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Hord JM, Anderson ME, Prouty SJ, Melton S, Gastel Z, Zimmerman K, Weiss RM, Campbell KP. Matriglycan maintains t-tubule structural integrity in cardiac muscle. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2402890121. [PMID: 38771868 PMCID: PMC11145246 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2402890121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Maintaining the structure of cardiac membranes and membrane organelles is essential for heart function. A critical cardiac membrane organelle is the transverse tubule system (called the t-tubule system) which is an invagination of the surface membrane. A unique structural characteristic of the cardiac muscle t-tubule system is the extension of the extracellular matrix (ECM) from the surface membrane into the t-tubule lumen. However, the importance of the ECM extending into the cardiac t-tubule lumen is not well understood. Dystroglycan (DG) is an ECM receptor in the surface membrane of many cells, and it is also expressed in t-tubules in cardiac muscle. Extensive posttranslational processing and O-glycosylation are required for DG to bind ECM proteins and the binding is mediated by a glycan structure known as matriglycan. Genetic disruption resulting in defective O-glycosylation of DG results in muscular dystrophy with cardiorespiratory pathophysiology. Here, we show that DG is essential for maintaining cardiac t-tubule structural integrity. Mice with defects in O-glycosylation of DG developed normal t-tubules but were susceptible to stress-induced t-tubule loss or severing that contributed to cardiac dysfunction and disease progression. Finally, we observed similar stress-induced cardiac t-tubule disruption in a cohort of mice that solely lacked matriglycan. Collectively, our data indicate that DG in t-tubules anchors the luminal ECM to the t-tubule membrane via the polysaccharide matriglycan, which is critical to transmitting structural strength of the ECM to the t-tubules and provides resistance to mechanical stress, ultimately preventing disruptions in cardiac t-tubule integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey M. Hord
- HHMI, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA52242
- Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA52242
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA52242
- Department of Neurology, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA52242
| | - Mary E. Anderson
- HHMI, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA52242
- Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA52242
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA52242
- Department of Neurology, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA52242
| | - Sally J. Prouty
- HHMI, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA52242
- Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA52242
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA52242
- Department of Neurology, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA52242
| | - Shelly Melton
- HHMI, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA52242
- Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA52242
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA52242
- Department of Neurology, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA52242
| | - Zeita Gastel
- HHMI, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA52242
- Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA52242
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA52242
- Department of Neurology, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA52242
| | - Kathy Zimmerman
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA52242
| | - Robert M. Weiss
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA52242
- Abboud Cardiovascular Research Center, Carver College of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine-Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA52242
- Iowa City Veterans Affairs Health Care System, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA52242
| | - Kevin P. Campbell
- HHMI, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA52242
- Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA52242
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA52242
- Department of Neurology, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA52242
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2
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Azzag K, Gransee HM, Magli A, Yamashita AMS, Tungtur S, Ahlquist A, Zhan WZ, Onyebu C, Greising SM, Mantilla CB, Perlingeiro RCR. Enhanced Diaphragm Muscle Function upon Satellite Cell Transplantation in Dystrophic Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2503. [PMID: 38473751 PMCID: PMC10931593 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The diaphragm muscle is essential for breathing, and its dysfunctions can be fatal. Many disorders affect the diaphragm, including muscular dystrophies. Despite the clinical relevance of targeting the diaphragm, there have been few studies evaluating diaphragm function following a given experimental treatment, with most of these involving anti-inflammatory drugs or gene therapy. Cell-based therapeutic approaches have shown success promoting muscle regeneration in several mouse models of muscular dystrophy, but these have focused mainly on limb muscles. Here we show that transplantation of as few as 5000 satellite cells directly into the diaphragm results in consistent and robust myofiber engraftment in dystrophin- and fukutin-related protein-mutant dystrophic mice. Transplanted cells also seed the stem cell reservoir, as shown by the presence of donor-derived satellite cells. Force measurements showed enhanced diaphragm strength in engrafted muscles. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of cell transplantation to target the diseased diaphragm and improve its contractility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim Azzag
- Lillehei Heart Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (K.A.); (A.M.); (A.M.S.Y.); (S.T.); (A.A.); (C.O.)
