MYH3-associated distal arthrogryposis zebrafish model is normalized with para-aminoblebbistatin

Functional role of myosin-binding protein H in thick filaments of developing vertebrate fast-twitch skeletal muscle

Myosin-binding protein H (MyBP-H) is a component of the vertebrate skeletal muscle sarcomere with sequence and domain homology to myosin-binding protein C (MyBP-C). Whereas skeletal muscle isoforms of MyBP-C (fMyBP-C, sMyBP-C) modulate muscle contractility via interactions with actin thin filaments and myosin motors within the muscle sarcomere "C-zone," MyBP-H has no known function. This is in part due to MyBP-H having limited expression in adult fast-twitch muscle and no known involvement in muscle disease. Quantitative proteomics reported here reveal MyBP-H is highly expressed in prenatal rat fast-twitch muscles and larval zebrafish, suggesting a conserved role in muscle development, and promoting studies to define its function. We take advantage of the genetic control of the zebrafish model and a combination of structural, functional, and biophysical techniques to interrogate the role of MyBP-H. Transgenic, FLAG-tagged MyBP-H or fMyBP-C both localize to the C-zones in larval myofibers, whereas genetic depletion of endogenous MyBP-H or fMyBP-C leads to increased accumulation of the other, suggesting competition for C-zone binding sites. Does MyBP-H modulate contractility from the C-zone? Globular domains critical to MyBP-C's modulatory functions are absent from MyBP-H, suggesting MyBP-H may be functionally silent. However, our results suggest an active role. Small angle x-ray diffraction of intact larval tails revealed MyBP-H contributes to the compression of the myofilament lattice accompanying stretch or contraction, while in vitro motility experiments indicate MyBP-H shares MyBP-C's capacity as a molecular "brake". These results provide new insights and raise questions about the role of the C-zone during muscle development.

ERBB3 deficiency causes a multisystemic syndrome in human patient and zebrafish

The Erb-B2 receptor tyrosine kinase 3 (ERBB3) gene was first identified as a cause of lethal congenital contracture syndrome (OMIM 607598), while a recent study reported six additional patients carrying ERBB3 variants which exhibited distinct clinical features with evident intestinal dysmotility (OMIM 243180). The potential connection between these phenotypes remains unknown, and the ERBB3-related phenotype spectrum needs to be better characterized. Here, we described a patient presenting with a multisystemic syndrome including skip segment Hirschsprung disease, bilateral clubfoot deformity, and cardiac defect. Trio-whole exome sequencing revealed a novel compound heterozygous variant (c.1914-7C>G; c.2942_2945del) in the patient's ERBB3 gene. RT-PCR and in vitro minigene analysis demonstrated that variant c.1914-7C>G caused aberrant mRNA splicing. Both variants resulted in premature termination codon and complete loss of ERBB3 function. erbb3b knockdown in zebrafish simultaneously caused a reduction in enteric neurons in the distal intestine, craniofacial cartilage defects, and micrognathia, which phenotypically mimics ERBB3-related intestinal dysmotility and some features of lethal congenital contracture syndrome in human patients. These findings provide further patient and animal evidence supporting that ERBB3 deficiency causes a complex syndrome involving multiple systems with phenotypic variability among distinct individuals.

Piezo1 mutant zebrafish as a model of idiopathic scoliosis

Scoliosis is a condition where the spine curves sideways, unique to humans due to their upright posture. However, the cause of this disease is not well understood because it is challenging to find a model for experimentation. This study aimed to create a model for human idiopathic scoliosis by manipulating the function of mechanosensitive channels called Piezo channels in zebrafish. Zebrafish were chosen because they experience similar biomechanical forces to humans, particularly in relation to the role of mechanical force in scoliosis progression. Here we describe piezo1 and piezo2a are involved in bone formation, with a double knockout resulting in congenital systemic malformations. However, an in-frame mutation of piezo1 led to fully penetrant juvenile-onset scoliosis, bone asymmetry, reduced tissue mineral density, and abnormal intervertebral discs-resembling non-congenital scoliosis symptoms in humans. These findings suggest that functional Piezo channels responding to mechanical forces are crucial for bone formation and maintaining spine integrity, providing insights into skeletal disorders.

