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Hinkley L, Orbach R, Park J, Alvarez R, Dziewczapolski G, Bönnemann CG, Foley AR. An International Retrospective Early Natural History Study of LAMA2-Related Dystrophies. J Neuromuscul Dis 2024:JND240048. [PMID: 39177609 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-240048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
Background LAMA2-related dystrophies (LAMA2-RDs) represent one of the most common forms of congenital muscular dystrophy and have historically been classified into two subtypes: complete or partial deficiency of laminin-211 (merosin). Patients with LAMA2-RD with the typical congenital phenotype manifest severe muscle weakness, delayed motor milestones, joint contractures, failure to thrive, and progressive respiratory insufficiency. Objective While a comprehensive prospective natural history study has been performed in LAMA2-RD patients over 5 years of age, the early natural history of patients with LAMA2-RD 5 years and younger has not been comprehensively characterized. Methods We extracted retrospective data for patients with LAMA2-RD ages birth through 5 years via the Congenital Muscle Disease International Registry (CMDIR). We analyzed the data using a phenotypic classification based on maximal motor milestones to divide patients into two phenotypic groups: "Sit" for those patients who attained that ability to remain seated and "Walk" for those patients who attained the ability to walk independently by 3.5 years of age. Results Sixty patients with LAMA2-RD from 10 countries fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Twenty-four patients had initiated non-invasive ventilation by age 5 years. Hospitalizations during the first years of life were often related to respiratory insufficiency. Feeding/nutritional difficulties and orthopedic issues were commonly reported. Significant elevations of creatine kinase (CK) observed during the neonatal period declined rapidly within the first few months of life. Conclusions This is the largest international retrospective early natural history study of LAMA2-RD to date, contributing essential data for understanding early clinical findings in LAMA2-RD which, along with the data being collected in international, prospective early natural history studies, will help to establish clinical trial readiness. Our proposed nomenclature of LAMA2-RD1 for patients who attain the ability to sit (remain seated) and LAMA2-RD2 for patients who attain the ability to walk independently is aimed at further improving LAMA2-RD classification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Hinkley
- Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disorders of Childhood Section, Neurogenetics Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Rotem Orbach
- Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disorders of Childhood Section, Neurogenetics Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Justin Park
- Cure CMD, Congenital Muscle Disease International Registry
| | - Rachel Alvarez
- Cure CMD, Congenital Muscle Disease International Registry
| | | | - Carsten G Bönnemann
- Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disorders of Childhood Section, Neurogenetics Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - A Reghan Foley
- Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disorders of Childhood Section, Neurogenetics Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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2
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Yurchenco PD, Kulczyk AW. Polymerizing laminins in development, health, and disease. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107429. [PMID: 38825010 PMCID: PMC11260871 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107429] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Polymerizing laminins are multi-domain basement membrane (BM) glycoproteins that self-assemble into cell-anchored planar lattices to establish the initial BM scaffold. Nidogens, collagen-IV and proteoglycans then bind to the scaffold at different domain loci to create a mature BM. The LN domains of adjacent laminins bind to each other to form a polymer node, while the LG domains attach to cytoskeletal-anchoring integrins and dystroglycan, as well as to sulfatides and heparan sulfates. The polymer node, the repeating unit of the polymer scaffold, is organized into a near-symmetrical triskelion. The structure, recently solved by cryo-electron microscopy in combination with AlphaFold2 modeling and biochemical studies, reveals how the LN surface residues interact with each other and how mutations cause failures of self-assembly in an emerging group of diseases, the LN-lamininopathies, that include LAMA2-related dystrophy and Pierson syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter D Yurchenco
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA.
| | - Arkadiusz W Kulczyk
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
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3
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Enzmann C, Steiner L, Pospieszny K, Zweier C, Plattner K, Baumann D, Henzi B, Galiart E, Fink M, Jacquier D, Stettner GM, Ripellino P, Fluss J, Klein A. A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study of the Swiss Cohort of LAMA2-Related Muscular Dystrophy. J Neuromuscul Dis 2024; 11:1021-1033. [PMID: 39213089 PMCID: PMC11380305 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-240023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Background LAMA2-related muscular dystrophy (LAMA2-RD) is an autosomal-recessive disorder and one of the most common congenital muscular dystrophies. Due to promising therapies in preclinical development, there is an increasing effort to better define the epidemiology and natural history of this disease. Objective The present study aimed to describe a well-characterized baseline cohort of patients with LAMA2-RD in Switzerland. Methods The study used data collected by the Swiss Registry for Neuromuscular Disorders (Swiss-Reg-NMD). Diagnostic findings were derived from genetics, muscle biopsy, creatine kinase-level and electrophysiological testing, as well as from brain MRIs. Further clinical information included motor assessments (CHOP INTEND, MFM20/32), joint contractures, scoliosis, ophthalmoplegia, weight gain, feeding difficulties, respiratory function, cardiac investigations, EEG findings, IQ and schooling. Results Eighteen patients with LAMA-RD were included in the Swiss-Reg-NMD as of May 2023 (age at inclusion into the registry: median age 8.7 years, range 1 month - 31 years F = 8, M = 10). Fourteen patients presented with the severe form of LAMA2-RD (were never able to walk; CMD), whereas four patients presented with the milder form (present or lost walking capability; LGMD). All patients classified as CMD had symptoms before 12 months of age and 11/14 before the age of six months. 15 carried homozygous or compound heterozygous pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in LAMA2 and two were homozygous for a variant of unknown significance (one patient unknown). Brain MRI was available for 14 patients, 13 had white matter changes and 11 had additional structural abnormalities, including cobblestone malformations, pontine hypoplasia and an enlarged tegmento-vermial angle not reported before. Conclusion This study describes the Swiss cohort of patients with LAMA2-RD and gives insights into measuring disease severity and disease progression, which is important for future clinical trials, as well as for a better clinical understanding and management of patients with LAMA2-RD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelia Enzmann
- Division of Neuropediatrics and Developmental Medicine, University Children’s Hospital Basel (UKBB), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Division of Neuropediatrics, Children’s Hospital, Cantonal Hospital Aarau (KSA), Aarau, Switzerland
| | - Leonie Steiner
- Department of Paediatrics, Division of Neuropaediatrics, Development and Rehabilitation, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Katarzyna Pospieszny
- University Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Christiane Zweier
- Department of Human Genetics, Inselspital Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Kevin Plattner
- Department of Human Genetics, Inselspital Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Dominique Baumann
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Bettina Henzi
- Department of Paediatrics, Division of Neuropaediatrics, Development and Rehabilitation, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Elea Galiart
- Neuromuscular Center Zurich and Department of Pediatric Neurology, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mirjam Fink
- Department of Paediatrics, Division of Neuropaediatrics, Development and Rehabilitation, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - David Jacquier
- Pediatric Neurology and Neurorehabilitation Unit, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Georg M. Stettner
- Neuromuscular Center Zurich and Department of Pediatric Neurology, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Paolo Ripellino
- Department of Neurology, Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland EOC, Lugano, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Joel Fluss
- Neuropediatric Unit, Children’s Hospital, University Hospital of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Klein
- Division of Neuropediatrics and Developmental Medicine, University Children’s Hospital Basel (UKBB), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Paediatrics, Division of Neuropaediatrics, Development and Rehabilitation, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Herrera Malpica WS, Ortiz-Corredor F, Sanchez Peñarete D, Muñetones Hernández PV. Congenital Muscular Dystrophy Due to Merosin Deficiency: Report of a New Mutation. Cureus 2023; 15:e39988. [PMID: 37416022 PMCID: PMC10321457 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.39988] [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] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Congenital muscular dystrophy due to merosin deficiency is one of the most common congenital muscular dystrophies. It is characterized by a LAMA2 gene mutation and causes varied clinical symptoms depending on the type of presentation. In this case report, we identified the importance of the medical history and the autosomal recessive expression, which compromises the sequencing of the LAMA2 gene, with a mutation variant c. 1854_1861dup (p. Leu621Hisfs*7), in homozygosity not described so far. As well as the phenotypic characteristics of the evidenced mutation. A 13-year-old patient presented with a clinical history that began at 18 months of age. According to the mother, the patient had a delay in neurological development and could not walk since he was 7. In addition, contractures were observed in the lower extremity, elbows, and fingers of both hands. The patient also had scoliosis, bilateral hip dysplasia, and sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome. However, cognitive function was unaffected. Extension studies revealed elevated creatine kinase levels, electromyography indicated muscle fiber involvement, and brain resonance imaging showed a hyperintense lesion at the periventricular level along with symmetrical supratentorial findings. Immunohistochemical studies of merosin showed incomplete reactivity and gene sequencing revealed evidence of a LAMA2 mutation: c. 1854_1861dup (p. Leu621Hisfs*7), in homozygosity. Congenital muscular dystrophy caused by merosin deficiency is characterized by the absence of laminin alpha-2. The clinical manifestation of this disease is a severe phenotype, mainly due to the early onset of the disease. In patients with mutations in the LAMA2 gene, the absence or partial reduction of laminin alpha-2 staining may allow some degree of ambulation, as it could indicate a partially functional protein. To complement clinical, immunohistochemical, and pathologic findings, ultrasound can be used as a potential tool for monitoring or assisting in the diagnosis of individuals with congenital muscular dystrophy. In this study, we performed sequencing of the LAMA2 gene, which revealed a homozygous c. 1854_1861dup (p. Leu621Hisfs*7) mutation. In addition, we describe the phenotypic features associated with this specific mutation.
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Oliveira-Santos A, Dagda M, Wittmann J, Smalley R, Burkin DJ. Vemurafenib improves muscle histopathology in a mouse model of LAMA2-related congenital muscular dystrophy. Dis Model Mech 2023; 16:dmm049916. [PMID: 37021539 PMCID: PMC10184677 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Laminin-α2-related congenital muscular dystrophy (LAMA2-CMD) is a neuromuscular disease affecting around 1-9 in 1,000,000 children. LAMA2-CMD is caused by mutations in the LAMA2 gene resulting in the loss of laminin-211/221 heterotrimers in skeletal muscle. LAMA2-CMD patients exhibit severe hypotonia and progressive muscle weakness. Currently, there is no effective treatment for LAMA2-CMD and patients die prematurely. The loss of laminin-α2 results in muscle degeneration, defective muscle repair and dysregulation of multiple signaling pathways. Signaling pathways that regulate muscle metabolism, survival and fibrosis have been shown to be dysregulated in LAMA2-CMD. As vemurafenib is a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved serine/threonine kinase inhibitor, we investigated whether vemurafenib could restore some of the serine/threonine kinase-related signaling pathways and prevent disease progression in the dyW-/- mouse model of LAMA2-CMD. Our results show that vemurafenib reduced muscle fibrosis, increased myofiber size and reduced the percentage of fibers with centrally located nuclei in dyW-/- mouse hindlimbs. These studies show that treatment with vemurafenib restored the TGF-β/SMAD3 and mTORC1/p70S6K signaling pathways in skeletal muscle. Together, our results indicate that vemurafenib partially improves histopathology but does not improve muscle function in a mouse model of LAMA2-CMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariany Oliveira-Santos
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Nevada Reno, School of Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Marisela Dagda
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Nevada Reno, School of Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Jennifer Wittmann
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Nevada Reno, School of Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Robert Smalley
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Nevada Reno, School of Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Dean J. Burkin
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Nevada Reno, School of Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine, Reno, NV 89557, USA
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6
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McKee KK, Yurchenco PD. Dual transgene amelioration of Lama2-null muscular dystrophy. Matrix Biol 2023; 118:1-15. [PMID: 36878377 PMCID: PMC10771811 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2023.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
Null mutations of the Lama2-gene cause a severe congenital muscular dystrophy and associated neuropathy. In the absence of laminin-α2 (Lmα2) there is a compensatory replacement by Lmα4, a subunit that lacks the polymerization and α-dystroglycan (αDG)-binding properties of Lmα2. The dystrophic phenotype in the dy3K/dy3K Lama2-/- mouse were evaluated with transgenes driving expression of two synthetic laminin-binding linker proteins. Transgenic muscle-specific expression of αLNNd, a chimeric protein that enables α4-laminin polymerization, and miniagrin (mag), a protein that increases laminin binding to the receptor αDG, separately improved median mouse survival two-fold. The double transgenes (DT) improved mean survival three-fold with increases in overall body weight, muscle size, and grip strength, but, given absence of neuronal expression, did not prevent hindlimb paresis. Muscle improvements included increased myofiber size and number and reduced fibrosis. Myofiber hypertrophy with increased mTOR and Akt phosphorylation were characteristics of mag-dy3K/dy3K and DT-dy3K/dy3K muscle. Elevations of matrix-bound α4-, β1 and γ1 laminin subunits were detected in muscle extracts and immunostained sections in response to DT expression. Collectively, these findings reveal a complimentary polymerization and αDG-binding benefit to Lama2-/- mouse muscle largely mediated through modified laminin-411.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen K McKee
- Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Peter D Yurchenco
- Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA.