| | - Heather M. Gransee
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (H.M.G.); (W.-Z.Z.); (C.B.M.)
| | - Alessandro Magli
- Lillehei Heart Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (K.A.); (A.M.); (A.M.S.Y.); (S.T.); (A.A.); (C.O.)
| | - Aline M. S. Yamashita
- Lillehei Heart Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (K.A.); (A.M.); (A.M.S.Y.); (S.T.); (A.A.); (C.O.)
| | - Sudheer Tungtur
- Lillehei Heart Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (K.A.); (A.M.); (A.M.S.Y.); (S.T.); (A.A.); (C.O.)
| | - Aaron Ahlquist
- Lillehei Heart Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (K.A.); (A.M.); (A.M.S.Y.); (S.T.); (A.A.); (C.O.)
| | - Wen-Zhi Zhan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (H.M.G.); (W.-Z.Z.); (C.B.M.)
| | - Chiemelie Onyebu
- Lillehei Heart Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (K.A.); (A.M.); (A.M.S.Y.); (S.T.); (A.A.); (C.O.)
| | - Sarah M. Greising
- School of Kinesiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA;
| | - Carlos B. Mantilla
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (H.M.G.); (W.-Z.Z.); (C.B.M.)
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Rita C. R. Perlingeiro
- Lillehei Heart Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (K.A.); (A.M.); (A.M.S.Y.); (S.T.); (A.A.); (C.O.)
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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3
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Benasutti H, Maricelli JW, Seto J, Hall J, Halbert C, Wicki J, Heusgen L, Purvis N, Regnier M, Lin DC, Rodgers BD, Chamberlain JS. Efficacy and muscle safety assessment of fukutin-related protein gene therapy. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2023; 30:65-80. [PMID: 37361354 PMCID: PMC10285450 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type R9 (LGMDR9) is a muscle-wasting disease that begins in the hip and shoulder regions of the body. This disease is caused by mutations in fukutin-related protein (FKRP), a glycosyltransferase critical for maintaining muscle cell integrity. Here we investigated potential gene therapies for LGMDR9 containing an FKRP expression construct with untranslated region (UTR) modifications. Initial studies treated an aged dystrophic mouse model (FKRPP448L) with adeno-associated virus vector serotype 6 (AAV6). Grip strength improved in a dose- and time-dependent manner, injected mice exhibited fewer central nuclei and serum creatine kinase levels were 3- and 5-fold lower compared to those in non-injected FKRPP448L mice. Treatment also partially stabilized the respiratory pattern during exercise and improved treadmill running, partially protecting muscle from exercise-induced damage. Western blotting of C2C12 myotubes using a novel rabbit antibody confirmed heightened translation with the UTR modifications. We further explored the question of FKRP toxicity in wild-type mice using high doses of two additional muscle-tropic capsids: AAV9 and AAVMYO1. No toxic effects were detected with either therapeutic agent. These data further support the feasibility of gene therapy to treat LGMDR9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halli Benasutti
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Joseph W. Maricelli
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
- Washington Center for Muscle Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Jane Seto
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Sen. Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - John Hall
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Christine Halbert
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Sen. Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jacqueline Wicki
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lydia Heusgen
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Nicholas Purvis
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Michael Regnier
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - David C. Lin
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience and the Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Buel D. Rodgers
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
- Washington Center for Muscle Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Jeffrey S. Chamberlain
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Sen. Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
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4
