The Immune System in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Pathogenesis

Exploring novel natural compound-based therapies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy management: insights from network pharmacology, QSAR modeling, molecular dynamics, and free energy calculations

Muscular dystrophies encompass a heterogeneous group of rare neuromuscular diseases characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness. Among these, Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) stands out as one of the most severe forms. The present study employs an integrative approach combining network pharmacology, quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) modeling, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and free energy calculations to identify potential therapeutic targets and natural compounds for DMD. Upon analyzing the GSE38417 dataset, it was found that individuals with DMD exhibited 290 upregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) compared to healthy controls. By utilizing gene ontology (GO) and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, this study provides insights into the functional roles of the identified DEGs, identifying ten hub genes that play a critical role in the pathology of DMD. These key genes include DMD, TTN, PLEC, DTNA, PKP2, SLC24A, FBXO32, SNTA1, SMAD3, and NOS1. Furthermore, through the use of ligand-based pharmacophore modeling and virtual screening, three natural compounds were identified as potential inhibitors. Among these, compounds 3874518 and 12314417 have demonstrated significant promise as an inhibitor of the SMAD3 protein, a crucial factor in the fibrotic and inflammatory mechanisms associated with DMD. The therapeutic potential of the compounds was further supported by molecular dynamics simulation and Molecular Mechanics/Generalized Born Surface Area (MM/GBSA) analysis. These findings suggest that the compounds are viable candidates for experimental validation against DMD.

Corticosteroids for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy: a safety review

INTRODUCTION

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness, caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene. DMD has effects in early age with significantly shortened lifespan and deteriorated quality of life in the second decade, creating an urgent need to develop better therapeutic options. Corticosteroid medication therapy is an integral tool for the management of DMD and several therapeutic options have been recently approved for use.

AREAS COVERED

A comprehensive literature search was completed to examine efficacy and safety profiles of the three corticosteroid medications available for use in DMD patients. The review presents information about the three agents through clinical trials, significant preclinical trials, and comparative studies.

EXPERT OPINION

Managing DMD takes a multidisciplinary approach, although long-term corticosteroid therapy remains a significant therapeutic tool. Based on the available published studies, unequivocal comparison between the benefits of the three medications cannot yet be made. When selecting a medication for a patient, the decision-making process will most likely rely on the minor differences in the adverse effect profiles. Whichever medication is utilized will surely be a part of a larger regimen that includes other novel therapeutic agents.

Diarylpropionitrile-stimulated ERβ nuclear accumulation promotes MyoD-induced muscle regeneration in mdx mice by interacting with FOXO3A

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive progressive degenerative disease of skeletal muscle, characterized by intramuscular inflammation, muscle regeneration disorder and replacement of muscle with fibroadipose tissue. DMD is caused by the absence of normal dystrophy. Impaired self-renew ability and limited differentiation capacity of satellite cells are proved as main reasons for muscle regeneration failure. The deficiency of estrogen impedes the process of muscle regeneration. However, the role of estrogen receptor β (ERβ) in muscle regeneration is still unclear. This study aims to investigate the role and the pharmacological effect of ERβ activation on muscle regeneration in mdx mice. This study showed that mRNA levels of ERβ and myogenic-related genes both witnessed increasing trends in dystrophic context. Our results revealed that treatment with selective ERβ agonist (DPN, diarylpropionitrile) significantly increased myogenic differentiation 1 (MyoD-1) level and promoted muscle regeneration in mdx mice. Similarly, in mdx mice with muscle-specific estrogen receptor α (ERα) ablation, DPN treatment still promoted muscle regeneration. Moreover, we demonstrated that myoblasts differentiation was accompanied by raised nuclear accumulation of ERβ. DPN treatment augmented the nuclear accumulation of ERβ and, thus, contributed to myotubes formation. One important finding was that forkhead box O3A (FOXO3A), as a pivotal transcription factor in Myod-1 transcription, participated in the ERβ-promoted muscle regeneration. Overall, we offered an interesting explanation about the crucial role of ERβ during myogenesis.

