1
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Martins SG, Ribeiro V, Melo C, Paulino-Cavaco C, Antonini D, Dayalan Naidu S, Murtinheira F, Fonseca I, Saget B, Pita M, Fernandes DR, Gameiro Dos Santos P, Rodrigues G, Zilhão R, Herrera F, Dinkova-Kostova AT, Carlos AR, Thorsteinsdóttir S. Laminin-α2 chain deficiency in skeletal muscle causes dysregulation of multiple cellular mechanisms. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202402829. [PMID: 39379105 PMCID: PMC11463332 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202402829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 09/13/2024] [Accepted: 09/13/2024] [Indexed: 10/10/2024] Open
Abstract
LAMA2, coding for the laminin-α2 chain, is a crucial ECM component, particularly abundant in skeletal muscle. Mutations in LAMA2 trigger the often-lethal LAMA2-congenital muscular dystrophy (LAMA2-CMD). Various phenotypes have been linked to LAMA2-CMD; nevertheless, the precise mechanisms that malfunction during disease onset in utero remain unknown. We generated Lama2-deficient C2C12 cells and found that Lama2-deficient myoblasts display proliferation, differentiation, and fusion defects, DNA damage, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Moreover, fetal myoblasts isolated from the dy W mouse model of LAMA2-CMD display impaired differentiation and fusion in vitro. We also showed that disease onset during fetal development is characterized by a significant down-regulation of gene expression in muscle fibers, causing pronounced effects on cytoskeletal organization, muscle differentiation, and altered DNA repair and oxidative stress responses. Together, our findings provide unique insights into the critical importance of the laminin-α2 chain for muscle differentiation and muscle cell homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana G Martins
- https://ror.org/01c27hj86 Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (CE3C) & CHANGE, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- https://ror.org/01c27hj86 Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Vanessa Ribeiro
- https://ror.org/01c27hj86 Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (CE3C) & CHANGE, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- https://ror.org/01c27hj86 Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Catarina Melo
- https://ror.org/01c27hj86 Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (CE3C) & CHANGE, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- https://ror.org/01c27hj86 Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Paulino-Cavaco
- https://ror.org/01c27hj86 Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (CE3C) & CHANGE, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- https://ror.org/01c27hj86 Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Dario Antonini
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Sharadha Dayalan Naidu
- Jacqui Wood Cancer Centre, Division of Cellular and Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Fernanda Murtinheira
- https://ror.org/01c27hj86 Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute (BioISI), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- https://ror.org/01c27hj86 Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Inês Fonseca
- https://ror.org/01c27hj86 Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (CE3C) & CHANGE, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- https://ror.org/01c27hj86 Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Bérénice Saget
- https://ror.org/01c27hj86 Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (CE3C) & CHANGE, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- https://ror.org/01c27hj86 Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Mafalda Pita
- https://ror.org/01c27hj86 Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (CE3C) & CHANGE, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- https://ror.org/01c27hj86 Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Diogo R Fernandes
- https://ror.org/01c27hj86 Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (CE3C) & CHANGE, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- https://ror.org/01c27hj86 Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Pedro Gameiro Dos Santos
- https://ror.org/01c27hj86 Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (CE3C) & CHANGE, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- https://ror.org/01c27hj86 Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Gabriela Rodrigues
- https://ror.org/01c27hj86 Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (CE3C) & CHANGE, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- https://ror.org/01c27hj86 Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Rita Zilhão
- https://ror.org/01c27hj86 Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (CE3C) & CHANGE, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- https://ror.org/01c27hj86 Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Federico Herrera
- https://ror.org/01c27hj86 Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute (BioISI), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- https://ror.org/01c27hj86 Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Albena T Dinkova-Kostova
- Jacqui Wood Cancer Centre, Division of Cellular and Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Ana Rita Carlos
- https://ror.org/01c27hj86 Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (CE3C) & CHANGE, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- https://ror.org/01c27hj86 Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sólveig Thorsteinsdóttir
- https://ror.org/01c27hj86 Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (CE3C) & CHANGE, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- https://ror.org/01c27hj86 Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
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Liu Y, Tan D, Ma K, Luo H, Mao J, Luo J, Shen Q, Xu L, Yang S, Ge L, Guo Y, Zhang H, Xiong H. Lama1 upregulation prolongs the lifespan of the dy H/dy H mouse model of LAMA2-related congenital muscular dystrophy. J Genet Genomics 2024; 51:1066-1078. [PMID: 38777118 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2024.05.005] [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: 05/12/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
LAMA2-related congenital muscular dystrophy (LAMA2-CMD), characterized by laminin-α2 deficiency, is debilitating and ultimately fatal. To date, no effective therapy has been clinically available. Laminin-α1, which shares significant similarities with laminin-α2, has been proven as a viable compensatory modifier. To evaluate its clinical applicability, we establish a Lama2 exon-3-deletion mouse model (dyH/dyH). The dyH/dyH mice exhibit early lethality and typical LAMA2-CMD phenotypes, allowing the evaluation of various endpoints. In dyH/dyH mice treated with synergistic activation mediator-based CRISPRa-mediated Lama1 upregulation, a nearly doubled median survival is observed, as well as improvements in weight and grip. Significant therapeutical effects are revealed by MRI, serum biochemical indices, and muscle pathology studies. Treating LAMA2-CMD with LAMA1 upregulation is feasible, and early intervention can alleviate symptoms and extend lifespan. Additionally, we reveal the limitations of LAMA1 upregulation, including high-dose mortality and non-sustained expression, which require further optimization in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yidan Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 102600, China; State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, The Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Dandan Tan
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 102600, China; Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China
| | - Kaiyue Ma
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China; Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Huaxia Luo
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 102600, China
| | - Jingping Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, The Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jihang Luo
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 102600, China; State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, The Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Qiang Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, The Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Luzheng Xu
- Medical and Health Analysis Center, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Shiqi Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 102600, China; State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, The Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Lin Ge
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Neurology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing 100045, China
| | - Yuxuan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, The Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Hong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, The Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Hui Xiong
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 102600, China; Department of Neurology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing 100045, China.
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3
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Ruan J, Kang M, Nirwane A, Yao Y. A dispensable role of mural cell-derived laminin- α5 in intracerebral hemorrhage. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2024; 44:1677-1690. [PMID: 39053486 PMCID: PMC11418671 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x241264083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Although most laminin isoforms are neuroprotective in stroke, mural cell-derived laminin-α5 plays a detrimental role in an ischemia-reperfusion model. To determine whether this deleterious effect is an intrinsic feature of mural cell-derived laminin-α5 or unique to ischemic stroke, we performed loss-of-function studies using middle-aged mice with laminin-α5 deficiency in mural cells (α5-PKO) in an intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) model. Control and α5-PKO mice exhibited comparable changes in all parameters examined, including hematoma size, neuronal death, neurological function, blood-brain barrier integrity, and reactive gliosis. These findings highlight a minimal role of mural cell-derived laminin-α5 in ICH. Together with the detrimental role of mural cell-derived laminin-α5 in ischemic stroke, these negative results in ICH model suggest that mural cell-derived laminin-α5 may exert distinct functions in different diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingsong Ruan
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Minkyung Kang
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Abhijit Nirwane
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Yao Yao
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
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4
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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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Oliveira-Santos A, Dagda M, Wittmann J, Smalley R, Burkin DJ. Vemurafenib improves muscle histopathology in a mouse model of LAMA2-related congenital muscular dystrophy. Dis Model Mech 2023; 16:dmm049916. [PMID: 37021539 PMCID: PMC10184677 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Laminin-α2-related congenital muscular dystrophy (LAMA2-CMD) is a neuromuscular disease affecting around 1-9 in 1,000,000 children. LAMA2-CMD is caused by mutations in the LAMA2 gene resulting in the loss of laminin-211/221 heterotrimers in skeletal muscle. LAMA2-CMD patients exhibit severe hypotonia and progressive muscle weakness. Currently, there is no effective treatment for LAMA2-CMD and patients die prematurely. The loss of laminin-α2 results in muscle degeneration, defective muscle repair and dysregulation of multiple signaling pathways. Signaling pathways that regulate muscle metabolism, survival and fibrosis have been shown to be dysregulated in LAMA2-CMD. As vemurafenib is a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved serine/threonine kinase inhibitor, we investigated whether vemurafenib could restore some of the serine/threonine kinase-related signaling pathways and prevent disease progression in the dyW-/- mouse model of LAMA2-CMD. Our results show that vemurafenib reduced muscle fibrosis, increased myofiber size and reduced the percentage of fibers with centrally located nuclei in dyW-/- mouse hindlimbs. These studies show that treatment with vemurafenib restored the TGF-β/SMAD3 and mTORC1/p70S6K signaling pathways in skeletal muscle. Together, our results indicate that vemurafenib partially improves histopathology but does not improve muscle function in a mouse model of LAMA2-CMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariany Oliveira-Santos
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Nevada Reno, School of Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Marisela Dagda
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Nevada Reno, School of Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Jennifer Wittmann
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Nevada Reno, School of Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Robert Smalley
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Nevada Reno, School of Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Dean J. Burkin
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Nevada Reno, School of Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine, Reno, NV 89557, USA