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7
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Lake NJ, Phua J, Liu W, Moors T, Axon S, Lek M. Estimating the Prevalence of LAMA2 Congenital Muscular Dystrophy using Population Genetic Databases. J Neuromuscul Dis 2023; 10:381-387. [PMID: 37005889 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-221552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Background: Recessive pathogenic variants in LAMA2 resulting in complete or partial loss of laminin α2 protein cause congenital muscular dystrophy (LAMA2 CMD). The prevalence of LAMA2 CMD has been estimated by epidemiological studies to lie between 1.36–20 cases per million. However, prevalence estimates from epidemiological studies are vulnerable to inaccuracies owing to challenges with studying rare diseases. Population genetic databases offer an alternative method for estimating prevalence. Objective: We aim to use population allele frequency data for reported and predicted pathogenic variants to estimate the birth prevalence of LAMA2 CMD. Methods: A list of reported pathogenic LAMA2 variants was compiled from public databases, and supplemented with predicted loss of function (LoF) variants in the Genome Aggregation Database (gnomAD). gnomAD allele frequencies for 273 reported pathogenic and predicted LoF LAMA2 variants were used to calculate disease prevalence using a Bayesian methodology. Results: The world-wide birth prevalence of LAMA2 CMD was estimated to be 8.3 per million (95% confidence interval (CI) 6.27 –10.5 per million). The prevalence estimates for each population in gnomAD varied, ranging from 1.79 per million in East Asians (95% CI 0.63 –3.36) to 10.1 per million in Europeans (95% CI 6.74 –13.9). These estimates were generally consistent with those from epidemiological studies, where available. Conclusions: We provide robust world-wide and population-specific birth prevalence estimates for LAMA2 CMD, including for non-European populations in which LAMA2 CMD prevalence hadn’t been studied. This work will inform the design and prioritization of clinical trials for promising LAMA2 CMD treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole J. Lake
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Joel Phua
- Masters Program in Biotechnology, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Wei Liu
- Program of Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | | | - Monkol Lek
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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8
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Schüler SC, Liu Y, Dumontier S, Grandbois M, Le Moal E, Cornelison DDW, Bentzinger CF. Extracellular matrix: Brick and mortar in the skeletal muscle stem cell niche. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1056523. [PMID: 36523505 PMCID: PMC9745096 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1056523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is an interconnected macromolecular scaffold occupying the space between cells. Amongst other functions, the ECM provides structural support to tissues and serves as a microenvironmental niche that conveys regulatory signals to cells. Cell-matrix adhesions, which link the ECM to the cytoskeleton, are dynamic multi-protein complexes containing surface receptors and intracellular effectors that control various downstream pathways. In skeletal muscle, the most abundant tissue of the body, each individual muscle fiber and its associated muscle stem cells (MuSCs) are surrounded by a layer of ECM referred to as the basal lamina. The core scaffold of the basal lamina consists of self-assembling polymeric laminins and a network of collagens that tether proteoglycans, which provide lateral crosslinking, establish collateral associations with cell surface receptors, and serve as a sink and reservoir for growth factors. Skeletal muscle also contains the fibrillar collagenous interstitial ECM that plays an important role in determining tissue elasticity, connects the basal laminae to each other, and contains matrix secreting mesenchymal fibroblast-like cell types and blood vessels. During skeletal muscle regeneration fibroblast-like cell populations expand and contribute to the transitional fibronectin-rich regenerative matrix that instructs angiogenesis and MuSC function. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the role of the skeletal muscle ECM in health and disease and outline its role in orchestrating tissue regeneration and MuSC function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svenja C. Schüler
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Yuguo Liu
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Simon Dumontier
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Michel Grandbois
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Emmeran Le Moal
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - DDW Cornelison
- Division of Biological Sciences Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - C. Florian Bentzinger
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
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9
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McKee KK, Yurchenco PD. Amelioration of muscle and nerve pathology of Lama2-related dystrophy by AAV9-laminin-αLN-linker protein. JCI Insight 2022; 7:158397. [PMID: 35639486 PMCID: PMC9310540 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.158397] [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: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
LAMA2 deficiency, resulting from a defective or absent laminin α2 subunit, is a common cause of congenital muscular dystrophy. It is characterized by muscle weakness from myofiber degeneration and neuropathy from Schwann cell amyelination. Previously it was shown that transgenic muscle-specific expression of αLNNd, a laminin γ1–binding linker protein that enables polymerization in defective laminins, selectively ameliorates the muscle abnormality in mouse disease models. Here, adeno-associated virus was used to deliver linker mini-genes to dystrophic dy2J/dy2J mice for expression of αLNNd in muscle, or αLNNdΔG2′, a shortened linker, in muscle, nerve, and other tissues. Linker and laminin α2 levels were higher in αLNNdΔG2′-treated mice. Both αLNNd- and αLNNdΔG2′-treated mice exhibited increased forelimb grip strength. Further, αLNNdΔG2′-treated mice achieved hind limb and all-limb grip strength levels approaching those of WT mice as well as ablation of hind limb paresis and contractures. This was accompanied by restoration of sciatic nerve axonal envelopment and myelination. Improvement of muscle histology was evident in the muscle-specific αLNNd-expressing mice but more extensive in the αLNNdΔG2′-expressing mice. The results reveal that an αLN linker mini-gene, driven by a ubiquitous promoter, is superior to muscle-specific delivery because of its higher expression that extends to the peripheral nerve. These studies support a potentially novel approach of somatic gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen K McKee
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Rutgers University - Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, United States of America
| | - Peter D Yurchenco
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Rutgers University - Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, United States of America
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10
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Reuten R, Mayorca-Guiliani AE, Erler JT. Matritecture: Mapping the extracellular matrix architecture during health and disease. Matrix Biol Plus 2022; 14:100102. [PMID: 35243299 PMCID: PMC8861423 DOI: 10.1016/j.mbplus.2022.100102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
All cells in multicellular organisms are housed in the extracellular matrix (ECM), an acellular edifice built up by more than a thousand proteins and glycans. Cells engage in a reciprocal relationship with the ECM; they build, inhabit, maintain, and remodel the ECM, while, in turn, the ECM regulates their behavior. The homeostatic balance of cell-ECM interactions can be lost, due to ageing, irritants or diseases, which results in aberrant cell behavior. The ECM can suppress or promote disease progression, depending on the information relayed to cells. Instructions come in the form of biochemical (e.g., composition), biophysical (e.g., stiffness), and topographical (e.g., structure) cues. While advances have been made in many areas, we only have a very limited grasp of ECM topography. A detailed atlas deciphering the spatiotemporal arrangement of all ECM proteins is lacking. We feel that such an extracellular matrix architecture (matritecture) atlas should be a priority goal for ECM research. In this commentary, we will discuss the need to resolve the spatiotemporal matritecture to identify potential disease triggers and therapeutic targets and present strategies to address this goal. Such a detailed matritecture atlas will not only identify disease-specific ECM structures but may also guide future strategies to restructure disease-related ECM patterns reverting to a normal pattern.