A Voyage on the Role of Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF-kB) Signaling Pathway in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: An Inherited Muscle Disorder

A recessive X-linked illness called Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is characterized by increasing muscle weakening and degradation. It primarily affects boys and is one of the most prevalent and severe forms of muscular dystrophy. Mutations in the DMD gene, which codes for the essential protein dystrophin, which aids in maintaining the stability of muscle cell membranes during contraction, are the cause of the illness. Dystrophin deficiency or malfunction damages muscle cells, resulting in persistent inflammation and progressive loss of muscular mass. The pathophysiology and genetic foundation of DMD are thoroughly examined in this review paper, focusing on the function of the NF-κB signaling system in the disease's progression. An important immune response regulator, NF-κB, is aberrantly activated in DMD, which exacerbates the inflammatory milieu in dystrophic muscles. Muscle injury and fibrosis are exacerbated and muscle regeneration is hampered by the pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines that are produced when NF-κB is persistently activated in muscle cells. The paper also examines our existing knowledge of treatment approaches meant to inhibit the progression of disease by modifying NF-κB signaling. These include new molecular techniques, gene treatments, and pharmacological inhibitors that are intended to lessen inflammation and improve muscle healing. Furthermore covered in the analysis is the significance of supportive care for DMD patients, including physical therapy and corticosteroid treatment, in symptom management and quality of life enhancement. The article seeks to provide a thorough understanding of the mechanisms causing DMD, possible therapeutic targets, and developing treatment options by combining recent research findings. This will provide clinicians and researchers involved in DMD care and research with invaluable insights.

Respiratory characterization of a humanized Duchenne muscular dystrophy mouse model

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common X-linked disease. DMD is caused by a lack of dystrophin, a critical structural protein in striated muscle. Dystrophin deficiency leads to inflammation, fibrosis, and muscle atrophy. Boys with DMD have progressive muscle weakness within the diaphragm that results in respiratory failure in the 2nd or 3rd decade of life. The most common DMD mouse model - the mdx mouse - is not sufficient for evaluating genetic medicines that specifically target the human DMD (hDMD) gene sequence. Therefore, a novel transgenic mouse carrying the hDMD gene with an exon 52 deletion was created (hDMDΔ52;mdx). We characterized the respiratory function and pathology in this model using whole body plethysmography, histology, and immunohistochemistry. At 6-months-old, hDMDΔ52;mdx mice have reduced maximal respiration, neuromuscular junction pathology, and fibrosis throughout the diaphragm, which worsens at 12-months-old. In conclusion, the hDMDΔ52;mdx exhibits moderate respiratory pathology, and serves as a relevant animal model to study the impact of novel genetic therapies, including gene editing, on respiratory function.

The muscle regeneration marker FOXP3 is associated with muscle injury in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

BACKGROUND

In Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), the immune system cells (ISC) synthesize molecules to regulate inflammation, a process needed to regenerate muscle. The relationship between those molecules and the muscle injury is unknown. Monocytes belonging to ISC are regulated by omega-3 fatty acids (ω-3 LCPUFAs) in DMD, but whether those fatty acids influence other ISC like T-cells is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

We analyzed the expression of the muscle regeneration markers (FOXP3 and AREG) in circulating leukocytes of DMD patients with different lower limb muscle functions and whether ω-3 LCPUFAs regulate the expression of those markers, and the populations of circulating T-cells, their intracellular cytokines, and disease progression (CD69 and CD49d) markers.

METHODS

This placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized study was conducted in DMD boys supplemented with ω-3 LCPUFAs (n = 18) or placebo (sunflower oil, n = 13) for six months. FOXP3 and AREG mRNA expression in leukocytes, immunophenotyping of T-cell populations, CD49d and CD69 markers, and intracellular cytokines in blood samples were analyzed at baseline and months 1, 2, 3, and 6 of supplementation.

