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Wohlgemuth RP, Sriram S, Henricson KE, Dinh DT, Brashear SE, Smith LR. Strain-dependent dynamic re-alignment of collagen fibers in skeletal muscle extracellular matrix. Acta Biomater 2024:S1742-7061(24)00479-3. [PMID: 39209134 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.08.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2024] [Revised: 08/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Collagen fiber architecture within the skeletal muscle extracellular matrix (ECM) is significant to passive muscle mechanics. While it is thought that collagen fibers re-orient themselves in response to changes in muscle length, this has not been dynamically visualized and quantified within a muscle. The goal of this study was to measure changes in collagen alignment across a range of muscle lengths and compare the corresponding alignment to muscle mechanics. We hypothesized that collagen fibers dynamically increase alignment in response to muscle stretching, and this change in alignment is related to passive muscle stiffness. Further, we hypothesized that digesting collagen fibers with collagenase would reduce the re-alignment response to muscle stretching. Using DBA/2J and D2.mdx mice, we isolated extensor digitorum longus (EDL), soleus, and diaphragm muscles for collagenase or sham treatment and decellularization to isolate intact or collagenase-digested decellularized muscles (DCMs). These DCMs were mechanically tested and imaged using second harmonic generation microscopy to measure collagen alignment across a range of strains. We found that collagen alignment increased in a strain-dependent fashion, but collagenase did not significantly affect the strain-dependent change in alignment. We also saw that the collagen fibers in the diaphragm epimysium (surface ECM) and perimysium (deep ECM) started at different angles, but still re-oriented in the same direction in response to stretching. These robust changes in collagen alignment were weakly related to passive DCM stiffness. Overall, we demonstrated that the architecture of muscle ECM is dynamic in response to strain and is related to passive muscle mechanics. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Our study presents a unique visualization and quantification of strain-induced changes in muscle collagen fiber alignment as they relate to passive mechanics. Using dynamic imaging of collagen in skeletal muscle we demonstrate that as skeletal muscle is stretched, collagen fibers re-orient themselves along the axis of stretch and increase their alignment. The degree of alignment and the increase in alignment are each weakly related to passive muscle stiffness. Collagenase treatments further demonstrate that the basis for muscle Extracellular matrix stiffness is dependent on factors beyond collagen crosslinking and alignment. Together the study contributes to the knowledge of the structure-function relationships of muscle extracellular matrix to tissue stiffness relevant to conditions of fibrosis and aberrant stiffness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross P Wohlgemuth
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, & Behavior, University of California Davis, United States
| | - Sathvik Sriram
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, & Behavior, University of California Davis, United States
| | - Kyle E Henricson
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, & Behavior, University of California Davis, United States
| | - Daryl T Dinh
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, & Behavior, University of California Davis, United States
| | - Sarah E Brashear
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, & Behavior, University of California Davis, United States
| | - Lucas R Smith
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, & Behavior, University of California Davis, United States; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of California Davis, United States.
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2
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Novak JS, Lischin A, Uapinyoying P, Hindupur R, Jae Moon Y, Bhattacharya S, Tiufekchiev S, Barone V, Mázala DAG, Gamu IH, Walters G, Panchapakesan K, Jaiswal JK. Failure to Resolve Inflammation Contributes to Juvenile-Onset Cardiomyopathy in a Mouse Model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.08.15.607998. [PMID: 39185176 PMCID: PMC11343189 DOI: 10.1101/2024.08.15.607998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
The absence of dystrophin protein causes cardiac dysfunction in boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). However, the common mouse model of DMD (B10-mdx) does not manifest cardiac deficits until late adulthood limiting our understanding of the mechanism and therapeutic approaches to target the pediatric-onset cardiac pathology in DMD. We show the mdx mouse model on the DBA/2J genetic background (D2-mdx) displays juvenile-onset cardiomyopathy. Molecular and histological analysis revealed heightened leukocyte chemotactic signaling and failure to resolve inflammation, leading to chronic inflammation and extracellular matrix (ECM) fibrosis, causing cardiac pathology in juvenile D2-mdx mice. We show that pharmacologically activating the N-formyl peptide receptor 2 (FPR2) - a receptor that physiologically resolves acute inflammation, mitigated chronic cardiac inflammation and fibrosis, and prevented juvenile onset cardiomyopathy in the D2-mdx mice. These studies offer insights into pediatric onset of cardiac damage in DMD, a new therapeutic target, and identify a drug-based potential therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- James S Novak
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Research Institute, Children's National Research and Innovation Campus, Children's National Hospital, Washington, D.C., 20012, USA
- Departments of Pediatrics and Genomics and Precision Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, D.C., 20037, USA
| | - Amy Lischin
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Research Institute, Children's National Research and Innovation Campus, Children's National Hospital, Washington, D.C., 20012, USA
- Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C. 20052, USA
| | - Prech Uapinyoying
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Research Institute, Children's National Research and Innovation Campus, Children's National Hospital, Washington, D.C., 20012, USA
- Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disorders of Childhood Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ravi Hindupur
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Research Institute, Children's National Research and Innovation Campus, Children's National Hospital, Washington, D.C., 20012, USA
| | - Young Jae Moon
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Research Institute, Children's National Research and Innovation Campus, Children's National Hospital, Washington, D.C., 20012, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Orthopaedic Surgery, Jeonbuk National University Medical School and Hospital, Jeonju, 54907, Republic of Korea