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Schüler SC, Liu Y, Dumontier S, Grandbois M, Le Moal E, Cornelison DDW, Bentzinger CF. Extracellular matrix: Brick and mortar in the skeletal muscle stem cell niche. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1056523. [PMID: 36523505 PMCID: PMC9745096 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1056523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is an interconnected macromolecular scaffold occupying the space between cells. Amongst other functions, the ECM provides structural support to tissues and serves as a microenvironmental niche that conveys regulatory signals to cells. Cell-matrix adhesions, which link the ECM to the cytoskeleton, are dynamic multi-protein complexes containing surface receptors and intracellular effectors that control various downstream pathways. In skeletal muscle, the most abundant tissue of the body, each individual muscle fiber and its associated muscle stem cells (MuSCs) are surrounded by a layer of ECM referred to as the basal lamina. The core scaffold of the basal lamina consists of self-assembling polymeric laminins and a network of collagens that tether proteoglycans, which provide lateral crosslinking, establish collateral associations with cell surface receptors, and serve as a sink and reservoir for growth factors. Skeletal muscle also contains the fibrillar collagenous interstitial ECM that plays an important role in determining tissue elasticity, connects the basal laminae to each other, and contains matrix secreting mesenchymal fibroblast-like cell types and blood vessels. During skeletal muscle regeneration fibroblast-like cell populations expand and contribute to the transitional fibronectin-rich regenerative matrix that instructs angiogenesis and MuSC function. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the role of the skeletal muscle ECM in health and disease and outline its role in orchestrating tissue regeneration and MuSC function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svenja C. Schüler
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Yuguo Liu
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Simon Dumontier
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Michel Grandbois
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Emmeran Le Moal
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - DDW Cornelison
- Division of Biological Sciences Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - C. Florian Bentzinger
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
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7
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Nirwane A, Yao Y. Cell-specific expression and function of laminin at the neurovascular unit. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2022; 42:1979-1999. [PMID: 35796497 PMCID: PMC9580165 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x221113027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Laminin, a major component of the basal lamina (BL), is a heterotrimeric protein with many isoforms. In the CNS, laminin is expressed by almost all cell types, yet different cells synthesize distinct laminin isoforms. By binding to its receptors, laminin exerts a wide variety of important functions. However, due to the reciprocal and cell-specific expression of laminin in different cells at the neurovascular unit, its functions in blood-brain barrier (BBB) maintenance and BBB repair after injury are not fully understood. In this review, we focus on the expression and functions of laminin and its receptors in the neurovascular unit under both physiological and pathological conditions. We first briefly introduce the structures of laminin and its receptors. Next, the expression and functions of laminin and its receptors in the CNS are summarized in a cell-specific manner. Finally, we identify the knowledge gap in the field and discuss key questions that need to be answered in the future. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive overview on cell-specific expression of laminin and its receptors in the CNS and their functions on BBB integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhijit Nirwane
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Yao Yao
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
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8
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Biswas S, Shahriar S, Giangreco NP, Arvanitis P, Winkler M, Tatonetti NP, Brunken WJ, Cutforth T, Agalliu D. Mural Wnt/β-catenin signaling regulates Lama2 expression to promote neurovascular unit maturation. Development 2022; 149:dev200610. [PMID: 36098369 PMCID: PMC9578690 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Neurovascular unit and barrier maturation rely on vascular basement membrane (vBM) composition. Laminins, a major vBM component, are crucial for these processes, yet the signaling pathway(s) that regulate their expression remain unknown. Here, we show that mural cells have active Wnt/β-catenin signaling during central nervous system development in mice. Bulk RNA sequencing and validation using postnatal day 10 and 14 wild-type versus adenomatosis polyposis coli downregulated 1 (Apcdd1-/-) mouse retinas revealed that Lama2 mRNA and protein levels are increased in mutant vasculature with higher Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Mural cells are the main source of Lama2, and Wnt/β-catenin activation induces Lama2 expression in mural cells in vitro. Markers of mature astrocytes, including aquaporin 4 (a water channel in astrocyte endfeet) and integrin-α6 (a laminin receptor), are upregulated in Apcdd1-/- retinas with higher Lama2 vBM deposition. Thus, the Wnt/β-catenin pathway regulates Lama2 expression in mural cells to promote neurovascular unit and barrier maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saptarshi Biswas
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Sanjid Shahriar
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Nicholas P. Giangreco
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Panos Arvanitis
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Markus Winkler
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy, Ludwig-Maximilians Universität, Munich 80336, Germany
| | - Nicholas P. Tatonetti
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - William J. Brunken
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Tyler Cutforth
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Dritan Agalliu
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
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9
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Previtali SC. Peripheral Nerve Development and the Pathogenesis of Peripheral Neuropathy: the Sorting Point. Neurotherapeutics 2021; 18:2156-2168. [PMID: 34244926 PMCID: PMC8804061 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-021-01080-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nerve development requires a coordinated sequence of events and steps to be accomplished for the generation of functional peripheral nerves to convey sensory and motor signals. Any abnormality during development may result in pathological structure and function of the nerve, which evolves in peripheral neuropathy. In this review, we will briefly describe different steps of nerve development while we will mostly focus on the molecular mechanisms involved in radial sorting of axons, one of these nerve developmental steps. We will summarize current knowledge of molecular pathways so far reported in radial sorting and their possible interactions. Finally, we will describe how disruption of these pathways may result in human neuropathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano C Previtali
- Neuromuscular Repair Unit, InSpe (Institute of Experimental Neurology) and Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
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10
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Barraza-Flores P, Bukovec KE, Dagda M, Conner BW, Oliveira-Santos A, Grange RW, Burkin DJ. Laminin-111 protein therapy after disease onset slows muscle disease in a mouse model of laminin-α2 related congenital muscular dystrophy. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 29:2162-2170. [PMID: 32472139 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddaa104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Laminin-α2 related congenital muscular dystrophy (LAMA2-CMD) is a fatal muscle disease caused by mutations in the LAMA2 gene. Laminin-α2 is critical for the formation of laminin-211 and -221 heterotrimers in the muscle basal lamina. LAMA2-CMD patients exhibit hypotonia from birth and progressive muscle loss that results in developmental delay, confinement to a wheelchair, respiratory insufficiency and premature death. There is currently no cure or effective treatment for LAMA2-CMD. Several studies have shown laminin-111 can serve as an effective protein-replacement therapy for LAMA2-CMD. Studies have demonstrated early treatment with laminin-111 protein results in an increase in life expectancy and improvements in muscle pathology and function. Since LAMA2-CMD patients are often diagnosed after advanced disease, it is unclear if laminin-111 protein therapy at an advanced stage of the disease can have beneficial outcomes. In this study, we tested the efficacy of laminin-111 protein therapy after disease onset in a mouse model of LAMA2-CMD. Our results showed laminin-111 treatment after muscle disease onset increased life expectancy, promoted muscle growth and increased muscle stiffness. Together these studies indicate laminin-111 protein therapy either early or late in the disease process could serve as an effective protein replacement therapy for LAMA2-CMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Barraza-Flores
- Department of Pharmacology, Reno School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Katherine E Bukovec
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Marisela Dagda
- Department of Pharmacology, Reno School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Brandon W Conner
- Department of Pharmacology, Reno School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Ariany Oliveira-Santos
- Department of Pharmacology, Reno School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Robert W Grange
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Dean J Burkin
- Department of Pharmacology, Reno School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
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11
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Yang MT, Chang WH, Kuo TF, Shen MY, Yang CW, Tien YJ, Lai BY, Chen YR, Chang YC, Yang WC. Identification of Novel Biomarkers for Pre-diabetic Diagnosis Using a Combinational Approach. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:641336. [PMID: 33995275 PMCID: PMC8113970 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.641336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Reliable protein markers for pre-diabetes in humans are not clinically available. In order to identify novel and reliable protein markers for pre-diabetes in humans, healthy volunteers and patients diagnosed with pre-diabetes and stroke were recruited for blood collection. Blood samples were collected from healthy and pre-diabetic subjects 12 h after fasting. BMI was calculated from body weight and height. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), insulin and albumin were assayed by automated clinical laboratory methods. We used a quantitative proteomics approach to identify 1074 proteins from the sera of pre-diabetic and healthy subjects. Among them, 500 proteins were then selected using Mascot analysis scores. Further, 70 out of 500 proteins were selected via volcano plot analysis according to their statistical significance and average relative protein ratio. Eventually, 7 serum proteins were singled out as candidate markers for pre-diabetes due to their diabetic relevance and statistical significance. Immunoblotting data demonstrated that laminin subunit alpha 2 (LAMA2), mixed-lineage leukemia 4 (MLL4), and plexin domain containing 2 (PLXDC2) were expressed in pre-diabetic patients but not healthy volunteers. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that the combination of the three proteins has greater diagnostic efficacy than any individual protein. Thus, LAMA2, MLL4 and PLXDC2 are novel and reliable serum protein markers for pre-diabetic diagnosis in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Ting Yang
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Hung Chang
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tien-Fen Kuo
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Yi Shen
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chu-Wen Yang
- Department of Microbiology, Soochow University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Bun-Yueh Lai
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yet-Ran Chen
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Cheng Chang
- Graduate Institute of Medical Genomics and Proteomics, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chin Yang
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Institute of Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Aquaculture, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan
- Biotechnology Center, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
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12
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Packer D, Martin PT. Micro-laminin gene therapy can function as an inhibitor of muscle disease in the dy W mouse model of MDC1A. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2021; 21:274-287. [PMID: 33869655 PMCID: PMC8026908 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Gene replacement for laminin-α2-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy 1A (MDC1A) is currently not possible using a single adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector due to the large size of the LAMA2 gene. LAMA2 encodes laminin-α2, a subunit of the trimeric laminin-211 extracellular matrix (ECM) protein that is the predominant laminin expressed in skeletal muscle. LAMA2 expression stabilizes skeletal muscle, in part by binding membrane receptors via its five globular (G) domains. We created a small, AAV-deliverable, micro-laminin gene therapy that expresses these G1-5 domains, LAMA2(G1-5), to test their therapeutic efficacy in the dyW mouse model for MDC1A. We also fused the heparin-binding (HB) domain from HB epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) to LAMA2(G1-5) to test whether this would increase muscle ECM expression. dyW mice treated intravenously with rAAV9.CMV.HB-LAMA2(G1-5) showed increased muscle ECM expression of transgenic protein relative to mice treated with rAAV9.CMV.LAMA2(G1-5) and showed improved weight-normalized forelimb grip strength relative to untreated dyW mice. Additionally, dyW muscle fibers expressing either micro-laminin protein showed some measures of reduced pathology, although levels of muscle cell apoptosis and inflammation were not decreased. Although systemic expression of rAAV9.CMV.HB-LAMA2(G1-5) did not inhibit all disease phenotypes, these studies demonstrate the feasibility of using a micro-laminin gene therapy strategy to deliver gene replacement for MDC1A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davin Packer
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Paul T. Martin
- Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
- Corresponding author Paul T. Martin, Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, OH 43209, USA.
