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Jiang H, Liu B, Lin J, Xue T, Han Y, Lu C, Zhou S, Gu Y, Xu F, Shen Y, Xu L, Sun H. MuSCs and IPCs: roles in skeletal muscle homeostasis, aging and injury. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:67. [PMID: 38289345 PMCID: PMC10828015 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-05096-w] [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: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Skeletal muscle is a highly specialized tissue composed of myofibres that performs crucial functions in movement and metabolism. In response to external stimuli and injuries, a range of stem/progenitor cells, with muscle stem cells or satellite cells (MuSCs) being the predominant cell type, are rapidly activated to repair and regenerate skeletal muscle within weeks. Under normal conditions, MuSCs remain in a quiescent state, but become proliferative and differentiate into new myofibres in response to injury. In addition to MuSCs, some interstitial progenitor cells (IPCs) such as fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs), pericytes, interstitial stem cells expressing PW1 and negative for Pax7 (PICs), muscle side population cells (SPCs), CD133-positive cells and Twist2-positive cells have been identified as playing direct or indirect roles in regenerating muscle tissue. Here, we highlight the heterogeneity, molecular markers, and functional properties of these interstitial progenitor cells, and explore the role of muscle stem/progenitor cells in skeletal muscle homeostasis, aging, and muscle-related diseases. This review provides critical insights for future stem cell therapies aimed at treating muscle-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Boya Liu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Junfei Lin
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Tong Xue
- Department of Paediatrics, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, People's Republic of China
| | - Yimin Han
- Department of Paediatrics, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunfeng Lu
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University and First People's Hospital of Nantong City, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Songlin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yun Gu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University and First People's Hospital of Nantong City, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuntian Shen
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Lingchi Xu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hualin Sun
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
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Cardoso D, Barthélémy I, Blot S, Muchir A. Replenishing NAD + content reduces aspects of striated muscle disease in a dog model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Skelet Muscle 2023; 13:20. [PMID: 38044436 PMCID: PMC10694913 DOI: 10.1186/s13395-023-00328-w] [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: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked disease caused by mutations in DMD gene and loss of the protein dystrophin, which ultimately leads to myofiber membrane fragility and necrosis, with eventual muscle atrophy and contractures. Affected boys typically die in their second or third decade due to either respiratory failure or cardiomyopathy. Among the developed therapeutic strategies for DMD, gene therapy approaches partially restore micro-dystrophin or quasi-dystrophin expression. However, despite extensive attempts to develop definitive therapies for DMD, the standard of care remains corticosteroid, which has only palliative benefits. Animal models have played a key role in studies of DMD pathogenesis and treatment development. The golden retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD) dog displays a phenotype aligning with the progressive course of DMD. Therefore, canine studies may translate better to humans. Recent studies suggested that nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) cellular content could be a critical determinant for striated muscle function. We showed here that NAD+ content was decreased in the striated muscles of GRMD, leading to an alteration of one of NAD+ co-substrate enzymes, PARP-1. Moreover, we showed that boosting NAD+ content using nicotinamide (NAM), a natural NAD+ precursor, modestly reduces aspects of striated muscle disease. Collectively, our results provide mechanistic insights into DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Déborah Cardoso
- Center of Research in Myology, Institute of Myology, INSERM, Sorbonne University, 75013, Paris, France
| | - Inès Barthélémy
- "Biology of the Neuromuscular System" Team, U955 IMRB, INSERM, Univ Paris-Est Créteil, 94010, Créteil, France
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, IMRB, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Stéphane Blot
- "Biology of the Neuromuscular System" Team, U955 IMRB, INSERM, Univ Paris-Est Créteil, 94010, Créteil, France
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, IMRB, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Antoine Muchir
- Center of Research in Myology, Institute of Myology, INSERM, Sorbonne University, 75013, Paris, France.
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Roberts TC, Wood MJA, Davies KE. Therapeutic approaches for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:917-934. [PMID: 37652974 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00775-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a monogenic muscle-wasting disorder and a priority candidate for molecular and cellular therapeutics. Although rare, it is the most common inherited myopathy affecting children and so has been the focus of intense research activity. It is caused by mutations that disrupt production of the dystrophin protein, and a plethora of drug development approaches are under way that aim to restore dystrophin function, including exon skipping, stop codon readthrough, gene replacement, cell therapy and gene editing. These efforts have led to the clinical approval of four exon skipping antisense oligonucleotides, one stop codon readthrough drug and one gene therapy product, with other approvals likely soon. Here, we discuss the latest therapeutic strategies that are under development and being deployed to treat DMD. Lessons from these drug development programmes are likely to have a major impact on the DMD field, but also on molecular and cellular medicine more generally. Thus, DMD is a pioneer disease at the forefront of future drug discovery efforts, with these experimental treatments paving the way for therapies using similar mechanisms of action being developed for other genetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas C Roberts
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Oxford, UK.
| | - Matthew J A Wood
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Kay E Davies
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Oxford, UK.
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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Ulm JW, Barthélémy F, Nelson SF. Elucidation of bioinformatic-guided high-prospect drug repositioning candidates for DMD via Swanson linking of target-focused latent knowledge from text-mined categorical metadata. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1226707. [PMID: 37664462 PMCID: PMC10469615 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1226707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)'s complex multi-system pathophysiology, coupled with the cost-prohibitive logistics of multi-year drug screening and follow-up, has hampered the pursuit of new therapeutic approaches. Here we conducted a systematic historical and text mining-based pilot feasibility study to explore the potential of established or previously tested drugs as prospective DMD therapeutic agents. Our approach utilized a Swanson linking-inspired method to uncover meaningful yet largely hidden deep semantic connections between pharmacologically significant DMD targets and drugs developed for unrelated diseases. Specifically, we focused on molecular target-based MeSH terms and categories as high-yield bioinformatic proxies, effectively tagging relevant literature with categorical metadata. To identify promising leads, we comprehensively assembled published reports from 2011 and sampling from subsequent years. We then determined the earliest year when distinct MeSH terms or category labels of the relevant cellular target were referenced in conjunction with the drug, as well as when the pertinent target itself was first conclusively identified as holding therapeutic value for DMD. By comparing the earliest year when the drug was identifiable as a DMD treatment candidate with that of the first actual report confirming this, we computed an Index of Delayed Discovery (IDD), which serves as a metric of Swanson-linked latent knowledge. Using these findings, we identified data from previously unlinked articles subsetted via MeSH-derived Swanson linking or from target classes within the DrugBank repository. This enabled us to identify new but untested high-prospect small-molecule candidates that are of particular interest in repurposing for DMD and warrant further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Wes Ulm
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Florian Barthélémy
- Center for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, College of Letters and Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Stanley F. Nelson
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Center for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Zhao H, Du C, Yang G, Wang Y. Diagnosis, treatment, and research status of rare diseases related to birth defects. Intractable Rare Dis Res 2023; 12:148-160. [PMID: 37662624 PMCID: PMC10468410 DOI: 10.5582/irdr.2023.01052] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Rare diseases are diseases that occur at low prevalence, and most of them are chronic and serious diseases that are often life-threatening. Currently, there is no unified definition for rare diseases. The diagnosis, treatment, and research of rare diseases have become the focus of medicine and biopharmacology, as well as the breakthrough point of clinical and basic research. Birth defects are the hard-hit area of rare diseases and the frontiers of its research. Since most of these defects have a genetic basis, early screening and diagnosis have important scientific value and social significance for the prevention and control of such diseases. At present, there is no effective treatment for most rare diseases, but progress in prenatal diagnosis and screening can prevent the occurrence of diseases and help prevent and treat rare diseases. This article discusses the progress in genetic-related birth defects and rare diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjuan Zhao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Shandong Provincial Third Hospital, Shandong University, Ji'nan, China
| | - Chen Du
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Inner Mongolia Medical University Affiliated Hospital, Hohhot, China
| | - Guang Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Inner Mongolia Medical University Affiliated Hospital, Hohhot, China
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De Paepe B. What Nutraceuticals Can Do for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: Lessons Learned from Amino Acid Supplementation in Mouse Models. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2033. [PMID: 37509672 PMCID: PMC10377666 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11072033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), the severest form of muscular dystrophy, is characterized by progressive muscle weakness with fatal outcomes most often before the fourth decade of life. Despite the recent addition of molecular treatments, DMD remains a disease without a cure, and the need persists for the development of supportive therapies aiming to help improve patients' quality of life. This review focuses on the therapeutical potential of amino acid and derivative supplements, summarizing results obtained in preclinical studies in murine disease models. Several promising compounds have emerged, with L-arginine, N-acetylcysteine, and taurine featuring among the most intensively investigated. Their beneficial effects include reduced inflammatory, oxidative, fibrotic, and necrotic damage to skeletal muscle tissues. Improvement of muscle strength and endurance have been reported; however, mild side effects have also surfaced. More explorative, placebo-controlled and long-term clinical trials would need to be conducted in order to identify amino acid formulae that are safe and of true benefit to DMD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boel De Paepe
- Department of Neurology, Ghent University & Neuromuscular Reference Center, Ghent University Hospital, Route 830, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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Han X, Ji G, Wang N, Yi L, Mao Y, Deng J, Wu H, Ma S, Han J, Bu Y, Fang P, Liu J, Sun F, Song X. Comprehensive analysis of m 6A regulators characterized by the immune microenvironment in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. J Transl Med 2023; 21:459. [PMID: 37434186 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04301-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked, incurable, degenerative neuromuscular disease that is exacerbated by secondary inflammation. N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most common base modification of RNA, has pleiotropic immunomodulatory effects in many diseases. However, the role of m6A modification in the immune microenvironment of DMD remains elusive. METHODS Our study retrospectively analyzed the expression data of 56 muscle tissues from DMD patients and 26 from non-muscular dystrophy individuals. Based on single sample gene set enrichment analysis, immune cells infiltration was identified and the result was validated by flow cytometry analysis and immunohistochemical staining. Then, we described the features of genetic variation in 26 m6A regulators and explored their relationship with the immune mircoenvironment of DMD patients through a series of bioinformatical analysis. At last, we determined subtypes of DMD patients by unsupervised clustering analysis and characterized the molecular and immune characteristics in different subgroups. RESULTS DMD patients have a sophisticated immune microenvironment that is significantly different from non-DMD controls. Numerous m6A regulators were aberrantly expressed in the muscle tissues of DMD and inversely related to most muscle-infiltrating immune cell types and immune response-related signaling pathways. A diagnostic model involving seven m6A regulators was established using LASSO. Furthermore, we determined three m6A modification patterns (cluster A/B/C) with distinct immune microenvironmental characteristics. CONCLUSION In summary, our study demonstrated that m6A regulators are intimately linked to the immune microenvironment of muscle tissues in DMD. These findings may facilitate a better understanding of the immunomodulatory mechanisms in DMD and provide novel strategies for the treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Han
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology (Hebei Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Guang Ji
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology (Hebei Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Ning Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology (Hebei Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Le Yi
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology (Hebei Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yafei Mao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, China
| | - Jinliang Deng
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology (Hebei Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongran Wu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology (Hebei Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Shaojuan Ma
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology (Hebei Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingzhe Han
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology (Hebei Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Bu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology (Hebei Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Pingping Fang
- Department of Neurology, Handan Central Hospital, Handan, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Juyi Liu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology (Hebei Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Fanzhe Sun
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology (Hebei Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueqin Song
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China.
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology (Hebei Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China.
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China.
