU de Québec research centre, Laval University, Québec, Canada
- Molecular Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec, Canada
| | - Jacques P Tremblay
- CHU de Québec research centre, Laval University, Québec, Canada
- Molecular Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec, Canada
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George TG, Hanft LM, Krenz M, Domeier TL, McDonald KS. Dystrophic cardiomyopathy: role of the cardiac myofilaments. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1207658. [PMID: 37362434 PMCID: PMC10288979 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1207658] [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: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Dystrophic cardiomyopathy arises from mutations in the dystrophin gene. Dystrophin forms part of the dystrophin glycoprotein complex and is postulated to act as a membrane stabilizer, protecting the sarcolemma from contraction-induced damage. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most severe dystrophinopathy, caused by a total absence of dystrophin. Patients with DMD present with progressive skeletal muscle weakness and, because of treatment advances, a cardiac component of the disease (i.e., dystrophic cardiomyopathy) has been unmasked later in disease progression. The role that myofilaments play in dystrophic cardiomyopathy is largely unknown and, as such, this study aimed to address cardiac myofilament function in a mouse model of muscular dystrophy. To assess the effects of DMD on myofilament function, isolated permeabilized cardiomyocytes of wild-type (WT) littermates and Dmdmdx-4cv mice were attached between a force transducer and motor and subjected to contractile assays. Maximal tension and rates of force development (indexed by the rate constant, k tr) were similar between WT and Dmdmdx-4cv cardiac myocyte preparations. Interestingly, Dmdmdx-4cv cardiac myocytes exhibited greater sarcomere length dependence of peak power output compared to WT myocyte preparations. These results suggest dystrophin mitigates length dependence of activation and, in the absence of dystrophin, augmented sarcomere length dependence of myocyte contractility may accelerate ventricular myocyte contraction-induced damage and contribute to dystrophic cardiomyopathy. Next, we assessed if mavacamten, a small molecule modulator of thick filament activation, would mitigate contractile properties observed in Dmdmdx-4cv permeabilized cardiac myocyte preparations. Mavacamten decreased maximal tension and k tr in both WT and Dmdmdx-4cv cardiac myocytes, while also normalizing the length dependence of peak power between WT and Dmdmdx-4cv cardiac myocyte preparations. These results highlight potential benefits of mavacamten (i.e., reduced contractility while maintaining exquisite sarcomere length dependence of power output) as a treatment for dystrophic cardiomyopathy associated with DMD.
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Internal Ribosome Entry Site (IRES)-Mediated Translation and Its Potential for Novel mRNA-Based Therapy Development. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081865. [PMID: 36009412 PMCID: PMC9405587 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Many conditions can benefit from RNA-based therapies, namely, those targeting internal ribosome entry sites (IRESs) and their regulatory proteins, the IRES trans-acting factors (ITAFs). IRES-mediated translation is an alternative mechanism of translation initiation, known for maintaining protein synthesis when canonical translation is impaired. During a stress response, it contributes to cell reprogramming and adaptation to the new environment. The relationship between IRESs and ITAFs with tumorigenesis and resistance to therapy has been studied in recent years, proposing new therapeutic targets and treatments. In addition, IRES-dependent translation initiation dysregulation is also related to neurological and cardiovascular diseases, muscular atrophies, or other syndromes. The participation of these structures in the development of such pathologies has been studied, yet to a far lesser extent than in cancer. Strategies involving the disruption of IRES–ITAF interactions or the modification of ITAF expression levels may be used with great impact in the development of new therapeutics. In this review, we aim to comprehend the current data on groups of human pathologies associated with IRES and/or ITAF dysregulation and their application in the designing of new therapeutic approaches using them as targets or tools. Thus, we wish to summarise the evidence in the field hoping to open new promising lines of investigation toward personalised treatments.
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Georgieva AM, Guo X, Bartkuhn M, Günther S, Künne C, Smolka C, Atzberger A, Gärtner U, Mamchaoui K, Bober E, Zhou Y, Yuan X, Braun T. Inactivation of Sirt6 ameliorates muscular dystrophy in mdx mice by releasing suppression of utrophin expression. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4184. [PMID: 35859073 PMCID: PMC9300598 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31798-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The NAD+-dependent SIRT1-7 family of protein deacetylases plays a vital role in various molecular pathways related to stress response, DNA repair, aging and metabolism. Increased activity of individual sirtuins often exerts beneficial effects in pathophysiological conditions whereas reduced activity is usually associated with disease conditions. Here, we demonstrate that SIRT6 deacetylates H3K56ac in myofibers to suppress expression of utrophin, a dystrophin-related protein stabilizing the sarcolemma in absence of dystrophin. Inactivation of Sirt6 in dystrophin-deficient mdx mice reduced damage of myofibers, ameliorated dystrophic muscle pathology, and improved muscle function, leading to attenuated activation of muscle stem cells (MuSCs). ChIP-seq and locus-specific recruitment of SIRT6 using a CRISPR-dCas9/gRNA approach revealed that SIRT6 is critical for removal of H3K56ac at the Downstream utrophin Enhancer (DUE), which is indispensable for utrophin expression. We conclude that epigenetic manipulation of utrophin expression is a promising approach for the treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). Utrophin is a dystrophin-related protein stabilizing the sarcolemma in absence of dystrophin. Here the authors report that inactivation of the protein deacetylase SIRT6, involved in the deacetylation of the epigenetic mark H3K56ac in muscle cells, increases expression of utrophin and ameliorates dystrophic muscle pathology in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelina M Georgieva
- Department of Cardiac Development and Remodeling, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Xinyue Guo
- Department of Cardiac Development and Remodeling, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Marek Bartkuhn
- Biomedical Informatics and Systems Medicine, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Stefan Günther
- Department of Cardiac Development and Remodeling, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Carsten Künne
- Department of Cardiac Development and Remodeling, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Christian Smolka
- Department of Cardiac Development and Remodeling, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Ann Atzberger
- Department of Cardiac Development and Remodeling, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Ulrich Gärtner
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Kamel Mamchaoui
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Eva Bober
- Department of Cardiac Development and Remodeling, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Yonggang Zhou
- Department of Cardiac Development and Remodeling, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Xuejun Yuan
- Department of Cardiac Development and Remodeling, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231, Bad Nauheim, Germany.
| | - Thomas Braun
- Department of Cardiac Development and Remodeling, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231, Bad Nauheim, Germany.
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Song MH, Yoo J, Oh JG, Kook H, Park WJ, Jeong D. Matricellular Protein CCN5 Gene Transfer Ameliorates Cardiac and Skeletal Dysfunction in mdx/utrn (±) Haploinsufficient Mice by Reducing Fibrosis and Upregulating Utrophin Expression. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:763544. [PMID: 35557546 PMCID: PMC9088811 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.763544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration due to dystrophin gene mutations. Patients with DMD initially experience muscle weakness in their limbs during adolescence. With age, patients develop fatal respiratory and cardiac dysfunctions. During the later stages of the disease, severe cardiac fibrosis occurs, compromising cardiac function. Previously, our research showed that the matricellular protein CCN5 has antifibrotic properties. Therefore, we hypothesized that CCN5 gene transfer would ameliorate cardiac fibrosis and thus improve cardiac function in DMD-induced cardiomyopathy. We utilized mdx/utrn (±) haploinsufficient mice that recapitulated the DMD-disease phenotypes and used an adeno-associated virus serotype-9 viral vector for CCN5 gene transfer. We evaluated the onset of cardiac dysfunction using echocardiography and determined the experimental starting point in 13-month-old mice. Two months after CCN5 gene transfer, cardiac function was significantly enhanced, and cardiac fibrosis was ameliorated. Additionally, running performance was improved in CCN5 gene-transfected mice. Furthermore, in silico gene profiling analysis identified utrophin as a novel transcriptional target of CCN5. This was supplemented by a utrophin promoter assay and RNA-seq analysis, which confirmed that CCN5 was directly associated with utrophin expression. Our results showed that CCN5 may be a promising therapeutic molecule for DMD-induced cardiac and skeletal dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Ho Song
- College of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Jimeen Yoo
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jae Gyun Oh
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Hyun Kook
- Basic Research Laboratory, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Woo Jin Park
- College of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Dongtak Jeong
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.,Department of Molecular and Life Science, College of Science and Convergence Technology, Hanyang University-ERICA, Ansan, South Korea
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10
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Happi Mbakam C, Lamothe G, Tremblay JP. Therapeutic Strategies for Dystrophin Replacement in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:859930. [PMID: 35419381 PMCID: PMC8995704 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.859930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked hereditary disease characterized by progressive muscle wasting due to modifications in the DMD gene (exon deletions, nonsense mutations, intra-exonic insertions or deletions, exon duplications, splice site defects, and deep intronic mutations) that result in a lack of functional dystrophin expression. Many therapeutic approaches have so far been attempted to induce dystrophin expression and improve the patient phenotype. In this manuscript, we describe the relevant updates for some therapeutic strategies for DMD aiming to restore dystrophin expression. We also present and analyze in vitro and in vivo ongoing experimental approaches to treat the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cedric Happi Mbakam
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Gabriel Lamothe
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Jacques P Tremblay
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada
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11
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Zabłocka B, Górecki DC, Zabłocki K. Disrupted Calcium Homeostasis in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Common Mechanism behind Diverse Consequences. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11040. [PMID: 34681707 PMCID: PMC8537421 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) leads to disability and death in young men. This disease is caused by mutations in the DMD gene encoding diverse isoforms of dystrophin. Loss of full-length dystrophins is both necessary and sufficient for causing degeneration and wasting of striated muscles, neuropsychological impairment, and bone deformities. Among this spectrum of defects, abnormalities of calcium homeostasis are the common dystrophic feature. Given the fundamental role of Ca2+ in all cells, this biochemical alteration might be underlying all the DMD abnormalities. However, its mechanism is not completely understood. While abnormally elevated resting cytosolic Ca2+ concentration is found in all dystrophic cells, the aberrant mechanisms leading to that outcome have cell-specific components. We probe the diverse aspects of calcium response in various affected tissues. In skeletal muscles, cardiomyocytes, and neurons, dystrophin appears to serve as a scaffold for proteins engaged in calcium homeostasis, while its interactions with actin cytoskeleton influence endoplasmic reticulum organisation and motility. However, in myoblasts, lymphocytes, endotheliocytes, and mesenchymal and myogenic cells, calcium abnormalities cannot be clearly attributed to the loss of interaction between dystrophin and the calcium toolbox proteins. Nevertheless, DMD gene mutations in these cells lead to significant defects and the calcium anomalies are a symptom of the early developmental phase of this pathology. As the impaired calcium homeostasis appears to underpin multiple DMD abnormalities, understanding this alteration may lead to the development of new therapies. In fact, it appears possible to mitigate the impact of the abnormal calcium homeostasis and the dystrophic phenotype in the total absence of dystrophin. This opens new treatment avenues for this incurable disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Zabłocka
- Molecular Biology Unit, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Dariusz C. Górecki
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, St Michael’s Building, White Swan Road, Portsmouth PO1 2DT, UK
- Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, 01-163 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Zabłocki
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
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12
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Animal models for researching approaches to therapy of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Transgenic Res 2021; 30:709-725. [PMID: 34409525 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-021-00278-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a relatively widespread genetic disease which develops as a result of a mutation in the gene DMD encoding dystrophin. In this review, animal models of DMD are described. These models are used in preclinical studies to elucidate the pathogenesis of the disease or to develop effective treatments; each animal model has its own advantages and disadvantages. For instance, Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila melanogaster, and zebrafish (sapje) are suitable for large-scale chemical screening of large numbers of small molecules, but their disease phenotype differs from that of mammals. The use of larger animals is important for understanding of the potential efficacy of various treatments for DMD. While mdx mice have their advantages, they exhibit a milder disease phenotype compared to humans or dogs, making it difficult to evaluate the efficacy of new treatment for DMD. The disease in dogs and pigs is more severe and progresses faster than in mice, but it is more difficult to breed and obtain sufficient numbers of specimens in order to achieve statistically significant results. Moreover, working with large animals is also more labor-intensive. Therefore, when choosing the optimal animal model for research, it is worth considering all the goals and objectives.
