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Jin M, Lin J, Li H, Li Z, Yang D, Wang Y, Yu Y, Shao Z, Chen L, Wang Z, Zhang Y, Zhang X, Wang N, Xu C, Yang H, Chen WJ, Li G. Correction of human nonsense mutation via adenine base editing for Duchenne muscular dystrophy treatment in mouse. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102165. [PMID: 38571746 PMCID: PMC10988125 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most prevalent herediatry disease in men, characterized by dystrophin deficiency, progressive muscle wasting, cardiac insufficiency, and premature mortality, with no effective therapeutic options. Here, we investigated whether adenine base editing can correct pathological nonsense point mutations leading to premature stop codons in the dystrophin gene. We identified 27 causative nonsense mutations in our DMD patient cohort. Treatment with adenine base editor (ABE) could restore dystrophin expression by direct A-to-G editing of pathological nonsense mutations in cardiomyocytes generated from DMD patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells. We also generated two humanized mouse models of DMD expressing mutation-bearing exons 23 or 30 of human dystrophin gene. Intramuscular administration of ABE, driven by ubiquitous or muscle-specific promoters could correct these nonsense mutations in vivo, albeit with higher efficiency in exon 30, restoring dystrophin expression in skeletal fibers of humanized DMD mice. Moreover, a single systemic delivery of ABE with human single guide RNA (sgRNA) could induce body-wide dystrophin expression and improve muscle function in rotarod tests of humanized DMD mice. These findings demonstrate that ABE with human sgRNAs can confer therapeutic alleviation of DMD in mice, providing a basis for development of adenine base editing therapies in monogenic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Jin
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology of First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350004, China
| | - Jiajia Lin
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology of First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350004, China
| | - Haisen Li
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Co., Ltd, Shanghai 200131, China
- School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Zhifang Li
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Dong Yang
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Co., Ltd, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Yin Wang
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Co., Ltd, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Yuyang Yu
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Co., Ltd, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Zhurui Shao
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Co., Ltd, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Long Chen
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology of First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350004, China
| | - Zhiqiang Wang
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology of First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350004, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Co., Ltd, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Xiumei Zhang
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Co., Ltd, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Ning Wang
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology of First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350004, China
| | - Chunlong Xu
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai 200031, China
- Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology, Shanghai 201602, China
| | - Hui Yang
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Co., Ltd, Shanghai 200131, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology, Shanghai 201602, China
| | - Wan-Jin Chen
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology of First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350004, China
| | - Guoling Li
- HuidaGene Therapeutics Co., Ltd, Shanghai 200131, China
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2
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Ó Murchú SC, O'Halloran KD. BREATHE DMD: boosting respiratory efficacy after therapeutic hypoxic episodes in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. J Physiol 2024. [PMID: 38837229 DOI: 10.1113/jp280280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a fatal genetic neuromuscular disorder, characterised by progressive decline in skeletal muscle function due to the secondary consequences of dystrophin deficiency. Weakness extends to the respiratory musculature, and cardiorespiratory failure is the leading cause of death in men with DMD. Intermittent hypoxia has emerged as a potential therapy to counteract ventilatory insufficiency by eliciting long-term facilitation of breathing. Mechanisms of sensory and motor facilitation of breathing have been well delineated in animal models. Various paradigms of intermittent hypoxia have been designed and implemented in human trials culminating in clinical trials in people with spinal cord injury and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Application of therapeutic intermittent hypoxia to DMD is considered together with discussion of the potential barriers to progression owing to the complexity of this devastating disease. Notwithstanding the considerable challenges and potential pitfalls of intermittent hypoxia-based therapies for DMD, we suggest it is incumbent on the research community to explore the potential benefits in pre-clinical models. Intermittent hypoxia paradigms should be implemented to explore the proclivity to express respiratory plasticity with the longer-term aim of preserving and potentiating ventilation in pre-clinical models and people with DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seán C Ó Murchú
- Department of Physiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Ken D O'Halloran
- Department of Physiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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Davies KE, Vogt J. Long-term clinical follow-up of a family with Becker muscular dystrophy associated with a large deletion in the DMD gene. Neuromuscul Disord 2024; 39:5-9. [PMID: 38653179 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2024.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disease caused by DMD gene mutations that result in an absence of functional dystrophin protein. Patients with Duchenne experience progressive muscle weakness, are typically wheelchair dependent by their early teens, and develop respiratory and cardiac complications that lead to death in their twenties or thirties. Becker muscular dystrophy is also caused by DMD gene mutations, but symptoms are less severe and progression is slower compared with Duchenne. We describe a case study of a patient with Becker muscular dystrophy who was still ambulant at age 61 years and had a milder phenotype than Duchenne, despite 46% of his DMD gene being missing. His affected relatives had similarly mild phenotypes and clinical courses. These data guided the understanding of the criticality of various regions of dystrophin and informed the development of micro-dystrophin constructs to compensate for the absence of functional dystrophin in Duchenne.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kay E Davies
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford 0X1 3PT, United Kingdom.
| | - Julie Vogt
- West Midlands Regional Genetics Service, Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital, Birmingham B15 2TG, United Kingdom.
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4
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Ersöz E, Demir-Dora D. Unveiling the potential of antisense oligonucleotides: Mechanisms, therapies, and safety insights. Drug Dev Res 2024; 85:e22187. [PMID: 38764172 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.22187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are short, synthetic, single-stranded deoxynucleotide sequences composed of phosphate backbone-connected sugar rings. Designing of those strands is based on Watson-Crick hydrogen bonding mechanism. Thanks to rapidly advancing medicine and technology, evolving of the gene therapy area and ASO approaches gain attention. Considering the genetic basis of diseases, it is promising that gene therapy approaches offer more specific and effective options compared to conventional treatments. The objective of this review is to explain the mechanism of ASOs and discuss the characteristics and safety profiles of therapeutic agents in this field. Pharmacovigilance for gene therapy products is complex, requiring accurate assessment of benefit-risk balance and evaluation of adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edanur Ersöz
- Health Sciences Institute, Department of Gene and Cell Therapy, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Devrim Demir-Dora
- Health Sciences Institute, Department of Gene and Cell Therapy, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Pharmacology, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
- Health Sciences Institute, Department of Medical Biotechnology, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
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Escobar-Huertas JF, Vaca-González JJ, Guevara JM, Ramirez-Martinez AM, Trabelsi O, Garzón-Alvarado DA. Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy: Cellular mechanisms, image analysis, and computational models: A review. Cytoskeleton (Hoboken) 2024; 81:269-286. [PMID: 38224155 DOI: 10.1002/cm.21826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
The muscle is the principal tissue that is capable to transform potential energy into kinetic energy. This process is due to the transformation of chemical energy into mechanical energy to enhance the movements and all the daily activities. However, muscular tissues can be affected by some pathologies associated with genetic alterations that affect the expression of proteins. As the muscle is a highly organized structure in which most of the signaling pathways and proteins are related to one another, pathologies may overlap. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is one of the most severe muscle pathologies triggering degeneration and muscle necrosis. Several mathematical models have been developed to predict muscle response to different scenarios and pathologies. The aim of this review is to describe DMD and Becker muscular dystrophy in terms of cellular behavior and molecular disorders and to present an overview of the computational models implemented to understand muscle behavior with the aim of improving regenerative therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- J F Escobar-Huertas
- Numerical Methods and Modeling Research Group (GNUM), Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
- Université de technologie de Compiègne, CNRS, Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Centre de Recherche Royallieu, Compiègne Cedex, France
| | - Juan Jairo Vaca-González
- Escuela de pregrado, Dirección Académica, Vicerrectoría de Sede, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede la Paz, Cesar, Colombia
| | - Johana María Guevara
- Institute for the Study of Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Olfa Trabelsi
- Université de technologie de Compiègne, CNRS, Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Centre de Recherche Royallieu, Compiègne Cedex, France
| | - D A Garzón-Alvarado
- Numerical Methods and Modeling Research Group (GNUM), Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
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Laurent M, Geoffroy M, Pavani G, Guiraud S. CRISPR-Based Gene Therapies: From Preclinical to Clinical Treatments. Cells 2024; 13:800. [PMID: 38786024 PMCID: PMC11119143 DOI: 10.3390/cells13100800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPRs) and CRISPR-associated (Cas) protein have emerged as a revolutionary gene editing tool to treat inherited disorders affecting different organ systems, such as blood and muscles. Both hematological and neuromuscular genetic disorders benefit from genome editing approaches but face different challenges in their clinical translation. The ability of CRISPR/Cas9 technologies to modify hematopoietic stem cells ex vivo has greatly accelerated the development of genetic therapies for blood disorders. In the last decade, many clinical trials were initiated and are now delivering encouraging results. The recent FDA approval of Casgevy, the first CRISPR/Cas9-based drug for severe sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia, represents a significant milestone in the field and highlights the great potential of this technology. Similar preclinical efforts are currently expanding CRISPR therapies to other hematologic disorders such as primary immunodeficiencies. In the neuromuscular field, the versatility of CRISPR/Cas9 has been instrumental for the generation of new cellular and animal models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), offering innovative platforms to speed up preclinical development of therapeutic solutions. Several corrective interventions have been proposed to genetically restore dystrophin production using the CRISPR toolbox and have demonstrated promising results in different DMD animal models. Although these advances represent a significant step forward to the clinical translation of CRISPR/Cas9 therapies to DMD, there are still many hurdles to overcome, such as in vivo delivery methods associated with high viral vector doses, together with safety and immunological concerns. Collectively, the results obtained in the hematological and neuromuscular fields emphasize the transformative impact of CRISPR/Cas9 for patients affected by these debilitating conditions. As each field suffers from different and specific challenges, the clinical translation of CRISPR therapies may progress differentially depending on the genetic disorder. Ongoing investigations and clinical trials will address risks and limitations of these therapies, including long-term efficacy, potential genotoxicity, and adverse immune reactions. This review provides insights into the diverse applications of CRISPR-based technologies in both preclinical and clinical settings for monogenic blood disorders and muscular dystrophy and compare advances in both fields while highlighting current trends, difficulties, and challenges to overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine Laurent
- INTEGRARE, UMR_S951, Genethon, Inserm, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91190 Evry, France
| | | | - Giulia Pavani
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Simon Guiraud
- SQY Therapeutics, 78180 Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
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Subhan F, Zizzo MG, Serio R. Motor dysfunction of the gut in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: A review. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2024:e14804. [PMID: 38651673 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.14804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Duchenne's muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe type of hereditary, neuromuscular disorder caused by a mutation in the dystrophin gene resulting in the absence or production of truncated dystrophin protein. Conventionally, clinical descriptions of the disorder focus principally on striated muscle defects; however, DMD manifestations involving gastrointestinal (GI) smooth muscle have been reported, even if not rigorously studied. PURPOSE The objective of the present review is to offer a comprehensive perspective on the existing knowledge concerning GI manifestations in DMD, focusing the attention on evidence in DMD patients and mdx mice. This includes an assessment of symptomatology, etiological pathways, and potential corrective approaches. This paper could provide helpful information about DMD gastrointestinal implications that could serve as a valuable orientation for prospective research endeavors in this field. This manuscript emphasizes the effectiveness of mdx mice, a DMD animal model, in unraveling mechanistic insights and exploring the pathological alterations in the GI tract. The gastrointestinal consequences evident in patients with DMD and the mdx mice models are a significant area of focus for researchers. The exploration of this area in depth could facilitate the development of more efficient therapeutic approaches and improve the well-being of individuals impacted by the condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fazal Subhan
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Zizzo
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Palermo, Italy
- ATeN (Advanced Technologies Network) Center, Viale delle Scienze, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Rosa Serio
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Palermo, Italy
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Gharibi S, Vaillend C, Lindsay A. The unconditioned fear response in vertebrates deficient in dystrophin. Prog Neurobiol 2024; 235:102590. [PMID: 38484964 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2024.102590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Dystrophin loss due to mutations in the Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) gene is associated with a wide spectrum of neurocognitive comorbidities, including an aberrant unconditioned fear response to stressful/threat stimuli. Dystrophin-deficient animal models of DMD demonstrate enhanced stress reactivity that manifests as sustained periods of immobility. When the threat is repetitive or severe in nature, dystrophinopathy phenotypes can be exacerbated and even cause sudden death. Thus, it is apparent that enhanced sensitivity to stressful/threat stimuli in dystrophin-deficient vertebrates is a legitimate cause of concern for patients with DMD that could impact neurocognition and pathophysiology. This review discusses our current understanding of the mechanisms and consequences of the hypersensitive fear response in preclinical models of DMD and the potential challenges facing clinical translatability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saba Gharibi
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Cyrille Vaillend
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut des Neurosciences Paris-Saclay, Saclay 91400, France.
| | - Angus Lindsay
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia; School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand; Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch 8014, New Zealand.