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Onódi Z, Szabó PL, Kucsera D, Pokreisz P, Dostal C, Hilber K, Oudit GY, Podesser BK, Ferdinandy P, Varga ZV, Kiss A. Inflammasome Activity in the Skeletal Muscle and Heart of Rodent Models for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:8497. [PMID: 37239853 PMCID: PMC10218525 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is characterized by wasting of muscles that leads to difficulty moving and premature death, mainly from heart failure. Glucocorticoids are applied in the management of the disease, supporting the hypothesis that inflammation may be driver as well as target. However, the inflammatory mechanisms during progression of cardiac and skeletal muscle dysfunction are still not well characterized. Our objective was to characterize the inflammasomes in myocardial and skeletal muscle in rodent models of DMD. Gastrocnemius and heart samples were collected from mdx mice and DMDmdx rats (3 and 9-10 months). Inflammasome sensors and effectors were assessed by immunoblotting. Histology was used to assess leukocyte infiltration and fibrosis. In gastrocnemius, a tendency towards elevation of gasdermin D irrespective of the age of the animal was observed. The adaptor protein was elevated in the mdx mouse skeletal muscle and heart. Increased cleavage of the cytokines was observed in the skeletal muscle of the DMDmdx rats. Sensor or cytokine expression was not changed in the tissue samples of the mdx mice. In conclusion, inflammatory responses are distinct between the skeletal muscle and heart in relevant models of DMD. Inflammation tends to decrease over time, supporting the clinical observations that the efficacy of anti-inflammatory therapies might be more prominent in the early stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsófia Onódi
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary; (Z.O.)
- HCEMM-SE Cardiometabolic Immunology Research Group, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
- MTA-SE Momentum Cardio-Oncology and Cardioimmunology Research Group, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Petra Lujza Szabó
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cardiovascular Research at the Center for Biomedical Research and Translational Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Dániel Kucsera
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary; (Z.O.)
- HCEMM-SE Cardiometabolic Immunology Research Group, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
- MTA-SE Momentum Cardio-Oncology and Cardioimmunology Research Group, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Péter Pokreisz
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cardiovascular Research at the Center for Biomedical Research and Translational Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Christopher Dostal
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cardiovascular Research at the Center for Biomedical Research and Translational Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Karlheinz Hilber
- Department of Neurophysiology & Neuropharmacology, Center for Physiology & Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Gavin Y. Oudit
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Bruno K. Podesser
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cardiovascular Research at the Center for Biomedical Research and Translational Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Péter Ferdinandy
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary; (Z.O.)
- Pharmahungary Group, 6728 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Zoltán V. Varga
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary; (Z.O.)
- HCEMM-SE Cardiometabolic Immunology Research Group, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
- MTA-SE Momentum Cardio-Oncology and Cardioimmunology Research Group, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila Kiss
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cardiovascular Research at the Center for Biomedical Research and Translational Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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Muraine L, Bensalah M, Butler-Browne G, Bigot A, Trollet C, Mouly V, Negroni E. Update on anti-fibrotic pharmacotherapies in skeletal muscle disease. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2023; 68:102332. [PMID: 36566666 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2022.102332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Fibrosis, defined as an excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix, is the end point of a defective regenerative process, unresolved inflammation and/or chronic damage. Numerous muscle disorders (MD) are characterized by high levels of fibrosis associated with muscle wasting and weakness. Fibrosis alters muscle homeostasis/regeneration and fiber environment and may interfere with gene and cell therapies. Slowing down or reversing fibrosis is a crucial therapeutic goal to maintain muscle identity in the context of therapies. Several pathways are implicated in the modulation of the fibrotic progression and multiple therapeutic compounds targeting fibrogenic signals have been tested in MDs, mostly in the context of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. In this review, we present an up-to-date overview of pharmacotherapies that have been tested to reduce fibrosis in the skeletal muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Muraine
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France
| | - Mona Bensalah
- 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
| | - Anne Bigot
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France
| | - Capucine Trollet
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France
| | - Vincent Mouly
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France.
| | - Elisa Negroni
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France.
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10
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Abstract
Muscular dystrophies are a group of genetic disorders characterized by varying degrees of progressive muscle weakness and degeneration. They are clinically and genetically heterogeneous but share the common histological features of dystrophic muscle. There is currently no cure for muscular dystrophies, which is of particular concern for the more disabling and/or lethal forms of the disease. Through the years, several therapies have encouragingly been developed for muscular dystrophies and include genetic, cellular, and pharmacological approaches. In this chapter, we undertake a comprehensive exploration of muscular dystrophy therapeutics under current development. Our review includes antisense therapy, CRISPR, gene replacement, cell therapy, nonsense suppression, and disease-modifying small molecule compounds.
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11
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Wu X, Dong N, Yu L, Liu M, Jiang J, Tang T, Zhao H, Fang Q. Identification of immune-related features involved in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: A bidirectional transcriptome and proteome-driven analysis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1017423. [PMID: 36483550 PMCID: PMC9724784 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1017423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We aimed to investigate the biological mechanism and feature genes of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) by multi-omics and experimental verification strategy. Methods We integrated the transcriptomic and proteomic methods to find the differentially expressed mRNAs (DEMs) and proteins (DEPs) between DMD and Control groups. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was then used to identify modules of highly correlated genes and hub genes. In the following steps, the immune and stromal cells infiltrations were accomplished by xCELL algorithm. Furthermore, TF and miRNA prediction were performed with Networkanalyst. ELISA, western blot and external datasets were performed to verify the key proteins/mRNAs in DMD patient and mouse. Finally, a nomogram model was established based on the potential biomarkers. Results 4515 DEMs and 56 DEPs were obtained from the transcriptomic and proteomic study respectively. 14 common genes were identified, which is enriched in muscle contraction and inflammation-related pathways. Meanwhile, we observed 33 significant differences in the infiltration of cells in DMD. Afterwards, a total of 22 miRNAs and 23 TF genes interacted with the common genes, including TFAP2C, MAX, MYC, NFKB1, RELA, hsa-miR-1255a, hsa-miR-130a, hsa-miR-130b, hsa-miR-152, and hsa-miR-17. In addition, three genes (ATP6AP2, CTSS, and VIM) showed excellent diagnostic performance on discriminating DMD in GSE1004, GSE3307, GSE6011 and GSE38417 datasets (all AUC > 0.8), which is validated in patients (10 DMD vs. 10 controls), DMD with exon 55 mutations, mdx mouse, and nomogram model. Conclusion Taken together, ATP6AP2, CTSS, and VIM play important roles in the inflammatory response in DMD, which may serve as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Wu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China,Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Nan Dong
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Liqiang Yu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Meirong Liu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jianhua Jiang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Tieyu Tang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Hongru Zhao
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China,*Correspondence: Hongru Zhao, ; Qi Fang,
| | - Qi Fang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China,*Correspondence: Hongru Zhao, ; Qi Fang,
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12
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Su Y, Song Y. The new challenge of “exercise + X″ therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy—Individualized identification of exercise tolerance and precise implementation of exercise intervention. Front Physiol 2022; 13:947749. [PMID: 35991169 PMCID: PMC9389311 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.947749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive fatal muscular disease. Gene therapy, cell therapy, and drug therapy are currently the most widely used treatments for DMD. However, many experiments on animals and humans suggested that appropriate exercise could improve the effectiveness of such precision medicine treatment, thereby improving patient’s muscle quality and function. Due to the striated muscle damage of DMD individuals, there are still many debates about whether DMD animals or patients can exercise, how to exercise, when to exercise best, and how to exercise effectively. The purpose of this review is to summarize and investigate the scientific basis and efficacy of exercise as an adjuvant therapy for DMD gene therapy, cell therapy and drug therapy, as well as to present the theoretical framework and optional strategies of “exercise + X″″ combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhui Su
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
- Institute of Physical Education, Jilin Normal University, Siping, China
| | - Yafeng Song
- China Institute of Sport and Health Science, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yafeng Song,
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13
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Han X, Han J, Wang N, Ji G, Guo R, Li J, Wu H, Ma S, Fang P, Song X. Identification of Auxiliary Biomarkers and Description of the Immune Microenvironmental Characteristics in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy by Bioinformatical Analysis and Experiment. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:891670. [PMID: 35720684 PMCID: PMC9204148 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.891670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic muscle disorder characterized by progressive muscle wasting associated with persistent inflammation. In this study, we aimed to identify auxiliary biomarkers and further characterize the immune microenvironment in DMD. Methods Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between DMD and normal muscle tissues based on Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets. Bioinformatical analysis was used to screen and identify potential diagnostic signatures of DMD which were further validated by real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR). We also performed single-sample gene-set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) to characterize the proportion of tissue-infiltrating immune cells to determine the inflammatory state of DMD. Results In total, 182 downregulated genes and 263 upregulated genes were identified in DMD. C3, SPP1, TMSB10, TYROBP were regarded as adjunct biomarkers and successfully validated by RT-qPCR. The infiltration of macrophages, CD4+, and CD8+ T cells was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in DMD compared with normal muscle tissues, while the infiltration of activated B cells, CD56dim natural killer cells, and type 17 T helper (Th17) cells was lower. In addition, the four biomarkers (C3, SPP1, TMSB10, TYROBP) were strongly associated with immune cells and immune-related pathways in DMD muscle tissues. Conclusion Analyses demonstrated C3, SPP1, TMSB10, and TYROBP may serve as biomarkers and enhance our understanding of immune responses in DMD. The infiltration of immune cells into the muscle microenvironment might exert a critical impact on the development and occurrence of DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Han
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jingzhe Han
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Ning Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Guang Ji
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Ruoyi Guo
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Hongran Wu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Shaojuan Ma
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Pingping Fang
- Department of Neurology, Handan Central Hospital, Handan, China
| | - Xueqin Song
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China
- *Correspondence: Xueqin Song,
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14
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Podkalicka P, Mucha O, Kaziród K, Szade K, Stępniewski J, Ivanishchuk L, Hirao H, Pośpiech E, Józkowicz A, Kupiec-Weglinski JW, Dulak J, Łoboda A. miR-378 affects metabolic disturbances in the mdx model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Sci Rep 2022; 12:3945. [PMID: 35273230 PMCID: PMC8913680 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07868-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Although Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) primarily affects muscle tissues, the alterations to systemic metabolism manifested in DMD patients contribute to the severe phenotype of this fatal disorder. We propose that microRNA-378a (miR-378) alters carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in dystrophic mdx mice. In our study, we utilized double knockout animals which lacked both dystrophin and miR-378 (mdx/miR-378-/-). RNA sequencing of the liver identified 561 and 194 differentially expressed genes that distinguished mdx versus wild-type (WT) and mdx/miR-378-/- versus mdx counterparts, respectively. Bioinformatics analysis predicted, among others, carbohydrate metabolism disorder in dystrophic mice, as functionally proven by impaired glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. The lack of miR-378 in mdx animals mitigated those effects with a faster glucose clearance in a glucose tolerance test (GTT) and normalization of liver glycogen levels. The absence of miR-378 also restored the expression of genes regulating lipid homeostasis, such as Acly, Fasn, Gpam, Pnpla3, and Scd1. In conclusion, we report for the first time that miR-378 loss results in increased systemic metabolism of mdx mice. Together with our previous finding, demonstrating alleviation of the muscle-related symptoms of DMD, we propose that the inhibition of miR-378 may represent a new strategy to attenuate the multifaceted symptoms of DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Podkalicka
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
| | - Olga Mucha
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kaziród
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Szade
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
| | - Jacek Stępniewski
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
| | - Liudmyla Ivanishchuk
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
| | - Hirofumi Hirao
- The Dumont-UCLA Transplantation Center, Department of Surgery, Division of Liver and Pancreas Transplantation, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Ewelina Pośpiech
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
| | - Alicja Józkowicz
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
| | - Jerzy W Kupiec-Weglinski
- The Dumont-UCLA Transplantation Center, Department of Surgery, Division of Liver and Pancreas Transplantation, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Józef Dulak
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Łoboda
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, 30-387, Kraków, Poland.