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13
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Lynch EM, Robertson S, FitzGibbons C, Reilly M, Switalski C, Eckardt A, Tey SR, Hayakawa K, Suzuki M. Transcriptome analysis using patient iPSC-derived skeletal myocytes: Bet1L as a new molecule possibly linked to neuromuscular junction degeneration in ALS. Exp Neurol 2021; 345:113815. [PMID: 34310943 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2021.113815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neuromuscular disease in which patients gradually become paralyzed due to loss of motor function. Many genetically inheritable mutations have been linked to ALS; however, the majority of ALS patients are considered sporadic. Therefore, there is a need for a common therapy that is effective for all ALS patients. Although there is evidence of the disease beginning in the periphery at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), the specific processes involved in skeletal muscle and at the NMJ are still largely unknown. To study common disease mechanisms in ALS skeletal muscle, we performed RNA sequencing of skeletal myocytes differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from familial ALS (with C9ORF72, SOD1, or TARDBP mutations) and sporadic ALS patients. Compared to healthy control lines, the myocytes from all ALS lines showed downregulation of four genes: BET1L, DCX, GPC3, and HNRNPK. We next measured the expression levels of these four genes in hind limb muscle samples from a rat model of familial ALS (SOD1G93A transgenic) and found that only the Bet1L gene, which encodes Bet1 Golgi Vesicular Membrane Trafficking Protein Like, was commonly downregulated. Bet1L protein appeared to be localized to the basal lamina of the NMJ, with decreased expression over time in SOD1G93A transgenic rats. Importantly, the expression levels began to decrease early in the disease process. Our results indicate that loss of Bet1L at the NMJ could be of interest for better understanding ALS disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen M Lynch
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, USA
| | - Samantha Robertson
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, USA
| | - Claire FitzGibbons
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, USA
| | - Megan Reilly
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, USA
| | - Colton Switalski
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, USA
| | - Adam Eckardt
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, USA
| | - Sin-Ruow Tey
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, USA
| | - Koji Hayakawa
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science, Ehime, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Suzuki
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, USA; Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, USA.
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14
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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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15
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Dowling P, Gargan S, Murphy S, Zweyer M, Sabir H, Swandulla D, Ohlendieck K. The Dystrophin Node as Integrator of Cytoskeletal Organization, Lateral Force Transmission, Fiber Stability and Cellular Signaling in Skeletal Muscle. Proteomes 2021; 9:9. [PMID: 33540575 PMCID: PMC7931087 DOI: 10.3390/proteomes9010009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The systematic bioanalytical characterization of the protein product of the DMD gene, which is defective in the pediatric disorder Duchenne muscular dystrophy, led to the discovery of the membrane cytoskeletal protein dystrophin. Its full-length muscle isoform Dp427-M is tightly linked to a sarcolemma-associated complex consisting of dystroglycans, sarcoglyans, sarcospan, dystrobrevins and syntrophins. Besides these core members of the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex, the wider dystrophin-associated network includes key proteins belonging to the intracellular cytoskeleton and microtubular assembly, the basal lamina and extracellular matrix, various plasma membrane proteins and cytosolic components. Here, we review the central role of the dystrophin complex as a master node in muscle fibers that integrates cytoskeletal organization and cellular signaling at the muscle periphery, as well as providing sarcolemmal stabilization and contractile force transmission to the extracellular region. The combination of optimized tissue extraction, subcellular fractionation, advanced protein co-purification strategies, immunoprecipitation, liquid chromatography and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis with modern mass spectrometry-based proteomics has confirmed the composition of the core dystrophin complex at the sarcolemma membrane. Importantly, these biochemical and mass spectrometric surveys have identified additional members of the wider dystrophin network including biglycan, cavin, synemin, desmoglein, tubulin, plakoglobin, cytokeratin and a variety of signaling proteins and ion channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Dowling
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, National University of Ireland, W23F2H6 Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland; (P.D.); (S.G.)
- Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, W23F2H6 Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - Stephen Gargan
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, National University of Ireland, W23F2H6 Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland; (P.D.); (S.G.)
- Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, W23F2H6 Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - Sandra Murphy
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE24HH, UK;
| | - Margit Zweyer
- Department of Neonatology and Paediatric Intensive Care, Children’s Hospital, University of Bonn, D53113 Bonn, Germany; (M.Z.); (H.S.)
| | - Hemmen Sabir
- Department of Neonatology and Paediatric Intensive Care, Children’s Hospital, University of Bonn, D53113 Bonn, Germany; (M.Z.); (H.S.)
| | - Dieter Swandulla
- Institute of Physiology II, University of Bonn, D53115 Bonn, Germany;
| | - Kay Ohlendieck
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, National University of Ireland, W23F2H6 Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland; (P.D.); (S.G.)
- Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, W23F2H6 Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
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16
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Karnam S, Skiba NP, Rao PV. Biochemical and biomechanical characteristics of dystrophin-deficient mdx 3cv mouse lens. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:165998. [PMID: 33127476 PMCID: PMC8323981 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2020.165998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The molecular and cellular basis for cataract development in mice lacking dystrophin, a scaffolding protein that links the cytoskeleton to the extracellular matrix, is poorly understood. In this study, we characterized lenses derived from the dystrophin-deficient mdx3cv mouse model. Expression of Dp71, a predominant isoform of dystrophin in the lens, was induced during lens fiber cell differentiation. Dp71 was found to co-distribute with dystroglycan, connexin-50 and 46, aquaporin-0, and NrCAM as a large cluster at the center of long arms of the hexagonal fibers. Although mdx3cv mouse lenses exhibited dramatically reduced levels of Dp71, only older lenses revealed punctate nuclear opacities compared to littermate wild type (WT) lenses. The levels of dystroglycan, syntrophin, and dystrobrevin which comprise the dystrophin-associated protein complex (DAPC), and NrCAM, connexin-50, and aquaporin-0, were significantly lower in the lens membrane fraction of adult mdx3cv mice compared to WT mice. Additionally, decreases were observed in myosin light chain phosphorylation and lens stiffness together with a significant elevation in the levels of utrophin, a functional homolog of dystrophin in mdx3cv mouse lenses compared to WT lenses. The levels of perlecan and laminin (ligands of α-dystroglycan) remained normal in dystrophin-deficient lens fibers. Taken together, although mdx3cv mouse lenses exhibit only minor defects in lens clarity possibly due to a compensatory increase in utrophin, the noted disruptions of DAPC, stability, and organization of membrane integral proteins of fibers, and stiffness of mdx3cv lenses reveal the importance of dystrophin and DAPC in maintaining lens clarity and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruthi Karnam
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Nikolai P Skiba
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Ponugoti V Rao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
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17
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Xu S, Tang S, Li X, Iyer SR, Lovering RM. Abnormalities in Brain and Muscle Microstructure and Neurochemistry of the DMD Rat Measured by in vivo Diffusion Tensor Imaging and High Resolution Localized 1H MRS. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:739. [PMID: 32760246 PMCID: PMC7372970 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked disorder caused by the lack of dystrophin with progressive degeneration of skeletal muscles. Most studies regarding DMD understandably focus on muscle, but dystrophin is also expressed in the central nervous system, potentially resulting in cognitive and behavioral changes. Animal models are being used for developing more comprehensive neuromonitoring protocols and clinical image acquisition procedures. The recently developed DMD rat is an animal model that parallels the progressive muscle wasting seen in DMD. Here, we studied the brain and temporalis muscle structure and neurochemistry of wild type (WT) and dystrophic (DMD) rats using magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy. Both structural and neurochemistry alterations were observed in the DMD rat brain and the temporalis muscle. There was a decrease in absolute brain volume (WT = 1579 mm3; DMD = 1501 mm3; p = 0.039, Cohen’s d = 1.867), but not normalized (WT = 4.27; DMD = 4.02; p = 0.306) brain volume. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) revealed structural alterations in the DMD temporalis muscle, with increased mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD). In the DMD rat thalamus, DTI revealed an increase in fractional anisotropy (FA) and a decrease in RD. Smaller normalized brain volume correlated to severity of muscle dystrophy (r = −0.975). Neurochemical changes in the DMD rat brain included increased GABA and NAA in the prefrontal cortex, and GABA in the hippocampus. Such findings could indicate disturbed motor and sensory signaling, resulting in a dysfunctional GABAergic neurotransmission, and an unstable osmoregulation in the dystrophin-null brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Xu
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Center for Advanced Imaging Research, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Shiyu Tang
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Center for Advanced Imaging Research, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Shama R Iyer
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Richard M Lovering
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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18