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Junga A, Babenko T, Fedirko P, Pilmane M. Distribution and appearance of myosin, dystrophin, and collagen IV in strabismus-affected extraocular muscle tissue compared with control tissue. J Int Med Res 2024; 52:3000605241233521. [PMID: 38436252 PMCID: PMC10913506 DOI: 10.1177/03000605241233521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Extraocular muscles have complex development processes. The present study aimed to analyze the presence of myosin, dystrophin, and collagen IV in the strabismus-affected extraocular muscle. METHODS This research was an observational case-control study. Myosin, dystrophin, and collagen IV were detected by histological and immunohistochemical analyses of extraocular muscle samples from concomitant strabismus patients and controls. A semi-quantitative grading method and statistical analysis were used. RESULTS In the strabismus-affected extraocular muscle, morphological analysis demonstrated different-sized muscle fibers. Immature muscle fibers and an increased amount of connective tissue were also noted. Strong positive correlations were identified between myosin and collagen IV and between dystrophin and collagen IV. CONCLUSIONS The presence of newly formed muscle fibers, increased connective tissue, and variable diameters of skeletal striated muscle fibers indicate the decreased quality of extraocular muscles in strabismus cases. Reduced levels of myosin and dystrophin and a near absence of collagen IV in strabismus-affected skeletal striated muscle fibers characterized the muscular dystrophy of strabismus. Adjuvant therapy aimed at normalizing the metabolism of these muscles may be appropriate alongside concomitant strabismus treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Junga
- Institute of Anatomy and Anthropology, Rīga Stradiņš University, Rīga, Latvia
| | - Tetyana Babenko
- Institute of Radiation Hygiene and Epidemiology, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Pavlo Fedirko
- Institute of Radiation Hygiene and Epidemiology, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Mara Pilmane
- Institute of Anatomy and Anthropology, Rīga Stradiņš University, Rīga, Latvia
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Shalash R, Levi-Ferber M, Cohen C, Dori A, Brodie C, Henis-Korenblit S. Cross-species modeling of muscular dystrophy in Caenorhabditis elegans using patient-derived extracellular vesicles. Dis Model Mech 2024; 17:dmm050412. [PMID: 38501170 PMCID: PMC11007864 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050412] [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: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Reliable disease models are critical for medicine advancement. Here, we established a versatile human disease model system using patient-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs), which transfer a pathology-inducing cargo from a patient to a recipient naïve model organism. As a proof of principle, we applied EVs from the serum of patients with muscular dystrophy to Caenorhabditis elegans and demonstrated their capability to induce a spectrum of muscle pathologies, including lifespan shortening and robust impairment of muscle organization and function. This demonstrates that patient-derived EVs can deliver disease-relevant pathologies between species and can be exploited for establishing novel and personalized models of human disease. Such models can potentially be used for disease diagnosis, prognosis, analyzing treatment responses, drug screening and identification of the disease-transmitting cargo of patient-derived EVs and their cellular targets. This system complements traditional genetic disease models and enables modeling of multifactorial diseases and of those not yet associated with specific genetic mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rewayd Shalash
- The Mina & Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel
| | - Mor Levi-Ferber
- The Mina & Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel
| | - Coral Cohen
- The Mina & Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials (BINA), Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel
| | - Amir Dori
- Department of Neurology, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan 52621, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Chaya Brodie
- The Mina & Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials (BINA), Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel
| | - Sivan Henis-Korenblit
- The Mina & Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel
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Golli T, Juříková L, Sejersen T, Dixon C. The role of ataluren in the treatment of ambulatory and non-ambulatory children with nonsense mutation duchenne muscular dystrophy - a consensus derived using a modified Delphi methodology in Eastern Europe, Greece, Israel and Sweden. BMC Neurol 2024; 24:73. [PMID: 38383326 PMCID: PMC10880248 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-024-03570-x] [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: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This paper details the results of an evaluation of the level of consensus amongst clinicians on the use of ataluren in both ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients with nonsense mutation Duchenne muscular dystrophy (nmDMD). The consensus was derived using a modified Delphi methodology that involved an exploration phase and then an evaluation phase. METHODS The exploration phase involved 90-minute virtual 1:1 interviews of 12 paediatric neurologists who cared for 30-120 DMD patients each and had patient contact every one or two weeks. The respondents managed one to ten nmDMD patients taking ataluren. The Discussion Guide for the interviews can be viewed as Appendix A. Following the exploration phase interviews, the interview transcripts were analysed by an independent party to identify common themes, views and opinions and developed 43 draft statements that the Steering Group (authors) reviewed, refined and endorsed a final list of 42 statements. Details of the recruitment of participants for the exploration and evaluation phases can be found under the Methods section. RESULTS A consensus was agreed (> 66% of respondents agreeing) for 41 of the 42 statements using results from a consensus survey of healthcare professionals (n = 20) experienced in the treatment of nmDMD. CONCLUSIONS The statements with a high consensus suggest that treatment with ataluren should be initiated as soon as possible to delay disease progression and allow patients to remain ambulatory for as long as possible. Ataluren is indicated for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy that results from a nonsense mutation in the dystrophin gene, in ambulatory patients aged 2 years and older (see Summary of Product Characteristics for each country).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Golli
- Department of Child, Adolescent and Developmental Neurology, Ljubljana University Medical Centre, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Lenka Juříková
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Brno, Masaryk University in Brno, Brno, Moravia, Czech Republic
| | - Thomas Sejersen
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Craig Dixon
- MASS Team, Suite 99, 95 Mortimer Street, London, W1W 7GB, UK.
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Tong S, Sun Y, Kuang B, Wang M, Chen Z, Zhang W, Chen J. A Comprehensive Review of Muscle-Tendon Junction: Structure, Function, Injury and Repair. Biomedicines 2024; 12:423. [PMID: 38398025 PMCID: PMC10886980 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12020423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The muscle-tendon junction (MTJ) is a highly specific tissue interface where the muscle's fascia intersects with the extracellular matrix of the tendon. The MTJ functions as the particular structure facilitating the transmission of force from contractive muscle fibers to the skeletal system, enabling movement. Considering that the MTJ is continuously exposed to constant mechanical forces during physical activity, it is susceptible to injuries. Ruptures at the MTJ often accompany damage to both tendon and muscle tissues. In this review, we attempt to provide a precise definition of the MTJ, describe its subtle structure in detail, and introduce therapeutic approaches related to MTJ tissue engineering. We hope that our detailed illustration of the MTJ and summary of the representative research achievements will help researchers gain a deeper understanding of the MTJ and inspire fresh insights and breakthroughs for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Tong
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yuzhi Sun
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Institute of Digital Medicine, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210006, China
| | - Baian Kuang
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Mingyue Wang
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Zhixuan Chen
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Devices, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
- China Orthopedic Regenerative Medicine Group (CORMed), Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jialin Chen
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Devices, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
- China Orthopedic Regenerative Medicine Group (CORMed), Hangzhou 310058, China
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Szwec S, Kapłucha Z, Chamberlain JS, Konieczny P. Dystrophin- and Utrophin-Based Therapeutic Approaches for Treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Comparative Review. BioDrugs 2024; 38:95-119. [PMID: 37917377 PMCID: PMC10789850 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-023-00632-3] [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] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a devastating disease that leads to progressive muscle loss and premature death. While medical management focuses mostly on symptomatic treatment, decades of research have resulted in first therapeutics able to restore the affected reading frame of dystrophin transcripts or induce synthesis of a truncated dystrophin protein from a vector, with other strategies based on gene therapy and cell signaling in preclinical or clinical development. Nevertheless, recent reports show that potentially therapeutic dystrophins can be immunogenic in patients. This raises the question of whether a dystrophin paralog, utrophin, could be a more suitable therapeutic protein. Here, we compare dystrophin and utrophin amino acid sequences and structures, combining published data with our extended in silico analyses. We then discuss these results in the context of therapeutic approaches for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Specifically, we focus on strategies based on delivery of micro-dystrophin and micro-utrophin genes with recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors, exon skipping of the mutated dystrophin pre-mRNAs, reading through termination codons with small molecules that mask premature stop codons, dystrophin gene repair by clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9)-mediated genetic engineering, and increasing utrophin levels. Our analyses highlight the importance of various dystrophin and utrophin domains in Duchenne muscular dystrophy treatment, providing insights into designing novel therapeutic compounds with improved efficacy and decreased immunoreactivity. While the necessary actin and β-dystroglycan binding sites are present in both proteins, important functional distinctions can be identified in these domains and some other parts of truncated dystrophins might need redesigning due to their potentially immunogenic qualities. Alternatively, therapies based on utrophins might provide a safer and more effective approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylwia Szwec
- Institute of Human Biology and Evolution, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614, Poznań, Poland
| | - Zuzanna Kapłucha
- Institute of Human Biology and Evolution, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614, Poznań, Poland
| | - Jeffrey S Chamberlain
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, 98109-8055, USA
- Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, 98109-8055, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, 98109-8055, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, 98109-8055, USA
| | - Patryk Konieczny
- Institute of Human Biology and Evolution, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614, Poznań, Poland.