RESULTS

Patients with assisted ambulation expressed higher (P = 0.015) FOXP3 mRNA levels than ambulatory patients. The FOXP3 mRNA expression correlated (Rho = -0.526, P = 0.03) with the Vignos scale score at month six of supplementation with ω-3 LCPUFAs. CD49d + CD8 + T-cells population was lower (P = 0.037) in the ω -3 LCPUFAs group than placebo at month six of supplementation.

CONCLUSION

FOXP3 is highly expressed in circulating leukocytes of DMD patients with the worst muscle function. Omega-3 LCPUFAs might modulate the synthesis of the adhesion marker CD49d + CD8 + T-cells, but their plausible impact on FOXP3 needs more research.

Mitochondria and Reactive Oxygen Species: The Therapeutic Balance of Powers for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic progressive muscle-wasting disorder that leads to rapid loss of mobility and premature death. The absence of functional dystrophin in DMD patients reduces sarcolemma stiffness and increases contraction damage, triggering a cascade of events leading to muscle cell degeneration, chronic inflammation, and deposition of fibrotic and adipose tissue. Efforts in the last decade have led to the clinical approval of novel drugs for DMD that aim to restore dystrophin function. However, combination therapies able to restore dystrophin expression and target the myriad of cellular events found impaired in dystrophic muscle are desirable. Muscles are higher energy consumers susceptible to mitochondrial defects. Mitochondria generate a significant source of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and they are, in turn, sensitive to proper redox balance. In both DMD patients and animal models there is compelling evidence that mitochondrial impairments have a key role in the failure of energy homeostasis. Here, we highlighted the main aspects of mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in DMD and discussed the recent findings linked to mitochondria/ROS-targeted molecules as a therapeutic approach. In this respect, dual targeting of both mitochondria and redox homeostasis emerges as a potential clinical option in DMD.

How Can Proteomics Help to Elucidate the Pathophysiological Crosstalk in Muscular Dystrophy and Associated Multi-System Dysfunction?

This perspective article is concerned with the question of how proteomics, which is a core technique of systems biology that is deeply embedded in the multi-omics field of modern bioresearch, can help us better understand the molecular pathogenesis of complex diseases. As an illustrative example of a monogenetic disorder that primarily affects the neuromuscular system but is characterized by a plethora of multi-system pathophysiological alterations, the muscle-wasting disease Duchenne muscular dystrophy was examined. Recent achievements in the field of dystrophinopathy research are described with special reference to the proteome-wide complexity of neuromuscular changes and body-wide alterations/adaptations. Based on a description of the current applications of top-down versus bottom-up proteomic approaches and their technical challenges, future systems biological approaches are outlined. The envisaged holistic and integromic bioanalysis would encompass the integration of diverse omics-type studies including inter- and intra-proteomics as the core disciplines for systematic protein evaluations, with sophisticated biomolecular analyses, including physiology, molecular biology, biochemistry and histochemistry. Integrated proteomic findings promise to be instrumental in improving our detailed knowledge of pathogenic mechanisms and multi-system dysfunction, widening the available biomarker signature of dystrophinopathy for improved diagnostic/prognostic procedures, and advancing the identification of novel therapeutic targets to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

T cell biology in neuromuscular disorders: a focus on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Growing evidence demonstrates a continuous interaction between the immune system, the nerve and the muscle in neuromuscular disorders of different pathogenetic origins, such as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), the focus of this review. Herein we highlight the complexity of the cellular and molecular interactions involving the immune system in neuromuscular disorders, as exemplified by DMD and ALS. We describe the distinct types of cell-mediated interactions, such as cytokine/chemokine production as well as cell-matrix and cell-cell interactions between T lymphocytes and other immune cells, which target cells of the muscular or nervous tissues. Most of these interactions occur independently of exogenous pathogens, through ligand-receptor binding and subsequent signal transduction cascades, at distinct levels of specificity. Although this issue reveals the complexity of the system, it can also be envisioned as a window of opportunity to design therapeutic strategies (including synthetic moieties, cell and gene therapy, as well as immunotherapy) by acting upon one or more targets. In this respect, we discuss ongoing clinical trials using VLA-4 inhibition in DMD, and in ALS, with a focus on regulatory T cells, both revealing promising results.

