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Delaney R, O'Halloran KD. Respiratory performance in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: Clinical manifestations and lessons from animal models. Exp Physiol 2024; 109:1426-1445. [PMID: 39023735 PMCID: PMC11363095 DOI: 10.1113/ep091967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a fatal genetic neuromuscular disease. Lack of dystrophin in skeletal muscles leads to intrinsic weakness, injury, subsequent degeneration and fibrosis, decreasing contractile function. Dystropathology eventually presents in all inspiratory and expiratory muscles of breathing, severely curtailing their critical function. In people with DMD, premature death is caused by respiratory or cardiac failure. There is an urgent need to develop therapies that improve quality of life and extend life expectancy in DMD. Surprisingly, there is a dearth of information on respiratory control in animal models of DMD, and respiratory outcome measures are often limited or absent in clinical trials. Characterization of respiratory performance in murine and canine models has revealed extensive remodelling of the diaphragm, the major muscle of inspiration. However, significant compensation by extradiaphragmatic muscles of breathing is evident in early disease, contributing to preservation of peak respiratory system performance. Loss of compensation afforded by accessory muscles in advanced disease is ultimately associated with compromised respiratory performance. A new and potentially more translatable murine model of DMD, the D2.mdx mouse, has recently been developed. Respiratory performance in D2.mdx mice is yet to be characterized fully. However, based on histopathological features, D2.mdx mice might serve as useful preclinical models, facilitating the testing of new therapeutics that rescue respiratory function. This review summarizes the pathophysiological mechanisms associated with DMD both in humans and in animal models, with a focus on breathing. We consider the translational value of each model to human DMD and highlight the urgent need for comprehensive characterization of breathing in representative preclinical models to better inform human trials.
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2
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Laurent M, Geoffroy M, Pavani G, Guiraud S. CRISPR-Based Gene Therapies: From Preclinical to Clinical Treatments. Cells 2024; 13:800. [PMID: 38786024 PMCID: PMC11119143 DOI: 10.3390/cells13100800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPRs) and CRISPR-associated (Cas) protein have emerged as a revolutionary gene editing tool to treat inherited disorders affecting different organ systems, such as blood and muscles. Both hematological and neuromuscular genetic disorders benefit from genome editing approaches but face different challenges in their clinical translation. The ability of CRISPR/Cas9 technologies to modify hematopoietic stem cells ex vivo has greatly accelerated the development of genetic therapies for blood disorders. In the last decade, many clinical trials were initiated and are now delivering encouraging results. The recent FDA approval of Casgevy, the first CRISPR/Cas9-based drug for severe sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia, represents a significant milestone in the field and highlights the great potential of this technology. Similar preclinical efforts are currently expanding CRISPR therapies to other hematologic disorders such as primary immunodeficiencies. In the neuromuscular field, the versatility of CRISPR/Cas9 has been instrumental for the generation of new cellular and animal models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), offering innovative platforms to speed up preclinical development of therapeutic solutions. Several corrective interventions have been proposed to genetically restore dystrophin production using the CRISPR toolbox and have demonstrated promising results in different DMD animal models. Although these advances represent a significant step forward to the clinical translation of CRISPR/Cas9 therapies to DMD, there are still many hurdles to overcome, such as in vivo delivery methods associated with high viral vector doses, together with safety and immunological concerns. Collectively, the results obtained in the hematological and neuromuscular fields emphasize the transformative impact of CRISPR/Cas9 for patients affected by these debilitating conditions. As each field suffers from different and specific challenges, the clinical translation of CRISPR therapies may progress differentially depending on the genetic disorder. Ongoing investigations and clinical trials will address risks and limitations of these therapies, including long-term efficacy, potential genotoxicity, and adverse immune reactions. This review provides insights into the diverse applications of CRISPR-based technologies in both preclinical and clinical settings for monogenic blood disorders and muscular dystrophy and compare advances in both fields while highlighting current trends, difficulties, and challenges to overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine Laurent
- INTEGRARE, UMR_S951, Genethon, Inserm, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91190 Evry, France
| | | | - Giulia Pavani
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Simon Guiraud
- SQY Therapeutics, 78180 Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
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3
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Otake M, Imamura M, Enya S, Kangawa A, Shibata M, Ozaki K, Kimura K, Ono E, Aoki Y. Severe cardiac and skeletal manifestations in DMD-edited microminipigs: an advanced surrogate for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Commun Biol 2024; 7:523. [PMID: 38702481 PMCID: PMC11068776 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06222-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an intractable X-linked muscular dystrophy caused by mutations in the DMD gene. While many animal models have been used to study the disease, translating findings to humans has been challenging. Microminipigs, with their pronounced physiological similarity to humans and notably compact size amongst pig models, could offer a more representative model for human diseases. Here, we accomplished precise DMD modification in microminipigs by co-injecting embryos with Cas9 protein and a single-guide RNA targeting exon 23 of DMD. The DMD-edited microminipigs exhibited pronounced clinical phenotypes, including perturbed locomotion and body-wide skeletal muscle weakness and atrophy, alongside augmented serum creatine kinase levels. Muscle weakness was observed as of one month of age, respiratory and cardiac dysfunctions emerged by the sixth month, and the maximum lifespan was 29.9 months. Histopathological evaluations confirmed dystrophin deficiency and pronounced dystrophic pathology in the skeletal and myocardial tissues, demonstrating that these animals are an unprecedented model for studying human DMD. The model stands as a distinct and crucial tool in biomedical research, offering deep understanding of disease progression and enhancing therapeutic assessments, with potential to influence forthcoming treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masayoshi Otake
- Swine and Poultry Research Center, Shizuoka Prefectural Research Institute of Animal Industry, Kikugawa, Shizuoka, 439-0037, Japan.
| | - Michihiro Imamura
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Centre of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, 187-8502, Japan
| | - Satoko Enya
- Swine and Poultry Research Center, Shizuoka Prefectural Research Institute of Animal Industry, Kikugawa, Shizuoka, 439-0037, Japan
| | - Akihisa Kangawa
- Swine and Poultry Research Center, Shizuoka Prefectural Research Institute of Animal Industry, Kikugawa, Shizuoka, 439-0037, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Shibata
- Swine and Poultry Research Center, Shizuoka Prefectural Research Institute of Animal Industry, Kikugawa, Shizuoka, 439-0037, Japan
| | - Kinuyo Ozaki
- Department of Biomedicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
- Center of Biomedical Research, Research Center for Human Disease Modeling, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Koichi Kimura
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine/Cardiology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Etsuro Ono
- Department of Biomedicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
- Center of Biomedical Research, Research Center for Human Disease Modeling, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Yoshitsugu Aoki
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Centre of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, 187-8502, Japan.
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4
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Kamiya Y, Aihara N, Shiga T, Horiuchi N, Kamiie J. Diversity of mutations in the dystrophin gene and details of muscular lesions in porcine dystrophinopathies. Vet Pathol 2024; 61:432-441. [PMID: 38006213 DOI: 10.1177/03009858231214028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
During meat inspections in pigs, dystrophinopathies are among the muscle lesions targeted for disposal. In this study, the authors examined the lesions and the distribution of dystrophin expression in 25 pigs with dystrophinopathy. In addition, complementary deoxyribonucleic acid (cDNA) sequencing and western blotting were performed in 6 of the 25 cases, all of which were characterized by degeneration, necrosis, and fat replacement of muscle fibers. Comparing the results of immunohistochemistry with anti-dystrophin antibodies that recognized at different sites in the protein, the authors noted that the loss of dystrophin expression was most pronounced in the C-terminus-recognizing antibody (19/25 cases). The authors detected 5 missense mutations and 3 types of shortened transcripts generated by the skipping of exons in the cDNA, which were associated with the pathogenesis. One missense mutation had been reported previously, whereas the remaining mutations identified had not been previously documented in pigs. In the cases with shortened transcripts, normal-sized transcripts were detected together with the defective transcripts, suggesting that these mutations were caused by splicing abnormalities. In addition, they were in-frame mutations, all of which have similar pathogeneses of Becker muscular dystrophy in humans. These cases were 6 months of age and exhibited macroscopic discoloration, fatty replacement, and muscle degeneration, suggesting that the effect of these mutations on skeletal muscle was significant.
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5
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Mariano CG, de Oliveira VC, Ambrósio CE. Gene editing in small and large animals for translational medicine: a review. Anim Reprod 2024; 21:e20230089. [PMID: 38628493 PMCID: PMC11019828 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2023-0089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The CRISPR/Cas9 system is a simpler and more versatile method compared to other engineered nucleases such as Zinc Finger Nucleases (ZFNs) and Transcription Activator-Like Effector Nucleases (TALENs), and since its discovery, the efficiency of CRISPR-based genome editing has increased to the point that multiple and different types of edits can be made simultaneously. These advances in gene editing have revolutionized biotechnology by enabling precise genome editing with greater simplicity and efficacy than ever before. This tool has been successfully applied to a wide range of animal species, including cattle, pigs, dogs, and other small animals. Engineered nucleases cut the genome at specific target positions, triggering the cell's mechanisms to repair the damage and introduce a mutation to a specific genomic site. This review discusses novel genome-based CRISPR/Cas9 editing tools, methods developed to improve efficiency and specificity, the use of gene-editing on animal models and translational medicine, and the main challenges and limitations of CRISPR-based gene-editing approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clésio Gomes Mariano
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de São Paulo – USP, Pirassununga, SP, Brasil
| | - Vanessa Cristina de Oliveira
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de São Paulo – USP, Pirassununga, SP, Brasil
| | - Carlos Eduardo Ambrósio
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de São Paulo – USP, Pirassununga, SP, Brasil
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Chikamoto A, Tochinai R, Sekizawa SI, Kuwahara M. Plasticity occurs in a specific phenotype of neurons in the nucleus tractus solitarius of dystrophin gene-mutated rats. Eur J Neurosci 2023; 58:4282-4297. [PMID: 37933572 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe progressive neuromuscular disorder that causes cardiac and respiratory failure. Patients with DMD have tachycardia and autonomic nervous dysfunction at a young age, which can potentially worsen cardiorespiratory function. Therefore, we hypothesised that plasticity occurs in neurons of the cardiorespiratory brainstem nucleus (nucleus tractus solitarius [NTS]) due to DMD, thus affecting neuronal regulation because afferent information from cardiorespiratory organs changes with disease progression. Patch-clamp experiments were performed on second-order NTS neurons from Dmd-mutated (Dm) rats that showed no functional dystrophin protein expression, as confirmed by immunohistochemistry. NTS neurons are classified into two electrophysiological phenotypes: one showing a delayed onset of spiking from hyperpolarised membrane potentials, namely, delayed-onset spiking (DS)-type neurons, and the other showing a rapid onset, namely, rapid-onset spiking-type neurons. Neuroplasticity mainly occurs in DS-type neurons in Dm rats and is characterised by blunted neuronal excitability accompanied by reduced outward currents and a facilitatory effect on synaptic transmission, that is, an increased frequency of spontaneous and miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) without changes in the amplitude and an increased amplitude of tractus solitarius-evoked EPSCs without changes in the paired-pulse ratio. Although we cannot rule out the possibility that the neuroplastic changes observed in Dm rats were caused by dystrophin deficiency in the neurons themselves, the plasticity could be caused by cardiorespiratory deterioration and/or adaptation in DMD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akitoshi Chikamoto
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathophysiology and Animal Health, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryota Tochinai
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathophysiology and Animal Health, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shin-Ichi Sekizawa
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathophysiology and Animal Health, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masayoshi Kuwahara
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathophysiology and Animal Health, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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7
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Shelton GD, Minor KM, Friedenberg SG, Cullen JN, Guo LT, Mickelson JR. Current Classification of Canine Muscular Dystrophies and Identification of New Variants. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1557. [PMID: 37628610 PMCID: PMC10454810 DOI: 10.3390/genes14081557] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The spectrum of canine muscular dystrophies has rapidly grown with the recent identification of several more affected breeds and associated mutations. Defects include those in genes and protein products associated with the sarcolemma (dystrophin deficient X-linked muscular dystrophy and sarcoglycan-deficient limb-girdle muscular dystrophy) and with the extracellular matrix (collagen 6, laminin α2, and α-dystroglycan-deficient congenital muscular dystrophies). With the increasing application of whole genome sequencing and whole exome sequencing, the clinical and pathological spectra associated with specific neuromuscular genetic defects are constantly evolving. In this report, we provide a brief overview of the current status of gene defects reported in canine muscular dystrophies. We also report the causative mutations for novel forms of X-linked muscular dystrophy in Brittany spaniels and in a French bulldog.