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14
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Riddell DO, Hildyard JCW, Harron RCM, Taylor-Brown F, Kornegay JN, Wells DJ, Piercy RJ. Longitudinal assessment of skeletal muscle functional mechanics in the DE50-MD dog model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Dis Model Mech 2023; 16:dmm050395. [PMID: 38050706 PMCID: PMC10753191 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), caused by mutations in the dystrophin (DMD) gene, is associated with fatal muscle degeneration and atrophy. Patients with DMD have progressive reductions in skeletal muscle strength and resistance to eccentric muscle stretch. Using the DE50-MD dog model of DMD, we assessed tibiotarsal joint (TTJ) flexor and extensor force dynamics, and the resistance of dystrophic muscle to eccentric stretch. Male DE50-MD and wild-type (WT) dogs were analysed every 3 months until 18 months of age. There was an age-associated decline in eccentric contraction resistance in DE50-MD TTJ flexors that discriminated, with high statistical power, WT from DE50-MD individuals. For isometric contraction, at the majority of timepoints, DE50-MD dogs had lower maximum absolute and relative TTJ flexor force, reduced TTJ muscle contraction times and prolonged relaxation compared to those in WT dogs. Cranial tibial muscles, the primary TTJ flexor, of 18-month-old DE50-MD dogs had significant numbers of regenerating fibres as expected, but also fewer type I fibres and more hybrid fibres than those in WT dogs. We conclude that these parameters, in particular, the eccentric contraction decrement, could be used as objective outcome measures for pre-clinical assessment in DE50-MD dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique O. Riddell
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London NW10TU, UK
| | - John C. W. Hildyard
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London NW10TU, UK
| | - Rachel C. M. Harron
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London NW10TU, UK
| | - Frances Taylor-Brown
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London NW10TU, UK
| | - Joe N. Kornegay
- Texas A&M University, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Dominic J. Wells
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London NW10TU, UK
| | - Richard J. Piercy
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London NW10TU, UK
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15
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Yang TL, Ting J, Lin MR, Chang WC, Shih CM. Identification of Genetic Variants Associated with Severe Myocardial Bridging through Whole-Exome Sequencing. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1509. [PMID: 37888120 PMCID: PMC10608235 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13101509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Myocardial bridging (MB) is a congenital coronary artery anomaly and an important cause of angina. The genetic basis of MB is currently unknown. This study used a whole-exome sequencing technique and analyzed genotypic differences. Eight coronary angiography-confirmed cases of severe MB and eight age- and sex-matched control patients were investigated. In total, 139 rare variants that are potentially pathogenic for severe MB were identified in 132 genes. Genes with multiple rare variants or co-predicted by ClinVar and CADD/REVEL for severe MB were collected, from which heart-specific genes were selected under the guidance of tissue expression levels. Functional annotation indicated significant genetic associations with abnormal skeletal muscle mass, cardiomyopathies, and transmembrane ion channels. Candidate genes were reviewed regarding the functions and locations of each individual gene product. Among the gene candidates for severe MB, rare variants in DMD, SGCA, and TTN were determined to be the most crucial. The results suggest that altered anchoring proteins on the cell membrane and intracellular sarcomere unit of cardiomyocytes play a role in the development of the missed trajectory of coronary vessels. Additional studies are required to support the diagnostic application of cardiac sarcoglycan and dystroglycan complexes in patients with severe MB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsung-Lin Yang
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan;
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Taipei Heart Institute, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Jafit Ting
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (J.T.); (M.-R.L.)
| | - Min-Rou Lin
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (J.T.); (M.-R.L.)
| | - Wei-Chiao Chang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (J.T.); (M.-R.L.)
- Master’ Program in Clinical Genomics and Proteomics, School of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Integrative Research Center for Critical Care, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11696, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Ming Shih
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan;
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Taipei Heart Institute, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
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16
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Rawls A, Diviak BK, Smith CI, Severson GW, Acosta SA, Wilson-Rawls J. Pharmacotherapeutic Approaches to Treatment of Muscular Dystrophies. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1536. [PMID: 37892218 PMCID: PMC10605463 DOI: 10.3390/biom13101536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Muscular dystrophies are a heterogeneous group of genetic muscle-wasting disorders that are subdivided based on the region of the body impacted by muscle weakness as well as the functional activity of the underlying genetic mutations. A common feature of the pathophysiology of muscular dystrophies is chronic inflammation associated with the replacement of muscle mass with fibrotic scarring. With the progression of these disorders, many patients suffer cardiomyopathies with fibrosis of the cardiac tissue. Anti-inflammatory glucocorticoids represent the standard of care for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the most common muscular dystrophy worldwide; however, long-term exposure to glucocorticoids results in highly adverse side effects, limiting their use. Thus, it is important to develop new pharmacotherapeutic approaches to limit inflammation and fibrosis to reduce muscle damage and promote repair. Here, we examine the pathophysiology, genetic background, and emerging therapeutic strategies for muscular dystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Rawls
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-4501, USA; (B.K.D.); (C.I.S.); (G.W.S.); (S.A.A.)
| | - Bridget K. Diviak
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-4501, USA; (B.K.D.); (C.I.S.); (G.W.S.); (S.A.A.)
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, School of Life Sciences, Tempe, AZ 85287 4501, USA
| | - Cameron I. Smith
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-4501, USA; (B.K.D.); (C.I.S.); (G.W.S.); (S.A.A.)
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, School of Life Sciences, Tempe, AZ 85287 4501, USA
| | - Grant W. Severson
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-4501, USA; (B.K.D.); (C.I.S.); (G.W.S.); (S.A.A.)
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, School of Life Sciences, Tempe, AZ 85287 4501, USA
| | - Sofia A. Acosta
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-4501, USA; (B.K.D.); (C.I.S.); (G.W.S.); (S.A.A.)
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, School of Life Sciences, Tempe, AZ 85287 4501, USA
| | - Jeanne Wilson-Rawls
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-4501, USA; (B.K.D.); (C.I.S.); (G.W.S.); (S.A.A.)
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17
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Agrawal P, Harish V, Mohd S, Singh SK, Tewari D, Tatiparthi R, Harshita, Vishwas S, Sutrapu S, Dua K, Gulati M. Role of CRISPR/Cas9 in the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and its delivery strategies. Life Sci 2023; 330:122003. [PMID: 37544379 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a neuromuscular disorder brought on by mutations in the DMD gene, which prevent muscle cells from expressing the dystrophin protein. CRISPR/Cas9 technology has evolved as potential option to treat DMD due to its ability to permanently skip exons, restoring the disrupted DMD reading frame and leading to dystrophin restoration. Even though, having potential to treat DMD, the delivery, safety and efficacy of this technology is still challenging. Several delivery methods, including viral vectors, nanoparticles, and electroporation, have been explored to deliver CRISPR/Cas9 to the targeted cells. Despite the potential of CRISPR/Cas9 technology in the treatment of DMD, several limitations need to be addressed. The off-target effects of CRISPR/Cas9 are a major concern that needs to be addressed to avoid unintended mutations. The delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 to the target cells and the immune response due to the viral vectors used for delivery are a few other limitations. The clinical trials of CRISPR/Cas9 for DMD provide valuable insights into the safety and efficacy of this technology in humans and the limitations that need to be known. Therefore, in this review we insightfully discussed the challenges and limitations of CRISPR/Cas9 in the treatment of DMD and delivery strategies used, and the ongoing efforts to overcome these challenges and restore dystrophin expression in DMD patients in the ongoing trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Agrawal
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411, India
| | - Vancha Harish
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411, India.
| | - Sharfuddin Mohd
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411, India
| | - Sachin Kumar Singh
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411, India; Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Devesh Tewari
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, New Delhi 110017, India
| | - Ramanjireddy Tatiparthi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411, India
| | - Harshita
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411, India
| | - Sukriti Vishwas
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411, India
| | - Srinivas Sutrapu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411, India
| | - Kamal Dua
- Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia; Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia; Uttaranchal Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, India
| | - Monica Gulati
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411, India; Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
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18
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Asher D, Dai D, Klimchak AC, Sedita LE, Gooch KL, Rodino-Klapac L. Paving the way for future gene therapies: A case study of scientific spillover from delandistrogene moxeparvovec. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2023; 30:474-483. [PMID: 37674905 PMCID: PMC10477757 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.08.002] [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: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapies have potential to improve outcomes of severe diseases after only a single administration. Novel therapies are continually being developed using knowledge gained from prior successes, a concept known as scientific spillover. Gene therapy advancement requires extensive development at each stage: preclinical work to create and evaluate vehicles for delivery of the therapy, design of clinical development programs, and establishment of a large-scale manufacturing process. Pioneering gene therapies are generating spillover as investigators confront myriad issues specific to this treatment modality. These include frameworks for construct engineering, dose evaluation, patient selection, outcome assessment, and safety monitoring. Consequently, the benefits of these therapies extend beyond offering knowledge for treating any one disease to establishing new platforms and paradigms that will accelerate advancement of future gene therapies. This impact is even more profound in rare diseases, where developing therapies in isolation may not be possible. This review describes some instances of scientific spillover in healthcare, and specifically gene therapy, using delandistrogene moxeparvovec (SRP-9001), a gene therapy recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of ambulatory pediatric patients aged 4-5 years with Duchenne muscular dystrophy with a confirmed mutation in the DMD gene, as a case study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damon Asher
- Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc., 215 First Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Daisy Dai
- Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc., 215 First Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Alexa C. Klimchak
- Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc., 215 First Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Lauren E. Sedita
- Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc., 215 First Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
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19
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Gapinske M, Winter J, Swami D, Gapinske L, Woods WS, Shirguppe S, Miskalis A, Busza A, Joulani D, Kao CJ, Kostan K, Bigot A, Bashir R, Perez-Pinera P. Targeting Duchenne muscular dystrophy by skipping DMD exon 45 with base editors. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 33:572-586. [PMID: 37637209 PMCID: PMC10448430 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is an X-linked monogenic disease caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene (DMD) characterized by progressive muscle weakness, leading to loss of ambulation and decreased life expectancy. Since the current standard of care for Duchenne muscular dystrophy is to merely treat symptoms, there is a dire need for treatment modalities that can correct the underlying genetic mutations. While several gene replacement therapies are being explored in clinical trials, one emerging approach that can directly correct mutations in genomic DNA is base editing. We have recently developed CRISPR-SKIP, a base editing strategy to induce permanent exon skipping by introducing C > T or A > G mutations at splice acceptors in genomic DNA, which can be used therapeutically to recover dystrophin expression when a genomic deletion leads to an out-of-frame DMD transcript. We now demonstrate that CRISPR-SKIP can be adapted to correct some forms of Duchenne muscular dystrophy by disrupting the splice acceptor in human DMD exon 45 with high efficiency, which enables open reading frame recovery and restoration of dystrophin expression. We also demonstrate that AAV-delivered split-intein base editors edit the splice acceptor of DMD exon 45 in cultured human cells and in vivo, highlighting the therapeutic potential of this strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Gapinske
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Jackson Winter
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Devyani Swami
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Lauren Gapinske
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Nick J. Holonyak Micro and Nano Technology Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Wendy S. Woods
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Shraddha Shirguppe
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Angelo Miskalis
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Anna Busza
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Dana Joulani
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Collin J. Kao
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Kurt Kostan
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Anne Bigot
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Rashid Bashir
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Nick J. Holonyak Micro and Nano Technology Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Carle Illinois College of Medicine, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
| | - Pablo Perez-Pinera
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Carle Illinois College of Medicine, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
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20
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Dubuisson N, Versele R, Davis-López de Carrizosa MA, Selvais CM, Noel L, Planchon C, Van den Bergh PYK, Brichard SM, Abou-Samra M. The Adiponectin Receptor Agonist, ALY688: A Promising Therapeutic for Fibrosis in the Dystrophic Muscle. Cells 2023; 12:2101. [PMID: 37626911 PMCID: PMC10453606 DOI: 10.3390/cells12162101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is one of the most devastating myopathies, where severe inflammation exacerbates disease progression. Previously, we demonstrated that adiponectin (ApN), a hormone with powerful pleiotropic effects, can efficiently improve the dystrophic phenotype. However, its practical therapeutic application is limited. In this study, we investigated ALY688, a small peptide ApN receptor agonist, as a potential novel treatment for DMD. Four-week-old mdx mice were subcutaneously treated for two months with ALY688 and then compared to untreated mdx and wild-type mice. In vivo and ex vivo tests were performed to assess muscle function and pathophysiology. Additionally, in vitro tests were conducted on human DMD myotubes. Our results showed that ALY688 significantly improved the physical performance of mice and exerted potent anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and anti-fibrotic actions on the dystrophic muscle. Additionally, ALY688 hampered myonecrosis, partly mediated by necroptosis, and enhanced the myogenic program. Some of these effects were also recapitulated in human DMD myotubes. ALY688's protective and beneficial properties were mainly mediated by the AMPK-PGC-1α axis, which led to suppression of NF-κβ and TGF-β. Our results demonstrate that an ApN mimic may be a promising and effective therapeutic prospect for a better management of DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Dubuisson
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition Unit, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Medical Sector, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Avenue Hippocrate 55, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (N.D.); (R.V.); (M.A.D.-L.d.C.); (C.M.S.); (L.N.); (C.P.); (S.M.B.)