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13
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Arreguin AJ, Colognato H. Brain Dysfunction in LAMA2-Related Congenital Muscular Dystrophy: Lessons From Human Case Reports and Mouse Models. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:118. [PMID: 32792907 PMCID: PMC7390928 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.00118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Laminin α2 gene (LAMA2)-related Congenital Muscular Dystrophy (CMD) was distinguished by a defining central nervous system (CNS) abnormality—aberrant white matter signals by MRI—when first described in the 1990s. In the past 25 years, researchers and clinicians have expanded our knowledge of brain involvement in LAMA2-related CMD, also known as Congenital Muscular Dystrophy Type 1A (MDC1A). Neurological changes in MDC1A can be structural, including lissencephaly and agyria, as well as functional, including epilepsy and intellectual disability. Mouse models of MDC1A include both spontaneous and targeted LAMA2 mutations and range from a partial loss of LAMA2 function (e.g., dy2J/dy2J), to a complete loss of LAMA2 expression (dy3K/dy3K). Diverse cellular and molecular changes have been reported in the brains of MDC1A mouse models, including blood-brain barrier dysfunction, altered neuro- and gliogenesis, changes in synaptic plasticity, and decreased myelination, providing mechanistic insight into potential neurological dysfunction in MDC1A. In this review article, we discuss selected studies that illustrate the potential scope and complexity of disturbances in brain development in MDC1A, and as well as highlight mechanistic insights that are emerging from mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea J Arreguin
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States.,Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP), Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | - Holly Colognato
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
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14
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Gawlik KI, Durbeej M. A Family of Laminin α2 Chain-Deficient Mouse Mutants: Advancing the Research on LAMA2-CMD. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:59. [PMID: 32457577 PMCID: PMC7188397 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.00059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The research on laminin α2 chain-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy (LAMA2-CMD) advanced rapidly in the last few decades, largely due to availability of good mouse models for the disease and a strong interest in preclinical studies from scientists all over the world. These mouse models continue to provide a solid platform for understanding the LAMA2-CMD pathology. In addition, they enable researchers to test laborious, necessary routines, but also the most creative scientific approaches in order to design therapy for this devastating disorder. In this review we present animals belonging to the laminin α2 chain-deficient “dy/dy” mouse family (dy/dy, dy2J/dy2J, dy3K/dy3K, dyW/dyW, et al.) and a summary of the scientific progress they facilitated. We also raise a few questions that need to be addressed in order to maximize the usefulness of laminin α2 murine mutants and to further advance the LAMA2-CMD studies. We believe that research opportunities offered by the mouse models for LAMA2-CMD will continuously support our efforts to find a treatment for the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga I Gawlik
- Muscle Biology Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Madeleine Durbeej
- Muscle Biology Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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15
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Liu JC, Syder NC, Ghorashi NS, Willingham TB, Parks RJ, Sun J, Fergusson MM, Liu J, Holmström KM, Menazza S, Springer DA, Liu C, Glancy B, Finkel T, Murphy E. EMRE is essential for mitochondrial calcium uniporter activity in a mouse model. JCI Insight 2020; 5:134063. [PMID: 32017711 PMCID: PMC7101141 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.134063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The mitochondrial calcium uniporter is widely accepted as the primary route of rapid calcium entry into mitochondria, where increases in matrix calcium contribute to bioenergetics but also mitochondrial permeability and cell death. Hence, regulation of uniporter activity is critical to mitochondrial homeostasis. The uniporter subunit EMRE is known to be an essential regulator of the channel-forming protein MCU in cell culture, but EMRE's impact on organismal physiology is less understood. Here we characterize a mouse model of EMRE deletion and show that EMRE is indeed required for mitochondrial calcium uniporter function in vivo. EMRE-/- mice are born less frequently; however, the mice that are born are viable, healthy, and do not manifest overt metabolic impairment, at rest or with exercise. Finally, to investigate the role of EMRE in disease processes, we examine the effects of EMRE deletion in a muscular dystrophy model associated with mitochondrial calcium overload.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia C. Liu
- Cardiovascular Branch and
- Center for Molecular Medicine, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Postdoctoral Research Associate Program, National Institute of General Medical Sciences, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | - Thomas B. Willingham
- Systems Biology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | - Maria M. Fergusson
- Cardiovascular Branch and
- Center for Molecular Medicine, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jie Liu
- Center for Molecular Medicine, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Aging Institute, University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kira M. Holmström
- Center for Molecular Medicine, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | - Chengyu Liu
- Transgenic Core, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Brian Glancy
- Systems Biology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Toren Finkel
- Center for Molecular Medicine, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Aging Institute, University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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16
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van Putten M, Lloyd EM, de Greef JC, Raz V, Willmann R, Grounds MD. Mouse models for muscular dystrophies: an overview. Dis Model Mech 2020; 13:dmm043562. [PMID: 32224495 PMCID: PMC7044454 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.043562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Muscular dystrophies (MDs) encompass a wide variety of inherited disorders that are characterized by loss of muscle tissue associated with a progressive reduction in muscle function. With a cure lacking for MDs, preclinical developments of therapeutic approaches depend on well-characterized animal models that recapitulate the specific pathology in patients. The mouse is the most widely and extensively used model for MDs, and it has played a key role in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying MD pathogenesis. This has enabled the development of therapeutic strategies. Owing to advancements in genetic engineering, a wide variety of mouse models are available for the majority of MDs. Here, we summarize the characteristics of the most commonly used mouse models for a subset of highly studied MDs, collated into a table. Together with references to key publications describing these models, this brief but detailed overview would be useful for those interested in, or working with, mouse models of MD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maaike van Putten
- Leiden University Medical Center, Department of Human Genetics, Leiden, 2333 ZA, The Netherlands
| | - Erin M Lloyd
- The University of Western Australia, School of Human Sciences, Perth 6009, Australia
| | - Jessica C de Greef
- Leiden University Medical Center, Department of Human Genetics, Leiden, 2333 ZA, The Netherlands
| | - Vered Raz
- Leiden University Medical Center, Department of Human Genetics, Leiden, 2333 ZA, The Netherlands
| | | | - Miranda D Grounds
- The University of Western Australia, School of Human Sciences, Perth 6009, Australia
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17
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Barraza-Flores P, Bates CR, Oliveira-Santos A, Burkin DJ. Laminin and Integrin in LAMA2-Related Congenital Muscular Dystrophy: From Disease to Therapeutics. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:1. [PMID: 32116540 PMCID: PMC7026472 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.00001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Laminin-α2-related congenital muscular dystrophy (LAMA2-CMD) is a devastating neuromuscular disease caused by mutations in the LAMA2 gene. These mutations result in the complete absence or truncated expression of the laminin-α2 chain. The α2-chain is a major component of the laminin-211 and laminin-221 isoforms, the predominant laminin isoforms in healthy adult skeletal muscle. Mutations in this chain result in progressive skeletal muscle degeneration as early as neonatally. Laminin-211/221 is a ligand for muscle cell receptors integrin-α7β1 and α-dystroglycan. LAMA2 mutations are correlated with integrin-α7β1 disruption in skeletal muscle. In this review, we will summarize laminin-211/221 interactions with integrin-α7β1 in LAMA2-CMD muscle. Additionally, we will summarize recent developments using upregulation of laminin-111 in the sarcolemma of laminin-α2-deficient muscle. We will discuss potential mechanisms of action by which laminin-111 is able to prevent myopathy. These published studies demonstrate that laminin-111 is a disease modifier of LAMA2-CMD through different methods of delivery. Together, these studies show the potential for laminin-111 therapy as a novel paradigm for the treatment of LAMA2-CMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Barraza-Flores
- Department of Pharmacology, Reno School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, United States
| | - Christina R Bates
- Department of Pharmacology, Reno School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, United States
| | - Ariany Oliveira-Santos
- Department of Pharmacology, Reno School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, United States
| | - Dean J Burkin
- Department of Pharmacology, Reno School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, United States
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18
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Hall TE, Wood AJ, Ehrlich O, Li M, Sonntag CS, Cole NJ, Huttner IG, Sztal TE, Currie PD. Cellular rescue in a zebrafish model of congenital muscular dystrophy type 1A. NPJ Regen Med 2019; 4:21. [PMID: 31754462 PMCID: PMC6858319 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-019-0084-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Laminins comprise structural components of basement membranes, critical in the regulation of differentiation, survival and migration of a diverse range of cell types, including skeletal muscle. Mutations in one muscle enriched Laminin isoform, Laminin alpha2 (Lama2), results in the most common form of congenital muscular dystrophy, congenital muscular dystrophy type 1A (MDC1A). However, the exact cellular mechanism by which Laminin loss results in the pathological spectrum associated with MDC1A remains elusive. Here we show, via live tracking of individual muscle fibres, that dystrophic myofibres in the zebrafish model of MDC1A maintain sarcolemmal integrity and undergo dynamic remodelling behaviours post detachment, including focal sarcolemmal reattachment, cell extension and hyper-fusion with surrounding myoblasts. These observations imply the existence of a window of therapeutic opportunity, where detached cells may be “re-functionalised” prior to their delayed entry into the cell death program, a process we show can be achieved by muscle specific or systemic Laminin delivery. We further reveal that Laminin also acts as a pro-regenerative factor that stimulates muscle stem cell-mediated repair in lama2-deficient animals in vivo. The potential multi-mode of action of Laminin replacement therapy suggests it may provide a potent therapeutic axis for the treatment for MDC1A.