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Nerger BA, Jones TM, Rose KWJ, Barqué A, Weinbaum JS, Petrie RJ, Chang J, Vanhoutte D, LaDuca K, Hubmacher D, Naba A. The matrix in focus: new directions in extracellular matrix research from the 2021 ASMB hybrid meeting. Biol Open 2022; 11:bio059156. [PMID: 34994383 PMCID: PMC8749129 DOI: 10.1242/bio.059156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex assembly of macromolecules that provides both architectural support and molecular signals to cells and modulate their behaviors. Originally considered a passive mechanical structure, decades of research have since demonstrated how the ECM dynamically regulates a diverse set of cellular processes in development, homeostasis, and disease progression. In September 2021, the American Society for Matrix Biology (ASMB) organized a hybrid scientific meeting, integrating in-person and virtual formats, to discuss the latest developments in ECM research. Here, we highlight exciting scientific advances that emerged from the meeting including (1) the use of model systems for fundamental and translation ECM research, (2) ECM-targeting approaches as therapeutic modalities, (3) cell-ECM interactions, and (4) the ECM as a critical component of tissue engineering strategies. In addition, we discuss how the ASMB incorporated mentoring, career development, and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in both virtual and in-person events. Finally, we reflect on the hybrid scientific conference format and how it will help the ASMB accomplish its mission moving forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan A. Nerger
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02134, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Tia M. Jones
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Keron W. J. Rose
- Leni & Peter W. May Department of Orthopedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Anna Barqué
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612, USA
| | - Justin S. Weinbaum
- Department of Bioengineering, Department of Pathology, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Ryan J. Petrie
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Joan Chang
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Davy Vanhoutte
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Kendra LaDuca
- American Society for Matrix Biology, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Dirk Hubmacher
- Leni & Peter W. May Department of Orthopedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Alexandra Naba
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612, USA
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12
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Bouman K, Groothuis JT, Doorduin J, van Alfen N, Udink Ten Cate FEA, van den Heuvel FMA, Nijveldt R, van Tilburg WCM, Buckens SCFM, Dittrich ATM, Draaisma JMT, Janssen MCH, Kamsteeg EJ, van Kleef ESB, Koene S, Smeitink JAM, Küsters B, van Tienen FHJ, Smeets HJM, van Engelen BGM, Erasmus CE, Voermans NC. Natural history, outcome measures and trial readiness in LAMA2-related muscular dystrophy and SELENON-related myopathy in children and adults: protocol of the LAST STRONG study. BMC Neurol 2021; 21:313. [PMID: 34384384 PMCID: PMC8357962 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-021-02336-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND SELENON (SEPN1)-related myopathy (SELENON-RM) is a rare congenital myopathy characterized by slowly progressive proximal muscle weakness, early onset spine rigidity and respiratory insufficiency. A muscular dystrophy caused by mutations in the LAMA2 gene (LAMA2-related muscular dystrophy, LAMA2-MD) has a similar clinical phenotype, with either a severe, early-onset due to complete Laminin subunit α2 deficiency (merosin-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy type 1A (MDC1A)), or a mild, childhood- or adult-onset due to partial Laminin subunit α2 deficiency. For both muscle diseases, no curative treatment options exist, yet promising preclinical studies are ongoing. Currently, there is a paucity on natural history data and appropriate clinical and functional outcome measures are needed to reach trial readiness. METHODS LAST STRONG is a natural history study in Dutch-speaking patients of all ages diagnosed with SELENON-RM or LAMA2-MD, starting August 2020. Patients have four visits at our hospital over a period of 1.5 year. At all visits, they undergo standardized neurological examination, hand-held dynamometry (age ≥ 5 years), functional measurements, questionnaires (patient report and/or parent proxy; age ≥ 2 years), muscle ultrasound including diaphragm, pulmonary function tests (spirometry, maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressure, sniff nasal inspiratory pressure; age ≥ 5 years), and accelerometry for 8 days (age ≥ 2 years); at visit one and three, they undergo cardiac evaluation (electrocardiogram, echocardiography; age ≥ 2 years), spine X-ray (age ≥ 2 years), dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA-)scan (age ≥ 2 years) and full body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (age ≥ 10 years). All examinations are adapted to the patient's age and functional abilities. Correlation between key parameters within and between subsequent visits will be assessed. DISCUSSION Our study will describe the natural history of patients diagnosed with SELENON-RM or LAMA2-MD, enabling us to select relevant clinical and functional outcome measures for reaching clinical trial-readiness. Moreover, our detailed description (deep phenotyping) of the clinical features will optimize clinical management and will establish a well-characterized baseline cohort for prospective follow-up. CONCLUSION Our natural history study is an essential step for reaching trial readiness in SELENON-RM and LAMA2-MD. TRIAL REGISTRATION This study has been approved by medical ethical reviewing committee Region Arnhem-Nijmegen (NL64269.091.17, 2017-3911) and is registered at ClinicalTrial.gov ( NCT04478981 ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Karlijn Bouman
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Jan T Groothuis
- Department of Rehabilitation, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jonne Doorduin
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Nens van Alfen
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Floris E A Udink Ten Cate
- Department of Pediatric cardiology, Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Robin Nijveldt
- Department of Cardiology, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Stan C F M Buckens
- Department of Radiology, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Anne T M Dittrich
- Department of Pediatrics, Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jos M T Draaisma
- Department of Pediatrics, Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Mirian C H Janssen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Erik-Jan Kamsteeg
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Esmee S B van Kleef
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Saskia Koene
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Benno Küsters
- Department of Pathology, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Hubert J M Smeets
- Department of Toxicogenomics, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- School for Mental Health and Neurosciences (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- School for Developmental Biology and Oncology (GROW), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Baziel G M van Engelen
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Corrie E Erasmus
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Nicol C Voermans
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Shaw L, Sugden CJ, Hamill KJ. Laminin Polymerization and Inherited Disease: Lessons From Genetics. Front Genet 2021; 12:707087. [PMID: 34456976 PMCID: PMC8388930 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.707087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The laminins (LM) are a family of basement membranes glycoproteins with essential structural roles in supporting epithelia, endothelia, nerves and muscle adhesion, and signaling roles in regulating cell migration, proliferation, stem cell maintenance and differentiation. Laminins are obligate heterotrimers comprised of α, β and γ chains that assemble intracellularly. However, extracellularly these heterotrimers then assemble into higher-order networks via interaction between their laminin N-terminal (LN) domains. In vitro protein studies have identified assembly kinetics and the structural motifs involved in binding of adjacent LN domains. The physiological importance of these interactions has been identified through the study of pathogenic point mutations in LN domains that lead to syndromic disorders presenting with phenotypes dependent on which laminin gene is mutated. Genotype-phenotype comparison between knockout and LN domain missense mutations of the same laminin allows inferences to be drawn about the roles of laminin network assembly in terms of tissue function. In this review, we will discuss these comparisons in terms of laminin disorders, and the therapeutic options that understanding these processes have allowed. We will also discuss recent findings of non-laminin mediators of laminin network assembly and their implications in terms of basement membrane structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kevin J. Hamill
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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14
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Tan D, Ge L, Fan Y, Chang X, Wang S, Wei C, Ding J, Liu A, Wang S, Li X, Gao K, Yang H, Que C, Huang Z, Li C, Zhu Y, Mao B, Jin B, Hua Y, Zhang X, Zhang B, Zhu W, Zhang C, Wang Y, Yuan Y, Jiang Y, Rutkowski A, Bönnemann CG, Wu X, Xiong H. Natural history and genetic study of LAMA2-related muscular dystrophy in a large Chinese cohort. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2021; 16:319. [PMID: 34281576 PMCID: PMC8287797 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-021-01950-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background LAMA2-related muscular dystrophy including LAMA2-related congenital muscular dystrophy (LAMA2-CMD) and autosomal recessive limb-girdle muscular dystrophy-23 (LGMDR23) is caused by LAMA2 pathogenic variants. We aimed to describe the natural history and establish genotype–phenotype correlations in a large cohort of Chinese patients with LAMA2-related muscular dystrophy. Methods Clinical and genetic data of LAMA2-related muscular dystrophy patients enrolled from ten research centers between January 2003 and March 2021 were collected and analyzed. Results One hundred and thirty patients (116 LAMA2-CMD and 14 LGMDR23) were included. LAMA2-CMD group had earlier onset than LGMDR23 group. Head control, independent sitting and ambulation were achieved in 76.3%, 92.6% and 18.4% of LAMA2-CMD patients at median ages of 6.0 months (range 2.0–36.0 months), 11.0 months (range 6.0–36.0 months), and 27.0 months (range 18.0–84.0 months), respectively. All LGMDR23 patients achieved independent ambulation at median age of 18.0 months (range 13.0–20.0 months). Motor regression in LAMA2-CMD mainly occurred concurrently with rapid progression of contractures during 6–9 years old. Twenty-four LAMA2-related muscular dystrophy patients died, mostly due to severe pneumonia. Seizures occurred in 35.7% of LGMDR23 and 9.5% of LAMA2-CMD patients. Forty-six novel and 97 known LAMA2 disease-causing variants were identified. The top three high-frequency disease-causing variants in Han Chinese patients were c.7147C > T (p.R2383*), exon 4 deletion, and c.5156_5159del (p.K1719Rfs*5). In LAMA2-CMD, splicing variants tended to be associated with a relatively mild phenotype. Nonsense variants were more frequent in LAMA2-CMD (56.9%, 66/116) than in LGMDR23 (21.4%, 3/14), while missense disease-causing variants were more frequent in LGMDR23 (71.4%, 10/14) than in LAMA2-CMD (12.9%, 15/116). Copy number variations were identified in 26.4% of survivors and 50.0% of nonsurvivors, suggesting that copy number variations were associated with lower rate of survival (p = 0.029). Conclusions This study provides better understandings of natural history and genotype–phenotype correlations in LAMA2-related muscular dystrophy, and supports therapeutic targets for future researches. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13023-021-01950-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Tan
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Lin Ge
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Yanbin Fan
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Xingzhi Chang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Shuang Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Cuijie Wei
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Juan Ding
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Aijie Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Shuo Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Xueying Li
- Department of Statistics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Kai Gao
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Haipo Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Chengli Que
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Zhen Huang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Chunde Li
- Department of Orthopedic/Spine Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Ying Zhu
- Department of Radiology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Bing Mao
- Department of Neurology, Wuhan Children's Hospital, Wuhan, 430015, Hubei Province, China
| | - Bo Jin
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ying Hua
- Department of Pediatrics, Wuxi Children's Hospital, Wuxi, 214000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan Province, China
| | - Bingbing Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215025, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wenhua Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yanjuan Wang
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Chengdu Women's & Children's Central Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610091, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yun Yuan
- Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Yuwu Jiang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | | | - Carsten G Bönnemann
- Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disorders of Childhood Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Xiru Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Hui Xiong
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China.
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15
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Börsch A, Ham DJ, Mittal N, Tintignac LA, Migliavacca E, Feige JN, Rüegg MA, Zavolan M. Molecular and phenotypic analysis of rodent models reveals conserved and species-specific modulators of human sarcopenia. Commun Biol 2021; 4:194. [PMID: 33580198 PMCID: PMC7881157 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-01723-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sarcopenia, the age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and function, affects 5-13% of individuals aged over 60 years. While rodents are widely-used model organisms, which aspects of sarcopenia are recapitulated in different animal models is unknown. Here we generated a time series of phenotypic measurements and RNA sequencing data in mouse gastrocnemius muscle and analyzed them alongside analogous data from rats and humans. We found that rodents recapitulate mitochondrial changes observed in human sarcopenia, while inflammatory responses are conserved at pathway but not gene level. Perturbations in the extracellular matrix are shared by rats, while mice recapitulate changes in RNA processing and autophagy. We inferred transcription regulators of early and late transcriptome changes, which could be targeted therapeutically. Our study demonstrates that phenotypic measurements, such as muscle mass, are better indicators of muscle health than chronological age and should be considered when analyzing aging-related molecular data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasiya Börsch
- Biozentrum, University of Basel and Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniel J Ham
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nitish Mittal
- Biozentrum, University of Basel and Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lionel A Tintignac
- Department of Biomedicine, Pharmazentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Jérôme N Feige
- Nestlé Research, EPFL Innovation Park, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Mihaela Zavolan
- Biozentrum, University of Basel and Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Basel, Switzerland.
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16
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Packer D, Martin PT. Micro-laminin gene therapy can function as an inhibitor of muscle disease in the dy W mouse model of MDC1A. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2021; 21:274-287. [PMID: 33869655 PMCID: PMC8026908 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Gene replacement for laminin-α2-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy 1A (MDC1A) is currently not possible using a single adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector due to the large size of the LAMA2 gene. LAMA2 encodes laminin-α2, a subunit of the trimeric laminin-211 extracellular matrix (ECM) protein that is the predominant laminin expressed in skeletal muscle. LAMA2 expression stabilizes skeletal muscle, in part by binding membrane receptors via its five globular (G) domains. We created a small, AAV-deliverable, micro-laminin gene therapy that expresses these G1-5 domains, LAMA2(G1-5), to test their therapeutic efficacy in the dyW mouse model for MDC1A. We also fused the heparin-binding (HB) domain from HB epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) to LAMA2(G1-5) to test whether this would increase muscle ECM expression. dyW mice treated intravenously with rAAV9.CMV.HB-LAMA2(G1-5) showed increased muscle ECM expression of transgenic protein relative to mice treated with rAAV9.CMV.LAMA2(G1-5) and showed improved weight-normalized forelimb grip strength relative to untreated dyW mice. Additionally, dyW muscle fibers expressing either micro-laminin protein showed some measures of reduced pathology, although levels of muscle cell apoptosis and inflammation were not decreased. Although systemic expression of rAAV9.CMV.HB-LAMA2(G1-5) did not inhibit all disease phenotypes, these studies demonstrate the feasibility of using a micro-laminin gene therapy strategy to deliver gene replacement for MDC1A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davin Packer
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Paul T. Martin
- Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
- Corresponding author Paul T. Martin, Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, OH 43209, USA.
