A new pro-migratory activity on human myogenic precursor cells for a synthetic peptide within the E domain of the mechano growth factor

The role of mechano growth factor in chondrocytes and cartilage defects: a concise review

Mechano growth factor (MGF), an isoform of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), is recognized as a typical mechanically sensitive growth factor and has been shown to play an indispensable role in the skeletal system. In the joint cavity, MGF is highly expressed in chondrocytes, especially in the damaged cartilage tissue caused by trauma or degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis (OA). Cartilage is an extremely important component of joints because it functions as a shock absorber and load distributer at the weight-bearing interfaces in the joint cavity, but it can hardly be repaired once injured due to its lack of blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and nerves. MGF has been proven to play an important role in chondrocyte behaviors, including cell proliferation, migration, differentiation, inflammatory reactions and apoptosis, in and around the injury site. Moreover, under the normalized mechanical microenvironment in the joint cavity, MGF can sense and respond to mechanical stimuli, regulate chondrocyte activity, and maintain the homeostasis of cartilage tissue. Recent reports continue to explain its effects on various cell types and sport-related tissues, but its role in cartilage development, homeostasis and disease occurrence is still controversial, and its internal biological mechanism is still elusive. In this review, we summarize recent discoveries on the role of MGF in chondrocytes and cartilage defects, including tissue repair at the macroscopic level and chondrocyte activities at the microcosmic level, and discuss the current state of research and potential gaps in knowledge.

Mechano-growth factor E-domain modulates cardiac contractile function through 14-3-3 protein interactomes

In the heart, alternative splicing of the igf-I gene produces two isoforms: IGF-IEa and IGF-IEc, (Mechano-growth factor, MGF). The sequence divergence between their E-domain regions suggests differential isoform function. To define the biological actions of MGF's E-domain, we performed in silico analysis of the unique C-terminal sequence and identified a phosphorylation consensus site residing within a putative 14-3-3 binding motif. To test the functional significance of Ser 18 phosphorylation, phospho-mimetic (S/E18) and phospho-null (S/A18) peptides were delivered to mice at different doses for 2 weeks. Cardiovascular function was measured using echocardiography and a pressure-volume catheter. At the lowest (2.25 mg/kg/day) and highest (9 mg/kg/day) doses, the peptides produced a depression in systolic and diastolic parameters. However, at 4.5 mg/kg/day the peptides produced opposing effects on cardiac function. Fractional shortening analysis also showed a similar trend, but with no significant change in cardiac geometry. Microarray analysis discovered 21 genes (FDR p < 0.01), that were expressed accordant with the opposing effects on contractile function at 4.5 mg/kg/day, with the nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 2 (Nr4a2) identified as a potential target of peptide regulation. Testing the regulation of the Nr4a family, showed the E-domain peptides modulate Nr4a gene expression following membrane depolarization with KCl in vitro. To determine the potential role of 14-3-3 proteins, we examined 14-3-3 isoform expression and distribution. 14-3-3γ localized to the myofilaments in neonatal cardiac myocytes, the cardiac myocytes and myofilament extracts from the adult heart. Thermal shift analysis of recombinant 14-3-3γ protein showed the S/A18 peptide destabilized 14-3-3γ folding. Also, the S/A18 peptide significantly inhibited 14-3-3γ's ability to interact with myosin binding protein C (MYPC3) and phospholamban (PLN) in heart lysates from dobutamine injected mice. Conversely, the S/E18 peptide showed no effect on 14-3-3γ stability, did not inhibit 14-3-3γ's interaction with PLN but did inhibit the interaction with MYPC3. Replacing the glutamic acid with a phosphate group on Ser 18 (pSer18), significantly increased 14-3-3γ protein stability. We conclude that the state of Ser 18 phosphorylation within the 14-3-3 binding motif of MGF's E-domain, modulates protein-protein interactions within the 14-3-3γ interactome, which includes proteins involved in the regulation of contractile function.

Potential role of chimeric genes in pathway-related gene co-expression modules

Background

Gene fusion has epigenetic modification functions. The novel proteins encoded by gene fusion products play a role in cancer development. Therefore, a better understanding of the novel protein products may provide insights into the pathogenesis of tumors. However, the characteristics of chimeric genes are rarely studied. Here, we used weighted co-expression network analysis to investigate the biological roles and underlying mechanisms of chimeric genes.

Methods

Download the pig transcriptome data, we screened chimeric genes and parental genes from 688 sequences and 153 samples, predict their domains, and analyze their associations. We constructed a co-expression network of chimeric genes in pigs and conducted Gene Ontology enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis on the generated modules using DAVID to identify key networks and modules related to chimeric genes.

Results

Our findings showed that most of the protein domains of chimeric genes were derived from fused pre-genes. Chimeric genes were enriched in modules involved in the negative regulation of cell proliferation and protein localization to centrosomes. In addition, the chimeric genes were related to the growth factor-β superfamily, which regulates cell growth and differentiation. Furthermore, in helper T cells, chimeric genes regulate the specific recognition of T cell receptors, implying that chimeric genes play a key role in the regulation pathway of T cells. Chimeric genes can produce new domains, and some chimeric genes are a key role involved in pathway-related function.

Conclusions

Most chimeric genes show binding activity. Domains of chimeric genes are derived from several combinations of parent genes. Chimeric genes play a key role in the regulation of several cellular pathways. Our findings may provide new directions to explore the roles of chimeric genes in tumors.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12957-021-02248-9.

Role of Alternatively Spliced Messenger RNA (mRNA) Isoforms of the Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF1) in Selected Human Tumors

Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) is a key regulator of tissue growth and development that is also implicated in the initiation and progression of various cancers. The human IGF1 gene contains six exons and five long introns, the transcription of which is controlled by two promoters (P1 and P2). Alternate promoter usage, as well as alternative splicing (AS) of IGF1, results in the expression of six various variants (isoforms) of mRNA, i.e., IA, IB, IC, IIA, IIB, and IIC. A mature 70-kDa IGF1 protein is coded only by exons 3 and 4, while exons 5 and 6 are alternatively spliced code for the three C-terminal E peptides: Ea (exon 6), Eb (exon 5), and Ec (fragments of exons 5 and 6). The most abundant of those transcripts is IGF1Ea, followed by IGF1Eb and IGF1Ec (also known as mechano-growth factor, MGF). The presence of different IGF1 transcripts suggests tissue-specific auto- and/or paracrine action, as well as separate regulation of both of these gene promoters. In physiology, the role of different IGF1 mRNA isoforms and pro-peptides is best recognized in skeletal muscle tissue. Their functions include the development and regeneration of muscles, as well as maintenance of proper muscle mass. In turn, in nervous tissue, a neuroprotective function of short peptides, produced as a result of IGF1 expression and characterized by significant blood-brain barrier penetrance, has been described and could be a potential therapeutic target. When it comes to the regulation of carcinogenesis, the potential biological role of different var iants of IGF1 mRNAs and pro-peptides is also intensively studied. This review highlights the role of IGF1 isoform expression (mRNAs, proteins) in physiology and different types of human tumors (e.g., breast cancer, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, osteosarcoma, prostate and thyroid cancers), as well as mechanisms of IGF1 spliced variants involvement in tumor biology.