| | - Surajit Bhattacharya
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Research Institute, Children's National Research and Innovation Campus, Children's National Hospital, Washington, D.C., 20012, USA
| | - Sarah Tiufekchiev
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Research Institute, Children's National Research and Innovation Campus, Children's National Hospital, Washington, D.C., 20012, USA
- Integrated Biomedical Sciences, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, D.C., 20037, USA
| | - Victoria Barone
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Research Institute, Children's National Research and Innovation Campus, Children's National Hospital, Washington, D.C., 20012, USA
- Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C. 20052, USA
| | - Davi A G Mázala
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Research Institute, Children's National Research and Innovation Campus, Children's National Hospital, Washington, D.C., 20012, USA
- Department of Kinesiology, College of Health Professions, Towson University, Towson, MD, 21252, USA
| | - Iteoluwakishi H Gamu
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Research Institute, Children's National Research and Innovation Campus, Children's National Hospital, Washington, D.C., 20012, USA
| | - Gabriela Walters
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Research Institute, Children's National Research and Innovation Campus, Children's National Hospital, Washington, D.C., 20012, USA
| | - Karuna Panchapakesan
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Research Institute, Children's National Research and Innovation Campus, Children's National Hospital, Washington, D.C., 20012, USA
| | - Jyoti K Jaiswal
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Research Institute, Children's National Research and Innovation Campus, Children's National Hospital, Washington, D.C., 20012, USA
- Departments of Pediatrics and Genomics and Precision Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, D.C., 20037, USA
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3
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Long AM, Kwon JM, Lee G, Reiser NL, Vaught LA, O'Brien JG, Page PGT, Hadhazy M, Reynolds JC, Crosbie RH, Demonbreun AR, McNally EM. The extracellular matrix differentially directs myoblast motility and differentiation in distinct forms of muscular dystrophy: Dystrophic matrices alter myoblast motility. Matrix Biol 2024; 129:44-58. [PMID: 38582404 PMCID: PMC11104166 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2024.04.001] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) pathologic remodeling underlies many disorders, including muscular dystrophy. Tissue decellularization removes cellular components while leaving behind ECM components. We generated "on-slide" decellularized tissue slices from genetically distinct dystrophic mouse models. The ECM of dystrophin- and sarcoglycan-deficient muscles had marked thrombospondin 4 deposition, while dysferlin-deficient muscle had excess decorin. Annexins A2 and A6 were present on all dystrophic decellularized ECMs, but annexin matrix deposition was excessive in dysferlin-deficient muscular dystrophy. Muscle-directed viral expression of annexin A6 resulted in annexin A6 in the ECM. C2C12 myoblasts seeded onto decellularized matrices displayed differential myoblast mobility and fusion. Dystrophin-deficient decellularized matrices inhibited myoblast mobility, while dysferlin-deficient decellularized matrices enhanced myoblast movement and differentiation. Myoblasts treated with recombinant annexin A6 increased mobility and fusion like that seen on dysferlin-deficient decellularized matrix and demonstrated upregulation of ECM and muscle cell differentiation genes. These findings demonstrate specific fibrotic signatures elicit effects on myoblast activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashlee M Long
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Jason M Kwon
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - GaHyun Lee
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Nina L Reiser
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Lauren A Vaught
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Joseph G O'Brien
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Patrick G T Page
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Michele Hadhazy
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Joseph C Reynolds
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA; Department of Neurology David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Rachelle H Crosbie
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA; Department of Neurology David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Alexis R Demonbreun
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| | - Elizabeth M McNally
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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O’Brien JG, Willis AB, Long AM, Kwon J, Lee G, Li FW, Page PG, Vo AH, Hadhazy M, Spencer MJ, Crosbie RH, Demonbreun AR, McNally EM. The super-healing MRL strain promotes muscle growth in muscular dystrophy through a regenerative extracellular matrix. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e173246. [PMID: 38175727 PMCID: PMC11143963 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.173246] [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: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The Murphy Roths Large (MRL) mouse strain has "super-healing" properties that enhance recovery from injury. In mice, the DBA/2J strain intensifies many aspects of muscular dystrophy, so we evaluated the ability of the MRL strain to suppress muscular dystrophy in the Sgcg-null mouse model of limb girdle muscular dystrophy. A comparative analysis of Sgcg-null mice in the DBA/2J versus MRL strains showed greater myofiber regeneration, with reduced structural degradation of muscle in the MRL strain. Transcriptomic profiling of dystrophic muscle indicated strain-dependent expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) and TGF-β signaling genes. To investigate the MRL ECM, cellular components were removed from dystrophic muscle sections to generate decellularized myoscaffolds. Decellularized myoscaffolds from dystrophic mice in the protective MRL strain had significantly less deposition of collagen and matrix-bound TGF-β1 and TGF-β3 throughout the matrix. Dystrophic myoscaffolds from the MRL background, but not the DBA/2J background, were enriched in myokines like IGF-1 and IL-6. C2C12 myoblasts seeded onto decellularized matrices from Sgcg-/- MRL and Sgcg-/- DBA/2J muscles showed the MRL background induced greater myoblast differentiation compared with dystrophic DBA/2J myoscaffolds. Thus, the MRL background imparts its effect through a highly regenerative ECM, which is active even in muscular dystrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph G. O’Brien
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Alexander B. Willis
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Ashlee M. Long
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jason Kwon