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17
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Muppirala AN, Limbach LE, Bradford EF, Petersen SC. Schwann cell development: From neural crest to myelin sheath. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2020; 10:e398. [PMID: 33145925 DOI: 10.1002/wdev.398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Vertebrate nervous system function requires glial cells, including myelinating glia that insulate axons and provide trophic support that allows for efficient signal propagation by neurons. In vertebrate peripheral nervous systems, neural crest-derived glial cells known as Schwann cells (SCs) generate myelin by encompassing and iteratively wrapping membrane around single axon segments. SC gliogenesis and neurogenesis are intimately linked and governed by a complex molecular environment that shapes their developmental trajectory. Changes in this external milieu drive developing SCs through a series of distinct morphological and transcriptional stages from the neural crest to a variety of glial derivatives, including the myelinating sublineage. Cues originate from the extracellular matrix, adjacent axons, and the developing SC basal lamina to trigger intracellular signaling cascades and gene expression changes that specify stages and transitions in SC development. Here, we integrate the findings from in vitro neuron-glia co-culture experiments with in vivo studies investigating SC development, particularly in zebrafish and mouse, to highlight critical factors that specify SC fate. Ultimately, we connect classic biochemical and mutant studies with modern genetic and visualization tools that have elucidated the dynamics of SC development. This article is categorized under: Signaling Pathways > Cell Fate Signaling Nervous System Development > Vertebrates: Regional Development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anoohya N Muppirala
- Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Kenyon College, Gambier, Ohio, USA
| | | | | | - Sarah C Petersen
- Department of Neuroscience, Kenyon College, Gambier, Ohio, USA.,Department of Biology, Kenyon College, Gambier, Ohio, USA
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18
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Yue F, Song C, Huang D, Narayanan N, Qiu J, Jia Z, Yuan Z, Oprescu SN, Roseguini BT, Deng M, Kuang S. PTEN Inhibition Ameliorates Muscle Degeneration and Improves Muscle Function in a Mouse Model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Mol Ther 2020; 29:132-148. [PMID: 33068545 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is caused by a mutation of the muscle membrane protein dystrophin and characterized by severe degeneration of myofibers, progressive muscle wasting, loss of mobility, and, ultimately, cardiorespiratory failure and premature death. Currently there is no cure for DMD. Herein, we report that skeletal muscle-specific knockout (KO) of the phosphatase and tensin homolog (Pten) gene in an animal model of DMD (mdx mice) alleviates myofiber degeneration and restores muscle function without increasing tumor incidence. Specifically, Pten KO normalizes myofiber size and prevents muscular atrophy, and it improves grip strength and exercise performance in mdx mice. Pten KO also reduces fibrosis and inflammation, and it ameliorates muscle pathology in mdx mice. Unbiased RNA sequencing reveals that Pten KO upregulates extracellular matrix and basement membrane components positively correlated with wound healing and suppresses negative regulators of wound healing and lipid biosynthesis, thus improving the integrity of muscle basement membrane at the ultrastructural level. Importantly, pharmacological inhibition of PTEN similarly ameliorates muscle pathology and improves muscle integrity and function in mdx mice. Our findings provide evidence that PTEN inhibition may represent a potential therapeutic strategy to restore muscle function in DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Yue
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
| | - Changyou Song
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Di Huang
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Naagarajan Narayanan
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Jiamin Qiu
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Zhihao Jia
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Zhengrong Yuan
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Stephanie N Oprescu
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Bruno T Roseguini
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Meng Deng
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Shihuan Kuang
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
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Zambon AA, Ridout D, Main M, Mein R, Phadke R, Muntoni F, Sarkozy A. LAMA2-related muscular dystrophy: Natural history of a large pediatric cohort. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2020; 7:1870-1882. [PMID: 32910545 PMCID: PMC7545609 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To characterize natural history of Laminin‐α2 related muscular dystrophies (LAMA2‐RD) to help anticipating complications and identifying reliable outcome measures for clinical trial design and powering. Methods We conducted a retrospective, single‐center, cross‐sectional and longitudinal study on 46 LAMA2‐RD pediatric patients (37 families). Patients were seen at the Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, London between 1985 and 2019. Data were collected by case note reviews. Time‐to‐event analysis was performed to estimate median age at complications occurrence. Results Forty two patients had complete deficiency of Laminin‐α2 (CD) and four had partial deficiency (PD). Median age at first and last assessment was 2 years and 12.1 years, respectively. Median follow‐up length was 7.8 years (range 0‐18 years). Seven CD patients died at median age 12 years. One CD and two PD subjects achieved independent ambulation. We observed a linear increase in elbow flexor contractures in CD subjects. Thirty‐two CD and one PD patient developed scoliosis, nine underwent spinal surgery. Twenty‐two CD required nocturnal noninvasive ventilation (median age 11.7 years). CD subjects showed a 2.9% linear annual decline in forced vital capacity % predicted. Nineteen CD and one PD patient required gastrostomy insertion for failure to thrive and/or unsafe swallow (median age 10.9 years). Four CD patients had partial seizures. Mild left cardiac ventricular dysfunction and rhythm disturbances were identified in seven CD patients. Interpretation This retrospective longitudinal study provides long‐term natural history of LAMA2‐RD. This will help management and identification of key milestones of disease progression that could be considered for future therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto A Zambon
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health & Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK.,Neurology Department, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Deborah Ridout
- Department of Population, Policy and Practice, UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK.,NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Marion Main
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health & Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | | | - Rahul Phadke
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health & Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - Francesco Muntoni
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health & Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK.,NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Anna Sarkozy
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health & Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
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20
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Liang J, Li H, Han J, Jiang J, Wang J, Li Y, Feng Z, Zhao R, Sun Z, Lv B, Tian H. Mex3a interacts with LAMA2 to promote lung adenocarcinoma metastasis via PI3K/AKT pathway. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:614. [PMID: 32792503 PMCID: PMC7427100 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-02858-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the main subtype of lung cancer. In this study, we found that RBP Mex3a was significantly upregulated in LUAD tissues and elevated Mex3a expression was associated with poor LUAD prognosis and metastasis. Furthermore, we demonstrated that Mex3a knockdown significantly inhibited LUAD cell migration and invasion in vitro and metastasis in nude mice. Transcriptome sequencing indicated that Mex3a affected gene expression linked to ECM-receptor interactions, including laminin subunit alpha 2(LAMA2). RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay revealed Mex3a directly bound to LAMA2 mRNA and Mex3a increased the instability of LAMA2 mRNA in LUAD cells. Furthermore, we discovered that LAMA2 was surprisingly downregulated in LUAD and inhibited LUAD metastasis. LAMA2 knockdown partially reverse the decrease of cell migration and invasion caused by Mex3a knockdown. In addition, we found that both Mex3a and LAMA2 could influence PI3K-AKT pathway, which are downstream effectors of the ECM-receptor pathway. Moreover, the reduced activation of PI3K-AKT pathway in caused by Mex3a depletion was rescued by LAMA2 knockdown. In conclusion, we demonstrated that Mex3a downregulates LAMA2 expression to exert a prometastatic role in LUAD. Our study revealed the prognostic and prometastatic effects of Mex3a in LUAD, suggesting that Mex3a can serve as a prognostic biomarker and a target for metastatic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghui Liang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Haixia Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China
| | - Jingyi Han
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jin Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jiang Wang
- Weifang People's Hospital, 261000, Weifang, China
| | - Yongmeng Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zitong Feng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Renchang Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zhenguo Sun
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Bin Lv
- Department of General Surgery, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China
- School of Medicine, Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China
| | - Hui Tian
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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21
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Sarkozy A, Foley AR, Zambon AA, Bönnemann CG, Muntoni F. LAMA2-Related Dystrophies: Clinical Phenotypes, Disease Biomarkers, and Clinical Trial Readiness. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:123. [PMID: 32848593 PMCID: PMC7419697 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.00123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the LAMA2 gene affect the production of the α2 subunit of laminin-211 (= merosin) and result in either partial or complete laminin-211 deficiency. Complete merosin deficiency is typically associated with a more severe congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD), clinically manifested by hypotonia and weakness at birth, the development of contractures of large joints, and progressive respiratory involvement. Muscle atrophy and severe weakness typically prevent independent ambulation. Partial merosin deficiency is mostly manifested by later onset limb-girdle weakness and joint contractures so that independent ambulation is typically achieved. Collectively, complete and partial merosin deficiency is referred to as LAMA2-related dystrophies (LAMA2-RDs) and represents one of the most common forms of congenital muscular dystrophies worldwide. LAMA2-RDs are classically characterized by both central and peripheral nervous system involvement with abnormal appearing white matter (WM) on brain MRI and dystrophic appearing muscle on muscle biopsy as well as creatine kinase (CK) levels commonly elevated to >1,000 IU/L. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has greatly improved diagnostic abilities for LAMA2-RD, and the majority of patients with merosin deficiency carry recessive pathogenic variants in the LAMA2 gene. The existence of multiple animal models for LAMA2-RDs has helped to advance our understanding of laminin-211 and has been instrumental in preclinical research progress and translation to clinical trials. The first clinical trial for the LAMA2-RDs was a phase 1 pharmacokinetic and safety study of the anti-apoptotic compound omigapil, based on preclinical studies performed in the dy W/dy W and dy 2J/dy 2J mouse models. This phase 1 study enabled the collection of pulmonary and motor outcome measures and also provided the opportunity for investigating exploratory outcome measures including muscle ultrasound, muscle MRI and serum, and urine biomarker collection. Natural history studies, including a five-year prospective natural history and comparative outcome measures study in patients with LAMA2-RD, have helped to better delineate the natural history and identify viable outcome measures. Plans for further clinical trials for LAMA2-RDs are presently in progress, highlighting the necessity of identifying adequate, disease-relevant biomarkers, capable of reflecting potential therapeutic changes, in addition to refining the clinical outcome measures and time-to-event trajectory analysis of affected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Sarkozy
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, United Kingdom
| | - A Reghan Foley
- Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disorders of Childhood Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Alberto A Zambon
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, United Kingdom
| | - Carsten G Bönnemann
- Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disorders of Childhood Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Francesco Muntoni
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, United Kingdom.,National Institute for Health Research Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, United Kingdom
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22
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Fabian L, Dowling JJ. Zebrafish Models of LAMA2-Related Congenital Muscular Dystrophy (MDC1A). Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:122. [PMID: 32742259 PMCID: PMC7364686 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.00122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
LAMA2-related congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD; LAMA2-MD), also referred to as merosin deficient CMD (MDC1A), is a severe neonatal onset muscle disease caused by recessive mutations in the LAMA2 gene. LAMA2 encodes laminin α2, a subunit of the extracellular matrix (ECM) oligomer laminin 211. There are currently no treatments for MDC1A, and there is an incomplete understanding of disease pathogenesis. Zebrafish, due to their high degree of genetic conservation with humans, large clutch sizes, rapid development, and optical clarity, have emerged as an excellent model system for studying rare Mendelian diseases. They are particularly suitable as a model for muscular dystrophy because they contain at least one orthologue to all major human MD genes, have muscle that is similar to human muscle in structure and function, and manifest obvious and easily measured MD related phenotypes. In this review article, we present the existing zebrafish models of MDC1A, and discuss their contribution to the understanding of MDC1A pathomechanisms and therapy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lacramioara Fabian
- Program for Genetics and Genome Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - James J Dowling
- Program for Genetics and Genome Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Division of Neurology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Departments of Pediatrics and Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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23
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Arreguin AJ, Colognato H. Brain Dysfunction in LAMA2-Related Congenital Muscular Dystrophy: Lessons From Human Case Reports and Mouse Models. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:118. [PMID: 32792907 PMCID: PMC7390928 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.00118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Laminin α2 gene (LAMA2)-related Congenital Muscular Dystrophy (CMD) was distinguished by a defining central nervous system (CNS) abnormality—aberrant white matter signals by MRI—when first described in the 1990s. In the past 25 years, researchers and clinicians have expanded our knowledge of brain involvement in LAMA2-related CMD, also known as Congenital Muscular Dystrophy Type 1A (MDC1A). Neurological changes in MDC1A can be structural, including lissencephaly and agyria, as well as functional, including epilepsy and intellectual disability. Mouse models of MDC1A include both spontaneous and targeted LAMA2 mutations and range from a partial loss of LAMA2 function (e.g., dy2J/dy2J), to a complete loss of LAMA2 expression (dy3K/dy3K). Diverse cellular and molecular changes have been reported in the brains of MDC1A mouse models, including blood-brain barrier dysfunction, altered neuro- and gliogenesis, changes in synaptic plasticity, and decreased myelination, providing mechanistic insight into potential neurological dysfunction in MDC1A. In this review article, we discuss selected studies that illustrate the potential scope and complexity of disturbances in brain development in MDC1A, and as well as highlight mechanistic insights that are emerging from mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea J Arreguin