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Wu B, Drains M, Shah SN, Lu PJ, Leroy V, Killilee J, Rawls R, Tucker JD, Blaeser A, Lu QL. Ribitol dose-dependently enhances matriglycan expression and improves muscle function with prolonged life span in limb girdle muscular dystrophy 2I mouse model. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0278482. [PMID: 36454905 PMCID: PMC9714851 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy 2I (LGMDR9) is one of the most common LGMD characterized by defects in glycosylation of α-dystroglycan (matriglycan) resulting from mutations of Fukutin-related protein (FKRP). There is no effective therapy currently available. We recently demonstrated that ribitol supplement increases levels of matriglycan in cells in vitro and in FKRP-P448L (P448L) mutant mouse model through drinking water administration. To be clinically relevant, we have now conducted a dose-escalating efficacy study by gavage in P448L mutant mice. Six months of ribitol treatment daily significantly rescued functions of skeletal, respiratory, and cardiac muscles dose-dependently. This was associated with a dose dependent increase in matriglycan and improvement in muscle pathology with reductions in muscle degeneration, inflammatory infiltration and fibrosis. Importantly, ribitol significantly increased life span and muscle functions of the female animals receiving treatment from 10 months of age. The only observed side effect was gastrointestinal tract bloating with loose stool and this effect is also dose dependent. The results validate the mechanism that ribitol as a pre-substrate of glycosyltransferase is able to compensate for the decreased function of mutant FKRP with restoration of matriglycan expression and provide a guidance for future clinical trial design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wu
- McColl-Lockwood Laboratory for Muscular Dystrophy Research, Atrium Health Musculoskeletal Institute, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail: (BW); (QLL)
| | - Morgan Drains
- McColl-Lockwood Laboratory for Muscular Dystrophy Research, Atrium Health Musculoskeletal Institute, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Sapana N. Shah
- McColl-Lockwood Laboratory for Muscular Dystrophy Research, Atrium Health Musculoskeletal Institute, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Pei Juan Lu
- McColl-Lockwood Laboratory for Muscular Dystrophy Research, Atrium Health Musculoskeletal Institute, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Victoria Leroy
- McColl-Lockwood Laboratory for Muscular Dystrophy Research, Atrium Health Musculoskeletal Institute, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Jessalyn Killilee
- McColl-Lockwood Laboratory for Muscular Dystrophy Research, Atrium Health Musculoskeletal Institute, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Raegan Rawls
- McColl-Lockwood Laboratory for Muscular Dystrophy Research, Atrium Health Musculoskeletal Institute, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Jason D. Tucker
- McColl-Lockwood Laboratory for Muscular Dystrophy Research, Atrium Health Musculoskeletal Institute, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Anthony Blaeser
- McColl-Lockwood Laboratory for Muscular Dystrophy Research, Atrium Health Musculoskeletal Institute, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Qi Long Lu
- McColl-Lockwood Laboratory for Muscular Dystrophy Research, Atrium Health Musculoskeletal Institute, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail: (BW); (QLL)
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5
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Kanagawa M. Dystroglycanopathy: From Elucidation of Molecular and Pathological Mechanisms to Development of Treatment Methods. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222313162. [PMID: 34884967 PMCID: PMC8658603 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222313162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Dystroglycanopathy is a collective term referring to muscular dystrophies with abnormal glycosylation of dystroglycan. At least 18 causative genes of dystroglycanopathy have been identified, and its clinical symptoms are diverse, ranging from severe congenital to adult-onset limb-girdle types. Moreover, some cases are associated with symptoms involving the central nervous system. In the 2010s, the structure of sugar chains involved in the onset of dystroglycanopathy and the functions of its causative gene products began to be identified as if they were filling the missing pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. In parallel with these discoveries, various dystroglycanopathy model mice had been created, which led to the elucidation of its pathological mechanisms. Then, treatment strategies based on the molecular basis of glycosylation began to be proposed after the latter half of the 2010s. This review briefly explains the sugar chain structure of dystroglycan and the functions of the causative gene products of dystroglycanopathy, followed by introducing the pathological mechanisms involved as revealed from analyses of dystroglycanopathy model mice. Finally, potential therapeutic approaches based on the pathological mechanisms involved are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motoi Kanagawa
