1
|
Nagy-Fazekas D, Fazekas Z, Taricska N, Stráner P, Karancsiné Menyhárd D, Perczel A. Inhibitor Design Strategy for Myostatin: Dynamics and Interaction Networks Define the Affinity and Release Mechanisms of the Inhibited Complexes. Molecules 2023; 28:5655. [PMID: 37570625 PMCID: PMC10420283 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28155655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Myostatin, an important negative regulator of muscle mass, is a therapeutic target for muscle atrophic disorders such as muscular dystrophy. Thus, the inhibition of myostatin presents a strategy to treat these disorders. It has long been established that the myostatin prodomain is a strong inhibitor of the mature myostatin, and the minimum peptide of the prodomain-corresponding to the α1-helix of its lasso-region-responsible for the inhibitory efficiency was defined and characterized as well. Here we show that the minimum peptide segment based on the growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11), which we found to be more helical in its stand-alone solvated stfate than the similar segment of myostatin, is a promising new base scaffold for inhibitor design. The proposed inhibitory peptides in their solvated state and in complex with the mature myostatin were analyzed by in silico molecule modeling supplemented with the electronic circular dichroism spectroscopy measurements. We defined the Gaussian-Mahalanobis mean score to measure the fraction of dihedral angle-pairs close to the desired helical region of the Ramachandran-plot, carried out RING analysis of the peptide-protein interaction networks and characterized the internal motions of the complexes using our rigid-body segmentation protocol. We identified a variant-11m2-that is sufficiently ordered both in solvent and within the inhibitory complex, forms a high number of contacts with the binding-pocket and induces such changes in its internal dynamics that lead to a rigidified, permanently locked conformation that traps this peptide in the binding site. We also showed that the naturally evolved α1-helix has been optimized to simultaneously fulfill two very different roles: to function as a strong binder as well as a good leaving group. It forms an outstanding number of non-covalent interactions with the mature core of myostatin and maintains the most ordered conformation within the complex, while it induces independent movement of the gate-keeper β-hairpin segment assisting the dissociation and also results in the least-ordered solvated form which provides extra stability for the dissociated state and discourages rebinding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dóra Nagy-Fazekas
- Laboratory of Structural Chemistry and Biology, Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/A, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (D.N.-F.)
- Hevesy György PhD School of Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/A, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Fazekas
- Laboratory of Structural Chemistry and Biology, Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/A, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (D.N.-F.)
- Hevesy György PhD School of Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/A, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Nóra Taricska
- Laboratory of Structural Chemistry and Biology, Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/A, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (D.N.-F.)
- ELKH-ELTE Protein Modeling Research Group, Eötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH), Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/A, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Pál Stráner
- Laboratory of Structural Chemistry and Biology, Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/A, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (D.N.-F.)
- ELKH-ELTE Protein Modeling Research Group, Eötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH), Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/A, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dóra Karancsiné Menyhárd
- Laboratory of Structural Chemistry and Biology, Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/A, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (D.N.-F.)
- ELKH-ELTE Protein Modeling Research Group, Eötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH), Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/A, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - András Perczel
- Laboratory of Structural Chemistry and Biology, Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/A, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (D.N.-F.)