Comprehensive analysis of m6A regulators characterized by the immune microenvironment in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

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.

Management of eosinophil-associated inflammatory diseases: the importance of a multidisciplinary approach

Elevated eosinophil counts in blood and tissue are a feature of many pathological processes. Eosinophils can migrate and accumulate in a wide variety of tissues and, by infiltrating a target organ, can mediate the development of several inflammatory diseases. The normalization of eosinophilia is a common biomarker of a treatable trait and can also be used as a prognostic and predictive biomarker since it implies a reduction in type 2 inflammation that contributes to disease pathogenesis. Biological therapies targeting this cell type and its proinflammatory mediators have been shown to be effective in the management of a number of eosinophilic diseases, and for this reason they constitute a potential common strategy in the treatment of patients with various multimorbidities that present with type 2 inflammation. Various biological options are available that could be used to simultaneously treat multiple target organs with a single drug, bearing in mind the need to offer personalized treatments under the umbrella of precision medicine in all patients with eosinophil-associated diseases (EADs). In addition to reviewing these issues, we also discuss a series of perspectives addressing the management of EAD patients from a multidisciplinary approach, with the collaboration of health professionals from different specialties who manage the different multimorbidities that frequently occur in these patients. We examine the basic principles of care that this multidisciplinary approach must cover and present a multidisciplinary expert opinion regarding the ideal management of patients with EADs, from diagnosis to therapeutic approach and follow-up.

Arthritis and Duchenne muscular dystrophy: the role of chondroitin sulfate and its associated proteoglycans in disease pathology and as a diagnostic marker

Chondroitin sulfate (CS) is a ubiquitous glycosaminoglycan covalently attached to the core proteins of cell surface, extracellular, and intracellular proteoglycans. The multistep and highly regulated biosynthesis of chondroitin sulfate and its degradation products give rise to a diverse species of molecules with functional regulatory properties in biological systems. This review will elucidate and expand on the most recent advances in understanding the role of chondroitin sulfate and its associate proteoglycans, in arthritis and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), two different and discrete pathologies. Highlighting not only the biodiverse nature of this family of molecules but also the utilization of CS proteoglycans, CS, and its catabolic fragments as biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for disease pathologies.

Identification of hub genes related to Duchenne muscular dystrophy by weighted gene co-expression network analysis

BACKGROUND

The study was aimed to analyze the potential gene modules and hub genes of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) by weighted gene co-expression network analysis.

METHODS

Based on the muscular dystrophy tissue expression profiling microarray GSE13608 from gene expression omnibus, gene co-expression modules were analyzed using weighted gene co-expression network analysis, gene modules related to DMD were screened, gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes enrichment analyses were performed, and signature genes in the modules were screened. The protein-protein interaction network was constructed through Cytoscape, and hub genes were identified. The expression of hub genes in DMD versus normal muscle tissue was calculated in GSE6011.

RESULTS

12 co-expressed gene modules were identified, among which black module was significantly related to DMD. The characteristic genes in the module were enriched in the regulation of immune effector processes, immune response mediated by immunoglobulin, immune response mediated by B cells, etc. SERPING1, F13A1, C1S, C1R, and HLA-DPA1 were considered as hub genes in protein-protein interaction network. Analysis of GSE6011 shows that expression of SERPING1, F13A1, C1S, C1R, and HLA-DPA1 in tissues of DMD patients were higher than normal.