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Affiliation(s)
- G. Diane Shelton
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA;
| | - Katie M. Minor
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA; (K.M.M.); (J.R.M.)
| | - Steven G. Friedenberg
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA; (S.G.F.); (J.N.C.)
| | - Jonah N. Cullen
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA; (S.G.F.); (J.N.C.)
| | - Ling T. Guo
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA;
| | - James R. Mickelson
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA; (K.M.M.); (J.R.M.)
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Shah MNA, Yokota T. Restoring Dystrophin Expression by Skipping Exons 6 and 8 in Neonatal Dystrophic Dogs. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2587:107-124. [PMID: 36401026 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2772-3_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is caused by the mutations in the DMD gene resulting in no dystrophin production. Skipping DMD exons using phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PMOs) is an emerging treatment strategy that can restore the reading frame of the mutated gene and produce truncated but functional dystrophin protein. To date, four PMOs, including eteplirsen, casimersen, viltolarsen, and golodirsen, have been conditionally approved by the FDA for the treatment of DMD. Since degeneration of muscle fibers and irreversible fibrosis occur from childhood, the earlier treatment is preferred. The canine X-linked muscular dystrophy in Japan (CXMDj), a dog model of DMD, produces no dystrophin and exhibits a severe phenotype similar to human patients from early childhood. As such, CXMDj, which harbors a splice site mutation in intron 6, is a useful model for examining the long-term effects of early PMO treatment. In this chapter, we describe the systemic delivery of a cocktail of four PMOs that can successfully induce multiple exon skipping (exons 6-9) in neonatal dystrophic dogs. We also describe the procedures to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity, including clinical grading of dystrophic dogs, ELISA-based quantification of PMOs, histology, RT-PCR, and western blotting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Nur Ahad Shah
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Toshifumi Yokota
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
- Muscular Dystrophy Canada Research Chair, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
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9
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Bencze M. Mechanisms of Myofibre Death in Muscular Dystrophies: The Emergence of the Regulated Forms of Necrosis in Myology. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010362. [PMID: 36613804 PMCID: PMC9820579 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Myofibre necrosis is a central pathogenic process in muscular dystrophies (MD). As post-lesional regeneration cannot fully compensate for chronic myofibre loss, interstitial tissue accumulates and impairs muscle function. Muscle regeneration has been extensively studied over the last decades, however, the pathway(s) controlling muscle necrosis remains largely unknown. The recent discovery of several regulated cell death (RCD) pathways with necrotic morphology challenged the dogma of necrosis as an uncontrolled process, opening interesting perspectives for many degenerative disorders. In this review, we focus on how cell death affects myofibres in MDs, integrating the latest research in the cell death field, with specific emphasis on Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the best-known and most common hereditary MD. The role of regulated forms of necrosis in myology is still in its infancy but there is increasing evidence that necroptosis, a genetically programmed form of necrosis, is involved in muscle degenerating disorders. The existence of apoptosis in myofibre demise will be questioned, while other forms of non-apoptotic RCDs may also have a role in myonecrosis, illustrating the complexity and possibly the heterogeneity of the cell death pathways in muscle degenerating conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilien Bencze
- “Biology of the Neuromuscular System” Team, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale (IMRB), University Paris-Est Créteil, INSERM, U955 IMRB, 94010 Créteil, France;
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, IMRB, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
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10
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Stevens R, Kanazono S, Petesch S, Guo LT, Shelton GD. Dystrophin-Deficient Muscular Dystrophy in Two Male Juvenile Brittanys. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2022; 58:292-296. [PMID: 36315862 DOI: 10.5326/jaaha-ms-7255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
A 6 mo old and a 7 mo old male intact Brittany were presented for progressive exercise intolerance, failure to grow, and dysphagia. Creatine kinase activity was markedly and persistently elevated in both dogs. Based on the neurological examination, clinical signs localized to the neuromuscular system. Electromyography revealed complex repetitive discharges in multiple muscle groups. Immunofluorescence of biopsies confirmed dystrophin-deficient muscular dystrophy. This is the first report describing dystrophin-deficient muscular dystrophy in the Brittany breed. Currently, no specific therapies are available for this form of myopathy. The presence of dystrophin deficiency in the two dogs suggests an inherited myopathy rather than a spontaneous mutation. The location of the dogs in the United States and Japan suggests a wide distribution of this dystrophy and should alert clinicians to the existence of this myopathy in the Brittany breed. A mutation in the DMD gene has not yet been identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Stevens
- From Burlington Emergency and Veterinary Specialists, Williston, Vermont (R.S.)
| | | | - Scott Petesch
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (S.P.)
| | - Ling T Guo
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California (L.T.G., G.D.S.)
| | - G Diane Shelton
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California (L.T.G., G.D.S.)
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11
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Polikarpova AV, Egorova TV, Bardina MV. Genetically modified animal models of hereditary diseases for testing of gene-directed therapy. RESEARCH RESULTS IN PHARMACOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.3897/rrpharmacology.8.82618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Disease-causing genes have been identified for many severe muscular and neurological genetic disorders. Advances in the gene therapy field offer promising solutions for drug development to treat these life-threatening conditions. Depending on how the mutation affects the function of the gene product, different gene therapy approaches may be beneficial. Gene replacement therapy is appropriate for diseases caused by mutations that result in the deficiency of the functional protein. Gene suppression strategy is suggested for disorders caused by the toxic product of the mutant gene. Splicing modulators, genome editing, and base editing techniques can be applied to disorders with different types of underlying mutations. Testing potential drugs in animal models of human diseases is an indispensable step of development. Given the specific gene therapy approach, appropriate animal models can be generated using a variety of technologies ranging from transgenesis to precise genome editing. In this review, we discuss technologies used to generate small and large animal models of the most common muscular and neurological genetic disorders. We specifically focus on animal models that were used to test gene therapies based on adeno-associated vectors and antisense nucleotides.
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12
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Bengtsson NE, Crudele JM, Klaiman JM, Halbert CL, Hauschka SD, Chamberlain JS. Comparison of dystrophin expression following gene editing and gene replacement in an aged preclinical DMD animal model. Mol Ther 2022; 30:2176-2185. [PMID: 35143959 PMCID: PMC9171147 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene editing has shown promise for correcting or bypassing dystrophin mutations in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). However, preclinical studies have focused on young animals with limited muscle fibrosis and wasting, thereby favoring muscle transduction, myonuclear editing, and prevention of disease progression. Here, we explore muscle-specific dystrophin gene editing following intramuscular delivery of AAV6:CK8e-CRISPR/SaCas9 in 3- and 8-year-old dystrophic CXMD dogs and provide a qualitative comparison to AAV6:CK8e-micro-dystrophin gene replacement at 6 weeks post-treatment. Gene editing restored the dystrophin reading frame in ∼1.3% of genomes and in up to 4.0% of dystrophin transcripts following excision of a 105-kb mutation containing region spanning exons 6-8. However, resulting dystrophin expression levels and effects on muscle pathology were greater with the use of micro-dystrophin gene transfer. This study demonstrates that our muscle-specific multi-exon deletion strategy can correct a frequently mutated region of the dystrophin gene in an aged large animal DMD model, but underscores that further enhancements are required to reach efficiencies comparable to AAV micro-dystrophin. Our observations also indicate that treatment efficacy and state of muscle pathology at the time of intervention are linked, suggesting the need for additional methodological optimizations related to age and disease progression to achieve relevant clinical translation of CRISPR-based therapies to all DMD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niclas E Bengtsson
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109-8055, USA; Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109-8055, USA.
| | - Julie M Crudele
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109-8055, USA; Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109-8055, USA
| | - Jordan M Klaiman
- Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109-8055, USA; Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109-8055, USA
| | - Christine L Halbert
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109-8055, USA; Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109-8055, USA
| | - Stephen D Hauschka
- Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109-8055, USA; Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109-8055, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Chamberlain
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109-8055, USA; Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109-8055, USA; Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109-8055, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109-8055, USA
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13
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Oh HJ, Chung E, Kim J, Kim MJ, Kim GA, Lee SH, Ra K, Eom K, Park S, Chae JH, Kim JS, Lee BC. Generation of a Dystrophin Mutant in Dog by Nuclear Transfer Using CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Somatic Cells: A Preliminary Study. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052898. [PMID: 35270040 PMCID: PMC8911381 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Dystrophinopathy is caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene, which lead to progressive muscle degeneration, necrosis, and finally, death. Recently, golden retrievers have been suggested as a useful animal model for studying human dystrophinopathy, but the model has limitations due to difficulty in maintaining the genetic background using conventional breeding. In this study, we successfully generated a dystrophin mutant dog using the CRISPR/Cas9 system and somatic cell nuclear transfer. The dystrophin mutant dog displayed phenotypes such as elevated serum creatine kinase, dystrophin deficiency, skeletal muscle defects, an abnormal electrocardiogram, and avoidance of ambulation. These results indicate that donor cells with CRISPR/Cas9 for a specific gene combined with the somatic cell nuclear transfer technique can efficiently produce a dystrophin mutant dog, which will help in the successful development of gene therapy drugs for dogs and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Ju Oh
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea; (H.J.O.); (M.J.K.); (G.A.K.); (S.H.L.); (K.R.)
| | - Eugene Chung
- Center for Genome Engineering, Institute for Basic Science, Seoul 08826, Korea;
- Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Jaehwan Kim
- Department of Veterinary Medical Imaging, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 5029, Korea; (J.K.); (K.E.)
| | - Min Jung Kim
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea; (H.J.O.); (M.J.K.); (G.A.K.); (S.H.L.); (K.R.)
| | - Geon A. Kim
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea; (H.J.O.); (M.J.K.); (G.A.K.); (S.H.L.); (K.R.)
- Department of Clinical Pathology, College of Health Science, Eulji University, Uijeongbu 11759, Korea
| | - Seok Hee Lee
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea; (H.J.O.); (M.J.K.); (G.A.K.); (S.H.L.); (K.R.)
| | - Kihae Ra
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea; (H.J.O.); (M.J.K.); (G.A.K.); (S.H.L.); (K.R.)
| | - Kidong Eom
- Department of Veterinary Medical Imaging, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 5029, Korea; (J.K.); (K.E.)
| | - Soojin Park
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea; (S.P.); (J.-H.C.)
| | - Jong-Hee Chae
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea; (S.P.); (J.-H.C.)
| | - Jin-Soo Kim
- Center for Genome Engineering, Institute for Basic Science, Seoul 08826, Korea;
- Correspondence: (J.-S.K.); (B.C.L.); Tel.: +82-2-880-9327 (J.-S.K.); +82-2-880-1269 (B.C.L.)
| | - Byeong Chun Lee
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea; (H.J.O.); (M.J.K.); (G.A.K.); (S.H.L.); (K.R.)
