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Kodippili K, Hakim CH, Burke MJ, Yue Y, Teixeira JA, Zhang K, Yao G, Babu GJ, Herzog RW, Duan D. SERCA2a overexpression improves muscle function in a canine Duchenne muscular dystrophy model. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2024; 32:101268. [PMID: 38911286 PMCID: PMC11190715 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2024.101268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Excessive cytosolic calcium accumulation contributes to muscle degeneration in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Sarco/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA) is a sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) calcium pump that actively transports calcium from the cytosol into the SR. We previously showed that adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated SERCA2a therapy reduced cytosolic calcium overload and improved muscle and heart function in the murine DMD model. Here, we tested whether AAV SERCA2a therapy could ameliorate muscle disease in the canine DMD model. 7.83 × 1013 vector genome particles of the AAV vector were injected into the extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) muscles of four juvenile affected dogs. Contralateral ECU muscles received excipient. Three months later, we observed widespread transgene expression and significantly increased SERCA2a levels in the AAV-injected muscles. Treatment improved SR calcium uptake, significantly reduced calpain activity, significantly improved contractile kinetics, and significantly enhanced resistance to eccentric contraction-induced force loss. Nonetheless, muscle histology was not improved. To evaluate the safety of AAV SERCA2a therapy, we delivered the vector to the ECU muscle of adult normal dogs. We achieved strong transgene expression without altering muscle histology and function. Our results suggest that AAV SERCA2a therapy has the potential to improve muscle performance in a dystrophic large mammal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasun Kodippili
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Chady H. Hakim
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Matthew J. Burke
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Yongping Yue
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - James A. Teixeira
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Keqing Zhang
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Gang Yao
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Gopal J. Babu
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Roland W. Herzog
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Dongsheng Duan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
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2
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Riddell DO, Hildyard JCW, Harron RCM, Taylor-Brown F, Kornegay JN, Wells DJ, Piercy RJ. Longitudinal assessment of skeletal muscle functional mechanics in the DE50-MD dog model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Dis Model Mech 2023; 16:dmm050395. [PMID: 38050706 PMCID: PMC10753191 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), caused by mutations in the dystrophin (DMD) gene, is associated with fatal muscle degeneration and atrophy. Patients with DMD have progressive reductions in skeletal muscle strength and resistance to eccentric muscle stretch. Using the DE50-MD dog model of DMD, we assessed tibiotarsal joint (TTJ) flexor and extensor force dynamics, and the resistance of dystrophic muscle to eccentric stretch. Male DE50-MD and wild-type (WT) dogs were analysed every 3 months until 18 months of age. There was an age-associated decline in eccentric contraction resistance in DE50-MD TTJ flexors that discriminated, with high statistical power, WT from DE50-MD individuals. For isometric contraction, at the majority of timepoints, DE50-MD dogs had lower maximum absolute and relative TTJ flexor force, reduced TTJ muscle contraction times and prolonged relaxation compared to those in WT dogs. Cranial tibial muscles, the primary TTJ flexor, of 18-month-old DE50-MD dogs had significant numbers of regenerating fibres as expected, but also fewer type I fibres and more hybrid fibres than those in WT dogs. We conclude that these parameters, in particular, the eccentric contraction decrement, could be used as objective outcome measures for pre-clinical assessment in DE50-MD dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique O. Riddell
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London NW10TU, UK
| | - John C. W. Hildyard
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London NW10TU, UK
| | - Rachel C. M. Harron
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London NW10TU, UK
| | - Frances Taylor-Brown
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London NW10TU, UK
| | - Joe N. Kornegay
- Texas A&M University, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Dominic J. Wells
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London NW10TU, UK
| | - Richard J. Piercy
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London NW10TU, UK
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3