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime University, 454 Shitsukawa, Toon 791-0295, Ehime, Japan
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6
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Ciszewski L, Lu-Nguyen N, Slater A, Brennan A, Williams HEL, Dickson G, Searle MS, Popplewell L. G-quadruplex ligands mediate downregulation of DUX4 expression. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:4179-4194. [PMID: 32182342 PMCID: PMC7192601 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal DUX4 expression in skeletal muscles plays a key role in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) pathogenesis, although the molecular mechanisms regulating DUX4 expression are not fully defined. Using bioinformatic analysis of the genomic DUX4 locus, we have identified a number of putative G-quadruplexes (GQs) forming sequences. Their presence was confirmed in synthetic oligonucleotiode sequences derived from the enhancer, promoter and transcript of DUX4 through circular dichroism and nuclear magnetic resonance analysis. We further examined the binding affinity of a naturally occurring GQ stabilizing compound, berberine, to these non-canonical genetic structures using UV–Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. Subsequent in vitro study in FSHD patient myoblasts indicated that berberine treatment reduced DUX4 expression and also expression of genes normally switched on by DUX4. Further investigation in a mouse model overexpressing exogenous DUX4 confirmed the therapeutic effects of berberine in downregulating DUX4 protein expression, inhibiting muscle fibrosis, and consequently rescuing muscle function. Our data demonstrate for the first time that GQs are present in the DUX4 locus and that the GQ interactive ligand reduces DUX4 expression suggesting potential role of GQs in FSHD pathogenesis. Our work provides the basis of a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of FSHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukasz Ciszewski
- Department of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway-University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK
| | - Ngoc Lu-Nguyen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway-University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK
| | - Alex Slater
- Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, School of Chemistry, University Park, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Andrew Brennan
- Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, School of Chemistry, University Park, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Huw E L Williams
- Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, School of Chemistry, University Park, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - George Dickson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway-University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK
| | - Mark S Searle
- Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, School of Chemistry, University Park, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Linda Popplewell
- Department of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway-University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK
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7
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Fenwick AJ, Awinda PO, Yarbrough-Jones JA, Eldridge JA, Rodgers BD, Tanner BCW. Demembranated skeletal and cardiac fibers produce less force with altered cross-bridge kinetics in a mouse model for limb-girdle muscular dystrophy 2i. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2019; 317:C226-C234. [PMID: 31091146 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00524.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy 2i (LGMD2i) is a dystroglycanopathy that compromises myofiber integrity and primarily reduces power output in limb muscles but can influence cardiac muscle as well. Previous studies of LGMD2i made use of a transgenic mouse model in which a proline-to-leucine (P448L) mutation in fukutin-related protein severely reduces glycosylation of α-dystroglycan. Muscle function is compromised in P448L mice in a manner similar to human patients with LGMD2i. In situ studies reported lower maximal twitch force and depressed force-velocity curves in medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscles from male P448L mice. Here, we measured Ca2+-activated force generation and cross-bridge kinetics in both demembranated MG fibers and papillary muscle strips from P448L mice. Maximal activated tension was 37% lower in MG fibers and 18% lower in papillary strips from P448L mice than controls. We also found slightly faster rates of cross-bridge recruitment and detachment in MG fibers from P448L than control mice. These increases in skeletal cross-bridge cycling could reduce the unitary force output from individual cross bridges by lowering the ratio of time spent in a force-bearing state to total cycle time. This suggests that the decreased force production in LGMD2i may be due (at least in part) to altered cross-bridge kinetics. This finding is notable, as the majority of studies germane to muscular dystrophies have focused on sarcolemma or whole muscle properties, whereas our findings suggest that the disease pathology is also influenced by potential downstream effects on cross-bridge behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel J Fenwick