- Neuromuscular Reference Center, Department of Neurology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Romain Versele
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition Unit, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Medical Sector, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Avenue Hippocrate 55, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (N.D.); (R.V.); (M.A.D.-L.d.C.); (C.M.S.); (L.N.); (C.P.); (S.M.B.)
| | - Maria A. Davis-López de Carrizosa
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition Unit, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Medical Sector, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Avenue Hippocrate 55, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (N.D.); (R.V.); (M.A.D.-L.d.C.); (C.M.S.); (L.N.); (C.P.); (S.M.B.)
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012 Seville, Spain
| | - Camille M. Selvais
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition Unit, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Medical Sector, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Avenue Hippocrate 55, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (N.D.); (R.V.); (M.A.D.-L.d.C.); (C.M.S.); (L.N.); (C.P.); (S.M.B.)
| | - Laurence Noel
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition Unit, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Medical Sector, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Avenue Hippocrate 55, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (N.D.); (R.V.); (M.A.D.-L.d.C.); (C.M.S.); (L.N.); (C.P.); (S.M.B.)
| | - Chloé Planchon
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition Unit, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Medical Sector, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Avenue Hippocrate 55, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (N.D.); (R.V.); (M.A.D.-L.d.C.); (C.M.S.); (L.N.); (C.P.); (S.M.B.)
| | - Peter Y. K. Van den Bergh
- Neuromuscular Reference Center, Department of Neurology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Sonia M. Brichard
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition Unit, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Medical Sector, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Avenue Hippocrate 55, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (N.D.); (R.V.); (M.A.D.-L.d.C.); (C.M.S.); (L.N.); (C.P.); (S.M.B.)
| | - Michel Abou-Samra
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition Unit, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Medical Sector, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Avenue Hippocrate 55, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (N.D.); (R.V.); (M.A.D.-L.d.C.); (C.M.S.); (L.N.); (C.P.); (S.M.B.)
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21
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Bamaga A, Alqarni L. Risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Saudi Male Boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). Degener Neurol Neuromuscul Dis 2023; 13:45-53. [PMID: 37601287 PMCID: PMC10439780 DOI: 10.2147/dnnd.s421399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients are at a high risk of developing sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD) such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This study aimed to determine the risk of developing OSA among DMD patients. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2022 to July 2022 in a tertiary healthcare facility. As a screening tool for OSA, we used the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ). Results Subjects included 60 boys with DMD, mean age 10.15 ± 3.54 years. The mean BMI for all subjects was 18.9 ± 4.08 kg/m2. Of these, 22 (36.7%) children were at high risk of OSA. Children who were overweight, and on steroids tended to be at higher risk of developing OSA (P < 0.043) and (P < 0.029) respectively. Conclusion Our study shows a significant risk of OSA in DMD patients. Therefore, Sleep studies should be part of the standard of care for DMD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Bamaga
- Neuromuscular Medicine Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz Univeristy and Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lama Alqarni
- Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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22
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Kim BS, Alcantara AV, Moon JH, Higashitani A, Higashitani N, Etheridge T, Szewczyk NJ, Deane CS, Gaffney CJ, Higashibata A, Hashizume T, Yoon KH, Lee JI. Comparative Analysis of Muscle Atrophy During Spaceflight, Nutritional Deficiency and Disuse in the Nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12640. [PMID: 37628820 PMCID: PMC10454569 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612640] [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: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
While spaceflight is becoming more common than before, the hazards spaceflight and space microgravity pose to the human body remain relatively unexplored. Astronauts experience muscle atrophy after spaceflight, but the exact reasons for this and solutions are unknown. Here, we take advantage of the nematode C. elegans to understand the effects of space microgravity on worm body wall muscle. We found that space microgravity induces muscle atrophy in C. elegans from two independent spaceflight missions. As a comparison to spaceflight-induced muscle atrophy, we assessed the effects of acute nutritional deprivation and muscle disuse on C. elegans muscle cells. We found that these two factors also induce muscle atrophy in the nematode. Finally, we identified clp-4, which encodes a calpain protease that promotes muscle atrophy. Mutants of clp-4 suppress starvation-induced muscle atrophy. Such comparative analyses of different factors causing muscle atrophy in C. elegans could provide a way to identify novel genetic factors regulating space microgravity-induced muscle atrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ban-seok Kim
- Division of Biological Science and Technology, College of Science and Technology, Yonsei University, Wonju 26493, Republic of Korea; (B.-s.K.); (A.V.A.J.); (J.-H.M.)
| | - Alfredo V. Alcantara
- Division of Biological Science and Technology, College of Science and Technology, Yonsei University, Wonju 26493, Republic of Korea; (B.-s.K.); (A.V.A.J.); (J.-H.M.)
| | - Je-Hyun Moon
- Division of Biological Science and Technology, College of Science and Technology, Yonsei University, Wonju 26493, Republic of Korea; (B.-s.K.); (A.V.A.J.); (J.-H.M.)
| | - Atsushi Higashitani
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8577, Japan (N.H.)
| | - Nahoko Higashitani
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8577, Japan (N.H.)
| | - Timothy Etheridge
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX1 2LU, UK; (T.E.); (C.S.D.)
| | - Nathaniel J. Szewczyk
- Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA;
| | - Colleen S. Deane
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX1 2LU, UK; (T.E.); (C.S.D.)
- Human Development & Health Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Christopher J. Gaffney
- Lancaster Medical School, Health Innovation One, Sir John Fisher Drive, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4AT, UK;
| | - Akira Higashibata
- Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, Tsukuba 305-0047, Japan
| | - Toko Hashizume
- Advanced Engineering Services Co., Ltd., Tsukuba 305-0032, Japan
| | - Kyoung-hye Yoon
- Department of Physiology, Mitohormesis Research Center, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju 26426, Republic of Korea;
| | - Jin I. Lee
- Division of Biological Science and Technology, College of Science and Technology, Yonsei University, Wonju 26493, Republic of Korea; (B.-s.K.); (A.V.A.J.); (J.-H.M.)
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Roy A, Koike TE, Joshi AS, Tomaz da Silva M, Mathukumalli K, Wu M, Kumar A. Targeted regulation of TAK1 counteracts dystrophinopathy in a DMD mouse model. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e164768. [PMID: 37071470 PMCID: PMC10322678 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.164768] [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: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Muscular dystrophies make up a group of genetic neuromuscular disorders that involve severe muscle wasting. TGF-β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) is an important signaling protein that regulates cell survival, growth, and inflammation. TAK1 has been recently found to promote myofiber growth in the skeletal muscle of adult mice. However, the role of TAK1 in muscle diseases remains poorly understood. In the present study, we have investigated how TAK1 affects the progression of dystrophic phenotype in the mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). TAK1 is highly activated in the dystrophic muscle of mdx mice during the peak necrotic phase. While targeted inducible inactivation of TAK1 inhibits myofiber injury in young mdx mice, it results in reduced muscle mass and contractile function. TAK1 inactivation also causes loss of muscle mass in adult mdx mice. By contrast, forced activation of TAK1 through overexpression of TAK1 and TAB1 induces myofiber growth without having any deleterious effect on muscle histopathology. Collectively, our results suggest that TAK1 is a positive regulator of skeletal muscle mass and that targeted regulation of TAK1 can suppress myonecrosis and ameliorate disease progression in DMD.