- ELKH-ELTE Protein Modeling Research Group, Eötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH), Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/A, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Markati T, De Waele L, Schara-Schmidt U, Servais L. Lessons Learned from Discontinued Clinical Developments in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:735912. [PMID: 34790118 PMCID: PMC8591262 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.735912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked condition caused by a deficiency of functional dystrophin protein. Patients experience progressive muscle weakness, cardiomyopathy and have a decreased life expectancy. Standards of care, including treatment with steroids, and multidisciplinary approaches have extended the life expectancy and improved the quality of life of patients. In the last 30 years, several compounds have been assessed in preclinical and clinical studies for their ability to restore functional dystrophin levels or to modify pathways involved in DMD pathophysiology. However, there is still an unmet need with regards to a disease-modifying treatment for DMD and the attrition rate between early-phase and late-phase clinical development remains high. Currently, there are 40 compounds in clinical development for DMD, including gene therapy and antisense oligonucleotides for exon skipping. Only five of them have received conditional approval in one jurisdiction subject to further proof of efficacy. In this review, we present data of another 16 compounds that failed to complete clinical development, despite positive results in early phases of development in some cases. We examine the reasons for the high attrition rate and we suggest solutions to avoid similar mistakes in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Theodora Markati
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Center, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Liesbeth De Waele
- KU Leuven Department of Development and Regeneration, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Urlike Schara-Schmidt
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Center for Neuromuscular Diseases, Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Laurent Servais
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Center, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Division of Child Neurology, Reference Center for Neuromuscular Disease, Centre Hospitalier Régional de Références des Maladies Neuromusculaires, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Liège, Liège, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Leung DG, Bocchieri AE, Ahlawat S, Jacobs MA, Parekh VS, Braverman V, Summerton K, Mansour J, Stinson N, Bibat G, Morris C, Marraffino S, Wagner KR. A phase Ib/IIa, open-label, multiple ascending-dose trial of domagrozumab in fukutin-related protein limb-girdle muscular dystrophy. Muscle Nerve 2021; 64:172-179. [PMID: 33961310 DOI: 10.1002/mus.27259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/AIMS In this study we report the results of a phase Ib/IIa, open-label, multiple ascending-dose trial of domagrozumab, a myostatin inhibitor, in patients with fukutin-related protein (FKRP)-associated limb-girdle muscular dystrophy. METHODS Nineteen patients were enrolled and assigned to one of three dosing arms (5, 20, or 40 mg/kg every 4 weeks). After 32 weeks of treatment, participants receiving the lowest dose were switched to the highest dose (40 mg/kg) for an additional 32 weeks. An extension study was also conducted. The primary endpoints were safety and tolerability. Secondary endpoints included muscle strength, timed function testing, pulmonary function, lean body mass, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics. As an exploratory outcome, muscle fat fractions were derived from whole-body magnetic resonance images. RESULTS Serum concentrations of domagrozumab increased in a dose-dependent manner and modest levels of myostatin inhibition were observed in both serum and muscle tissue. The most frequently occurring adverse events were injuries secondary to falls. There were no significant between-group differences in the strength, functional, or imaging outcomes studied. DISCUSSION We conclude that, although domagrozumab was safe in patients in limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2I/R9, there was no clear evidence supporting its efficacy in improving muscle strength or function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Doris G Leung
- Center for Genetic Muscle Disorders, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Alex E Bocchieri
- Department of Computer Science, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Shivani Ahlawat
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael A Jacobs
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Vishwa S Parekh
- Department of Computer Science, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Vladimir Braverman
- Department of Computer Science, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Katherine Summerton
- Center for Genetic Muscle Disorders, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jennifer Mansour
- Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Nikia Stinson
- Center for Genetic Muscle Disorders, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Genila Bibat
- Center for Genetic Muscle Disorders, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Carl Morris
- Solid Biosciences, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Kathryn R Wagner
- Center for Genetic Muscle Disorders, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kim JH, Kim JH, Jang JP, Jang JH, Jin DH, Kim YS, Jin HJ. Identification of Molecules from Coffee Silverskin That Suppresses Myostatin Activity and Improves Muscle Mass and Strength in Mice. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26092676. [PMID: 34063650 PMCID: PMC8124993 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26092676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Coffee has been shown to attenuate sarcopenia, the age-associated muscle atrophy. Myostatin (MSTN), a member of the TGF-β growth/differentiation factor superfamily, is a potent negative regulator of skeletal muscle mass, and MSTN-inhibition increases muscle mass or prevents muscle atrophy. This study, thus, investigated the presence of MSTN-inhibitory capacity in coffee extracts. The ethanol-extract of coffee silverskin (CSE) but not other extracts demonstrated anti-MSTN activity in a pGL3-(CAGA)12-luciferase reporter gene assay. CSE also blocked Smad3 phosphorylation induced by MSTN but not by GDF11 or Activin A in Western blot analysis, demonstrating its capacity to block the binding of MSTN to its receptor. Oral administration of CSE significantly increased forelimb muscle mass and grip strength in mice. Using solvent partitioning, solid-phase chromatography, and reverse-phase HPLC, two peaks having MSTN-inhibitory capacity were purified from CSE. The two peaks were identified as βN-arachinoyl−5-hydroxytryptamide (C20−5HT) and βN-behenoyl−5-hydroxytryptamide (C22−5HT) using mass spectrometry and NMR analysis. In summary, the results show that CSE has the MSTN-inhibitory capacity, and C20−5HT and C22−5HT are active components of CSE-suppressing MSTN activity, suggesting the potential of CSE, C20−5HT, and C22−5HT being developed as agents to combat muscle atrophy and metabolic syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeong Han Kim
- Department of Marine Molecular Bioscience, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung-si 25457, Korea; (J.H.K.); (J.H.K.); (D.-H.J.)