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University , Pullman, Washington.,Washington Center for Muscle Biology, Washington State University , Pullman, Washington
| | - Peter O Awinda
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University , Pullman, Washington.,Washington Center for Muscle Biology, Washington State University , Pullman, Washington
| | - Jacob A Yarbrough-Jones
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University , Pullman, Washington.,Washington Center for Muscle Biology, Washington State University , Pullman, Washington
| | - Jennifer A Eldridge
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University , Pullman, Washington.,Washington Center for Muscle Biology, Washington State University , Pullman, Washington
| | - Buel D Rodgers
- Washington Center for Muscle Biology, Washington State University , Pullman, Washington.,AAVogen, Inc. , Rockville, Maryland
| | - Bertrand C W Tanner
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University , Pullman, Washington.,Washington Center for Muscle Biology, Washington State University , Pullman, Washington
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8
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Wu B, Shah SN, Lu P, Bollinger LE, Blaeser A, Sparks S, Harper AD, Lu QL. Long-Term Treatment of Tamoxifen and Raloxifene Alleviates Dystrophic Phenotype and Enhances Muscle Functions of FKRP Dystroglycanopathy. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2019; 188:1069-1080. [PMID: 29571322 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2017.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The third most common form of limb-girdle muscular dystrophies is caused by mutations of the Fukutin-related protein (FKRP) gene, with no effective therapy available. Selective estrogen receptor modulators, tamoxifen and raloxifene, have been widely used for human conditions for their anti-inflammatory, antifibrosis, prevention of bone loss, and muscle building effects (essential features for muscular dystrophy therapies). We evaluated therapeutic values of tamoxifen and raloxifene in FKRPP448L mutant mouse with severe dystrophic phenotype. The mice were treated with the drugs for 1 year through daily gavage. We demonstrate that tamoxifen and raloxifene significantly ameliorated the disease progression. The improvement includes increase in grip force production, extended running time and distance in treadmill test, and enhancement in cardiac and respiratory functions. Significant reduction in muscle pathology includes diminished fibrosis and fiber degeneration. Tamoxifen and raloxifene also significantly mitigated bone loss. Tamoxifen, but not raloxifene, caused severe adverse effects on male reproductive organs. The results demonstrate that tamoxifen and raloxifene hold significant potential for treating FKRP-related muscular dystrophy and probably other muscular dystrophies. Sex-related differential effects of the drugs call for a careful consideration for the drug and dosage selection in male and female patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wu
- McColl-Lockwood Laboratory for Muscular Dystrophy Research, Levine Children's Hospital, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina.
| | - Sapana N Shah
- McColl-Lockwood Laboratory for Muscular Dystrophy Research, Levine Children's Hospital, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina
| | - Peijuan Lu
- McColl-Lockwood Laboratory for Muscular Dystrophy Research, Levine Children's Hospital, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina
| | - Lauren E Bollinger
- McColl-Lockwood Laboratory for Muscular Dystrophy Research, Levine Children's Hospital, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina
| | - Anthony Blaeser
- McColl-Lockwood Laboratory for Muscular Dystrophy Research, Levine Children's Hospital, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina
| | - Susan Sparks
- Clinical Genetics/Department of Pediatrics, Levine Children's Hospital, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina
| | - Amy D Harper
- Clinical Genetics/Department of Pediatrics, Levine Children's Hospital, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina
| | - Qi L Lu
- McColl-Lockwood Laboratory for Muscular Dystrophy Research, Levine Children's Hospital, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina.