Effect of bovine myosin heavy chain 3 on proliferation and differentiation of myoblast

The myosin heavy chain 3 (MYH3) gene is an essential gene that affects muscle development. This study aimed to discuss the expression characteristics of the MYH3 gene and its effect on the proliferation and differentiation of bovine myoblasts. Quantitative real time-PCR results display that the expression level of MYH3 was higher in muscle tissue, and the expression increased in the early stage of myoblast differentiation. Interfering with the MYH3 gene in myoblasts resulted in fewer EDU-positive cells and decreased expression of proliferation marker genes. Interference with MYH3 can also affect the differentiation process of myoblasts. Regarding phenotype, myotube differentiation in the interference group was slowed or even stopped. Interference with the expression of MYH3 could significantly reduce the expression of myogenic differentiation marker genes. The above results show that MYH3 is mainly expressed in muscle tissue and is highly expressed in the early stage of differentiation of bovine myoblasts, and interfering with the MYH3 can promote the proliferation and inhibit the differentiation of bovine myoblasts. This study provides a theoretical basis for revealing the regulatory process of bovine myoblast proliferation and differentiation and bovine molecular breeding.

Musculoskeletal defects associated with myosin heavy chain-embryonic loss of function are mediated by the YAP signaling pathway

Mutations in MYH3, the gene encoding the developmental myosin heavy chain-embryonic (MyHC-embryonic) skeletal muscle-specific contractile protein, cause several congenital contracture syndromes. Among these, recessive loss-of-function MYH3 mutations lead to spondylocarpotarsal synostosis (SCTS), characterized by vertebral fusions and scoliosis. We find that Myh3 germline knockout adult mice display SCTS phenotypes such as scoliosis and vertebral fusion, in addition to reduced body weight, muscle weight, myofiber size, and grip strength. Myh3 knockout mice also exhibit changes in muscle fiber type, altered satellite cell numbers and increased muscle fibrosis. A mass spectrometric analysis of embryonic skeletal muscle from Myh3 knockouts identified integrin signaling and cytoskeletal regulation as the most affected pathways. These pathways are closely connected to the mechanosensing Yes-associated protein (YAP) transcriptional regulator, which we found to be significantly activated in the skeletal muscle of Myh3 knockout mice. To test whether increased YAP signaling might underlie the musculoskeletal defects in Myh3 knockout mice, we treated these mice with CA3, a small molecule inhibitor of YAP signaling. This led to increased muscle fiber size, rescue of most muscle fiber type alterations, normalization of the satellite cell marker Pax7 levels, increased grip strength, reduced fibrosis, and decline in scoliosis in Myh3 knockout mice. Thus, increased YAP activation underlies the musculoskeletal defects seen in Myh3 knockout mice, indicating its significance as a key pathway to target in SCTS and other MYH3-related congenital syndromes.

Slow myosin heavy chain 1 is required for slow myofibril and muscle fibre growth but not for myofibril initiation

Slow myosin heavy chain 1 (Smyhc1) is the major sarcomeric myosin driving early contraction by slow skeletal muscle fibres in zebrafish. New mutant alleles lacking a functional smyhc1 gene move poorly, but recover motility as the later-formed fast muscle fibres of the segmental myotomes mature, and are adult viable. By motility analysis and inhibiting fast muscle contraction pharmacologically, we show that a slow muscle motility defect persists in mutants until about 1 month of age. Breeding onto a genetic background marking slow muscle fibres with EGFP revealed that mutant slow fibres undergo terminal differentiation, migration and fibre formation indistinguishable from wild type but fail to generate large myofibrils and maintain cellular orientation and attachments. In mutants, initial myofibrillar structures with 1.67 ​μm periodic actin bands fail to mature into the 1.96 ​μm sarcomeres observed in wild type, despite the presence of alternative myosin heavy chain molecules. The poorly-contractile mutant slow muscle cells generate numerous cytoplasmic organelles, but fail to grow and bundle myofibrils or to increase in cytoplasmic volume despite passive movements imposed by fast muscle. The data show that both slow myofibril maturation and cellular volume increase depend on the function of a specific myosin isoform and suggest that appropriate force production regulates muscle fibre growth.