Hang on tight: reprogramming the cell with microstructural cues

Cells interact intimately with complex microdomains in their extracellular matrix (ECM) and maintain a delicate balance of mechanical forces through mechanosensitive cellular components. Tissue injury results in acute degradation of the ECM and disruption of cell-ECM contacts, manifesting in loss of cytoskeletal tension, leading to pathological cell transformation and the onset of disease. Recently, microscale hydrogel constructs have been developed to provide cells with microdomains to form focal adhesion binding sites, which enable restoration of cytoskeletal tension. These synthetic anchors can recapitulate the complex 3D architecture of the native ECM to provide microtopographical cues. The mechanical deformation of proteins at the cell surface can activate signaling cascades to modulate downstream gene-level transcription, making this a unique materials-based approach for reprogramming cell behavior. An overview of the mechanisms underlying these mechanosensitive interactions in fibroblasts, stem and other cell types is provided to review their effects on cellular reprogramming. Recent investigations on the fabrication, functionalization and implementation of these materials and microtopographical features for drug testing and therapeutic applications are discussed.

Insulin-Like Growth Factor I Regulation and Its Actions in Skeletal Muscle

The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) pathway is essential for promoting growth and survival of virtually all tissues. It bears high homology to its related protein insulin, and as such, there is an interplay between these molecules with regard to their anabolic and metabolic functions. Skeletal muscle produces a significant proportion of IGF-1, and is highly responsive to its actions, including increased muscle mass and improved regenerative capacity. In this overview, the regulation of IGF-1 production, stability, and activity in skeletal muscle will be described. Second, the physiological significance of the forms of IGF-1 produced will be discussed. Last, the interaction of IGF-1 with other pathways will be addressed. © 2019 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 9:413-438, 2019.

MMP1 gene expression enhances myoblast migration and engraftment following implanting into mdx/SCID mice

Myoblast transplantation (MT) is a method to introduce healthy genes into abnormal skeletal muscle. It has been considered as a therapeutic modality in the last few decades for diseases such as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). However, challenges including cell death and poor graft engraftment have limited its application. The current experiment utilizes MMP1 gene transfer to improve the efficacy of myoblast transplantation into the diseased dystrophic skeletal muscle of mdx mice. Our results indicated that MMP1 expression can promote myogenic differentiation and fusion capacities, increase migration of MMP1 expressing myoblasts in vitro, as well as improve engraftment of dystrophin positive myofibers in vivo. Taken together, our observation suggests that the addition of MMP1 can overcome limitations in MT and improve its clinical efficacy.

MGF enhances tenocyte invasion through MMP-2 activity via the FAK-ERK1/2 pathway

Tendon regeneration and healing requires tenocytes to move to the repair site followed by proliferation and synthesis of the extracellular matrix. A novel synthetic growth factor, mechano-growth factor (MGF), has been discovered to have positive roles in tissue repair through the improvement of cell proliferation and migration and the protection of cells against injury-induced apoptosis. However, it remains unclear whether MGF has the potential to accelerate tendon repair. In this study, using a transwell system, we found that MGF-C25E (a synthetic mechano-growth factor E peptide) significantly promotes tenocyte invasion, which was accompanied by the increased phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and extracellular signal regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) as well as the increased activity of matrix metalloproteinases-2 (MMP-2). The MMP-2 inhibitor OA-Hy blocked MGF-C25E-promoted tenocyte invasion. Inhibitors of FAK or ERK1/2 blocked MGF-C25E-promoted tenocyte invasion and MMP-2 activity as well. These results indicate that MGF-C25E promotes tenocyte invasion by increasing MMP-2 activity via the FAK-ERK1/2 signaling pathway. Taken together, our findings provide the first evidence that MGF-C25E enhances tenocyte invasion and indicate that it may serve as a potential repair material for promoting the healing and regeneration of injured tendons.

The role of mechano-growth factor E peptide in the regulation of osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is one of the most common bone tumors, and exhibits a high degree of malignancy. Gene therapy is a novel approach to its treatment, however, specific target genes are required to enable effective use of this therapy. In order to investigate the effects of the mechano-growth factor E (MGF-E) peptide, which is derived from the IGF-I alternative splicing isoform, on the regulation of the development of osteosarcoma, the expression of MGF was detected in osteosarcoma cell lines with different degrees of malignancy. Concomitantly, exogenous MGF-E peptide was used to stimulate these osteosarcoma cell lines. The results demonstrated that MGF was overexpressed in malignant osteosarcoma cells, while it was not expressed in the least malignant osteosarcoma cells. Furthermore, MGF-E treatment altered the cell cycle distribution, and promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells. The possible mechanisms underlying these effects were detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Based on these results, it was hypothesized that MGF may be a suitable biomarker for malignant osteosarcoma phenotypes.

Multiple hormonal dysregulation as determinant of low physical performance and mobility in older persons

Mobility-disability is a common condition in older individuals. Many factors, including the age-related hormonal dysregulation, may concur to the development of disability in the elderly. In fact, during the aging process it is observed an imbalance between anabolic hormones that decrease (testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS), estradiol, insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and Vitamin D) and catabolic hormones (cortisol, thyroid hormones) that increase. We start this review focusing on the mechanisms by which anabolic and catabolic hormones may affect physical performance and mobility. To address the role of the hormonal dysregulation to mobility-disability, we start to discuss the contribution of the single hormonal derangement. The studies used in this review were selected according to the period of time of publication, ranging from 2002 to 2013, and the age of the participants (≥65 years). We devoted particular attention to the effects of anabolic hormones (DHEAS, testosterone, estradiol, Vitamin D and IGF-1) on both skeletal muscle mass and strength, as well as other objective indicators of physical performance. We also analyzed the reasons beyond the inconclusive data coming from RCTs using sex hormones, thyroid hormones, and vitamin D (dosage, duration of treatment, baseline hormonal values and reached hormonal levels). We finally hypothesized that the parallel decline of anabolic hormones has a higher impact than a single hormonal derangement on adverse mobility outcomes in older population. Given the multifactorial origin of low mobility, we underlined the need of future synergistic optional treatments (micronutrients and exercise) to improve the effectiveness of hormonal treatment and to safely ameliorate the anabolic hormonal status and mobility in older individuals.