| | - Jae Hong Kim
- Department of Marine Molecular Bioscience, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung-si 25457, Korea; (J.H.K.); (J.H.K.); (D.-H.J.)
| | - Jun-Pil Jang
- Anticancer Agent Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Cheongju 28116, Korea;
| | - Jae-Hyuk Jang
- Natural Medicine Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Cheongju 28116, Korea;
| | - Deuk-Hee Jin
- Department of Marine Molecular Bioscience, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung-si 25457, Korea; (J.H.K.); (J.H.K.); (D.-H.J.)
| | - Yong Soo Kim
- Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences, University of Hawaii, 1955 East-West Rd., Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
- Correspondence: (Y.S.K.); (H.-J.J.); Tel.: +1-808-956-8335 (Y.S.K.); +82-33-640-2349 (H.-J.J.)
| | - Hyung-Joo Jin
- Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences, University of Hawaii, 1955 East-West Rd., Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
- Correspondence: (Y.S.K.); (H.-J.J.); Tel.: +1-808-956-8335 (Y.S.K.); +82-33-640-2349 (H.-J.J.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Rybalka E, Timpani CA, Debruin DA, Bagaric RM, Campelj DG, Hayes A. The Failed Clinical Story of Myostatin Inhibitors against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: Exploring the Biology behind the Battle. Cells 2020; 9:E2657. [PMID: 33322031 PMCID: PMC7764137 DOI: 10.3390/cells9122657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Myostatin inhibition therapy has held much promise for the treatment of muscle wasting disorders. This is particularly true for the fatal myopathy, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). Following on from promising pre-clinical data in dystrophin-deficient mice and dogs, several clinical trials were initiated in DMD patients using different modality myostatin inhibition therapies. All failed to show modification of disease course as dictated by the primary and secondary outcome measures selected: the myostatin inhibition story, thus far, is a failed clinical story. These trials have recently been extensively reviewed and reasons why pre-clinical data collected in animal models have failed to translate into clinical benefit to patients have been purported. However, the biological mechanisms underlying translational failure need to be examined to ensure future myostatin inhibitor development endeavors do not meet with the same fate. Here, we explore the biology which could explain the failed translation of myostatin inhibitors in the treatment of DMD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma Rybalka
- Institute for Health and Sport (IHeS), Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria 8001, Australia; (D.A.D.); (R.M.B.); (D.G.C.); (A.H.)
- Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), Victoria University, St Albans, Victoria 3021, Australia
| | - Cara A. Timpani
- Institute for Health and Sport (IHeS), Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria 8001, Australia; (D.A.D.); (R.M.B.); (D.G.C.); (A.H.)
- Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), Victoria University, St Albans, Victoria 3021, Australia
| | - Danielle A. Debruin
- Institute for Health and Sport (IHeS), Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria 8001, Australia; (D.A.D.); (R.M.B.); (D.G.C.); (A.H.)
- Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), Victoria University, St Albans, Victoria 3021, Australia
| | - Ryan M. Bagaric
- Institute for Health and Sport (IHeS), Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria 8001, Australia; (D.A.D.); (R.M.B.); (D.G.C.); (A.H.)
- Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), Victoria University, St Albans, Victoria 3021, Australia
| | - Dean G. Campelj
- Institute for Health and Sport (IHeS), Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria 8001, Australia; (D.A.D.); (R.M.B.); (D.G.C.); (A.H.)
- Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), Victoria University, St Albans, Victoria 3021, Australia
| | - Alan Hayes
- Institute for Health and Sport (IHeS), Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria 8001, Australia; (D.A.D.); (R.M.B.); (D.G.C.); (A.H.)
- Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), Victoria University, St Albans, Victoria 3021, Australia
- Department of Medicine—Western Health, Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, 3021 Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abstract
Inhibition of myostatin is a promising strategy for treatment of muscle atrophic disorders. A 16-mer myostatin inhibitory linear peptide, MIPE-1686, administered intramuscularly, significantly increases muscle mass and hindlimb grip strength in Duchenne muscular dystrophic model mice. In this paper, we describe our examination of the enzymatic stabilities of this peptide with recombinant human proteases, aminopeptidase N, chymotrypsin C, and trypsin 3. MIPE-1686 was found to be stable in the presence of these enzymes, in contrast to a peptide (1), from which MIPE-1686 was developed. Modification of the peptides at a position distant from the protease cleavage site altered their enzymatic stability. These results suggest the possibility that the stability to proteases of 16-mer myostatin inhibitory peptides is associated with an increase in their known β-sheet formation properties. This study suggests that MIPE-1686 has a potential to serve as a long-lasting agent in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kentaro Takayama
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences.,Department of Environmental Biochemistry, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University
| | - Miki Odagiri
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences
| | - Akihiro Taguchi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences
| | - Atsuhiko Taniguchi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences
| | - Yoshio Hayashi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Tinklenberg J, Beatka M, Bain JLW, Siebers EM, Meng H, Pearsall RS, Lawlor MW, Riley DA. Use Of Ankle Immobilization In Evaluating Treatments To Promote Longitudinal Muscle Growth In Mice. Muscle Nerve 2018; 58:718-725. [PMID: 29981243 DOI: 10.1002/mus.26296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Difficulty in modeling congenital contractures (deformities of muscle-tendon unit development that include shortened muscles and lengthened tendons) has limited research of new treatments. METHODS Early immobilization of the ankle in prepuberal mice was used to produce deformities similar to congenital contractures. Stretch treatment, electrostimulation, and local intramuscular injection of a follistatin analog (FST-288) were assessed as therapeutic interventions for these deformities. RESULTS Ankle immobilization at full plantarflexion and 90 ° created tendon lengthening and muscle shortening in the tibialis anterior and soleus. Stretch treatment produced minimal evidence for longitudinal muscle growth and electrostimulation provided no additional benefit. Stretch treatment with FST-288 produced greater longitudinal muscle growth and less tendon lengthening, constituting the best treatment response. DISCUSSION Ankle immobilization recapitulates key morphologic features of congenital contracture, and these features can be mitigated by a combination of stretch and pharmacological approaches that may be useful in patients. Muscle Nerve 58: 718-725, 2018.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Tinklenberg
- Division of Pediatric Pathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.,Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Margaret Beatka
- Division of Pediatric Pathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.,Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - James L W Bain
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Emily M Siebers
- Division of Pediatric Pathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.,Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Hui Meng
- Division of Pediatric Pathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.,Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | | | - Michael W Lawlor
- Division of Pediatric Pathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.,Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Danny A Riley
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Nagy JA, Kapur K, Taylor RS, Sanchez B, Rutkove SB. Electrical impedance myography as a biomarker of myostatin inhibition with ActRIIB-mFc: a study in wild-type mice. Future Sci OA 2018; 4:FSO308. [PMID: 30057785 DOI: 10.4155/fsoa-2018-0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: We sought to determine the sensitivity of electrical impedance myography (EIM) to myofiber hypertrophy induced by treatment with various doses of ActRIIB-mFc, an inhibitor of myostatin signaling. Methods: Wild-type C57BL/6 J mice (n = 40, male) were treated with three different doses of ActRIIB-mFc (i.e., RAP-031) or vehicle twice weekly for 5 weeks. End point assessments included gastrocnemius EIM, force measurements, muscle mass and myofiber size quantification. Results: ActRIIB-mFc increased body mass, muscle mass and myofiber size across all doses. Alterations in EIM 50 kHz phase and center frequency (fc) were also present, with trends in a dose-dependent fashion. Significant correlations between EIM parameters and myofiber/functional data were identified. Conclusion: EIM outcomes can serve as effective biomarkers of myostatin signaling inhibition, demonstrating a dose sensitivity and correlation to standard assessments. We were interested in studying the sensitivity of a technique, called electrical impedance myography (EIM), to noninvasively assess the size of muscle fibers. In this technique a minute electrical current is used to probe the tissue. To do so, we gave a drug (ActRIIB-mFc) to mice that enlarges muscle fibers at three different doses. We were able to show that the EIM technique was able to detect this differential effect and functional changes induced by the drug correlated to the EIM data. This work suggests that EIM will be useful as a noninvasive marker muscle health.