Zebrafish: an important model for understanding scoliosis

Scoliosis is a common spinal deformity that considerably affects the physical and psychological health of patients. Studies have shown that genetic factors play an important role in scoliosis. However, its etiopathogenesis remain unclear, partially because of the genetic heterogeneity of scoliosis and the lack of appropriate model systems. Recently, the development of efficient gene editing methods and high-throughput sequencing technology has made it possible to explore the underlying pathological mechanisms of scoliosis. Owing to their susceptibility for developing scoliosis and high genetic homology with human, zebrafish are increasingly being used as a model for scoliosis in developmental biology, genetics, and clinical medicine. Here, we summarize the recent advances in scoliosis research on zebrafish and discuss the prospects of using zebrafish as a scoliosis model.

A pathogenic mechanism associated with myopathies and structural birth defects involves TPM2-directed myogenesis

Nemaline myopathy (NM) is the most common congenital myopathy, characterized by extreme weakness of the respiratory, limb, and facial muscles. Pathogenic variants in Tropomyosin 2 (TPM2), which encodes a skeletal muscle-specific actin binding protein essential for sarcomere function, cause a spectrum of musculoskeletal disorders that include NM as well as cap myopathy, congenital fiber type disproportion, and distal arthrogryposis (DA). The in vivo pathomechanisms underlying TPM2-related disorders are unknown, so we expressed a series of dominant, pathogenic TPM2 variants in Drosophila embryos and found 4 variants significantly affected muscle development and muscle function. Transient overexpression of the 4 variants also disrupted the morphogenesis of mouse myotubes in vitro and negatively affected zebrafish muscle development in vivo. We used transient overexpression assays in zebrafish to characterize 2 potentially novel TPM2 variants and 1 recurring variant that we identified in patients with DA (V129A, E139K, A155T, respectively) and found these variants caused musculoskeletal defects similar to those of known pathogenic variants. The consistency of musculoskeletal phenotypes in our assays correlated with the severity of clinical phenotypes observed in our patients with DA, suggesting disrupted myogenesis is a potentially novel pathomechanism of TPM2 disorders and that our myogenic assays can predict the clinical severity of TPM2 variants.

The distal arthrogryposis-linked p.R63C variant promotes the stability and nuclear accumulation of TNNT3

Background

Distal arthrogryposis (DA) is comprised of a group of rare developmental disorders in muscle, characterized by multiple congenital contractures of the distal limbs. Fast skeletal muscle troponin‐T (TNNT3) protein is abundantly expressed in skeletal muscle and plays an important role in DA. Missense variants in TNNT3 are associated with DA, but few studies have fully clarified its pathogenic role.

Methods

Sanger sequencing was performed in three generation of a Chinese family with DA. To determine how the p.R63C variant contributed to DA, we identified a variant in TNNT3 (NM_006757.4): c.187C>T (p.R63C). And then we investigated the effects of the arginine to cysteine substitution on the distribution pattern and the half‐life of TNNT3 protein.

Results

The protein levels of TNNT3 in affected family members were 0.8‐fold higher than that without the disorder. TNNT3 protein could be degraded by the ubiquitin‐proteasome complex, and the p.R63C variant did not change TNNT3 nuclear localization, but significantly prolonged its half‐life from 2.5 to 7 h, to promote its accumulation in the nucleus.

Conclusion

The p.R63C variant increased the stability of TNNT3 and promoted nuclear accumulation, which suggested its role in DA.

Genetic animal models of scoliosis: A systematical review

Scoliosis is a complex disease with undetermined pathogenesis and has a strong relationship with genetics. Models of scoliosis in animals have been established for better comprehending its pathogenesis and treatment. In this review, we searched all the genetic animal models with body curvature in databases, and reviewed the related genes and scoliosis types. Meanwhile, we also summarized the pathogenesis of scoliosis reported so far. Summarizing the positive phenotypic animal models contributes to a better understanding on the pathogenesis of scoliosis and facilitates the selection of experimental models when a possible pathogenic factor is concerned.