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24
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Eisen B, Binah O. Modeling Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Cardiomyopathy with Patients' Induced Pluripotent Stem-Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108657. [PMID: 37240001 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked progressive muscle degenerative disease caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene, resulting in death by the end of the third decade of life at the latest. A key aspect of the DMD clinical phenotype is dilated cardiomyopathy, affecting virtually all patients by the end of the second decade of life. Furthermore, despite respiratory complications still being the leading cause of death, with advancements in medical care in recent years, cardiac involvement has become an increasing cause of mortality. Over the years, extensive research has been conducted using different DMD animal models, including the mdx mouse. While these models present certain important similarities to human DMD patients, they also have some differences which pose a challenge to researchers. The development of somatic cell reprograming technology has enabled generation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) which can be differentiated into different cell types. This technology provides a potentially endless pool of human cells for research. Furthermore, hiPSCs can be generated from patients, thus providing patient-specific cells and enabling research tailored to different mutations. DMD cardiac involvement has been shown in animal models to include changes in gene expression of different proteins, abnormal cellular Ca2+ handling, and other aberrations. To gain a better understanding of the disease mechanisms, it is imperative to validate these findings in human cells. Furthermore, with the recent advancements in gene-editing technology, hiPSCs provide a valuable platform for research and development of new therapies including the possibility of regenerative medicine. In this article, we review the DMD cardiac-related research performed so far using human hiPSCs-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) carrying DMD mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binyamin Eisen
- Cardiac Research Laboratory, Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Systems Biology, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine and Research Institute, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Ofer Binah
- Cardiac Research Laboratory, Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Systems Biology, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine and Research Institute, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
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25
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Cernisova V, Lu-Nguyen N, Trundle J, Herath S, Malerba A, Popplewell L. Microdystrophin Gene Addition Significantly Improves Muscle Functionality and Diaphragm Muscle Histopathology in a Fibrotic Mouse Model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098174. [PMID: 37175881 PMCID: PMC10179398 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a rare neuromuscular disease affecting 1:5000 newborn males. No cure is currently available, but gene addition therapy, based on the adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector-mediated delivery of microdystrophin transgenes, is currently being tested in clinical trials. The muscles of DMD boys present significant fibrotic and adipogenic tissue deposition at the time the treatment starts. The presence of fibrosis not only worsens the disease pathology, but also diminishes the efficacy of gene therapy treatments. To gain an understanding of the efficacy of AAV-based microdystrophin gene addition in a relevant, fibrotic animal model of DMD, we conducted a systemic study in juvenile D2.mdx mice using the single intravenous administration of an AAV8 system expressing a sequence-optimized murine microdystrophin, named MD1 (AAV8-MD1). We mainly focused our study on the diaphragm, a respiratory muscle that is crucial for DMD pathology and that has never been analyzed after treatment with AAV-microdystrophin in this mouse model. We provide strong evidence here that the delivery of AAV8-MD1 provides significant improvement in body-wide muscle function. This is associated with the protection of the hindlimb muscle from contraction-induced damage and the prevention of fibrosis deposition in the diaphragm muscle. Our work corroborates the observation that the administration of gene therapy in DMD is beneficial in preventing muscle fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktorija Cernisova
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences and the Environment, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK
| | - Ngoc Lu-Nguyen
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences and the Environment, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK
| | - Jessica Trundle
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences and the Environment, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK
| | - Shan Herath
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences and the Environment, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK
| | - Alberto Malerba
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences and the Environment, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK
| | - Linda Popplewell
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences and the Environment, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK
- National Horizons Centre, Teesside University, Darlington DL1 1HG, UK
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26
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Milcheva R, Mečiarová I, Todorova K, Dilcheva V, Petkova S, Babál P. Trichinella spiralis (Owen, 1835) Induces Increased Dystrophin Expression in Invaded Cross-striated Muscle. Acta Parasitol 2023:10.1007/s11686-023-00673-2. [PMID: 36988857 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-023-00673-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Dystrophin and the dystrophin glycoprotein complex serve as a cytoskeletal integrator, critical for muscle membrane stability. The aim of the present study was to clarify the expression of dystrophin protein and mRNA in the skeletal muscle tissue during the muscle phase of trichinellosis in mice. METHODS Muscle tissue was collected from mice experimentally infected with Trichinella spiralis at days 0, 14 and 40 after infection. The expression of dystrophin in the muscle tissue was investigated by immunohistochemistry with antibodies against three different domains of the protein, and the expression levels of Dys mRNA by real-time PCR. RESULTS The presence of dystrophin protein was increased in the de-differentiating cytoplasm at the early stage of muscle infection and was persisting also in the mature Nurse cell harbouring the parasite. It was accompanied by significantly elevated expression of Dys mRNA at days 14 and 40 after infection. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that dystrophin plays a role in regeneration of the muscle and in the Nurse cell formation and stability for security of the parasite survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rositsa Milcheva
- Institute of Experimental Morphology, Pathology and Anthropology with Museum-Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, "Acad. G. Bonchev'' Str., block 25, 1113, Sofia, Bulgaria.
| | | | - Katerina Todorova
- Institute of Experimental Morphology, Pathology and Anthropology with Museum-Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, "Acad. G. Bonchev'' Str., block 25, 1113, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Valeria Dilcheva
- Institute of Experimental Morphology, Pathology and Anthropology with Museum-Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, "Acad. G. Bonchev'' Str., block 25, 1113, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Svetlozara Petkova
- Institute of Experimental Morphology, Pathology and Anthropology with Museum-Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, "Acad. G. Bonchev'' Str., block 25, 1113, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Pavel Babál
- Institute of Pathological Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
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27
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Eslahi A, Alizadeh F, Avan A, Ferns GA, Moghbeli M, Reza Abbaszadegan M, Mojarrad M. New advancements in CRISPR based gene therapy of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Gene 2023; 867:147358. [PMID: 36914142 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is caused by the dystrophin gene mutations and is one of the most common and lethal human hereditary disorders. A novel therapeutic approach using CRISPR technology has gained attention in the treatment of DMD. Gene replacement strategies are being proposed as a promising therapeutic option to compensate the loss of function mutations. Although, the large size of the dystrophin gene and the limitations of the existing gene replacement approach, could mean the gene delivery of shortened versions of dystrophin such as midystrophin and microdystrophins. There are also other approaches: including Targeted removal of dystrophin exons to restore the reading-frame; Dual sgRNA-directed DMD exon deletion, CRISPR-SKIP strategy; reframing of dystrophin using Prime Editing technology; exon removal using twin prime technology; TransCRISTI technology to targeted exon integration into dystrophin gene. Here we provide an overview of recent progresses in dystrophin gene editing using updated versions of CRISPR to introduce novel opportunities in DMD gene therapy. Overall, the novel CRISPR based technologies are improving and expanding to allow the application of more precise gene editing for the treatment of DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atieh Eslahi
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Alizadeh
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amir Avan
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Basic Sciences Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Gordon A Ferns
- Brighton & Sussex Medical School, Division of Medical Education, Falmer, Brighton, Sussex BN1 9PH, UK
| | - Meysam Moghbeli
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Abbaszadegan
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Majid Mojarrad
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Genetic Center of Khorasan Razavi, Mashhad, Iran.
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28
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Marty B, Baudin PY, Araujo ECDA, Fromes Y, Wahbi K, Reyngoudt H. Assessment of Extracellular Volume Fraction in Becker Muscular Dystrophy by Using MR Fingerprinting. Radiology 2023; 307:e221115. [PMID: 36880945 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.221115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Background Quantitative MRI is increasingly proposed in clinical trials related to dystrophinopathies, including Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD). Purpose To establish the sensitivity of extracellular volume fraction (ECV) quantification using an MR fingerprinting sequence with water and fat separation as a quantitative imaging biomarker of skeletal muscle tissue alterations in BMD compared with fat fraction (FF) and water relaxation time quantification. Materials and Methods In this prospective study, study participants with BMD and healthy volunteers were included from April 2018 until October 2022 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02020954). The MRI examination comprised FF mapping with the three-point Dixon method, water T2 mapping, and water T1 mapping before and after an intravenous injection of a gadolinium-based contrast agent by using MR fingerprinting, from which ECV was calculated. Functional status was measured with use of the Walton and Gardner-Medwin scale. This clinical evaluation tool stratifies disease severity from grade 0 (preclinical; elevated creatine phosphokinase; all activities normal) to grade 9 (unable to eat, drink, or sit without assistance). Mann-Whitney U tests, Kruskal-Wallis tests, and Spearman rank correlation tests were performed. Results Twenty-eight participants with BMD (median age, 42 years [IQR, 34-52 years]; 28 male) and 19 healthy volunteers (median age, 39 years [IQR, 33-55 years]; 19 male) were evaluated. ECV was higher in participants with dystrophy than in controls (median, 0.21 [IQR, 0.16-0.28] vs 0.07 [IQR, 0.07-0.08]; P < .001). In muscles of participants with BMD with normal FF, ECV was also higher than in muscles of healthy controls (median, 0.11 [IQR, 0.10-0.15] vs 0.07 [IQR, 0.07-0.08]; P = .02). ECV was correlated with FF (ρ = 0.56, P = .003), Walton and Gardner-Medwin scale score (ρ = 0.52, P = .006), and serum cardiac troponin T level (ρ = 0.60, P < .001). Conclusion Quantitative MR relaxometry with water and fat separation indicates a significant increase of skeletal muscle extracellular volume fraction in study participants with Becker muscular dystrophy. Clinical trial registration no. NCT02020954 Published under a CC BY 4.0 license. Supplemental material is available for this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Marty
- From the Institute of Myology, Neuromuscular Investigation Center, NMR Laboratory, Bâtiment Babinski, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, 47-83 boulevard Vincent Auriol, 75651 Paris Cedex 13, France (B.M., P.Y.B., E.C.d.A.A., Y.F., H.R.); and Institute of Myology, Reference Center for Muscle Diseases Paris-Est, Paris, France (K.W.)
| | - Pierre-Yves Baudin
- From the Institute of Myology, Neuromuscular Investigation Center, NMR Laboratory, Bâtiment Babinski, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, 47-83 boulevard Vincent Auriol, 75651 Paris Cedex 13, France (B.M., P.Y.B., E.C.d.A.A., Y.F., H.R.); and Institute of Myology, Reference Center for Muscle Diseases Paris-Est, Paris, France (K.W.)
| | - Ericky Caldas de Almeida Araujo
- From the Institute of Myology, Neuromuscular Investigation Center, NMR Laboratory, Bâtiment Babinski, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, 47-83 boulevard Vincent Auriol, 75651 Paris Cedex 13, France (B.M., P.Y.B., E.C.d.A.A., Y.F., H.R.); and Institute of Myology, Reference Center for Muscle Diseases Paris-Est, Paris, France (K.W.)
| | - Yves Fromes
- From the Institute of Myology, Neuromuscular Investigation Center, NMR Laboratory, Bâtiment Babinski, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, 47-83 boulevard Vincent Auriol, 75651 Paris Cedex 13, France (B.M., P.Y.B., E.C.d.A.A., Y.F., H.R.); and Institute of Myology, Reference Center for Muscle Diseases Paris-Est, Paris, France (K.W.)
| | - Karim Wahbi
- From the Institute of Myology, Neuromuscular Investigation Center, NMR Laboratory, Bâtiment Babinski, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, 47-83 boulevard Vincent Auriol, 75651 Paris Cedex 13, France (B.M., P.Y.B., E.C.d.A.A., Y.F., H.R.); and Institute of Myology, Reference Center for Muscle Diseases Paris-Est, Paris, France (K.W.)
| | - Harmen Reyngoudt
- From the Institute of Myology, Neuromuscular Investigation Center, NMR Laboratory, Bâtiment Babinski, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, 47-83 boulevard Vincent Auriol, 75651 Paris Cedex 13, France (B.M., P.Y.B., E.C.d.A.A., Y.F., H.R.); and Institute of Myology, Reference Center for Muscle Diseases Paris-Est, Paris, France (K.W.)
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29
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Costanzo G, Minei S, Zini E, Gracis M, Lacava G. Radiographic, MRI, and CT findings in a young dog with Becker-like muscular dystrophy. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2023; 64:E19-E22. [PMID: 36550687 DOI: 10.1111/vru.13200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
An 8-month-old, male, crossbreed dog was presented for macroglossia, reduced mandibular extension, ptyalism, dysphagia, and regurgitation. Serum creatine kinase and aspartate aminotransferase activity were markedly increased. Thoracic radiographs showed an axial gastro-esophageal hiatal hernia, diaphragmatic thickening, and asymmetry. Magnetic resonance imaging of the head showed a severely enlarged tongue, symmetric increase in size of the geniohyoid and mylohyoid muscles, and diffuse masticatory hypomyotrophy. Whole-body CT ruled out other musculoskeletal abnormalities and further characterized the radiographic and MRI findings. Muscular histopathology was consistent with Becker muscular dystrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Costanzo
- AniCura Istituto Veterinario Novara, Granozzo con Monticello (NO), Novara, Italy
| | - Sergio Minei
- AniCura Istituto Veterinario Novara, Granozzo con Monticello (NO), Novara, Italy
| | - Eric Zini
- AniCura Istituto Veterinario Novara, Granozzo con Monticello (NO), Novara, Italy.,Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Margherita Gracis
- AniCura Istituto Veterinario Novara, Granozzo con Monticello (NO), Novara, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lacava
- AniCura Istituto Veterinario Novara, Granozzo con Monticello (NO), Novara, Italy
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30
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Recent Trends in Antisense Therapies for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15030778. [PMID: 36986639 PMCID: PMC10054484 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15030778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a debilitating and fatal genetic disease affecting 1/5000 boys globally, characterized by progressive muscle breakdown and eventual death, with an average lifespan in the mid–late twenties. While no cure yet exists for DMD, gene and antisense therapies have been heavily explored in recent years to better treat this disease. Four antisense therapies have received conditional FDA approval, and many more exist in varying stages of clinical trials. These upcoming therapies often utilize novel drug chemistries to address limitations of existing therapies, and their development could herald the next generation of antisense therapy. This review article aims to summarize the current state of development for antisense-based therapies for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, exploring candidates designed for both exon skipping and gene knockdown.