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9
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Vannoy CH, Leroy V, Lu QL. Dose-Dependent Effects of FKRP Gene-Replacement Therapy on Functional Rescue and Longevity in Dystrophic Mice. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2018; 11:106-120. [PMID: 30417025 PMCID: PMC6222079 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2018.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Muscular dystrophy-dystroglycanopathies (MDDGs) resulting from fukutin-related protein (FKRP) gene mutations are rare disorders that result in a wide spectrum of clinical severity based on the age of onset, the degree of myogenic atrophy, and/or neurologic involvement. There is no cure for any of the FKRP-related disorders, and few options are available for symptom management. Herein, we examine the longitudinal effects of a dose-escalation study to evaluate the safety and therapeutic potential of FKRP gene-replacement therapy in a p.P448L (FKRPP448L) mouse model of MDDG. A recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) serotype 9 vector expressing human FKRP (AAV9-FKRP) was systemically administered to FKRPP448L mice at 5 weeks of age, when early onset of the disease is evidenced. A comprehensive analysis of protein and gene expression, histopathology, skeletal muscle function, and cardiorespiratory function was performed over short (9-week) and/or long-term (52-week) study periods. Additional studies assessed the impact of FKRP gene-replacement therapy on lifespan at an advanced stage of disease progression. Results indicate that treatment intervention can restore the biochemical defects in a dose-dependent manner, with potential for improvement in the trajectory of disease progression and extension of the expected lifespan. This study supports the initiation of early-stage clinical trials for FKRP-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Harvey Vannoy
- McColl-Lockwood Laboratory for Muscular Dystrophy Research, Carolinas Medical Center, Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC 28203, USA
- Corresponding author: Charles Harvey Vannoy, McColl-Lockwood Laboratory for Muscular Dystrophy Research, Carolinas Medical Center, Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC 28203, USA.
| | - Victoria Leroy
- McColl-Lockwood Laboratory for Muscular Dystrophy Research, Carolinas Medical Center, Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC 28203, USA
| | - Qi Long Lu
- McColl-Lockwood Laboratory for Muscular Dystrophy Research, Carolinas Medical Center, Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC 28203, USA
- Corresponding author: Qi Long Lu, McColl-Lockwood Laboratory for Muscular Dystrophy Research, Carolinas Medical Center, Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC 28203, USA.
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10
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Serafini PR, Feyder MJ, Hightower RM, Garcia-Perez D, Vieira NM, Lek A, Gibbs DE, Moukha-Chafiq O, Augelli-Szafran CE, Kawahara G, Widrick JJ, Kunkel LM, Alexander MS. A limb-girdle muscular dystrophy 2I model of muscular dystrophy identifies corrective drug compounds for dystroglycanopathies. JCI Insight 2018; 3:120493. [PMID: 30232282 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.120493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish are a powerful tool for studying muscle function owing to their high numbers of offspring, low maintenance costs, evolutionarily conserved muscle functions, and the ability to rapidly take up small molecular compounds during early larval stages. Fukutin-related protein (FKRP) is a putative protein glycosyltransferase that functions in the Golgi apparatus to modify sugar chain molecules of newly translated proteins. Patients with mutations in the FKRP gene can have a wide spectrum of clinical symptoms with varying muscle, eye, and brain pathologies depending on the location of the mutation in the FKRP protein. Patients with a common L276I FKRP mutation have mild adult-onset muscle degeneration known as limb-girdle muscular dystrophy 2I (LGMD2I), whereas patients with more C-terminal pathogenic mutations develop the severe Walker-Warburg syndrome (WWS)/muscle-eye-brain (MEB) disease. We generated fkrp-mutant zebrafish that phenocopy WWS/MEB pathologies including severe muscle breakdowns, head malformations, and early lethality. We have also generated a milder LGMD2I-model zebrafish via overexpression of a heat shock-inducible human FKRP (L276I) transgene that shows milder muscle pathology. Screening of an FDA-approved drug compound library in the LGMD2I zebrafish revealed a strong propensity towards steroids, antibacterials, and calcium regulators in ameliorating FKRP-dependent pathologies. Together, these studies demonstrate the utility of the zebrafish to both study human-specific FKRP mutations and perform compound library screenings for corrective drug compounds to treat muscular dystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter R Serafini
- Division of Genetics and Genomics at Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael J Feyder
- Division of Genetics and Genomics at Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rylie M Hightower
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Children's of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.,UAB Center for Exercise Medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Daniela Garcia-Perez