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Pioner JM, Fornaro A, Coppini R, Ceschia N, Sacconi L, Donati MA, Favilli S, Poggesi C, Olivotto I, Ferrantini C. Advances in Stem Cell Modeling of Dystrophin-Associated Disease: Implications for the Wider World of Dilated Cardiomyopathy. Front Physiol 2020; 11:368. [PMID: 32477154 PMCID: PMC7235370 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Familial dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is mostly caused by mutations in genes encoding cytoskeletal and sarcomeric proteins. In the pediatric population, DCM is the predominant type of primitive myocardial disease. A severe form of DCM is associated with mutations in the DMD gene encoding dystrophin, which are the cause of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). DMD-associated cardiomyopathy is still poorly understood and orphan of a specific therapy. In the last 5 years, a rise of interest in disease models using human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) has led to more than 50 original studies on DCM models. In this review paper, we provide a comprehensive overview on the advances in DMD cardiomyopathy disease modeling and highlight the most remarkable findings obtained from cardiomyocytes differentiated from hiPSCs of DMD patients. We will also describe how hiPSCs based studies have contributed to the identification of specific myocardial disease mechanisms that may be relevant in the pathogenesis of DCM, representing novel potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josè Manuel Pioner
- Division of Physiology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Raffaele Coppini
- Department of NeuroFarBa, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Florence, Italy
| | - Nicole Ceschia
- Cardiomyopathy Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Leonardo Sacconi
- LENS, Università degli Studi di Firenze and National Institute of Optics (INO-CNR), Florence, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Favilli
- Pediatric Cardiology, Meyer Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Corrado Poggesi
- Division of Physiology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Florence, Italy
| | - Iacopo Olivotto
- Cardiomyopathy Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Cecilia Ferrantini
- Division of Physiology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Florence, Italy
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19
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Lanza G, Pino M, Fisicaro F, Vagli C, Cantone M, Pennisi M, Bella R, Bellomo M. Motor activity and Becker's muscular dystrophy: lights and shadows. PHYSICIAN SPORTSMED 2020; 48:151-160. [PMID: 31646922 DOI: 10.1080/00913847.2019.1684810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Becker's disease is an inherited muscular dystrophy caused by mutations in the gene coding for the dystrophin protein that leads to quantitative and/or qualitative protein dysfunction and consequent muscle degeneration. Studies in animal models demonstrate that, while eccentric or high-intensity training are deleterious for dystrophic muscles, low-intensity aerobic training may slowdown the disease process and progression. Based on these preclinical data, the available studies in patients with Becker's muscular dystrophy undergoing workout on a cycle ergometer or on a treadmill, at a heart rate ≤65% of their maximal oxygen uptake, showed that aerobic exercise counteracts physical deterioration and loss of functional abilities. These findings suggest an improvement of physical performance through an increase of muscle strength, fatigue resistance, and dexterity capacities, without substantial evidence of acceleration of muscular damage progression. Therefore, individually tailored mild-to-moderate intensity aerobic exercise should be considered as part of the management of these patients. However, further research is necessary to define specific and standardized guidelines for the prescription of type, intensity, frequency, and duration of motor activities. In this review, we provided a summary of the impact of physical activity both in animal models and in patients with Becker's muscular dystrophy, with the intent to identify trends and gaps in knowledge. The potential therapeutic implications and future research directions have been also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Lanza
- Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Department of Neurology IC, Oasi Research Institute - IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - Marcello Pino
- School of Human and Social Science, University Kore of Enna, Enna, Italy
| | - Francesco Fisicaro
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Carla Vagli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Mariagiovanna Cantone
- Department of Neurology, Sant'Elia Hospital, ASP Caltanissetta, Caltanissetta, Italy
| | - Manuela Pennisi
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rita Bella
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Bellomo
- School of Human and Social Science, University Kore of Enna, Enna, Italy
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20
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Wilkinson IVL, Perkins KJ, Dugdale H, Moir L, Vuorinen A, Chatzopoulou M, Squire SE, Monecke S, Lomow A, Geese M, Charles PD, Burch P, Tinsley JM, Wynne GM, Davies SG, Wilson FX, Rastinejad F, Mohammed S, Davies KE, Russell AJ. Chemical Proteomics and Phenotypic Profiling Identifies the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor as a Molecular Target of the Utrophin Modulator Ezutromid. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201912392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Isabel V. L. Wilkinson
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of OxfordChemistry Research Laboratory Mansfield Road Oxford OX1 3TA UK
| | - Kelly J. Perkins
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and GeneticsUniversity of OxfordSir Henry Wellcome Building of Gene Function South Parks Road Oxford OX1 3PT UK
| | - Hannah Dugdale
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and GeneticsUniversity of OxfordSir Henry Wellcome Building of Gene Function South Parks Road Oxford OX1 3PT UK
| | - Lee Moir
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and GeneticsUniversity of OxfordSir Henry Wellcome Building of Gene Function South Parks Road Oxford OX1 3PT UK
| | - Aini Vuorinen
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of OxfordChemistry Research Laboratory Mansfield Road Oxford OX1 3TA UK
| | - Maria Chatzopoulou
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of OxfordChemistry Research Laboratory Mansfield Road Oxford OX1 3TA UK
| | - Sarah E. Squire
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and GeneticsUniversity of OxfordSir Henry Wellcome Building of Gene Function South Parks Road Oxford OX1 3PT UK
| | - Sebastian Monecke
- Evotec International GmbHManfred Eigen Campus Essener Bogen 7 22419 Hamburg Germany
| | - Alexander Lomow
- Evotec International GmbHManfred Eigen Campus Essener Bogen 7 22419 Hamburg Germany
| | - Marcus Geese
- Evotec International GmbHManfred Eigen Campus Essener Bogen 7 22419 Hamburg Germany
| | - Philip D. Charles
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of Oxford South Parks Rd Oxford OX1 3QU UK
- Target Discovery InstituteUniversity of OxfordOld Road Campus Roosevelt Drive Oxford OX3 7FZ UK
| | - Peter Burch
- Summit Therapeutics plc. 136a Eastern Avenue, Milton Park Abingdon Oxfordshire OX14 4SB UK
| | - Jonathan M. Tinsley
- Summit Therapeutics plc. 136a Eastern Avenue, Milton Park Abingdon Oxfordshire OX14 4SB UK
| | - Graham M. Wynne
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of OxfordChemistry Research Laboratory Mansfield Road Oxford OX1 3TA UK
| | - Stephen G. Davies
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of OxfordChemistry Research Laboratory Mansfield Road Oxford OX1 3TA UK
| | - Francis X. Wilson
- Summit Therapeutics plc. 136a Eastern Avenue, Milton Park Abingdon Oxfordshire OX14 4SB UK
| | - Fraydoon Rastinejad
- Target Discovery InstituteUniversity of OxfordOld Road Campus Roosevelt Drive Oxford OX3 7FZ UK
| | - Shabaz Mohammed
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of OxfordChemistry Research Laboratory Mansfield Road Oxford OX1 3TA UK
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of Oxford South Parks Rd Oxford OX1 3QU UK
| | - Kay E. Davies
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and GeneticsUniversity of OxfordSir Henry Wellcome Building of Gene Function South Parks Road Oxford OX1 3PT UK
| | - Angela J. Russell
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of OxfordChemistry Research Laboratory Mansfield Road Oxford OX1 3TA UK
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of Oxford Mansfield Road Oxford OX1 3PQ UK
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21
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Wilkinson IVL, Perkins KJ, Dugdale H, Moir L, Vuorinen A, Chatzopoulou M, Squire SE, Monecke S, Lomow A, Geese M, Charles PD, Burch P, Tinsley JM, Wynne GM, Davies SG, Wilson FX, Rastinejad F, Mohammed S, Davies KE, Russell AJ. Chemical Proteomics and Phenotypic Profiling Identifies the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor as a Molecular Target of the Utrophin Modulator Ezutromid. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020; 59:2420-2428. [PMID: 31755636 PMCID: PMC7003794 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201912392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [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: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a fatal muscle-wasting disease arising from mutations in the dystrophin gene. Upregulation of utrophin to compensate for the missing dystrophin offers a potential therapy independent of patient genotype. The first-in-class utrophin modulator ezutromid/SMT C1100 was developed from a phenotypic screen through to a Phase 2 clinical trial. Promising efficacy and evidence of target engagement was observed in DMD patients after 24 weeks of treatment, however trial endpoints were not met after 48 weeks. The objective of this study was to understand the mechanism of action of ezutromid which could explain the lack of sustained efficacy and help development of new generations of utrophin modulators. Using chemical proteomics and phenotypic profiling we show that the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a target of ezutromid. Several lines of evidence demonstrate that ezutromid binds AhR with an apparent KD of 50 nm and behaves as an AhR antagonist. Furthermore, other reported AhR antagonists also upregulate utrophin, showing that this pathway, which is currently being explored in other clinical applications including oncology and rheumatoid arthritis, could also be exploited in future DMD therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel V. L. Wilkinson
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of OxfordChemistry Research LaboratoryMansfield RoadOxfordOX1 3TAUK
| | - Kelly J. Perkins
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and GeneticsUniversity of OxfordSir Henry Wellcome Building of Gene FunctionSouth Parks RoadOxfordOX1 3PTUK
| | - Hannah Dugdale
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and GeneticsUniversity of OxfordSir Henry Wellcome Building of Gene FunctionSouth Parks RoadOxfordOX1 3PTUK
| | - Lee Moir
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and GeneticsUniversity of OxfordSir Henry Wellcome Building of Gene FunctionSouth Parks RoadOxfordOX1 3PTUK
| | - Aini Vuorinen