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15
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Sergeeva OV, Shcherbinina EY, Shomron N, Zatsepin TS. Modulation of RNA Splicing by Oligonucleotides: Mechanisms of Action and Therapeutic Implications. Nucleic Acid Ther 2022; 32:123-138. [PMID: 35166605 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2021.0067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of RNA splicing causes many diseases and disorders. Several therapeutic approaches have been developed to correct aberrant alternative splicing events for the treatment of cancers and hereditary diseases, including gene therapy and redirecting splicing, using small molecules or splice switching oligonucleotides (SSO). Significant advances in the chemistry and pharmacology of nucleic acid have led to the development of clinically approved SSO drugs for the treatment of spinal muscular dystrophy and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of SSO action with emphasis on "less common" approaches to modulate alternative splicing, including bipartite and bifunctional SSO, oligonucleotide decoys for splice factors and SSO-mediated mRNA degradation via AS-NMD and NGD pathways. We briefly discuss the current progress and future perspectives of SSO therapy for rare and ultrarare diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga V Sergeeva
- Center of Life Sciences, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Noam Shomron
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Timofei S Zatsepin
- Center of Life Sciences, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, Russia.,Department of Chemistry, Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
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16
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Ma YL, Zhang WH, Chen GH, Song LF, Wang Y, Yuan RL, Wang Y, Cheng XY. Walking alone milestone combined reading-frame rule improves early prediction of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:985878. [PMID: 36034570 PMCID: PMC9417149 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.985878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the potential of walking alone milestone combined reading-frame rule to improve the early diagnosis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). METHOD To retrospectively describe the genotype and phenotype of Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies (BMD) patients with deletions and duplicates in the dystrophin gene. The sensitivity and specificity of the reading frame rule were calculated and compared to that of the combined reading frame rule and walking alone milestone. The diagnostic coincidence rate of two different methods was analyzed. RESULT One hundred sixty-nine male DMD/BMD patients were enrolled, including 17 cases of BMD and 152 cases of DMD. The diagnostic coincidence rate, diagnostic sensitivity, and specificity of the reading-frame rule for DMD/BMD were 85.2, 86.8, and 70.59%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the reading frame principle combined with the walking alone milestone for DMD/BMD were 96.05 and 70.59%, respectively. The diagnostic coincidence rate increased to 93.49%, significantly different from that predicted by reading- frame rule (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION The reading-frame rule combined with the walking alone milestone significantly improved the early diagnosis rate of DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Li Ma
- Department of Neonatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zheng Zhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wei-Hua Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Guo-Hong Chen
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Li-Fang Song
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Rui-Li Yuan
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiu-Yong Cheng
- Department of Neonatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zheng Zhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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17
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Kaziród K, Myszka M, Dulak J, Łoboda A. Hydrogen sulfide as a therapeutic option for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and other muscle-related diseases. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:608. [PMID: 36441348 PMCID: PMC9705465 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04636-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been known for years as a poisoning gas and until recently evoked mostly negative associations. However, the discovery of its gasotransmitter functions suggested its contribution to various physiological and pathological processes. Although H2S has been found to exert cytoprotective effects through modulation of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and pro-angiogenic responses in a variety of conditions, its role in the pathophysiology of skeletal muscles has not been broadly elucidated so far. The classical example of muscle-related disorders is Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), the most common and severe type of muscular dystrophy. Mutations in the DMD gene that encodes dystrophin, a cytoskeletal protein that protects muscle fibers from contraction-induced damage, lead to prominent dysfunctions in the structure and functions of the skeletal muscle. However, the main cause of death is associated with cardiorespiratory failure, and DMD remains an incurable disease. Taking into account a wide range of physiological functions of H2S and recent literature data on its possible protective role in DMD, we focused on the description of the 'old' and 'new' functions of H2S, especially in muscle pathophysiology. Although the number of studies showing its essential regulatory action in dystrophic muscles is still limited, we propose that H2S-based therapy has the potential to attenuate the progression of DMD and other muscle-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Kaziród
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Myszka
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
| | - Józef Dulak
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Łoboda
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387, Kraków, Poland.
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18
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Brightwell CR, Kulkarni AS, Paredes W, Zhang K, Perkins JB, Gatlin KJ, Custodio M, Farooq H, Zaidi B, Pai R, Buttar RS, Tang Y, Melamed ML, Hostetter TH, Pessin JE, Hawkins M, Fry CS, Abramowitz MK. Muscle fibrosis and maladaptation occur progressively in CKD and are rescued by dialysis. JCI Insight 2021; 6:150112. [PMID: 34784301 PMCID: PMC8783691 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.150112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Skeletal muscle maladaptation accompanies chronic kidney disease (CKD) and negatively impacts physical function. Emphasis in CKD has historically been placed on muscle fiber intrinsic deficits, such as altered protein metabolism and atrophy. However, targeted treatment of fiber intrinsic dysfunction has produced limited improvement, whereas alterations within the fiber extrinsic environment have scarcely been examined. METHODS We investigated alterations to the skeletal muscle interstitial environment with deep cellular phenotyping of biopsies from patients with CKD compared to age-matched control participants and performed transcriptome profiling to define the molecular underpinnings of CKD-associated muscle impairments. We further examined changes in the observed muscle maladaptation following initiation of dialysis therapy for kidney failure. RESULTS Patients with CKD exhibited a progressive fibrotic muscle phenotype, which was associated with impaired regenerative capacity and lower vascular density. The severity of these deficits was strongly associated with the degree of kidney dysfunction. Consistent with these profound deficits, CKD was associated with broad alterations to the muscle transcriptome, including altered extracellular matrix organization, downregulated angiogenesis, and altered expression of pathways related to stem cell self-renewal. Remarkably, despite the seemingly advanced nature of this fibrotic transformation, dialysis treatment rescued these deficits, restoring a healthier muscle phenotype. Furthermore, after accounting for muscle atrophy, strength and endurance improved after dialysis initiation. CONCLUSION These data identify a dialysis-responsive muscle fibrotic phenotype in CKD and suggest that the early dialysis window presents a unique opportunity of improved muscle regenerative capacity during which targeted interventions may achieve maximal impact. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT01452412FUNDING. NIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille R Brightwell
- Department of Athletic Training and Clinical Nutrition, University of Kentucky, Lexington, United States of America
| | - Ameya S Kulkarni
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, United States of America
| | - William Paredes
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, United States of America
| | - Kehao Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, United States of America
| | - Jaclyn B Perkins
- Department of Nutrition and Metabolism, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, United States of America
| | - Knubian J Gatlin
- Department of Nutrition and Metabolism, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, United States of America
| | - Matthew Custodio
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, United States of America
| | - Hina Farooq
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, United States of America
| | - Bushra Zaidi
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, United States of America
| | - Rima Pai
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, United States of America
| | - Rupinder S Buttar
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, United States of America
| | - Yan Tang
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, United States of America
| | - Michal L Melamed
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, United States of America
| | - Thomas H Hostetter
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey E Pessin
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, United States of America
| | - Meredith Hawkins
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, United States of America
| | | | - Matthew K Abramowitz
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, United States of America
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19
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Tacchi F, Orozco-Aguilar J, Gutiérrez D, Simon F, Salazar J, Vilos C, Cabello-Verrugio C. Scaffold biomaterials and nano-based therapeutic strategies for skeletal muscle regeneration. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2021; 16:2521-2538. [PMID: 34743611 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2021-0224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle is integral to the functioning of the human body. Several pathological conditions, such as trauma (primary lesion) or genetic diseases such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), can affect and impair its functions or exceed its regeneration capacity. Tissue engineering (TE) based on natural, synthetic and hybrid biomaterials provides a robust platform for developing scaffolds that promote skeletal muscle regeneration, strength recovery, vascularization and innervation. Recent 3D-cell printing technology and the use of nanocarriers for the release of drugs, peptides and antisense oligonucleotides support unique therapeutic alternatives. Here, the authors present recent advances in scaffold biomaterials and nano-based therapeutic strategies for skeletal muscle regeneration and perspectives for future endeavors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franco Tacchi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Muscle Pathology, Fragility & Aging, Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, 8370146, Chile.,Millennium Institute on Immunology & Immunotherapy, Santiago, 8370146, Chile.,Center for The Development of Nanoscience & Nanotechnology (CEDENNA), Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, 8350709, Chile
| | - Josué Orozco-Aguilar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Muscle Pathology, Fragility & Aging, Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, 8370146, Chile.,Millennium Institute on Immunology & Immunotherapy, Santiago, 8370146, Chile.,Center for The Development of Nanoscience & Nanotechnology (CEDENNA), Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, 8350709, Chile
| | - Danae Gutiérrez
- Department of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Muscle Pathology, Fragility & Aging, Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, 8370146, Chile.,Millennium Institute on Immunology & Immunotherapy, Santiago, 8370146, Chile.,Center for The Development of Nanoscience & Nanotechnology (CEDENNA), Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, 8350709, Chile
| | - Felipe Simon
- Millennium Institute on Immunology & Immunotherapy, Santiago, 8370146, Chile.,Millennium Nucleus of Ion Channel-Associated Diseases (MiNICAD),Universidad de Chile, Santiago, 8370146, Chile.,Department of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Integrative Physiopathology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, 8370146, Chile
| | - Javier Salazar
- Center for The Development of Nanoscience & Nanotechnology (CEDENNA), Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, 8350709, Chile.,Laboratory of Nanomedicine & Targeted Delivery, Center for Medical Research, School of Medicine, Universidad de Talca, Talca, 3460000, Chile
| | - Cristian Vilos
- Center for The Development of Nanoscience & Nanotechnology (CEDENNA), Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, 8350709, Chile.,Laboratory of Nanomedicine & Targeted Delivery, Center for Medical Research, School of Medicine, Universidad de Talca, Talca, 3460000, Chile
| | - Claudio Cabello-Verrugio
- Department of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Muscle Pathology, Fragility & Aging, Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, 8370146, Chile.,Millennium Institute on Immunology & Immunotherapy, Santiago, 8370146, Chile.,Center for The Development of Nanoscience & Nanotechnology (CEDENNA), Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, 8350709, Chile
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20
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Fortunato F, Farnè M, Ferlini A. The DMD gene and therapeutic approaches to restore dystrophin. Neuromuscul Disord 2021; 31:1013-1020. [PMID: 34736624 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2021.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe X-linked disease characterized by progressive muscle weakness. It is caused by a variety of DMD gene pathogenic variations (large deletions or duplications, and small mutations) which leads to the absence or to a decreased amount of dystrophin protein. The allelic Becker muscular dystrophy is characterized by later onset and milder muscle involvement, and other rarer phenotypes might also be associated, such as dilated cardiomyopathy, cognitive impairment, and other neurological signs. Following the identification of the genetic cause and the disease pathophysiology, innovative personalized therapies emerged. These can be categorized into two main groups: (1) therapies aiming at the restoration of dystrophin at the sarcolemma; (2) therapeutics dealing with secondary consequences of dystrophin deficiency. In this review we provide an overview about DMD genotype-phenotype correlation, and on main approaches to restore dystrophin as stop codon read-through, exon skipping, vector-mediated gene therapy, and genome-editing strategies, some of these are based on approved orphan drugs. Finally, we present the clinical potential of novel strategies combining therapies to correct the genetic defect and other approaches, targeting secondary downstream pathological cascade due to dystrophin deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Fortunato
- Unit of Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marianna Farnè
- Unit of Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessandra Ferlini
- Unit of Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; Dubowitz Neuromuscular Unit, Institute of Child Health, University College of London, London, UK.