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Children's of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Natássia M Vieira
- Division of Genetics and Genomics at Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Angela Lek
- Division of Genetics and Genomics at Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Devin E Gibbs
- Division of Genetics and Genomics at Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | - Genri Kawahara
- Department of Pathophysiology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jeffrey J Widrick
- Division of Genetics and Genomics at Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Louis M Kunkel
- Division of Genetics and Genomics at Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.,The Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research at Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Matthew S Alexander
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Children's of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.,UAB Center for Exercise Medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.,Department of Genetics at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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11
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Yu Q, Morales M, Li N, Fritz AG, Ruobing R, Blaeser A, Francois E, Lu QL, Nagaraju K, Spurney CF. Skeletal, cardiac, and respiratory muscle function and histopathology in the P448Lneo- mouse model of FKRP-deficient muscular dystrophy. Skelet Muscle 2018; 8:13. [PMID: 29625576 PMCID: PMC5889611 DOI: 10.1186/s13395-018-0158-x] [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] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fukutin-related protein (FKRP) mutations are the most common cause of dystroglycanopathies known to cause both limb girdle and congenital muscular dystrophy. The P448Lneo- mouse model has a knock-in mutation in the FKRP gene and develops skeletal, respiratory, and cardiac muscle disease. METHODS We studied the natural history of the P448Lneo- mouse model over 9 months and the effects of twice weekly treadmill running. Forelimb and hindlimb grip strength (Columbus Instruments) and overall activity (Omnitech Electronics) assessed skeletal muscle function. Echocardiography was performed using VisualSonics Vevo 770 (FujiFilm VisualSonics). Plethysmography was performed using whole body system (ADInstruments). Histological evaluations included quantification of inflammation, fibrosis, central nucleation, and fiber size variation. RESULTS P448Lneo- mice had significantly increased normalized tissue weights compared to controls at 9 months of age for the heart, gastrocnemius, soleus, tibialis anterior, quadriceps, and triceps. There were no significant differences seen in forelimb or hindlimb grip strength or activity monitoring in P448Lneo- mice with or without exercise compared to controls. Skeletal muscles demonstrated increased inflammation, fibrosis, central nucleation, and variation in fiber size compared to controls (p < 0.05) and worsened with exercise. Plethysmography showed significant differences in respiratory rates and decreased tidal and minute volumes in P448Lneo- mice (p < 0.01). There was increased fibrosis in the diaphragm compared to controls (p < 0.01). Echocardiography demonstrated decreased systolic function in 9-month-old mutant mice (p < 0.01). There was increased myocardial wall thickness and mass (p < 0.001) with increased fibrosis in 9-month-old P448Lneo- mice compared to controls (p < 0.05). mRNA expression for natriuretic peptide type A (Nppa) was significantly increased in P448Lneo- mice compared to controls at 6 months (p < 0.05) and for natriuretic peptide type B (Nppb) at 6 and 9 months of age (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS FKRP-deficient P448Lneo- mice demonstrate significant deficits in cardiac and respiratory functions compared to control mice, and this is associated with increased inflammation and fibrosis. This study provides new functional outcome measures for preclinical trials of FKRP-related muscular dystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Yu
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's Research Institute, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Melissa Morales
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binghamton University, State University of New York, Binghamton, NY, USA
| | - Ning Li
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binghamton University, State University of New York, Binghamton, NY, USA
| | - Alexander G Fritz
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binghamton University, State University of New York, Binghamton, NY, USA
| | - Ren Ruobing
- Department of Oncology, Ruijing Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Anthony Blaeser
- McColl-Lockwood Laboratory for Muscular Dystrophy Research, Department of Neurology, Carolinas Healthcare System, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Ershia Francois
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's Research Institute, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Qi-Long Lu
- McColl-Lockwood Laboratory for Muscular Dystrophy Research, Department of Neurology, Carolinas Healthcare System, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Kanneboyina Nagaraju
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binghamton University, State University of New York, Binghamton, NY, USA
| | - Christopher F Spurney
- Children's National Heart Institute, Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, USA.