- Correspondence: (J.-S.K.); (B.C.L.); Tel.: +82-2-880-9327 (J.-S.K.); +82-2-880-1269 (B.C.L.)
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14
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Crawford AH, Hildyard JCW, Rushing SAM, Wells DJ, Diez-Leon M, Piercy RJ. Validation of DE50-MD dogs as a model for the brain phenotype of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:dmm049291. [PMID: 35019137 PMCID: PMC8906169 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a fatal musculoskeletal disease, is associated with neurodevelopmental disorders and cognitive impairment caused by brain dystrophin deficiency. Dog models of DMD represent key translational tools to study dystrophin biology and to develop novel therapeutics. However, characterisation of dystrophin expression and function in the canine brain is lacking. We studied the DE50-MD canine model of DMD that has a missense mutation in the donor splice site of exon 50. Using a battery of cognitive tests, we detected a neurocognitive phenotype in DE50-MD dogs, including reduced attention, problem solving and exploration of novel objects. Through a combination of capillary immunoelectrophoresis, immunolabelling, quantitative PCR and RNAScope in situ hybridisation, we show that regional dystrophin expression in the adult canine brain reflects that of humans, and that the DE50-MD dog lacks full-length dystrophin (Dp427) protein expression but retains expression of the two shorter brain-expressed isoforms, Dp140 and Dp71. Thus, the DE50-MD dog is a translationally relevant pre-clinical model to study the consequences of Dp427 deficiency in the brain and to develop therapeutic strategies for the neurological sequelae of DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbe H. Crawford
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London NW1 0TU, UK
| | - John C. W. Hildyard
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London NW1 0TU, UK
| | - Sophie A. M. Rushing
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London NW1 0TU, UK
| | - Dominic J. Wells
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London NW1 0TU, UK
| | - Maria Diez-Leon
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Richard J. Piercy
- Comparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London NW1 0TU, UK
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15
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Marine T, Marielle S, Graziella M, Fabio RMV. Macrophages in Skeletal Muscle Dystrophies, An Entangled Partner. J Neuromuscul Dis 2021; 9:1-23. [PMID: 34542080 PMCID: PMC8842758 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-210737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
While skeletal muscle remodeling happens throughout life, diseases that result in its dysfunction are accountable for many deaths. Indeed, skeletal muscle is exceptionally capable to respond to stimuli modifying its homeostasis, such as in atrophy, hypertrophy, regeneration and repair. In particular conditions such as genetic diseases (muscular dystrophies), skeletal muscle’s capacity to remodel is strongly affected and undergoes continuous cycles of chronic damage. This induces scarring, fatty infiltration, as well as loss of contractibility and of the ability to generate force. In this context, inflammation, primarily mediated by macrophages, plays a central pathogenic role. Macrophages contribute as the primary regulators of inflammation during skeletal muscle regeneration, affecting tissue-resident cells such as myogenic cells and endothelial cells, but also fibro-adipogenic progenitors, which are the main source of the fibro fatty scar. During skeletal muscle regeneration their function is tightly orchestrated, while in dystrophies their fate is strongly disturbed, resulting in chronic inflammation. In this review, we will discuss the latest findings on the role of macrophages in skeletal muscle diseases, and how they are regulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theret Marine
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver BC, Canada
| | - Saclier Marielle
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, via Celoria, Milan, Italy
| | - Messina Graziella
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, via Celoria, Milan, Italy
| | - Rossi M V Fabio
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver BC, Canada
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16
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Animal models for researching approaches to therapy of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Transgenic Res 2021; 30:709-725. [PMID: 34409525 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-021-00278-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a relatively widespread genetic disease which develops as a result of a mutation in the gene DMD encoding dystrophin. In this review, animal models of DMD are described. These models are used in preclinical studies to elucidate the pathogenesis of the disease or to develop effective treatments; each animal model has its own advantages and disadvantages. For instance, Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila melanogaster, and zebrafish (sapje) are suitable for large-scale chemical screening of large numbers of small molecules, but their disease phenotype differs from that of mammals. The use of larger animals is important for understanding of the potential efficacy of various treatments for DMD. While mdx mice have their advantages, they exhibit a milder disease phenotype compared to humans or dogs, making it difficult to evaluate the efficacy of new treatment for DMD. The disease in dogs and pigs is more severe and progresses faster than in mice, but it is more difficult to breed and obtain sufficient numbers of specimens in order to achieve statistically significant results. Moreover, working with large animals is also more labor-intensive. Therefore, when choosing the optimal animal model for research, it is worth considering all the goals and objectives.
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17
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Hrach HC, O'Brien S, Steber HS, Newbern J, Rawls A, Mangone M. Transcriptome changes during the initiation and progression of Duchenne muscular dystrophy in Caenorhabditis elegans. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 29:1607-1623. [PMID: 32227114 PMCID: PMC7322572 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddaa055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a lethal, X-linked disease characterized by progressive muscle degeneration. The condition is driven by nonsense and missense mutations in the dystrophin gene, leading to instability of the sarcolemma and skeletal muscle necrosis and atrophy. Resulting changes in muscle-specific gene expression that take place in dystrophin's absence remain largely uncharacterized, as they are potentially obscured by the chronic inflammation elicited by muscle damage in humans. Caenorhabditis elegans possess a mild inflammatory response that is not active in the muscle, and lack a satellite cell equivalent. This allows for the characterization of the transcriptome rearrangements affecting disease progression independently of inflammation and regeneration. In effort to better understand these dynamics, we have isolated and sequenced body muscle-specific transcriptomes from C. elegans lacking functional dystrophin at distinct stages of disease progression. We have identified an upregulation of genes involved in mitochondrial function early in disease progression, and an upregulation of genes related to muscle repair in later stages. Our results suggest that in C. elegans, dystrophin may have a signaling role early in development, and its absence may activate compensatory mechanisms that counteract muscle degradation caused by loss of dystrophin. We have also developed a temperature-based screening method for synthetic paralysis that can be used to rapidly identify genetic partners of dystrophin. Our results allow for the comprehensive identification of transcriptome changes that potentially serve as independent drivers of disease progression and may in turn allow for the identification of new therapeutic targets for the treatment of DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather C Hrach
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, School of Life Sciences, 427 East Tyler Mall, Tempe, AZ 85287 4501, USA.,Virginia G. Piper Center for Personalized Diagnostics, The Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University, 1001 S McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
| | - Shannon O'Brien
- Virginia G. Piper Center for Personalized Diagnostics, The Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University, 1001 S McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA.,Barrett Honors College, Arizona State University, 751 E Lemon Mall, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
| | - Hannah S Steber
- Barrett Honors College, Arizona State University, 751 E Lemon Mall, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
| | - Jason Newbern
- School of Life Sciences, 427 East Tyler Mall, Tempe, AZ 85287 4501, USA
| | - Alan Rawls
- School of Life Sciences, 427 East Tyler Mall, Tempe, AZ 85287 4501, USA
| | - Marco Mangone
- Virginia G. Piper Center for Personalized Diagnostics, The Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University, 1001 S McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
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18
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Kuraoka M, Aoki Y, Takeda S. Development of outcome measures according to dystrophic phenotypes in canine X-linked muscular dystrophy in Japan. Exp Anim 2021; 70:419-430. [PMID: 34135266 PMCID: PMC8614006 DOI: 10.1538/expanim.21-0072] [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] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked lethal muscle disorder characterized by primary muscle degeneration. Therapeutic strategies for DMD have been extensively explored, and some are in the stage of human clinical trials. Along with the development of new therapies, sensitive outcome measures are needed to monitor the effects of new treatments. Therefore, we investigated outcome measures such as biomarkers and motor function evaluation in a dystrophic model of beagle dogs, canine X-linked muscular dystrophy in Japan (CXMDJ). Osteopontin (OPN), a myogenic inflammatory cytokine, was explored as a potential biomarker in dystrophic dogs over the disease course. The serum OPN levels of CXMDJ dystrophic dogs were elevated, even in the early disease phase, and this could be related to the presence of regenerating muscle fibers; as such, OPN would be a promising biomarker for muscle regeneration. Next, accelerometry, which is an efficient method to quantify performance in validated tasks, was used to evaluate motor function longitudinally in dystrophic dogs. We measured three-axis acceleration and angular velocity with wireless hybrid sensors during gait evaluations. Multiple parameters of acceleration and angular velocity showed notedly lower values in dystrophic dogs compared with wild-type dogs, even at the onset of muscle weakness. These parameters accordingly decreased with exacerbation of clinical manifestations along with the disease course. Multiple parameters also indicated gait abnormalities in dystrophic dogs, such as a waddling gait. These outcome measures could be applicable in clinical trials of patients with DMD or other muscle disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mutsuki Kuraoka
- Laboratory of Experimental Animal Science, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University.,Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry
| | - Yoshitsugu Aoki
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry
| | - Shin'ichi Takeda
- National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry
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19
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Musculoskeletal magnetic resonance imaging in the DE50-MD dog model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Neuromuscul Disord 2021; 31:736-751. [PMID: 34384671 PMCID: PMC8449064 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2021.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Normalized muscle volumes distinguish between wild type and DE50-MD dogs. Global muscle T2 signal intensities discriminate between wild type and DE50-MD dogs. Musculoskeletal changes detected by MRI reflect those seen in human DMD patients. Musculoskeletal MRI in this model will be useful to assess treatment efficacy.
The DE50-MD canine model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) has a dystrophin gene splice site mutation causing deletion of exon 50, an out-of-frame transcript and absence of dystrophin expression in striated muscles. We hypothesized that the musculoskeletal phenotype of DE50-MD dogs could be detected using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), that it would progress with age and that it would reflect those in other canine models and DMD patients. 15 DE50-MD and 10 age-matched littermate wild type (WT) male dogs underwent MRI every 3 months from 3 to 18 months of age. Normalized muscle volumes, global muscle T2 and ratio of post- to pre-gadolinium T1-weighted SI were evaluated in 7 pelvic limb and 4 lumbar muscles bilaterally. DE50-MD dogs, compared to WT, had smaller volumes in all muscles, except the cranial sartorius; global muscle T2 was significantly higher in DE50-MD dogs compared to WT. Muscle volumes plateaued and global muscle T2 decreased with age. Normalized muscle volumes and global muscle T2 revealed significant differences between groups longitudinally and should be useful to determine efficacy of therapeutics in this model with suitable power and low sample sizes. Musculoskeletal changes reflect those of DMD patients and other dog models.