Sustained delivery of MGF peptide from microrods attracts stem cells and reduces apoptosis of myocytes

Local release of drugs may have many advantages for tissue repair but also presents major challenges. Bioengineering approaches allow microstructures to be fabricated that contain bioactive peptides for sustained local delivery. Heart tissue damage is associated with local increases in mechano growth factor (MGF), a member of the IGF-1 family. The E domain of MGF peptide is anti-apoptotic and a stem cell homing factor. The objectives of this study were to fabricate a microrod delivery device of poly (ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (PEGDMA) hydrogel loaded with MGF peptide and to determine the elution profile and bioactivity of MGF. The injectable microrods are 30 kPa stiffness and 15 μm widths by 100 μm lengths, chosen to match heart stiffness and myocyte size. Successful encapsulation of native MGF peptide within microrods was achieved with delivery of MGF for 2 weeks, as measured by HPLC. Migration of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) increased with MGF microrod treatment (1.72 ± 0.23, p < 0.05). Inhibition of the apoptotic pathway in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes was induced by 8 h of hypoxia (1 % O2). Protection from apoptosis by MGF microrod treatment was shown by the TUNEL assay and increased Bcl-2 expression (2 ± 0.19, p < 0.05). Microrods without MGF regulated the cytoskeleton, adhesion, and proliferation of hMSCs, and MGF had no effect on these properties. Therefore, the combination microdevice provided both the mechanical cues and 2-week MGF bioactivity to reduce apoptosis and recruit stem cells, suggesting potential use of MGF microrods for cardiac regeneration therapy in vivo.

Pretreatment with mechano-growth factor E peptide protects bone marrow mesenchymal cells against damage by fluid shear stress

Improper fluid shear stress (FSS) can cause serious damages to bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Mechano-growth factor (MGF) E peptide pretreatment was proposed to protect MSCs against FSS damage in this study. MSCs were exposed to FSS for 30 min after they were pretreated with MGF E peptide for 24 h. Then, the effects of MGF E peptide on the viability, proliferation and cell apoptosis of MSCs were investigated. MGF E peptide pretreatment could recover the cellular metabolic activity of MSCs reduced by 72 dyne cm(-2) FSS and had a synergistic effect with FSS on the cellular metabolic viability of MSCs under 24 and 72 dyne cm(-2) FSS. These results suggested that MGF E peptide pretreatment could be an effective method for the protection of FSS damage in bone tissue engineering.

Mechano growth factor E peptide regulates migration and differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells

IGF1Ec in humans or IGF1Eb in rodents (known as mechano growth factor (MGF)) has a unique E domain, and the C-terminal end of the E domain (MGF E peptide) plays important roles in proliferation, migration and differentiation of many cell types. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have multiple differentiation potentials and are considered as perfect seed cells for tissue repair. But the role of MGF E peptide on BMSCs is seldom investigated and the mechanism is still unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of MGF E peptide on rat BMSCs (rBMSCs). Our results revealed that treatment with MGF E peptide had no effect on BMSC proliferation. However, both wound-healing and transwell assays indicated that MGF E peptide could significantly enhance rBMSCs migration ability. Further analysis indicated that MGF E peptide also reduced the expression levels of osteogenic genes, but increased the expression levels of adipogenic genes. Analysis of molecular mechanism showed that phosphorylation-Erk1/2 was activated by MGF E peptide and blockage of either Erk1/2 or IGF1 receptor could repress the migration effect of MGF E peptide. In conclusion, MGF E peptide is able to inhibit osteogenic differentiation but promote adipogenic differentiation. In addition, the migration effect of MGF E peptide on rBMSCs depends on IGF1 receptor via Erk1/2 signal pathway.

Biological activity of the e domain of the IGF-1Ec as addressed by synthetic peptides

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is a multipotent growth factor involved in the growth, development and regulation of homeostasis in a tissue-specific manner. Alternative splicing, multiple transcription initiation sites and different polyadelynation signals give rise to diverse mRNA isoforms, such as IGF-1Ea, IGF-1Eb and IGF-1Ec transcripts. There is increasing interest in the expression of the IGF-1 isoforms and their potential distinct biological role. IGF-1Ec results from alternative splicing of exons 4-5-6 and its expression is upregulated in various conditions and pathologies. Recent studies have shown that IGF-1Ec is preferentially increased after injury in skeletal muscle during post-infarctal myocardium remodelling and in cancer tissues and cell lines. A synthetic analogue corresponding to the last 24 aa of the E domain of the IGF-1Ec isoform has been used to elucidate its potential biological role. The aim of the present review is to describe and discuss the putative bioactivity of the E domain of the IGF-1Ec isoform.

Mechano-growth factor peptide, the COOH terminus of unprocessed insulin-like growth factor 1, has no apparent effect on myoblasts or primary muscle stem cells

A splice form of IGF-1, IGF-1Eb, is upregulated after exercise or injury. Physiological responses have been ascribed to the 24-amino acid COOH-terminal peptide that is cleaved from the NH3-terminal 70-amino acid mature IGF-1 protein. This COOH-terminal peptide was termed "mechano-growth factor" (MGF). Activities claimed for the MGF peptide included enhancing muscle satellite cell proliferation and delaying myoblast fusion. As such, MGF could represent a promising strategy to improve muscle regeneration. Thus, at our two pharmaceutical companies, we attempted to reproduce the claimed effect of MGF peptides on human and mouse muscle myoblast proliferation and differentiation in vitro. Concentrations of peptide up to 500 ng/ml failed to increase the proliferation of C2C12 cells or primary human skeletal muscle myoblasts. In contrast, all cell types exhibited a proliferative response to mature IGF-1 or full-length IGF-1Eb. MGF also failed to inhibit the differentiation of myoblasts into myotubes. To address whether the response to MGF was lost in these tissue culture lines, we measured proliferation and differentiation of primary mouse skeletal muscle stem cells exposed to MGF. This, too, failed to demonstrate a significant effect. Finally, we tested whether MGF could alter a separate documented in vitro effect of the peptide, activation of p-ERK, but not p-Akt, in cardiac myocytes. Although a robust response to IGF-1 was observed, there were no demonstrated activating responses from the native or a stabilized MGF peptide. These results call in to question whether there is a physiological role for MGF.