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - GaHyun Lee
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Frank W. Li
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Patrick G.T. Page
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Andy H. Vo
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Michele Hadhazy
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Melissa J. Spencer
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Rachelle H. Crosbie
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Alexis R. Demonbreun
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Elizabeth M. McNally
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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5
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Lemos JP, Tenório LPG, Mouly V, Butler-Browne G, Mendes-da-Cruz DA, Savino W, Smeriglio P. T cell biology in neuromuscular disorders: a focus on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1202834. [PMID: 37920473 PMCID: PMC10619758 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1202834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Growing evidence demonstrates a continuous interaction between the immune system, the nerve and the muscle in neuromuscular disorders of different pathogenetic origins, such as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), the focus of this review. Herein we highlight the complexity of the cellular and molecular interactions involving the immune system in neuromuscular disorders, as exemplified by DMD and ALS. We describe the distinct types of cell-mediated interactions, such as cytokine/chemokine production as well as cell-matrix and cell-cell interactions between T lymphocytes and other immune cells, which target cells of the muscular or nervous tissues. Most of these interactions occur independently of exogenous pathogens, through ligand-receptor binding and subsequent signal transduction cascades, at distinct levels of specificity. Although this issue reveals the complexity of the system, it can also be envisioned as a window of opportunity to design therapeutic strategies (including synthetic moieties, cell and gene therapy, as well as immunotherapy) by acting upon one or more targets. In this respect, we discuss ongoing clinical trials using VLA-4 inhibition in DMD, and in ALS, with a focus on regulatory T cells, both revealing promising results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Pereira Lemos
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France
| | - Liliane Patrícia Gonçalves Tenório
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceio, Alagoas, Brazil
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Vincent Mouly
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France
| | - Gillian Butler-Browne
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France
| | - Daniella Arêas Mendes-da-Cruz
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Rio de Janeiro Research Network on Neuroinflammation (RENEURIN), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- INOVA-IOC Network on Neuroimmunomodulation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Wilson Savino
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Rio de Janeiro Research Network on Neuroinflammation (RENEURIN), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- INOVA-IOC Network on Neuroimmunomodulation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Piera Smeriglio
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France
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Basiri K, Alizadeh M, Ansari B, Ghasemi M, Kheradmand M, Sedghi M. On genotype-phenotype relationship of dystrophinopathies among Iranian population. CURRENT JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY 2023; 22:231-237. [PMID: 38425356 PMCID: PMC10899535 DOI: 10.18502/cjn.v22i4.14528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Background: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) are inherited X-linked disorders resulting from alterations in the dystrophin gene. Genotype-phenotype matching studies have revealed a link between disease severity, the amount of muscle dystrophin, and the extent of mutation/deletion on the dystrophin gene. This study aimed to assess the relationship between genetic alterations in the dystrophin gene and the clinical status of patients with dystrophinopathies among the Iranian population. Methods: This cross-sectional study examined 54 patients with muscle weakness caused by abnormalities in the dystrophin gene at a hospital affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran, in 2021. The participants' demographic information, including age, family history of muscle dystrophies, and family history of other medical diseases as well as the type of muscular dystrophy were recorded. Furthermore, the number and region of deleted exons based on dystrophy types were also evaluated using multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA). The patients' gaits were also assessed as using a wheelchair, the presence of waddling gaits, or toe gaits. The patients' clinical status and the coexistence of pulmonary, bulbar, and mental conditions were also examined and compared between the two groups of dystrophinopathies. Results: In this study, 54 patients with dystrophinopathy with the mean age of 16.63 ± 12.10 years were evaluated, of whom 22 (40.7%) and 30 (55.6%) patients were classified as BMD and DMD, respectively. The most affected regions with deleted exons were exons 45-47 (n = 5) and 45-48 (n = 4) in patients with BMD, while exons 45, 48-52, 51-55, and 53 (2 cases per exon) were the most common affected exons in patients with DMD. Further analyses revealed that deletions in exons 45-47 and 51-55 were significantly associated with older and younger ages at the onset of becoming wheelchair-bound in patients with dystrophy, respectively. The hotspot range in both BMD and DMD was within exons 45-55 (n = 15 for each group); 63% of the patients had alterations on the dystrophin gene within this range [30 patients (68.18%) in the BMD group, 15 patients (53.57%) in the DMD group]. Conclusion: Exon deletion was the most common genetic alteration in patients with dystrophinopathies. No significant difference was observed between DMD and BMD regarding the number of deleted exons. Deletions in exons 45-47 and 51-55 were linked to later and earlier onset of becoming wheelchair-bound, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keivan Basiri
- Isfahan Neuroscience Research Center, Al-Zahra Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Maryam Alizadeh
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Al-Zahra Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Behnaz Ansari
- Isfahan Neuroscience Research Center, Al-Zahra Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Majid Ghasemi
- Isfahan Neuroscience Research Center, Al-Zahra Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohsen Kheradmand
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Maryam Sedghi
- Medical Genetics Laboratory, Al-Zahra Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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7