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20
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Gaina G, Popa (Gruianu) A. Muscular dystrophy: Experimental animal models and therapeutic approaches (Review). Exp Ther Med 2021; 21:610. [PMID: 33936267 PMCID: PMC8082581 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The muscular dystrophies are a heterogeneous group of genetically inherited diseases characterized by muscle weakness and progressive wasting, which can cause premature death in severe forms. Although >30 years have passed since the identification of the first protein involved in a type of muscular dystrophy, there is no effective treatment for these disabling disorders. In the last decade, several novel therapeutic approaches have been developed and investigated as promising therapeutic approaches aimed to ameliorate the dystrophic phenotype either by restoring dystrophin expression or by compensating for dystrophin deficiency. Concurrently, with the development of therapeutic approaches, in addition to naturally occurring animal models, a wide range of genetically engineered animal models has been generated. The use of animals as models of muscular dystrophies has greatly improved the understanding of the pathogenicity of these diseases and has proven useful in gene therapy studies. In this review, we summarize these latest innovative therapeutic approaches to muscular dystrophies and the usefulness of the various most common experimental animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisela Gaina
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Neuroscience and Experimental Myology, ‘Victor Babes’ National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandra Popa (Gruianu)
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Neuroscience and Experimental Myology, ‘Victor Babes’ National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Animal Production and Public Health, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, 050097 Bucharest, Romania
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21
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Gadgil A, Raczyńska KD. U7 snRNA: A tool for gene therapy. J Gene Med 2021; 23:e3321. [PMID: 33590603 PMCID: PMC8243935 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.3321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Most U-rich small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs) are complexes that mediate the splicing of pre-mRNAs. U7 snRNP is an exception in that it is not involved in splicing but is a key factor in the unique 3' end processing of replication-dependent histone mRNAs. However, by introducing controlled changes in the U7 snRNA histone binding sequence and in the Sm motif, it can be used as an effective tool for gene therapy. The modified U7 snRNP (U7 Sm OPT) is thus not involved in the processing of replication-dependent histone pre-mRNA but targets splicing by inducing efficient skipping or inclusion of selected exons. U7 Sm OPT is of therapeutic importance in diseases that are an outcome of splicing defects, such as myotonic dystrophy, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, β-thalassemia, HIV-1 infection and spinal muscular atrophy. The benefits of using U7 Sm OPT for gene therapy are its compact size, ability to accumulate in the nucleus without causing any toxic effects in the cells, and no immunoreactivity. The risk of transgene misregulation by using U7 Sm OPT is also low because it is involved in correcting the expression of an endogenous gene controlled by its own regulatory elements. Altogether, using U7 Sm OPT as a tool in gene therapy can ensure lifelong treatment, whereas an oligonucleotide or other drug/compound would require repeated administration. It would thus be strategic to harness these unique properties of U7 snRNP and deploy it as a tool in gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankur Gadgil
- Department of Gene Expression, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of BiologyAdam Mickiewicz UniversityPoznanPoland
- Center for Advanced TechnologyAdam Mickiewicz UniversityPoznanPoland
| | - Katarzyna Dorota Raczyńska
- Department of Gene Expression, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of BiologyAdam Mickiewicz UniversityPoznanPoland
- Center for Advanced TechnologyAdam Mickiewicz UniversityPoznanPoland
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22
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Tone Y, Mamchaoui K, Tsoumpra MK, Hashimoto Y, Terada R, Maruyama R, Gait MJ, Arzumanov AA, McClorey G, Imamura M, Takeda S, Yokota T, Wood MJ, Mouly V, Aoki Y. Immortalized Canine Dystrophic Myoblast Cell Lines for Development of Peptide-Conjugated Splice-Switching Oligonucleotides. Nucleic Acid Ther 2021; 31:172-181. [PMID: 33567244 PMCID: PMC7997716 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2020.0907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe muscle-wasting disease caused by frameshift or nonsense mutations in the DMD gene, resulting in the loss of dystrophin from muscle membranes. Exon skipping using splice-switching oligonucleotides (SSOs) restores the reading frame of DMD pre-mRNA by generating internally truncated but functional dystrophin protein. To potentiate effective tissue-specific targeting by functional SSOs, it is essential to perform accelerated and reliable in vitro screening-based assessment of novel oligonucleotides and drug delivery technologies, such as cell-penetrating peptides, before their in vivo pharmacokinetic and toxicity evaluation. We have established novel canine immortalized myoblast lines by transducing murine cyclin-dependent kinase-4 and human telomerase reverse transcriptase genes into myoblasts isolated from beagle-based wild-type or canine X-linked muscular dystrophy in Japan (CXMDJ) dogs. These myoblast lines exhibited improved myogenic differentiation and increased proliferation rates compared with passage-15 primary parental myoblasts, and their potential to differentiate into myotubes was maintained in later passages. Using these dystrophin-deficient immortalized myoblast lines, we demonstrate that a novel cell-penetrating peptide (Pip8b2)-conjugated SSO markedly improved multiexon skipping activity compared with the respective naked phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers. In vitro screening using immortalized canine cell lines will provide a basis for further pharmacological studies on drug delivery tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuichiro Tone
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan
- Discovery Research Laboratories in Tsukuba, Nippon Shinyaku Co., Ltd., Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Kamel Mamchaoui
- Center of Research in Myology, Sorbonne University, INSERM, Institute of Myology, Paris, France
| | - Maria K. Tsoumpra
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan
| | - Yasumasa Hashimoto
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan
| | - Reiko Terada
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan
| | - Rika Maruyama
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Michael J. Gait
- Medical Research Council, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Andrey A. Arzumanov
- Medical Research Council, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Graham McClorey
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Michihiro Imamura
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan
| | - Shin'ichi Takeda
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan
| | - Toshifumi Yokota
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Matthew J.A. Wood
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford Harrington Rare Disease Centre, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Vincent Mouly
- Center of Research in Myology, Sorbonne University, INSERM, Institute of Myology, Paris, France
| | - Yoshitsugu Aoki
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan
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23
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Martin PT, Zygmunt DA, Ashbrook A, Hamilton S, Packer D, Birch SM, Bettis AK, Balog-Alvarez CJ, Guo LJ, Nghiem PP, Kornegay JN. Short-term treatment of golden retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD) dogs with rAAVrh74.MHCK7.GALGT2 induces muscle glycosylation and utrophin expression but has no significant effect on muscle strength. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0248721. [PMID: 33770101 PMCID: PMC7997012 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
We have examined the effects of intravenous (IV) delivery of rAAVrh74.MHCK7.GALGT2 in the golden retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD) model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). After baseline testing, GRMD dogs were treated at 3 months of age and reassessed at 6 months. This 3–6 month age range is a period of rapid disease progression, thus offering a relatively short window to establish treatment efficacy. Measures analyzed included muscle AAV transduction, GALGT2 transgene expression, GALGT2-induced glycosylation, muscle pathology, and muscle function. A total of five dogs were treated, 4 at 2x1014vg/kg and one at 6x1014vgkg. The 2x1014vg/kg dose led to transduction of regions of the heart with 1–3 vector genomes (vg) per nucleus, while most skeletal muscles were transduced with 0.25–0.5vg/nucleus. GALGT2-induced glycosylation paralleled levels of myofiber vg transduction, with about 90% of cardiomyocytes having increased glycosylation versus 20–35% of all myofibers across the skeletal muscles tested. Conclusions from phenotypic testing were limited by the small number of dogs. Treated dogs had less pronounced fibrosis and overall lesion severity when compared to control groups, but surprisingly no significant changes in limb muscle function measures. GALGT2-treated skeletal muscle and heart had elevated levels of utrophin protein expression and GALGT2-induced expression of glycosylated α dystroglycan, providing further evidence of a treatment effect. Serum chemistry, hematology, and cardiac function measures were largely unchanged by treatment. Cumulatively, these data show that short-term intravenous treatment of GRMD dogs with rAAVrh74.MHCK7.GALGT2 at high doses can induce muscle glycosylation and utrophin expression and may be safe over a short 3-month interval, but that such treatments had only modest effects on muscle pathology and did not significantly improve muscle strength.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul T. Martin
- Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Deborah A. Zygmunt
- Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Anna Ashbrook
- Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Sonia Hamilton
- Neuroscience Undergraduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Davin Packer
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Sharla M. Birch
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States of America
| | - Amanda K. Bettis
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States of America
| | - Cynthia J. Balog-Alvarez
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States of America
| | - Lee-Jae Guo
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States of America
| | - Peter P. Nghiem
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States of America
| | - Joe N. Kornegay
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States of America
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24
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Stephenson AA, Flanigan KM. Gene editing and modulation for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2021; 182:225-255. [PMID: 34175043 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2021.01.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive muscle disease caused by loss of dystrophin protein, encoded by the DMD gene. DMD manifests early in childhood as difficulty walking, progresses to loss of ambulation by the teens, and leads to death in early adulthood. Adeno-associated virus-vectorized gene therapies to restore dystrophin protein expression using gene replacement or antisense oligonucleotide-mediated pre-mRNA splicing modulation have emerged, making great strides in uncovering barriers to gene therapies for DMD and other genetic diseases. While this first-generation of DMD therapies are being evaluated in ongoing clinical trials, uncertainties regarding durability and therapeutic efficacy prompted the development of new experimental therapies for DMD that take advantage of somatic cell gene editing. These experimental therapies continue to advance toward clinic trials, but questions remain unanswered regarding safety and translatable efficacy. Here we review the advancements toward treatment of DMD using gene editing and modulation therapies, with an emphasis on those nearest to clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony A Stephenson
- Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Kevin M Flanigan
- Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States; Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States; Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States.