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of OxfordChemistry Research LaboratoryMansfield RoadOxfordOX1 3TAUK
| | - Maria Chatzopoulou
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of OxfordChemistry Research LaboratoryMansfield RoadOxfordOX1 3TAUK
| | - Sarah E. Squire
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and GeneticsUniversity of OxfordSir Henry Wellcome Building of Gene FunctionSouth Parks RoadOxfordOX1 3PTUK
| | - Sebastian Monecke
- Evotec International GmbHManfred Eigen CampusEssener Bogen 722419HamburgGermany
| | - Alexander Lomow
- Evotec International GmbHManfred Eigen CampusEssener Bogen 722419HamburgGermany
| | - Marcus Geese
- Evotec International GmbHManfred Eigen CampusEssener Bogen 722419HamburgGermany
| | - Philip D. Charles
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of OxfordSouth Parks RdOxfordOX1 3QUUK
- Target Discovery InstituteUniversity of OxfordOld Road CampusRoosevelt DriveOxfordOX3 7FZUK
| | - Peter Burch
- Summit Therapeutics plc.136a Eastern Avenue, Milton ParkAbingdonOxfordshireOX14 4SBUK
| | - Jonathan M. Tinsley
- Summit Therapeutics plc.136a Eastern Avenue, Milton ParkAbingdonOxfordshireOX14 4SBUK
| | - Graham M. Wynne
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of OxfordChemistry Research LaboratoryMansfield RoadOxfordOX1 3TAUK
| | - Stephen G. Davies
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of OxfordChemistry Research LaboratoryMansfield RoadOxfordOX1 3TAUK
| | - Francis X. Wilson
- Summit Therapeutics plc.136a Eastern Avenue, Milton ParkAbingdonOxfordshireOX14 4SBUK
| | - Fraydoon Rastinejad
- Target Discovery InstituteUniversity of OxfordOld Road CampusRoosevelt DriveOxfordOX3 7FZUK
| | - Shabaz Mohammed
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of OxfordChemistry Research LaboratoryMansfield RoadOxfordOX1 3TAUK
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of OxfordSouth Parks RdOxfordOX1 3QUUK
| | - Kay E. Davies
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and GeneticsUniversity of OxfordSir Henry Wellcome Building of Gene FunctionSouth Parks RoadOxfordOX1 3PTUK
| | - Angela J. Russell
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of OxfordChemistry Research LaboratoryMansfield RoadOxfordOX1 3TAUK
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of OxfordMansfield RoadOxfordOX1 3PQUK
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22
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Meng J, Sweeney NP, Doreste B, Muntoni F, McClure M, Morgan J. Restoration of Functional Full-Length Dystrophin After Intramuscular Transplantation of Foamy Virus-Transduced Myoblasts. Hum Gene Ther 2020; 31:241-252. [PMID: 31801386 PMCID: PMC7047098 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2019.224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cell therapy is a promising strategy to treat muscle diseases such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). To avoid immune rejection of donor cells or donor-derived muscle, autologous cells, which have been genetically modified to express dystrophin, are preferable to cells derived from healthy donors. Restoration of full-length dystrophin (FL-dys) using viral vectors is extremely challenging, due to the limited packaging capacity of the vectors, but we have recently shown that either a foamy viral or lentiviral vector is able to package FL-dys open-reading frame and transduce myoblasts derived from a DMD patient. Differentiated myotubes derived from these transduced cells produced FL-dys. Here, we transplanted the foamy viral dystrophin-corrected DMD myoblasts intramuscularly into mdx nude mice, and showed that the transduced cells contributed to muscle regeneration, expressing FL-dys in nearly all the muscle fibers of donor origin. Furthermore, we showed that the restored FL-dys recruited members of the dystrophin-associated protein complex and neuronal nitric oxide synthase within donor-derived muscle fibers, evidence that the restored dystrophin protein is functional. Dystrophin-expressing donor-derived muscle fibers expressed lower levels of utrophin than host muscle fibers, providing additional evidence of functional improvement of donor-derived myofibers. This is the first in vivo evidence that foamy virus vector-transduced DMD myoblasts can contribute to muscle regeneration and mediate functional dystrophin restoration following their intramuscular transplantation, representing a promising therapeutic strategy for individual small muscles in DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhong Meng
- Developmental Neuroscience Programme, Molecular Neurosciences Section, Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health Research, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health Biomedical Research Centre, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nathan Paul Sweeney
- Jefferiss Research Trust Laboratories, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bruno Doreste
- Developmental Neuroscience Programme, Molecular Neurosciences Section, Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health Research, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health Biomedical Research Centre, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Francesco Muntoni
- Developmental Neuroscience Programme, Molecular Neurosciences Section, Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health Research, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health Biomedical Research Centre, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Myra McClure
- Jefferiss Research Trust Laboratories, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer Morgan
- Developmental Neuroscience Programme, Molecular Neurosciences Section, Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health Research, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health Biomedical Research Centre, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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23
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Johnston KJA, Adams MJ, Nicholl BI, Ward J, Strawbridge RJ, Ferguson A, McIntosh AM, Bailey MES, Smith DJ. Genome-wide association study of multisite chronic pain in UK Biobank. PLoS Genet 2019; 15:e1008164. [PMID: 31194737 PMCID: PMC6592570 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is highly prevalent worldwide and represents a significant socioeconomic and public health burden. Several aspects of chronic pain, for example back pain and a severity-related phenotype 'chronic pain grade', have been shown previously to be complex heritable traits with a polygenic component. Additional pain-related phenotypes capturing aspects of an individual's overall sensitivity to experiencing and reporting chronic pain have also been suggested as a focus for investigation. We made use of a measure of the number of sites of chronic pain in individuals within the UK general population. This measure, termed Multisite Chronic Pain (MCP), is a complex trait and its genetic architecture has not previously been investigated. To address this, we carried out a large-scale genome-wide association study (GWAS) of MCP in ~380,000 UK Biobank participants. Our findings were consistent with MCP having a significant polygenic component, with a Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) heritability of 10.2%. In total 76 independent lead SNPs at 39 risk loci were associated with MCP. Additional gene-level association analyses identified neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, nervous system development, cell-cycle progression and apoptosis genes as enriched for genetic association with MCP. Genetic correlations were observed between MCP and a range of psychiatric, autoimmune and anthropometric traits, including major depressive disorder (MDD), asthma and Body Mass Index (BMI). Furthermore, in Mendelian randomisation (MR) analyses a causal effect of MCP on MDD was observed. Additionally, a polygenic risk score (PRS) for MCP was found to significantly predict chronic widespread pain (pain all over the body), indicating the existence of genetic variants contributing to both of these pain phenotypes. Overall, our findings support the proposition that chronic pain involves a strong nervous system component with implications for our understanding of the physiology of chronic pain. These discoveries may also inform the future development of novel treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keira J. A. Johnston
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
- Deanery of Molecular, Genetic and Population Health Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
- School of Life Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Mark J. Adams
- Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Barbara I. Nicholl
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Joey Ward
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Rona J. Strawbridge
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
- Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Amy Ferguson
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew M. McIntosh
- Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Mark E. S. Bailey
- School of Life Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel J. Smith
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
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24
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Podkalicka P, Mucha O, Dulak J, Loboda A. Targeting angiogenesis in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:1507-1528. [PMID: 30770952 PMCID: PMC6439152 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03006-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2018] [Revised: 12/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) represents one of the most devastating types of muscular dystrophies which affect boys already at early childhood. Despite the fact that the primary cause of the disease, namely the lack of functional dystrophin is known already for more than 30 years, DMD still remains an incurable disease. Thus, an enormous effort has been made during recent years to reveal novel mechanisms that could provide therapeutic targets for DMD, especially because glucocorticoids treatment acts mostly symptomatic and exerts many side effects, whereas the effectiveness of genetic approaches aiming at the restoration of functional dystrophin is under the constant debate. Taking into account that dystrophin expression is not restricted to muscle cells, but is present also in, e.g., endothelial cells, alterations in angiogenesis process have been proposed to have a significant impact on DMD progression. Indeed, already before the discovery of dystrophin, several abnormalities in blood vessels structure and function have been revealed, suggesting that targeting angiogenesis could be beneficial in DMD. In this review, we will summarize current knowledge about the angiogenesis status both in animal models of DMD as well as in DMD patients, focusing on different organs as well as age- and sex-dependent effects. Moreover, we will critically discuss some approaches such as modulation of vascular endothelial growth factor or nitric oxide related pathways, to enhance angiogenesis and attenuate the dystrophic phenotype. Additionally, we will suggest the potential role of other mediators, such as heme oxygenase-1 or statins in those processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Podkalicka
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
| | - Olga Mucha
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
| | - Jozef Dulak
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Loboda
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387, Kraków, Poland.
