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Elasbali AM, Al-Soud WA, Anwar S, Alhassan HH, Adnan M, Hassan MI. A review on mechanistic insights into structure and function of dystrophin protein in pathophysiology and therapeutic targeting of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 264:130544. [PMID: 38428778 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive genetic disorder characterized by progressive and severe muscle weakening and degeneration. Among the various forms of muscular dystrophy, it stands out as one of the most common and impactful, predominantly affecting boys. The condition arises due to mutations in the dystrophin gene, a key player in maintaining the structure and function of muscle fibers. The manuscript explores the structural features of dystrophin protein and their pivotal roles in DMD. We present an in-depth analysis of promising therapeutic approaches targeting dystrophin and their implications for the therapeutic management of DMD. Several therapies aiming to restore dystrophin protein or address secondary pathology have obtained regulatory approval, and many others are ongoing clinical development. Notably, recent advancements in genetic approaches have demonstrated the potential to restore partially functional dystrophin forms. The review also provides a comprehensive overview of the status of clinical trials for major therapeutic genetic approaches for DMD. In addition, we have summarized the ongoing therapeutic approaches and advanced mechanisms of action for dystrophin restoration and the challenges associated with DMD therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelbaset Mohamed Elasbali
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences-Qurayyat, Jouf University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Waleed Abu Al-Soud
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Sciences-Sakaka, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia; Molekylärbiologi, Klinisk Mikrobiologi och vårdhygien, Region Skåne, Sölvegatan 23B, 221 85 Lund, Sweden
| | - Saleha Anwar
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Hassan H Alhassan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Sciences-Sakaka, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohd Adnan
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Ha'il, Ha'il, Saudi Arabia
| | - Md Imtaiyaz Hassan
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India.
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Bez Batti Angulski A, Hosny N, Cohen H, Martin AA, Hahn D, Bauer J, Metzger JM. Duchenne muscular dystrophy: disease mechanism and therapeutic strategies. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1183101. [PMID: 37435300 PMCID: PMC10330733 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1183101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe, progressive, and ultimately fatal disease of skeletal muscle wasting, respiratory insufficiency, and cardiomyopathy. The identification of the dystrophin gene as central to DMD pathogenesis has led to the understanding of the muscle membrane and the proteins involved in membrane stability as the focal point of the disease. The lessons learned from decades of research in human genetics, biochemistry, and physiology have culminated in establishing the myriad functionalities of dystrophin in striated muscle biology. Here, we review the pathophysiological basis of DMD and discuss recent progress toward the development of therapeutic strategies for DMD that are currently close to or are in human clinical trials. The first section of the review focuses on DMD and the mechanisms contributing to membrane instability, inflammation, and fibrosis. The second section discusses therapeutic strategies currently used to treat DMD. This includes a focus on outlining the strengths and limitations of approaches directed at correcting the genetic defect through dystrophin gene replacement, modification, repair, and/or a range of dystrophin-independent approaches. The final section highlights the different therapeutic strategies for DMD currently in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Joseph M. Metzger
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States
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Batra A, Barnard AM, Lott DJ, Willcocks RJ, Forbes SC, Chakraborty S, Daniels MJ, Arbogast J, Triplett W, Henricson EK, Dayan JG, Schmalfuss C, Sweeney L, Byrne BJ, McDonald CM, Vandenborne K, Walter GA. Longitudinal changes in cardiac function in Duchenne muscular dystrophy population as measured by magnetic resonance imaging. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2022; 22:260. [PMID: 35681116 PMCID: PMC9185987 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-022-02688-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The lack of dystrophin in cardiomyocytes in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is associated with progressive decline in cardiac function eventually leading to death by 20-40 years of age. The aim of this prospective study was to determine rate of progressive decline in left ventricular (LV) function in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) over 5 years. METHODS Short axis cine and grid tagged images of the LV were acquired in individuals with DMD (n = 59; age = 5.3-18.0 years) yearly, and healthy controls at baseline (n = 16, age = 6.0-18.3 years) on a 3 T MRI scanner. Grid-tagged images were analyzed for composite circumferential strain (ℇcc%) and ℇcc% in six mid LV segments. Cine images were analyzed for left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), LV mass (LVM), end-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV), LV atrioventricular plane displacement (LVAPD), and circumferential uniformity ratio estimate (CURE). LVM, EDV, and ESV were normalized to body surface area for a normalized index of LVM (LVMI), EDV (EDVI) and ESV (ESVI). RESULTS At baseline, LV ℇcc% was significantly worse in DMD compared to controls and five of the six mid LV segments demonstrated abnormal strain in DMD. Longitudinal measurements revealed that ℇcc% consistently declined in individuals with DMD with the inferior segments being more affected. LVEF progressively declined between 3 to 5 years post baseline visit. In a multivariate analysis, the use of cardioprotective drugs trended towards positively impacting cardiac measures while loss of ambulation and baseline age were associated with negative impact. Eight out of 17 cardiac parameters reached a minimal clinically important difference with a threshold of 1/3 standard deviation. CONCLUSION The study shows a worsening of circumferential strain in dystrophic myocardium. The findings emphasize the significance of early and longitudinal assessment of cardiac function in DMD and identify early biomarkers of cardiac dysfunction to help design clinical trials to mitigate cardiac pathology. This study provides valuable non-invasive and non-contrast based natural history data of cardiac changes which can be used to design clinical trials or interpret the results of current trials aimed at mitigating the effects of decreased cardiac function in DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhinandan Batra