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25
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Fortin JS, Hakim CH, Korte S, Yang NN, Fitzgerald SD, Johnson GC, Smith BF, Duan D. Widespread severe myodegeneration in a compound heterozygote female dog with dystrophin deficiency. Vet Med Sci 2021; 7:654-659. [PMID: 33502125 PMCID: PMC8136971 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The University of Missouri (MU) has established a colony of dystrophin‐deficient dogs with a mixed breed background to mirror the variable pathologic effects of dystrophinopathies between persons of a given kindred to further the understanding of the genetic and molecular basis of the variable phenotype; thus to facilitate discovery of an effective therapeutic strategy. Herein we report the phenotype and genotype of a normal‐appearing 10‐month‐old colony female that died suddenly. At necropsy examination, there were reduced skeletal and laryngeal muscle volume and mild dilatation of the oesophagus. Microscopic findings consisted of extensive degeneration and regeneration of the axial skeletal, tongue, oesophageal, and laryngeal muscles that were characterized by considerable central nucleation, individual fibre mineralization and interstitial fibrosis. The myocardial findings were limited to infiltration of adipose cells in the interstitium. The female dog was a compound heterozygote with one X chromosome carrying a point mutation in intron 6 of the dystrophin gene and the other X chromosome carrying a repetitive element insertion in intron 13 of the dystrophin gene. Although the direct cause of death was uncertain, it might likely be due to sudden cardiac death as has been seen in Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients. This case demonstrated dystrophinopathy in female dogs that have no ameliorating normal X chromosome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica S Fortin
- Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Chady H Hakim
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.,National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Scott Korte
- Office of Animal Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - N Nora Yang
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Scott D Fitzgerald
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Michigan State University, Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Gayle C Johnson
- Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Bruce F Smith
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA.,Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Dongsheng Duan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.,Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.,Department of Biomedical, Biological & Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
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26
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Aslesh T, Erkut E, Yokota T. Restoration of dystrophin expression and correction of Duchenne muscular dystrophy by genome editing. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2021; 21:1049-1061. [PMID: 33401973 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2021.1872539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive neuromuscular disorder that affects approximately one in 3500-5000 male births. Patients experience muscle degeneration, loss of ambulation, and eventual death from cardiac or respiratory failure in early adulthood due to a lack of functional dystrophin protein, which is required to maintain the integrity of muscle cell membranes. Out-of-frame mutations in the DMD gene generally lead to no dystrophin protein expression and a more severe phenotype (DMD). Conversely, in-frame mutations are often associated with milder Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) with a truncated dystrophin expression.Areas covered: Genome editing via the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) system can induce permanent corrections of the DMD gene, thus becoming an increasingly popular potential therapeutic method. In this review, we outline recent developments in CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing for the correction of DMD, both in vitro and in vivo, as well as novel delivery methods.Expert opinion: Despite recent advances, many limitations to CRISPR/Cas9 therapy are still prevalent such as off-target editing and immunogenicity. Specifically, for DMD, intervention time and efficient delivery to cardiac and skeletal muscles also present inherent challenges. Research needs to focus on the therapeutic safety and efficacy of this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tejal Aslesh
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Esra Erkut
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Toshifumi Yokota
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,The Friends of Garrett Cumming Research & Muscular Dystrophy Canada HM Toupin Neurological Science Research Chair, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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27
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Brands J, Steffen F, Spennes J, Leeb T, Bilzer T. COL6A1 related muscular dystrophy in Landseer dogs: A canine model for Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy. Muscle Nerve 2021; 63:608-616. [PMID: 33382107 DOI: 10.1002/mus.27162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Collagen VI related myopathies are congenital diseases of variable phenotype. The severe phenotype is referred to as Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy. In this study, we describe analoguos clinical signs and histopathological alterations in Landseer dogs. MATERIALS We collected clinical data from two affected dogs and investigated the neuromuscular changes in five dogs from two different litters with immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. All affected dogs were homozygous for the p.Glu97* nonsense variant in the COL6A1 gene encoding the alpha-1 chain of collagen VI. RESULTS Muscle biopsies revealed alterations similar to those in human patients with Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy including the virtual absence of collagen VI in skeletal muscles. CONCLUSIONS The clinical and pathological characterization of the affected Landseer dogs enhances the value of this animal model for human Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Brands
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Frank Steffen
- Neurology Service, Department of Small Animals, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Tosso Leeb
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Bilzer
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Mickelson JR, Minor KM, Guo LT, Friedenberg SG, Cullen JN, Ciavarella A, Hambrook LE, Brenner KM, Helmond SE, Marks SL, Shelton GD. Sarcoglycan A mutation in miniature dachshund dogs causes limb-girdle muscular dystrophy 2D. Skelet Muscle 2021; 11:2. [PMID: 33407862 PMCID: PMC7789357 DOI: 10.1186/s13395-020-00257-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A cohort of related miniature dachshund dogs with exercise intolerance, stiff gait, dysphagia, myoglobinuria, and markedly elevated serum creatine kinase activities were identified. METHODS Muscle biopsy histopathology, immunofluorescence microscopy, and western blotting were combined to identify the specific pathologic phenotype of the myopathy, and whole genome SNP array genotype data and whole genome sequencing were combined to determine its genetic basis. RESULTS Muscle biopsies were dystrophic. Sarcoglycanopathy, a form of limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, was suspected based on immunostaining and western blotting, where α, β, and γ-sarcoglycan were all absent or reduced. Genetic mapping and whole genome sequencing identified a premature stop codon mutation in the sarcoglycan A subunit gene (SGCA). Affected dachshunds were confirmed on several continents. CONCLUSIONS This first SGCA mutation found in dogs adds to the literature of genetic bases of canine muscular dystrophies and their usefulness as comparative models of human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R Mickelson
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, 55113, USA.
| | - Katie M Minor
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, 55113, USA
| | - Ling T Guo
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0709, USA
| | - Steven G Friedenberg
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, 55113, USA
| | - Jonah N Cullen
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, 55113, USA
| | | | | | - Karen M Brenner
- Centre for Animal Referral and Emergency, Collingwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sarah E Helmond
- Animal Referral Hospital, Homebush, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stanley L Marks
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - G Diane Shelton
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0709, USA
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29
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Protein Expression of Canine and Feline Muscular Dystrophies. Top Companion Anim Med 2020; 42:100500. [PMID: 33249241 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcam.2020.100500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Muscular dystrophies in dogs and cats represent a heterogeneous group of inherited, sometimes congenital, but infrequently diagnosed, progressive neuromuscular disorders. A correct identification and characterization of canine and feline muscular dystrophies could increase diagnostic and treatment strategies for veterinary neurologists and could identify useful animal models for the study of human dystrophies. However, in dogs and cats, diagnosis of muscular dystrophies is challenging due to a nonspecific clinical phenotype and pathological lesions, thus is most likely underestimated. We performed immunofluorescence and Western blot techniques using a wide panel of antibodies against proteins involved in human dystrophies (dystrophin mid-rod and carboxyterminal domain, α, β, γ, and δ-sarcoglycan, α-dystroglycan, caveolin-3, emerin, merosin, dysferlin, calpain-3, spectrin epitopes), on 9 canine and 3 feline muscle biopsies characterized by myopathic changes. Dystrophin deficiency was detected in 3 dogs and 2 novel canine muscular dystrophies have been identified, characterized by deficiency of caveolin-3 and calpain-3, respectively. In 2 cats, deficiency of β-SG and carboxyterminal domain of dystrophin in all muscle fibers has been detected. Performing immunofluorescence and Western blot analyses with a wider panel of antibodies allowed a correct identification of muscular dystrophies in dogs and cats and provides a direction for subsequent targeted genetic testing.
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30
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Hawkins EC, Bettis AK, Kornegay JN. Expiratory dysfunction in young dogs with golden retriever muscular dystrophy. Neuromuscul Disord 2020; 30:930-937. [PMID: 33071066 PMCID: PMC7680419 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2020.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Respiratory disease is a leading cause of morbidity in people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and also occurs in the golden retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD) model. We have previously shown that adult GRMD dogs have elevated expiratory flow as measured non-invasively during tidal breathing. This abnormality likely results from increased chest and diaphragmatic recoil associated with fibrosis and remodeling. Treatments must reverse pathologic effects on the diaphragm and other respiratory muscles to maximally reduce disease morbidity and mortality. Here, we extended our work in adults to younger GRMD dogs to define parameters that would be helpful in preclinical trials. Tidal breathing spirometry and respiratory inductance plethysmography were performed in GRMD dogs at approximately 3 and 6 months of age, corresponding to approximately 5-10 years in DMD, when clinical trials are often conducted. Expiratory flows were markedly elevated in GRMD versus normal dogs at 6 months. Values increased in GRMD dogs between 3 and 6 months, providing a 3-month window to assess treatment efficacy. These changes in breathing mechanics have not been previously identified at such an early age. Expiratory flow measured during tidal breathing of unsedated young GRMD dogs could be a valuable marker of respiratory mechanics during preclinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor C Hawkins
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA.
| | - Amanda K Bettis
- Texas A&M University, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, College Station, TX 77843-4458, USA
| | - Joe N Kornegay
- Texas A&M University, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, College Station, TX 77843-4458, USA
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31
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Tomazoni SS, Casalechi HL, Ferreira CDSB, Serra AJ, Dellê H, Brito RBDO, de Melo BL, Vanin AA, Ribeiro NF, Pereira AL, Monteiro KKDS, Marcos RL, de Carvalho PDTC, Frigo L, Leal-Junior ECP. Can photobiomodulation therapy be an alternative to pharmacological therapies in decreasing the progression of skeletal muscle impairments of mdx mice? PLoS One 2020; 15:e0236689. [PMID: 32785240 PMCID: PMC7423120 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0236689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To compare the effects of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) and pharmacological therapy (glucocorticoids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) applied alone and in different combinations in mdx mice. Methods The animals were randomized and divided into seven experimental groups treated with placebo, PBMT, prednisone, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs), PBMT plus prednisone and PBMT plus NSAID. Wild type animals were used as control. All treatments were performed during 14 consecutive weeks. Muscular morphology, protein expression of dystrophin and functional performance were assessed at the end of the last treatment. Results Both treatments with prednisone and PBMT applied alone or combined, were effective in preserving muscular morphology. In addition, the treatments with PBMT (p = 0.0005), PBMT plus prednisone (p = 0.0048) and PBMT plus NSAID (p = 0.0021) increased dystrophin gene expression compared to placebo-control group. However, in the functional performance the PBMT presented better results compared to glucocorticoids (p<0.0001). In contrast, the use of NSAIDs did not appear to add benefits to skeletal muscle tissue in mdx mice. Conclusion We believe that the promising and optimistic results about the PBMT in skeletal muscle of mdx mice may in the future contribute to this therapy to be considered a safe alternative for patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) in a washout period (between treatment periods with glucocorticoids), allowing them to remain receiving effective and safe treatment in this period, avoiding at this way periods without administration of any treatment.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal/pharmacology
- Combined Modality Therapy
- Disease Models, Animal
- Disease Progression
- Dystrophin/genetics
- Gene Expression Regulation/drug effects
- Gene Expression Regulation/radiation effects
- Glucocorticoids/pharmacology
- Humans
- Low-Level Light Therapy
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred mdx
- Muscle, Skeletal/drug effects
- Muscle, Skeletal/metabolism
- Muscle, Skeletal/radiation effects
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/genetics
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/metabolism
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/physiopathology
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/therapy
- Prednisone/pharmacology
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaiane Silva Tomazoni
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Physiotherapy Research Group, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Heliodora Leão Casalechi
- Laboratory of Phototherapy and Innovative Technologies in Health (LaPIT), Universidade Nove de Julho (UNINOVE), São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cheila de Sousa Bacelar Ferreira
- Laboratory of Phototherapy and Innovative Technologies in Health (LaPIT), Universidade Nove de Julho (UNINOVE), São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Andrey Jorge Serra
- Postgraduate Program in Medicine, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Humberto Dellê
- Postgraduate Program in Medicine, Universidade Nove de Julho (UNINOVE), São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Brunno Lemes de Melo
- Postgraduate Program in Medicine, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Adriane Aver Vanin
- Laboratory of Phototherapy and Innovative Technologies in Health (LaPIT), Universidade Nove de Julho (UNINOVE), São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, Universidade Nove de Julho (UNINOVE), São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Neide Firmo Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Phototherapy and Innovative Technologies in Health (LaPIT), Universidade Nove de Julho (UNINOVE), São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, Universidade Nove de Julho (UNINOVE), São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Amanda Lima Pereira
- Laboratory of Phototherapy and Innovative Technologies in Health (LaPIT), Universidade Nove de Julho (UNINOVE), São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Kadma Karênina Damasceno Soares Monteiro