Collapse
|
9
|
Béchir N, Pecchi E, Vilmen C, Le Fur Y, Amthor H, Bernard M, Bendahan D, Giannesini B. ActRIIB blockade increases force-generating capacity and preserves energy supply in exercising mdx mouse muscle in vivo. FASEB J 2016; 30:3551-3562. [PMID: 27416839 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201600271rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Postnatal blockade of the activin type IIB receptor (ActRIIB) represents a promising therapeutic strategy for counteracting dystrophic muscle wasting. However, its impact on muscle function and bioenergetics remains poorly documented in physiologic conditions. We have investigated totally noninvasively the effect of 8-wk administration of either soluble ActRIIB signaling inhibitor (sActRIIB-Fc) or vehicle PBS (control) on gastrocnemius muscle force-generating capacity, energy metabolism, and anatomy in dystrophic mdx mice using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and dynamic [31P]-MR spectroscopy ([31P]-MRS) in vivo ActRIIB inhibition increased muscle volume (+33%) without changing fiber-type distribution, and increased basal animal oxygen consumption (+22%) and energy expenditure (+23%). During an in vivo standardized fatiguing exercise, maximum and total absolute contractile forces were larger (+40 and 24%, respectively) in sActRIIB-Fc treated animals, whereas specific force-generating capacity and fatigue resistance remained unaffected. Furthermore, sActRIIB-Fc administration did not alter metabolic fluxes, ATP homeostasis, or contractile efficiency during the fatiguing bout of exercise, although it dramatically reduced the intrinsic mitochondrial capacity for producing ATP. Overall, sActRIIB-Fc treatment increased muscle mass and strength without altering the fundamental weakness characteristic of dystrophic mdx muscle. These data support the clinical interest of ActRIIB blockade for reversing dystrophic muscle wasting.-Béchir, N., Pecchi, E., Vilmen, C., Le Fur, Y., Amthor, H., Bernard, M., Bendahan, D., Giannesini, B. ActRIIB blockade increases force-generating capacity and preserves energy supply in exercising mdx mouse muscle in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nelly Béchir
- Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre de Résonance Magnétique Biologique et Médicale, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7339, Marseille, France
| | - Emilie Pecchi
- Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre de Résonance Magnétique Biologique et Médicale, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7339, Marseille, France
| | - Christophe Vilmen
- Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre de Résonance Magnétique Biologique et Médicale, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7339, Marseille, France
| | - Yann Le Fur
- Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre de Résonance Magnétique Biologique et Médicale, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7339, Marseille, France
| | - Helge Amthor
- Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Unités de Formation et de Recherche des Sciences de la Santé, INSERM U1179, Laboratoire International Associé, Biologie Appliquée Handicap Neuromusculaire, Cellules Souches Mésenchymateuses, Saint Quentin en Yvelines Therapeutics, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France; and Service Génétique Médicale, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Necker-Enfants Malades, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Monique Bernard
- Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre de Résonance Magnétique Biologique et Médicale, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7339, Marseille, France
| | - David Bendahan
- Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre de Résonance Magnétique Biologique et Médicale, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7339, Marseille, France
| | - Benoît Giannesini
- Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre de Résonance Magnétique Biologique et Médicale, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7339, Marseille, France;
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Rodino-Klapac LR, Haidet AM, Kota J, Handy C, Kaspar BK, Mendell JR. Inhibition of myostatin with emphasis on follistatin as a therapy for muscle disease. Muscle Nerve 2009; 39:283-96. [PMID: 19208403 PMCID: PMC2717722 DOI: 10.1002/mus.21244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
In most cases, pharmacologic strategies to treat genetic muscle disorders and certain acquired disorders, such as sporadic inclusion body myositis, have produced modest clinical benefits. In these conditions, inhibition of the myostatin pathway represents an alternative strategy to improve functional outcomes. Preclinical data that support this approach clearly demonstrate the potential for blocking the myostatin pathway. Follistatin has emerged as a powerful antagonist of myostatin that can increase muscle mass and strength. Follistatin was first isolated from the ovary and is known to suppress follicle-stimulating hormone. This raises concerns for potential adverse effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and possible reproductive capabilities. In this review we demonstrate a strategy to bypass off-target effects using an alternatively spliced cDNA of follistatin (FS344) delivered by adeno-associated virus (AAV) to muscle. The transgene product is a peptide of 315 amino acids that is secreted from the muscle and circulates in the serum, thus avoiding cell-surface binding sites. Using this approach our translational studies show increased muscle size and strength in species ranging from mice to monkeys. Adverse effects are avoided, and no organ system pathology or change in reproductive capabilities has been seen. These findings provide the impetus to move toward gene therapy clinical trials with delivery of AAV-FS344 to increase size and function of muscle in patients with neuromuscular disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louise R Rodino-Klapac
- Center for Gene Therapy, Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205 USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|