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Alison M Barnard
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Donovan J Lott
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Rebecca J Willcocks
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Sean C Forbes
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | | | - Michael J Daniels
- Department of Statistics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Jannik Arbogast
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida, 1600 SW Archer RD, M552, P.O. Box 1002754, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - William Triplett
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Erik K Henricson
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | | | - Carsten Schmalfuss
- Department of Medicine, Cardiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Lee Sweeney
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Barry J Byrne
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Craig M McDonald
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Krista Vandenborne
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Glenn A Walter
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida, 1600 SW Archer RD, M552, P.O. Box 1002754, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
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Cantarutti N, Adorisio R, Baban A, Di Molfetta A, Amodeo A, Drago F. Persistent myocardial atrophy despite LV reverse remodeling in Duchenne cardiomyopathy treated by LVAD. Pediatr Transplant 2021; 25:e13890. [PMID: 33105518 DOI: 10.1111/petr.13890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
DCM is the leading cause of death in Duchenne patients. LVADs are considered as therapeutic options as DT in advanced HF. The aim of our study was to evaluate LV remodeling of Duchenne after LVADs and chronic therapy. Demographic and echocardiographic data of 8 Duchenne patients implanted with LVADs were reviewed and analyzed. All measures were collected before LVAD implantation, after 1 month and 1 year. All patients were affected by end-stage DCM, and mean age at implantation was 16.9 ± 2.9 years. Patients were treated with maximal medical therapy. One-year post-implantation HR decreased from a mean of 110 ± 19 bpm to 82 ± 2 bpm (P = .002), and a significant decrease in LV volumes and diameters LVEDD P = .03, LVESD P = .02, EDV P = .01, and ESV P = .02) was noticed together with a significant increase in EF (P = .0036). However, RWT did not change over time, showing an eccentric remodeling pattern pre- and post-LVADs. Our data showed that cardiac atrophy is persistent in Duchenne cardiomyopathy despite the improvement of LV function secondary to a significant ventricular unloading due to LVADs coupled with chronic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoletta Cantarutti
- Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Arrhythmias/Syncope Unit, Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,European Reference Network for Rare and Low Prevalence Complex Disease of the Heart (ERN GUARD-Heart), Rome, Italy
| | - Rachele Adorisio
- European Reference Network for Rare and Low Prevalence Complex Disease of the Heart (ERN GUARD-Heart), Rome, Italy.,Heart Failure, Heart Transplant and Mechanical Cardio-Respiratory Support Unit, Bambino Gesù Hospital/IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Anwar Baban
- Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Arrhythmias/Syncope Unit, Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,European Reference Network for Rare and Low Prevalence Complex Disease of the Heart (ERN GUARD-Heart), Rome, Italy
| | - Arianna Di Molfetta
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Amodeo
- European Reference Network for Rare and Low Prevalence Complex Disease of the Heart (ERN GUARD-Heart), Rome, Italy.,Heart Failure, Heart Transplant and Mechanical Cardio-Respiratory Support Unit, Bambino Gesù Hospital/IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Drago
- Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Arrhythmias/Syncope Unit, Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,European Reference Network for Rare and Low Prevalence Complex Disease of the Heart (ERN GUARD-Heart), Rome, Italy
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Kolwicz SC, Hall JK, Moussavi-Harami F, Chen X, Hauschka SD, Chamberlain JS, Regnier M, Odom GL. Gene Therapy Rescues Cardiac Dysfunction in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Mice by Elevating Cardiomyocyte Deoxy-Adenosine Triphosphate. JACC Basic Transl Sci 2019; 4:778-791. [PMID: 31998848 PMCID: PMC6978556 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacbts.2019.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in the gene encoding for dystrophin leads to structural and functional deterioration of cardiomyocytes and is a hallmark of cardiomyopathy in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients. Administration of recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors delivering microdystrophin or ribonucleotide reductase (RNR), under muscle-specific regulatory control, rescues both baseline and high workload-challenged hearts in an aged, DMD mouse model. However, only RNR treatments improved both systolic and diastolic function under those conditions. Cardiac-specific recombinant adeno-associated viral treatment of RNR holds therapeutic promise for improvement of cardiomyopathy in DMD patients.