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States.,Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP), Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | - Holly Colognato
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
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24
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Yanay N, Rabie M, Nevo Y. Impaired Regeneration in Dystrophic Muscle-New Target for Therapy. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:69. [PMID: 32523512 PMCID: PMC7261890 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.00069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Muscle stem cells (MuSCs), known as satellite cells (SCs) have an incredible ability to regenerate, which enables the maintenance and growth of muscle tissue. In response to damaging stimuli, SCs are activated, proliferate, differentiate, and fuse to repair or generate a new muscle fiber. However, dystrophic muscles are characterized by poor muscle regeneration along with chronic inflammation and fibrosis. Indications for SC involvement in muscular dystrophy pathologies are accumulating, but their contribution to muscle pathophysiology is not precisely understood. In congenital muscular dystrophy type 1A (LAMA2-CMD), mutations in Lama2 gene cause either complete or partial absence in laminin-211 protein. Laminin-211 functions as a link between muscle extracellular matrix (ECM) and two adhesion systems in the sarcolemma; one is the well-known dystrophin-glycoprotein complex (DGC), and the second is the integrin complex. Because of its protein interactions and location, laminin-211 has a crucial role in muscle function and survival by maintaining sarcolemma integrity. In addition, laminin-211 is expressed in SCs and suggested to have a role in SC proliferation and differentiation. Downstream to the primary defect in laminin-211, several secondary genes and pathways accelerate disease mechanism, while at the same time there are unsuccessful attempts to regenerate as compensation for the dystrophic process. Lately, next-generation sequencing platforms have advanced our knowledge about the secondary events occurring in various diseases, elucidate the pathophysiology, and characterize new essential targets for development of new treatment strategies. This review will mainly focus on SC contribution to impaired regeneration in muscular dystrophies and specifically new findings suggesting SC involvement in LAMA2-CMD pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurit Yanay
- Felsenstein Medical Research Center (FMRC), Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel.,Institute of Neurology, Schneider Children's Medical Center, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Malcolm Rabie
- Felsenstein Medical Research Center (FMRC), Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel.,Institute of Neurology, Schneider Children's Medical Center, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Yoram Nevo
- Felsenstein Medical Research Center (FMRC), Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel.,Institute of Neurology, Schneider Children's Medical Center, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
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25
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Datta N, Ghosh PS. Update on Muscular Dystrophies with Focus on Novel Treatments and Biomarkers. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2020; 20:14. [DOI: 10.1007/s11910-020-01034-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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26
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Gawlik KI, Durbeej M. A Family of Laminin α2 Chain-Deficient Mouse Mutants: Advancing the Research on LAMA2-CMD. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:59. [PMID: 32457577 PMCID: PMC7188397 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.00059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The research on laminin α2 chain-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy (LAMA2-CMD) advanced rapidly in the last few decades, largely due to availability of good mouse models for the disease and a strong interest in preclinical studies from scientists all over the world. These mouse models continue to provide a solid platform for understanding the LAMA2-CMD pathology. In addition, they enable researchers to test laborious, necessary routines, but also the most creative scientific approaches in order to design therapy for this devastating disorder. In this review we present animals belonging to the laminin α2 chain-deficient “dy/dy” mouse family (dy/dy, dy2J/dy2J, dy3K/dy3K, dyW/dyW, et al.) and a summary of the scientific progress they facilitated. We also raise a few questions that need to be addressed in order to maximize the usefulness of laminin α2 murine mutants and to further advance the LAMA2-CMD studies. We believe that research opportunities offered by the mouse models for LAMA2-CMD will continuously support our efforts to find a treatment for the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga I Gawlik
- Muscle Biology Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Madeleine Durbeej
- Muscle Biology Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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27
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van Putten M, Lloyd EM, de Greef JC, Raz V, Willmann R, Grounds MD. Mouse models for muscular dystrophies: an overview. Dis Model Mech 2020; 13:dmm043562. [PMID: 32224495 PMCID: PMC7044454 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.043562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Muscular dystrophies (MDs) encompass a wide variety of inherited disorders that are characterized by loss of muscle tissue associated with a progressive reduction in muscle function. With a cure lacking for MDs, preclinical developments of therapeutic approaches depend on well-characterized animal models that recapitulate the specific pathology in patients. The mouse is the most widely and extensively used model for MDs, and it has played a key role in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying MD pathogenesis. This has enabled the development of therapeutic strategies. Owing to advancements in genetic engineering, a wide variety of mouse models are available for the majority of MDs. Here, we summarize the characteristics of the most commonly used mouse models for a subset of highly studied MDs, collated into a table. Together with references to key publications describing these models, this brief but detailed overview would be useful for those interested in, or working with, mouse models of MD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maaike van Putten
- Leiden University Medical Center, Department of Human Genetics, Leiden, 2333 ZA, The Netherlands
| | - Erin M Lloyd
- The University of Western Australia, School of Human Sciences, Perth 6009, Australia
| | - Jessica C de Greef
- Leiden University Medical Center, Department of Human Genetics, Leiden, 2333 ZA, The Netherlands
| | - Vered Raz
- Leiden University Medical Center, Department of Human Genetics, Leiden, 2333 ZA, The Netherlands
| | | | - Miranda D Grounds
- The University of Western Australia, School of Human Sciences, Perth 6009, Australia
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28
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Barraza-Flores P, Bates CR, Oliveira-Santos A, Burkin DJ. Laminin and Integrin in LAMA2-Related Congenital Muscular Dystrophy: From Disease to Therapeutics. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:1. [PMID: 32116540 PMCID: PMC7026472 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.00001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Laminin-α2-related congenital muscular dystrophy (LAMA2-CMD) is a devastating neuromuscular disease caused by mutations in the LAMA2 gene. These mutations result in the complete absence or truncated expression of the laminin-α2 chain. The α2-chain is a major component of the laminin-211 and laminin-221 isoforms, the predominant laminin isoforms in healthy adult skeletal muscle. Mutations in this chain result in progressive skeletal muscle degeneration as early as neonatally. Laminin-211/221 is a ligand for muscle cell receptors integrin-α7β1 and α-dystroglycan. LAMA2 mutations are correlated with integrin-α7β1 disruption in skeletal muscle. In this review, we will summarize laminin-211/221 interactions with integrin-α7β1 in LAMA2-CMD muscle. Additionally, we will summarize recent developments using upregulation of laminin-111 in the sarcolemma of laminin-α2-deficient muscle. We will discuss potential mechanisms of action by which laminin-111 is able to prevent myopathy. These published studies demonstrate that laminin-111 is a disease modifier of LAMA2-CMD through different methods of delivery. Together, these studies show the potential for laminin-111 therapy as a novel paradigm for the treatment of LAMA2-CMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Barraza-Flores
- Department of Pharmacology, Reno School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, United States
| | - Christina R Bates
- Department of Pharmacology, Reno School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, United States
| | - Ariany Oliveira-Santos
- Department of Pharmacology, Reno School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, United States
| | - Dean J Burkin
- Department of Pharmacology, Reno School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, United States
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29
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Abstract
Skeletal muscle fibres are multinucleated cells that contain postmitotic nuclei (i.e. they are no longer able to divide) and perform muscle contraction. They are formed by fusion of muscle precursor cells, and grow into elongating myofibres by the addition of further precursor cells, called satellite cells, which are also responsible for regeneration following injury. Skeletal muscle regeneration occurs in most muscular dystrophies in response to necrosis of muscle fibres. However, the complex environment within dystrophic skeletal muscle, which includes inflammatory cells, fibroblasts and fibro-adipogenic cells, together with the genetic background of the in vivo model and the muscle being studied, complicates the interpretation of laboratory studies on muscular dystrophies. Many genes are expressed in satellite cells and in other tissues, which makes it difficult to determine the molecular cause of various types of muscular dystrophies. Here, and in the accompanying poster, we discuss our current knowledge of the cellular mechanisms that govern the growth and regeneration of skeletal muscle, and highlight the defects in satellite cell function that give rise to muscular dystrophies. Summary: The mechanisms of skeletal muscle development, growth and regeneration are described. We discuss whether these processes are dysregulated in inherited muscle diseases and identify pathways that may represent therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Morgan
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK .,National Institute for Health Research, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health Biomedical Research Centre, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Terence Partridge
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK.,National Institute for Health Research, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health Biomedical Research Centre, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK.,Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Medical Center, 111 Michigan Ave NW, Washington, DC 20010, USA
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30
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Ham AS, Chojnowska K, Tintignac LA, Lin S, Schmidt A, Ham DJ, Sinnreich M, Rüegg MA. mTORC1 signalling is not essential for the maintenance of muscle mass and function in adult sedentary mice. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2020; 11:259-273. [PMID: 31697050 PMCID: PMC7015237 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.12505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The balance between protein synthesis and degradation (proteostasis) is a determining factor for muscle size and function. Signalling via the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) regulates proteostasis in skeletal muscle by affecting protein synthesis and autophagosomal protein degradation. Indeed, genetic inactivation of mTORC1 in developing and growing muscle causes atrophy resulting in a lethal myopathy. However, systemic dampening of mTORC1 signalling by its allosteric inhibitor rapamycin is beneficial at the organismal level and increases lifespan. Whether the beneficial effect of rapamycin comes at the expense of muscle mass and function is yet to be established. METHODS We conditionally ablated the gene coding for the mTORC1-essential component raptor in muscle fibres of adult mice [inducible raptor muscle-specific knockout (iRAmKO)]. We performed detailed phenotypic and biochemical analyses of iRAmKO mice and compared them with muscle-specific raptor knockout (RAmKO) mice, which lack raptor in developing muscle fibres. We also used polysome profiling and proteomics to assess protein translation and associated signalling in skeletal muscle of iRAmKO mice. RESULTS Analysis at different time points reveal that, as in RAmKO mice, the proportion of oxidative fibres decreases, but slow-type fibres increase in iRAmKO mice. Nevertheless, no significant decrease in body and muscle mass or muscle fibre area was detected up to 5 months post-raptor depletion. Similarly, ex vivo muscle force was not significantly reduced in iRAmKO mice. Despite stable muscle size and function, inducible raptor depletion significantly reduced the expression of key components of the translation machinery and overall translation rates. CONCLUSIONS Raptor depletion and hence complete inhibition of mTORC1 signalling in fully grown muscle leads to metabolic and morphological changes without inducing muscle atrophy even after 5 months. Together, our data indicate that maintenance of muscle size does not require mTORC1 signalling, suggesting that rapamycin treatment is unlikely to negatively affect muscle mass and function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lionel A Tintignac
- Department of Biomedicine, Pharmazentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Shuo Lin
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alexander Schmidt
- Proteomics Core Facility, Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniel J Ham
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michael Sinnreich
- Department of Biomedicine, Pharmazentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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31
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Kim W, Lee H, Lee J, Atala A, Yoo JJ, Lee SJ, Kim GH. Efficient myotube formation in 3D bioprinted tissue construct by biochemical and topographical cues. Biomaterials 2020; 230:119632. [PMID: 31761486 PMCID: PMC7141931 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2019.119632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Biochemical and biophysical cues directly affect cell morphology, adhesion, proliferation, and phenotype, as well as differentiation; thus, they have been commonly utilized for designing and developing biomaterial systems for tissue engineering applications. To bioengineer skeletal muscle tissues, the efficient and stable formation of aligned fibrous multinucleated myotubes is essential. To achieve this goal, we employed a decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) as a biochemical component and a modified three-dimensional (3D) cell-printing process to produce an in situ uniaxially aligned/micro-topographical structure. The dECM was derived from the decellularization of porcine skeletal muscles and chemically modified by methacrylate process to enhance mechanical stability. By using this ECM-based material and the 3D printing capability, we were able to produce a cell-laden dECM-based structure with unique topographical cues. The myoblasts (C2C12 cell line) laden in the printed structure were aligned and differentiated with a high degree of myotube formation, owing to the synergistic effect of the skeletal muscle-specific biochemical and topographical cues. In particular, the increase of the gene-expression levels of the dECM structure with topographical cues was approximately 1.5-1.8-fold compared with those of a gelatin methacrylate (GelMA)-based structure with the same topographical cues and a dECM-based structure without topographical cues. According to these in vitro cellular responses, the 3D printed dECM-based structures with topographical cues have the potential for bioengineering functional skeletal muscle tissues, and this strategy can be extended for many musculoskeletal tissues, such as tendons and ligaments and utilized for developing in vitro tissue-on-a-chip models in drug screening and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- WonJin Kim
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA; Department of Biomechatronic Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, 16419, South Korea
| | - Hyeongjin Lee
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - JiUn Lee
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA; Department of Biomechatronic Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, 16419, South Korea
| | - Anthony Atala
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - James J Yoo
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Sang Jin Lee
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA.
| | - Geun Hyung Kim
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA; Department of Biomechatronic Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, 16419, South Korea.