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Mareedu S, Million ED, Duan D, Babu GJ. Abnormal Calcium Handling in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: Mechanisms and Potential Therapies. Front Physiol 2021; 12:647010. [PMID: 33897454 PMCID: PMC8063049 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.647010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked muscle-wasting disease caused by the loss of dystrophin. DMD is associated with muscle degeneration, necrosis, inflammation, fatty replacement, and fibrosis, resulting in muscle weakness, respiratory and cardiac failure, and premature death. There is no curative treatment. Investigations on disease-causing mechanisms offer an opportunity to identify new therapeutic targets to treat DMD. An abnormal elevation of the intracellular calcium (Cai2+) concentration in the dystrophin-deficient muscle is a major secondary event, which contributes to disease progression in DMD. Emerging studies have suggested that targeting Ca2+-handling proteins and/or mechanisms could be a promising therapeutic strategy for DMD. Here, we provide an updated overview of the mechanistic roles the sarcolemma, sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondria play in the abnormal and sustained elevation of Cai2+ levels and their involvement in DMD pathogenesis. We also discuss current approaches aimed at restoring Ca2+ homeostasis as potential therapies for DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satvik Mareedu
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Emily D Million
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Dongsheng Duan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Department of Biomedical, Biological & Chemical Engineering, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Gopal J Babu
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, United States
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Moore TM, Lin AJ, Strumwasser AR, Cory K, Whitney K, Ho T, Ho T, Lee JL, Rucker DH, Nguyen CQ, Yackly A, Mahata SK, Wanagat J, Stiles L, Turcotte LP, Crosbie RH, Zhou Z. Mitochondrial Dysfunction Is an Early Consequence of Partial or Complete Dystrophin Loss in mdx Mice. Front Physiol 2020; 11:690. [PMID: 32636760 PMCID: PMC7317021 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is characterized by rapid wasting of skeletal muscle. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a well-known pathological feature of DMD. However, whether mitochondrial dysfunction occurs before muscle fiber damage in DMD pathology is not well known. Furthermore, the impact upon heterozygous female mdx carriers (mdx/+), who display dystrophin mosaicism, has received little attention. We hypothesized that dystrophin deletion leads to mitochondrial dysfunction, and that this may occur before myofiber necrosis. As a secondary complication to mitochondrial dysfunction, we also hypothesized metabolic abnormalities prior to the onset of muscle damage. In this study, we detected aberrant mitochondrial morphology, reduced cristae number, and large mitochondrial vacuoles from both male and female mdx mice prior to the onset of muscle damage. Furthermore, we systematically characterized mitochondria during disease progression starting before the onset of muscle damage, noting additional changes in mitochondrial DNA copy number and regulators of mitochondrial size. We further detected mild metabolic and mitochondrial impairments in female mdx carrier mice that were exacerbated with high-fat diet feeding. Lastly, inhibition of the strong autophagic program observed in adolescent mdx male mice via administration of the autophagy inhibitor leupeptin did not improve skeletal muscle pathology. These results are in line with previous data and suggest that before the onset of myofiber necrosis, mitochondrial and metabolic abnormalities are present within the mdx mouse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy M. Moore
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dana & David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Amanda J. Lin
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Alexander R. Strumwasser
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Kevin Cory
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Kate Whitney
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Theodore Ho
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Timothy Ho
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Joseph L. Lee
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Daniel H. Rucker
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Christina Q. Nguyen
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Aidan Yackly
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Sushil K. Mahata
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Jonathan Wanagat
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Linsey Stiles
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Lorraine P. Turcotte
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dana & David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Rachelle H. Crosbie
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Zhenqi Zhou
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Story BD, Miller ME, Bradbury AM, Million ED, Duan D, Taghian T, Faissler D, Fernau D, Beecy SJ, Gray-Edwards HL. Canine Models of Inherited Musculoskeletal and Neurodegenerative Diseases. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:80. [PMID: 32219101 PMCID: PMC7078110 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mouse models of human disease remain the bread and butter of modern biology and therapeutic discovery. Nonetheless, more often than not mouse models do not reproduce the pathophysiology of the human conditions they are designed to mimic. Naturally occurring large animal models have predominantly been found in companion animals or livestock because of their emotional or economic value to modern society and, unlike mice, often recapitulate the human disease state. In particular, numerous models have been discovered in dogs and have a fundamental role in bridging proof of concept studies in mice to human clinical trials. The present article is a review that highlights current canine models of human diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, degenerative myelopathy, neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, globoid cell leukodystrophy, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, mucopolysaccharidosis, and fucosidosis. The goal of the review is to discuss canine and human neurodegenerative pathophysiologic similarities, introduce the animal models, and shed light on the ability of canine models to facilitate current and future treatment trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett D. Story
- Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, AL, United States
- University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Matthew E. Miller
- Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Allison M. Bradbury
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Emily D. Million
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Dongsheng Duan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Department of Biomedical, Biological and Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Toloo Taghian
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Dominik Faissler
- Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, North Grafton, MA, United States
| | - Deborah Fernau
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Sidney J. Beecy
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
- Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, North Grafton, MA, United States
| | - Heather L. Gray-Edwards
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
- Department of Radiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
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6
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Disease-specific and glucocorticoid-responsive serum biomarkers for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Sci Rep 2019; 9:12167. [PMID: 31434957 PMCID: PMC6704115 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-48548-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Extensive biomarker discoveries for DMD have occurred in the past 7 years, and a vast array of these biomarkers were confirmed in independent cohorts and across different laboratories. In these previous studies, glucocorticoids and age were two major confounding variables. In this new study, using SomaScan technology and focusing on a subset of young DMD patients who were not yet treated with glucocorticoids, we identified 108 elevated and 70 decreased proteins in DMD relative to age matched healthy controls (p value < 0.05 after adjusting for multiple testing). The majority of the elevated proteins were muscle centric followed by cell adhesion, extracellular matrix proteins and a few pro-inflammatory proteins. The majority of decreased proteins were of cell adhesion, however, some had to do with cell differentiation and growth factors. Subsequent treatment of this group of DMD patients with glucocorticoids affected two major groups of pharmacodynamic biomarkers. The first group consisted of 80 serum proteins that were not associated with DMD and either decreased or increased following treatment with glucocorticoids, and therefore were reflective of a broader effect of glucocorticoids. The second group consisted of 17 serum proteins that were associated with DMD and these tended to normalize under treatment, thus reflecting physiologic effects of glucocorticoid treatment in DMD. In summary, we have identified a variety of circulating protein biomarkers that reflect the complex nature of DMD pathogenesis and response to glucocorticoids.
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Qaisar R, Bhaskaran S, Premkumar P, Ranjit R, Natarajan KS, Ahn B, Riddle K, Claflin DR, Richardson A, Brooks SV, Van Remmen H. Oxidative stress-induced dysregulation of excitation-contraction coupling contributes to muscle weakness. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2018; 9:1003-1017. [PMID: 30073804 PMCID: PMC6204588 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.12339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We have previously shown that the deletion of the superoxide scavenger, CuZn superoxide dismutase, in mice (Sod1-/- mice) results in increased oxidative stress and an accelerated loss of skeletal muscle mass and force that mirror the changes seen in old control mice. The goal of this study is to define the effect of oxidative stress and ageing on muscle weakness and the Excitation Contraction (EC) coupling machinery in age-matched adult (8-10 months) wild-type (WT) and Sod1-/- mice in comparison with old (25-28 months) WT mice. METHODS In vitro contractile assays were used to measure muscle contractile parameters. The activity of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA) pump was measured using an NADH-linked enzyme assay. Immunoblotting and immunofluorescence techniques were used to measure protein expression, and real-time reverse transcription PCR was used to measure gene expression. RESULTS The specific force generated by the extensor digitorum longus muscle was reduced in the Sod1-/- and old WT mice compared with young WT mice along with significant prolongation of time to peak force, increased half relaxation time, and disruption of intracellular calcium handling. The maximal activity of the SERCA calcium uptake pump was significantly reduced in gastrocnemius muscle from both old WT (≈14%) and adult Sod1-/- (≈33%) mice compared with young WT mice along with increased expression of sarcolipin, a known inhibitor of SERCA activity. Protein levels of the voltage sensor and calcium uptake channel proteins dihydropyridine receptor α1 and SERCA2 were significantly elevated (≈45% and ≈57%, respectively), while the ratio of calstabin, a channel stabilizing protein, to ryanodine receptor was significantly reduced (≈21%) in Sod1-/- mice compared with young WT mice. The changes in calcium handling were accompanied by substantially elevated levels of global protein carbonylation and lipid peroxidation. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that the muscle weakness in Sod1-/- and old WT mice is in part driven by reactive oxygen species-mediated EC uncoupling and supports a role for reduced SERCA pump activity in compromised muscle function. The novel quantitative mechanistic data provided here can lead to potential therapeutic interventions of SERCA dysfunction for sarcopenia and muscle diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rizwan Qaisar
- Aging and Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Shylesh Bhaskaran
- Aging and Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Pavithra Premkumar
- Aging and Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Rojina Ranjit
- Aging and Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | | | - Bumsoo Ahn
- Aging and Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Kaitlyn Riddle
- Aging and Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Dennis R Claflin
- Department of Surgery, Section of Plastic Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Arlan Richardson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Oklahoma City VA Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.,Department of Geriatric Medicine and the Reynolds Oklahoma Center of Aging, Oklahoma University Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Susan V Brooks
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Holly Van Remmen
- Aging and Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.,Oklahoma City VA Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
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Moving towards successful exon-skipping therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. J Hum Genet 2017; 62:871-876. [DOI: 10.1038/jhg.2017.57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Revised: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 05/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked disease caused by mutations in the DMD gene and loss of the protein dystrophin. The absence of dystrophin 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. Despite extensive attempts to develop definitive therapies for DMD, the standard of care remains prednisone, which has only palliative benefits. Animal models, mainly the mdx mouse and golden retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD) dog, have played a key role in studies of DMD pathogenesis and treatment development. Because the GRMD clinical syndrome is more severe than in mice, better aligning with the progressive course of DMD, canine studies may translate better to humans. The original founder dog for all GRMD colonies worldwide was identified in the early 1980s before the discovery of the DMD gene and dystrophin. Accordingly, analogies to DMD were initially drawn based on similar clinical features, ranging from the X-linked pattern of inheritance to overlapping histopathologic lesions. Confirmation of genetic homology between DMD and GRMD came with identification of the underlying GRMD mutation, a single nucleotide change that leads to exon skipping and an out-of-frame DMD transcript. GRMD colonies have subsequently been established to conduct pathogenetic and preclinical treatment studies. Simultaneous with the onset of GRMD treatment trials, phenotypic biomarkers were developed, allowing definitive characterization of treatment effect. Importantly, GRMD studies have not always substantiated findings from mdx mice and have sometimes identified serious treatment side effects. While the GRMD model may be more clinically relevant than the mdx mouse, usage has been limited by practical considerations related to expense and the number of dogs available. This further complicates ongoing broader concerns about the poor rate of translation of animal model preclinical studies to humans with analogous diseases. Accordingly, in performing GRMD trials, special attention must be paid to experimental design to align with the approach used in DMD clinical trials. This review provides context for the GRMD model, beginning with its original description and extending to its use in preclinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe N Kornegay
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, Mail Stop 4458, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA.
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10
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Ono Y, Saido TC, Sorimachi H. Calpain research for drug discovery: challenges and potential. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2016; 15:854-876. [PMID: 27833121 DOI: 10.1038/nrd.2016.212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 186] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Calpains are a family of proteases that were scientifically recognized earlier than proteasomes and caspases, but remain enigmatic. However, they are known to participate in a multitude of physiological and pathological processes, performing 'limited proteolysis' whereby they do not destroy but rather modulate the functions of their substrates. Calpains are therefore referred to as 'modulator proteases'. Multidisciplinary research on calpains has begun to elucidate their involvement in pathophysiological mechanisms. Therapeutic strategies targeting malfunctions of calpains have been developed, driven primarily by improvements in the specificity and bioavailability of calpain inhibitors. Here, we review the calpain superfamily and calpain-related disorders, and discuss emerging calpain-targeted therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuko Ono