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Affiliation(s)
- T E Hall
- 1Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Level 1, 15 Innovation Walk, Victoria, 3800 Australia.,2Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, 306 Carmody Road, St Lucia, 4067 Australia
| | - A J Wood
- 1Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Level 1, 15 Innovation Walk, Victoria, 3800 Australia
| | - O Ehrlich
- 1Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Level 1, 15 Innovation Walk, Victoria, 3800 Australia
| | - M Li
- 1Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Level 1, 15 Innovation Walk, Victoria, 3800 Australia
| | - C S Sonntag
- 1Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Level 1, 15 Innovation Walk, Victoria, 3800 Australia
| | - N J Cole
- 3Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, 405 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney, New South Wales 2010 Australia.,4Anatomy & Histology, School of Medical Science, Anderson Stuart Building, Eastern Avenue, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006 Australia
| | - I G Huttner
- 3Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, 405 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney, New South Wales 2010 Australia
| | - T E Sztal
- 1Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Level 1, 15 Innovation Walk, Victoria, 3800 Australia.,5Department of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, 3800 Australia
| | - P D Currie
- 1Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Level 1, 15 Innovation Walk, Victoria, 3800 Australia.,6EMBL Australia, Victorian Node, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800 Australia
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19
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Nguyen Q, Lim KRQ, Yokota T. Current understanding and treatment of cardiac and skeletal muscle pathology in laminin-α2 chain-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy. APPLICATION OF CLINICAL GENETICS 2019; 12:113-130. [PMID: 31308722 PMCID: PMC6618038 DOI: 10.2147/tacg.s187481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD) is a class of severe early-onset muscular dystrophies affecting skeletal/cardiac muscles as well as the central nervous system (CNS). Laminin-α2 chain-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy (LAMA2 MD), also known as merosin-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy type 1A (MDC1A), is an autosomal recessive CMD characterized by severe muscle weakness and degeneration apparent at birth or in the first 6 months of life. LAMA2 MD is the most common congenital muscular dystrophy, affecting approximately 4 in 500,000 children. The most common cause of death in early-onset LAMA2 MD is respiratory tract infection, with 30% of them dying within the first decade of life. LAMA2 MD is caused by loss-of-function mutations in the LAMA2 gene encoding for the laminin-α2 chain, one of the subunits of laminin-211. Laminin-211 is an extracellular matrix protein that functions to stabilize the basement membrane and muscle fibers during contraction. Since laminin-α2 is expressed in many tissue types including skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, Schwann cells, and trophoblasts, patients with LAMA2 MD experience a multi-systemic clinical presentation depending on the extent of laminin-α2 chain deficiency. Cardiac manifestations are typically associated with a complete absence of laminin-α2; however, recent case reports highlight cardiac involvement in partial laminin-α2 chain deficiency. Laminin-211 is also expressed in the brain, and many patients have abnormalities on brain imaging; however, mental retardation and/or seizures are rarely seen. Currently, there is no cure for LAMA2 MD, but various therapies are being investigated in an effort to lessen the severity of LAMA2 MD. For example, antisense oligonucleotide-mediated exon skipping and CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing have efficiently restored the laminin-α2 chain in mouse models in vivo. This review consolidates information on the clinical presentation, genetic basis, pathology, and current treatment approaches for LAMA2 MD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quynh Nguyen
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Kenji Rowel Q Lim
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Toshifumi Yokota
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,The Friends of Garrett Cumming Research & Muscular Dystrophy Canada, HM Toupin Neurological Science Research Chair, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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20
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Willmann R, Gordish-Dressman H, Meinen S, Rüegg MA, Yu Q, Nagaraju K, Kumar A, Girgenrath M, Coffey CBM, Cruz V, Van Ry PM, Bogdanik L, Lutz C, Rutkowski A, Burkin DJ. Improving Reproducibility of Phenotypic Assessments in the DyW Mouse Model of Laminin-α2 Related Congenital Muscular Dystrophy. J Neuromuscul Dis 2019; 4:115-126. [PMID: 28550268 PMCID: PMC5467719 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-170217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Laminin-α2 related Congenital Muscular Dystrophy (LAMA2-CMD) is a progressive muscle disease caused by partial or complete deficiency of laminin-211, a skeletal muscle extracellular matrix protein. In the last decade, basic science research has queried underlying disease mechanisms in existing LAMA2-CMD murine models and identified possible clinical targets and pharmacological interventions. Experimental rigor in preclinical studies is critical to efficiently and accurately quantify both negative and positive results, degree of efficiency of potential therapeutics and determine whether to move a compound forward for additional preclinical testing. In this review, we compare published available data measured to assess three common parameters in the widely used mouse model DyW, that mimics LAMA2-CMD, we quantify variability and analyse its possible sources. Finally, on the basis of this analysis, we suggest standard set of assessments and the use of available standardized protocols, to reduce variability of outcomes in the future and to improve the value of preclinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaella Willmann
- Swiss Foundation for Research on Muscle Diseases, Cortaillod, Switzerland.,Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Qing Yu
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kanneboyina Nagaraju
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Ayar Kumar
- Department of Health Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Caroline B M Coffey
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Vivian Cruz
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Pam M Van Ry
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, NV, USA
| | | | | | - Anne Rutkowski
- Cure Congenital Muscular Dystrophy and Kaiser SCPMG, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Dean J Burkin
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, NV, USA
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21
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Nirwane A, Yao Y. Laminins and their receptors in the CNS. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2019; 94:283-306. [PMID: 30073746 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Revised: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Laminin, an extracellular matrix protein, is widely expressed in the central nervous system (CNS). By interacting with integrin and non-integrin receptors, laminin exerts a large variety of important functions in the CNS in both physiological and pathological conditions. Due to the existence of many laminin isoforms and their differential expression in various cell types in the CNS, the exact functions of each individual laminin molecule in CNS development and homeostasis remain largely unclear. In this review, we first briefly introduce the structure and biochemistry of laminins and their receptors. Next, the dynamic expression of laminins and their receptors in the CNS during both development and in adulthood is summarized in a cell-type-specific manner, which allows appreciation of their functional redundancy/compensation. Furthermore, we discuss the biological functions of laminins and their receptors in CNS development, blood-brain barrier (BBB) maintenance, neurodegeneration, stroke, and neuroinflammation. Last, key challenges and potential future research directions are summarized and discussed. Our goals are to provide a synthetic review to stimulate future studies and promote the formation of new ideas/hypotheses and new lines of research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhijit Nirwane
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Georgia, 240 W Green Street, Athens, GA 30602, U.S.A
| | - Yao Yao
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Georgia, 240 W Green Street, Athens, GA 30602, U.S.A
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22
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Mohassel P, Foley AR, Bönnemann CG. Extracellular matrix-driven congenital muscular dystrophies. Matrix Biol 2018; 71-72:188-204. [PMID: 29933045 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2018.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Revised: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Skeletal muscle function relies on the myofibrillar apparatus inside myofibers as well as an intact extracellular matrix surrounding each myofiber. Muscle extracellular matrix (ECM) plays several roles including but not limited to force transmission, regulation of growth factors and inflammatory responses, and influencing muscle stem cell (i.e. satellite cell) proliferation and differentiation. In most myopathies, muscle ECM undergoes remodeling and fibrotic changes that may be maladaptive for normal muscle function and recovery. In addition, mutations in skeletal muscle ECM and basement proteins can cause muscle disease. In this review, we summarize the clinical features of two of the most common congenital muscular dystrophies, COL6-related dystrophies and LAMA2-related dystrophies, which are caused by mutations in muscle ECM and basement membrane proteins. The study of clinical features of these diseases has helped to inform basic research and understanding of the biology of muscle ECM. In return, basic studies of muscle ECM have provided the conceptual framework to develop therapeutic interventions for these and other similar disorders of muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Payam Mohassel
- Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disorders of Childhood Section, Neurogenetics Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, United States of America
| | - A Reghan Foley
- Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disorders of Childhood Section, Neurogenetics Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, United States of America
| | - Carsten G Bönnemann
- Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disorders of Childhood Section, Neurogenetics Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, United States of America.
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23
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Yoon S, Beermann ML, Yu B, Shao D, Bachschmid M, Miller JB. Aberrant Caspase Activation in Laminin-α2-Deficient Human Myogenic Cells is Mediated by p53 and Sirtuin Activity. J Neuromuscul Dis 2018; 5:59-73. [PMID: 29278895 PMCID: PMC5836413 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-170262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background: Mutations in the LAMA2 gene encoding laminin-α2 cause congenital muscular dystrophy Type 1A (MDC1A), a severe recessive disease with no effective treatment. Previous studies have shown that aberrant activation of caspases and cell death through a pathway regulated by BAX and KU70 is a significant contributor to pathogenesis in laminin-α2-deficiency. Objectives: To identify mechanisms of pathogenesis in MDC1A. Methods: We used immunocytochemical and molecular studies of human myogenic cells and mouse muscles—comparing laminin-α2-deficient vs. healthy controls—to identify mechanisms that regulate pathological activation of caspase in laminin-α2-deficiency. Results: In cultures of myogenic cells from MDC1A donors, p53 accumulated in a subset of nuclei and aberrant caspase activation was inhibited by the p53 inhibitor pifithrin-alpha. Also, the p53 target BBC3 (PUMA) was upregulated in both MDC1A myogenic cells and Lama2–/– mouse muscles. In addition, studies with sirtuin inhibitors and SIRT1 overexpression showed that caspase activation in MDC1A myotubes was inversely related to sirtuin deacetylase activity. Caspase activation in laminin-α2-deficiency was, however, not associated with increased phosphorylation of p38 MAPK. Conclusions: Aberrant caspase activation in MDC1A cells was mediated both by sirtuin deacetylase activity and by p53. Interventions that inhibit aberrant caspase activation by targeting sirtuin or p53 function could potentially be useful in ameliorating MDC1A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soonsang Yoon
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mary Lou Beermann
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bryant Yu
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Di Shao
- Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Markus Bachschmid
- Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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24
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Reinhard JR, Lin S, McKee KK, Meinen S, Crosson SC, Sury M, Hobbs S, Maier G, Yurchenco PD, Rüegg MA. Linker proteins restore basement membrane and correct LAMA2-related muscular dystrophy in mice. Sci Transl Med 2018; 9:9/396/eaal4649. [PMID: 28659438 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aal4649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2016] [Revised: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
LAMA2-related muscular dystrophy (LAMA2 MD or MDC1A) is the most frequent form of early-onset, fatal congenital muscular dystrophies. It is caused by mutations in LAMA2, the gene encoding laminin-α2, the long arm of the heterotrimeric (α2, β1, and γ1) basement membrane protein laminin-211 (Lm-211). We establish that despite compensatory expression of laminin-α4, giving rise to Lm-411 (α4, β1, and γ1), muscle basement membrane is labile in LAMA2 MD biopsies. Consistent with this deficit, recombinant Lm-411 polymerized and bound to cultured myotubes only weakly. Polymerization and cell binding of Lm-411 were enhanced by addition of two specifically designed linker proteins. One, called αLNNd, consists of the N-terminal part of laminin-α1 and the laminin-binding site of nidogen-1. The second, called mini-agrin (mag), contains binding sites for laminins and α-dystroglycan. Transgenic expression of mag and αLNNd in a mouse model for LAMA2 MD fully restored basement membrane stability, recovered muscle force and size, increased overall body weight, and extended life span more than five times to a maximum survival beyond 2 years. These findings provide a mechanistic understanding of LAMA2 MD and establish a strong basis for a potential treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shuo Lin
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Karen K McKee
- Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Sarina Meinen
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stephanie C Crosson
- Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Maurizio Sury
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Samantha Hobbs
- Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | | | - Peter D Yurchenco
- Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Markus A Rüegg
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.