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32
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Yurchenco PD, McKee KK. Linker Protein Repair of LAMA2 Dystrophic Neuromuscular Basement Membranes. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:305. [PMID: 31920536 PMCID: PMC6923227 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
An understanding of basement membrane (BM) assembly at a molecular level provides a foundation with which to develop repair strategies for diseases with defects of BM structure. As currently understood, laminins become anchored to cell surfaces through receptor-mediated interactions and polymerize. This provisional matrix binds to proteoglycans, nidogens and type IV collagen to form a mature BM. Identification of BM binding domains and their binding targets has enabled investigators to engineer proteins that link BM components to modify and improve their functions. This approach is illustrated by the development of two linker proteins to repair the LAMA2-deficient muscular dystrophy (LAMA2-MD). Dystrophy-causing mutations of the LAMA2 gene product (Lmα2) disrupt the BM molecular architecture, destabilizing it. In a mild ambulatory type of the dystrophy, α2LN mutations in laminin-211 prevents polymerization. In the more common and severe non-ambulatory type (MDC1A), an absent Lmα2 subunit is replaced by the naturally occurring Lmα4 subunit that is normally largely confined to the microvasculature. The compensatory laminin, however, is a poor substitute because it neither polymerizes nor binds adequately to the anchoring receptor α-dystroglycan. A chimeric laminin-binding protein called αLNNd enables laminins with defective or absent αLN domains to polymerize while another engineered protein, miniagrin (mag), promotes efficient α-dystroglycan receptor-binding in otherwise weakly adhesive laminins. Alone, αLNNd enables Lm211 with a self-assembly defect to polymerize and was used to ameliorate a mouse model of the ambulatory dystrophy. Together, these linker proteins alter Lm411 such that it both polymerizes and binds αDG such that it properly assembles. This combination was used to ameliorate a mouse model of the non-ambulatory dystrophy in which Lm411 replaced Lm211 as seen in the human disease. Collectively, these studies pave the way for the development of somatic gene delivery of repair proteins for treatment of LAMA2-MD. The studies further suggest a more general approach of linker-protein mediated repair in which a variety of existing BM protein domains can be combined together to stabilize BMs in other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter D Yurchenco
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - Karen K McKee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States
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Mercuri E, Bönnemann CG, Muntoni F. Muscular dystrophies. Lancet 2019; 394:2025-2038. [PMID: 31789220 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(19)32910-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 256] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Revised: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Muscular dystrophies are primary diseases of muscle due to mutations in more than 40 genes, which result in dystrophic changes on muscle biopsy. Now that most of the genes responsible for these conditions have been identified, it is possible to accurately diagnose them and implement subtype-specific anticipatory care, as complications such as cardiac and respiratory muscle involvement vary greatly. This development and advances in the field of supportive medicine have changed the standard of care, with an overall improvement in the clinical course, survival, and quality of life of affected individuals. The improved understanding of the pathogenesis of these diseases is being used for the development of novel therapies. In the most common form, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a few personalised therapies have recently achieved conditional approval and many more are at advanced stages of clinical development. In this Seminar, we concentrate on clinical manifestations, molecular pathogenesis, diagnostic strategy, and therapeutic developments for this group of conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenio Mercuri
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Roma, Rome, Italy; Nemo Clinical Centre, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Carsten G Bönnemann
- Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disorders of Childhood Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Francesco Muntoni
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, University College London, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK; National Institute for Health Research Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK.
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34
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Kemaladewi DU, Bassi PS, Erwood S, Al-Basha D, Gawlik KI, Lindsay K, Hyatt E, Kember R, Place KM, Marks RM, Durbeej M, Prescott SA, Ivakine EA, Cohn RD. A mutation-independent approach for muscular dystrophy via upregulation of a modifier gene. Nature 2019; 572:125-130. [PMID: 31341277 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-019-1430-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Neuromuscular disorders are often caused by heterogeneous mutations in large, structurally complex genes. Targeting compensatory modifier genes could be beneficial to improve disease phenotypes. Here we report a mutation-independent strategy to upregulate the expression of a disease-modifying gene associated with congenital muscular dystrophy type 1A (MDC1A) using the CRISPR activation system in mice. MDC1A is caused by mutations in LAMA2 that lead to nonfunctional laminin-α2, which compromises the stability of muscle fibres and the myelination of peripheral nerves. Transgenic overexpression of Lama1, which encodes a structurally similar protein called laminin-α1, ameliorates muscle wasting and paralysis in mouse models of MDC1A, demonstrating its importance as a compensatory modifier of the disease1. However, postnatal upregulation of Lama1 is hampered by its large size, which exceeds the packaging capacity of vehicles that are clinically relevant for gene therapy. We modulate expression of Lama1 in the dy2j/dy2j mouse model of MDC1A using an adeno-associated virus (AAV9) carrying a catalytically inactive Cas9 (dCas9), VP64 transactivators and single-guide RNAs that target the Lama1 promoter. When pre-symptomatic mice were treated, Lama1 was upregulated in skeletal muscles and peripheral nerves, which prevented muscle fibrosis and paralysis. However, for many disorders it is important to investigate the therapeutic window and reversibility of symptoms. In muscular dystrophies, it has been hypothesized that fibrotic changes in skeletal muscle are irreversible. However, we show that dystrophic features and disease progression were improved and reversed when the treatment was initiated in symptomatic dy2j/dy2j mice with apparent hindlimb paralysis and muscle fibrosis. Collectively, our data demonstrate the feasibility and therapeutic benefit of CRISPR-dCas9-mediated upregulation of Lama1, which may enable mutation-independent treatment for all patients with MDC1A. This approach has a broad applicability to a variety of disease-modifying genes and could serve as a therapeutic strategy for many inherited and acquired diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dwi U Kemaladewi
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, the Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Prabhpreet S Bassi
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, the Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Steven Erwood
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, the Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dhekra Al-Basha
- Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, the Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kinga I Gawlik
- Unit of Muscle Biology, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Kyle Lindsay
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, the Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elzbieta Hyatt
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, the Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rebekah Kember
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, the Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kara M Place
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, the Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ryan M Marks
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, the Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Madeleine Durbeej
- Unit of Muscle Biology, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Steven A Prescott
- Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, the Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Evgueni A Ivakine
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, the Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ronald D Cohn
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, the Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. .,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. .,Department of Pediatrics, the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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35
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Morgan J, Butler-Browne G, Muntoni F, Patel K. 240th ENMC workshop: The involvement of skeletal muscle stem cells in the pathology of muscular dystrophies 25-27 January 2019, Hoofddorp, The Netherlands. Neuromuscul Disord 2019; 29:704-715. [PMID: 31447279 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2019.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Morgan
- University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK; NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK.
| | - Gillian Butler-Browne
- Center for Research in Myology, Association Institut de Myologie, Inserm, Sorbonne Université, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Francesco Muntoni
- University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK; NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Ketan Patel
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, RG6 6AS, UK.
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Nguyen Q, Lim KRQ, Yokota T. Current understanding and treatment of cardiac and skeletal muscle pathology in laminin-α2 chain-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy. APPLICATION OF CLINICAL GENETICS 2019; 12:113-130. [PMID: 31308722 PMCID: PMC6618038 DOI: 10.2147/tacg.s187481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD) is a class of severe early-onset muscular dystrophies affecting skeletal/cardiac muscles as well as the central nervous system (CNS). Laminin-α2 chain-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy (LAMA2 MD), also known as merosin-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy type 1A (MDC1A), is an autosomal recessive CMD characterized by severe muscle weakness and degeneration apparent at birth or in the first 6 months of life. LAMA2 MD is the most common congenital muscular dystrophy, affecting approximately 4 in 500,000 children. The most common cause of death in early-onset LAMA2 MD is respiratory tract infection, with 30% of them dying within the first decade of life. LAMA2 MD is caused by loss-of-function mutations in the LAMA2 gene encoding for the laminin-α2 chain, one of the subunits of laminin-211. Laminin-211 is an extracellular matrix protein that functions to stabilize the basement membrane and muscle fibers during contraction. Since laminin-α2 is expressed in many tissue types including skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, Schwann cells, and trophoblasts, patients with LAMA2 MD experience a multi-systemic clinical presentation depending on the extent of laminin-α2 chain deficiency. Cardiac manifestations are typically associated with a complete absence of laminin-α2; however, recent case reports highlight cardiac involvement in partial laminin-α2 chain deficiency. Laminin-211 is also expressed in the brain, and many patients have abnormalities on brain imaging; however, mental retardation and/or seizures are rarely seen. Currently, there is no cure for LAMA2 MD, but various therapies are being investigated in an effort to lessen the severity of LAMA2 MD. For example, antisense oligonucleotide-mediated exon skipping and CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing have efficiently restored the laminin-α2 chain in mouse models in vivo. This review consolidates information on the clinical presentation, genetic basis, pathology, and current treatment approaches for LAMA2 MD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quynh Nguyen
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Kenji Rowel Q Lim
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Toshifumi Yokota
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,The Friends of Garrett Cumming Research & Muscular Dystrophy Canada, HM Toupin Neurological Science Research Chair, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Soluble Heparin Binding Epidermal Growth Factor-Like Growth Factor Is a Regulator of GALGT2 Expression and GALGT2-Dependent Muscle and Neuromuscular Phenotypes. Mol Cell Biol 2019; 39:MCB.00140-19. [PMID: 31036568 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00140-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
GALGT2 (also B4GALNT2) encodes a glycosyltransferase that is normally confined to the neuromuscular and myotendinous junction in adult skeletal muscle. GALGT2 overexpression in muscle can inhibit muscular dystrophy in mouse models of the disease by inducing the overexpression of surrogate muscle proteins, including utrophin, agrin, laminins, and integrins. Despite its well-documented biological properties, little is known about the endogenous regulation of muscle GALGT2 expression. Here, we demonstrate that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) ligands can activate the human GALGT2 promoter. Overexpression of one such ligand, soluble heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (sHB-EGF), also stimulated mouse muscle Galgt2 gene expression and expression of GALGT2-inducible surrogate muscle genes. Deletion analysis of the GALGT2 promoter identified a 45-bp region containing a TFAP4-binding site that was required for sHB-EGF activation. sHB-EGF increased TFAP4 binding to this site in muscle cells and increased endogenous Tfap4 gene expression. sHB-EGF also increased muscle EGFR protein expression and activated EGFR-Akt signaling. sHB-EGF expression was concentrated at the neuromuscular junction, and Hbegf deletion reduced Galgt2-dependent synaptic glycosylation. Hbegf deletion also mimicked Galgt2-dependent neuromuscular and muscular dystrophy phenotypes. These data demonstrate that sHB-EGF is an endogenous regulator of muscle Galgt2 gene expression and can mimic Galgt2-dependent muscle phenotypes.