Matrix metalloproteinase 13 is a new contributor to skeletal muscle regeneration and critical for myoblast migration

Efficient skeletal muscle repair and regeneration require coordinated remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Previous reports have indicated that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play the pivotal role in ECM remodeling during muscle regeneration. The goal of the current study was to determine if the interstitial collagenase MMP-13 was involved in the muscle repair process. Using intramuscular cardiotoxin injections to induce acute muscle injury, we found that MMP-13 expression and activity transiently increased during the regeneration process. In addition, in muscles from mdx mice, which exhibit chronic injury, MMP-13 expression and protein levels were elevated. In differentiating C2C12 cells, a murine myoblast cell line, Mmp13 expression was most pronounced after myoblast fusion and during myotube formation. Using pharmacological inhibition of MMP-13 to test whether MMP-13 activity is necessary for the proliferation, differentiation, migration, and fusion of C2C12 cells, we found a dramatic blockade of myoblast migration, as well as a delay in differentiation. In contrast, C2C12 cells with stable overexpression of MMP-13 showed enhanced migration, without affecting myoblast maturation. Taken together, these results support a primary role for MMP-13 in myoblast migration that leads to secondary effects on differentiation.

Human Eb peptide: not just a by-product of pre-pro-IGF1b processing?

Several physiological activities have been assigned to E-peptides derived from pre-pro-insulin-like growth factor (IGF1) processing; however, the whole range of the E-peptides' functions is still unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate human Eb peptide (hEb) in terms of its bioactivity, cellular localization, and intracellular trafficking using human cancer cells. Human Eb fused with red fluorescence protein (RFP) or green fluorescence protein (GFP) localizes strongly to nucleoli and to a lesser extent to nuclei of HeLa and U2-OS cells. Mutagenesis of hEb nucleolus localization sequence (NoLS) leads to its partial delocalization from nuclei and nucleoli to cytoplasm of transfected cells. Thus, NoLS is not sufficient for the hEb to be localized in nucleoli of the cells and a different mechanism may be involved in hEb targeting. A BrdU ELISA showed that the proliferation index of cells expressing hEb hybrid proteins increased up to 28%. For comparison, the same assay was performed using HeLa cells treated extracellularly with synthetic hEb. A significant increase in the proliferation index was observed (41-58% for concentrations ranging from 10-100 nM, respectively). Additionally, a cell migration assay was performed using stable U2-OS cell lines expressing hEb fused with RFP or RFP alone as a negative control. The migration index of hEb expressing cells was 38.3% greater. The increase in cell proliferation index and in motile properties of hEb expressing cells demonstrate that hEb is more than a pre-pro-IGF1b processing product, and has intrinsic activity of biological significance.

Evidence for the Possible Biological Significance of the igf-1 Gene Alternative Splicing in Prostate Cancer

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of prostate cancer (PCa), since it plays a key role in cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. The IGF-I actions are mediated mainly via its binding to the type I IGF receptor (IGF-IR), however IGF-I signaling via insulin receptor (IR) and hybrid IGF-I/IR is also evident. Different IGF-I mRNA splice variants, namely IGF-IEa, IGF-IEb, and IGF-IEc, are expressed in human cells and tissues. These transcripts encode several IGF-I precursor proteins which contain the same bioactive product (mature IGF-I), however, they differ by the length of their signal peptides on the amino-terminal end and the structure of the extension peptides (E-peptides) on the carboxy-terminal end. There is an increasing interest in the possible different role of the IGF-I transcripts and their respective non-(mature)IGF-I products in the regulation of distinct biological activities. Moreover, there is strong evidence of a differential expression profile of the IGF-I splice variants in normal versus PCa tissues and PCa cells, implying that the expression pattern of the various IGF-I transcripts and their respective protein products may possess different functions in cancer biology. Herein, the evidence that the IGF-IEc transcript regulates PCa growth via Ec peptide specific and IGF-IR/IR-independent signaling is discussed.

New Modulators for IGF-I Activity within IGF-I Processing Products

Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) is a key regulator of muscle development and growth. The pre-pro-peptide produced by the Igf1 gene undergoes several post-translational processing steps to result in a secreted mature protein, which is thought to be the obligate ligand for the IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR). However, the significance of the additional forms and peptides produced from Igf1 is not clear. For instance, the C-terminal extensions called the E-peptides that are part of pro-IGF-I, have been implicated in playing roles in cell growth, including cell proliferation and migration and muscle hypertrophy in an IGF-IR independent manner. However, the activity of these peptides has been controversial. IGF-IR independent actions suggest the existence of an E-peptide receptor, yet such a protein has not been discovered. We propose a new concept: there is no E-peptide receptor, rather the E-peptides coordinate with IGF-I to modulate activity of the IGF-IR. Growing evidence reveals that the presence of an E-peptide alters IGF-I activity, whether as part of pro-IGF-I, or as a separate peptide. In this review, we will examine the past literature on IGF-I processing and E-peptide actions in skeletal muscle, address the previous attempts to separate IGF-I and E-peptide effects, propose a new model for IGF-I/E-peptide synergy, and suggest future experiments to test if the E-peptides truly modulate IGF-I activity.

Macrophages improve survival, proliferation and migration of engrafted myogenic precursor cells into MDX skeletal muscle

Transplantation of muscle precursor cells is of therapeutic interest for focal skeletal muscular diseases. However, major limitations of cell transplantation are the poor survival, expansion and migration of the injected cells. The massive and early death of transplanted myoblasts is not fully understood although several mechanisms have been suggested. Various attempts have been made to improve their survival or migration. Taking into account that muscle regeneration is associated with the presence of macrophages, which are helpful in repairing the muscle by both cleansing the debris and deliver trophic cues to myoblasts in a sequential way, we attempted in the present work to improve myoblast transplantation by coinjecting macrophages. The present data showed that in the 5 days following the transplantation, macrophages efficiently improved: i) myoblast survival by limiting their massive death, ii) myoblast expansion within the tissue and iii) myoblast migration in the dystrophic muscle. This was confirmed by in vitro analyses showing that macrophages stimulated myoblast adhesion and migration. As a result, myoblast contribution to regenerating host myofibres was increased by macrophages one month after transplantation. Altogether, these data demonstrate that macrophages are beneficial during the early steps of myoblast transplantation into skeletal muscle, showing that coinjecting these stromal cells may be used as a helper to improve the efficiency of parenchymal cell engraftment.