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Heezen LGM, Abdelaal T, van Putten M, Aartsma-Rus A, Mahfouz A, Spitali P. Spatial transcriptomics reveal markers of histopathological changes in Duchenne muscular dystrophy mouse models. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4909. [PMID: 37582915 PMCID: PMC10427630 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40555-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is caused by mutations in the DMD gene, leading to lack of dystrophin. Chronic muscle damage eventually leads to histological alterations in skeletal muscles. The identification of genes and cell types driving tissue remodeling is a key step to developing effective therapies. Here we use spatial transcriptomics in two Duchenne muscular dystrophy mouse models differing in disease severity to identify gene expression signatures underlying skeletal muscle pathology and to directly link gene expression to muscle histology. We perform deconvolution analysis to identify cell types contributing to histological alterations. We show increased expression of specific genes in areas of muscle regeneration (Myl4, Sparc, Hspg2), fibrosis (Vim, Fn1, Thbs4) and calcification (Bgn, Ctsk, Spp1). These findings are confirmed by smFISH. Finally, we use differentiation dynamic analysis in the D2-mdx muscle to identify muscle fibers in the present state that are predicted to become affected in the future state.
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Affiliation(s)
- L G M Heezen
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - T Abdelaal
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Systems and Biomedical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
- Delft Bioinformatics Lab, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - M van Putten
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - A Aartsma-Rus
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - A Mahfouz
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Delft Bioinformatics Lab, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
- Leiden Computational Biology Center, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - P Spitali
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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8
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O’Brien JG, Willis AB, Long AM, Kwon J, Lee G, Li F, Page PG, Vo AH, Hadhazy M, Crosbie RH, Demonbreun AR, McNally EM. The super-healing MRL strain promotes muscle growth in muscular dystrophy through a regenerative extracellular matrix. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.29.547098. [PMID: 37425960 PMCID: PMC10327155 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.29.547098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Genetic background shifts the severity of muscular dystrophy. In mice, the DBA/2J strain confers a more severe muscular dystrophy phenotype, whereas the Murphy's Roth Large (MRL) strain has "super-healing" properties that reduce fibrosis. A comparative analysis of the Sgcg null model of Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy in the DBA/2J versus MRL strain showed the MRL background was associated with greater myofiber regeneration and reduced structural degradation of muscle. Transcriptomic profiling of dystrophic muscle in the DBA/2J and MRL strains indicated strain-dependent expression of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and TGF-β signaling genes. To investigate the MRL ECM, cellular components were removed from dystrophic muscle sections to generate decellularized "myoscaffolds". Decellularized myoscaffolds from dystrophic mice in the protective MRL strain had significantly less deposition of collagen and matrix-bound TGF-β1 and TGF-β3 throughout the matrix, and dystrophic myoscaffolds from the MRL background were enriched in myokines. C2C12 myoblasts were seeded onto decellularized matrices from Sgcg-/- MRL and Sgcg-/- DBA/2J matrices. Acellular myoscaffolds from the dystrophic MRL background induced myoblast differentiation and growth compared to dystrophic myoscaffolds from the DBA/2J matrices. These studies establish that the MRL background also generates its effect through a highly regenerative ECM, which is active even in muscular dystrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph G. O’Brien
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Alexander B. Willis
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Ashlee M. Long
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Jason Kwon
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - GaHyun Lee
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Frank Li
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Patrick G.T. Page
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | | | - Michele Hadhazy
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Rachelle H. Crosbie
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA; Department of Neurology David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Alexis R. Demonbreun
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Elizabeth M. McNally
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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9
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Signorelli M, Tsonaka R, Aartsma-Rus A, Spitali P. Multiomic characterization of disease progression in mice lacking dystrophin. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0283869. [PMID: 37000843 PMCID: PMC10065259 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0283869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is caused by genetic mutations leading to lack of dystrophin in skeletal muscle. A better understanding of how objective biomarkers for DMD vary across subjects and over time is needed to model disease progression and response to therapy more effectively, both in pre-clinical and clinical research. We present an in-depth characterization of disease progression in 3 murine models of DMD by multiomic analysis of longitudinal trajectories between 6 and 30 weeks of age. Integration of RNA-seq, mass spectrometry-based metabolomic and lipidomic data obtained in muscle and blood samples by Multi-Omics Factor Analysis (MOFA) led to the identification of 8 latent factors that explained 78.8% of the variance in the multiomic dataset. Latent factors could discriminate dystrophic and healthy mice, as well as different time-points. MOFA enabled to connect the gene expression signature in dystrophic muscles, characterized by pro-fibrotic and energy metabolism alterations, to inflammation and lipid signatures in blood. Our results show that omic observations in blood can be directly related to skeletal muscle pathology in dystrophic muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirko Signorelli
- Mathematical Institute, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Roula Tsonaka
- Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Annemieke Aartsma-Rus
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Pietro Spitali
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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10