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21
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Sun Z, Xu D, Zhao L, Li X, Li S, Huang X, Li C, Sun L, Liu B, Jiang Z, Zhang L. A new therapeutic effect of fenofibrate in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: The promotion of myostatin degradation. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 179:1237-1250. [PMID: 34553378 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a degenerative muscle disease with no effective drug treatment. This study investigated the positive effects of fenofibrate on dystrophic muscles. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Myostatin expression in serum and muscle tissue of DMD patients and mdx mice were tested. Primary myoblasts isolated from mdx mice were challenged with an inflammatory stimulus and treated with fenofibrate. In animal experiments, 6-week-old male mdx mice were treated with fenofibrate (100 mg/kg) administered orally once per day for 6 weeks. Tests of muscle function plus histology and biochemical analyses of serum were conducted to evaluate the effects of fenofibrate. The expressions of myostatin, MuRF1, and atrogin-1 in skeletal muscle were evaluated by Western blotting and real-time PCR. Total and oxidative myosin heavy chain (MHC) were assessed via immunofluorescence. KEY RESULTS Increased expression of myostatin protein was found in dystrophic muscle of DMD patients and mdx mice. Fenofibrate enhanced myofibre differentiation by downregulating the expression of myostatin protein but not mRNA in primary myoblasts of mdx mice. Fenofibrate significantly improved muscle function while ameliorating muscle damage in mdx mice. These benefits are accompanied by an anti-inflammatory effect. Fenofibrate treatment returned myofibre function by inhibiting the expressions of myostatin, MuRF1, and atrogin-1 protein in the gastrocnemius muscle and diaphragm, while leaving the mRNA level of myostatin unaffected. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Fenofibrate substantially slows muscle dystrophy by promoting the degradation of myostatin protein, which may indicate a new therapeutic focus for DMD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeren Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dengqiu Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lei Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xihua Li
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sijia Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaofei Huang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chunjie Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lixin Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Bing Liu
- Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenzhou Jiang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Luyong Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
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22
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Li J, Fredericks M, Cannell M, Wang K, Sako D, Maguire MC, Grenha R, Liharska K, Krishnan L, Bloom T, Belcheva EP, Martinez PA, Castonguay R, Keates S, Alexander MJ, Choi H, Grinberg AV, Pearsall RS, Oh P, Kumar R, Suragani RN. ActRIIB:ALK4-Fc alleviates muscle dysfunction and comorbidities in murine models of neuromuscular disorders. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:138634. [PMID: 33586684 DOI: 10.1172/jci138634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with neuromuscular disorders suffer from a lack of treatment options for skeletal muscle weakness and disease comorbidities. Here, we introduce as a potential therapeutic agent a heterodimeric ligand-trapping fusion protein, ActRIIB:ALK4-Fc, which comprises extracellular domains of activin-like kinase 4 (ALK4) and activin receptor type IIB (ActRIIB), a naturally occurring pair of type I and II receptors belonging to the TGF-β superfamily. By surface plasmon resonance (SPR), ActRIIB:ALK4-Fc exhibited a ligand binding profile distinctly different from that of its homodimeric variant ActRIIB-Fc, sequestering ActRIIB ligands known to inhibit muscle growth but not trapping the vascular regulatory ligand bone morphogenetic protein 9 (BMP9). ActRIIB:ALK4-Fc and ActRIIB-Fc administered to mice exerted differential effects - concordant with SPR results - on vessel outgrowth in a retinal explant assay. ActRIIB:ALK4-Fc induced a systemic increase in muscle mass and function in wild-type mice and in murine models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and disuse atrophy. Importantly, ActRIIB:ALK4-Fc improved neuromuscular junction abnormalities in murine models of DMD and presymptomatic ALS and alleviated acute muscle fibrosis in a DMD model. Furthermore, in combination therapy ActRIIB:ALK4-Fc increased the efficacy of antisense oligonucleotide M12-PMO on dystrophin expression and skeletal muscle endurance in an aged DMD model. ActRIIB:ALK4-Fc shows promise as a therapeutic agent, alone or in combination with dystrophin rescue therapy, to alleviate muscle weakness and comorbidities of neuromuscular disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Li
- Acceleron Pharma Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | - Kathryn Wang
- Acceleron Pharma Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dianne Sako
- Acceleron Pharma Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Rosa Grenha
- Acceleron Pharma Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | - Troy Bloom
- Acceleron Pharma Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | | | - Sarah Keates
- Acceleron Pharma Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Hyunwoo Choi
- Department of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | | | | | - Paul Oh
- Department of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
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23
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Himič V, Davies KE. Evaluating the potential of novel genetic approaches for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Eur J Hum Genet 2021; 29:1369-1376. [PMID: 33564172 PMCID: PMC8440545 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-021-00811-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked progressive muscle-wasting disorder that is caused by a lack of functional dystrophin, a cytoplasmic protein necessary for the structural integrity of muscle. As variants in the dystrophin gene lead to a disruption of the reading frame, pharmacological treatments have only limited efficacy; there is currently no effective therapy and consequently, a significant unmet clinical need for DMD. Recently, novel genetic approaches have shown real promise in treating DMD, with advancements in the efficacy and tropism of exon skipping and surrogate gene therapy. CRISPR-Cas9 has the potential to be a 'one-hit' curative treatment in the coming decade. The current limitations of gene editing, such as off-target effects and immunogenicity, are in fact partly constraints of the delivery method itself, and thus research focus has shifted to improving the viral vector. In order to halt the loss of ambulation, early diagnosis and treatment will be pivotal. In an era where genetic sequencing is increasingly utilised in the clinic, genetic therapies will play a progressively central role in DMD therapy. This review delineates the relative merits of cutting-edge genetic approaches, as well as the challenges that still need to be overcome before they become clinically viable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vratko Himič
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Kay E Davies
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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24
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Boyer O, Butler-Browne G, Chinoy H, Cossu G, Galli F, Lilleker JB, Magli A, Mouly V, Perlingeiro RCR, Previtali SC, Sampaolesi M, Smeets H, Schoewel-Wolf V, Spuler S, Torrente Y, Van Tienen F. Myogenic Cell Transplantation in Genetic and Acquired Diseases of Skeletal Muscle. Front Genet 2021; 12:702547. [PMID: 34408774 PMCID: PMC8365145 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.702547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
This article will review myogenic cell transplantation for congenital and acquired diseases of skeletal muscle. There are already a number of excellent reviews on this topic, but they are mostly focused on a specific disease, muscular dystrophies and in particular Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. There are also recent reviews on cell transplantation for inflammatory myopathies, volumetric muscle loss (VML) (this usually with biomaterials), sarcopenia and sphincter incontinence, mainly urinary but also fecal. We believe it would be useful at this stage, to compare the same strategy as adopted in all these different diseases, in order to outline similarities and differences in cell source, pre-clinical models, administration route, and outcome measures. This in turn may help to understand which common or disease-specific problems have so far limited clinical success of cell transplantation in this area, especially when compared to other fields, such as epithelial cell transplantation. We also hope that this may be useful to people outside the field to get a comprehensive view in a single review. As for any cell transplantation procedure, the choice between autologous and heterologous cells is dictated by a number of criteria, such as cell availability, possibility of in vitro expansion to reach the number required, need for genetic correction for many but not necessarily all muscular dystrophies, and immune reaction, mainly to a heterologous, even if HLA-matched cells and, to a minor extent, to the therapeutic gene product, a possible antigen for the patient. Finally, induced pluripotent stem cell derivatives, that have entered clinical experimentation for other diseases, may in the future offer a bank of immune-privileged cells, available for all patients and after a genetic correction for muscular dystrophies and other myopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Boyer
- Department of Immunology & Biotherapy, Rouen University Hospital, Normandy University, Inserm U1234, Rouen, France
| | - Gillian Butler-Browne
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France
| | - Hector Chinoy
- Manchester Centre for Clinical Neurosciences, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health Research Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Giulio Cossu
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology & Regenerative Medicine, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Muscle Research Unit, Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a Cooperation Between the Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association and the Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- InSpe and Division of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Galli
- National Institute for Health Research Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - James B. Lilleker
- Manchester Centre for Clinical Neurosciences, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health Research Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Alessandro Magli
- Department of Medicine, Lillehei Heart Institute, Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Vincent Mouly
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France
| | - Rita C. R. Perlingeiro
- Department of Medicine, Lillehei Heart Institute, Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Stefano C. Previtali
- InSpe and Division of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Maurilio Sampaolesi
- Translational Cardiomyology Laboratory, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Human Anatomy Unit, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Hubert Smeets
- Department of Toxicogenomics, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
- School for Mental Health and Neurosciences (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- School for Developmental Biology and Oncology (GROW), Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Verena Schoewel-Wolf
- Muscle Research Unit, Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a Cooperation Between the Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association and the Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Simone Spuler
- Muscle Research Unit, Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a Cooperation Between the Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association and the Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Yvan Torrente
- Unit of Neurology, Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Centro Dino Ferrari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Florence Van Tienen
- Department of Toxicogenomics, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
- School for Mental Health and Neurosciences (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
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25
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Luan P, D'Amico D, Andreux PA, Laurila PP, Wohlwend M, Li H, Imamura de Lima T, Place N, Rinsch C, Zanou N, Auwerx J. Urolithin A improves muscle function by inducing mitophagy in muscular dystrophy. Sci Transl Med 2021; 13:13/588/eabb0319. [PMID: 33827972 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abb0319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common muscular dystrophy, and despite advances in genetic and pharmacological disease-modifying treatments, its management remains a major challenge. Mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to DMD, yet the mechanisms by which this occurs remain elusive. Our data in experimental models and patients with DMD show that reduced expression of genes involved in mitochondrial autophagy, or mitophagy, contributes to mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitophagy markers were reduced in skeletal muscle and in muscle stem cells (MuSCs) of a mouse model of DMD. Administration of the mitophagy activator urolithin A (UA) rescued mitophagy in DMD worms and mice and in primary myoblasts from patients with DMD, increased skeletal muscle respiratory capacity, and improved MuSCs' regenerative ability, resulting in the recovery of muscle function and increased survival in DMD mouse models. These data indicate that restoration of mitophagy alleviates symptoms of DMD and suggest that UA may have potential therapeutic applications for muscular dystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiling Luan
- Laboratory for Integrative and Systems Physiology, Institute of Bioengineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Davide D'Amico
- Laboratory for Integrative and Systems Physiology, Institute of Bioengineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.,Amazentis SA, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) Innovation Park, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pénélope A Andreux
- Amazentis SA, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) Innovation Park, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pirkka-Pekka Laurila
- Laboratory for Integrative and Systems Physiology, Institute of Bioengineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Martin Wohlwend
- Laboratory for Integrative and Systems Physiology, Institute of Bioengineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Hao Li
- Laboratory for Integrative and Systems Physiology, Institute of Bioengineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Tanes Imamura de Lima
- Laboratory for Integrative and Systems Physiology, Institute of Bioengineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Place
- Institute of Sport Sciences, Quartier UNIL-Centre, Faculty of Biology-Medicine, University of Lausanne, Bâtiment Synathlon, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Chris Rinsch
- Amazentis SA, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) Innovation Park, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nadège Zanou
- Institute of Sport Sciences, Quartier UNIL-Centre, Faculty of Biology-Medicine, University of Lausanne, Bâtiment Synathlon, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Johan Auwerx
- Laboratory for Integrative and Systems Physiology, Institute of Bioengineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
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26
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Careccia G, Saclier M, Tirone M, Ruggieri E, Principi E, Raffaghello L, Torchio S, Recchia D, Canepari M, Gorzanelli A, Ferrara M, Castellani P, Rubartelli A, Rovere-Querini P, Casalgrandi M, Preti A, Lorenzetti I, Bruno C, Bottinelli R, Brunelli S, Previtali SC, Bianchi ME, Messina G, Vénéreau E. Rebalancing expression of HMGB1 redox isoforms to counteract muscular dystrophy. Sci Transl Med 2021; 13:13/596/eaay8416. [PMID: 34078746 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aay8416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Muscular dystrophies (MDs) are a group of genetic diseases characterized by progressive muscle wasting associated to oxidative stress and persistent inflammation. It is essential to deepen our knowledge on the mechanism connecting these two processes because current treatments for MDs have limited efficacy and/or are associated with side effects. Here, we identified the alarmin high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) as a functional link between oxidative stress and inflammation in MDs. The oxidation of HMGB1 cysteines switches its extracellular activities from the orchestration of tissue regeneration to the exacerbation of inflammation. Extracellular HMGB1 is present at high amount and undergoes oxidation in patients with MDs and in mouse models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and limb-girdle muscular dystrophy 3 (LGMDR3) compared to controls. Genetic ablation of HMGB1 in muscles of DMD mice leads to an amelioration of the dystrophic phenotype as evidenced by the reduced inflammation and muscle degeneration, indicating that HMGB1 oxidation is a detrimental process in MDs. Pharmacological treatment with an engineered nonoxidizable variant of HMGB1, called 3S, improves functional performance, muscle regeneration, and satellite cell engraftment in dystrophic mice while reducing inflammation and fibrosis. Overall, our data demonstrate that the balance between HMGB1 redox isoforms dictates whether skeletal muscle is in an inflamed or regenerating state, and that the nonoxidizable form of HMGB1 is a possible therapeutic approach to counteract the progression of the dystrophic phenotype. Rebalancing the HMGB1 redox isoforms may also be a therapeutic strategy for other disorders characterized by chronic oxidative stress and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Careccia
- Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, Tissue Regeneration and Homeostasis Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy.,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Marielle Saclier
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Mario Tirone
- Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, Chromatin Dynamics Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Ruggieri
- Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, Tissue Regeneration and Homeostasis Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy.,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Principi
- Center of Translational and Experimental Myology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy
| | - Lizzia Raffaghello
- Center of Translational and Experimental Myology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy
| | - Silvia Torchio
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Deborah Recchia
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Monica Canepari
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Gorzanelli
- Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, Chromatin Dynamics Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Ferrara
- Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, Tissue Regeneration and Homeostasis Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Patrizia Castellani
- Unità di Biologia Cellulare, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Anna Rubartelli
- Unità di Biologia Cellulare, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Patrizia Rovere-Querini
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy.,Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Immunity, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Isabella Lorenzetti
- Division of Neuroscience and Inspe, Neuromuscular Repair Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Claudio Bruno
- Center of Translational and Experimental Myology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy
| | - Roberto Bottinelli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy.,ICS-Maugeri (IRCCS), Scientific Institute of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Silvia Brunelli
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Stefano Carlo Previtali
- Division of Neuroscience and Inspe, Neuromuscular Repair Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Emilio Bianchi
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy.,Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, Chromatin Dynamics Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | | | - Emilie Vénéreau
- Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, Tissue Regeneration and Homeostasis Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy.