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25
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Addicks GC, Marshall P, Jasmin BJ, Renaud JM, Zhang H, Menzies KJ. Critical Assessment of the mdx Mouse with Ex Vivo Eccentric Contraction of the Diaphragm Muscle. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 8:e49. [PMID: 30106518 DOI: 10.1002/cpmo.49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Muscle function and health progressively deteriorate during the progression of muscle dystrophies. The ability to objectively characterize muscle function and muscle damage is useful not only when comparing variants of dystrophy models, but also for characterizing the effects of interventions aiming to improve or halt the progressive decline of muscle function and muscle health. The protocols in this chapter describe the use of ex vivo eccentric contraction of the diaphragm muscle as a measure of muscle susceptibility to damage. Because muscle has a robust regenerative capacity, unhealthy muscle may be functionally close to normal; therefore, protocols for ex vivo characterization of muscle are often essential for assessing the effects of interventions. Additional methods that can be applied for assessment of dystrophic muscle are also highlighted. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory C Addicks
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute and Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Phillip Marshall
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute and Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bernard J Jasmin
- Cellular and Molecular Medicine Department, Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jean-Marc Renaud
- Cellular and Molecular Medicine Department, Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hongbo Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, and The Department of Histology and Embryology of Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun-Yat Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Keir J Menzies
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute and Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology and Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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26
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Hadwen J, Farooq F, Witherspoon L, Schock S, Mongeon K, MacKenzie A. Anisomycin Activates Utrophin Upregulation Through a p38 Signaling Pathway. Clin Transl Sci 2018; 11:506-512. [PMID: 29877606 PMCID: PMC6132359 DOI: 10.1111/cts.12562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a recessive X‐linked disease characterized by progressive muscle wasting; cardiac or respiratory failure causes death in most patients by the third decade. The disease is caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene that lead to a loss of functional dystrophin protein. Although there are currently few treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, previous reports have shown that upregulating the dystrophin paralog utrophin in Duchenne muscular dystrophy mouse models is a promising therapeutic strategy. We conducted in silico mining of the Connectivity Map database for utrophin‐inducing agents, identifying the p38‐activating antibiotic anisomycin. Treatments of C2C12, undifferentiated murine myoblasts, and mdx primary myoblasts with anisomycin conferred increases in utrophin protein levels through p38 pathway activation. Anisomycin also induced utrophin protein levels in the diaphragm of mdx mice. Our study shows that repositioning small molecules such as anisomycin may prove to have Duchenne muscular dystrophy clinical utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremiah Hadwen
- University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.,Apoptosis Research Center, CHEO Research Institute, CHEO, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Faraz Farooq
- Apoptosis Research Center, CHEO Research Institute, CHEO, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Luke Witherspoon
- University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.,Apoptosis Research Center, CHEO Research Institute, CHEO, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Sarah Schock
- University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.,Apoptosis Research Center, CHEO Research Institute, CHEO, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Kevin Mongeon
- University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.,Apoptosis Research Center, CHEO Research Institute, CHEO, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Alex MacKenzie
- University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.,Apoptosis Research Center, CHEO Research Institute, CHEO, Ottawa, Canada
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27
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Mavrogeni S, Papavasiliou A, Giannakopoulou K, Markousis-Mavrogenis G, Pons MR, Karanasios E, Nikas I, Papadopoulos G, Kolovou G, Chrousos GP. Oedema-fibrosis in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: Role of cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging. Eur J Clin Invest 2017; 47. [PMID: 29027210 DOI: 10.1111/eci.12843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked muscle disorder characterized by progressive, irreversible loss of cardiac and skeletal muscular function. Muscular enlargement in DMD is attributed to oedema, due to the increased cytoplasmic Na+ concentration. The aim of this review was to present the current experience and emphasize the role of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in the diagnosis of this condition. DMD patients' survival depends on ventilatory assistance, as respiratory muscle dysfunction was the most common cause of death in the past. Currently, due to improved ventilatory assistance, cardiomyopathy has become the main cause of death, even though clinically overt heart failure may be absent. CMR is the technique of choice to assess the pathophysiologic phenomena taking place in DMD, such as myocardial oedema and subepicardial fibrosis. The classic index to assess oedema is the T2-weighted short-tau inversion recovery (T2w-STIR), as it suppresses the signal from flowing blood and resident fat and enhances sensitivity to tissue fluid. Furthermore, CMR is the most reliable technique to detect and quantify fibrosis in DMD. Recently, the new indices T2, T1 mapping (native and postcontrast) and the extracellular volume (ECV) allow a more accurate approach of myocardial oedema and fibrosis. To conclude, the assessment of cardiac oedema and subepicardial fibrosis in the inferolateral wall of the left heart ventricle are the most important early finding in DMD with preserved ventricular function, and CMR, using both the classic and the new indices, is the best technique to detect and monitor these lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Katerina Giannakopoulou
- First Dept of Paediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Maria Roser Pons
- First Dept of Paediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelos Karanasios
- First Dept of Paediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Nikas
- First Dept of Paediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - George Papadopoulos
- First Dept of Paediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | | | - George P Chrousos
- First Dept of Paediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
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28
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Mavrogeni S, Pons R, Nikas I, Papadopoulos G, Verganelakis DA, Kolovou G, Chrousos GP. Brain and heart magnetic resonance imaging/spectroscopy in duchenne muscular dystrophy. Eur J Clin Invest 2017; 47. [PMID: 28981141 DOI: 10.1111/eci.12842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked muscle disorder characterized by progressive and irreversible loss of muscular function. As muscular disease progresses, the repair mechanisms cannot compensate for cellular damage, leading inevitably to necrosis and progressive replacement by fibrous and fatty tissue. Cardiomyopathy and respiratory failure are the main causes of death in DMD. In addition to the well-described muscle and heart disease, cognitive dysfunction affects around 30% of DMD boys. Myocardial fibrosis, assessed by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), using cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), is an early marker of heart involvement in both DMD patients and female carriers. In parallel, brain MRI identifies smaller total brain volume, smaller grey matter volume, lower white matter fractional anisotropy and higher white matter radial diffusivity in DMD patients. The in vivo brain evaluation of mdx mice, a surrogate animal model of DMD, showed an increased inorganic phosphate (P(i))/phosphocreatine (PCr) and pH. In this paper, we propose a holistic approach using techniques of magnetic resonance imaging, spectroscopy and diffusion tensor imaging as a tool to create a "heart and brain imaging map" in DMD patients that could potentially facilitate the patients' risk stratification and also future research studies in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roser Pons
- 1st Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Nikas
- 1st Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - George Papadopoulos
- 1st Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios A Verganelakis
- 1st Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | | | - George P Chrousos
- 1st Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
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29
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Tsuda T, Fitzgerald KK. Dystrophic Cardiomyopathy: Complex Pathobiological Processes to Generate Clinical Phenotype. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2017; 4:jcdd4030014. [PMID: 29367543 PMCID: PMC5715712 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd4030014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Revised: 08/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD), and X-linked dilated cardiomyopathy (XL-DCM) consist of a unique clinical entity, the dystrophinopathies, which are due to variable mutations in the dystrophin gene. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a common complication of dystrophinopathies, but the onset, progression, and severity of heart disease differ among these subgroups. Extensive molecular genetic studies have been conducted to assess genotype-phenotype correlation in DMD, BMD, and XL-DCM to understand the underlying mechanisms of these diseases, but the results are not always conclusive, suggesting the involvement of complex multi-layers of pathological processes that generate the final clinical phenotype. Dystrophin protein is a part of dystrophin-glycoprotein complex (DGC) that is localized in skeletal muscles, myocardium, smooth muscles, and neuronal tissues. Diversity of cardiac phenotype in dystrophinopathies suggests multiple layers of pathogenetic mechanisms in forming dystrophic cardiomyopathy. In this review article, we review the complex molecular interactions involving the pathogenesis of dystrophic cardiomyopathy, including primary gene mutations and loss of structural integrity, secondary cellular responses, and certain epigenetic and other factors that modulate gene expressions. Involvement of epigenetic gene regulation appears to lead to specific cardiac phenotypes in dystrophic hearts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Tsuda
- Nemours Cardiac Center, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, 1600 Rockland Rd, DE 19803, USA.
| | - Kristi K Fitzgerald
- Nemours Cardiac Center, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, 1600 Rockland Rd, DE 19803, USA.
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30
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Bhat HF, Mir SS, Dar KB, Bhat ZF, Shah RA, Ganai NA. ABC of multifaceted dystrophin glycoprotein complex (DGC). J Cell Physiol 2017; 233:5142-5159. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hina F. Bhat
- Division of BiotechnologySher‐e‐Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir SKUAST‐KShuhama, SrinagarJammu and KashmirIndia
| | - Saima S. Mir
- Department of BiotechnologyUniversity of KashmirHazratbal, SrinagarJammu and KashmirIndia
| | - Khalid B. Dar
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of KashmirHazratbal, SrinagarJammu and KashmirIndia
| | - Zuhaib F. Bhat
- Division of Livestock Products and TechnologySher‐e‐Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (SKUAST‐J), R.S. PoraJammuJammu and KashmirIndia
| | - Riaz A. Shah
- Division of BiotechnologySher‐e‐Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir SKUAST‐KShuhama, SrinagarJammu and KashmirIndia
| | - Nazir A. Ganai
- Division of BiotechnologySher‐e‐Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir SKUAST‐KShuhama, SrinagarJammu and KashmirIndia
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31
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Lopez JR, Kolster J, Zhang R, Adams J. Increased constitutive nitric oxide production by whole body periodic acceleration ameliorates alterations in cardiomyocytes associated with utrophin/dystrophin deficiency. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2017. [PMID: 28623080 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2017.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) cardiomyopathy is a progressive lethal disease caused by the lack of the dystrophin protein in the heart. The most widely used animal model of DMD is the dystrophin-deficient mdx mouse; however, these mice exhibit a mild dystrophic phenotype with heart failure only late in life. In contrast, mice deficient for both dystrophin and utrophin (mdx/utrn-/-, or dKO) can be used to model severe DMD cardiomyopathy where pathophysiological indicators of heart failure are detectable by 8-10weeks of age. Nitric oxide (NO) is an important signaling molecule involved in vital functions of regulating rhythm, contractility, and microcirculation of the heart, and constitutive NO production affects the function of proteins involved in excitation-contraction coupling. In this study, we explored the efficacy of enhancing NO production as a therapeutic strategy for treating DMD cardiomyopathy using the dKO mouse model of DMD. Specifically, NO production was induced via whole body periodic acceleration (pGz), a novel non-pharmacologic intervention which enhances NO synthase (NOS) activity through sinusoidal motion of the body in a headward-footward direction, introducing pulsatile shear stress to the vascular endothelium and cardiomyocyte plasma membrane. Male dKO mice were randomized at 8weeks of age to receive daily pGz (480cpm, Gz±3.0m/s2, 1h/d) for 4weeks or no treatment, and a separate age-matched group of WT animals (pGz-treated and untreated) served as non-diseased controls. At the conclusion of the protocol, cardiomyocytes from untreated dKO animals had, respectively, 4.3-fold and 3.5-fold higher diastolic resting concentration of Ca2+ ([Ca2+]d) and Na+ ([Na+]d) compared to WT, while pGz treatment significantly reduced these levels. For dKO cardiomyocytes, pGz treatment also improved the depressed contractile function, decreased oxidative stress, blunted the elevation in calpain activity, and mitigated the abnormal increase in [Ca2+]d upon mechanical stress. These improvements culminated in a significant reduction in circulating cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and an extension of the median lifespan of dKO mice from 16 to 31weeks. Treatment with L-NAME (NOS inhibitor) significantly decreased overall lifespan and abolished the cardioprotective properties elicited by pGz. Our results provide evidence that enhancement of NO synthesis by pGz can ameliorate cellular dysfunction in dKO cardiomyocytes and may represent a novel therapeutic intervention in DMD cardiomyopathy patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose R Lopez
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA 95616, United States; Division of Neonatology, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami, FL 33140, United States.