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31
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Lucas L, Cooper TA. Insights into Cell-Specific Functions of Microtubules in Skeletal Muscle Development and Homeostasis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032903. [PMID: 36769228 PMCID: PMC9917663 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The contractile cells of skeletal muscles, called myofibers, are elongated multinucleated syncytia formed and maintained by the fusion of proliferative myoblasts. Human myofibers can be hundreds of microns in diameter and millimeters in length. Myofibers are non-mitotic, obviating the need for microtubules in cell division. However, microtubules have been adapted to the unique needs of these cells and are critical for myofiber development and function. Microtubules in mature myofibers are highly dynamic, and studies in several experimental systems have demonstrated the requirements for microtubules in the unique features of muscle biology including myoblast fusion, peripheral localization of nuclei, assembly of the sarcomere, transport and signaling. Microtubule-binding proteins have also been adapted to the needs of the skeletal muscle including the expression of skeletal muscle-specific protein isoforms generated by alternative splicing. Here, we will outline the different roles microtubules play in skeletal muscle cells, describe how microtubule abnormalities can lead to muscle disease and discuss the broader implications for microtubule function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lathan Lucas
- Chemical, Physical, Structural Biology Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Thomas A. Cooper
- Chemical, Physical, Structural Biology Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Correspondence:
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Modeling Reduced Contractility and Stiffness Using iPSC-Derived Cardiomyocytes Generated From Female Becker Muscular Dystrophy Carrier. JACC Basic Transl Sci 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jacbts.2022.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
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Shin HR, Ko EJ, Kang YJ, Yu HS, Ock MS, Cha HJ. Effect of parasitic infection on muscular function of dystrophin gene (Dmd) deficient mouse. Genes Genomics 2023; 45:183-190. [PMID: 36571712 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-022-01355-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have reported many cases of Trichinella spiralis (T. spiralis) infection in normal skeletal muscle but there is little research on T. spiralis infection in abnormal muscle tissue. OBJECTIVE To identify the effect of T. spiralis infection on muscular dystrophy, this study compared aspects of infection between normal (C57BL/10) and dystrophin-deficient Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) mdx mice. METHOD Infection rate was found to be lower in mdx mice than in C57BL/10 mice at early stages of infection; however, infection and inflammation in mdx mice persisted at later stages of infection while the infection rate and inflammation in C57BL/10 mice decreased gradually. The inflammation area was proportional to the degree of infection in both groups. Muscle strength was measured by the time of latency to fall in the wire-hanging test. Hanging time was shorter in the infected group than in the uninfected group in both C57BL/10 and mdx mice. RESULTS Muscle strength was also reduced in mdx mice compared with C57BL/10 mice in both the un-infected and infected groups. The muscle intracellular cytokines TGF-β and IL-6 were continuously expressed from early stage to late-stage infection. IL-10 was strongly expressed at the early stage of infection but decreased as the infection progressed. TNF-α expression remained stable from early to late-stage infection in mdx mice, while TNF-α was elevated only during early-stage infection in C57BL/10 mice. The degree of muscle damage was significantly higher in mdx mice than in C57BL/10 mice because of the high level of serum creatine kinase (CK). CONCLUSION These results suggest that mdx mice continued in infection and inflammation until the late stages of disease, which was in contrast to the C57BL/10 mice that recovered to some extent in the late stage of infection. In addition, that dystrophin-deficient mice are not suitable for T. spiralis infection compared to normal mice, and the degree of inflammation may be worse in mdx mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ha Rim Shin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Eun-Ji Ko
- Department of Parasitology and Genetics, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, South Korea
| | - Yun-Jeong Kang
- Department of Parasitology and Genetics, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, South Korea
| | - Hak-Sun Yu
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Pusan National University, Busan, South Korea
| | - Mee Sun Ock
- Department of Parasitology and Genetics, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, South Korea.
| | - Hee-Jae Cha
- Department of Parasitology and Genetics, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, South Korea.
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Ion Channels of the Sarcolemma and Intracellular Organelles in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Role in the Dysregulation of Ion Homeostasis and a Possible Target for Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032229. [PMID: 36768550 PMCID: PMC9917149 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is caused by the absence of the dystrophin protein and a properly functioning dystrophin-associated protein complex (DAPC) in muscle cells. DAPC components act as molecular scaffolds coordinating the assembly of various signaling molecules including ion channels. DMD shows a significant change in the functioning of the ion channels of the sarcolemma and intracellular organelles and, above all, the sarcoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria regulating ion homeostasis, which is necessary for the correct excitation and relaxation of muscles. This review is devoted to the analysis of current data on changes in the structure, functioning, and regulation of the activity of ion channels in striated muscles in DMD and their contribution to the disruption of muscle function and the development of pathology. We note the prospects of therapy based on targeting the channels of the sarcolemma and organelles for the correction and alleviation of pathology, and the problems that arise in the interpretation of data obtained on model dystrophin-deficient objects.
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Viggiano E, Picillo E, Passamano L, Onore ME, Piluso G, Scutifero M, Torella A, Nigro V, Politano L. Spectrum of Genetic Variants in the Dystrophin Gene: A Single Centre Retrospective Analysis of 750 Duchenne and Becker Patients from Southern Italy. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:214. [PMID: 36672955 PMCID: PMC9859256 DOI: 10.3390/genes14010214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Dystrophinopathies are X-linked recessive muscle disorders caused by mutations in the dystrophin (DMD) gene that include deletions, duplications, and point mutations. Correct diagnosis is important for providing adequate patient care and family planning, especially at this time when mutation-specific therapies are available. We report a large single-centre study on the spectrum of DMD gene variants observed in 750 patients analyzed for suspected Duchenne (DMD) or Becker (BMD) muscular dystrophy, over the past 30 years, at the Cardiomyology and Medical Genetics of the University of Campania. We found 534 (71.21%) large deletions, 73 (9.73%) large duplications, and 112 (14.93%) point mutations, of which 44 (5.9%) were small ins/del causing frame-shifts, 57 (7.6%) nonsense mutations, 8 (1.1%) splice site and 3 (0.4%) intronic mutations, and 31 (4.13%) non mutations. Moreover, we report the prevalence of the different types of mutations in patients with DMD and BMD according to their decade of birth, from 1930 to 2020, and correlate the data to the different techniques used over the years. In the most recent decades, we observed an apparent increase in the prevalence of point mutations, probably due to the use of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS). In conclusion, in southern Italy, deletions are the most frequent variation observed in DMD and BMD patients followed by point mutations and duplications, as elsewhere in the world. NGS was useful to identify point mutations in cases of strong suspicion of DMD/BMD negative on deletions/duplications analyses. In the era of personalized medicine and availability of new causative therapies, a collective effort is necessary to enable DMD and BMD patients to have timely genetic diagnoses and avoid late implementation of standard of care and late initiation of appropriate treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Viggiano
- Department of Prevention, Hygiene and Public Health Service, ASL Roma 2, 00157 Rome, Italy
| | - Esther Picillo
- Medical Genetics and Cardiomyology, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Luigia Passamano
- Medical Genetics and Cardiomyology, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Onore
- Medical Genetics and Cardiomyology, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Giulio Piluso
- Medical Genetics and Cardiomyology, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Marianna Scutifero
- Medical Genetics and Cardiomyology, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Annalaura Torella
- Medical Genetics and Cardiomyology, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Nigro
- Medical Genetics and Cardiomyology, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Napoli, Italy
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Luisa Politano
- Cardiomyology and Medical Genetics, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Napoli, Italy
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Is the fundamental pathology in Duchenne's muscular dystrophy caused by a failure of glycogenolysis–glycolysis in costameres? J Genet 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s12041-022-01410-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Sulfur amino acid supplementation displays therapeutic potential in a C. elegans model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1255. [PMID: 36385509 PMCID: PMC9668843 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04212-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the dystrophin gene cause Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a common muscle disease that manifests with muscle weakness, wasting, and degeneration. An emerging theme in DMD pathophysiology is an intramuscular deficit in the gasotransmitter hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Here we show that the C. elegans DMD model displays reduced levels of H2S and expression of genes required for sulfur metabolism. These reductions can be offset by increasing bioavailability of sulfur containing amino acids (L-methionine, L-homocysteine, L-cysteine, L-glutathione, and L-taurine), augmenting healthspan primarily via improved calcium regulation, mitochondrial structure and delayed muscle cell death. Additionally, we show distinct differences in preservation mechanisms between sulfur amino acid vs H2S administration, despite similarities in required health-preserving pathways. Our results suggest that the H2S deficit in DMD is likely caused by altered sulfur metabolism and that modulation of this pathway may improve DMD muscle health via multiple evolutionarily conserved mechanisms. A C. elegans model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy reveals a potential role for disrupted sulfur metabolism in the disease and thus the therapeutic potential of sulfur amino acid supplementation.