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25
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Gawlik KI, Harandi VM, Cheong RY, Petersén Å, Durbeej M. Laminin α1 reduces muscular dystrophy in dy 2J mice. Matrix Biol 2018; 70:36-49. [PMID: 29544677 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2018.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Revised: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Muscular dystrophies, including laminin α2 chain-deficient muscular dystrophy (LAMA2-CMD), are associated with immense personal, social and economic burdens. Thus, effective treatments are urgently needed. LAMA2-CMD is either a severe, early-onset condition with complete laminin α2 chain-deficiency or a milder, late-onset form with partial laminin α2 chain-deficiency. Mouse models dy3K/dy3K and dy2J/dy2J, respectively, recapitulate these two forms of LAMA2-CMD very well. We have previously demonstrated that laminin α1 chain significantly reduces muscular dystrophy in laminin α2 chain-deficient dy3K/dy3K mice. Among all the different pre-clinical approaches that have been evaluated in mice, laminin α1 chain-mediated therapy has been shown to be one of the most effective lines of attack. However, it has remained unclear if laminin α1 chain-mediated treatment is also applicable for partial laminin α2 chain-deficiency. Hence, we have generated dy2J/dy2J mice (that express a substantial amount of an N-terminal truncated laminin α2 chain) overexpressing laminin α1 chain in the neuromuscular system. The laminin α1 chain transgene ameliorated the dystrophic phenotype, restored muscle strength and reduced peripheral neuropathy. Thus, these findings provide additional support for the development of laminin α1 chain-based therapy for LAMA2-CMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga I Gawlik
- Muscle Biology Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Vahid M Harandi
- Muscle Biology Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Rachel Y Cheong
- Translational Neuroendocrine Research Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Åsa Petersén
- Translational Neuroendocrine Research Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Madeleine Durbeej
- Muscle Biology Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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26
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Qiao C, Dai Y, Nikolova VD, Jin Q, Li J, Xiao B, Li J, Moy SS, Xiao X. Amelioration of Muscle and Nerve Pathology in LAMA2 Muscular Dystrophy by AAV9-Mini-Agrin. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2018; 9:47-56. [PMID: 29766020 PMCID: PMC5948311 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2018.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
LAMA2-related muscular dystrophy (LAMA2 MD) is the most common and fatal form of early-onset congenital muscular dystrophies. Due to the large size of the laminin α2 cDNA and heterotrimeric structure of the protein, it is challenging to develop a gene-replacement therapy. Our group has developed a novel adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector carrying the mini-agrin, which is a non-homologous functional substitute for the mutated laminin α2. A significant therapeutic effect in skeletal muscle was observed in our previous study using AAV serotype 1 (AAV1). In this investigation, we examined AAV9 vector, which has more widespread transduction than AAV1, to determine if the therapeutic effects could be further improved. As expected, AAV9-mini-agrin treatment offered enhanced therapeutic effects over the previously used AAV1-mini-agrin in extending mouse lifespan and improvement of muscle pathology. Additionally, overexpression of mini-agrin in peripheral nerves of dyw/dyw mice partially amended nerve pathology as evidenced by improved motor function and sensorimotor processing, partial restoration of myelination, partial restoration of basement membrane via EM examination, as well as decreased regeneration of Schwann cells. In conclusion, our studies indicate that overexpression of mini-agrin into dyw/dyw mice offers profound therapeutic effects in both skeletal muscle and nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunping Qiao
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Yi Dai
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, Beijing, China 100730
| | - Viktoriya D Nikolova
- Department of Psychiatry, UNC School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, UNC School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Quan Jin
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Jianbin Li
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Bin Xiao
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Juan Li
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Sheryl S Moy
- Department of Psychiatry, UNC School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, UNC School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Xiao Xiao
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, UNC School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
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27
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Yurchenco PD, McKee KK, Reinhard JR, Rüegg MA. Laminin-deficient muscular dystrophy: Molecular pathogenesis and structural repair strategies. Matrix Biol 2017; 71-72:174-187. [PMID: 29191403 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2017.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Revised: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Laminins are large heterotrimers composed of the α, β and γ subunits with distinct tissue-specific and developmentally regulated expression patterns. The laminin-α2 subunit, encoded by the LAMA2 gene, is expressed in skeletal muscle, Schwann cells of the peripheral nerve and astrocytes and pericytes of the capillaries in the brain. Mutations in LAMA2 cause the most common type of congenital muscular dystrophies, called LAMA2 MD or MDC1A. The disorder manifests mostly as a muscular dystrophy but slowing of nerve conduction contributes to the disease. There are severe, non-ambulatory or milder, ambulatory variants, the latter resulting from reduced laminin-α2 expression and/or deficient laminin-α2 function. Lm-211 (α2β1γ1) is responsible for initiating basement membrane assembly. This is primarily accomplished by anchorage of Lm-211 to dystroglycan and α7β1 integrin receptors, polymerization, and binding to nidogen and other structural components. In LAMA2 MD, Lm-411 replaces Lm-211; however, Lm-411 lacks the ability to polymerize and bind to receptors. This results in a weakened basement membrane leading to the disease. The possibility of introducing structural repair proteins that correct the underlying abnormality is an attractive therapeutic goal. Recent studies in mouse models for LAMA2 MD reveal that introduction of laminin-binding linker proteins that restore lost functional activities can substantially ameliorate the disease. This review discusses the underlying mechanism of this repair and compares this approach to other developing therapies employing pharmacological treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter D Yurchenco
- Dept. Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Rutgers University, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
| | - Karen K McKee
- Dept. Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Rutgers University, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | | | - Markus A Rüegg
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.
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28
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Nunes AM, Wuebbles RD, Sarathy A, Fontelonga TM, Deries M, Burkin DJ, Thorsteinsdóttir S. Impaired fetal muscle development and JAK-STAT activation mark disease onset and progression in a mouse model for merosin-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy. Hum Mol Genet 2017; 26:2018-2033. [PMID: 28334989 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddx083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Merosin-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy type 1A (MDC1A) is a dramatic neuromuscular disease in which crippling muscle weakness is evident from birth. Here, we use the dyW mouse model for human MDC1A to trace the onset of the disease during development in utero. We find that myotomal and primary myogenesis proceed normally in homozygous dyW-/- embryos. Fetal dyW-/- muscles display the same number of myofibers as wildtype (WT) muscles, but by E18.5 dyW-/- muscles are significantly smaller and muscle size is not recovered post-natally. These results suggest that fetal dyW-/- myofibers fail to grow at the same rate as WT myofibers. Consistent with this hypothesis between E17.5 and E18.5 dyW-/- muscles display a dramatic drop in the number of Pax7- and myogenin-positive cells relative to WT muscles, suggesting that dyW-/- muscles fail to generate enough muscle cells to sustain fetal myofiber growth. Gene expression analysis of dyW-/- E17.5 muscles identified a significant increase in the expression of the JAK-STAT target gene Pim1 and muscles from 2-day and 3-week old dyW-/- mice demonstrate a dramatic increase in pSTAT3 relative to WT muscles. Interestingly, myotubes lacking integrin α7β1, a laminin-receptor, also show a significant increase in pSTAT3 levels compared with WT myotubes, indicating that α7β1 can act as a negative regulator of STAT3 activity. Our data reveal for the first time that dyW-/- mice exhibit a myogenesis defect already in utero. We propose that overactivation of JAK-STAT signaling is part of the mechanism underlying disease onset and progression in dyW-/- mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia M Nunes
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Centro de Ecologia, Evolução e Alterações Ambientais, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal.,Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Ryan D Wuebbles
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Apurva Sarathy
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Tatiana M Fontelonga
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Marianne Deries
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Centro de Ecologia, Evolução e Alterações Ambientais, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Dean J Burkin
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Sólveig Thorsteinsdóttir
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Centro de Ecologia, Evolução e Alterações Ambientais, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal.,Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, 2780-156 Oeiras, Portugal
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29
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Moreira Soares Oliveira B, Durbeej M, Holmberg J. Absence of microRNA-21 does not reduce muscular dystrophy in mouse models of LAMA2-CMD. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0181950. [PMID: 28771630 PMCID: PMC5542641 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0181950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs that modulate gene expression post-transcriptionally. Current evidence suggests that miR-21 plays a significant role in the progression of fibrosis in muscle diseases. Laminin-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy (LAMA2-CMD) is a severe form of congenital muscular dystrophy caused by mutations in the gene encoding laminin α2 chain. Mouse models dy3K/dy3K and dy2J/dy2J, respectively, adequately mirror severe and milder forms of LAMA2-CMD. Both human and mouse LAMA2-CMD muscles are characterized by extensive fibrosis and considering that fibrosis is the final step that destroys muscle during the disease course, anti-fibrotic therapies may be effective strategies for prevention of LAMA2-CMD. We have previously demonstrated a significant up-regulation of the pro-fibrotic miR-21 in dy3K/dy3K and dy2J/dy2J skeletal muscle. Hence, the objective of this study was to explore if absence of miR-21 reduces fibrogenesis and improves the phenotype of LAMA2-CMD mice. Thus, we generated dy3K/dy3K and dy2J/dy2J mice devoid of miR-21 (dy3K/miR-21 and dy2J/miR-21 mice, respectively). However, the muscular dystrophy phenotype of dy3K/miR-21 and dy2J/miR-21 double knock-out mice was not improved compared to dy3K/dy3K or dy2J/dy2J mice, respectively. Mice displayed the same body weight, dystrophic muscles (with fibrosis) and impaired muscle function. These data indicate that miR-21 may not be involved in the development of fibrosis in LAMA2-CMD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Madeleine Durbeej
- Muscle Biology Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Johan Holmberg
- Muscle Biology Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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30
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Correction of a splicing defect in a mouse model of congenital muscular dystrophy type 1A using a homology-directed-repair-independent mechanism. Nat Med 2017; 23:984-989. [DOI: 10.1038/nm.4367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Accepted: 06/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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31
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Yao Y. Laminin: loss-of-function studies. Cell Mol Life Sci 2017; 74:1095-1115. [PMID: 27696112 PMCID: PMC11107706 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-016-2381-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2016] [Revised: 09/25/2016] [Accepted: 09/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Laminin, one of the most widely expressed extracellular matrix proteins, exerts many important functions in multiple organs/systems and at various developmental stages. Although its critical roles in embryonic development have been demonstrated, laminin's functions at later stages remain largely unknown, mainly due to its intrinsic complexity and lack of research tools (most laminin mutants are embryonic lethal). With the advance of genetic and molecular techniques, many new laminin mutants have been generated recently. These new mutants usually have a longer lifespan and show previously unidentified phenotypes. Not only do these studies suggest novel functions of laminin, but also they provide invaluable animal models that allow investigation of laminin's functions at late stages. Here, I first briefly introduce the nomenclature, structure, and biochemistry of laminin in general. Next, all the loss-of-function mutants/models for each laminin chain are discussed and their phenotypes compared. I hope to provide a comprehensive review on laminin functions and its loss-of-function models, which could serve as a reference for future research in this understudied field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Yao
- College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Duluth, MN, 55812, USA.