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27
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Trollet C, Cheng AJ, Sylow L, Batista ML, Pillon NJ. Editorial: Skeletal Muscle Immunometabolism. Front Physiol 2021; 12:683088. [PMID: 33995133 PMCID: PMC8113810 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.683088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Capucine Trollet
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France
| | - Arthur J Cheng
- Muscle Health Research Centre, Faculty of Health, School of Kinesiology and Health Science, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lykke Sylow
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Miguel L Batista
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Nicolas J Pillon
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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28
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Xu X, Hao Y, Wu J, Zhao J, Xiong S. Assessment of Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis to Explore Key Pathways and Novel Biomarkers in Muscular Dystrophy. PHARMACOGENOMICS & PERSONALIZED MEDICINE 2021; 14:431-444. [PMID: 33883925 PMCID: PMC8053709 DOI: 10.2147/pgpm.s301098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to explore the key molecular pathways involved in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) and thereby identify hub genes to be potentially used as novel biomarkers using a bioinformatics approach. Methods Raw GSE109178 data were collected from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was conducted on the top 50% of altered genes. The key modules associated with the clinical features of DMD and BMD were identified. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were performed using the DAVID website. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the STRING website. MCODE, together with the Cytohubba plug-ins of Cytoscape, screened out the potential hub genes, which were subsequently verified via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves in other datasets. Results Among the 11 modules obtained, the black module was predominantly associated with pathology and DMD, whereas the light-green module was primarily related to age and BMD. Functional enrichment assessments indicated that the genes in the black module were primarily clustered in “immune response” and “phagosome,” whereas the ones in the light-green module were chiefly enriched in “protein polyubiquitination”. Eleven essential genes were eventually identified, including VCAM1, TYROBP, CD44, ITGB2, CSF1R, LCP2, C3AR1, CCL2, and ITGAM for DMD, along with UBA5 and UBR2 for BMD. Conclusion Overall, our findings may be useful for investigating the mechanisms underlying DMD and BMD. In addition, the hub genes discovered might serve as novel molecular markers correlated with dystrophinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxue Xu
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuehan Hao
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiao Wu
- Department of Neurology, The People's Hospital of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuang Xiong
- Liaoning Academy of Analytic Science, Construction Engineering Center of Important Technology Innovation and Research and Development Base in Liaoning Province, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
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29
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Clemens PR, Rao VK, Connolly AM, Harper AD, Mah JK, Smith EC, McDonald CM, Zaidman CM, Morgenroth LP, Osaki H, Satou Y, Yamashita T, Hoffman EP. Safety, Tolerability, and Efficacy of Viltolarsen in Boys With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Amenable to Exon 53 Skipping: A Phase 2 Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Neurol 2021; 77:982-991. [PMID: 32453377 PMCID: PMC7251505 DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2020.1264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Question What are the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of viltolarsen in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) amenable to exon 53 skipping? Findings Results of this 4-week randomized clinical trial for safety followed by a 20-week open-label treatment period in 16 patients with DMD indicated significant drug-induced dystrophin production in both viltolarsen groups (40 mg/kg per week and 80 mg/kg week) after 20 to 24 weeks of treatment. Timed function tests provided supportive evidence of treatment-related clinical improvement, and viltolarsen was well tolerated. Meaning Viltolarsen may provide a new therapeutic option for patients with DMD amenable to exon 53 skipping. Importance An unmet need remains for safe and efficacious treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). To date, there are limited agents available that address the underlying cause of the disease. Objective To evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of viltolarsen, a novel antisense oligonucleotide, in participants with DMD amenable to exon 53 skipping. Design, Setting, and Participants This phase 2 study was a 4-week randomized clinical trial for safety followed by a 20-week open-label treatment period of patients aged 4 to 9 years with DMD amenable to exon 53 skipping. To enroll 16 participants, with 8 participants in each of the 2 dose cohorts, 17 participants were screened. Study enrollment occurred between December 16, 2016, and August 17, 2017, at sites in the US and Canada. Data were collected from December 2016 to February 2018, and data were analyzed from April 2018 to May 2019. Interventions Participants received 40 mg/kg (low dose) or 80 mg/kg (high dose) of viltolarsen administered by weekly intravenous infusion. Main Outcomes and Measures Primary outcomes of the trial included safety, tolerability, and de novo dystrophin protein production measured by Western blot in participants’ biceps muscles. Secondary outcomes included additional assessments of dystrophin mRNA and protein production as well as clinical muscle strength and function. Results Of the 16 included boys with DMD, 15 (94%) were white, and the mean (SD) age was 7.4 (1.8) years. After 20 to 24 weeks of treatment, significant drug-induced dystrophin production was seen in both viltolarsen dose cohorts (40 mg/kg per week: mean [range] 5.7% [3.2-10.3] of normal; 80 mg/kg per week: mean [range] 5.9% [1.1-14.4] of normal). Viltolarsen was well tolerated; no treatment-emergent adverse events required dose reduction, interruption, or discontinuation of the study drug. No serious adverse events or deaths occurred during the study. Compared with 65 age-matched and treatment-matched natural history controls, all 16 participants treated with viltolarsen showed significant improvements in timed function tests from baseline, including time to stand from supine (viltolarsen: −0.19 s; control: 0.66 s), time to run/walk 10 m (viltolarsen: 0.23 m/s; control: −0.04 m/s), and 6-minute walk test (viltolarsen: 28.9 m; control: −65.3 m) at the week 25 visit. Conclusions and Relevance Systemic treatment of participants with DMD with viltolarsen induced de novo dystrophin production, and clinical improvement of timed function tests was observed. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02740972
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula R Clemens
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Vamshi K Rao
- Division of Neurology, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Anne M Connolly
- Division of Neurology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus
| | - Amy D Harper
- Children's Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond
| | - Jean K Mah
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Edward C Smith
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Craig M McDonald
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Pediatrics, UC Davis Health, University of California, Davis, Sacramento
| | - Craig M Zaidman
- Department of Neurology, Washington University at St Louis, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Lauren P Morgenroth
- Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | | | | | | | - Eric P Hoffman
- AGADA BioSciences, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State University of New York at Binghamton
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30
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Ellwood RA, Hewitt JE, Torregrossa R, Philp AM, Hardee JP, Hughes S, van de Klashorst D, Gharahdaghi N, Anupom T, Slade L, Deane CS, Cooke M, Etheridge T, Piasecki M, Antebi A, Lynch GS, Philp A, Vanapalli SA, Whiteman M, Szewczyk NJ. Mitochondrial hydrogen sulfide supplementation improves health in the C. elegans Duchenne muscular dystrophy model. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2018342118. [PMID: 33627403 PMCID: PMC7936346 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2018342118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness due to mutations in the dystrophin gene. The symptoms of DMD share similarities with those of accelerated aging. Recently, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) supplementation has been suggested to modulate the effects of age-related decline in muscle function, and metabolic H2S deficiencies have been implicated in affecting muscle mass in conditions such as phenylketonuria. We therefore evaluated the use of sodium GYY4137 (NaGYY), a H2S-releasing molecule, as a possible approach for DMD treatment. Using the dys-1(eg33) Caenorhabditis elegans DMD model, we found that NaGYY treatment (100 µM) improved movement, strength, gait, and muscle mitochondrial structure, similar to the gold-standard therapeutic treatment, prednisone (370 µM). The health improvements of either treatment required the action of the kinase JNK-1, the transcription factor SKN-1, and the NAD-dependent deacetylase SIR-2.1. The transcription factor DAF-16 was required for the health benefits of NaGYY treatment, but not prednisone treatment. AP39 (100 pM), a mitochondria-targeted H2S compound, also improved movement and strength in the dys-1(eg33) model, further implying that these improvements are mitochondria-based. Additionally, we found a decline in total sulfide and H2S-producing enzymes in dystrophin/utrophin knockout mice. Overall, our results suggest that H2S deficit may contribute to DMD pathology, and rectifying/overcoming the deficit with H2S delivery compounds has potential as a therapeutic approach to DMD treatment.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Caenorhabditis elegans/genetics
- Caenorhabditis elegans/metabolism
- Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins/genetics
- Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins/metabolism
- DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics
- DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism
- Dystrophin/deficiency
- Dystrophin/genetics
- Forkhead Transcription Factors/genetics
- Forkhead Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Humans
- Hydrogen Sulfide/metabolism
- Hydrogen Sulfide/pharmacology
- Locomotion/drug effects
- Locomotion/genetics
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred mdx
- Mitochondria, Muscle/drug effects
- Mitochondria, Muscle/metabolism
- Mitochondria, Muscle/pathology
- Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/genetics
- Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism
- Morpholines/metabolism
- Morpholines/pharmacology
- Muscle, Skeletal/drug effects
- Muscle, Skeletal/metabolism
- Muscle, Skeletal/pathology
- Muscular Dystrophy, Animal/drug therapy