Insulin-like growth factor-I E-peptide activity is dependent on the IGF-I receptor

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) is an essential growth factor that regulates the processes necessary for cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. The Igf1 gene encodes mature IGF-I and a carboxy-terminal extension called the E-peptide. In rodents, alternative splicing and post-translational processing produce two E-peptides (EA and EB). EB has been studied extensively and has been reported to promote cell proliferation and migration independently of IGF-I and its receptor (IGF-IR), but the mechanism by which EB causes these actions has not been identified. Further, the properties of EA have not been evaluated. Therefore, the goals of this study were to determine if EA and EB possessed similar activity and if these actions were IGF-IR independent. We utilized synthetic peptides for EA, EB, and a scrambled control to examine cellular responses. Both E-peptides increased MAPK signaling, which was blocked by pharmacologic IGF-IR inhibition. Although the E-peptides did not directly induce IGF-IR phosphorylation, the presence of either E-peptide increased IGF-IR activation by IGF-I, and this was achieved through enhanced cell surface bioavailability of the receptor. To determine if E-peptide biological actions required the IGF-IR, we took advantage of the murine C2C12 cell line as a platform to examine the key steps of skeletal muscle proliferation, migration and differentiation. EB increased myoblast proliferation and migration while EA delayed differentiation. The proliferation and migration effects were inhibited by MAPK or IGF-IR signaling blockade. Thus, in contrast to previous studies, we find that E-peptide signaling, mitogenic, and motogenic effects are dependent upon IGF-IR. We propose that the E-peptides have little independent activity, but instead affect growth via modulating IGF-I signaling, thereby increasing the complexity of IGF-I biological activity.

The nuclear localization of MGF receptor in osteoblasts under mechanical stimulation

Mechano-growth factor (MGF) has emerged as an important mechanosensitive player in bone repair, but understanding of MGF function is hampered by the fact that MGF receptor and the underlying pathways remain unknown. In this study, fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled MGF-Ct24E (FITC-MGF) was used to determine the subcellular localization of MGF receptor in osteoblasts. After the primary osteoblasts were exposed to stretch with the strain at 10 %, and/or loaded with 50 ng/ml exogenous MGF-Ct24E, cells were incubated with the different concentrations of FITC-MGF (0.01, 0.1, and 1 mg/ml) followed by flow cytometry and laser scanning confocal microscope analysis. Our results showed that the fluorescence intensity and cell population internalizing FITC-MGF increased with the concentration of FITC-MGF. And all the cells were labeled with fluorescence at 1 mg/ml. Notably, FITC-MGF had nuclear localization when osteoblasts were exposed to stretch and/or 50 ng/ml MGF-Ct24E added, compared to the evident cytoplasmic localization in the static culture group. The nuclear localization of FITC-MGF in response to mechanical loading was found to associate with high expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, suggesting MGF and its receptor could serve as potential messengers that replay information in nuclei to control cell proliferation.

New proangiogenic activity on vascular endothelial cells for C-terminal mechano growth factor

Angiogenesis is crucial in wound healing. The administration of the C-terminal 24-a.a. peptide of mechano growth factor (MGF24E) has been previously demonstrated to induce more blood vessels in regenerating bone around defective areas compared with the control. Accordingly, this study aims to determine whether MGF24E promotes bone defect healing through MGF24E-increased angiogenesis and whether MGF24E has positive effects on angiogenesis in vitro. The roles of MGF24E on angiogenesis and the underlying mechanisms were investigated. The cell proliferation, migration, and tubulogenesis of the human vascular endothelial EA.hy926 cells co-treated with 2% serum and MGF24E were determined to assess angiogenesis in comparison with 100 ng/ml of vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (VEGF(165))-positive control or vehicle control (phosphate-buffered saline). MGF24E treatment (10 ng/ml) significantly promoted the biological processes of angiogenesis on EA.hy926 cells compared with the vehicle control. The suppression of vascular endothelial growth factor and angiopoietin-I expressions by 2% serum starvation was reversed by the addition of 10 ng/ml of MGF24E in 2% serum medium. This result suggests that MGF24E has a protective effect on angiogenesis. Moreover, the inhibition of ERK due to PD98050 pretreatment completely abolished and mostly blocked MGF24E-induced proliferation and migration, respectively, whereas the MGF24-induced tubulogenesis and the angiogenic factor expression were only partially inhibited. These new findings suggest that MGF24E promotes angiogenesis by enhancing the expression of angiogenic cytokines which involves the MAPK/ERK-signaling pathway.

Expression of muscle anabolic and metabolic factors in mechanically loaded MLO-Y4 osteocytes

Lack of physical activity results in muscle atrophy and bone loss, which can be counteracted by mechanical loading. Similar molecular signaling pathways are involved in the adaptation of muscle and bone mass to mechanical loading. Whether anabolic and metabolic factors regulating muscle mass, i.e., insulin-like growth factor-I isoforms (IGF-I Ea), mechano growth factor (MGF), myostatin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), or hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), are also produced by osteocytes in bone in response to mechanical loading is largely unknown. Therefore, we investigated whether mechanical loading by pulsating fluid flow (PFF) modulates the mRNA and/or protein levels of muscle anabolic and metabolic factors in MLO-Y4 osteocytes. Unloaded MLO-Y4 osteocytes expressed mRNA of VEGF, HGF, IGF-I Ea, and MGF, but not myostatin. PFF increased mRNA levels of IGF-I Ea (2.1-fold) and MGF (2.0-fold) at a peak shear stress rate of 44Pa/s, but not at 22Pa/s. PFF at 22 Pa/s increased VEGF mRNA levels (1.8- to 2.5-fold) and VEGF protein release (2.0- to 2.9-fold). Inhibition of nitric oxide production decreased (2.0-fold) PFF-induced VEGF protein release. PFF at 22 Pa/s decreased HGF mRNA levels (1.5-fold) but increased HGF protein release (2.3-fold). PFF-induced HGF protein release was nitric oxide dependent. Our data show that mechanically loaded MLO-Y4 osteocytes differentially express anabolic and metabolic factors involved in the adaptive response of muscle to mechanical loading (i.e., IGF-I Ea, MGF, VEGF, and HGF). Similarly to muscle fibers, mechanical loading enhanced expression levels of these growth factors in MLO-Y4 osteocytes. Although in MLO-Y4 osteocytes expression levels of IGF-I Ea and MGF of myostatin were very low or absent, it is known that the activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts is strongly affected by them. The abundant expression levels of these factors in muscle cells, in combination with low expression in MLO-Y4 osteocytes, provide a possibility that growth factors expressed in muscle could affect signaling in bone cells.