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32
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Laminin differentially regulates the stemness of type I and type II pericytes. Stem Cell Res Ther 2017; 8:28. [PMID: 28173861 PMCID: PMC5297126 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-017-0479-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2016] [Revised: 01/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Laminin, a major basement membrane component that has direct contact with pericytes under physiological conditions, actively regulates the proliferation and differentiation/fate determination of pericytes. Recently, two types of pericytes (type I and type II) with different molecular markers and functions have been identified in skeletal muscles. Whether laminin differentially regulates the proliferation and differentiation of these two subpopulations remains unclear. Methods Wild-type and pericytic laminin-deficient mice under Nestin-GFP background were used to determine if laminin differentially regulates the proliferation and differentiation of type I and type II pericytes. Specifically, type I and type II pericytes were isolated from these mice, and their proliferation and differentiation were examined in vitro. Moreover, in vivo studies were also performed. Results We demonstrate that, although laminin inhibits the proliferation of both type I and type II pericytes in vitro, loss of laminin predominantly induces proliferation of type II pericytes in vivo. In addition, laminin negatively regulates the adipogenic differentiation of type I pericytes and positively regulates the myogenic differentiation of type II pericytes in vitro. Conclusions Laminin differentially regulates the proliferation and differentiation of type I and type II pericytes. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13287-017-0479-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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33
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Gao Y, Mruk D, Chen H, Lui WY, Lee WM, Cheng CY. Regulation of the blood-testis barrier by a local axis in the testis: role of laminin α2 in the basement membrane. FASEB J 2017; 31:584-597. [PMID: 27815338 PMCID: PMC5240664 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201600870r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 10/11/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Laminin α2 is one of the constituent components of the basement membrane (BM) in adult rat testes. Earlier studies that used a mouse genetic model have shown that a deletion of laminin α2 impedes male fertility by disrupting ectoplasmic specialization (ES; a testis-specific, actin-rich anchoring junction) function along the length of Sertoli cell in the testis. This includes ES at the Sertoli cell-elongating/elongated spermatid interface, which is known as apical ES and possibly the Sertoli-Sertoli cell interface, known as basal ES, at the blood-testis barrier (BTB). Studies have also illustrated that there is a local regulatory axis that functionally links cellular events of spermiation that occur near the luminal edge of tubule lumen at the apical ES and the basal ES/BTB remodeling near the BM at opposite ends of the seminiferous epithelium during the epithelial cycle, known as the apical ES-BTB-BM axis. However, the precise role of BM in this axis remains unknown. Here, we show that laminin α2 in the BM serves as the crucial regulator in this axis as laminin α2, likely its 80-kDa fragment from the C terminus, was found to be transported across the seminiferous epithelium at stages VIII-IX of the epithelial cycle, from the BM to the luminal edge of the tubule, possibly being used to modulate apical ES restructuring at these stages. Of more importance, a knockdown of laminin α2 in Sertoli cells was shown to induce the Sertoli cell tight junction permeability barrier disruption via changes in localization of adhesion proteins at the tight junction and basal ES at the Sertoli cell BTB. These changes were found to be mediated by a disruption of F-actin organization that was induced by changes in the spatiotemporal expression of actin binding/regulatory proteins. Furthermore, laminin α2 knockdown also perturbed microtubule (MT) organization by considerable down-regulation of MT polymerization via changes in the spatiotemporal expression of EB1 (end-binding protein 1), a +TIP (MT plus-end tracking protein). In short, laminin α2 in the BM seems to play a crucial role in the BTB-BM axis by modulating BTB dynamics during spermatogenesis.-Gao, Y., Mruk, D., Chen, H., Lui, W.-Y., Lee, W. M., Cheng, C. Y. Regulation of the blood-testis barrier by a local axis in the testis: role of laminin α2 in the basement membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Gao
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, USA
| | - Dolores Mruk
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, USA
| | - Haiqi Chen
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, USA
| | - Wing-Yee Lui
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Will M Lee
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, USA;
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Rogers RS, Nishimune H. The role of laminins in the organization and function of neuromuscular junctions. Matrix Biol 2016; 57-58:86-105. [PMID: 27614294 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2016.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Revised: 08/10/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The synapse between motor neurons and skeletal muscle is known as the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). Proper alignment of presynaptic and post-synaptic structures of motor neurons and muscle fibers, respectively, is essential for efficient motor control of skeletal muscles. The synaptic cleft between these two cells is filled with basal lamina. Laminins are heterotrimer extracellular matrix molecules that are key members of the basal lamina. Laminin α4, α5, and β2 chains specifically localize to NMJs, and these laminin isoforms play a critical role in maintenance of NMJs and organization of synaptic vesicle release sites known as active zones. These individual laminin chains exert their role in organizing NMJs by binding to their receptors including integrins, dystroglycan, and voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs). Disruption of these laminins or the laminin-receptor interaction occurs in neuromuscular diseases including Pierson syndrome and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS). Interventions to maintain proper level of laminins and their receptor interactions may be insightful in treating neuromuscular diseases and aging related degeneration of NMJs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert S Rogers
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, Kansas, USA.
| | - Hiroshi Nishimune
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, Kansas, USA.
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Yao Y, Norris EH, Mason CE, Strickland S. Laminin regulates PDGFRβ(+) cell stemness and muscle development. Nat Commun 2016; 7:11415. [PMID: 27138650 PMCID: PMC4857399 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms11415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2015] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Muscle-resident PDGFRβ+ cells, which include pericytes and PW1+ interstitial cells (PICs), play a dual role in muscular dystrophy. They can either undergo myogenesis to promote muscle regeneration or differentiate into adipocytes and other cells to compromise regeneration. How the differentiation and fate determination of PDGFRβ+ cells are regulated, however, remains unclear. Here, by utilizing a conditional knockout mouse line, we report that PDGFRβ+ cell-derived laminin inhibits their proliferation and adipogenesis, but is indispensable for their myogenesis. In addition, we show that laminin alone is able to partially reverse the muscle dystrophic phenotype in these mice at the molecular, structural and functional levels. Further RNAseq analysis reveals that laminin regulates PDGFRβ+ cell differentiation/fate determination via gpihbp1. These data support a critical role of laminin in the regulation of PDGFRβ+ cell stemness, identify an innovative target for future drug development and may provide an effective treatment for muscular dystrophy. Muscle PDGFRβ+ cells are interstitial stem/progenitor cells with myogenic potential. Here, Yao et al. show that PDGFRβ+ cell-derived laminin actively regulates their proliferation, differentiation and fate determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Yao
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Genetics, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, New York 10065, USA.,College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, 1110 Kirby Drive, Duluth, Minnesota 55812, USA
| | - Erin H Norris
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Genetics, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Christopher E Mason
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York 10065, USA.,The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, New York, New York 10065, USA.,Tri-Institutional Training Program in Computational Biology and Medicine, New York, New York 10065, USA.,The Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Sidney Strickland
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Genetics, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, New York 10065, USA
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Abstract
Neuromuscular diseases can affect the survival of peripheral neurons, their axons extending to peripheral targets, their synaptic connections onto those targets, or the targets themselves. Examples include motor neuron diseases such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, peripheral neuropathies such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth diseases, myasthenias, and muscular dystrophies. Characterizing these phenotypes in mouse models requires an integrated approach, examining both the nerve and muscle histologically, anatomically, and functionally by electrophysiology. Defects observed at these levels can be related back to onset, severity, and progression, as assessed by "Quality of life measures" including tests of gross motor performance such as gait or grip strength. This chapter describes methods for assessing neuromuscular disease models in mice, and how interpretation of these tests can be complicated by the inter-relatedness of the phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert W Burgess
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME, 04609, USA.
| | - Gregory A Cox
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME, 04609, USA
| | - Kevin L Seburn
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME, 04609, USA
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Vohra R, Accorsi A, Kumar A, Walter G, Girgenrath M. Magnetic Resonance Imaging Is Sensitive to Pathological Amelioration in a Model for Laminin-Deficient Congenital Muscular Dystrophy (MDC1A). PLoS One 2015; 10:e0138254. [PMID: 26379183 PMCID: PMC4575026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0138254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2015] [Accepted: 08/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To elucidate the reliability of MRI as a non-invasive tool for assessing in vivo muscle health and pathological amelioration in response to Losartan (Angiotensin II Type 1 receptor blocker) in DyW mice (mouse model for Laminin-deficient Congenital Muscular Dystrophy Type 1A). Methods Multiparametric MR quantifications along with histological/biochemical analyses were utilized to measure muscle volume and composition in untreated and Losartan-treated 7-week old DyW mice. Results MRI shows that DyW mice have significantly less hind limb muscle volume and areas of hyperintensity that are absent in WT muscle. DyW mice also have significantly elevated muscle levels (suggestive of inflammation and edema). Muscle T2 returned to WT levels in response to Losartan treatment. When considering only muscle pixels without T2 elevation, DyW T2 levels are significantly lower than WT (suggestive of fibrosis) whereas Losartan-treated animals do not demonstrate this decrease in muscle T2. MRI measurements suggestive of elevated inflammation and fibrosis corroborate with increased Mac-1 positive cells as well as increased Picrosirius red staining/COL1a gene expression that is returned to WT levels in response to Losartan. Conclusions MRI is sensitive to and tightly corresponds with pathological changes in DyW mice and thus is a viable and effective non-invasive tool for assessing pathological changes.