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Aartsma-Rus A, van Putten M, Mantuano P, De Luca A. On the use of D2.B10-Dmdmdx/J (D2.mdx) Versus C57BL/10ScSn-Dmdmdx/J (mdx) Mouse Models for Preclinical Studies on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Cautionary Note from Members of the TREAT-NMD Advisory Committee on Therapeutics. J Neuromuscul Dis 2023; 10:155-158. [PMID: 36336938 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-221547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The C57BL/10ScSn-Dmdmdx/J (mdx) mouse model has been used by researchers for decades as a model to study pathology of and develop therapies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. However, the model is relatively mildly affected compared to the human situation. Recently, the D2.B10-Dmdmdx/J (D2.mdx) mouse model was suggested as a more severely affected and therefore better alternative. While the pathology of this model is indeed more pronounced early in life, it is not progressive, and increasing evidence suggest that it actually partially resolves with age. As such, caution is needed when using this model. However, as preclinical experts of the TREAT-NMD advisory committee for therapeutics (TACT), we frequently encounter study designs that underestimate this caveat. We here provide context for how to best use the two models for preclinical studies at the current stage of knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemieke Aartsma-Rus
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Maaike van Putten
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Paola Mantuano
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Annamaria De Luca
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
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11
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van Putten M. The predictive value of models of neuromuscular disorders to potentiate clinical translation. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:276168. [PMID: 35912512 PMCID: PMC9366891 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuromuscular disorders (NMDs) are a heterogenous group of rare inherited diseases that compromise the function of peripheral nerves and/or muscles. With limited treatment options available, there is a growing need to design effective preclinical studies that can lead to greater success in clinical trials for novel therapeutics. Here, I discuss recent advances in modelling NMDs to improve preclinical studies as well as two articles from this issue that work in parallel to enable a deeper understanding of a particularly rare NMD, known as X-linked myotubular myopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maaike van Putten
- Leiden University Medical Center, Department of Human Genetics, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands
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12
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Buono S, Monseur A, Menuet A, Robé A, Koch C, Laporte J, Thielemans L, Depla M, Cowling BS. Natural history study and statistical modelling of disease progression in a preclinical model of myotubular myopathy. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:276036. [PMID: 35642830 PMCID: PMC9346515 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Generating reliable preclinical data in animal models of disease is essential in therapy development. Here we perform statistical analysis and joint longitudinal-survival modelling of the progressive phenotype observed in Mtm1-/y knock-out mice, a faithful model for myotubular myopathy (XLMTM). Analysis of historical data was used to generate a model for phenotype progression, which was then confirmed with phenotypic data from a new colony of mice derived via in vitro fertilization in an independent animal house, highlighting the reproducibility of disease phenotype in Mtm1-/y mice. This combined data was then used to refine the phenotypic parameters analyzed in these mice, and improve the model generated for expected disease progression. The disease progression model was then used to test therapeutic efficacy of Dnm2 targeting. Dnm2 reduction by antisense oligonucleotides blocked or postponed disease development, and resulted in a significant dose-dependent improvement outside the expected disease progression in untreated Mtm1-/y mice. This provides an example of optimizing disease analysis and testing therapeutic efficacy in a preclinical model, that can be applied by scientists testing therapeutic approaches using neuromuscular disease models in different laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Jocelyn Laporte
- IGBMC, Inserm U1258, CNRS UMR7104, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
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13
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Pandeya SR, Nagy JA, Riveros D, Semple C, Taylor RS, Mortreux M, Sanchez B, Kapur K, Rutkove SB. Estimating myofiber cross-sectional area and connective tissue deposition with electrical impedance myography: A study in D2-mdx mice. Muscle Nerve 2021; 63:941-950. [PMID: 33759456 PMCID: PMC8883327 DOI: 10.1002/mus.27240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Surface electrical impedance myography (sEIM) has the potential for providing information on muscle composition and structure noninvasively. We sought to evaluate its use to predict myofiber size and connective tissue deposition in the D2-mdx model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). METHODS We applied a prediction algorithm, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, to select specific EIM measurements obtained with surface and ex vivo EIM data from D2-mdx and wild-type (WT) mice (analyzed together or separately). We assessed myofiber cross-sectional area histologically and hydroxyproline (HP), a surrogate measure for connective tissue content, biochemically. RESULTS Using WT and D2-mdx impedance values together in the algorithm, sEIM gave average root-mean-square errors (RMSEs) of 26.6% for CSA and 45.8% for HP, which translate into mean errors of ±363 μm2 for a mean CSA of 1365 μm2 and of ±1.44 μg HP/mg muscle for a mean HP content of 3.15 μg HP/mg muscle. Stronger predictions were obtained by analyzing sEIM data from D2-mdx animals alone (RMSEs of 15.3% for CSA and 34.1% for HP content). Predictions made using ex vivo EIM data from D2-mdx animals alone were nearly equivalent to those obtained with sEIM data (RMSE of 16.59% for CSA), and slightly more accurate for HP (RMSE of 26.7%). DISCUSSION Surface EIM combined with a predictive algorithm can provide estimates of muscle pathology comparable to values obtained using ex vivo EIM, and can be used as a surrogate measure of disease severity and progression and response to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarbesh R. Pandeya
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Janice A. Nagy
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Daniela Riveros
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Carson Semple
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Rebecca S. Taylor