CONCLUSION

SERPING1, F13A1, C1S, C1R, and HLA-DPA1 may participate in the development of DMD by regulating innate immunity and inflammation, and they are expected to be a potential biomarker and novel therapeutic targets for DMD.

Histological Methods to Assess Skeletal Muscle Degeneration and Regeneration in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive disease caused by the loss of function of the protein dystrophin. This protein contributes to the stabilisation of striated cells during contraction, as it anchors the cytoskeleton with components of the extracellular matrix through the dystrophin-associated protein complex (DAPC). Moreover, absence of the functional protein affects the expression and function of proteins within the DAPC, leading to molecular events responsible for myofibre damage, muscle weakening, disability and, eventually, premature death. Presently, there is no cure for DMD, but different treatments help manage some of the symptoms. Advances in genetic and exon-skipping therapies are the most promising intervention, the safety and efficiency of which are tested in animal models. In addition to in vivo functional tests, ex vivo molecular evaluation aids assess to what extent the therapy has contributed to the regenerative process. In this regard, the later advances in microscopy and image acquisition systems and the current expansion of antibodies for immunohistological evaluation together with the development of different spectrum fluorescent dyes have made histology a crucial tool. Nevertheless, the complexity of the molecular events that take place in dystrophic muscles, together with the rise of a multitude of markers for each of the phases of the process, makes the histological assessment a challenging task. Therefore, here, we summarise and explain the rationale behind different histological techniques used in the literature to assess degeneration and regeneration in the field of dystrophinopathies, focusing especially on those related to DMD.

Analysis of Long Noncoding RNAs-Related Regulatory Mechanisms in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Using a Disease-Related lncRNA-mRNA Pathway Network

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the molecular regulatory mechanisms underpinning Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).

Methods

Using microarray data, differentially expressed long noncoding RNAs (DELs) and DMD-related differentially expressed mRNAs (DEMs) were screened based on the comparative toxicogenomics database, using a cutoff of |log₂ fold change| > 1 and false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05. Then, protein-protein interaction (PPI), coexpression network of lncRNA-mRNA, and DMD-related lncRNA-mRNA pathway networks were constructed, and functional analyses of the genes in the network were performed. Finally, the proportions of immune cells infiltrating the muscle tissues in DMD were analyzed, and the correlation between the immune cells and expression of the DELs/DEMs was studied.

Results

A total of 46 DELs and 313 DMD-related DEMs were identified. The PPI network revealed STAT1, VEGFA, and CCL2 to be the top three hub genes. The DMD-related lncRNA-mRNA pathway network comprising two pathways, nine DELs, and nine DMD-related DEMs showed that PYCARD, RIPK2, and CASP1 were significantly enriched in the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, whereas MAP2K2, LUM, RPS6, PDCD4, TWIST1, and HIF1A were significantly enriched with proteoglycans in cancers. The nine DELs in this network were DBET, MBNL1-AS1, MIR29B2CHG, CCDC18-AS1, FAM111A-DT, GAS5, LINC01290, ATP2B1-AS1, and PSMB8-AS1.

Conclusion

The nine DMD-related DEMs and DELs identified in this study may play important roles in the occurrence and progression of DMD through the two pathways of the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway and proteoglycans in cancers.

Proteomic profiling of impaired excitation-contraction coupling and abnormal calcium handling in muscular dystrophy