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MESH Headings
- Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers/pharmacology
- Animals
- Disease Models, Animal
- Fibrosis/drug therapy
- Fibrosis/metabolism
- Fibrosis/pathology
- Laminin/metabolism
- Losartan/pharmacology
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods
- Mice
- Muscle, Skeletal/drug effects
- Muscle, Skeletal/metabolism
- Muscle, Skeletal/pathology
- Muscular Dystrophies/drug therapy
- Muscular Dystrophies/metabolism
- Muscular Dystrophies/pathology
- Muscular Dystrophies, Limb-Girdle/diet therapy
- Muscular Dystrophies, Limb-Girdle/metabolism
- Muscular Dystrophies, Limb-Girdle/pathology
- Muscular Dystrophy, Animal/drug therapy
- Muscular Dystrophy, Animal/metabolism
- Muscular Dystrophy, Animal/pathology
- Reproducibility of Results
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravneet Vohra
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - Anthony Accorsi
- Department of Health Sciences, Sargent College, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Ajay Kumar
- Department of Health Sciences, Sargent College, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Glenn Walter
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - Mahasweta Girgenrath
- Department of Health Sciences, Sargent College, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Domi T, Porrello E, Velardo D, Capotondo A, Biffi A, Tonlorenzi R, Amadio S, Ambrosi A, Miyagoe-Suzuki Y, Takeda S, Ruegg MA, Previtali SC. Mesoangioblast delivery of miniagrin ameliorates murine model of merosin-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy type 1A. Skelet Muscle 2015; 5:30. [PMID: 26347253 PMCID: PMC4560053 DOI: 10.1186/s13395-015-0055-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Merosin-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy type-1A (MDC1A) is characterized by progressive muscular dystrophy and dysmyelinating neuropathy caused by mutations of the α2 chain of laminin-211, the predominant laminin isoform of muscles and nerves. MDC1A has no available treatment so far, although preclinical studies showed amelioration of the disease by the overexpression of miniagrin (MAG). MAG reconnects orphan laminin-211 receptors to other laminin isoforms available in the extracellular matrix of MDC1A mice. Methods Mesoangioblasts (MABs) are vessel-associated progenitors that can form the skeletal muscle and have been shown to restore defective protein levels and motor skills in animal models of muscular dystrophies. As gene therapy in humans still presents challenging technical issues and limitations, we engineered MABs to overexpress MAG to treat MDC1A mouse models, thus combining cell to gene therapy. Results MABs synthesize and secrete only negligible amount of laminin-211 either in vitro or in vivo. MABs engineered to deliver MAG and injected in muscles of MDC1A mice showed amelioration of muscle histology, increased expression of laminin receptors in muscle, and attenuated deterioration of motor performances. MABs did not enter the peripheral nerves, thus did not affect the associated peripheral neuropathy. Conclusions Our study demonstrates the potential efficacy of combining cell with gene therapy to treat MDC1A. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13395-015-0055-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teuta Domi
- Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE) and Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milano, Italy
| | - Emanuela Porrello
- Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE) and Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milano, Italy
| | - Daniele Velardo
- Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE) and Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milano, Italy
| | - Alessia Capotondo
- Tiget and Division of Regenerative Medicine, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - Alessandra Biffi
- Tiget and Division of Regenerative Medicine, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - Rossana Tonlorenzi
- Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE) and Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milano, Italy
| | - Stefano Amadio
- Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE) and Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milano, Italy
| | | | - Yuko Miyagoe-Suzuki
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Ogawa-higashi, Kodaira, Tokyo Japan
| | - Shin'ichi Takeda
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Ogawa-higashi, Kodaira, Tokyo Japan
| | | | - Stefano Carlo Previtali
- Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE) and Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milano, Italy
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Abstract
Peripheral nerves contain large myelinated and small unmyelinated (Remak) fibers that perform different functions. The choice to myelinate or not is dictated to Schwann cells by the axon itself, based on the amount of neuregulin I-type III exposed on its membrane. Peripheral axons are more important in determining the final myelination fate than central axons, and the implications for this difference in Schwann cells and oligodendrocytes are discussed. Interestingly, this choice is reversible during pathology, accounting for the remarkable plasticity of Schwann cells, and contributing to the regenerative potential of the peripheral nervous system. Radial sorting is the process by which Schwann cells choose larger axons to myelinate during development. This crucial morphogenetic step is a prerequisite for myelination and for differentiation of Remak fibers, and is arrested in human diseases due to mutations in genes coding for extracellular matrix and linkage molecules. In this review we will summarize progresses made in the last years by a flurry of reverse genetic experiments in mice and fish. This work revealed novel molecules that control radial sorting, and contributed unexpected ideas to our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that control radial sorting of axons.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Laura Feltri
- Hunter James Kelly Research Institute, Departments of Biochemistry & Neurology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Yannick Poitelon
- Hunter James Kelly Research Institute, Departments of Biochemistry & Neurology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Stefano Carlo Previtali
- Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE), Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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Durbeej M. Laminin-α2 Chain-Deficient Congenital Muscular Dystrophy: Pathophysiology and Development of Treatment. CURRENT TOPICS IN MEMBRANES 2015; 76:31-60. [PMID: 26610911 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctm.2015.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Laminin-211 is a major constituent of the skeletal muscle basement membrane. It stabilizes skeletal muscle and influences signal transduction events from the myomatrix to the muscle cell. Mutations in the gene encoding the α2 chain of laminin-211 lead to congenital muscular dystrophy type 1A (MDC1A), a life-threatening disease characterized by severe hypotonia, progressive muscle weakness, and joint contractures. Common complications include severely impaired motor ability, respiratory failure, and feeding difficulties. Several adequate animal models for laminin-α2 chain deficiency exist and analyses of different MDC1A mouse models have led to a significant improvement in our understanding of MDC1A pathogenesis. Importantly, the animal models have been indispensable tools for the preclinical development of new therapeutic approaches for laminin-α2 chain deficiency, highlighting a number of important disease driving mechanisms that can be targeted by pharmacological approaches. In this chapter, I will describe laminin-211 and discuss the cellular and molecular pathophysiology of MDC1A as well as progression toward development of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine Durbeej
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
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41
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Wood AJ, Currie PD. Analysing regenerative potential in zebrafish models of congenital muscular dystrophy. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2014; 56:30-7. [PMID: 25449259 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2014.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2014] [Revised: 10/12/2014] [Accepted: 10/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The congenital muscular dystrophies (CMDs) are a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of muscle disorders. Clinically hypotonia is present from birth, with progressive muscle weakness and wasting through development. For the most part, CMDs can mechanistically be attributed to failure of basement membrane protein laminin-α2 sufficiently binding with correctly glycosylated α-dystroglycan. The majority of CMDs therefore arise as the result of either a deficiency of laminin-α2 (MDC1A) or hypoglycosylation of α-dystroglycan (dystroglycanopathy). Here we consider whether by filling a regenerative medicine niche, the zebrafish model can address the present challenge of delivering novel therapeutic solutions for CMD. In the first instance the readiness and appropriateness of the zebrafish as a model organism for pioneering regenerative medicine therapies in CMD is analysed, in particular for MDC1A and the dystroglycanopathies. Despite the recent rapid progress made in gene editing technology, these approaches have yet to yield any novel zebrafish models of CMD. Currently the most genetically relevant zebrafish models to the field of CMD, have all been created by N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) mutagenesis. Once genetically relevant models have been established the zebrafish has several important facets for investigating the mechanistic cause of CMD, including rapid ex vivo development, optical transparency up to the larval stages of development and relative ease in creating transgenic reporter lines. Together, these tools are well suited for use in live-imaging studies such as in vivo modelling of muscle fibre detachment. Secondly, the zebrafish's contribution to progress in effective treatment of CMD was analysed. Two approaches were identified in which zebrafish could potentially contribute to effective therapies. The first hinges on the augmentation of functional redundancy within the system, such as upregulating alternative laminin chains in the candyfloss fish, a model of MDC1A. Secondly high-throughput small molecule screens not only provide effective therapies, but also an alternative strategy for investigating CMD in zebrafish. In this instance insight into disease mechanism is derived in reverse. Zebrafish models are therefore clearly of critical importance in the advancement of regenerative medicine strategies in CMD. This article is part of a Directed Issue entitled: Regenerative Medicine: The challenge of translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Wood
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Building 75, Level 1, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Melbourne, Victoroia 3181, Australia
| | - P D Currie
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Building 75, Level 1, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Melbourne, Victoroia 3181, Australia.
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de Oliveira BM, Matsumura CY, Fontes-Oliveira CC, Gawlik KI, Acosta H, Wernhoff P, Durbeej M. Quantitative proteomic analysis reveals metabolic alterations, calcium dysregulation, and increased expression of extracellular matrix proteins in laminin α2 chain-deficient muscle. Mol Cell Proteomics 2014; 13:3001-13. [PMID: 24994560 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m113.032276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital muscular dystrophy with laminin α2 chain deficiency (MDC1A) is one of the most severe forms of muscular disease and is characterized by severe muscle weakness and delayed motor milestones. The genetic basis of MDC1A is well known, yet the secondary mechanisms ultimately leading to muscle degeneration and subsequent connective tissue infiltration are not fully understood. In order to obtain new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying MDC1A, we performed a comparative proteomic analysis of affected muscles (diaphragm and gastrocnemius) from laminin α2 chain-deficient dy(3K)/dy(3K) mice, using multidimensional protein identification technology combined with tandem mass tags. Out of the approximately 700 identified proteins, 113 and 101 proteins, respectively, were differentially expressed in the diseased gastrocnemius and diaphragm muscles compared with normal muscles. A large portion of these proteins are involved in different metabolic processes, bind calcium, or are expressed in the extracellular matrix. Our findings suggest that metabolic alterations and calcium dysregulation could be novel mechanisms that underlie MDC1A and might be targets that should be explored for therapy. Also, detailed knowledge of the composition of fibrotic tissue, rich in extracellular matrix proteins, in laminin α2 chain-deficient muscle might help in the design of future anti-fibrotic treatments. All MS data have been deposited in the ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD000978 (http://proteomecentral.proteomexchange.org/dataset/PXD000978).