- Muscular Dystrophy, Animal/genetics
- Muscular Dystrophy, Animal/metabolism
- Muscular Dystrophy, Animal/pathology
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/drug therapy
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/genetics
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/metabolism
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/pathology
- Organophosphorus Compounds/metabolism
- Organophosphorus Compounds/pharmacology
- Organothiophosphorus Compounds/metabolism
- Organothiophosphorus Compounds/pharmacology
- Prednisone/pharmacology
- Sirtuins/genetics
- Sirtuins/metabolism
- Thiones/metabolism
- Thiones/pharmacology
- Transcription Factors/genetics
- Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Utrophin/deficiency
- Utrophin/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A Ellwood
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, Royal Derby Hospital, University of Nottingham, Derby DE22 3DT, United Kingdom
- Musculoskeletal Conditions, National Institute for Health Research Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Derby DE22 3DT, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer E Hewitt
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409
- Molecular Genetics of Ageing, Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Roberta Torregrossa
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, EX1 2LU Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Ashleigh M Philp
- Mitochondrial Metabolism and Ageing, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- St. Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Justin P Hardee
- Centre for Muscle Research, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Samantha Hughes
- HAN BioCentre, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Nijmegen 6525EM, The Netherlands
| | | | - Nima Gharahdaghi
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, Royal Derby Hospital, University of Nottingham, Derby DE22 3DT, United Kingdom
- Musculoskeletal Conditions, National Institute for Health Research Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Derby DE22 3DT, United Kingdom
| | - Taslim Anupom
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409
| | - Luke Slade
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, EX1 2LU Exeter, United Kingdom
- Sport and Health Sciences, University of Exeter, EX1 2LU Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Colleen S Deane
- Sport and Health Sciences, University of Exeter, EX1 2LU Exeter, United Kingdom
- Living System Institute, University of Exeter, EX4 4QD Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Cooke
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, Royal Derby Hospital, University of Nottingham, Derby DE22 3DT, United Kingdom
- Musculoskeletal Conditions, National Institute for Health Research Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Derby DE22 3DT, United Kingdom
- Sport and Health Sciences, University of Exeter, EX1 2LU Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Timothy Etheridge
- Sport and Health Sciences, University of Exeter, EX1 2LU Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Mathew Piasecki
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, Royal Derby Hospital, University of Nottingham, Derby DE22 3DT, United Kingdom
- Musculoskeletal Conditions, National Institute for Health Research Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Derby DE22 3DT, United Kingdom
| | - Adam Antebi
- Molecular Genetics of Ageing, Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Gordon S Lynch
- Centre for Muscle Research, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Andrew Philp
- Mitochondrial Metabolism and Ageing, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- St. Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Siva A Vanapalli
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409
| | - Matthew Whiteman
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, EX1 2LU Exeter, United Kingdom;
| | - Nathaniel J Szewczyk
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, Royal Derby Hospital, University of Nottingham, Derby DE22 3DT, United Kingdom;
- Musculoskeletal Conditions, National Institute for Health Research Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Derby DE22 3DT, United Kingdom
- Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurologic Institute, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701
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31
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The lncRNA 44s2 Study Applicability to the Design of 45-55 Exon Skipping Therapeutic Strategy for DMD. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9020219. [PMID: 33672764 PMCID: PMC7924625 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9020219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In skeletal muscle, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in dystrophin protein stabilization but also in the regulation of myocytes proliferation and differentiation. Hence, they could represent promising therapeutic targets and/or biomarkers for Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy (DMD/BMD). DMD and BMD are X-linked myopathies characterized by a progressive muscular dystrophy with or without dilatative cardiomyopathy. Two-thirds of DMD gene mutations are represented by deletions, and 63% of patients carrying DMD deletions are eligible for 45 to 55 multi-exons skipping (MES), becoming BMD patients (BMDΔ45-55). We analyzed the genomic lncRNA presence in 38 BMDΔ45-55 patients and characterized the lncRNA localized in introns 44 and 55 of the DMD gene. We highlighted that all four lncRNA are differentially expressed during myogenesis in immortalized and primary human myoblasts. In addition, the lncRNA44s2 was pointed out as a possible accelerator of differentiation. Interestingly, lncRNA44s expression was associated with a favorable clinical phenotype. These findings suggest that lncRNA44s2 could be involved in muscle differentiation process and become a potential disease progression biomarker. Based on these results, we support MES45-55 therapy and propose that the design of the CRISPR/Cas9 MES45-55 assay consider the lncRNA sequences bordering the exonic 45 to 55 deletion.
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32
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Fortunato F, Rossi R, Falzarano MS, Ferlini A. Innovative Therapeutic Approaches for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10040820. [PMID: 33671409 PMCID: PMC7922390 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10040820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common childhood muscular dystrophy affecting ~1:5000 live male births. Following the identification of pathogenic variations in the dystrophin gene in 1986, the underlining genotype/phenotype correlations emerged and the role of the dystrophin protein was elucidated in skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles, as well as in the brain. When the dystrophin protein is absent or quantitatively or qualitatively modified, the muscle cannot sustain the stress of repeated contractions. Dystrophin acts as a bridging and anchoring protein between the sarcomere and the sarcolemma, and its absence or reduction leads to severe muscle damage that eventually cannot be repaired, with its ultimate substitution by connective tissue and fat. The advances of an understanding of the molecular pathways affected in DMD have led to the development of many therapeutic strategies that tackle different aspects of disease etiopathogenesis, which have recently led to the first successful approved orphan drugs for this condition. The therapeutic advances in this field have progressed exponentially, with second-generation drugs now entering in clinical trials as gene therapy, potentially providing a further effective approach to the condition.
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33
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Newborn screening of duchenne muscular dystrophy specifically targeting deletions amenable to exon-skipping therapy. Sci Rep 2021; 11:3011. [PMID: 33542429 PMCID: PMC7862591 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-82725-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a lethal progressive muscle-wasting disease. New treatment strategies relying on DMD gene exon-skipping therapy have recently been approved and about 30% of patients could be amenable to exon 51, 53 or 45 skipping. We evaluated the spectrum of deletions reported in DMD registries, and designed a method to screen newborns and identify DMD deletions amenable to exon 51, 53 and 45 skipping. We developed a multiplex qPCR assay identifying hemi(homo)-zygotic deletions of the flanking exons of these therapeutic targets in DMD exons (i.e. exons 44, 46, 50, 52 and 54). We conducted an evaluation of our new method in 51 male patients with a DMD phenotype, 50 female carriers of a DMD deletion and 19 controls. Studies were performed on dried blood spots with patient's consent. We analyzed qPCR amplification curves of controls, carriers, and DMD patients to discern the presence or the absence of the target exons. Analysis of the exons flanking the exon-skipping targets permitted the identification of patients that could benefit from exon-skipping. All samples were correctly genotyped, with either presence or absence of amplification of the target exon. This proof-of-concept study demonstrates that this new assay is a highly sensitive method to identify DMD patients carrying deletions that are rescuable by exon-skipping treatment. The method is easily scalable to population-based screening. This targeted screening approach could address the new management paradigm in DMD, and could help to optimize the beneficial therapeutic effect of DMD therapies by permitting pre-symptomatic care.
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34
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Anti-Fibrotic Effect of Human Wharton's Jelly-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Skeletal Muscle Cells, Mediated by Secretion of MMP-1. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21176269. [PMID: 32872523 PMCID: PMC7504611 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) components play an important role in maintaining skeletal muscle function, but excessive accumulation of ECM components interferes with skeletal muscle regeneration after injury, eventually inducing fibrosis. Increased oxidative stress level caused by dystrophin deficiency is a key factor in fibrosis in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are considered a promising therapeutic agent for various diseases involving fibrosis. In particular, the paracrine factors secreted by MSCs play an important role in the therapeutic effects of MSCs. In this study, we investigated the effects of MSCs on skeletal muscle fibrosis. In 2–5-month-old mdx mice intravenously injected with 1 × 105 Wharton’s jelly (WJ)-derived MSCs (WJ-MSCs), fibrosis intensity and accumulation of calcium/necrotic fibers were significantly decreased. To elucidate the mechanism of this effect, we verified the effect of WJ-MSCs in a hydrogen peroxide-induced fibrosis myotubes model. In addition, we demonstrated that matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), a paracrine factor, is critical for this anti-fibrotic effect of WJ-MSCs. These findings demonstrate that WJ-MSCs exert anti-fibrotic effects against skeletal muscle fibrosis, primarily via MMP-1, indicating a novel target for the treatment of muscle diseases, such as DMD.