- Calpain Project, Department of Advanced Science for Biomolecules, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science (IGAKUKEN), 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
| | - Takaomi C Saido
- Laboratory for Proteolytic Neuroscience, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Sorimachi
- Calpain Project, Department of Advanced Science for Biomolecules, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science (IGAKUKEN), 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
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11
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Brinkmeyer-Langford C, Balog-Alvarez C, Cai JJ, Davis BW, Kornegay JN. Genome-wide association study to identify potential genetic modifiers in a canine model for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. BMC Genomics 2016; 17:665. [PMID: 27549615 PMCID: PMC4994242 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-016-2948-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2015] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) causes progressive muscle degeneration, cardiomyopathy and respiratory failure in approximately 1/5,000 boys. Golden Retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD) resembles DMD both clinically and pathologically. Like DMD, GRMD exhibits remarkable phenotypic variation among affected dogs, suggesting the influence of modifiers. Understanding the role(s) of genetic modifiers of GRMD may identify genes and pathways that also modify phenotypes in DMD and reveal novel therapies. Therefore, our objective in this study was to identify genetic modifiers that affect discrete GRMD phenotypes. Results We performed a linear mixed-model (LMM) analysis using 16 variably-affected dogs from our GRMD colony (8 dystrophic, 8 non-dystrophic). All of these dogs were either full or half-siblings, and phenotyped for 19 objective, quantitative biomarkers at ages 6 and 12 months. Each biomarker was individually assessed. Gene expression profiles of 59 possible candidate genes were generated for two muscle types: the cranial tibialis and medial head of the gastrocnemius. SNPs significantly associated with GRMD biomarkers were identified on multiple chromosomes (including the X chromosome). Gene expression levels for candidate genes located near these SNPs correlated with biomarker values, suggesting possible roles as GRMD modifiers. Conclusions The results of this study enhance our understanding of GRMD pathology and represent a first step toward the characterization of GRMD modifiers that may be relevant to DMD pathology. Such modifiers are likely to be useful for DMD treatment development based on their relationships to GRMD phenotypes. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-016-2948-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cynthia Balog-Alvarez
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - James J Cai
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Brian W Davis
- Cancer Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Joe N Kornegay
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
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Kornegay JN, Spurney CF, Nghiem PP, Brinkmeyer-Langford CL, Hoffman EP, Nagaraju K. Pharmacologic management of Duchenne muscular dystrophy: target identification and preclinical trials. ILAR J 2015; 55:119-49. [PMID: 24936034 DOI: 10.1093/ilar/ilu011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked human disorder in which absence of the protein dystrophin causes degeneration of skeletal and cardiac muscle. For the sake of treatment development, over and above definitive genetic and cell-based therapies, there is considerable interest in drugs that target downstream disease mechanisms. Drug candidates have typically been chosen based on the nature of pathologic lesions and presumed underlying mechanisms and then tested in animal models. Mammalian dystrophinopathies have been characterized in mice (mdx mouse) and dogs (golden retriever muscular dystrophy [GRMD]). Despite promising results in the mdx mouse, some therapies have not shown efficacy in DMD. Although the GRMD model offers a higher hurdle for translation, dogs have primarily been used to test genetic and cellular therapies where there is greater risk. Failed translation of animal studies to DMD raises questions about the propriety of methods and models used to identify drug targets and test efficacy of pharmacologic intervention. The mdx mouse and GRMD dog are genetically homologous to DMD but not necessarily analogous. Subcellular species differences are undoubtedly magnified at the whole-body level in clinical trials. This problem is compounded by disparate cultures in clinical trials and preclinical studies, pointing to a need for greater rigor and transparency in animal experiments. Molecular assays such as mRNA arrays and genome-wide association studies allow identification of genetic drug targets more closely tied to disease pathogenesis. Genes in which polymorphisms have been directly linked to DMD disease progression, as with osteopontin, are particularly attractive targets.