Zebrafish Models for Human Skeletal Disorders

In 2019, the Nosology Committee of the International Skeletal Dysplasia Society provided an updated version of the Nosology and Classification of Genetic Skeletal Disorders. This is a reference list of recognized diseases in humans and their causal genes published to help clinician diagnosis and scientific research advances. Complementary to mammalian models, zebrafish has emerged as an interesting species to evaluate chemical treatments against these human skeletal disorders. Due to its versatility and the low cost of experiments, more than 80 models are currently available. In this article, we review the state-of-art of this “aquarium to bedside” approach describing the models according to the list provided by the Nosology Committee. With this, we intend to stimulate research in the appropriate direction to efficiently meet the actual needs of clinicians under the scope of the Nosology Committee.

A Genomic Approach to Delineating the Occurrence of Scoliosis in Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita

Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) describes a group of conditions characterized by the presence of non-progressive congenital contractures in multiple body areas. Scoliosis, defined as a coronal plane spine curvature of ≥10 degrees as measured radiographically, has been reported to occur in approximately 20% of children with AMC. To identify genes that are associated with both scoliosis as a clinical outcome and AMC, we first queried the DECIPHER database for copy number variations (CNVs). Upon query, we identified only two patients with both AMC and scoliosis (AMC-SC). The first patient contained CNVs in three genes (FBN2, MGF10, and PITX1), while the second case had a CNV in ZC4H2. Looking into small variants, using a combination of Human Phenotype Ontogeny and literature searching, 908 genes linked with scoliosis and 444 genes linked with AMC were identified. From these lists, 227 genes were associated with AMC-SC. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) was performed on the final gene list to gain insight into the functional interactions of genes and various categories. To summarize, this group of genes encompasses a diverse group of cellular functions including transcription regulation, transmembrane receptor, growth factor, and ion channels. These results provide a focal point for further research using genomics and animal models to facilitate the identification of prognostic factors and therapeutic targets for AMC.

A Decade in Review after Idiopathic Scoliosis Was First Called a Complex Trait-A Tribute to the Late Dr. Yves Cotrel for His Support in Studies of Etiology of Scoliosis

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) is a prevalent and important spine disorder in the pediatric age group. An increased family tendency was observed for a long time, but the underlying genetic mechanism was uncertain. In 1999, Dr. Yves Cotrel founded the Cotrel Foundation in the Institut de France, which supported collaboration of international researchers to work together to better understand the etiology of AIS. This new concept of AIS as a complex trait evolved in this setting among researchers who joined the annual Cotrel meetings. It is now over a decade since the first proposal of the complex trait genetic model for AIS. Here, we review in detail the vast information about the genetic and environmental factors in AIS pathogenesis gathered to date. More importantly, new insights into AIS etiology were brought to us through new research data under the perspective of a complex trait. Hopefully, future research directions may lead to better management of AIS, which has a tremendous impact on affected adolescents in terms of both physical growth and psychological development.

Models of Distal Arthrogryposis and Lethal Congenital Contracture Syndrome

Distal arthrogryposis and lethal congenital contracture syndromes describe a broad group of disorders that share congenital limb contractures in common. While skeletal muscle sarcomeric genes comprise many of the first genes identified for Distal Arthrogyposis, other mechanisms of disease have been demonstrated, including key effects on peripheral nerve function. While Distal Arthrogryposis and Lethal Congenital Contracture Syndromes display superficial similarities in phenotype, the underlying mechanisms for these conditions are diverse but overlapping. In this review, we discuss the important insights gained into these human genetic diseases resulting from in vitro molecular studies and in vivo models in fruit fly, zebrafish, and mice.