Stimulation of mechano-growth factor expression by myofibrillar proteins in murine myoblasts and myotubes

Mechano-growth factor (MGF) is a product of alternative splicing of the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) mRNA. MGF is known to stimulate myoblast proliferation and to protect neurons and cardiomyocytes from apoptosis. MGF expression is dramatically increased in response to mechanical stimuli and tissue damage. The mechanisms of induction of MGF expression are as yet imperfectly understood. There is certain evidence that some protein factors able to stimulate MGF synthesis in normal myoblasts are released from damaged muscle. This study was undertaken to explore the nature of these protein inductors of MGF expression and to investigate the mechanism of their action. We report here that myofibrillar fraction of skeletal muscle homogenate activated MGF expression in murine myoblasts and myotubes in culture. The expression of another splice form of IGF-1 gene, IGF-1Ea, was also stimulated by myofibrils. Three myofibrillar proteins able to stimulate MGF synthesis were isolated. These proteins were identified by MALDI and immunoblotting as myomesin, myosin-binding protein C, and titin. The activation of MGF expression was associated with the increase of cAMP level in the cells. Inhibitor of adenylyl cyclase dideoxyadenosine arrested stimulation of MGF synthesis by all three myofibrillar proteins.

Intramuscular Transplantation of Muscle Precursor Cells over-expressing MMP-9 improves Transplantation Success

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is characterized by the absence of dystrophin in muscles. A therapeutic approach to restore dystrophin expression in DMD patient's muscles is the transplantation of muscle precursor cells (MPCs). However, this transplantation is limited by the low MPC capacity to migrate beyond the injection trajectory. Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) are key regulatory molecules in the remodeling of extracellular matrix (ECM) components. MPCs over-expressing MMP-9 were tested by zymography, migration and invasion assays in vitro and by transplantation in mouse muscle. In vitro, MPCs over-expressing MMP-9 have a better invasion capacity than control MPCs. When these cells are transplanted in mouse muscles, the transplantation success is increased by more than 50% and their dispersion is higher than normal cells. MMP-9 over-expression could thus be an approach to improve cell transplantation in DMD patients by increasing the dispersion capacity of transplanted cells.

Effect of dehydroepiandrosterone on muscle strength and physical function in older adults: a systematic review

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate studies that have assessed the effect of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation on body composition and physical performance in older adults.

DESIGN

A systematic review of the medical literature identified from searches of databases, reference lists, and recent conference proceedings with qualitative assessment of the desired end points.

SETTING

Not applicable.

PARTICIPANTS

Adults aged 50 and older.

INTERVENTIONS

Oral DHEA supplement with or without concomitant exercise.

MEASUREMENTS

Muscle strength, physical function, and physical performance.

RESULTS

Of the 155 eligible studies, eight (n=661 participants) met inclusion criteria. The studies differed in their included populations, duration of follow-up, and interventions (e.g., exercise). Seven studies examined measures of muscle strength. One study showed improvement in handgrip strength, one showed improvement in chest press, two showed improvement in leg press, and one showed improvement in knee extension and flexion. Nevertheless, similar numbers of studies had negative results for each of these endpoints. Five studies examined measures of physical function and performance. Only one study showed improvement in a composite score measuring physical performance; the rest reported no differences between DHEA and control for any end point.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the benefit of DHEA on muscle strength and physical function in older adults remains inconclusive. Some measures of muscle strength may improve, although consensus was not reached. DHEA does not appear to routinely benefit measures of physical function or performance. Further large clinical trials are necessary to better identify the clinical role of DHEA supplementation in this population.

Intramuscular cell transplantation as a potential treatment of myopathies: clinical and preclinical relevant data

INTRODUCTION

Myopathies produce deficits in skeletal muscle function and, in some cases, literally progressive loss of skeletal muscles. The transplantation of cells able to differentiate into myofibers is an experimental strategy for the potential treatment of some of these diseases.

AREAS COVERED

Among the two routes used to deliver cells to skeletal muscles, that is intramuscular and intravascular, this paper focuses on the intramuscular route due to our expertise and because it is the most used in animal experiments and the only tested so far in humans. Given the absence of recent reviews about clinical observations and the profusion based on mouse results, this review prioritizes observations made in humans and non-human primates. The review provides a vision of cell transplantation in myology centered on what can be learned from clinical trials and from preclinical studies in non-human primates and leading mouse studies.

EXPERT OPINION

Experiments on myogenic cell transplantation in mice are essential to quickly identify potential treatments, but studies showing the possibility to scale up the methods in large mammals are indispensable to determine their applicability in humans and to design clinical protocols.

Migration and proliferation of human mesenchymal stem cells is stimulated by different regions of the mechano-growth factor prohormone

Stem cell function is thought to be tightly regulated by growth factor concentration in the confines of the microenvironmental niche. Therefore, the response of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) was studied in culture with mechano-growth factor (MGF), an isoform of IGF-1 known to be expressed in the heart following injury. Chemotactic migration of hMSCs increased in response to a peptide analog corresponding to the E-domain region of the MGF prohormone, which was greater than the IGF-1 polypeptide after 20 h of culture. Compared to control without growth factor, migration was significantly less with a scrambled peptide (p=0.025) or a peptide harboring a serine to alanine substitution near the carboxy end (p=0.002). The IGF-1 polypeptide increased proliferation of small (5-9 μm) but not large (>13 μm) hMSCs, whereas the E-domain peptide (MGF-E) had no effect on proliferation. Thus, there are complex biological responses of hMSCs to the prehormone of IGF with respect to migration and proliferation. Since neonatal myocytes but not hMSCs express MGF when strained cyclically at 20%, overloading of the heart may trigger immigration of stem cells. It seems possible that regions of the IGF prohormone may act differentially, or in a combinatorial manner, to benefit cardiac tissue recovery after injury.

Mechano growth factor E peptide promotes osteoblasts proliferation and bone-defect healing in rabbits

To assess the potential efficacy of mechano growth factor (MGF) for bone injury, we firstly investigated the effects of growth factors, including MGF, its E peptide (a short 24-amino acid C-terminal peptide, MGF-Ct24E), and insulin-like growth factor 1(IGF-1) on MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cell proliferation. MGF-Ct24E had the highest pro-proliferation activity among three growth factors, which was 1.4 times greater than that of IGF-1. Moreover, MGF-Ct24E promoted cell proliferation by inducing cell cycle arrest in the S and G(2)/M phase of the cell cycle, but also mainly by the activation of the MAPK-Erk1/2 pathway. In vivo, a 5-mm segmental bone defect in the radius of 27 rabbits was treated with MGF-Ct24E by two doses (28.5 and 57 μg /kg body weight) vs. non-growth factor injection for five consecutive days postoperatively. The cumulative rate of radiographically healed defects and histological scores of bone defect-healing revealed a statistical difference between high-dose treatment and non treatment (p < 0.01), which showed the treatment promoted defect healing. This report is the first to demonstrate that MGF-Ct24E possesses positive effects on osteoblast proliferation and bone-defect healing, suggesting a new strategy in fracture healing.