The X-linked inherited neuromuscular disorder Duchenne muscular dystrophy is characterised by primary abnormalities in the membrane cytoskeletal component dystrophin. The almost complete absence of the Dp427-M isoform of dystrophin in skeletal muscles renders contractile fibres more susceptible to progressive degeneration and a leaky sarcolemma membrane. This in turn results in abnormal calcium homeostasis, enhanced proteolysis and impaired excitation-contraction coupling. Biochemical and mass spectrometry-based proteomic studies of both patient biopsy specimens and genetic animal models of dystrophinopathy have demonstrated significant changes in the concentration and/or physiological function of essential calcium-regulatory proteins in dystrophin-lacking voluntary muscles. Abnormalities include dystrophinopathy-associated changes in voltage sensing receptors, calcium release channels, calcium pumps and calcium binding proteins. This review article provides an overview of the importance of the sarcolemmal dystrophin-glycoprotein complex and the wider dystrophin complexome in skeletal muscle and its linkage to depolarisation-induced calcium-release mechanisms and the excitation-contraction-relaxation cycle. Besides chronic inflammation, fat substitution and reactive myofibrosis, a major pathobiochemical hallmark of X-linked muscular dystrophy is represented by the chronic influx of calcium ions through the damaged plasmalemma in conjunction with abnormal intracellular calcium fluxes and buffering. Impaired calcium handling proteins should therefore be included in an improved biomarker signature of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Identification of immune-related features involved in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: A bidirectional transcriptome and proteome-driven analysis

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.

Proteomic Identification of Markers of Membrane Repair, Regeneration and Fibrosis in the Aged and Dystrophic Diaphragm

Deficiency in the membrane cytoskeletal protein dystrophin is the underlying cause of the progressive muscle wasting disease named Duchenne muscular dystrophy. In order to detect novel disease marker candidates and confirm the complexity of the pathobiochemical signature of dystrophinopathy, mass spectrometric screening approaches represent ideal tools for comprehensive biomarker discovery studies. In this report, we describe the comparative proteomic analysis of young versus aged diaphragm muscles from wild type versus the dystrophic mdx-4cv mouse model of X-linked muscular dystrophy. The survey confirmed the drastic reduction of the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex in the mdx-4cv diaphragm muscle and concomitant age-dependent changes in key markers of muscular dystrophy, including proteins involved in cytoskeletal organization, metabolite transportation, the cellular stress response and excitation-contraction coupling. Importantly, proteomic markers of the regulation of membrane repair, tissue regeneration and reactive myofibrosis were detected by mass spectrometry and changes in key proteins were confirmed by immunoblotting. Potential disease marker candidates include various isoforms of annexin, the matricellular protein periostin and a large number of collagens. Alterations in these proteoforms can be useful to evaluate adaptive, compensatory and pathobiochemical changes in the intracellular cytoskeleton, myofiber membrane integrity and the extracellular matrix in dystrophin-deficient skeletal muscle tissues.

Immunogenicity and toxicity of AAV gene therapy

Gene transfer using adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors has made tremendous progress in the last decade and has achieved cures of debilitating diseases such as hemophilia A and B. Nevertheless, progress is still being hampered by immune responses against the AAV capsid antigens or the transgene products. Immunosuppression designed to blunt T cell responses has shown success in some patients but failed in others especially if they received very high AAV vectors doses. Although it was initially thought that AAV vectors induce only marginal innate responses below the threshold of systemic symptoms recent trials have shown that complement activation can results in serious adverse events. Dorsal root ganglia toxicity has also been identified as a complication of high vector doses as has severe hepatotoxicity. Most of the critical complications occur in patients who are treated with very high vector doses indicating that the use of more efficient AAV vectors to allow for dose sparing or giving smaller doses repeatedly, the latter in conjunction with antibody or B cell depleting measures, should be explored.

Mitochondrial Stress Responses in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: Metabolic Dysfunction or Adaptive Reprogramming?