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Marie Mortreux
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Benjamin Sanchez
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Kush Kapur
- Department of Neurology, Boston Childrenʼs Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Seward B. Rutkove
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Abstract
Fibrosis in skeletal muscle is the natural tissue response to persistent damage and chronic inflammatory states, cursing with altered muscle stem cell regenerative functions and increased activation of fibrogenic mesenchymal stromal cells. Exacerbated deposition of extracellular matrix components is a characteristic feature of human muscular dystrophies, neurodegenerative diseases affecting muscle and aging. The presence of fibrotic tissue not only impedes normal muscle contractile functions but also hampers effective gene and cell therapies. There is a lack of appropriate experimental models to study fibrosis. In this chapter, we highlight recent developments on skeletal muscle fibrosis in mice and expand previously described methods by our group to exacerbate and accelerate fibrosis development in murine muscular dystrophy models and to study the presence of fibrosis in muscle samples. These methods will help understand the molecular and biological mechanisms involved in muscle fibrosis and to identify novel therapeutic strategies to limit the progression of fibrosis in muscular dystrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio L Serrano
- Cell Biology Group, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), CIBER on Neurodegenerative diseases (CIBERNED), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Pura Muñoz-Cánoves
- Cell Biology Group, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), CIBER on Neurodegenerative diseases (CIBERNED), Barcelona, Spain.
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain.
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares, Madrid, Spain.
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15
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Schneider AFE, Aartsma-Rus A. Developments in reading frame restoring therapy approaches for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2020; 21:343-359. [PMID: 33074029 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2021.1832462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Exon skipping compounds restoring the dystrophin transcript reading frame have received regulatory approval for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Recently, focus shifted to developing compounds to skip additional exons, improving delivery to skeletal muscle, and to genome editing, to restore the reading frame on DNA level. AREAS COVERED We outline developments for reading frame restoring approaches, challenges of mutation specificity, and optimizing delivery. Also, we highlight ongoing efforts to better detect exon skipping therapeutic effects in clinical trials. Searches on relevant terms were performed, focusing on recent publications (<3 years). EXPERT OPINION Currently, 3 AONS are approved. Whether dystrophin levels are sufficient to slowdown disease progression needs to be confirmed. Enhancing AON uptake by muscles is currently under investigation. Gene editing is an alternative, but one that involves practical and ethical concerns. Given the field's momentum, we believe the efficiency of frame-restoring approaches will improve.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Annemieke Aartsma-Rus
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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16
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Implications of increased S100β and Tau5 proteins in dystrophic nerves of two mdx mouse models for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Mol Cell Neurosci 2020; 105:103484. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2020.103484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
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17
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Grounds MD, Terrill JR, Al-Mshhdani BA, Duong MN, Radley-Crabb HG, Arthur PG. Biomarkers for Duchenne muscular dystrophy: myonecrosis, inflammation and oxidative stress. Dis Model Mech 2020; 13:13/2/dmm043638. [PMID: 32224496 PMCID: PMC7063669 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.043638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a lethal, X-linked disease that causes severe loss of muscle mass and function in young children. Promising therapies for DMD are being developed, but the long lead times required when using clinical outcome measures are hindering progress. This progress would be facilitated by robust molecular biomarkers in biofluids, such as blood and urine, which could be used to monitor disease progression and severity, as well as to determine optimal drug dosing before a full clinical trial. Many candidate DMD biomarkers have been identified, but there have been few follow-up studies to validate them. This Review describes the promising biomarkers for dystrophic muscle that have been identified in muscle, mainly using animal models. We strongly focus on myonecrosis and the associated inflammation and oxidative stress in DMD muscle, as the lack of dystrophin causes repeated bouts of myonecrosis, which are the key events that initiate the resultant severe dystropathology. We discuss the early events of intrinsic myonecrosis, along with early regeneration in the context of histological and other measures that are used to quantify its incidence. Molecular biomarkers linked to the closely associated events of inflammation and oxidative damage are discussed, with a focus on research related to protein thiol oxidation and to neutrophils. We summarise data linked to myonecrosis in muscle, blood and urine of dystrophic animal species, and discuss the challenge of translating such biomarkers to the clinic for DMD patients, especially to enhance the success of clinical trials. Summary: This Review discusses biomarkers in blood and urine linked to myonecrosis, inflammation and oxidative stress, to enhance development of therapies for DMD, and the challenges to be overcome for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda D Grounds
- School of Human Sciences, the University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Jessica R Terrill
- School of Molecular Sciences, the University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Basma A Al-Mshhdani
- School of Molecular Sciences, the University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Marisa N Duong
- School of Molecular Sciences, the University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Hannah G Radley-Crabb
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health and Innovation Research Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Peter G Arthur
- School of Molecular Sciences, the University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
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18
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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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19