Insulin-like growth factor-I E peptides: implications for aging skeletal muscle

In skeletal muscle there is good evidence to suggest that locally produced insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-I), rather than circulating IGF-I, is important in regard to muscle mass maintenance, repair and hypertrophy. This "mature" IGF-I comprises exons 3 and 4 of the IGF-I gene, but during processing the full length gene (which contains six exons) is subject to a process of alternative splicing. As a result smaller peptides (E peptides) are believed to be cleaved from the mature IGF-I peptide during processing of the prohormone and the likelihood is that they have different biological roles. In human skeletal muscle three transcripts encoding for these splice variants (IGF-IEa, IGF-IEb and IGF-IEc, also known as MGF) can be identified. When studied at the mRNA level these three transcripts are known to be upregulated in the muscles of elderly people following high resistance exercise, albeit with different time courses. However, compared with mature IGF-I relatively little is known about the mechanism of action of the different E peptides.

Investigation of MGF mRNA expression in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis using parallel in vivo and in vitro approaches

In an animal model of ALS, intramuscular administration of MGF, the IGF-I Ec gene splice variant, improved muscle strength and increased both motor unit and motor neuron survival. Here we investigated whether there is a deficit in MGF production in the muscles of patients with ALS. We used complementary in vivo and in vitro techniques to study the IGF-I splice variant response of human muscle to exercise or mechanical stretch. We assessed the levels of MGF and IGF-IEa mRNA in muscle biopsy samples from healthy subjects and patients with ALS, before and after exercise. We used primary muscle cells to build three-dimensional collagen constructs and subjected them to a ramp stretch. Patients with ALS had similar baseline levels of MGF and IGF-IEa mRNA to healthy controls. No up-regulation was seen in either group within a short time of a single bout of low intensity exercise. Three-dimensional human muscle constructs also detected no response to a mechanical stretch from either control subjects or ALS. We conclude that the pathology of ALS does not include a deficit in baseline levels of MGF and IGF-IEa mRNA splice variants in muscle.

The insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I E-peptides are required for isoform-specific gene expression and muscle hypertrophy after local IGF-I production

Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) coordinates proliferation and differentiation in a wide variety of cell types. The igf1 gene not only produces IGF-I, but also generates multiple carboxy-terminal extensions, the E-peptides, through alternative splicing leading to different isoforms. It is not known if the IGF-I isoforms share a common pathway for their actions, or if there are specific actions of each protein. Viral administration of murine IGF-IA, IGF-IB, and mature IGF, which lacked an E-peptide extension, was utilized to identify IGF-I isoform-specific responsive genes in muscles of young growing mice. Microarray analysis revealed responses that were driven by increased IGF-I regardless of the presence of E-peptide, such as Bcl-XL. In contrast, distinct expression patterns were observed after viral delivery of IGF-IA or IGF-IB, which included matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13). Expression of Bcl-XL was prevented when viral administration of the IGF-I isoforms was performed into muscles of MKR mice, which lack functional IGF-I receptors on the muscle fibers. However, MMP13 expression persisted under the same conditions after viral injection of IGF-IB. At 4 mo after viral delivery, expression of IGF-IA or IGF-IB promoted muscle hypertrophy, but viral delivery of mature IGF-I failed to increase muscle mass. These studies provide evidence that local production of IGF-I requires the E-peptides to drive hypertrophy in growing muscle and that both common and unique pathways exist for the IGF-I isoforms to promote biological effects.

Thyroid hormone-induced cardiac mechano growth factor expression depends on beating activity

The mechano growth factor (MGF), a splice variant of the IGF-I gene, was first discovered in mechanically overloaded skeletal muscle and was shown to play an important role in proliferation of muscle stem cells. Since then, the presence and effects of MGF have been demonstrated in other tissues. MGF has been shown to act neuroprotectively during brain ischemia, and pretreatment with MGF before myocardial infarction improves cardiac function. Because MGF plays a permissive role in exercise-induced skeletal muscle hypertrophy, we hypothesize that MGF is commonly involved in cardiac hypertrophy. To investigate the regulation of MGF expression in heart, mice were treated with thyroid hormone (T(3)) for 12 d to induce physiological cardiac hypertrophy. MGF mRNA expression was specifically increased in midregions of the septum and left ventricular wall. Interestingly, MGF expression strongly correlated with the increased or decreased beating frequency of hyperthyroid and hypothyroid hearts. To further investigate the mechanically dependent induction of MGF, neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were isolated and exposed to T(3). Upon T(3) treatment, cardiomyocytes increased both contractile activity measured as beats per minute and MGF as well as IGF-IEa mRNA expression. Importantly, when cardiomyocytes were contractile arrested by KCl, simultaneous exposure to T(3) prevented the up-regulation of MGF, whereas IGF-IEa was still induced. These studies demonstrated that MGF but not IGF-IEa expression is dependent on beating activity. These findings suggest that MGF is specifically stimulated by mechanical loading of the heart to mediate the hypertrophic response to thyroid hormone.

Oestrogen receptor-alpha activation augments post-exercise myoblast proliferation

AIM

Our laboratory has shown that oestrogen acts to augment myoblast (satellite cell) activation, proliferation and total number and that this may occur through an oestrogen receptor (OR)-mediated mechanism. The purpose of this study was to further investigate the mechanism of oestrogen influence on augmentation of post-exercise myoblast numbers through use of a specific OR-alpha agonist, propyl pyrazole triol (PPT).

METHODS

Ovariectomized rats were used (n = 64) and separated into four groups: sham, oestrogen supplemented, agonist supplemented, and a combined oestrogen and agonist supplemented group. These groups were further subdivided into control (unexercised) and exercise groups. Surgical removal of white vastus and soleus muscles was performed 72 h post-exercise. Muscle samples were immunostained for the myoblast markers Pax7 and MyoD.