- Laboratory of Phototherapy and Innovative Technologies in Health (LaPIT), Universidade Nove de Julho (UNINOVE), São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, Universidade Nove de Julho (UNINOVE), São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Labat Marcos
- Postgraduate Program in Biophotonics Applied to Health Sciences, Universidade Nove de Julho (UNINOVE), São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Lucio Frigo
- Laboratory of Phototherapy and Innovative Technologies in Health (LaPIT), Universidade Nove de Julho (UNINOVE), São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Periodontology, Dental Research Division, Universidade de Guarulhos (UnG), Guarulhos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ernesto Cesar Pinto Leal-Junior
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Physiotherapy Research Group, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Laboratory of Phototherapy and Innovative Technologies in Health (LaPIT), Universidade Nove de Julho (UNINOVE), São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, Universidade Nove de Julho (UNINOVE), São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Barthélémy I, Calmels N, Weiss RB, Tiret L, Vulin A, Wein N, Peccate C, Drougard C, Beroud C, Deburgrave N, Thibaud JL, Escriou C, Punzón I, Garcia L, Kaplan JC, Flanigan KM, Leturcq F, Blot S. X-linked muscular dystrophy in a Labrador Retriever strain: phenotypic and molecular characterisation. Skelet Muscle 2020; 10:23. [PMID: 32767978 PMCID: PMC7412789 DOI: 10.1186/s13395-020-00239-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Canine models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) are a valuable tool to evaluate potential therapies because they faithfully reproduce the human disease. Several cases of dystrophinopathies have been described in canines, but the Golden Retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD) model remains the most used in preclinical studies. Here, we report a new spontaneous dystrophinopathy in a Labrador Retriever strain, named Labrador Retriever muscular dystrophy (LRMD). Methods A colony of LRMD dogs was established from spontaneous cases. Fourteen LRMD dogs were followed-up and compared to the GRMD standard using several functional tests. The disease causing mutation was studied by several molecular techniques and identified using RNA-sequencing. Results The main clinical features of the GRMD disease were found in LRMD dogs; the functional tests provided data roughly overlapping with those measured in GRMD dogs, with similar inter-individual heterogeneity. The LRMD causal mutation was shown to be a 2.2-Mb inversion disrupting the DMD gene within intron 20 and involving the TMEM47 gene. In skeletal muscle, the Dp71 isoform was ectopically expressed, probably as a consequence of the mutation. We found no evidence of polymorphism in either of the two described modifier genes LTBP4 and Jagged1. No differences were found in Pitpna mRNA expression levels that would explain the inter-individual variability. Conclusions This study provides a full comparative description of a new spontaneous canine model of dystrophinopathy, found to be phenotypically equivalent to the GRMD model. We report a novel large DNA mutation within the DMD gene and provide evidence that LRMD is a relevant model to pinpoint additional DMD modifier genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inès Barthélémy
- U955 - IMRB, Team 10 - Biology of the neuromuscular system, Inserm, UPEC, EFS, Ecole nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Nadège Calmels
- Laboratoire de biochimie et génétique moléculaire, hôpital Cochin, AP-HP, université Paris Descartes-Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.,Laboratoire de Diagnostic Génétique-Institut de Génétique Médicale d'Alsace, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 1 Place de L'Hôpital, 67091, Strasbourg, France
| | - Robert B Weiss
- Department of Human Genetics, The University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Laurent Tiret
- U955 - IMRB, Team 10 - Biology of the neuromuscular system, Inserm, UPEC, EFS, Ecole nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Adeline Vulin
- SQY Therapeutics, Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Montigny le Bretonneux, France
| | - Nicolas Wein
- The Center for Gene Therapy, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Cécile Peccate
- SQY Therapeutics, Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Montigny le Bretonneux, France.,Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Université Paris 06, INSERM UMRS974, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Institut de Myologie, G.H. Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Carole Drougard
- U955 - IMRB, Team 10 - Biology of the neuromuscular system, Inserm, UPEC, EFS, Ecole nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Christophe Beroud
- Aix Marseille Université, INSERM, MMG, Bioinformatics & Genetics, Marseille, France.,APHM, Hôpital Timone Enfants, Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, Marseille, France
| | - Nathalie Deburgrave
- Laboratoire de biochimie et génétique moléculaire, hôpital Cochin, AP-HP, université Paris Descartes-Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Laurent Thibaud
- U955 - IMRB, Team 10 - Biology of the neuromuscular system, Inserm, UPEC, EFS, Ecole nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Catherine Escriou
- U955 - IMRB, Team 10 - Biology of the neuromuscular system, Inserm, UPEC, EFS, Ecole nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Isabel Punzón
- U955 - IMRB, Team 10 - Biology of the neuromuscular system, Inserm, UPEC, EFS, Ecole nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Luis Garcia
- Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, U1179 INSERM, UFR des Sciences de la Santé, Montigny le Bretonneux, France
| | - Jean-Claude Kaplan
- Laboratoire de biochimie et génétique moléculaire, hôpital Cochin, AP-HP, université Paris Descartes-Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Kevin M Flanigan
- The Center for Gene Therapy, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - France Leturcq
- Laboratoire de biochimie et génétique moléculaire, hôpital Cochin, AP-HP, université Paris Descartes-Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Université Paris 06, INSERM UMRS974, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Institut de Myologie, G.H. Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Stéphane Blot
- U955 - IMRB, Team 10 - Biology of the neuromuscular system, Inserm, UPEC, EFS, Ecole nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France.
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33
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Danilov KA, Vassilieva SG, Polikarpova AV, Starikova AV, Shmidt AA, Galkin II, Tsitrina AA, Egorova TV, Orlov SN, Kotelevtsev YV. In vitro assay for the efficacy assessment of AAV vectors expressing microdystrophin. Exp Cell Res 2020; 392:112033. [PMID: 32360435 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2020.112033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
AAV-delivered microdystrophin genes hold great promise for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) treatment. It is anticipated that the optimization of engineered dystrophin genes will be required to increase the efficacy and reduce the immunogenicity of transgenic proteins. An in vitro system is required for the efficacy testing of genetically engineered dystrophin genes. We report here on the proof of concept for an in vitro assay based on the assessment of sarcolemma damage after repetitively applied electrical stimuli. The primary cell culture of myoblasts was established from wild-type C57BL/10ScSnJ and dystrophin-deficient mdx mice. The preparation parameters and the differentiation of contractile myotubes were optimized. DAPI and TO-PRO-3 dyes were used to assess myotubular membrane permeability in response to electrical pulse stimulation (EPS). Myotubes derived from mdx mice exhibited a greater increase in membrane damage, as assessed by TO-PRO-3-measured permeability after EPS, than was exhibited by the healthy control myotubes. AAV-DJ particles carrying the microdystrophin gene were used to transduce mdx-derived differentiated myotubes. Microdystrophin delivery ameliorated the disease phenotype and reduced the EPS-induced membrane damage to a level comparable to that of the healthy controls. Thus, the in vitro system was shown to be capable of supporting studies on DMD gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirill A Danilov
- Center of Life Sciences, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, 121205, Russia; Atlas Biomed Group Limited, Tintagel House, 92 Albert Embankment, Lambeth, SE1 7TY, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Svetlana G Vassilieva
- Laboratory of Modeling and Gene Therapy of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334, Russia; Marlin Biotech LLC, Moscow, 143026, Russia.
| | - Anna V Polikarpova
- Laboratory of Modeling and Gene Therapy of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334, Russia; Marlin Biotech LLC, Moscow, 143026, Russia.
| | - Anna V Starikova
- Laboratory of Modeling and Gene Therapy of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334, Russia; Marlin Biotech LLC, Moscow, 143026, Russia.
| | - Anna A Shmidt
- Laboratory of Modeling and Gene Therapy of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334, Russia; Marlin Biotech LLC, Moscow, 143026, Russia; Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334, Russia.
| | - Ivan I Galkin
- Marlin Biotech LLC, Moscow, 143026, Russia; A.N. Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119992, Moscow, Russia.
| | - Alexandra A Tsitrina
- Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334, Russia.
| | - Tatiana V Egorova
- Laboratory of Modeling and Gene Therapy of Hereditary Diseases, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334, Russia; Marlin Biotech LLC, Moscow, 143026, Russia.
| | - Sergei N Orlov
- M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119234, Russia; National Research Tomsk State University, Tomsk, 634050, Russia.
| | - Yuri V Kotelevtsev
- Center for Neurobiology and Brain Restoration, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, 121205, Russia.
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Barthélémy I, Hitte C, Tiret L. The Dog Model in the Spotlight: Legacy of a Trustful Cooperation. J Neuromuscul Dis 2020; 6:421-451. [PMID: 31450509 PMCID: PMC6918919 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-190394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Dogs have long been used as a biomedical model system and in particular as a preclinical proof of concept for innovative therapies before translation to humans. A recent example of the utility of this animal model is the promising myotubularin gene delivery in boys affected by X-linked centronuclear myopathy after successful systemic, long-term efficient gene therapy in Labrador retrievers. Mostly, this is due to unique features that make dogs an optimal system. The continuous emergence of spontaneous inherited disorders enables the identification of reliable complementary molecular models for human neuromuscular disorders (NMDs). Dogs’ characteristics including size, lifespan and unprecedented medical care level allow a comprehensive longitudinal description of diseases. Moreover, the highly similar pathogenic mechanisms with human patients yield to translational robustness. Finally, interindividual phenotypic heterogeneity between dogs helps identifying modifiers and anticipates precision medicine issues. This review article summarizes the present list of molecularly characterized dog models for NMDs and provides an exhaustive list of the clinical and paraclinical assays that have been developed. This toolbox offers scientists a sensitive and reliable system to thoroughly evaluate neuromuscular function, as well as efficiency and safety of innovative therapies targeting these NMDs. This review also contextualizes the model by highlighting its unique genetic value, shaped by the long-term coevolution of humans and domesticated dogs. Because the dog is one of the most protected research animal models, there is considerable opposition to include it in preclinical projects, posing a threat to the use of this model. We thus discuss ethical issues, emphasizing that unlike many other models, the dog also benefits from its contribution to comparative biomedical research with a drastic reduction in the prevalence of morbid alleles in the breeding stock and an improvement in medical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inès Barthélémy
- U955 - IMRB, Team 10 - Biology of the neuromuscular system, Inserm, UPEC, EFS, École nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Christophe Hitte
- CNRS, University of Rennes 1, UMR 6290, IGDR, Faculty of Medicine, SFR Biosit, Rennes, France
| | - Laurent Tiret
- U955 - IMRB, Team 10 - Biology of the neuromuscular system, Inserm, UPEC, EFS, École nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France
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Hofmann I, Kemter E, Theobalt N, Fiedler S, Bidlingmaier M, Hinrichs A, Aichler M, Burkhardt K, Klymiuk N, Wolf E, Wanke R, Blutke A. Linkage between growth retardation and pituitary cell morphology in a dystrophin-deficient pig model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Growth Horm IGF Res 2020; 51:6-16. [PMID: 31926372 DOI: 10.1016/j.ghir.2019.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Human patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) commonly exhibit a short stature, but the pathogenesis of this growth retardation is not completely understood. Due to the suspected involvement of the growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor 1 (GH/IGF1) system, controversial therapeutic approaches have been developed, including both GH- administration, as well as GH-inhibition. In the present study, we examined relevant histomorphological and ultrastructural features of adenohypophyseal GH-producing somatotroph cells in a porcine DMD model. METHODS The numbers and volumes of immunohistochemically labelled somatotroph cells were determined in consecutive semi-thin sections of plastic resin embedded adenohypophyseal tissue samples using unbiased state-of-the-art quantitative stereological analysis methods. RESULTS DMD pigs displayed a significant growth retardation, accounting for a 55% reduction of body weight, accompanied by a significant 50% reduction of the number of somatotroph cells, as compared to controls. However, the mean volumes of somatotroph cells and the volume of GH-granules per cell were not altered. Western blot analyses of the adenohypophyseal protein samples showed no differences in the relative adenohypophyseal GH-abundance between DMD pigs and controls. CONCLUSION The findings of this study do not provide evidence for involvement of somatotroph cells in the pathogenesis of growth retardation of DMD pigs. These results are in contrast with previous findings in other dystrophin-deficient animal models, such as the golden retriever model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, where increased mean somatotroph cell volumes and elevated volumes of intracellular GH-granules were reported and associated with DMD-related growth retardation. Possible reasons for the differences of somatotroph morphology observed in different DMD models are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Hofmann
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology at the Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - E Kemter
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Centre and Department of Veterinary Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany; Centre for Innovative Medical Models (CiMM), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - N Theobalt
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology at the Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - S Fiedler
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology at the Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - M Bidlingmaier
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - A Hinrichs
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Centre and Department of Veterinary Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany; Centre for Innovative Medical Models (CiMM), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - M Aichler
- Research Unit Analytical Pathology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - K Burkhardt
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Centre and Department of Veterinary Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany; Centre for Innovative Medical Models (CiMM), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - N Klymiuk
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Centre and Department of Veterinary Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany; Centre for Innovative Medical Models (CiMM), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - E Wolf
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Centre and Department of Veterinary Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany; Centre for Innovative Medical Models (CiMM), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Oberschleißheim, Germany; Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Centre, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - R Wanke
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology at the Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - A Blutke
- Research Unit Analytical Pathology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany.