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Morotti M, Gaeta A, Limatola C, Catalano M, Di Castro MA, Grassi F. Early Developmental Changes of Muscle Acetylcholine Receptors Are Little Influenced by Dystrophin Absence in mdx Mouse. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12111861. [PMID: 36430996 PMCID: PMC9696329 DOI: 10.3390/life12111861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Dystrophin is a cytoskeletal protein contributing to the organization of the neuromuscular junction. In Duchenne muscular dystrophy, due to dystrophin absence, the distribution of endplate acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) becomes disorganized. It is still debated whether this is due to the absence of dystrophin or to the repeated damage/regeneration cycles typical of dystrophic muscle. We addressed this controversy studying the endplate in the first 3 postnatal weeks, when muscle damage in dystrophic (mdx) mice is minimal. By synaptic and extra-synaptic patch-clamp recordings in acutely dissociated mdx and wt muscle fibers, we recorded unitary events due to openings of AChR-channels containing the γ and ε subunit. We also examined AChR distribution at the endplate by immunofluorescence assays. No differences between wt and mdx fibers were found in the γ/ε switch, nor in the AChR organization at the endplates up to 21 postnatal days. Conversely, we detected a delayed appearance and disappearance of patches with high channel opening frequency in mdx fibers. Our data emphasize that the innervation-dependent γ/ε switch and AChR organization in the endplate are not affected by the absence of dystrophin, while extra-synaptic AChR cluster formation and disassembly could be differentially regulated in mdx mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Morotti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Gaeta
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Limatola
- Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Myriam Catalano
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Amalia Di Castro
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Grassi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Barboni MTS, Joachimsthaler A, Roux MJ, Nagy ZZ, Ventura DF, Rendon A, Kremers J, Vaillend C. Retinal dystrophins and the retinopathy of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Prog Retin Eye Res 2022:101137. [DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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40
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Gargan S, Dowling P, Zweyer M, Henry M, Meleady P, Swandulla D, Ohlendieck K. Proteomic Identification of Markers of Membrane Repair, Regeneration and Fibrosis in the Aged and Dystrophic Diaphragm. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:1679. [PMID: 36362832 PMCID: PMC9696191 DOI: 10.3390/life12111679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Deficiency in the membrane cytoskeletal protein dystrophin is the underlying cause of the progressive muscle wasting disease named Duchenne muscular dystrophy. In order to detect novel disease marker candidates and confirm the complexity of the pathobiochemical signature of dystrophinopathy, mass spectrometric screening approaches represent ideal tools for comprehensive biomarker discovery studies. In this report, we describe the comparative proteomic analysis of young versus aged diaphragm muscles from wild type versus the dystrophic mdx-4cv mouse model of X-linked muscular dystrophy. The survey confirmed the drastic reduction of the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex in the mdx-4cv diaphragm muscle and concomitant age-dependent changes in key markers of muscular dystrophy, including proteins involved in cytoskeletal organization, metabolite transportation, the cellular stress response and excitation-contraction coupling. Importantly, proteomic markers of the regulation of membrane repair, tissue regeneration and reactive myofibrosis were detected by mass spectrometry and changes in key proteins were confirmed by immunoblotting. Potential disease marker candidates include various isoforms of annexin, the matricellular protein periostin and a large number of collagens. Alterations in these proteoforms can be useful to evaluate adaptive, compensatory and pathobiochemical changes in the intracellular cytoskeleton, myofiber membrane integrity and the extracellular matrix in dystrophin-deficient skeletal muscle tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Gargan
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, National University of Ireland, W23 F2H6 Maynooth, Ireland
- Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, W23 F2H6 Maynooth, Ireland
| | - Paul Dowling
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, National University of Ireland, W23 F2H6 Maynooth, Ireland
- Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, W23 F2H6 Maynooth, Ireland
| | - Margit Zweyer
- Department of Neonatology and Paediatric Intensive Care, Children’s Hospital, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Bonn, D53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Michael Henry
- National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology, Dublin City University, D09 E432 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Paula Meleady
- National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology, Dublin City University, D09 E432 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Dieter Swandulla
- Institute of Physiology, University of Bonn, D53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Kay Ohlendieck
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, National University of Ireland, W23 F2H6 Maynooth, Ireland
- Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, W23 F2H6 Maynooth, Ireland
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Rugerio-Martínez CI, Ramos D, Segura-Olvera A, Murillo-Melo NM, Tapia-Guerrero YS, Argüello-García R, Leyva-García N, Hernández-Hernández O, Cisneros B, Suárez-Sánchez R. Dp71 Point Mutations Induce Protein Aggregation, Loss of Nuclear Lamina Integrity and Impaired Braf35 and Ibraf Function in Neuronal Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911876. [PMID: 36233175 PMCID: PMC9570083 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Dystrophin Dp71 is the most abundant product of the Duchenne muscular dystrophy gene in the nervous system, and mutations impairing its function have been associated with the neurodevelopmental symptoms present in a third of DMD patients. Dp71 is required for the clustering of neurotransmitter receptors and the neuronal differentiation of cultured cells; nonetheless, its precise role in neuronal cells remains to be poorly understood. In this study, we analyzed the effect of two pathogenic DMD gene point mutations on the Dp71 function in neurons. We engineered C272Y and E299del mutations to express GFP-tagged Dp71 protein variants in N1E-115 and SH-SY5Y neuronal cells. Unexpectedly, the ectopic expression of Dp71 mutants resulted in protein aggregation, which may be mechanistically caused by the effect of the mutations on Dp71 structure, as predicted by protein modeling and molecular dynamics simulations. Interestingly, Dp71 mutant variants acquired a dominant negative function that, in turn, dramatically impaired the distribution of different Dp71 protein partners, including β-dystroglycan, nuclear lamins A/C and B1, the high-mobility group (HMG)-containing protein (BRAF35) and the BRAF35-family-member inhibitor of BRAF35 (iBRAF). Further analysis of Dp71 mutants provided evidence showing a role for Dp71 in modulating both heterochromatin marker H3K9me2 organization and the neuronal genes’ expression, via its interaction with iBRAF and BRAF5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Ivette Rugerio-Martínez
- Laboratorio de Medicina Genómica, Departamento de Genética, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación-Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra, Ciudad de Mexico 14389, Mexico
- Departamento de Genética y Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de Mexico 07360, Mexico
| | - Daniel Ramos
- Laboratorio de Medicina Genómica, Departamento de Genética, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación-Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra, Ciudad de Mexico 14389, Mexico
| | - Abel Segura-Olvera
- Laboratorio de Medicina Genómica, Departamento de Genética, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación-Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra, Ciudad de Mexico 14389, Mexico
| | - Nadia Mireya Murillo-Melo
- Laboratorio de Medicina Genómica, Departamento de Genética, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación-Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra, Ciudad de Mexico 14389, Mexico
| | - Yessica Sarai Tapia-Guerrero
- Laboratorio de Medicina Genómica, Departamento de Genética, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación-Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra, Ciudad de Mexico 14389, Mexico
| | - Raúl Argüello-García
- Departamento de Genética y Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de Mexico 07360, Mexico
| | - Norberto Leyva-García
- Laboratorio de Medicina Genómica, Departamento de Genética, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación-Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra, Ciudad de Mexico 14389, Mexico
| | - Oscar Hernández-Hernández
- Laboratorio de Medicina Genómica, Departamento de Genética, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación-Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra, Ciudad de Mexico 14389, Mexico
| | - Bulmaro Cisneros
- Departamento de Genética y Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de Mexico 07360, Mexico
| | - Rocío Suárez-Sánchez
- Laboratorio de Medicina Genómica, Departamento de Genética, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación-Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra, Ciudad de Mexico 14389, Mexico
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +52-55-5999-1000 (ext. 14710)
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Hildyard JC, Riddell DO, Harron RC, Rawson F, Foster EM, Massey C, Taylor-Brown F, Wells DJ, Piercy RJ. The skeletal muscle phenotype of the DE50-MD dog model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Wellcome Open Res 2022; 7:238. [PMID: 36865375 PMCID: PMC9971692 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.18251.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Animal models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) are essential to study disease progression and assess efficacy of therapeutic intervention, however dystrophic mice fail to display a clinically relevant phenotype, limiting translational utility. Dystrophin-deficient dogs exhibit disease similar to humans, making them increasingly important for late-stage preclinical evaluation of candidate therapeutics. The DE50-MD canine model of DMD carries a mutation within a human 'hotspot' region of the dystrophin gene, amenable to exon-skipping and gene editing strategies. As part of a large natural history study of disease progression, we have characterised the DE50-MD skeletal muscle phenotype to identify parameters that could serve as efficacy biomarkers in future preclinical trials. Methods: Vastus lateralis muscles were biopsied from a large cohort of DE50-MD dogs and healthy male littermates at 3-monthly intervals (3-18 months) for longitudinal analysis, with multiple muscles collected post-mortem to evaluate body-wide changes. Pathology was characterised quantitatively using histology and measurement of gene expression to determine statistical power and sample sizes appropriate for future work. Results: DE50-MD skeletal muscle exhibits widespread degeneration/regeneration, fibrosis, atrophy and inflammation. Degenerative/inflammatory changes peak during the first year of life, while fibrotic remodelling appears more gradual. Pathology is similar in most skeletal muscles, but in the diaphragm, fibrosis is more prominent, associated with fibre splitting and pathological hypertrophy. Picrosirius red and acid phosphatase staining represent useful quantitative histological biomarkers for fibrosis and inflammation respectively, while qPCR can be used to measure regeneration ( MYH3, MYH8), fibrosis ( COL1A1), inflammation ( SPP1), and stability of DE50-MD dp427 transcripts. Conclusion: The DE50-MD dog is a valuable model of DMD, with pathological features similar to young, ambulant human patients. Sample size and power calculations show that our panel of muscle biomarkers are of strong pre-clinical value, able to detect therapeutic improvements of even 25%, using trials with only six animals per group.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C.W. Hildyard
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, London, UK,
| | - Dominique O. Riddell
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, London, UK
| | - Rachel C.M. Harron
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, London, UK
| | - Faye Rawson
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, London, UK,Langford Veterinary Services, University of Bristol, Langford, UK
| | - Emma M.A. Foster
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, London, UK
| | - Claire Massey
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, London, UK
| | - Frances Taylor-Brown
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, London, UK,Cave Veterinary Specialists, George's Farm, West Buckland, UK
| | - Dominic J. Wells
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London, London, UK
| | - Richard J. Piercy
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, London, UK,
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Fan S, Huang X, Tong H, Hong H, Lai Z, Hu W, Liu X, Zhang L, Jiang Z, Yu Q. p-TAK1 acts as a switch between myoblast proliferation phase and differentiation phase in mdx mice via regulating HO-1 expression. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 933:175277. [PMID: 36113553 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.175277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Skeletal muscle transforming growth factor-β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) continuous excessive phosphorylation was observed in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients and mdx mice. Inhibiting TAK1 phosphorylation ameliorated fibrosis and muscular atrophy, while TAK1 knockout also impaired muscle regeneration. The definite effect and mechanism of p-TAK1 in muscle regeneration disorder is still obscure. In this study, BaCl2-induced acute muscle injury model was used to investigate the role of p-TAK1 in myoblast proliferation and differentiation phase. The results showed that TAK1 phosphorylation was significantly up-regulated in proliferation phase along with Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway activation, which was down-regulated in differentiation phase yet. In C2C12 cells, inhibiting TAK1 phosphorylation markedly suppressed the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and both myoblast proliferation and differentiation were inhibited. As for activation, p-TAK1 promoted myoblast proliferation via up-regulating HO-1 level. However, excessive TAK1 phosphorylation (induced by 20 ng·mL-1 TGF-β1) notably up-regulated HO-1 expression, inhibiting myogenic differentiation antigen (MyOD) and myogenic differentiation. A mild p-TAK1 level (induced by 5 or 10 ng·mL-1 TGF-β1) was beneficial for myoblast differentiation. In mdx mice, robust myoblast proliferation and differentiation arrest were observed with high p-TAK1 level in skeletal muscle. HO-1 expression was significantly up-regulated. TAK1 phosphorylation inhibitor NG25 (N-[4-[(4-ethylpiperazin-1-yl)methyl]-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-4-methyl-3-(1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-4-yloxy)benzamide) significantly inhibited HO-1 expression, relieved excessive myoblast proliferation and differentiation arrest, promoted new myofiber formation, and eventually improved muscle function. In conclusion, p-TAK1 acted as "a switch" between proliferation and differentiation phase. Mitigating p-TAK1 level transformed myoblast excessive proliferation phase into differentiation phase in mdx mouse via regulating HO-1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shusheng Fan
- New Drug Screening Center/Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation/State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Xiaofei Huang
- New Drug Screening Center/Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation/State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Haowei Tong
- New Drug Screening Center/Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation/State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Huitao Hong
- New Drug Screening Center/Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation/State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Zhulan Lai
- New Drug Screening Center/Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation/State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Wanting Hu
- New Drug Screening Center/Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation/State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Xiaoyun Liu
- New Drug Screening Center/Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation/State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Luyong Zhang
- New Drug Screening Center/Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation/State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Zhenzhou Jiang
- New Drug Screening Center/Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation/State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Qinwei Yu
- New Drug Screening Center/Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation/State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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A mechanistic mathematical model of initiation and malignant transformation in sporadic vestibular schwannoma. Br J Cancer 2022; 127:1843-1857. [PMID: 36097176 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-022-01955-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A vestibular schwannoma (VS) is a relatively rare, benign tumour of the eighth cranial nerve, often involving alterations to the gene NF2. Previous mathematical models of schwannoma incidence have not attempted to account for alterations in specific genes, and could not distinguish between nonsense mutations and loss of heterozygosity (LOH). METHODS Here, we present a mechanistic approach to modelling initiation and malignant transformation in schwannoma. Each parameter is associated with a specific gene or mechanism operative in Schwann cells, and can be determined by combining incidence data with empirical frequencies of pathogenic variants and LOH. RESULTS This results in new estimates for the base-pair mutation rate u = 4.48 × 10-10 and the rate of LOH = 2.03 × 10-6/yr in Schwann cells. In addition to new parameter estimates, we extend the approach to estimate the risk of both spontaneous and radiation-induced malignant transformation. DISCUSSION We conclude that radiotherapy is likely to have a negligible excess risk of malignancy for sporadic VS, with a possible exception of rapidly growing tumours.