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Key Words
- CK8, miniaturized murine creatine kinase regulatory cassette
- CMV, cytomegalovirus
- DMD, Duchenne muscular dystrophy
- RNR, ribonucleotide reductase
- cTnT, cardiac troponin T
- cardiomyopathy
- dADP, deoxy-adenosine diphosphate
- dATP, deoxy-adenosine triphosphate
- diastolic dysfunction
- dystrophin
- mdx, mouse muscular dystrophy model
- rAAV, recombinant adeno-associated viral vector
- recombinant adeno-associated virus vectors
- ribonucleotide reductase
- μDys, microdystrophin
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen C. Kolwicz
- Mitochondria and Metabolism Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - John K. Hall
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Farid Moussavi-Harami
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Xiolan Chen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Stephen D. Hauschka
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Jeffrey S. Chamberlain
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Michael Regnier
- Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Guy L. Odom
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked genetic disorder that causes progressive weakness and wasting of skeletal muscular and myocardium in boys due to mutation of dystrophin. The structural integrity of each individual skeletal and cardiac myocyte is significantly compromised upon physical stress due to the absence of dystrophin. The progressive destruction of systemic musculature and myocardium causes affected patients to develop multiple organ disabilities, including loss of ambulation, physical immobility, neuromuscular scoliosis, joint contracture, restrictive lung disease, obstructive sleep apnea, and cardiomyopathy. There are some central nervous system-related medical problems, as dystrophin is also expressed in the neuronal tissues. Although principal management is to mainly delay the pathological process, an enhanced understanding of underlying pathological processes has significantly improved quality of life and longevity for DMD patients. Future research in novel molecular approach is warranted to answer unanswered questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Tsuda
- Nemours Cardiac Center, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, 1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA.
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Tsuda T, Fitzgerald KK. Dystrophic Cardiomyopathy: Complex Pathobiological Processes to Generate Clinical Phenotype. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2017; 4:jcdd4030014. [PMID: 29367543 PMCID: PMC5715712 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd4030014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Revised: 08/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD), and X-linked dilated cardiomyopathy (XL-DCM) consist of a unique clinical entity, the dystrophinopathies, which are due to variable mutations in the dystrophin gene. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a common complication of dystrophinopathies, but the onset, progression, and severity of heart disease differ among these subgroups. Extensive molecular genetic studies have been conducted to assess genotype-phenotype correlation in DMD, BMD, and XL-DCM to understand the underlying mechanisms of these diseases, but the results are not always conclusive, suggesting the involvement of complex multi-layers of pathological processes that generate the final clinical phenotype. Dystrophin protein is a part of dystrophin-glycoprotein complex (DGC) that is localized in skeletal muscles, myocardium, smooth muscles, and neuronal tissues. Diversity of cardiac phenotype in dystrophinopathies suggests multiple layers of pathogenetic mechanisms in forming dystrophic cardiomyopathy. In this review article, we review the complex molecular interactions involving the pathogenesis of dystrophic cardiomyopathy, including primary gene mutations and loss of structural integrity, secondary cellular responses, and certain epigenetic and other factors that modulate gene expressions. Involvement of epigenetic gene regulation appears to lead to specific cardiac phenotypes in dystrophic hearts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Tsuda
- Nemours Cardiac Center, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, 1600 Rockland Rd, DE 19803, USA.
| | - Kristi K Fitzgerald
- Nemours Cardiac Center, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, 1600 Rockland Rd, DE 19803, USA.
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