| | - Juan Kolster
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, México, D.F., Mexico
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA 95616, United States
| | - Jose Adams
- Division of Neonatology, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami, FL 33140, United States
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32
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Sanchez B, Iyer SR, Li J, Kapur K, Xu S, Rutkove SB, Lovering RM. Non-invasive assessment of muscle injury in healthy and dystrophic animals with electrical impedance myography. Muscle Nerve 2017; 56:E85-E94. [PMID: 28056487 DOI: 10.1002/mus.25559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Revised: 12/30/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Dystrophic muscle is particularly susceptible to eccentric contraction-induced injury. We tested the hypothesis that electrical impedance myography (EIM) can detect injury induced by maximal-force lengthening contractions. METHODS We induced injury in the quadriceps of wild-type (WT) and dystrophic (mdx) mice with eccentric contractions using an established model. RESULTS mdx quadriceps had significantly greater losses in peak twitch and tetany compared with losses in WT quadriceps. Injured muscle showed a significant increase in EIM characteristic frequency in both WT (177 ± 7.7%) and mdx (167 ± 7.8%) quadriceps. EIM also revealed decreased extracellular resistance for both WT and mdx quadriceps after injury. DISCUSSION Our results show overall agreement between muscle function and EIM measurements of injured muscle, indicating that EIM is a viable tool to assess injury in dystrophic muscle. Muscle Nerve 56: E85-E94, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Sanchez
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Shama R Iyer
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, AHB, Room 540, 100 Penn Street, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201, USA
| | - Jia Li
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kush Kapur
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Su Xu
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Seward B Rutkove
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Richard M Lovering
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, AHB, Room 540, 100 Penn Street, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201, USA
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33
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Gonzalez JP, Kyrychenko S, Kyrychenko V, Schneider JS, Granier CJ, Himelman E, Lahey KC, Zhao Q, Yehia G, Tao YX, Bhaumik M, Shirokova N, Fraidenraich D. Small Fractions of Muscular Dystrophy Embryonic Stem Cells Yield Severe Cardiac and Skeletal Muscle Defects in Adult Mouse Chimeras. Stem Cells 2016; 35:597-610. [PMID: 27734557 DOI: 10.1002/stem.2518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2016] [Revised: 09/10/2016] [Accepted: 09/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is characterized by the loss of the protein dystrophin, leading to muscle fragility, progressive weakening, and susceptibility to mechanical stress. Although dystrophin-negative mdx mouse models have classically been used to study DMD, phenotypes appear mild compared to patients. As a result, characterization of muscle pathology, especially in the heart, has proven difficult. We report that injection of mdx embryonic stem cells (ESCs) into Wild Type blastocysts produces adult mouse chimeras with severe DMD phenotypes in the heart and skeletal muscle. Inflammation, regeneration and fibrosis are observed at the whole organ level, both in dystrophin-negative and dystrophin-positive portions of the chimeric tissues. Skeletal and cardiac muscle function are also decreased to mdx levels. In contrast to mdx heterozygous carriers, which show no significant phenotypes, these effects are even observed in chimeras with low levels of mdx ESC incorporation (10%-30%). Chimeric mice lack typical compensatory utrophin upregulation, and show pathological remodeling of Connexin-43. In addition, dystrophin-negative and dystrophin-positive isolated cardiomyocytes show augmented calcium response to mechanical stress, similar to mdx cells. These global effects highlight a novel role of mdx ESCs in triggering muscular dystrophy even when only low amounts are present. Stem Cells 2017;35:597-610.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Patrick Gonzalez
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Sergii Kyrychenko
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Viktoriia Kyrychenko
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Joel S Schneider
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Celine J Granier
- Department of Pediatrics, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Eric Himelman
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Kevin C Lahey
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Qingshi Zhao
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Ghassan Yehia
- Genome Editing Core Facility, Office of Research Advancement, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Yuan-Xiang Tao
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, Newark, New Jersey, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, Newark, New Jersey, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Mantu Bhaumik
- Department of Pediatrics, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Natalia Shirokova
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Diego Fraidenraich
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, Newark, New Jersey, USA
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Tjondrokoesoemo A, Schips TG, Sargent MA, Vanhoutte D, Kanisicak O, Prasad V, Lin SCJ, Maillet M, Molkentin JD. Cathepsin S Contributes to the Pathogenesis of Muscular Dystrophy in Mice. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:9920-8. [PMID: 26966179 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.719054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive disease caused by mutations in the gene encoding dystrophin. Loss of dystrophin protein compromises the stability of the sarcolemma membrane surrounding each muscle cell fiber, leading to membrane ruptures and leakiness that induces myofiber necrosis, a subsequent inflammatory response, and progressive tissue fibrosis with loss of functional capacity. Cathepsin S (Ctss) is a cysteine protease that is actively secreted in areas of tissue injury and ongoing inflammation, where it participates in extracellular matrix remodeling and healing. Here we show significant induction of Ctss expression and proteolytic activity following acute muscle injury or in muscle from mdx mice, a model of DMD. To examine the functional ramifications associated with greater Ctss expression, the Ctss gene was deleted in the mdx genetic background, resulting in protection from muscular dystrophy pathogenesis that included reduced myofiber turnover and histopathology, reduced fibrosis, and improved running capacity. Mechanistically, deletion of the Ctss gene in the mdx background significantly increased myofiber sarcolemmal membrane stability with greater expression and membrane localization of utrophin, integrins, and β-dystroglycan, which anchor the membrane to the basal lamina and underlying cytoskeletal proteins. Consistent with these results, skeletal muscle-specific transgenic mice overexpressing Ctss showed increased myofiber necrosis, muscle histopathology, and a functional deficit reminiscent of muscular dystrophy. Hence, Ctss induction during muscular dystrophy is a pathologic event that partially underlies disease pathogenesis, and its inhibition might serve as a new therapeutic strategy in DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jeffery D Molkentin
- From the Department of Pediatrics and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229
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Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a progressive, fatal, X-linked disease caused by a failure to accumulate the cytoskeletal protein dystrophin. This disease has been studied using a variety of animal models including fish, mice, rats, and dogs. While these models have contributed substantially to our mechanistic understanding of the disease and disease progression, limitations inherent to each model have slowed the clinical advancement of therapies, which necessitates the development of novel large-animal models. Several porcine dystrophin-deficient models have been identified, although disease severity may be so severe as to limit their potential contributions to the field. We have recently identified and completed the initial characterization of a natural porcine model of dystrophin insufficiency. Muscles from these animals display characteristic focal necrosis concomitant with decreased abundance and localization of dystrophin-glycoprotein complex components. These pigs recapitulate many of the cardinal features of muscular dystrophy, have elevated serum creatine kinase activity, and preliminarily appear to display altered locomotion. They also suffer from sudden death preceded by EKG abnormalities. Pig dystrophinopathy models could allow refinement of dosing strategies in human-sized animals in preparation for clinical trials. From an animal handling perspective, these pigs can generally be treated normally, with the understanding that acute stress can lead to sudden death. In summary, the ability to create genetically modified pig models and the serendipitous discovery of genetic disease in the swine industry has resulted in the emergence of new animal tools to facilitate the critical objective of improving the quality and length of life for boys afflicted with such a devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua T Selsby
- Joshua T. Selsby, PhD, and Jason W. Ross, PhD are associate professors of Animal Science at Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011. Dan Nonneman, PhD, is a research molecular biologist at the USDA, ARS, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE 68933. Katrin Hollinger, PhD, was a graduate student in Genetics at Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011
| | - Jason W Ross
- Joshua T. Selsby, PhD, and Jason W. Ross, PhD are associate professors of Animal Science at Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011. Dan Nonneman, PhD, is a research molecular biologist at the USDA, ARS, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE 68933. Katrin Hollinger, PhD, was a graduate student in Genetics at Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011
| | - Dan Nonneman
- Joshua T. Selsby, PhD, and Jason W. Ross, PhD are associate professors of Animal Science at Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011. Dan Nonneman, PhD, is a research molecular biologist at the USDA, ARS, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE 68933. Katrin Hollinger, PhD, was a graduate student in Genetics at Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011
| | - Katrin Hollinger
- Joshua T. Selsby, PhD, and Jason W. Ross, PhD are associate professors of Animal Science at Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011. Dan Nonneman, PhD, is a research molecular biologist at the USDA, ARS, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE 68933. Katrin Hollinger, PhD, was a graduate student in Genetics at Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011
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36
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Tjondrokoesoemo A, Schips T, Kanisicak O, Sargent MA, Molkentin JD. Genetic overexpression of Serpina3n attenuates muscular dystrophy in mice. Hum Mol Genet 2016; 25:1192-202. [PMID: 26744329 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddw005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Muscular dystrophy (MD) is associated with mutations in genes that stabilize the myofiber plasma membrane, such as through the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex (DGC). Instability of this complex or defects in membrane repair/integrity leads to calcium influx and myofiber necrosis leading to progressive dystrophic disease. MD pathogenesis is also associated with increased skeletal muscle protease levels and activity that could augment weakening of the sarcolemma through greater degradation of cellular attachment complexes. Here, we observed a compensatory increase in the serine protease inhibitor Serpina3n in mouse models of MD and after acute muscle tissue injury. Serpina3n muscle-specific transgenic mice were generated to model this increase in expression, which reduced the activity of select proteases in dystrophic skeletal muscle and protected muscle from both acute injury with cardiotoxin and from chronic muscle disease in the mdx or Sgcd(-/-) MD genetic backgrounds. The Serpina3n transgene mitigated muscle degeneration and fibrosis, reduced creatine kinase serum levels, restored running capacity on a treadmill and reduced muscle membrane leakiness in vivo that is characteristic of mdx and Sgcd(-/-) mice. Mechanistically, we show that increased Serpina3n promotes greater sarcolemma membrane integrity and stability in dystrophic mouse models in association with increased membrane residence of the integrins, the DGC/utrophin-glycoprotein complex of proteins and annexin A1. Hence, Serpina3n blocks endogenous increases in the activity of select skeletal muscle resident proteases during injury or dystrophic disease, which stabilizes the sarcolemma leading to less myofiber degeneration and increased regeneration. These results suggest the use of select protease inhibitors as a strategy for treating MD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tobias Schips