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Willmann R, Lee J, Turner C, Nagaraju K, Aartsma-Rus A, Wells DJ, Wagner KR, Csimma C, Straub V, Grounds MD, De Luca A. Improving translatability of preclinical studies for neuromuscular disorders: lessons from the TREAT-NMD Advisory Committee for Therapeutics (TACT). Dis Model Mech 2020; 13:dmm042903. [PMID: 32066568 PMCID: PMC7044444 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.042903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical trials for rare neuromuscular diseases imply, among other investments, a high emotional burden for the whole disease community. Translation of data from preclinical studies to justify any clinical trial must be carefully pondered in order to minimize the risk of clinical trial withdrawal or failure. A rigorous distinction between proof-of-concept and preclinical efficacy studies using animal models is key to support the rationale of a clinical trial involving patients. This Review evaluates the experience accumulated by the TREAT-NMD Advisory Committee for Therapeutics, which provides detailed constructive feedback on clinical proposals for neuromuscular diseases submitted by researchers in both academia and industry, and emphasizes that a timely critical review of preclinical efficacy data from animal models, including biomarkers for specific diseases, combined with adherence to existing guidelines and standard protocols, can significantly help to de-risk clinical programs and prevent disappointments and costly engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaella Willmann
- Swiss Foundation for Research on Muscle Diseases, 2016 Cortaillod, Switzerland
| | - Joanne Lee
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Centre for Life, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne NE7 7DN, UK
| | - Cathy Turner
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Centre for Life, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne NE7 7DN, UK
| | - Kanneboyina Nagaraju
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binghamton University, New York, NY 13902-6000, USA
| | - Annemieke Aartsma-Rus
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Centre for Life, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne NE7 7DN, UK
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2300 RC, the Netherlands
| | - Dominic J Wells
- Neuromuscular Disease Group, Royal Veterinary College, London NW1 0TU, UK
| | - Kathryn R Wagner
- Center for Genetic Muscle Disorders, Kennedy Krieger Institute and the Departments of Neurology and Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | | | - Volker Straub
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Centre for Life, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne NE7 7DN, UK
| | - Miranda D Grounds
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Annamaria De Luca
- Unit of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy and Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70125 Bari, Italy
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20
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Wasala NB, Chen SJ, Duan D. Duchenne muscular dystrophy animal models for high-throughput drug discovery and precision medicine. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2020; 15:443-456. [PMID: 32000537 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2020.1718100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked handicapping disease due to the loss of an essential muscle protein dystrophin. Dystrophin-null animals have been extensively used to study disease mechanisms and to develop experimental therapeutics. Despite decades of research, however, treatment options for DMD remain very limited.Areas covered: High-throughput high-content screening and precision medicine offer exciting new opportunities. Here, the authors review animal models that are suitable for these studies.Expert opinion: Nonmammalian models (worm, fruit fly, and zebrafish) are particularly attractive for cost-effective large-scale drug screening. Several promising lead compounds have been discovered using these models. Precision medicine for DMD aims at developing mutation-specific therapies such as exon-skipping and genome editing. To meet these needs, models with patient-like mutations have been established in different species. Models that harbor hotspot mutations are very attractive because the drugs developed in these models can bring mutation-specific therapies to a large population of patients. Humanized hDMD mice carry the entire human dystrophin gene in the mouse genome. Reagents developed in the hDMD mouse-based models are directly translatable to human patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nalinda B Wasala
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Shi-Jie Chen
- Department of Physics, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.,Department of Biochemistry, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Dongsheng Duan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.,Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.,Department of Biomedical, Biological & Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
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21
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Kramerova I, Kumagai-Cresse C, Ermolova N, Mokhonova E, Marinov M, Capote J, Becerra D, Quattrocelli M, Crosbie RH, Welch E, McNally EM, Spencer MJ. Spp1 (osteopontin) promotes TGFβ processing in fibroblasts of dystrophin-deficient muscles through matrix metalloproteinases. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 28:3431-3442. [PMID: 31411676 PMCID: PMC7345878 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddz181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is caused by mutations in the gene encoding dystrophin. Prior work has shown that DMD progression can vary, depending on the genetic makeup of the patient. Several modifier alleles have been identified including LTBP4 and SPP1. We previously showed that Spp1 exacerbates the DMD phenotype in the mdx mouse model by promoting fibrosis and by skewing macrophage polarization. Here, we studied the mechanisms involved in Spp1's promotion of fibrosis by using both isolated fibroblasts and genetically modified mice. We found that Spp1 upregulates collagen expression in mdx fibroblasts by enhancing TGFβ signaling. Spp1's effects on TGFβ signaling are through induction of MMP9 expression. MMP9 is a protease that can release active TGFβ ligand from its latent complex. In support for activation of this pathway in our model, we showed that treatment of mdx fibroblasts with MMP9 inhibitor led to accumulation of the TGFβ latent complex, decreased levels of active TGFβ and reduced collagen expression. Correspondingly, we found reduced active TGFβ in Spp1-/-mdxB10 and Mmp9-/-mdxB10 muscles in vivo. Taken together with previous observations of reduced fibrosis in both models, these data suggest that Spp1 acts upstream of TGFβ to promote fibrosis in mdx muscles. We found that in the context of constitutively upregulated TGFβ signaling (such as in the mdxD2 model), ablation of Spp1 has very little effect on fibrosis. Finally, we performed proof-of-concept studies showing that postnatal pharmacological inhibition of Spp1 reduces fibrosis and improves muscle function in mdx mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Kramerova