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Menezes de Oliveira
- From the §Department of Experimental Medical Science, Unit of Muscle Biology, Lund University, BMC B12, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Cintia Y Matsumura
- From the §Department of Experimental Medical Science, Unit of Muscle Biology, Lund University, BMC B12, 221 84 Lund, Sweden; ¶Departament of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo 13083-970, Brazil
| | - Cibely C Fontes-Oliveira
- From the §Department of Experimental Medical Science, Unit of Muscle Biology, Lund University, BMC B12, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Kinga I Gawlik
- From the §Department of Experimental Medical Science, Unit of Muscle Biology, Lund University, BMC B12, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Helena Acosta
- ‖Stem Cell Center, Lund University, BMC B12, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Patrik Wernhoff
- From the §Department of Experimental Medical Science, Unit of Muscle Biology, Lund University, BMC B12, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Madeleine Durbeej
- From the §Department of Experimental Medical Science, Unit of Muscle Biology, Lund University, BMC B12, 221 84 Lund, Sweden;
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Körner Z, Fontes-Oliveira CC, Holmberg J, Carmignac V, Durbeej M. Bortezomib partially improves laminin α2 chain-deficient muscular dystrophy. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2014; 184:1518-28. [PMID: 24631023 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2014.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2013] [Revised: 01/10/2014] [Accepted: 01/14/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Congenital muscular dystrophy, caused by mutations in LAMA2 (the gene encoding laminin α2 chain), is a severe and incapacitating disease for which no therapy is yet available. We have recently demonstrated that proteasome activity is increased in laminin α2 chain-deficient muscle and that treatment with the nonpharmaceutical proteasome inhibitor MG-132 reduces muscle pathology in laminin α2 chain-deficient dy(3K)/dy(3K) mice. Here, we explore the use of the selective and therapeutic proteasome inhibitor bortezomib (currently used for treatment of relapsed multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma) in dy(3K)/dy(3K) mice and in congenital muscular dystrophy type 1A muscle cells. Outcome measures included quantitative muscle morphology, gene and miRNA expression analyses, proteasome activity, motor activity, and survival. Bortezomib improved several histological hallmarks of disease, partially normalized miRNA expression (miR-1 and miR-133a), and enhanced body weight, locomotion, and survival of dy(3K)/dy(3K) mice. In addition, bortezomib reduced proteasome activity in congenital muscular dystrophy type 1A myoblasts and myotubes. These findings provide evidence that the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib partially reduces laminin α2 chain-deficient muscular dystrophy. Investigation of the clinical efficacy of bortezomib administration in congenital muscular dystrophy type 1A clinical trials may be warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zandra Körner
- Muscle Biology Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Johan Holmberg
- Muscle Biology Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Virginie Carmignac
- Genetics of Developmental Abnormalities Team, EA4271, University of Burgundy, Dijon, France
| | - Madeleine Durbeej
- Muscle Biology Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
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Van Ry PM, Minogue P, Hodges BL, Burkin DJ. Laminin-111 improves muscle repair in a mouse model of merosin-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy. Hum Mol Genet 2013; 23:383-96. [PMID: 24009313 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddt428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Merosin-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy type 1A (MDC1A) is a severe and fatal muscle-wasting disease with no cure. MDC1A patients and the dy(W-/-) mouse model exhibit severe muscle weakness, demyelinating neuropathy, failed muscle regeneration and premature death. We have recently shown that laminin-111, a form of laminin found in embryonic skeletal muscle, can substitute for the loss of laminin-211/221 and prevent muscle disease progression in the dy(W-/-) mouse model. What is unclear from these studies is whether laminin-111 can restore failed regeneration to laminin-α2-deficient muscle. To investigate the potential of laminin-111 protein therapy to improve muscle regeneration, laminin-111 or phosphate-buffered saline-treated laminin-α2-deficient muscle was damaged with cardiotoxin and muscle regeneration quantified. Our results show laminin-111 treatment promoted an increase in myofiber size and number, and an increased expression of α7β1 integrin, Pax7, myogenin and embryonic myosin heavy chain, indicating a restoration of the muscle regenerative program. Together, our results show laminin-111 restores muscle regeneration to laminin-α2-deficient muscle and further supports laminin-111 protein as a therapy for the treatment of MDC1A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pam M Van Ry
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, NV 89557, USA and
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45
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Dahlhoff M, Emrich D, Wolf E, Schneider MR. Increased activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor in transgenic mice overexpressing epigen causes peripheral neuropathy. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2013; 1832:2068-76. [PMID: 23899604 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2013.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2013] [Revised: 06/17/2013] [Accepted: 07/22/2013] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
In the mammalian nervous system, axons are commonly surrounded by myelin, a lipid-rich sheath that is essential for precise and rapid conduction of nerve impulses. In the peripheral nervous system (PNS), myelin sheaths are formed by Schwann cells which wrap around individual axons. While the tyrosine kinase receptors ERBB2 and ERBB3 are established mediators of peripheral myelination, less is known about the functions of the related epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in the regulation of PNS myelination. Here, we report a peripheral neurodegenerative disease caused by increased EGFR activation. Specifically, we characterize a symmetric and distally pronounced, late-onset muscular atrophy in transgenic mice overexpressing the EGFR ligand epigen. Histological examination revealed a demyelinating neuropathy and axon degeneration, and molecular analysis of signaling pathways showed reduced protein kinase B (PKB, AKT) activation in the nerves of Epigen-tg mice, indicating that the muscular phenotype is secondary to PNS demyelination and axon degeneration. Crossing of Epigen-tg mice into an EGFR-deficient background revealed the pathology to be completely EGFR-dependent. This mouse line provides a new model for studying molecular events associated with early stages of peripheral neuropathies, an essential prerequisite for the development of successful therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maik Dahlhoff
- Institute of Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany.
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Miciak JJ, Warsing LC, Tibbs ME, Jasper JR, Jampel SB, Malik FI, Tankersley C, Wagner KR. Fast skeletal muscle troponin activator in the dy2J muscular dystrophy model. Muscle Nerve 2013; 48:279-85. [PMID: 23512724 DOI: 10.1002/mus.23848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tirasemtiv is a novel small molecule activator of the fast skeletal muscle troponin complex that produces sensitization of the sarcomere to calcium. Tirasemtiv is currently in Phase II clinical trials for neuromuscular disease. METHODS We conducted a blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled preclinical study of the effect of tirasemtiv on forearm grip strength, endurance, respiratory physiology, and muscle pathology in adequate sample sizes of the Lama2(dy-2J) mouse model of congenital muscular dystrophy. RESULTS Mice receiving a high dose of tirasemtiv had significantly higher muscle fiber cross-sectional area and respiratory response to CO₂ stimulation at 16 weeks than mice on low dose or placebo. There were no changes in muscle pathology, serum creatine kinase, strength, endurance, or respiration following long-term treatment. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that tirasemtiv influences the structure of the skeletal muscle fiber in this model of muscular dystrophy but does not impact muscle function, as evaluated in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica J Miciak
- Center for Genetic Muscle Disorders, The Kennedy Krieger Institute, 707 North Broadway, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
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Yu Q, Sali A, Van der Meulen J, Creeden BK, Gordish-Dressman H, Rutkowski A, Rayavarapu S, Uaesoontrachoon K, Huynh T, Nagaraju K, Spurney CF. Omigapil treatment decreases fibrosis and improves respiratory rate in dy(2J) mouse model of congenital muscular dystrophy. PLoS One 2013; 8:e65468. [PMID: 23762378 PMCID: PMC3675144 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0065468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2012] [Accepted: 04/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Congenital muscular dystrophy is a distinct group of diseases presenting with weakness in infancy or childhood and no current therapy. One form, MDC1A, is the result of laminin alpha-2 deficiency and results in significant weakness, respiratory insufficiency and early death. Modification of apoptosis is one potential pathway for therapy in these patients. Methods dy2J mice were treated with vehicle, 0.1 mg/kg or 1 mg/kg of omigapil daily via oral gavage over 17.5 weeks. Untreated age matched BL6 mice were used as controls. Functional, behavioral and histological measurements were collected. Results dy2J mice treated with omigapil showed improved respiratory rates compared to vehicle treated dy2J mice (396 to 402 vs. 371 breaths per minute, p<0.03) and similar to control mice. There were no statistical differences in normalized forelimb grip strength between dy2J and controls at baseline or after 17.5 weeks and no significant differences seen among the dy2J treatment groups. At 30–33 weeks of age, dy2J mice treated with 0.1 mg/kg omigapil showed significantly more movement time and less rest time compared to vehicle treated. dy2J mice showed normal cardiac systolic function throughout the trial. dy2J mice had significantly lower hindlimb maximal (p<0.001) and specific force (p<0.002) compared to the control group at the end of the trial. There were no statistically significant differences in maximal or specific force among treatments. dy2J mice treated with 0.1 mg/kg/day omigapil showed decreased percent fibrosis in both gastrocnemius (p<0.03) and diaphragm (p<0.001) compared to vehicle, and in diaphragm (p<0.013) when compared to 1 mg/kg/day omigapil treated mice. Omigapil treated dy2J mice demonstrated decreased apoptosis. Conclusion Omigapil therapy (0.1 mg/kg) improved respiratory rate and decreased skeletal and respiratory muscle fibrosis in dy2J mice. These results support a putative role for the use of omigapil in laminin deficient congenital muscular dystrophy patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Yu
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children’s National Medical Center, Washington DC, United States of America
| | - Arpana Sali
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children’s National Medical Center, Washington DC, United States of America
| | - Jack Van der Meulen
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children’s National Medical Center, Washington DC, United States of America
| | - Brittany K. Creeden
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children’s National Medical Center, Washington DC, United States of America
| | - Heather Gordish-Dressman
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children’s National Medical Center, Washington DC, United States of America
| | - Anne Rutkowski
- Kaiser SCPMG, Cure CMD, Olathe, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Sree Rayavarapu
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children’s National Medical Center, Washington DC, United States of America
| | - Kitipong Uaesoontrachoon
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children’s National Medical Center, Washington DC, United States of America
| | - Tony Huynh
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children’s National Medical Center, Washington DC, United States of America
| | - Kanneboyina Nagaraju
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children’s National Medical Center, Washington DC, United States of America
| | - Christopher F. Spurney
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children’s National Medical Center, Washington DC, United States of America
- Division of Cardiology, Children’s National Medical Center, Washington DC, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
A chain is no stronger than its weakest link is an old idiom that holds true for muscle biology. As the name implies, skeletal muscle's main function is to move the bones. However, for a muscle to transmit force and withstand the stress that contractions give rise to, it relies on a chain of proteins attaching the cytoskeleton of the muscle fiber to the surrounding extracellular matrix. The importance of this attachment is illustrated by a large number of muscular dystrophies caused by interruption of the cytoskeletal-extracellular matrix interaction. One of the major components of the extracellular matrix is laminin, a heterotrimeric glycoprotein and a major constituent of the basement membrane. It has become increasingly apparent that laminins are involved in a multitude of biological functions, including cell adhesion, differentiation, proliferation, migration and survival. This review will focus on the importance of laminin-211 for normal skeletal muscle function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Holmberg
- Muscle Biology Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Domogatskaya
- Division of Matrix Biology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden; , ,
| | - Sergey Rodin
- Division of Matrix Biology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden; , ,
| | - Karl Tryggvason
- Division of Matrix Biology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden; , ,
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Meinen S, Lin S, Ruegg MA. Angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonists alleviate muscle pathology in the mouse model for laminin-α2-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy (MDC1A). Skelet Muscle 2012; 2:18. [PMID: 22943509 PMCID: PMC3598380 DOI: 10.1186/2044-5040-2-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2012] [Accepted: 07/31/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Laminin-α2-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy (MDC1A) is a severe muscle-wasting disease for which no curative treatment is available. Antagonists of the angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1), including the anti-hypertensive drug losartan, have been shown to block also the profibrotic action of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and thereby ameliorate disease progression in mouse models of Marfan syndrome. Because fibrosis and failure of muscle regeneration are the main reasons for the severe disease course of MDC1A, we tested whether L-158809, an analog derivative of losartan, could ameliorate the dystrophy in dyW/dyW mice, the best-characterized model of MDC1A. Methods L-158809 was given in food to dyW/dyW mice at the age of 3 weeks, and the mice were analyzed at the age of 6 to 7 weeks. We examined the effect of L-158809 on muscle histology and on muscle regeneration after injury as well as the locomotor activity and muscle strength of the mice. Results We found that TGF-β signaling in the muscles of the dyW/dyW mice was strongly increased, and that L-158809 treatment suppressed this signaling. Consequently, L-158809 reduced fibrosis and inflammation in skeletal muscle of dyW/dyW mice, and largely restored muscle regeneration after toxin-induced injury. Mice showed improvement in their locomotor activity and grip strength, and their body weight was significantly increased. Conclusion These data provide evidence that AT1 antagonists ameliorate several hallmarks of MDC1A in dyW/dyW mice, the best-characterized mouse model for this disease. Because AT1 antagonists are well tolerated in humans and widely used in clinical practice, these results suggest that losartan may offer a potential future treatment of patients with MDC1A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarina Meinen
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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