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38
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Kölbel H, Hathazi D, Jennings M, Horvath R, Roos A, Schara U. Identification of Candidate Protein Markers in Skeletal Muscle of Laminin-211-Deficient CMD Type 1A-Patients. Front Neurol 2019; 10:470. [PMID: 31133972 PMCID: PMC6514157 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Laminin-211 deficiency leads to the most common form of congenital muscular dystrophy in childhood, MDC1A. The clinical picture is characterized by severe muscle weakness, brain abnormalities and delayed motor milestones defining MDC1A as one of the most severe forms of congenital muscular diseases. Although the molecular genetic basis of this neurological disease is well-known and molecular studies of mouse muscle and human cultured muscle cells allowed first insights into the underlying pathophysiology, the definition of marker proteins in human vulnerable tissue such as skeletal muscle is still lacking. To systematically address this need, we analyzed the proteomic signature of laminin-211-deficient vastus muscle derived from four patients and identified 86 proteins (35 were increased and 51 decreased) as skeletal muscle markers and verified paradigmatic findings in a total of two further MDC1A muscle biopsies. Functions of proteins suggests fibrosis but also hints at altered synaptic transmission and accords with central nervous system alterations as part of the clinical spectrum of MDC1A. In addition, a profound mitochondrial vulnerability of the laminin-211-deficient muscle is indicated and also altered abundances of other proteins support the concept that metabolic alterations could be novel mechanisms that underline MDC1A and might constitute therapeutic targets. Intersection of our data with the proteomic signature of murine laminin-211-deficient gastrocnemius and diaphragm allowed the definition of nine common vulnerable proteins representing potential tissue markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heike Kölbel
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Developmental Neurology and Social Pediatrics, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Denisa Hathazi
- Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften -ISAS- e.V., Dortmund, Germany.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Jennings
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Rita Horvath
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Andreas Roos
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Developmental Neurology and Social Pediatrics, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.,Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften -ISAS- e.V., Dortmund, Germany
| | - Ulrike Schara
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Developmental Neurology and Social Pediatrics, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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39
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Funk SD, Lin MH, Miner JH. Alport syndrome and Pierson syndrome: Diseases of the glomerular basement membrane. Matrix Biol 2018; 71-72:250-261. [PMID: 29673759 PMCID: PMC6146048 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2018.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Revised: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The glomerular basement membrane (GBM) is an important component of the kidney's glomerular filtration barrier. Like all basement membranes, the GBM contains type IV collagen, laminin, nidogen, and heparan sulfate proteoglycan. It is flanked by the podocytes and glomerular endothelial cells that both synthesize it and adhere to it. Mutations that affect the GBM's collagen α3α4α5(IV) components cause Alport syndrome (kidney disease with variable ear and eye defects) and its variants, including thin basement membrane nephropathy. Mutations in LAMB2 that impact the synthesis or function of laminin α5β2γ1 (LM-521) cause Pierson syndrome (congenital nephrotic syndrome with eye and neurological defects) and its less severe variants, including isolated congenital nephrotic syndrome. The very different types of kidney diseases that result from mutations in collagen IV vs. laminin are likely due to very different pathogenic mechanisms. A better understanding of these mechanisms should lead to targeted therapeutic approaches that can help people with these rare but important diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven D Funk
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Meei-Hua Lin
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jeffrey H Miner
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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40
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Xu R, Jia Y, Zygmunt DA, Cramer ML, Crowe KE, Shao G, Maki AE, Guggenheim HN, Hood BC, Griffin DA, Peterson E, Bolon B, Cheatham JP, Cheatham SL, Flanigan KM, Rodino-Klapac LR, Chicoine LG, Martin PT. An Isolated Limb Infusion Method Allows for Broad Distribution of rAAVrh74.MCK. GALGT2 to Leg Skeletal Muscles in the Rhesus Macaque. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2018; 10:89-104. [PMID: 30073180 PMCID: PMC6070685 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2018.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV)rh74.MCK.GALGT2 is a muscle-specific gene therapy that is being developed to treat forms of muscular dystrophy. Here we report on an isolated limb infusion technique in a non-human primate model, where hindlimb blood flow is transiently isolated using balloon catheters to concentrate vector in targeted leg muscles. A bilateral dose of 2.5 × 1013 vector genomes (vg)/kg/limb was sufficient to induce GALGT2-induced glycosylation in 10%-60% of skeletal myofibers in all leg muscles examined. There was a 19-fold ± 6-fold average limb-wide increase in vector genomes per microgram genomic DNA at a bilateral dose of 2.5 × 1013 vg/kg/limb compared with a bilateral dose of 6 × 1012 vg/kg/limb. A unilateral dose of 6 × 1013 vg/kg/limb showed a 12- ± 3-fold increase in treated limb muscles compared to contralateral untreated limb muscles, which received vector only after release into the systemic circulation from the treated limb. Variability in AAV biodistribution between different segments of the same muscle was 125% ± 18% for any given dose, while variability between the same muscle for any given treatment dose was 45% ± 7%. These experiments demonstrate that treatment of muscles throughout the leg with rAAVrh74.MCK.GALGT2 can be accomplished safely using an isolated limb infusion technique, where balloon catheters transiently isolate the limb vasculature, but that intra- and inter-muscle transduction variability is a significant issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Xu
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Ying Jia
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Deborah A. Zygmunt
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Megan L. Cramer
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
- Graduate Program in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Kelly E. Crowe
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
- Graduate Program in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Guohong Shao
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Agatha E. Maki
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Haley N. Guggenheim
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Benjamin C. Hood
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Danielle A. Griffin
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Ellyn Peterson
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | | | - John P. Cheatham
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Sharon L. Cheatham
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Kevin M. Flanigan
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Louise R. Rodino-Klapac
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Louis G. Chicoine
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Paul T. Martin
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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41
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Abstract
Adequate skeletal muscle plasticity is an essential element for our well-being, and compromised muscle function can drastically affect quality of life, morbidity, and mortality. Surprisingly, however, skeletal muscle remains one of the most under-medicated organs. Interventions in muscle diseases are scarce, not only in neuromuscular dystrophies, but also in highly prevalent secondary wasting pathologies such as sarcopenia and cachexia. Even in other diseases that exhibit a well-established risk correlation of muscle dysfunction due to a sedentary lifestyle, such as type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular pathologies, current treatments are mostly targeted on non-muscle tissues. In recent years, a renewed focus on skeletal muscle has led to the discovery of various novel drug targets and the design of new pharmacological approaches. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge of the key mechanisms involved in muscle wasting conditions and novel pharmacological avenues that could ameliorate muscle diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regula Furrer
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland; ,
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42
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Oliveira J, Gruber A, Cardoso M, Taipa R, Fineza I, Gonçalves A, Laner A, Winder TL, Schroeder J, Rath J, Oliveira ME, Vieira E, Sousa AP, Vieira JP, Lourenço T, Almendra L, Negrão L, Santos M, Melo-Pires M, Coelho T, den Dunnen JT, Santos R, Sousa M. LAMA2 gene mutation update: Toward a more comprehensive picture of the laminin-α2 variome and its related phenotypes. Hum Mutat 2018; 39:1314-1337. [PMID: 30055037 DOI: 10.1002/humu.23599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2018] [Revised: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Congenital muscular dystrophy type 1A (MDC1A) is one of the main subtypes of early-onset muscle disease, caused by disease-associated variants in the laminin-α2 (LAMA2) gene. MDC1A usually presents as a severe neonatal hypotonia and failure to thrive. Muscle weakness compromises normal motor development, leading to the inability to sit unsupported or to walk independently. The phenotype associated with LAMA2 defects has been expanded to include milder and atypical cases, being now collectively known as LAMA2-related muscular dystrophies (LAMA2-MD). Through an international multicenter collaborative effort, 61 new LAMA2 disease-associated variants were identified in 86 patients, representing the largest number of patients and new disease-causing variants in a single report. The collaborative variant collection was supported by the LOVD-powered LAMA2 gene variant database (https://www.LOVD.nl/LAMA2), updated as part of this work. As of December 2017, the database contains 486 unique LAMA2 variants (309 disease-associated), obtained from direct submissions and literature reports. Database content was systematically reviewed and further insights concerning LAMA2-MD are presented. We focus on the impact of missense changes, especially the c.2461A > C (p.Thr821Pro) variant and its association with late-onset LAMA2-MD. Finally, we report diagnostically challenging cases, highlighting the relevance of modern genetic analysis in the characterization of clinically heterogeneous muscle diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Oliveira
- Unidade de Genética Molecular, Centro de Genética Médica Dr. Jacinto Magalhães, Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Unidade Multidisciplinar de Investigação Biomédica (UMIB), Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Márcio Cardoso
- Consulta de Doenças Neuromusculares e Serviço de Neurofisiologia, Departamento de Neurociências, Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Taipa
- Unidade de Neuropatologia, Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Isabel Fineza
- Unidade de Neuropediatria, Centro de Desenvolvimento da Criança Luís Borges, Hospital Pediátrico de Coimbra, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Gonçalves
- Unidade de Genética Molecular, Centro de Genética Médica Dr. Jacinto Magalhães, Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Unidade Multidisciplinar de Investigação Biomédica (UMIB), Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | | | | | - Julie Rath
- PreventionGenetics, Marshfield, Wisconsin
| | - Márcia E Oliveira
- Unidade de Genética Molecular, Centro de Genética Médica Dr. Jacinto Magalhães, Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Unidade Multidisciplinar de Investigação Biomédica (UMIB), Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Emília Vieira
- Unidade de Genética Molecular, Centro de Genética Médica Dr. Jacinto Magalhães, Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Unidade Multidisciplinar de Investigação Biomédica (UMIB), Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Paula Sousa
- Consulta de Doenças Neuromusculares e Serviço de Neurofisiologia, Departamento de Neurociências, Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - José Pedro Vieira
- Serviço de Neurologia, Hospital de Dona Estefânia, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Teresa Lourenço
- Serviço de Genética Médica, Hospital de Dona Estefânia, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Luciano Almendra
- Consulta de Doenças Neuromusculares, Hospitais da Universidade de Coimbra, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Luís Negrão
- Consulta de Doenças Neuromusculares, Hospitais da Universidade de Coimbra, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Manuela Santos
- Consulta de Doenças Neuromusculares e Serviço de Neuropediatria, Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Manuel Melo-Pires
- Unidade de Neuropatologia, Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Teresa Coelho
- Consulta de Doenças Neuromusculares e Serviço de Neurofisiologia, Departamento de Neurociências, Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Johan T den Dunnen
- Departments of Human Genetics and Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Rosário Santos
- Unidade de Genética Molecular, Centro de Genética Médica Dr. Jacinto Magalhães, Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Unidade Multidisciplinar de Investigação Biomédica (UMIB), Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,UCIBIO/REQUIMTE, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Mário Sousa
- Unidade Multidisciplinar de Investigação Biomédica (UMIB), Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Departamento de Microscopia, Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Centro de Genética da Reprodução Prof. Alberto Barros, Porto, Portugal
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43
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Mohassel P, Foley AR, Bönnemann CG. Extracellular matrix-driven congenital muscular dystrophies. Matrix Biol 2018; 71-72:188-204. [PMID: 29933045 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2018.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Revised: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Skeletal muscle function relies on the myofibrillar apparatus inside myofibers as well as an intact extracellular matrix surrounding each myofiber. Muscle extracellular matrix (ECM) plays several roles including but not limited to force transmission, regulation of growth factors and inflammatory responses, and influencing muscle stem cell (i.e. satellite cell) proliferation and differentiation. In most myopathies, muscle ECM undergoes remodeling and fibrotic changes that may be maladaptive for normal muscle function and recovery. In addition, mutations in skeletal muscle ECM and basement proteins can cause muscle disease. In this review, we summarize the clinical features of two of the most common congenital muscular dystrophies, COL6-related dystrophies and LAMA2-related dystrophies, which are caused by mutations in muscle ECM and basement membrane proteins. The study of clinical features of these diseases has helped to inform basic research and understanding of the biology of muscle ECM. In return, basic studies of muscle ECM have provided the conceptual framework to develop therapeutic interventions for these and other similar disorders of muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Payam Mohassel
- Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disorders of Childhood Section, Neurogenetics Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, United States of America
| | - A Reghan Foley
- Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disorders of Childhood Section, Neurogenetics Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, United States of America
| | - Carsten G Bönnemann
- Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disorders of Childhood Section, Neurogenetics Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, United States of America.