Mitochondrial stress may be a secondary contributor to muscle weakness in inherited muscular dystrophies. Duchenne muscular dystrophy has received the majority of attention whereby most discoveries suggest mitochondrial ATP synthesis may be reduced. However, not all studies support this finding. Furthermore, some studies have reported increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and propensity for permeability transition pore formation as an inducer of apoptosis, although divergent findings have also been described. A closer examination of the literature suggests the degree and direction of mitochondrial stress responses may depend on the progression of the disease, the muscle type examined, the mouse model employed with regards to pre-clinical research, the precise metabolic pathways in consideration, and in some cases the in vitro technique used to assess a given mitochondrial bioenergetic function. One intent of this review is to provide careful considerations for future experimental designs to resolve the heterogeneous nature of mitochondrial stress during the progression of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Such considerations have implications for other muscular dystrophies as well which are addressed briefly herein. A renewed perspective of the term 'mitochondrial dysfunction' is presented whereby stress responses might be re-explored in future investigations as direct contributors to myopathy vs an adaptive 'reprogramming' intended to maintain homeostasis in the face of disease stressors themselves. In so doing, the prospective development of mitochondrial enhancement therapies can be driven by advances in perspectives as much as experimental approaches when resolving the precise relationships between mitochondrial remodelling and muscle weakness in Duchenne and, indeed, other muscular dystrophies.

Smad8 Is Increased in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Suppresses miR-1, miR-133a, and miR-133b

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive disease characterized by skeletal muscle instability, progressive muscle wasting, and fibrosis. A major driver of DMD pathology stems from aberrant upregulation of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) signaling. In this report, we investigated the major transducers of TGFβ signaling, i.e., receptor Smads (R-Smads), in DMD patient skeletal muscle and observed a 48-fold increase in Smad8 mRNA. Smad1, Smad2, Smad3, and Smad5 mRNA were only minimally increased. A similar pattern was observed in the muscle from the mdx5cv mouse. Western blot analysis showed upregulation of phosphorylated Smad1, Smad5, and Smad8 compared to total Smad indicating activation of this pathway. In parallel, we observed a profound diminishment of muscle-enriched microRNAs (myomiRs): miR-1, miR-133a, and miR-133b. The pattern of Smad8 induction and myomiR suppression was recapitulated in C2C12 muscle cells after stimulation with bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4), a signaling factor that we found upregulated in DMD muscle. Silencing Smad8 in C2C12 myoblasts derepressed myomiRs and promoted myoblast differentiation; there was also a concomitant upregulation of myogenic regulatory factors (myogenin and myocyte enhancer factor 2D) and suppression of a pro-inflammatory cytokine (interleukin-6). Our data suggest that Smad8 is a negative regulator of miR-1, miR-133a, and miR-133b in muscle cells and that the BMP4-Smad8 axis is a driver of dystrophic pathology in DMD.

Identification of Auxiliary Biomarkers and Description of the Immune Microenvironmental Characteristics in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy by Bioinformatical Analysis and Experiment

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.

Unraveling the Molecular Basis of the Dystrophic Process in Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy LGMD-R12 by Differential Gene Expression Profiles in Diseased and Healthy Muscles

Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy R12 (LGMD-R12) is caused by two mutations in anoctamin-5 (ANO5). Our aim was to identify genes and pathways that underlie LGMD-R12 and explain differences in the molecular predisposition and susceptibility between three thigh muscles that are severely (semimembranosus), moderately (vastus lateralis) or mildly (rectus femoris) affected in this disease. We performed transcriptomics on these three muscles in 16 male LGMD-R12 patients and 15 age-matched male controls. Our results showed that LGMD-R12 dystrophic muscle is associated with the expression of genes indicative of fibroblast and adipocyte replacement, such as fibroadipogenic progenitors and immune cell infiltration, while muscle protein synthesis and metabolism were downregulated. Muscle degeneration was associated with an increase in genes involved in muscle injury and inflammation, and muscle repair/regeneration. Baseline differences between muscles in healthy individuals indicated that muscles that are the most affected by LGMD-R12 have the lowest expression of transcription factor networks involved in muscle (re)generation and satellite stem cell activation. Instead, they show relative high levels of fetal/embryonic myosins, all together indicating that muscles differ in their baseline regenerative potential. To conclude, we profiled the gene expression landscape in LGMD-R12, identified baseline differences in expression levels between differently affected muscles and characterized disease-associated changes.