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35
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Zschüntzsch J, Jouvenal PV, Zhang Y, Klinker F, Tiburcy M, Liebetanz D, Malzahn D, Brinkmeier H, Schmidt J. Long-term human IgG treatment improves heart and muscle function in a mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2020; 11:1018-1031. [PMID: 32436338 PMCID: PMC7432639 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.12569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive muscle-wasting disease caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene, which leads to structural instability of the dystrophin-glycoprotein-complex with subsequent muscle degeneration. In addition, muscle inflammation has been implicated in disease progression and therapeutically addressed with glucocorticosteroids. These have numerous adverse effects. Treatment with human immunoglobulin G (IgG) improved clinical and para-clinical parameters in the early disease phase in the well-established mdx mouse model. The aim of the present study was to confirm the efficacy of IgG in a long-term pre-clinical study in mdx mice. METHODS IgG (2 g/kg body weight) or NaCl solution as control was administered monthly over 18 months by intraperitoneal injection in mdx mice beginning at 3 weeks of age. Several clinical outcome measures including endurance, muscle strength, and echocardiography were assessed. After 18 months, the animals were sacrificed, blood was collected for analysis, and muscle samples were obtained for ex vivo muscle contraction tests, quantitative PCR, and histology. RESULTS IgG significantly improved the daily voluntary running performance (1.9 m more total daily running distance, P < 0.0001) and slowed the decrease in grip strength by 0.1 mN, (P = 0.018). IgG reduced fatigability of the diaphragm (improved ratio to maximum force by 0.09 ± 0.04, P = 0.044), but specific tetanic force remained unchanged in the ex vivo muscle contraction test. Cardiac function was significantly better after IgG, especially fractional area shortening (P = 0.012). These results were accompanied by a reduction in cardiac fibrosis and the infiltration of T cells (P = 0.0002) and macrophages (P = 0.0027). In addition, treatment with IgG resulted in a significant reduction of the infiltration of T cells (P ≤ 0.036) in the diaphragm, gastrocnemius, quadriceps, and a similar trend in tibialis anterior and macrophages (P ≤ 0.045) in gastrocnemius, quadriceps, tibialis anterior, and a similar trend in the diaphragm, as well as a decrease in myopathic changes as reflected by a reduced central nuclear index in the diaphragm, tibialis anterior, and quadriceps (P ≤ 0.002 in all). CONCLUSIONS The present study underscores the importance of an inflammatory contribution to the disease progression of DMD. The data demonstrate the long-term efficacy of IgG in the mdx mouse. IgG is well tolerated by humans and could preferentially complement gene therapy in DMD. The data call for a clinical trial with IgG in DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Zschüntzsch
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Pia Vanessa Jouvenal
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Yaxin Zhang
- Institute of Pathophysiology, University Medicine Greifswald, Karlsburg, Germany
| | - Florian Klinker
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Malte Tiburcy
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - David Liebetanz
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Dörthe Malzahn
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,mzBiostatistics, Statistical Consultancy, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Heinrich Brinkmeier
- Institute of Pathophysiology, University Medicine Greifswald, Karlsburg, Germany
| | - Jens Schmidt
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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36
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Podkalicka P, Mucha O, Bronisz-Budzyńska I, Kozakowska M, Pietraszek-Gremplewicz K, Cetnarowska A, Głowniak-Kwitek U, Bukowska-Strakova K, Cieśla M, Kulecka M, Ostrowski J, Mikuła M, Potulska-Chromik A, Kostera-Pruszczyk A, Józkowicz A, Łoboda A, Dulak J. Lack of miR-378 attenuates muscular dystrophy in mdx mice. JCI Insight 2020; 5:135576. [PMID: 32493839 PMCID: PMC7308053 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.135576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The severity of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), an incurable disease caused by the lack of dystrophin, might be modulated by different factors, including miRNAs. Among them, miR-378 is considered of high importance for muscle biology, but intriguingly, its role in DMD and its murine model (mdx mice) has not been thoroughly addressed so far. Here, we demonstrate that dystrophic mice additionally globally lacking miR-378 (double-KO [dKO] animals) exhibited better physical performance and improved absolute muscle force compared with mdx mice. Accordingly, markers of muscle damage in serum were significantly decreased in dKO mice, accompanied by diminished inflammation, fibrosis, and reduced abundance of regenerating fibers within muscles. The lack of miR-378 also normalized the aggravated fusion of dystrophin-deficient muscle satellite cells (mSCs). RNA sequencing of gastrocnemius muscle transcriptome revealed fibroblast growth factor 1 (Fgf1) as one of the most significantly downregulated genes in mice devoid of miR-378, indicating FGF1 as one of the mediators of changes driven by the lack of miR-378. In conclusion, we suggest that targeting miR-378 has the potential to ameliorate DMD pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Podkalicka
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, and
| | - Olga Mucha
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, and
| | - Iwona Bronisz-Budzyńska
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, and
| | - Magdalena Kozakowska
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, and
| | | | - Anna Cetnarowska
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, and
| | - Urszula Głowniak-Kwitek
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, and
| | - Karolina Bukowska-Strakova
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, and.,Department of Clinical Immunology and Transplantology, Institute of Pediatrics, Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Maciej Cieśla
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, and
| | - Maria Kulecka
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Clinical Oncology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jerzy Ostrowski
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Clinical Oncology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland.,Department of Genetics, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Memorial Cancer Center and Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michał Mikuła
- Department of Genetics, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Memorial Cancer Center and Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | | | - Alicja Józkowicz
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, and
| | - Agnieszka Łoboda
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, and
| | - Józef Dulak
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, and
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Sakai-Takemura F, Nogami K, Elhussieny A, Kawabata K, Maruyama Y, Hashimoto N, Takeda S, Miyagoe-Suzuki Y. Prostaglandin EP2 receptor downstream of Notch signaling inhibits differentiation of human skeletal muscle progenitors in differentiation conditions. Commun Biol 2020; 3:182. [PMID: 32313117 PMCID: PMC7171165 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-0904-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the signaling pathways that regulate proliferation and differentiation of muscle progenitors is essential for successful cell transplantation for treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Here, we report that a γ-secretase inhibitor, DAPT (N-[N-(3,5-difluorophenacetyl-L-alanyl)]-S-phenylglycine tertial butyl ester), which inhibits the release of NICD (Notch intercellular domain), promotes the fusion of human muscle progenitors in vitro and improves their engraftment in the tibialis anterior muscle of immune-deficient mice. Gene expression analysis revealed that DAPT severely down-regulates PTGER2, which encodes prostaglandin (PG) E2 receptor 2 (EP2), in human muscle progenitors in the differentiation condition. Functional analysis suggested that Notch signaling inhibits differentiation and promotes self-renewal of human muscle progenitors via PGE2/EP2 signaling in a cAMP/PKA-independent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fusako Sakai-Takemura
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ken'ichiro Nogami
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Ahmed Elhussieny
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Kota Kawabata
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yusuke Maruyama
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naohiro Hashimoto
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, National Institute for Longevity Sciences, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Aichi, Japan
| | - Shin'ichi Takeda
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuko Miyagoe-Suzuki
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan.
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Dowling P, Zweyer M, Raucamp M, Henry M, Meleady P, Swandulla D, Ohlendieck K. Proteomic and cell biological profiling of the renal phenotype of the mdx-4cv mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Eur J Cell Biol 2019; 99:151059. [PMID: 31776009 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2019.151059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The X-linked inherited muscle wasting disease Duchenne muscular dystrophy, which is caused by primary abnormalities in the membrane cytoskeletal protein dystrophin, is a multi-system disorder. Highly progressive forms of dystrophinopathy are associated with a complex secondary pathophysiology, including renal dysfunction. It was therefore of interest to carry out a systematic survey of potential proteome-wide changes in the kidney of the established mdx-4cv mouse model of dystrophinopathy. Of 5878 mass spectrometrically identified kidney proteins, 82 versus 142 proteins were shown to be decreased or increased, respectively, in association with muscular dystrophy. The most decreased versus increased protein species are the ACSM3 isoform of mitochondrial acyl-coenzyme A synthetase and the FABP1 isoform of fatty acid binding protein, respectively. Both proteomic findings were verified by immunofluorescence microscopy and immunoblot analysis. Interestingly, haematoxylin/eosin staining indicated diffuse whitish deposits in the mdx-4cv kidney, and an increased intensity of Sudan Black labelling of kidney cells revealed ectopic fat deposition. Although the proteomic results and cell biological findings do not demonstrate a direct functional link between increased FABP1 and fat accumulation, the results suggest that the up-regulation of FABP1 may be related to abnormal fat metabolism. This makes FABP1 potentially a novel pathobiochemical indicator for studying kidney abnormalities in the mdx-4cv model of dystrophinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Dowling
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, National University of Ireland, Maynooth W23F2H6, Co. Kildare, Ireland; Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, Maynooth W23F2H6, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - Margit Zweyer
- Institute of Physiology II, University of Bonn, D53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Maren Raucamp
- Institute of Physiology II, University of Bonn, D53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Michael Henry
- National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Paula Meleady
- National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Dieter Swandulla
- Institute of Physiology II, University of Bonn, D53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Kay Ohlendieck
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, National University of Ireland, Maynooth W23F2H6, Co. Kildare, Ireland; Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, Maynooth W23F2H6, Co. Kildare, Ireland.
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39
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Glaubitz S, Schmidt K, Zschüntzsch J, Schmidt J. Myalgia in myositis and myopathies. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 2019; 33:101433. [PMID: 31590993 DOI: 10.1016/j.berh.2019.101433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Myalgia is a common symptom of various neuromuscular disorders: myalgia occurs in metabolic muscle diseases, inflammatory muscle diseases, dystrophic myopathies and myotonic muscle disorders. Myalgia leads to a significantly reduced quality of life. Other muscular symptoms that are present along with myalgia often provide the clue towards a diagnosis and include weakness, cramps and myotonia as well as the type of pain. In addition, extramuscular symptoms like an erythema in dermatomyositis can lead to the correct diagnosis. Basic diagnostic workup includes a detailed medical history, full neurologic assessment, laboratory tests, EMG and nerve conduction studies. Muscle imaging, genetic testing and muscle biopsy may be required to make a diagnosis. Whenever possible, treatment should aim to improve or correct the underlying cause for myalgia such as inflammation or hypothyroidism. Symptomatic therapy includes different avenues: Myotonia can be treated with mexiletine. Carbamazepine or phenytoin can be used in myotonic syndromes, particularly with muscle cramps. Pregabalin, gabapentin, or amitriptyline can be tried in conditions with myalgic pain. This review summarizes the symptoms, diagnostic strategies, and therapeutic approach in neuromuscular disorders that present with myalgia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Glaubitz
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Germany
| | - Karsten Schmidt
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jana Zschüntzsch
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jens Schmidt
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Germany.
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Harish P, Malerba A, Lu-Nguyen N, Forrest L, Cappellari O, Roth F, Trollet C, Popplewell L, Dickson G. Inhibition of myostatin improves muscle atrophy in oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD). J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2019; 10:1016-1026. [PMID: 31066242 PMCID: PMC6818462 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.12438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD) is a late-onset muscle disease affecting one per 80 000 of the general population characterized by profound dysphagia and ptosis, and limb weakness at later stages. Affected muscles are characterized by increased fibrosis and atrophy. Myostatin is a negative regulator of muscle mass, and inhibition of myostatin has been demonstrated to ameliorate symptoms in dystrophic muscles. METHODS In this study, we performed a systemic delivery of a monoclonal antibody to immunologically block myostatin in the A17 mouse model of OPMD. The mice were administered a weekly dose of 10 mg/kg RK35 intraperitonially for 10 weeks, following which histological analyses were performed on the samples. RESULTS This treatment significantly (P < 0.01) improved body mass (11%) and muscle mass (for the tibialis anterior and extensor digitorum longus by 19% and 41%) in the A17 mice treated with RK35 when compared to saline controls. Similarly, a significantly (P < 0.01) increased muscle strength (18% increase in maximal tetanic force) and myofibre diameter (17% and 44% for the tibialis anterior and extensor digitorum longus), and reduced expression of markers of muscle fibrosis (40% reduction in area of expression), was also observed. No change in the density of intranuclear inclusions (a hallmark of disease progression of OPMD) was however observed. CONCLUSIONS Our study supports the clinical translation of such antibody-mediated inhibition of myostatin as a treatment of OPMD. This strategy has implications to be used as adjuvant therapies with gene therapy based approaches, or to stabilize the muscle prior to myoblast transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradeep Harish
- Centres of Gene and Cell Therapy and Biomedical Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway-University of London, Surrey, UK
| | - Alberto Malerba
- Centres of Gene and Cell Therapy and Biomedical Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway-University of London, Surrey, UK
| | - Ngoc Lu-Nguyen
- Centres of Gene and Cell Therapy and Biomedical Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway-University of London, Surrey, UK
| | - Leysa Forrest
- Centres of Gene and Cell Therapy and Biomedical Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway-University of London, Surrey, UK
| | | | - Fanny Roth
- Association Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie UMRS974, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Paris, France
| | - Capucine Trollet
- Association Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie UMRS974, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Paris, France
| | - Linda Popplewell
- Centres of Gene and Cell Therapy and Biomedical Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway-University of London, Surrey, UK
| | - George Dickson
- Centres of Gene and Cell Therapy and Biomedical Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway-University of London, Surrey, UK