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Mázala DAG, Grange RW, Chin ER. The role of proteases in excitation-contraction coupling failure in muscular dystrophy. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2014; 308:C33-40. [PMID: 25298424 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00267.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is one of the most frequent types of muscular dystrophy. Alterations in intracellular calcium (Ca(2+)) handling are thought to contribute to the disease severity in DMD, possibly due to the activation of Ca(2+)-activated proteases. The purpose of this study was twofold: 1) to determine whether prolonged excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling disruption following repeated contractions is greater in animals lacking both dystrophin and utrophin (mdx/Utr(-/-)) compared with mice lacking only dystrophin (mdx); and 2) to assess whether protease inhibition can prevent E-C coupling failure following repeated tetani in these dystrophic mouse models. Excitation-contraction coupling was assessed using Fura-2 ratio, as an index of intracellular free Ca(2+) concentration, in response to electrical stimulation of single muscle fibers from the flexor digitorum brevis muscle. Resting Fura-2 ratio was higher in dystrophic compared with control (Con) fibers, but peak Fura-2 ratios during stimulation were similar in dystrophic and Con fibers. One hour after a series of repeated tetani, peak Fura-2 ratios were reduced by 30 ± 5.6%, 23 ± 2%, and 36 ± 3.1% in mdx, mdx/Utr(+/-), and mdx/Utr(-/-), respectively, with the greatest reduction in mdx/Utr(-/-) fibers (P < 0.05). Protease inhibition attenuated this decrease in peak Fura-2 ratio. These data indicate that E-C coupling impairment after repeated contractions is greatest in fibers lacking both dystrophin and utrophin and that prevention of protease activation can mitigate the prolonged E-C coupling impairment. These data further suggest that acute protease inhibition may be useful in reducing muscle weakness in DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davi A G Mázala
- Department of Kinesiology, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland; and
| | - Robert W Grange
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Eva R Chin
- Department of Kinesiology, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland; and
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Gokhin DS, Tierney MT, Sui Z, Sacco A, Fowler VM. Calpain-mediated proteolysis of tropomodulin isoforms leads to thin filament elongation in dystrophic skeletal muscle. Mol Biol Cell 2014; 25:852-65. [PMID: 24430868 PMCID: PMC3952854 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e13-10-0608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Calpain-mediated proteolysis of the thin filament pointed-end–capping protein tropomodulin results in actin subunit association onto pointed ends and increased thin filament lengths in two different murine models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. This mechanism affects different skeletal muscles in a use- and disease severity–dependent manner. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) induces sarcolemmal mechanical instability and rupture, hyperactivity of intracellular calpains, and proteolytic breakdown of muscle structural proteins. Here we identify the two sarcomeric tropomodulin (Tmod) isoforms, Tmod1 and Tmod4, as novel proteolytic targets of m-calpain, with Tmod1 exhibiting ∼10-fold greater sensitivity to calpain-mediated cleavage than Tmod4 in situ. In mdx mice, increased m-calpain levels in dystrophic soleus muscle are associated with loss of Tmod1 from the thin filament pointed ends, resulting in ∼11% increase in thin filament lengths. In mdx/mTR mice, a more severe model of DMD, Tmod1 disappears from the thin filament pointed ends in both tibialis anterior (TA) and soleus muscles, whereas Tmod4 additionally disappears from soleus muscle, resulting in thin filament length increases of ∼10 and ∼12% in TA and soleus muscles, respectively. In both mdx and mdx/mTR mice, both TA and soleus muscles exhibit normal localization of α-actinin, the nebulin M1M2M3 domain, Tmod3, and cytoplasmic γ-actin, indicating that m-calpain does not cause wholesale proteolysis of other sarcomeric and actin cytoskeletal proteins in dystrophic skeletal muscle. These results implicate Tmod proteolysis and resultant thin filament length misspecification as novel mechanisms that may contribute to DMD pathology, affecting muscles in a use- and disease severity–dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Gokhin
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037 Sanford Children's Health Research Center, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037
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A computerized MRI biomarker quantification scheme for a canine model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Int J Comput Assist Radiol Surg 2013; 8:763-74. [PMID: 23299128 DOI: 10.1007/s11548-012-0810-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2012] [Accepted: 12/26/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Golden retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD) is a widely used canine model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Recent studies have shown that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to non-invasively detect consistent changes in both DMD and GRMD. In this paper, we propose a semiautomated system to quantify MRI biomarkers of GRMD. METHODS Our system was applied to a database of 45 MRI scans from 8 normal and 10 GRMD dogs in a longitudinal natural history study. We first segmented six proximal pelvic limb muscles using a semiautomated full muscle segmentation method. We then performed preprocessing, including intensity inhomogeneity correction, spatial registration of different image sequences, intensity calibration of T2-weighted and T2-weighted fat-suppressed images, and calculation of MRI biomarker maps. Finally, for each of the segmented muscles, we automatically measured MRI biomarkers of muscle volume, intensity statistics over MRI biomarker maps, and statistical image texture features. RESULTS The muscle volume and the mean intensities in T2 value, fat, and water maps showed group differences between normal and GRMD dogs. For the statistical texture biomarkers, both the histogram and run-length matrix features showed obvious group differences between normal and GRMD dogs. The full muscle segmentation showed significantly less error and variability in the proposed biomarkers when compared to the standard, limited muscle range segmentation. CONCLUSION The experimental results demonstrated that this quantification tool could reliably quantify MRI biomarkers in GRMD dogs, suggesting that it would also be useful for quantifying disease progression and measuring therapeutic effect in DMD patients.