Postembryonic screen for mutations affecting spine development in zebrafish

The spine gives structural support for the adult body, protects the spinal cord, and provides muscle attachment for moving through the environment. The development and maturation of the spine and its physiology involve the integration of multiple musculoskeletal tissues including bone, cartilage, and fibrocartilaginous joints, as well as innervation and control by the nervous system. One of the most common disorders of the spine in human is adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), which is characterized by the onset of an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine of <10° around adolescence, in otherwise healthy children. The genetic basis of AIS is largely unknown. Systematic genome-wide mutagenesis screens for embryonic phenotypes in zebrafish have been instrumental in the understanding of early patterning of embryonic tissues necessary to build and pattern the embryonic spine. However, the mechanisms required for postembryonic maturation and homeostasis of the spine remain poorly understood. Here we report the results from a small-scale forward genetic screen for adult-viable recessive and dominant zebrafish mutations, leading to overt morphological abnormalities of the adult spine. Germline mutations induced with N-ethyl N-nitrosourea (ENU) were transmitted and screened for dominant phenotypes in 1229 F1 animals, and subsequently bred to homozygosity in F3 families; from these, 314 haploid genomes were screened for adult-viable recessive phenotypes affecting general body shape. We cumulatively found 40 adult-viable (3 dominant and 37 recessive) mutations each leading to a defect in the morphogenesis of the spine. The largest phenotypic group displayed larval onset axial curvatures, leading to whole-body scoliosis without vertebral dysplasia in adult fish. Pairwise complementation testing of 16 mutant lines within this phenotypic group revealed at least 9 independent mutant loci. Using massively-parallel whole genome or whole exome sequencing and meiotic mapping we defined the molecular identity of several loci for larval onset whole-body scoliosis in zebrafish. We identified a new mutation in the skolios/kinesin family member 6 (kif6) gene, causing neurodevelopmental and ependymal cilia defects in mouse and zebrafish. We also report multiple recessive alleles of the scospondin and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 9 (adamts9) genes, which all display defects in spine morphogenesis. Our results provide evidence of monogenic traits that are essential for normal spine development in zebrafish, that may help to establish new candidate risk loci for spine disorders in humans.

Prolonged myosin binding increases muscle stiffness in Drosophila models of Freeman-Sheldon syndrome

Freeman-Sheldon syndrome (FSS) is characterized by congenital contractures resulting from dominant point mutations in the embryonic isoform of muscle myosin. To investigate its disease mechanism, we used Drosophila models expressing FSS myosin mutations Y583S or T178I in their flight and jump muscles. We isolated these muscles from heterozygous mutant Drosophila and performed skinned fiber mechanics. The most striking mechanical alteration was an increase in active muscle stiffness. Y583S/+ and T178I/+ fibers' elastic moduli increased 70 and 77%, respectively. Increased stiffness contributed to decreased power generation, 49 and 66%, as a result of increased work absorbed during the lengthening portion of the contractile cycle. Slower muscle kinetics also contributed to the mutant phenotype, as shown by 17 and 32% decreases in optimal frequency for power generation, and 27 and 41% slower muscle apparent rate constant 2πb. Combined with previous measurements of slower in vitro actin motility, our results suggest a rate reduction of at least one strongly bound cross-bridge cycle transition that increases the time myosin spends strongly bound to actin, t_on. Increased t_on was further supported by decreased ATP affinity and a 16% slowing of jump muscle relaxation rate in T178I heterozygotes. Impaired muscle function caused diminished flight and jump ability of Y583S/+ and T178I/+ Drosophila. Based on our results, assuming that our model system mimics human skeletal muscle, we propose that one mechanism driving FSS is elevated muscle stiffness arising from prolonged t_on in developing muscle fibers.

MYH3-associated distal arthrogryposis zebrafish model is normalized with para-aminoblebbistatin

Distal arthrogryposis (DA) is group of syndromes characterized by congenital joint contractures. Treatment development is hindered by the lack of vertebrate models. Here, we describe a zebrafish model in which a common MYH3 missense mutation (R672H) was introduced into the orthologous zebrafish gene smyhc1 (slow myosin heavy chain 1) (R673H). We simultaneously created a smyhc1 null allele (smyhc1⁻), which allowed us to compare the effects of both mutant alleles on muscle and bone development, and model the closely related disorder, spondylocarpotarsal synostosis syndrome. Heterozygous smyhc1^R673H/+ embryos developed notochord kinks that progressed to scoliosis with vertebral fusions; motor deficits accompanied the disorganized and shortened slow‐twitch skeletal muscle myofibers. Increased dosage of the mutant allele in both homozygous smyhc1^R673H/R673H and transheterozygous smyhc1^R673H/− embryos exacerbated the notochord and muscle abnormalities, causing early lethality. Treatment of smyhc1^R673H/R673H embryos with the myosin ATPase inhibitor, para‐aminoblebbistatin, which decreases actin–myosin affinity, normalized the notochord phenotype. Our zebrafish model of MYH3‐associated DA2A provides insight into pathogenic mechanisms and suggests a beneficial therapeutic role for myosin inhibitors in treating disabling contractures.