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Guiraud S, Edwards B, Babbs A, Squire SE, Berg A, Moir L, Wood MJ, Davies KE. The potential of utrophin and dystrophin combination therapies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 28:2189-2200. [PMID: 30990876 PMCID: PMC6586144 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddz049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a lethal neuromuscular disorder caused by loss of dystrophin. Several therapeutic modalities are currently in clinical trials but none will achieve maximum functional rescue and full disease correction. Therefore, we explored the potential of combining the benefits of dystrophin with increases of utrophin, an autosomal paralogue of dystrophin. Utrophin and dystrophin can be co-expressed and co-localized at the same muscle membrane. Wild-type (wt) levels of dystrophin are not significantly affected by a moderate increase of utrophin whereas higher levels of utrophin reduce wt dystrophin, suggesting a finite number of actin binding sites at the sarcolemma. Thus, utrophin upregulation strategies may be applied to the more mildly affected Becker patients with lower dystrophin levels. Whereas increased dystrophin in wt animals does not offer functional improvement, overexpression of utrophin in wt mice results in a significant supra-functional benefit over wt. These findings highlight an additive benefit of the combined therapy and potential new unique roles of utrophin. Finally, we show a 30% restoration of wt dystrophin levels, using exon-skipping, together with increased utrophin levels restores dystrophic muscle function to wt levels offering greater therapeutic benefit than either single approach alone. Thus, this combination therapy results in additive functional benefit and paves the way for potential future combinations of dystrophin- and utrophin-based strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Guiraud
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Oxford, UK
| | - Benjamin Edwards
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Oxford, UK
| | - Arran Babbs
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Oxford, UK
| | - Sarah E Squire
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Oxford, UK
| | - Adam Berg
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Oxford, UK
| | - Lee Moir
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Oxford, UK
| | - Matthew J Wood
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Oxford, UK
| | - Kay E Davies
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Oxford, UK
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42
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Von den Hoff JW, Carvajal Monroy PL, Ongkosuwito EM, van Kuppevelt TH, Daamen WF. Muscle fibrosis in the soft palate: Delivery of cells, growth factors and anti-fibrotics. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2019; 146:60-76. [PMID: 30107211 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2018.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The healing of skeletal muscle injuries after major trauma or surgical reconstruction is often complicated by the development of fibrosis leading to impaired function. Research in the field of muscle regeneration is mainly focused on the restoration of muscle mass while far less attention is paid to the prevention of fibrosis. In this review, we take as an example the reconstruction of the muscles in the soft palate of cleft palate patients. After surgical closure of the soft palate, muscle function during speech is often impaired by a shortage of muscle tissue as well as the development of fibrosis. We will give a short overview of the most common approaches to generate muscle mass and then focus on strategies to prevent fibrosis. These include anti-fibrotic strategies that have been developed for muscle and other organs by the delivery of small molecules, decorin and miRNAs. Anti-fibrotic compounds should be delivered in aligned constructs in order to obtain the organized architecture of muscle tissue. The available techniques for the preparation of aligned muscle constructs will be discussed. The combination of approaches to generate muscle mass with anti-fibrotic components in an aligned muscle construct may greatly improve the functional outcome of regenerative therapies for muscle injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes W Von den Hoff
- Department of Orthodontics and Craniofacial Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9101, 6500HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Paola L Carvajal Monroy
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Special Dental Care and Orthodontics, Erasmus Medical Center, P.O. Box 2060, 3000CB Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Edwin M Ongkosuwito
- Department of Orthodontics and Craniofacial Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9101, 6500HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Toin H van Kuppevelt
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9101, 6500HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Willeke F Daamen
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9101, 6500HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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Zhang P, He J, Wang F, Gong J, Wang L, Wu Q, Li W, Liu H, Wang J, Zhang K, Li M, Huang X, Pu C, Li Y, Jiang F, Wang F, Min J, Chen X. Hemojuvelin is a novel suppressor for Duchenne muscular dystrophy and age-related muscle wasting. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2019; 10:557-573. [PMID: 30884219 PMCID: PMC6596404 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.12414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 01/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Muscle wasting occurs in response to various physiological and pathological conditions, including ageing and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) contributes to muscle pathogenesis in elderly people and DMD patients; inhibition of TGF-β1 signalling is a promising therapeutic strategy for muscle-wasting disorders. Hemojuvelin (HJV or Hjv as the murine homologue) is a membrane-bound protein that is highly expressed in skeletal muscle, heart, and liver. In hepatic cells, Hjv acts as a coreceptor for bone morphogenetic protein, a TGF-β subfamily member. The aim of this study was to investigate whether Hjv plays an essential role in muscle physiological and pathophysiological processes by acting as a coreceptor for TGF-β1 signalling. METHODS Conventional and conditional Hjv knockout mice as well as mdx and aged mice transfected with Hjv overexpression vector were used to study the role of Hjv in muscle physiology and pathophysiology. qRT-PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry examinations were conducted to evaluate gene, protein, and structural changes in vivo and in vitro. Exercise endurance was determined using treadmill running test, and muscle force was detected by an isometric transducer. RNA interference, immunoprecipitation, and dual-luciferase reporter assays were utilized to explore the mechanism by which Hjv regulates TGF-β1 signalling in skeletal muscle. RESULTS Conventional and conditional Hjv knockout mice displayed muscle atrophy, fibrosis, reduced running endurance, and muscle force. HJV was significantly down-regulated in the muscles of DMD patients (n = 3, mean age: 11.7 ± 5.7 years) and mdx mice as well as in those of aged humans (n = 10, 20% women, mean age: 75.1 ± 9.5 years) and mice. Overexpression of Hjv rescued dystrophic and age-related muscle wasting. Unlike its function in hepatic cells, the bone morphogenetic protein downstream phosphorylated p-Smad1/5/8 signalling pathway was unchanged, but TGF-β1, TGF-β receptor II (TβRII), and p-Smad2/3 expression were increased in Hjv-deficient muscles. Mechanistically, loss of Hjv promoted activation of Smad3 signalling induced by TGF-β1, whereas Hjv overexpression inhibited TGF-β1/Smad3 signalling by directly interacting with TβRII on the muscle membrane. CONCLUSIONS Our findings identify an unrecognized role of HJV in skeletal muscle by regulating TGF-β1/Smad3 signalling as a coreceptor for TβRII. Unlike the TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway, HJV could be a reliable drug target as its expression is not widespread. Novel therapeutic strategies could potentially be devised to interfere only with the muscle function of HJV to treat DMD and age-related muscle wasting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Jian He
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Human Factors Engineering, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Wu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenjiong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Hongju Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Human Factors Engineering, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Kunshan Zhang
- Stem Cell Translational Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mao Li
- Department of Neurology, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xusheng Huang
- Department of Neurology, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chuanqiang Pu
- Department of Neurology, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Li
- No. 454 Hospital of People's Liberation Army, Nanjing, China
| | - Fengjie Jiang
- No. 454 Hospital of People's Liberation Army, Nanjing, China
| | - Fudi Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junxia Min
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoping Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China.,National Key Laboratory of Human Factors Engineering, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
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Piga D, Salani S, Magri F, Brusa R, Mauri E, Comi GP, Bresolin N, Corti S. Human induced pluripotent stem cell models for the study and treatment of Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2019; 12:1756286419833478. [PMID: 31105767 PMCID: PMC6501480 DOI: 10.1177/1756286419833478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies are the most common muscle diseases and are both currently incurable. They are caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene, which lead to the absence or reduction/truncation of the encoded protein, with progressive muscle degeneration that clinically manifests in muscle weakness, cardiac and respiratory involvement and early death. The limits of animal models to exactly reproduce human muscle disease and to predict clinically relevant treatment effects has prompted the development of more accurate in vitro skeletal muscle models. However, the challenge of effectively obtaining mature skeletal muscle cells or satellite stem cells as primary cultures has hampered the development of in vitro models. Here, we discuss the recently developed technologies that enable the differentiation of skeletal muscle from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) of Duchenne and Becker patients. These systems recapitulate key disease features including inflammation and scarce regenerative myogenic capacity that are partially rescued by genetic and pharmacological therapies and can provide a useful platform to study and realize future therapeutic treatments. Implementation of this model also takes advantage of the developing genome editing field, which is a promising approach not only for correcting dystrophin, but also for modulating the underlying mechanisms of skeletal muscle development, regeneration and disease. These data prove the possibility of creating an accurate Duchenne and Becker in vitro model starting from iPSCs, to be used for pathogenetic studies and for drug screening to identify strategies capable of stopping or reversing muscular dystrophinopathies and other muscle diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Piga
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Sabrina Salani
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Magri
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Brusa
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Eleonora Mauri
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giacomo P. Comi
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Nereo Bresolin
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Corti
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122, Milan, Italy
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Moyle LA, Tedesco FS, Benedetti S. Pericytes in Muscular Dystrophies. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1147:319-344. [PMID: 31147885 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-16908-4_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The muscular dystrophies are an heterogeneous group of inherited myopathies characterised by the progressive wasting of skeletal muscle tissue. Pericytes have been shown to make muscle in vitro and to contribute to skeletal muscle regeneration in several animal models, although recent data has shown this to be controversial. In fact, some pericyte subpopulations have been shown to contribute to fibrosis and adipose deposition in muscle. In this chapter, we explore the identity and the multifaceted role of pericytes in dystrophic muscle, potential therapeutic applications and the current need to overcome the hurdles of characterisation (both to identify pericyte subpopulations and track cell fate), to prevent deleterious differentiation towards myogenic-inhibiting subpopulations, and to improve cell proliferation and engraftment efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Anne Moyle
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Francesco Saverio Tedesco
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK.
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Sara Benedetti
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK.
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The current knowledge of pathophysiological and molecular mechanisms responsible for the genesis and development of heart failure (HF) is absolutely vast. Nonetheless, the hiatus between experimental findings and therapeutic options remains too deep, while the available pharmacological treatments are mostly seasoned and display limited efficacy. The necessity to identify new, non-pharmacological strategies to target molecular alterations led investigators, already many years ago, to propose gene therapy for HF. Here, we will review some of the strategies proposed over the past years to target major pathogenic mechanisms/factors responsible for severe cardiac injury developing into HF and will provide arguments in favor of the necessity to keep alive research on this topic. RECENT FINDINGS After decades of preclinical research and phases of enthusiasm and disappointment, clinical trials were finally launched in recent years. The first one to reach phase II and testing gene delivery of sarcoendoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase did not yield encouraging results; however, other trials are ongoing, more efficient viral vectors are being developed, and promising new potential targets have been identified. For instance, recent research is focused on gene repair, in vivo, to treat heritable forms of HF, while strong experimental evidence indicates that specific microRNAs can be delivered to post-ischemic hearts to induce regeneration, a result that was previously thought possible only by using stem cell therapy. Gene therapy for HF is aging, but exciting perspectives are still very open.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khatia Gabisonia
- Institute of Life Sciences, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Piazza Martiri della Liberta` 33, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - Fabio A Recchia
- Institute of Life Sciences, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Piazza Martiri della Liberta` 33, 56127, Pisa, Italy.
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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47
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At the Crossroads of Clinical and Preclinical Research for Muscular Dystrophy-Are We Closer to Effective Treatment for Patients? Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19051490. [PMID: 29772730 PMCID: PMC5983724 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19051490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Revised: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Among diseases affecting skeletal muscle, muscular dystrophy is one of the most devastating and complex disorders. The term ‘muscular dystrophy’ refers to a heterogeneous group of genetic diseases associated with a primary muscle defect that leads to progressive muscle wasting and consequent loss of muscle function. Muscular dystrophies are accompanied by numerous clinical complications and abnormalities in other tissues that cause extreme discomfort in everyday life. The fact that muscular dystrophy often takes its toll on babies and small children, and that many patients die at a young age, adds to the cruel character of the disease. Clinicians all over the world are facing the same problem: they have no therapy to offer except for symptom-relieving interventions. Patients, their families, but also clinicians, are in urgent need of an effective cure. Despite advances in genetics, increased understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying muscle disease, despite a sweeping range of successful preclinical strategies and relative progress of their implementation in the clinic, therapy for patients is currently out of reach. Only a greater comprehension of disease mechanisms, new preclinical studies, development of novel technologies, and tight collaboration between scientists and physicians can help improve clinical treatment. Fortunately, inventiveness in research is rapidly extending the limits and setting new standards for treatment design. This review provides a synopsis of muscular dystrophy and considers the steps of preclinical and clinical research that are taking the muscular dystrophy community towards the fundamental goal of combating the traumatic disease.
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