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati and
| | | | | | - Jeffery D Molkentin
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 240 Albert Sabin Way, MLC7020, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
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Yue Y, Binalsheikh IM, Leach SB, Domeier TL, Duan D. Prospect of gene therapy for cardiomyopathy in hereditary muscular dystrophy. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2015; 4:169-183. [PMID: 27340611 DOI: 10.1517/21678707.2016.1124039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cardiac involvement is a common feature in muscular dystrophies. It presents as heart failure and/or arrhythmia. Traditionally, dystrophic cardiomyopathy is treated with symptom-relieving medications. Identification of disease-causing genes and investigation on pathogenic mechanisms have opened new opportunities to treat dystrophic cardiomyopathy with gene therapy. Replacing/repairing the mutated gene and/or targeting the pathogenic process/mechanisms using alternative genes may attenuate heart disease in muscular dystrophies. AREAS COVERED Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the most common muscular dystrophy. Duchenne cardiomyopathy has been the primary focus of ongoing dystrophic cardiomyopathy gene therapy studies. Here, we use Duchenne cardiomyopathy gene therapy to showcase recent developments and to outline the path forward. We also discuss gene therapy status for cardiomyopathy associated with limb-girdle and congenital muscular dystrophies, and myotonic dystrophy. EXPERT OPINION Gene therapy for dystrophic cardiomyopathy has taken a slow but steady path forward. Preclinical studies over the last decades have addressed many fundamental questions. Adeno-associated virus-mediated gene therapy has significantly improved the outcomes in rodent models of Duchenne and limb girdle muscular dystrophies. Validation of these encouraging results in large animal models will pave the way to future human trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongping Yue
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri
| | | | - Stacey B Leach
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri
| | - Timothy L Domeier
- Department of Medical Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri
| | - Dongsheng Duan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri; Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri
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38
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Shah F, Berggren D, Holmlund T, Levring Jäghagen E, Stål P. Unique expression of cytoskeletal proteins in human soft palate muscles. J Anat 2015; 228:487-94. [PMID: 26597319 DOI: 10.1111/joa.12417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The human oropharyngeal muscles have a unique anatomy with diverse and intricate functions. To investigate if this specialization is also reflected in the cytoarchitecture of muscle fibers, intermediate filament proteins and the dystrophin-associated protein complex have been analyzed in two human palate muscles, musculus uvula (UV) and musculus palatopharyngeus (PP), with immunohistochenmical and morphological techniques. Human limb muscles were used as reference. The findings show that the soft palate muscle fibers have a cytoskeletal architecture that differs from the limb muscles. While all limb muscles showed immunoreaction for a panel of antibodies directed against different domains of cytoskeletal proteins desmin and dystrophin, a subpopulation of palate muscle fibers lacked or had a faint immunoreaction for desmin (UV 11.7% and PP 9.8%) and the C-terminal of the dystrophin molecule (UV 4.2% and PP 6.4%). The vast majority of these fibers expressed slow contractile protein myosin heavy chain I. Furthermore, an unusual staining pattern was also observed in these fibers for β-dystroglycan, caveolin-3 and neuronal nitric oxide synthase nNOS, which are all membrane-linking proteins associated with the dystrophin C-terminus. While the immunoreaction for nNOS was generally weak or absent, β-dystroglycan and caveolin-3 showed a stronger immunostaining. The absence or a low expression of cytoskeletal proteins otherwise considered ubiquitous and important for integration and contraction of muscle cells indicate a unique cytoarchitecture designed to meet the intricate demands of the upper airway muscles. It can be concluded that a subgroup of muscle fibers in the human soft palate appears to have special biomechanical properties, and their unique cytoarchitecture must be taken into account while assessing function and pathology in oropharyngeal muscles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhan Shah
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Laboratory of Muscle Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Diana Berggren
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Otolaryngology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Thorbjörn Holmlund
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Otolaryngology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Eva Levring Jäghagen
- Department of Odontology, Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Per Stål
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Laboratory of Muscle Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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Gonzalez JP, Crassous PA, Schneider JS, Beuve A, Fraidenraich D. Neuronal nitric oxide synthase localizes to utrophin expressing intercalated discs and stabilizes their structural integrity. Neuromuscul Disord 2015; 25:964-76. [PMID: 26483274 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2015.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2015] [Revised: 09/17/2015] [Accepted: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The neuronal nitric-oxide synthase (nNOS) splice variant nNOSµ is essential for skeletal muscle function. Its localization is dependent on dystrophin, which stabilizes the dystrophin glycoprotein complex (DGC) at the sarcolemma of skeletal muscle fibers. In Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) dystrophin is absent and sarcolemmal nNOS is lost. This leads to functional ischemia due to a decrease in contraction-induced vasodilation. In cardiomyocytes, nNOSµ is believed to be the predominant NOS isoform. However, the association of nNOS with the DGC in the heart is unclear. Here, we report nNOS localization at the intercalated discs (IDs) of cardiomyocytes, where utrophin is highly expressed. In mdx, mdx:utr, nNOSµ knock-out (KO), and mdx:nNOSµ KO mice, we observed a gradual reduction of nNOS at IDs and disrupted ID morphology, compared to wild-type. In mdx:nNOSµ KO mice, but not in mdx or nNOSµ KO mice, we also observed an early development of cardiac fibrosis. These findings suggest that nNOS localization in the heart may not depend exclusively on the presence of dystrophin. Additionally, the β1 subunit of soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC), responsible for the production of cGMP through nitric oxide (NO) signaling, was also detected at the IDs. Together, our results suggest a new role of nNOS at the IDs for the cGMP-dependent NO pathway and the maintenance of ID morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Patrick Gonzalez
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Pierre-Antoine Crassous
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Joel S Schneider
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Annie Beuve
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Diego Fraidenraich
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA.
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40
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Xu S, Shi D, Pratt SJP, Zhu W, Marshall A, Lovering RM. Abnormalities in brain structure and biochemistry associated with mdx mice measured by in vivo MRI and high resolution localized (1)H MRS. Neuromuscul Disord 2015; 25:764-72. [PMID: 26236031 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2015.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Revised: 06/21/2015] [Accepted: 07/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), an X-linked disorder caused by the lack of dystrophin, is characterized by the progressive wasting of skeletal muscles. To date, what is known about dystrophin function is derived from studies of dystrophin-deficient animals, with the most common model being the mdx mouse. Most studies on patients with DMD and in mdx mice have focused on skeletal muscle and the development of therapies to reverse, or at least slow, the severe muscle wasting and progressive degeneration. However, dystrophin is also expressed in the CNS. Both mdx mice and patients with DMD can have cognitive and behavioral changes, but studies in the dystrophic brain are limited. We examined the brain structure and metabolites of mature wild type (WT) and mdx mice using magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy (MRI/MRS). Both structural and metabolic alterations were observed in the mdx brain. Enlarged lateral ventricles were detected in mdx mice when compared to WT. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) revealed elevations in diffusion diffusivities in the prefrontal cortex and a reduction of fractional anisotropy in the hippocampus. Metabolic changes included elevations in phosphocholine and glutathione, and a reduction in γ-aminobutyric acid in the hippocampus. In addition, an elevation in taurine was observed in the prefrontal cortex. Such findings indicate a regional structural change, altered cellular antioxidant defenses, a dysfunction of GABAergic neurotransmission, and a perturbed osmoregulation in the brain lacking dystrophin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Xu
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Da Shi
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stephen J P Pratt
- Department of Orthopaedics, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Wenjun Zhu
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Andrew Marshall
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Richard M Lovering
- Department of Orthopaedics, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Manning J, O'Malley D. What has the mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy contributed to our understanding of this disease? J Muscle Res Cell Motil 2015; 36:155-67. [PMID: 25669899 DOI: 10.1007/s10974-015-9406-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2015] [Accepted: 01/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a fatal X-chromosome linked recessive disorder caused by the truncation or deletion of the dystrophin gene. The most widely used animal model of this disease is the dystrophin-deficient mdx mouse which was first discovered 30 years ago. Despite its extensive use in DMD research, no effective treatment has yet been developed for this devastating disease. This review explores what we have learned from this mouse model regarding the pathophysiology of DMD and asks if it has a future in providing a better more thorough understanding of this disease or if it will bring us any closer to improving the outlook for DMD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Manning
- Department of Physiology, University College Cork, 4.23 Western Gateway Building, Cork, Ireland
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42
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Muscle function recovery in golden retriever muscular dystrophy after AAV1-U7 exon skipping. Mol Ther 2012; 20:2120-33. [PMID: 22968479 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2012.181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive disorder resulting from lesions of the gene encoding dystrophin. These usually consist of large genomic deletions, the extents of which are not correlated with the severity of the phenotype. Out-of-frame deletions give rise to dystrophin deficiency and severe DMD phenotypes, while internal deletions that produce in-frame mRNAs encoding truncated proteins can lead to a milder myopathy known as Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD). Widespread restoration of dystrophin expression via adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated exon skipping has been successfully demonstrated in the mdx mouse model and in cardiac muscle after percutaneous transendocardial delivery in the golden retriever muscular dystrophy dog (GRMD) model. Here, a set of optimized U7snRNAs carrying antisense sequences designed to rescue dystrophin were delivered into GRMD skeletal muscles by AAV1 gene transfer using intramuscular injection or forelimb perfusion. We show sustained correction of the dystrophic phenotype in extended muscle areas and partial recovery of muscle strength. Muscle architecture was improved and fibers displayed the hallmarks of mature and functional units. A 5-year follow-up ruled out immune rejection drawbacks but showed a progressive decline in the number of corrected muscle fibers, likely due to the persistence of a mild dystrophic process such as occurs in BMD phenotypes. Although AAV-mediated exon skipping was shown safe and efficient to rescue a truncated dystrophin, it appears that recurrent treatments would be required to maintain therapeutic benefit ahead of the progression of the disease.