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Chino Kumagai-Cresse
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
| | - Natalia Ermolova
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Ekaterina Mokhonova
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Masha Marinov
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Joana Capote
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
- Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Diana Becerra
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Mattia Quattrocelli
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
| | - Rachelle H Crosbie
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles
- Paul Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Center
| | | | - Elizabeth M McNally
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
- Paul Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Center
| | - Melissa J Spencer
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
- Paul Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Center
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22
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Aartsma-Rus A, van Putten M. The use of genetically humanized animal models for personalized medicine approaches. Dis Model Mech 2019; 13:13/2/dmm041673. [PMID: 31591145 PMCID: PMC6906630 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.041673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
For many genetic diseases, researchers are developing personalized medicine approaches. These sometimes employ custom genetic interventions such as antisense-mediated exon skipping or genome editing, aiming to restore protein function in a mutation-specific manner. Animal models can facilitate the development of personalized medicine approaches; however, given that they target human mutations and therefore human genetic sequences, scientists rely on the availability of humanized animal models. Here, we outline the usefulness, caveats and potential of such models, using the example of the hDMDdel52/mdx model, a humanized model recently generated for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemieke Aartsma-Rus
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Maaike van Putten
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
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23
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24
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Verhaart IEC, van de Vijver D, Boertje-van der Meulen JW, Putker K, Adamzek K, Aartsma-Rus A, van Putten M. A modified diet does not ameliorate muscle pathology in a mouse model for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0215335. [PMID: 31017936 PMCID: PMC6481797 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0215335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is caused by a lack of dystrophin protein. Next to direct effects on the muscles, this has also metabolic consequences. The influence of nutrition on disease progression becomes more and more recognized. Protein intake by DMD patients may be insufficient to meet the increased demand of the constantly regenerating muscle fibers. This led to the hypothesis that improving protein uptake by the muscles could have therapeutic effects. The present study examined the effects of a modified diet, which composition might stimulate muscle growth, on disease pathology in the D2-mdx mouse model. D2-mdx males were fed with either a control diet or modified diet, containing high amounts of branched-chain amino acids, vitamin D3 and ursolic acid, for six weeks. Our study indicates that the modified diet could not ameliorate the muscle pathology. No effects on bodyweight or weight of individual muscles were observed. Neither did the diet affect severity of fibrosis or calcification of the muscles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid E. C. Verhaart
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Davy van de Vijver
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Kayleigh Putker
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Kevin Adamzek
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Annemieke Aartsma-Rus
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Maaike van Putten
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
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van Putten M, Putker K, Overzier M, Adamzek WA, Pasteuning-Vuhman S, Plomp JJ, Aartsma-Rus A. Natural disease history of the D2 -mdx mouse model for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. FASEB J 2019; 33:8110-8124. [PMID: 30933664 PMCID: PMC6593893 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201802488r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The C57BL/10ScSn-Dmdmdx/J (BL10-mdx) mouse has been the most commonly used model for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) for decades. Their muscle dysfunction and pathology is, however, less severe than in patients with DMD, which complicates preclinical studies. Recent discoveries indicate that disease severity is exacerbated when muscular dystrophy mouse models are generated on a DBA2/J genetic background. Knowledge on the natural history of animal models is pivotal for high-quality preclinical testing. However, for BL10-mdx mice on a DBA2/J background (D2-mdx), limited data are available. We addressed this gap in the natural history knowledge. First, we compared histopathological aspects in skeletal muscles of young D2-mdx, BL10-mdx, and wild-type mice. Pathology was more pronounced in D2-mdx mice and differed in severity between muscles within individuals. Secondly, we subjected D2-mdx mice to a functional test regime for 34 weeks and identified that female D2-mdx mice outperform severely impaired males, making females less useful for functional preclinical studies. Direct comparisons between 10- and 34-wk-old D2-mdx mice revealed that disease pathology ameliorates with age. Heart pathology was progressive, with some features already evident at a young age. This natural history study of the D2-mdx mouse will be instrumental for experimental design of future preclinical studies.-Van Putten, M., Putker, K., Overzier, M., Adamzek, W. A., Pasteuning-Vuhman, S., Plomp, J. J., Aartsma-Rus, A. Natural disease history of the D2-mdx mouse model for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maaike van Putten
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Kayleigh Putker
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Maurice Overzier
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - W A Adamzek
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Jaap J Plomp
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Annemieke Aartsma-Rus
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
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