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Wasala NB, Chen SJ, Duan D. Duchenne muscular dystrophy animal models for high-throughput drug discovery and precision medicine. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2020; 15:443-456. [PMID: 32000537 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2020.1718100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked handicapping disease due to the loss of an essential muscle protein dystrophin. Dystrophin-null animals have been extensively used to study disease mechanisms and to develop experimental therapeutics. Despite decades of research, however, treatment options for DMD remain very limited.Areas covered: High-throughput high-content screening and precision medicine offer exciting new opportunities. Here, the authors review animal models that are suitable for these studies.Expert opinion: Nonmammalian models (worm, fruit fly, and zebrafish) are particularly attractive for cost-effective large-scale drug screening. Several promising lead compounds have been discovered using these models. Precision medicine for DMD aims at developing mutation-specific therapies such as exon-skipping and genome editing. To meet these needs, models with patient-like mutations have been established in different species. Models that harbor hotspot mutations are very attractive because the drugs developed in these models can bring mutation-specific therapies to a large population of patients. Humanized hDMD mice carry the entire human dystrophin gene in the mouse genome. Reagents developed in the hDMD mouse-based models are directly translatable to human patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nalinda B Wasala
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Shi-Jie Chen
- Department of Physics, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.,Department of Biochemistry, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Dongsheng Duan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.,Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.,Department of Biomedical, Biological & Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
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Challenges associated with homologous directed repair using CRISPR-Cas9 and TALEN to edit the DMD genetic mutation in canine Duchenne muscular dystrophy. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0228072. [PMID: 31961902 PMCID: PMC6974172 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is caused by mutations in the DMD gene that abolish the expression of dystrophin protein. Dogs with the genetic homologue, golden retriever muscular dystrophy dog (GRMD), have a splice site mutation that leads to skipping of exon 7 and a stop codon in the DMD transcript. Gene editing via homology-directed repair (HDR) has been used in the mdx mouse model of DMD but not in GRMD. In this study, we used clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALEN) to restore dystrophin expression via HDR in myoblasts/myotubes and later via intramuscular injection of GRMD dogs. In vitro, DNA and RNA were successfully corrected but dystrophin protein was not translated. With intramuscular injection of two different guide arms, sgRNA A and B, there was mRNA expression and Sanger sequencing confirmed inclusion of exon 7 for all treatments. On Western blot analysis, protein expression of up to 6% of normal levels was seen in two dogs injected with sgRNA B and up to 16% of normal in one dog treated with sgRNA A. TALEN did not restore any dystrophin expression. While there were no adverse effects, clear benefits were not seen on histopathologic analysis, immunofluorescence microscopy, and force measurements. Based on these results, methods must be modified to increase the efficiency of HDR-mediated gene repair and protein expression.
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Wells DJ. What is the level of dystrophin expression required for effective therapy of Duchenne muscular dystrophy? J Muscle Res Cell Motil 2019; 40:141-150. [PMID: 31289969 DOI: 10.1007/s10974-019-09535-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a fatal X-linked muscle wasting disease. The disease is due to mutations in the DMD gene that encodes for a large intracellular protein called dystrophin. Dystrophin plays a critical role in linking the internal cytoskeleton of the striated muscle cell with the extracellular matrix as well as having cell signalling functions. In its absence muscle contraction is associated with cycles of damage, repair, inflammation and fibrosis with eventual loss of muscle and replacement with fat. Experiments in animal models of DMD have generated a number of different approaches to the induction of dystrophin including viral vector mediated delivery of a recombinant dystrophin gene, antisense oligonucleotide mediated exon-skipping to restore the open reading frame in the dystrophin mRNA, read-through of premature stop mutations, genome modification using CRISPR-Cas9 or cell based transfer of a functional dystrophin gene. In all cases, it will be important to understand how much dystrophin expression is required for a clinically effective therapy and this review examines the data from humans and animal models to estimate the percentage of endogenous dystrophin that is likely to have significant clinical benefit. While there are a number of important caveats to consider, including the appropriate outcome measures, this review suggests that approximately 20% of endogenous levels uniformly distributed within the skeletal muscles and the heart may be sufficient to largely prevent disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic J Wells
- Neuromuscular Diseases Group, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Royal College Street, London, NW1 0TU, UK.
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Maruyama R, Aoki Y, Takeda S, Yokota T. In Vivo Evaluation of Multiple Exon Skipping with Peptide-PMOs in Cardiac and Skeletal Muscles in Dystrophic Dogs. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1828:365-379. [PMID: 30171554 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-8651-4_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Exon skipping is an emerging approach to treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), one of the most common lethal genetic disorders. Exon skipping uses synthetic antisense oligonucleotides (AONs) to splice out frame-disrupting exon(s) of DMD mRNA to restore the reading frame of the gene products and produce truncated yet functional proteins. The FDA conditionally approved the first exon-skipping AON, called eteplirsen (brand name ExonDys51), targeting exon 51 of the DMD gene, in late 2016. Using a cocktail of AONs, multiple exons can be skipped, which can theoretically treat 80-90% of patients with DMD. Although the success of multiple exon skipping in a DMD dog model has made a significant impact on the development of therapeutics for DMD, unmodified AONs such as phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PMOs) have little efficacy in cardiac muscles. Here, we describe our technique of intravenous injection of a cocktail of peptide-conjugated PMOs (PPMOs) to skip multiple exons, exons 6 and 8, in both skeletal and cardiac muscles in dystrophic dogs and the evaluation of the efficacy and toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rika Maruyama
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Yoshitsugu Aoki
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan
| | - Shin'ichi Takeda
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan.
| | - Toshifumi Yokota
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Edmonton, AB, Canada. .,The Friends of Garrett Cumming Research and Muscular Dystrophy Canada HM Toupin Neurological Science Endowed Research Chair, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
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40
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Nakamura A. Mutation-Based Therapeutic Strategies for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: From Genetic Diagnosis to Therapy. J Pers Med 2019; 9:jpm9010016. [PMID: 30836656 PMCID: PMC6462977 DOI: 10.3390/jpm9010016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy (DMD/BMD) are X-linked muscle disorders caused by mutations of the DMD gene, which encodes the subsarcolemmal protein dystrophin. In DMD, dystrophin is not expressed due to a disruption in the reading frame of the DMD gene, resulting in a severe phenotype. Becker muscular dystrophy exhibits a milder phenotype, having mutations that maintain the reading frame and allow for the production of truncated dystrophin. To date, various therapeutic approaches for DMD have been extensively developed. However, the pathomechanism is quite complex despite it being a single gene disorder, and dystrophin is expressed not only in a large amount of skeletal muscle but also in cardiac, vascular, intestinal smooth muscle, and nervous system tissue. Thus, the most appropriate therapy would be complementation or restoration of dystrophin expression, such as gene therapy using viral vectors, readthrough therapy, or exon skipping therapy. Among them, exon skipping therapy with antisense oligonucleotides can restore the reading frame and yield the conversion of a severe phenotype to one that is mild. In this paper, I present the significance of molecular diagnosis and the development of mutation-based therapeutic strategies to complement or restore dystrophin expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akinori Nakamura
- Department of Neurology, National Hospital Organization, Matsumoto Medical Center, 2-20-30 Murai-machi Minami, Matsumoto 399-8701, Japan.
- Third Department of Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, 3-1-1 Asahi, Matsumoto 390-8621, Japan.
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Schneider SM, Sridhar V, Bettis AK, Heath-Barnett H, Balog-Alvarez CJ, Guo LJ, Johnson R, Jaques S, Vitha S, Glowcwski AC, Kornegay JN, Nghiem PP. Glucose Metabolism as a Pre-clinical Biomarker for the Golden Retriever Model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Mol Imaging Biol 2019; 20:780-788. [PMID: 29508262 PMCID: PMC6153676 DOI: 10.1007/s11307-018-1174-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Metabolic dysfunction in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is characterized by reduced glycolytic and oxidative enzymes, decreased and abnormal mitochondria, decreased ATP, and increased oxidative stress. We analyzed glucose metabolism as a potential disease biomarker in the genetically homologous golden retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD) dog with molecular, biochemical, and in vivo imaging. Procedures Pelvic limb skeletal muscle and left ventricle tissue from the heart were analyzed by mRNA profiling, qPCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence microscopy for the primary glucose transporter (GLUT4). Physiologic glucose handling was measured by fasting glucose tolerance test (GTT), insulin levels, and skeletal and cardiac positron emission tomography/X-ray computed tomography (PET/CT) using the glucose analog 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-d-glucose ([18F]FDG). Results MRNA profiles showed decreased GLUT4 in the cranial sartorius (CS), vastus lateralis (VL), and long digital extensor (LDE) of GRMD vs. normal dogs. QPCR confirmed GLUT4 downregulation but increased hexokinase-1. GLUT4 protein levels were not different in the CS, VL, or left ventricle but increased in the LDE of GRMD vs. normal. Microscopy revealed diffuse membrane expression of GLUT4 in GRMD skeletal but not cardiac muscle. GTT showed higher basal glucose and insulin in GRMD but rapid tissue glucose uptake at 5 min post-dextrose injection in GRMD vs. normal/carrier dogs. PET/ CT with [18F]FDG and simultaneous insulin stimulation showed a significant increase (p = 0.03) in mean standard uptake values (SUV) in GRMD skeletal muscle but not pelvic fat at 5 min post-[18F]FDG /insulin injection. Conversely, mean cardiac SUV was lower in GRMD than carrier/normal (p < 0.01). Conclusions Altered glucose metabolism in skeletal and cardiac muscle of GRMD dogs can be monitored with molecular, biochemical, and in vivo imaging studies and potentially utilized as a biomarker for disease progression and therapeutic response. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s11307-018-1174-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Morar Schneider
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA
| | - Vidya Sridhar
- Texas A&M Institute for Preclinical Studies, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA
| | - Amanda K Bettis
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA
| | - Heather Heath-Barnett
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA
| | - Cynthia J Balog-Alvarez
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA
| | - Lee-Jae Guo
- Texas A&M Institute for Preclinical Studies, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA.,Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA
| | - Rachel Johnson
- Texas A&M Institute for Preclinical Studies, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA
| | - Scott Jaques
- Texas A&M Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA
| | - Stanislav Vitha
- Microscopy Imaging Center, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA
| | - Alan C Glowcwski
- Texas A&M Institute for Preclinical Studies, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA
| | - Joe N Kornegay
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA
| | - Peter P Nghiem
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA.