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Salabi F, Jafari H. Differential venom gland gene expression analysis of juvenile and adult scorpions Androctonus crassicauda. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:636. [PMID: 36076177 PMCID: PMC9454214 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08866-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Androctonus crassicauda, belonging to the genus Androctonus of the family Buthidae, is the most venomous scorpion in Middle East countries. However, the venom gland transcriptome profile of A. crassicauda scorpion has not yet been studied. In this study, we elucidated and compared the venom gland gene expression profiles of adult and juvenile male scorpion A. crassicauda using high-throughput transcriptome sequencing. This is the first report of transcriptional analysis of the venom glands of scorpions in different growth stages, with insights into the identification of the key genes during venom gland development. Results A total of 209,951 mRNA transcripts were identified from total RNA-seq data, of which 963 transcripts were differentially expressed (DE) in adult and juvenile scorpions (p < 0.01). Overall, we identified 558 up-regulated and 405 down-regulated transcripts in the adult compared to the juvenile scorpions, of which 397 and 269 unique unigenes were annotated, respectively. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses indicated that the metabolic, thermogenesis, cytoskeleton, estrogen signaling, GnRH signaling, growth hormone signaling, and melanogenesis pathways were affected by two different growth conditions and the results suggested that the DE genes related to those pathways are important genes associated with scorpion venom gland development, in which they may be important in future studies, including Chs, Elovl, MYH, RDX, ACTN, VCL, PIP5K, PP1C, FGFR, GNAS, EGFR, CREB, CoA, PLCB, CALM, CACNA, PKA and CAMK genes. Conclusions These findings broadened our knowledge of the differences between adult and juvenile scorpion venom and opened new perspectives on the application of comparative transcriptome analysis to identify the special key genes. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-022-08866-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Salabi
- Department of Venomous Animals and Anti-Venom Production, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Ahvaz, Iran.
| | - Hedieh Jafari
- Department of Venomous Animals and Anti-Venom Production, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Ahvaz, Iran
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46
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Increased Dp71 in ischemia-reperfusion injured rat heart exerts anti-apoptotic role via enhancing Bcl-2. Tissue Cell 2022; 79:101951. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2022.101951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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47
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Cleverdon RE, Braun JL, Geromella MS, Whitley KC, Marko DM, Hamstra SI, Roy BD, MacPherson RE, Fajardo VA. Sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase function is impaired in skeletal and cardiac muscles from young DBA/2J mdx mice. iScience 2022; 25:104972. [PMID: 36093052 PMCID: PMC9459692 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104972] [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: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The DBA/2J (D2) mdx mouse is a more severe model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy when compared to the traditional C57BL/10 (C57) mdx mouse. Here, we questioned whether sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) function would differ in muscles from young D2 and C57 mdx mice. Both D2 and C57 mdx mice exhibited signs of impaired Ca2+ uptake in the gastrocnemius, diaphragm, and left ventricle; however, the level of impairment was more severe in D2 mdx mice. Reductions in maximal SERCA activity were also more prominent in the D2 mdx gastrocnemius and diaphragm when compared to those from C57 mdx mice; however, there were no differences detected in the left ventricle. Across all muscles, D2 mdx mice had the highest levels of oxidative stress as indicated by protein nitrosylation and/or nitration. In conclusion, our study shows that SERCA function is more impaired in young D2 mdx mice compared with age-matched C57 mdx mice. Ca2+ uptake is severely impaired in muscles from young DBA/2J (D2) mdx mice Maximal SERCA activity is lowered to a greater degree in muscles from D2 mdx mice Muscles from young D2 mdx mice have higher levels of oxidative/nitrosative stress Worsened SERCA function may contribute to worsened muscle pathology in D2 mdx mice
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48
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Riddell DO, Hildyard JCW, Harron RCM, Wells DJ, Piercy RJ. Longitudinal assessment of blood-borne musculoskeletal disease biomarkers in the DE50-MD dog model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Wellcome Open Res 2022; 6:354. [PMID: 35600245 PMCID: PMC9111359 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.17398.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a fatal muscle wasting disease caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene. Due to their phenotypic similarity to human patients, large animal models are invaluable tools for pre-clinical trials. The DE50-MD dog is a relatively new model of DMD, and carries a therapeutically-tractable mutation lying within the hotspot for human patients, making it especially valuable. Prior to conducting therapeutic trials using this novel animal model, it is essential to establish a panel of viable biomarkers. Methods: We evaluated a panel of blood-borne biomarkers of musculoskeletal disease in the DE50-MD dog. Venous blood samples were obtained monthly throughout an 18-month study period in DE50-MD (N=18) and wild-type (WT) control (N=14) dogs. A panel of potential plasma/serum biomarkers of DMD was measured and their theoretical utility in future clinical trials determined using sample size calculations. Results: Compared to WT dogs, DE50-MD dogs had substantially higher circulating creatine kinase (CK) activities, myomesin-3 (MYOM3), and the dystromiRs miR-1, miR-133a and miR-206, but significantly lower serum myostatin concentrations. An age-associated pattern, similar to that observed in DMD patients, was seen for CK and MYOM3. Sample size calculations suggested that low cohort sizes (N≤3) could be used to detect up to a 50% improvement in DE50-MD results towards WT levels for each biomarker or a combination thereof (via principal component analysis); as few as N=3 animals should enable detection of a 25% improvement using a combined biomarker approach (alpha 0.05, power 0.8). Conclusions: We have established a panel of blood-borne biomarkers that could be used to monitor musculoskeletal disease or response to a therapeutic intervention in the DE50-MD dog using low numbers of animals. The blood biomarker profile closely mimics that of DMD patients, supporting the hypothesis that this DMD model would be suitable for use in pre-clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique O. Riddell
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, NW10TU, UK
| | - John C. W. Hildyard
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, NW10TU, UK
| | - Rachel C. M. Harron
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, NW10TU, UK
| | - Dominic J. Wells
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London, NW10TU, UK
| | - Richard J. Piercy
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, NW10TU, UK
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Riddell DO, Hildyard JCW, Harron RCM, Wells DJ, Piercy RJ. Longitudinal assessment of blood-borne musculoskeletal disease biomarkers in the DE50-MD dog model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Wellcome Open Res 2022; 6:354. [PMID: 35600245 PMCID: PMC9111359 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.17398.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a fatal muscle wasting disease caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene. Due to their phenotypic similarity to human patients, large animal models are invaluable tools for pre-clinical trials. The DE50-MD dog is a relatively new model of DMD, and carries a therapeutically-tractable mutation lying within the hotspot for human patients, making it especially valuable. Prior to conducting therapeutic trials using this novel animal model, it is essential to establish a panel of viable biomarkers. Methods: We evaluated a panel of blood-borne biomarkers of musculoskeletal disease in the DE50-MD dog. Venous blood samples were obtained monthly throughout an 18-month study period in DE50-MD (N=18) and wild-type (WT) control (N=14) dogs. A panel of potential plasma/serum biomarkers of DMD was measured and their theoretical utility in future clinical trials determined using sample size calculations. Results: Compared to WT dogs, DE50-MD dogs had substantially higher circulating creatine kinase (CK) activities, myomesin-3 (MYOM3), and the dystromiRs miR-1, miR-133a and miR-206, but significantly lower serum myostatin concentrations. An age-associated pattern, similar to that observed in DMD patients, was seen for CK and MYOM3. Sample size calculations suggested that low cohort sizes (N≤3) could be used to detect up to a 50% improvement in DE50-MD results towards WT levels for each biomarker or a combination thereof (via principal component analysis); as few as N=3 animals should enable detection of a 25% improvement using a combined biomarker approach (alpha 0.05, power 0.8). Conclusions: We have established a panel of blood-borne biomarkers that could be used to monitor musculoskeletal disease or response to a therapeutic intervention in the DE50-MD dog using low numbers of animals. The blood biomarker profile closely mimics that of DMD patients, supporting the hypothesis that this DMD model would be suitable for use in pre-clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique O. Riddell
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, NW10TU, UK
| | - John C. W. Hildyard
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, NW10TU, UK
| | - Rachel C. M. Harron
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, NW10TU, UK
| | - Dominic J. Wells
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London, NW10TU, UK
| | - Richard J. Piercy
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, NW10TU, UK
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A New Method of Myostatin Inhibition in Mice via Oral Administration of Lactobacillus casei Expressing Modified Myostatin Protein, BLS-M22. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169059. [PMID: 36012334 PMCID: PMC9409196 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Myostatin is a member of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily and is an endogenous negative regulator of muscle growth. This study aimed to determine whether an oral administration of Lactobacillus casei expressing modified human myostatin (BLS-M22) could elicit sufficient levels of myostatin-specific antibody and improve the dystrophic features of an animal model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD; mdx mouse). BLS-M22 is a recombinant L. casei engineered to harbor the pKV vector and poly-gamma-glutamic acid gene linked to a modified human myostatin gene. Serological analysis showed that anti-myostatin IgG titers were significantly increased, and serum creatine kinase was significantly reduced in the BLS-M22-treated mdx mice compared to the control mice. In addition, treatment of BLS-M22 resulted in a significant increase in body weight and motor function (Rotarod behavior test). Histological analysis showed an improvement in the dystrophic features (fibrosis and muscle hypertrophy) of the mdx mice with the administration of BLS-M22. The circulating antibodies generated after BLS-M22 oral administration successfully lowered serum myostatin concentration. Myostatin blockade resulted in serological, histological, and functional improvements in mdx mice. Overall, the findings suggest the potential of BLS-M22 to treat DMD; however, further clinical trials are essential to ascertain its efficacy and safety in humans.
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