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Perkins KJ, Davies KE. Recent advances in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Degener Neurol Neuromuscul Dis 2012; 2:141-164. [PMID: 30890885 DOI: 10.2147/dnnd.s26637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), an allelic X-linked progressive muscle-wasting disease, is one of the most common single-gene disorders in the developed world. Despite knowledge of the underlying genetic causation and resultant pathophysiology from lack of dystrophin protein at the muscle sarcolemma, clinical intervention is currently restricted to symptom management. In recent years, however, unprecedented advances in strategies devised to correct the primary defect through gene- and cell-based therapeutics hold particular promise for treating dystrophic muscle. Conventional gene replacement and endogenous modification strategies have greatly benefited from continued improvements in encapsidation capacity, transduction efficiency, and systemic delivery. In particular, RNA-based modifying approaches such as exon skipping enable expression of a shorter but functional dystrophin protein and rapid progress toward clinical application. Emerging combined gene- and cell-therapy strategies also illustrate particular promise in enabling ex vivo genetic correction and autologous transplantation to circumvent a number of immune challenges. These approaches are complemented by a vast array of pharmacological approaches, in particular the successful identification of molecules that enable functional replacement or ameliorate secondary DMD pathology. Animal models have been instrumental in providing proof of principle for many of these strategies, leading to several recent trials that have investigated their efficacy in DMD patients. Although none has reached the point of clinical use, rapid improvements in experimental technology and design draw this goal ever closer. Here, we review therapeutic approaches to DMD, with particular emphasis on recent progress in strategic development, preclinical evaluation and establishment of clinical efficacy. Further, we discuss the numerous challenges faced and synergistic approaches being devised to combat dystrophic pathology effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly J Perkins
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology.,MRC Functional Genomics Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK,
| | - Kay E Davies
- MRC Functional Genomics Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK,
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Kornegay JN, Bogan JR, Bogan DJ, Childers MK, Li J, Nghiem P, Detwiler DA, Larsen CA, Grange RW, Bhavaraju-Sanka RK, Tou S, Keene BP, Howard JF, Wang J, Fan Z, Schatzberg SJ, Styner MA, Flanigan KM, Xiao X, Hoffman EP. Canine models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and their use in therapeutic strategies. Mamm Genome 2012; 23:85-108. [PMID: 22218699 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-011-9382-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2011] [Accepted: 11/29/2011] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive disorder in which the loss of dystrophin causes progressive degeneration of skeletal and cardiac muscle. Potential therapies that carry substantial risk, such as gene- and cell-based approaches, must first be tested in animal models, notably the mdx mouse and several dystrophin-deficient breeds of dogs, including golden retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD). Affected dogs have a more severe phenotype, in keeping with that of DMD, so may better predict disease pathogenesis and treatment efficacy. Various phenotypic tests have been developed to characterize disease progression in the GRMD model. These biomarkers range from measures of strength and joint contractures to magnetic resonance imaging. Some of these tests are routinely used in clinical veterinary practice, while others require specialized equipment and expertise. By comparing serial measurements from treated and untreated groups, one can document improvement or delayed progression of disease. Potential treatments for DMD may be broadly categorized as molecular, cellular, or pharmacologic. The GRMD model has increasingly been used to assess efficacy of a range of these therapies. A number of these studies have provided largely general proof-of-concept for the treatment under study. Others have demonstrated efficacy using the biomarkers discussed. Importantly, just as symptoms in DMD vary among patients, GRMD dogs display remarkable phenotypic variation. Though confounding statistical analysis in preclinical trials, this variation offers insight regarding the role that modifier genes play in disease pathogenesis. By correlating functional and mRNA profiling results, gene targets for therapy development can be identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe N Kornegay
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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