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12
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Bersini S, Gilardi M, Mora M, Krol S, Arrigoni C, Candrian C, Zanotti S, Moretti M. Tackling muscle fibrosis: From molecular mechanisms to next generation engineered models to predict drug delivery. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2018. [PMID: 29518415 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2018.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Muscle fibrosis represents the end stage consequence of different diseases, among which muscular dystrophies, leading to severe impairment of muscle functions. Muscle fibrosis involves the production of several growth factors, cytokines and proteolytic enzymes and is strictly associated to inflammatory processes. Moreover, fibrosis causes profound changes in tissue properties, including increased stiffness and density, lower pH and oxygenation. Up to now, there is no therapeutic approach able to counteract the fibrotic process and treatments directed against muscle pathologies are severely impaired by the harsh conditions of the fibrotic environment. The design of new therapeutics thus need innovative tools mimicking the obstacles posed by the fibrotic environment to their delivery. This review will critically discuss the role of in vivo and 3D in vitro models in this context and the characteristics that an ideal model should possess to help the translation from bench to bedside of new candidate anti-fibrotic agents.
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13
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Maricelli JW, Kagel DR, Bishaw YM, Nelson OL, Lin DC, Rodgers BD. Sexually dimorphic skeletal muscle and cardiac dysfunction in a mouse model of limb girdle muscular dystrophy 2i. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2017; 123:1126-1138. [PMID: 28663375 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00287.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Revised: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The fukutin-related protein P448L mutant mouse replicates many pathologies common to limb girdle muscular dystrophy 2i (LGMD2i) and is a potentially strong candidate for relevant drug screening studies. Because striated muscle function remains relatively uncharacterized in this mouse, we sought to identify metabolic, functional and histological metrics of exercise and cardiac performance. This was accomplished by quantifying voluntary exercise on running wheels, forced exercise on respiratory treadmills and cardiac output with echocardiography and isoproterenol stress tests. Voluntary exercise revealed few differences between wild-type and P448L mice. By contrast, peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) was either lower in P448L mice or reduced with repeated low intensity treadmill exercise while it increased in wild-type mice. P448L mice fatigued quicker and ran shorter distances while expending 2-fold more calories/meter. They also received over 6-fold more motivational shocks with repeated exercise. Differences in VO2peak and resting metabolic rate were consistent with left ventricle dysfunction, which often develops in human LGMD2i patients and was more evident in female P448L mice, as indicated by lower fractional shortening and ejection fraction values and higher left ventricle systolic volumes. Several traditional markers of dystrophinopathies were expressed in P448L mice and were exacerbated by exercise, some in a muscle-dependent manner. These include elevated serum creatine kinase and muscle central nucleation, smaller muscle fiber cross-sectional area and more striated muscle fibrosis. These studies together identified several markers of disease pathology that are shared between P448L mice and human subjects with LGMD2i. They also identified novel metrics of exercise and cardiac performance that could prove invaluable in preclinical drug trials.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy 2i is a rare dystroglycanopathy that until recently lacked an appropriate animal model. Studies with the FKRP P448L mutant mouse began assessing muscle structure and function as well as running gait. Our studies further characterize systemic muscle function using exercise and cardiac performance. They identified many markers of respiratory, cardiac and skeletal muscle function that could prove invaluable to better understanding the disease and more importantly, to preclinical drug trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph W Maricelli
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington
| | - Denali R Kagel
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington
| | - Yemeserach M Bishaw
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington
| | - O Lynne Nelson
- Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington
| | - David C Lin
- Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington; and
| | - Buel D Rodgers
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington; .,Department of Animal Sciences; Washington Center for Muscle Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington
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