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43
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Singh SM, Molas JF, Kongari N, Bandi S, Armstrong GS, Winder SJ, Mallela KM. Thermodynamic stability, unfolding kinetics, and aggregation of the N-terminal actin-binding domains of utrophin and dystrophin. Proteins 2012; 80:1377-92. [PMID: 22275054 PMCID: PMC3439503 DOI: 10.1002/prot.24033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2011] [Revised: 12/21/2011] [Accepted: 01/02/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Muscular dystrophy (MD) is the most common genetic lethal disorder in children. Mutations in dystrophin trigger the most common form of MD, Duchenne, and its allelic variant Becker MD. Utrophin is the closest homologue and has been shown to compensate for the loss of dystrophin in human disease animal models. However, the structural and functional similarities and differences between utrophin and dystrophin are less understood. Both proteins interact with actin through their N-terminal actin-binding domain (N-ABD). In this study, we examined the thermodynamic stability and aggregation of utrophin N-ABD and compared with that of dystrophin. Our results show that utrophin N-ABD has spectroscopic properties similar to dystrophin N-ABD. However, utrophin N-ABD has decreased denaturant and thermal stability, unfolds faster, and is correspondingly more susceptible to proteolysis, which might account for its decreased in vivo half-life compared to dystrophin. In addition, utrophin N-ABD aggregates to a lesser extent compared with dystrophin N-ABD, contrary to the general behavior of proteins in which decreased stability enhances protein aggregation. Despite these differences in stability and aggregation, both proteins exhibit deleterious effects of mutations. When utrophin N-ABD mutations analogous in position to the dystrophin disease-causing mutations were generated, they behaved similarly to dystrophin mutants in terms of decreased stability and the formation of cross-β aggregates, indicating a possible role for utrophin mutations in disease mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surinder M. Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA
| | - Justine F. Molas
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA
| | - Narsimulu Kongari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA
| | - Swati Bandi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA
| | - Geoffrey S. Armstrong
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309, USA
| | - Steve J. Winder
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Krishna M.G. Mallela
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA
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Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides a solid scaffold and signals to cells through ECM receptors. The cell-matrix interactions are crucial for normal biological processes and when disrupted they may lead to pathological processes. In particular, the biological importance of ECM-cell membrane-cytoskeleton interactions in skeletal muscle is accentuated by the number of inherited muscle diseases caused by mutations in proteins conferring these interactions. In this review we introduce laminins, collagens, dystroglycan, integrins, dystrophin and sarcoglycans. Mutations in corresponding genes cause various forms of muscular dystrophy. The muscle disorders are presented as well as advances toward the development of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginie Carmignac
- Muscle Biology Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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45
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Wehling-Henricks M, Tidball JG. Neuronal nitric oxide synthase-rescue of dystrophin/utrophin double knockout mice does not require nNOS localization to the cell membrane. PLoS One 2011; 6:e25071. [PMID: 22003386 PMCID: PMC3189177 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0025071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2011] [Accepted: 08/26/2011] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Survival of dystrophin/utrophin double-knockout (dko) mice was increased by muscle-specific expression of a neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) transgene. Dko mice expressing the transgene (nNOS TG+/dko) experienced delayed onset of mortality and increased life-span. The nNOS TG+/dko mice demonstrated a significant decrease in the concentration of CD163+, M2c macrophages that can express arginase and promote fibrosis. The decrease in M2c macrophages was associated with a significant reduction in fibrosis of heart, diaphragm and hindlimb muscles of nNOS TG+/dko mice. The nNOS transgene had no effect on the concentration of cytolytic, CD68+, M1 macrophages. Accordingly, we did not observe any change in the extent of muscle fiber lysis in the nNOS TG+/dko mice. These findings show that nNOS/NO (nitric oxide)-mediated decreases in M2c macrophages lead to a reduction in the muscle fibrosis that is associated with increased mortality in mice lacking dystrophin and utrophin. Interestingly, the dramatic and beneficial effects of the nNOS transgene were not attributable to localization of nNOS protein at the cell membrane. We did not detect any nNOS protein at the sarcolemma in nNOS TG+/dko muscles. This important observation shows that sarcolemmal localization is not necessary for nNOS to have beneficial effects in dystrophic tissue and the presence of nNOS in the cytosol of dystrophic muscle fibers can ameliorate the pathology and most importantly, significantly increase life-span.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Wehling-Henricks
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - James G. Tidball
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Physiology Program, University of California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Krag TO, Hauerslev S, Sveen ML, Schwartz M, Vissing J. Level of muscle regeneration in limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2I relates to genotype and clinical severity. Skelet Muscle 2011; 1:31. [PMID: 21970816 PMCID: PMC3197566 DOI: 10.1186/2044-5040-1-31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2011] [Accepted: 10/05/2011] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The balance between muscle regeneration and ongoing degeneration is a relationship that greatly influences the progression of muscular dystrophy. Numerous factors may influence the muscle regeneration, but more information about the relationship between genotype, clinical severity and the ability to regenerate is needed. Methods Muscle biopsies were obtained from the tibialis anterior muscle, and frozen sections were stained for general histopathological and immunohistological evaluation. Differences between groups were considered statistical significant at P < 0.05 using Student's unpaired t-test. Results We found that all patients with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2I (LGMD2I) had a large number of internally nucleated fibers, a sign of previous regeneration. The level of expression of muscle-specific developmental proteins, such as neonatal myosin heavy chain (nMHC) and myogenin, was related to the clinical severity. Additionally, we found that the majority of nMHC-positive fibers did not stain positively for utrophin in patients who were compound heterozygous for the L276I mutation, suggesting that the predominant form of regeneration in these patients is fiber repair rather than formation of new fibers. Double staining showed that many smaller nMHC-positive fibers were positive for antibodies against the glycosylation on α-dystroglycan, suggesting that such glycosylation may be a result of muscle regeneration. Conclusion Severely affected patients with LGMD2I have a high level of muscle degeneration, which leads to a high rate of regeneration, but this is insufficient to change the imbalance between degeneration and regeneration, ultimately leading to progressive muscle wasting. Detailed information regarding the level and rate of muscle regeneration and potential obstructions of the regenerative pathway should be of use for future therapies involving satellite-cell activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas O Krag
- Neuromuscular Research Unit, Department of Neurology Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Basco D, Nicchia GP, D'Alessandro A, Zolla L, Svelto M, Frigeri A. Absence of aquaporin-4 in skeletal muscle alters proteins involved in bioenergetic pathways and calcium handling. PLoS One 2011; 6:e19225. [PMID: 21552523 PMCID: PMC3084271 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0019225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2011] [Accepted: 03/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) is a water channel expressed at the sarcolemma of fast-twitch skeletal muscle fibers, whose expression is altered in several forms of muscular dystrophies. However, little is known concerning the physiological role of AQP4 in skeletal muscle and its functional and structural interaction with skeletal muscle proteome. Using AQP4-null mice, we analyzed the effect of the absence of AQP4 on the morphology and protein composition of sarcolemma as well as on the whole skeletal muscle proteome. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that the absence of AQP4 did not perturb the expression and cellular localization of the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex proteins, aside from those belonging to the extracellular matrix, and no alteration was found in sarcolemma integrity by dye extravasation assay. With the use of a 2DE-approach (BN/SDS-PAGE), protein maps revealed that in quadriceps, out of 300 Coomassie-blue detected and matched spots, 19 proteins exhibited changed expression in AQP4(-/-) compared to WT mice. In particular, comparison of the protein profiles revealed 12 up- and 7 down-regulated protein spots in AQP4-/- muscle. Protein identification by MS revealed that the perturbed expression pattern belongs to proteins involved in energy metabolism (i.e. GAPDH, creatine kinase), as well as in Ca(2+) handling (i.e. parvalbumin, SERCA1). Western blot analysis, performed on some significantly changed proteins, validated the 2D results. Together these findings suggest AQP4 as a novel determinant in the regulation of skeletal muscle metabolism and better define the role of this water channel in skeletal muscle physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Basco
- Department of General and Environmental Physiology, University of Bari-Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
- Centre of Excellence in Comparative Genomics (CEGBA), University of Bari-Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Grazia Paola Nicchia
- Department of General and Environmental Physiology, University of Bari-Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
- Centre of Excellence in Comparative Genomics (CEGBA), University of Bari-Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Angelo D'Alessandro
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Tuscia University, Largo dell'Università snc, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Lello Zolla
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Tuscia University, Largo dell'Università snc, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Maria Svelto
- Department of General and Environmental Physiology, University of Bari-Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
- Centre of Excellence in Comparative Genomics (CEGBA), University of Bari-Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Frigeri
- Department of General and Environmental Physiology, University of Bari-Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
- Centre of Excellence in Comparative Genomics (CEGBA), University of Bari-Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
- * E-mail:
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48
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Chancellor DR, Davies KE, De Moor O, Dorgan CR, Johnson PD, Lambert AG, Lawrence D, Lecci C, Maillol C, Middleton PJ, Nugent G, Poignant SD, Potter AC, Price PD, Pye RJ, Storer R, Tinsley JM, van Well R, Vickers R, Vile J, Wilkes FJ, Wilson FX, Wren SP, Wynne GM. Discovery of 2-arylbenzoxazoles as upregulators of utrophin production for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. J Med Chem 2011; 54:3241-50. [PMID: 21456623 DOI: 10.1021/jm200135z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
A series of novel 2-arylbenzoxazoles that upregulate the production of utrophin in murine H2K cells, as assessed using a luciferase reporter linked assay, have been identified. This compound class appears to hold considerable promise as a potential treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Following the delineation of structure-activity relationships in the series, a number of potent upregulators were identified, and preliminary ADME evaluation is described. These studies have resulted in the identification of 1, a compound that has been progressed to clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R Chancellor
- Summit plc , 91 Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 4RY, United Kingdom
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Kim MH, Kay DI, Rudra RT, Chen BM, Hsu N, Izumiya Y, Martinez L, Spencer MJ, Walsh K, Grinnell AD, Crosbie RH. Myogenic Akt signaling attenuates muscular degeneration, promotes myofiber regeneration and improves muscle function in dystrophin-deficient mdx mice. Hum Mol Genet 2011; 20:1324-38. [PMID: 21245083 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddr015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the most common form of childhood muscular dystrophy, is caused by X-linked inherited mutations in the dystrophin gene. Dystrophin deficiencies result in the loss of the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex at the plasma membrane, which leads to structural instability and muscle degeneration. Previously, we induced muscle-specific overexpression of Akt, a regulator of cellular metabolism and survival, in mdx mice at pre-necrotic (<3.5 weeks) ages and demonstrated upregulation of the utrophin-glycoprotein complex and protection against contractile-induced stress. Here, we found that delaying exogenous Akt treatment of mdx mice after the onset of peak pathology (>6 weeks) similarly increased the abundance of compensatory adhesion complexes at the extrasynaptic sarcolemma. Akt introduction after onset of pathology reverses the mdx histopathological measures, including decreases in blood serum albumin infiltration. Akt also improves muscle function in mdx mice as demonstrated through in vivo grip strength tests and in vitro contraction measurements of the extensor digitorum longus muscle. To further explore the significance of Akt in myofiber regeneration, we injured wild-type muscle with cardiotoxin and found that Akt induced a faster regenerative response relative to controls at equivalent time points. We demonstrate that Akt signaling pathways counteract mdx pathogenesis by enhancing endogenous compensatory mechanisms. These findings provide a rationale for investigating the therapeutic activation of the Akt pathway to counteract muscle wasting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle H Kim
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
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50
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Marginal level dystrophin expression improves clinical outcome in a strain of dystrophin/utrophin double knockout mice. PLoS One 2010; 5:e15286. [PMID: 21187970 PMCID: PMC3004926 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0015286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2010] [Accepted: 11/04/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Inactivation of all utrophin isoforms in dystrophin-deficient mdx mice results in a strain of utrophin knockout mdx (uko/mdx) mice. Uko/mdx mice display severe clinical symptoms and die prematurely as in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients. Here we tested the hypothesis that marginal level dystrophin expression may improve the clinical outcome of uko/mdx mice. It is well established that mdx3cv (3cv) mice express a near-full length dystrophin protein at ∼5% of the normal level. We crossed utrophin-null mutation to the 3cv background. The resulting uko/3cv mice expressed the same level of dystrophin as 3cv mice but utrophin expression was completely eliminated. Surprisingly, uko/3cv mice showed a much milder phenotype. Compared to uko/mdx mice, uko/3cv mice had significantly higher body weight and stronger specific muscle force. Most importantly, uko/3cv outlived uko/mdx mice by several folds. Our results suggest that a threshold level dystrophin expression may provide vital clinical support in a severely affected DMD mouse model. This finding may hold clinical implications in developing novel DMD therapies.
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