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44
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Kemaladewi DU, Benjamin JS, Hyatt E, Ivakine EA, Cohn RD. Increased polyamines as protective disease modifiers in congenital muscular dystrophy. Hum Mol Genet 2018; 27:1905-1912. [PMID: 29566247 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Most Mendelian disorders, including neuromuscular disorders, display extensive clinical heterogeneity that cannot be solely explained by primary genetic mutations. This phenotypic variability is largely attributed to the presence of disease modifiers, which can exacerbate or lessen the severity and progression of the disease. LAMA2-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy (LAMA2-CMD) is a fatal degenerative muscle disease resulting from mutations in the LAMA2 gene encoding Laminin-α2. Progressive muscle weakness is predominantly observed in the lower limbs in LAMA2-CMD patients, whereas upper limbs muscles are significantly less affected. However, very little is known about the molecular mechanism underlying differential pathophysiology between specific muscle groups. Here, we demonstrate that the triceps muscles of the dy2j/dy2j mouse model of LAMA2-CMD demonstrate very mild myopathic findings compared with the tibialis anterior (TA) muscles that undergo severe atrophy and fibrosis, suggesting a protective mechanism in the upper limbs of these mice. Comparative gene expression analysis reveals that S-Adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (Amd1) and Spermine oxidase (Smox), two components of polyamine pathway metabolism, are downregulated in the TA but not in the triceps of dy2j/dy2j mice. As a consequence, the level of polyamine metabolites is significantly lower in the TA than triceps. Normalization of either Amd1 or Smox expression in dy2j/dy2j TA ameliorates muscle fibrosis, reduces overactive profibrotic TGF-β pathway and leads to improved locomotion. In summary, we demonstrate that a deregulated polyamine metabolism is a characteristic feature of severely affected lower limb muscles in LAMA2-CMD. Targeted modulation of this pathway represents a novel therapeutic avenue for this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- D U Kemaladewi
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - J S Benjamin
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - E Hyatt
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - E A Ivakine
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - R D Cohn
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, and The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
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45
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At the Crossroads of Clinical and Preclinical Research for Muscular Dystrophy-Are We Closer to Effective Treatment for Patients? Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19051490. [PMID: 29772730 PMCID: PMC5983724 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19051490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Revised: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Among diseases affecting skeletal muscle, muscular dystrophy is one of the most devastating and complex disorders. The term ‘muscular dystrophy’ refers to a heterogeneous group of genetic diseases associated with a primary muscle defect that leads to progressive muscle wasting and consequent loss of muscle function. Muscular dystrophies are accompanied by numerous clinical complications and abnormalities in other tissues that cause extreme discomfort in everyday life. The fact that muscular dystrophy often takes its toll on babies and small children, and that many patients die at a young age, adds to the cruel character of the disease. Clinicians all over the world are facing the same problem: they have no therapy to offer except for symptom-relieving interventions. Patients, their families, but also clinicians, are in urgent need of an effective cure. Despite advances in genetics, increased understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying muscle disease, despite a sweeping range of successful preclinical strategies and relative progress of their implementation in the clinic, therapy for patients is currently out of reach. Only a greater comprehension of disease mechanisms, new preclinical studies, development of novel technologies, and tight collaboration between scientists and physicians can help improve clinical treatment. Fortunately, inventiveness in research is rapidly extending the limits and setting new standards for treatment design. This review provides a synopsis of muscular dystrophy and considers the steps of preclinical and clinical research that are taking the muscular dystrophy community towards the fundamental goal of combating the traumatic disease.
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46
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Affiliation(s)
- Alda Tufro
- Departments of Pediatrics and Cell and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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47
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Lin MH, Miller JB, Kikkawa Y, Suleiman HY, Tryggvason K, Hodges BL, Miner JH. Laminin-521 Protein Therapy for Glomerular Basement Membrane and Podocyte Abnormalities in a Model of Pierson Syndrome. J Am Soc Nephrol 2018; 29:1426-1436. [PMID: 29472414 PMCID: PMC5967757 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2017060690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Laminin α5β2γ1 (LM-521) is a major component of the GBM. Mutations in LAMB2 that prevent LM-521 synthesis and/or secretion cause Pierson syndrome, a rare congenital nephrotic syndrome with diffuse mesangial sclerosis and ocular and neurologic defects. Because the GBM is uniquely accessible to plasma, which permeates endothelial cell fenestrae, we hypothesized that intravenous delivery of LM-521 could replace the missing LM-521 in the GBM of Lamb2 mutant mice and restore glomerular permselectivity.Methods We injected human LM-521 (hLM-521), a macromolecule of approximately 800 kD, into the retro-orbital sinus of Lamb2-/- pups daily. Deposition of hLM-521 into the GBM was investigated by fluorescence microscopy. We assayed the effects of hLM-521 on glomerular permselectivity by urinalysis and the effects on podocytes by desmin immunostaining and ultrastructural analysis of podocyte architecture.Results Injected hLM-521 rapidly and stably accumulated in the GBM of all glomeruli. Super-resolution imaging showed that hLM-521 accumulated in the correct orientation in the GBM, primarily on the endothelial aspect. Treatment with hLM-521 greatly reduced the expression of the podocyte injury marker desmin and attenuated the foot process effacement observed in untreated pups. Moreover, treatment with hLM-521 delayed the onset of proteinuria but did not prevent nephrotic syndrome, perhaps due to its absence from the podocyte aspect of the GBM.Conclusions These studies show that GBM composition and function can be altered in vivovia vascular delivery of even very large proteins, which may advance therapeutic options for patients with abnormal GBM composition, whether genetic or acquired.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meei-Hua Lin
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Joseph B Miller
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Yamato Kikkawa
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hani Y Suleiman
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Karl Tryggvason
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden; and
| | | | - Jeffrey H Miner
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri;
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48
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McKee KK, Aleksandrova M, Yurchenco PD. Chimeric protein identification of dystrophic, Pierson and other laminin polymerization residues. Matrix Biol 2018; 67:32-46. [PMID: 29408412 PMCID: PMC5910262 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2018.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Revised: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Laminin polymerization is a key step of basement membrane self-assembly that depends on the binding of the three different N-terminal globular LN domains. Several mutations in the LN domains cause LAMA2-deficient muscular dystrophy and LAMB2-deficient Pierson syndrome. These mutations may affect polymerization. A novel approach to identify the amino acid residues required for polymerization has been applied to an analysis of these and other laminin LN mutations. The approach utilizes laminin-nidogen chimeric fusion proteins that bind to recombinant non-polymerizing laminins to provide a missing functional LN domain. Single amino acid substitutions introduced into these chimeras were tested to determine if polymerization activity and the ability to assemble on cell surfaces were lost. Several laminin-deficient muscular dystrophy mutations, renal Pierson syndrome mutations, and Drosophila mutations causing defects of heart development were identified as ones causing loss of laminin polymerization. In addition, two novel residues required for polymerization were identified in the laminin γ1 LN domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen K McKee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Rutgers University - Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States
| | - Maya Aleksandrova
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Rutgers University - Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States
| | - Peter D Yurchenco
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Rutgers University - Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States.
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Dowling JJ, D. Gonorazky H, Cohn RD, Campbell C. Treating pediatric neuromuscular disorders: The future is now. Am J Med Genet A 2018; 176:804-841. [PMID: 28889642 PMCID: PMC5900978 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.38418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Pediatric neuromuscular diseases encompass all disorders with onset in childhood and where the primary area of pathology is in the peripheral nervous system. These conditions are largely genetic in etiology, and only those with a genetic underpinning will be presented in this review. This includes disorders of the anterior horn cell (e.g., spinal muscular atrophy), peripheral nerve (e.g., Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease), the neuromuscular junction (e.g., congenital myasthenic syndrome), and the muscle (myopathies and muscular dystrophies). Historically, pediatric neuromuscular disorders have uniformly been considered to be without treatment possibilities and to have dire prognoses. This perception has gradually changed, starting in part with the discovery and widespread application of corticosteroids for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. At present, several exciting therapeutic avenues are under investigation for a range of conditions, offering the potential for significant improvements in patient morbidities and mortality and, in some cases, curative intervention. In this review, we will present the current state of treatment for the most common pediatric neuromuscular conditions, and detail the treatment strategies with the greatest potential for helping with these devastating diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- James J. Dowling
- Division of NeurologyHospital for Sick ChildrenTorontoOntarioCanada
- Program for Genetics and Genome BiologyHospital for Sick ChildrenTorontoOntarioCanada
- Departments of Paediatrics and Molecular GeneticsUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | | | - Ronald D. Cohn
- Program for Genetics and Genome BiologyHospital for Sick ChildrenTorontoOntarioCanada
- Departments of Paediatrics and Molecular GeneticsUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Craig Campbell
- Department of PediatricsClinical Neurological SciencesEpidemiologyWestern UniversityLondonOntarioCanada
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50
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Gawlik KI, Harandi VM, Cheong RY, Petersén Å, Durbeej M. Laminin α1 reduces muscular dystrophy in dy 2J mice. Matrix Biol 2018; 70:36-49. [PMID: 29544677 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2018.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Revised: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Muscular dystrophies, including laminin α2 chain-deficient muscular dystrophy (LAMA2-CMD), are associated with immense personal, social and economic burdens. Thus, effective treatments are urgently needed. LAMA2-CMD is either a severe, early-onset condition with complete laminin α2 chain-deficiency or a milder, late-onset form with partial laminin α2 chain-deficiency. Mouse models dy3K/dy3K and dy2J/dy2J, respectively, recapitulate these two forms of LAMA2-CMD very well. We have previously demonstrated that laminin α1 chain significantly reduces muscular dystrophy in laminin α2 chain-deficient dy3K/dy3K mice. Among all the different pre-clinical approaches that have been evaluated in mice, laminin α1 chain-mediated therapy has been shown to be one of the most effective lines of attack. However, it has remained unclear if laminin α1 chain-mediated treatment is also applicable for partial laminin α2 chain-deficiency. Hence, we have generated dy2J/dy2J mice (that express a substantial amount of an N-terminal truncated laminin α2 chain) overexpressing laminin α1 chain in the neuromuscular system. The laminin α1 chain transgene ameliorated the dystrophic phenotype, restored muscle strength and reduced peripheral neuropathy. Thus, these findings provide additional support for the development of laminin α1 chain-based therapy for LAMA2-CMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga I Gawlik
- Muscle Biology Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Vahid M Harandi
- Muscle Biology Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Rachel Y Cheong
- Translational Neuroendocrine Research Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Åsa Petersén
- Translational Neuroendocrine Research Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Madeleine Durbeej
- Muscle Biology Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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