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Haddix SG, Lee YI, Kornegay JN, Thompson WJ. Cycles of myofiber degeneration and regeneration lead to remodeling of the neuromuscular junction in two mammalian models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0205926. [PMID: 30379896 PMCID: PMC6209224 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Mice lacking the sarcolemmal protein dystrophin, designated mdx, have been widely used as a model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Dystrophic mdx mice as they mature develop notable morphological abnormalities to their neuromuscular junctions, the peripheral cholinergic synapses responsible for activating muscle fibers. Most obviously the acetylcholine receptor aggregates are fragmented into small non-continuous, islands. This contrasts with wild type mice whose acetylcholine receptor aggregates are continuous and pretzel-shaped in appearance. We show here that these abnormalities in mdx mice are also present in a canine model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and provide additional evidence to support the hypothesis that NMJ remodeling occurs due to myofiber degeneration and regeneration. Using a method to investigate synaptic AChR replacement, we show that neuromuscular junction remodeling in mdx animals is caused by muscle fiber degeneration and regeneration at the synaptic site and is mimicked by deliberate myofiber injury in wild type mice. Importantly, the innervating motor axon plays a crucial role in directing the remodeling of the neuromuscular junction in dystrophy, as has been recorded in aging and deliberate muscle fiber injury in wild type mice. The remodeling occurs repetitively through the life of the animal and the changes in junctions become greater with age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth G. Haddix
- Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Young il Lee
- Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Joe N. Kornegay
- Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Wesley J. Thompson
- Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
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Abstract
The ability to efficiently modify the genome using CRISPR technology has rapidly revolutionized biology and genetics and will soon transform medicine. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) represents one of the first monogenic disorders that has been investigated with respect to CRISPR-mediated correction of causal genetic mutations. DMD results from mutations in the gene encoding dystrophin, a scaffolding protein that maintains the integrity of striated muscles. Thousands of different dystrophin mutations have been identified in DMD patients, who suffer from a loss of ambulation followed by respiratory insufficiency, heart failure, and death by the third decade of life. Using CRISPR to bypass DMD mutations, dystrophin expression has been efficiently restored in human cells and mouse models of DMD. Here, we review recent progress toward the development of possible CRISPR therapies for DMD and highlight opportunities and potential obstacles in attaining this goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Li Min
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, and Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA;
| | - Rhonda Bassel-Duby
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, and Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA;
| | - Eric N Olson
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, and Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA;
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44
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Shrader SM, Jung S, Denney TS, Smith BF. Characterization of Australian Labradoodle dystrophinopathy. Neuromuscul Disord 2018; 28:927-937. [PMID: 30286978 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2018.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Revised: 08/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
In humans, dystrophin mutations cause the X-linked recessive disorder known as Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). These mutations result in skeletal and cardiac muscle damage with mortality increasingly associated with cardiomyopathy. We have identified a novel dystrophin mutation in exon 21 in a line of Australian Labradoodles; affected dogs develop progressive clinical signs including poor weight gain and weight loss, gait abnormalities, exercise intolerance, skeletal muscle atrophy, macroglossa, ptyalism, dysphagia, kyphosis, and a plantigrade stance. Echocardiographic abnormalities include hyperechoic foci in the left ventricular papillary muscles, septal hypokinesis, and decreased left ventricular systolic and diastolic volume and internal diameter. Holter recordings found a Mobitz type II second-degree atrioventricular (AV) block in one affected dog. Analysis of phosphocreatine-to-ATP ratios (PCr/ATP) (obtained via cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy evaluation), found no statistically significant difference in the mean PCr/ATP between groups. Histopathologic skeletal muscle changes included fibrofatty infiltration, myocyte degeneration, necrosis, and regeneration, lymphohistiocytic inflammation, and mineralization; cardiac changes were limited to a focal area of mineralization adjacent to the sinoatrial node in the dog with a second-degree AV block. Due to rapidly progressive clinical signs, a severe phenotype, and potential for cardiac involvement, Australian Labradoodle dystrophinopathy may be a useful model to further study DMD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie M Shrader
- Department of Pathobiology, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
| | - SeungWoo Jung
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Thomas S Denney
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; Auburn University MRI Research Center, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Bruce F Smith
- Department of Pathobiology, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; Scott-Ritchey Research Center, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
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Wells DJ. Tracking progress: an update on animal models for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Dis Model Mech 2018; 11:11/6/dmm035774. [PMID: 29914884 PMCID: PMC6031358 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.035774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive, fatal, X-linked monogenic muscle disorder caused by mutations in the DMD gene. In order to test treatments for DMD, a range of natural and engineered animal models have been developed, including mice, rats, dogs and pigs. Sui and colleagues have now added a dystrophic rabbit model to this range using CRISPR/Cas9 to disrupt exon 51 of DMD. Rabbits have the advantage of being easier to breed and less costly than dog or pig models, but having clear clinical signs, in contrast to many mouse models. There appears to be an effect of body size in models of DMD, as the severity of the clinical signs increases with increasing body size across species. All DMD models have advantages and disadvantages, and it is crucial that investigators understand the limitations of each model when testing novel therapies for DMD in pre-clinical studies. Summary: With the development of a novel rabbit model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (dmm032201), this Editorial reflects on the current animal models of this disease, their promise, prospects and pitfalls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic J Wells
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London NW1 0TU, UK
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Sui T, Lau YS, Liu D, Liu T, Xu L, Gao Y, Lai L, Li Z, Han R. A novel rabbit model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy generated by CRISPR/Cas9. Dis Model Mech 2018; 11:dmm.032201. [PMID: 29871865 PMCID: PMC6031364 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.032201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked muscle-wasting disorder caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene, with an incidence of 1 in 3500 in new male births. Mdx mice are widely used as an animal model for DMD. However, these mice do not faithfully recapitulate DMD patients in many aspects, rendering the preclinical findings in this model questionable. Although larger animal models of DMD, such as dogs and pigs, have been generated, usage of these animals is expensive and only limited to several facilities in the world. Here, we report the generation of a rabbit model of DMD by co-injection of Cas9 mRNA and sgRNA targeting exon 51 into rabbit zygotes. The DMD knockout (KO) rabbits exhibit the typical phenotypes of DMD, including severely impaired physical activity, elevated serum creatine kinase levels, and progressive muscle necrosis and fibrosis. Moreover, clear pathology was also observed in the diaphragm and heart at 5 months of age, similar to DMD patients. Echocardiography recording showed that the DMD KO rabbits had chamber dilation with decreased ejection fraction and fraction shortening. In conclusion, this novel rabbit DMD model generated with the CRISPR/Cas9 system mimics the histopathological and functional defects in DMD patients, and could be valuable for preclinical studies. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper. Summary: The DMD KO rabbit engineered by CRISPR genome editing faithfully recapitulates the DMD pathologies, and could be a valuable tool for basic and translational studies to combat this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Sui
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Yeh Siang Lau
- Department of Surgery, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, Biophysics Graduate Program, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, US
| | - Di Liu
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Tingjun Liu
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Li Xu
- Department of Surgery, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, Biophysics Graduate Program, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, US
| | - Yandi Gao
- Department of Surgery, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, Biophysics Graduate Program, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, US
| | - Liangxue Lai
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Zhanjun Li
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Renzhi Han
- Department of Surgery, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, Biophysics Graduate Program, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, US
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Mata López S, Hammond JJ, Rigsby MB, Balog-Alvarez CJ, Kornegay JN, Nghiem PP. A novel canine model for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD): single nucleotide deletion in DMD gene exon 20. Skelet Muscle 2018; 8:16. [PMID: 29843823 PMCID: PMC5975675 DOI: 10.1186/s13395-018-0162-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) have DMD gene mutations, with associated loss of the dystrophin protein and progressive muscle degeneration and weakness. Corticosteroids and palliative support are currently the best treatment options. The long-term benefits of recently approved compounds such as eteplirsen and ataluren remain to be seen. Dogs with naturally occurring dystrophinopathies show progressive disease akin to that of DMD. Accordingly, canine DMD models are useful for studies of pathogenesis and preclinical therapy development. A dystrophin-deficient, male border collie dog was evaluated at the age of 5 months for progressive muscle weakness and dysphagia. Case presentation Dramatically increased serum creatine kinase levels (41,520 U/L; normal range 59–895 U/L) were seen on a biochemistry panel. Histopathologic changes characteristic of dystrophinopathy were seen. Dystrophin was absent in the skeletal muscle on immunofluorescence microscopy and western blot. Whole genome sequencing, polymerase chain reaction, and Sanger sequencing revealed a frameshift, single nucleotide deletion in canine DMD exon 20, position 27,626,466 (c.2841delT mRNA), resulting in a stop codon six nucleotides downstream. Semen was archived for future line perpetuation. Conclusions This spontaneous canine dystrophinopathy occurred due to a novel mutation in the minor DMD mutation hotspot (between exons 2 through 20). Perpetuating this line could allow for preclinical testing of genetic therapies targeted to this area of the DMD gene. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13395-018-0162-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Mata López
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA
| | - James J Hammond
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Pieper Memorial Veterinary Center, Middletown, CT, 06457, USA
| | - Madison B Rigsby
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA
| | - Cynthia J Balog-Alvarez
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA
| | - Joe N Kornegay
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA
| | - Peter P Nghiem
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA.
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Stoughton WB, Li J, Balog-Alvarez C, Kornegay JN. Impaired autophagy correlates with golden retriever muscular dystrophy phenotype. Muscle Nerve 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/mus.26121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- William B. Stoughton
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences; Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; College Station Texas 77843 USA
| | - Jianrong Li
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences; Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; College Station Texas 77843 USA
| | - Cindy Balog-Alvarez
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences; Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; College Station Texas 77843 USA
| | - Joe N. Kornegay
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences; Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; College Station Texas 77843 USA
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Rodrigues M, Echigoya Y, Fukada SI, Yokota T. Current Translational Research and Murine Models For Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. J Neuromuscul Dis 2018; 3:29-48. [PMID: 27854202 PMCID: PMC5271422 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-150113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration. Mutations in the DMD gene result in the absence of dystrophin, a protein required for muscle strength and stability. Currently, there is no cure for DMD. Since murine models are relatively easy to genetically manipulate, cost effective, and easily reproducible due to their short generation time, they have helped to elucidate the pathobiology of dystrophin deficiency and to assess therapies for treating DMD. Recently, several murine models have been developed by our group and others to be more representative of the human DMD mutation types and phenotypes. For instance, mdx mice on a DBA/2 genetic background, developed by Fukada et al., have lower regenerative capacity and exhibit very severe phenotype. Cmah-deficient mdx mice display an accelerated disease onset and severe cardiac phenotype due to differences in glycosylation between humans and mice. Other novel murine models include mdx52, which harbors a deletion mutation in exon 52, a hot spot region in humans, and dystrophin/utrophin double-deficient (dko), which displays a severe dystrophic phenotype due the absence of utrophin, a dystrophin homolog. This paper reviews the pathological manifestations and recent therapeutic developments in murine models of DMD such as standard mdx (C57BL/10), mdx on C57BL/6 background (C57BL/6-mdx), mdx52, dystrophin/utrophin double-deficient (dko), mdxβgeo, Dmd-null, humanized DMD (hDMD), mdx on DBA/2 background (DBA/2-mdx), Cmah-mdx, and mdx/mTRKO murine models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merryl Rodrigues
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Yusuke Echigoya
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - So-Ichiro Fukada
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Toshifumi Yokota
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Muscular Dystrophy Canada Research Chair, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Systemic Delivery of Morpholinos to Skip Multiple Exons in a Dog Model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1565:201-213. [PMID: 28364245 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-6817-6_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Exon-skipping therapy is an emerging approach that uses synthetic DNA-like molecules called antisense oligonucleotides (AONs) to splice out frame-disrupting parts of mRNA, restore the reading frame, and produce truncated yet functional proteins. Multiple exon skipping utilizing a cocktail of AONs can theoretically treat 80-90% of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The success of multiple exon skipping by the systemic delivery of a cocktail of AONs called phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PMOs) in a DMD dog model has made a significant impact on the development of therapeutics for DMD, leading to clinical trials of PMO-based drugs. Here, we describe the systemic delivery of a cocktail of PMOs to skip multiple exons in dystrophic dogs and the evaluation of the efficacies and toxicity in vivo.
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