RESULTS

A significant increase in total (Pax7-positive) and activated (MyoD-positive) myoblasts was found in all groups post-exercise. A further significant augmentation of total and activated myoblasts occurred in oestrogen supplemented, agonist supplemented and the combined oestrogen and agonist supplemented groups post-exercise in white vastus and soleus muscles relative to unsupplemented animals.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate that both oestrogen and the specific OR-alpha receptor agonist, PPT, can significantly and to similar degrees augment myoblast number and activation following exercise-induced muscle damage. This suggests that oestrogen acts through an OR-mediated mechanism to stimulate myoblast proliferation following exercise, with OR-alpha playing a primary role.

Expression and subcellular localization of mechano-growth factor in osteoblasts under mechanical stretch

Mechano-growth factor (MGF) is a stretch sensitive factor in myocytes, and it might also be produced by other mechanocytes under mechanical stimulation. In this study, both the mRNA and protein expression of MGF were detected in stretched osteoblasts. Quantitative analysis showed that a cyclic stretching stimulation caused a quick and sharp increase of MGF mRNA and protein expression from a low basal level under no stretch; the mRNA and protein levels respectively peaked in 6 and 12 h to 5 and 5.2 fold over the basal level and returned to normal by 24 h. The subcellular distribution of MGF protein was revealed by immunofluorescence analysis to be restricted to the nucleus. We concluded that cyclic stretching stimulation could induce MGF expression in osteoblasts in a pulsing fashion; and the nuclear distribution of MGF suggested that MGF might act in mechanocytes as an autocrine growth factor.

The insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I E-peptides modulate cell entry of the mature IGF-I protein

Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I is a critical protein for cell development and growth. Alternative splicing of the igf1 gene gives rise to multiple isoforms. In rodents, proIGF-IA and proIGF-IB have different carboxy-terminal extensions called the E-peptides (EA and EB) and upon further posttranslational processing, produce the identical mature IGF-I protein. Rodent EB has been reported to have mitogenic and motogenic effects independent of IGF-I. However, effects of EA or EB on mature IGF-I, or whether proIGF-IA and proIGF-IB have different properties, have not been addressed. To determine whether the presence of EA or EB affected the distribution and stability of mature IGF-I protein, transient transfections of cDNAs encoding murine IGF-IA, IGF-IB, and mature IGF-I were performed in C2C12 cells, a skeletal muscle cell line. IGF-I secretion was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of the media, and did not differ between expression of proIGF-IA, proIGF-IB, or mature IGF-I expression. Next, epitope-tagged constructs were transfected to determine cellular distribution of IGF-I, EA, and EB in the cells throughout the culture. IGF-I was detected in significantly fewer nontransfected cells in cultures transfected with mature IGF-I compared with transfection of proIGF-IA or proIGF-IB. These results demonstrate that EA and EB are not required for IGF-I secretion but that they increase cell entry of IGF-I from the media. This study provides evidence that the EA and EB may modulate IGF-I in addition to having independent activity.

Growth Factor Coinjection Improves the Migration Potential of Monkey Myogenic Precursors without Affecting Cell Transplantation Success

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an inherited disease and a main target of myogenic cell transplantation (MT). After the failure of the first clinical trials with DMD patients, the poor migration of transplanted cells has been suspected to be a major problem for a more effective clinical application of MT. Previous investigations suggested that the quantity and dispersion of myofibers containing donor cell nuclei might be improved by increasing the migration of the transplanted cells outside the injection sites. Because the coinjection of motogenic factors with human myoblasts enhanced their intramuscular migration following MT in SCID mice, the present study aimed to investigate whether this approach was appropriate to increase MT success in muscles of nonhuman primates. In vitro studies indicated that IGF-1 or bFGF increased components of proteolytic systems involved in myoblast migration. In vitro and in vivo experiments also demonstrated that coinjection of bFGF or IGF-1 was able to improve monkey myogenic cell migration and invasion. Sixty hours after MT in skeletal muscle tissue, the migration distances reached by monkey myoblasts increased by nearly twofold when one of the growth factors was coinjected with the cells. However, long-term observations in adult monkeys suggest that promigratory treatments are not intrinsically sufficient to improve the success of MT. Even if short-term observations reveal that grafted cells are not always trapped inside the injection site and in spite of the fact that both factors enhanced transplanted cell migration, myofibers including grafted cell nuclei were still restrained to the injection trajectory without notable difference in their amount or their dispersion. The incapacity of transplanted cells to fuse with undamaged myofibers, which are located outside the injection sites, is a priority problem to solve in order to improve transplantation success and reduce the number of injections required for the treatment of DMD patients.

Mechano-growth factor, an IGF-I splice variant, rescues motoneurons and improves muscle function in SOD1(G93A) mice

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motoneuron degeneration. Although viral delivery of IGF-I has shown therapeutic efficacy in the SOD1(G93A) mouse model of ALS, clinical trials of IGF-I in ALS patients have led to conflicting results. Here we examine the effects of an IGF-I splice variant, mechano-growth factor (MGF) which has previously been shown to have greater neuroprotective effects than IGF-I in a number of models of neurodegeneration. A mammalian expression plasmid containing either MGF or, for comparison, the IGF-I cDNA sequence was delivered to the hindlimb muscles of SOD1(G93A) mice at 70 days of age, at symptom onset. Treatment with either IGF-I or MGF resulted in a significant improvement in hindlimb muscle strength, and an increase in motor unit and motoneuron survival. Significantly more motoneurons survived in MGF treated mice.

New insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-precursor sequences from mammalian genomes: the molecular evolution of IGFs and associated peptides in primates

The insulin-like growth factors (IGF-I and IGF-II) and insulin are related proteins that play an important role in regulation of metabolism and growth. In mammals these proteins are generally strongly conserved, though the sequence of insulin underwent periods of rapid change during the evolution of hystricomorph rodents and new-world monkeys (NWM). The availability of genomic sequence information for a number of mammals provides gene sequences for insulin and IGF precursors from several new species, and this has been used here to study the evolution of these proteins in primates. The sequence of insulin is strongly conserved in primates except for the branch leading to NWM - the sequence of marmoset insulin confirms the episode of rapid evolution in this lineage. Strongly conserved sequences are also seen for IGF-I and IGF-II, though for IGF-I (but not IGF-II) the marmoset sequence again shows an episode of fairly rapid evolution, paralleling the changes seen in insulin. Thus in NWM the sequences of insulin and IGF-I show a co-evolution that may reflect a coordinated change in the functional properties of these two molecules. The other components of the insulin and IGF precursors (signal peptides, E-domains of IGFs, insulin C-peptide) are much less strongly conserved, though to a variable extent. Signal peptides are generally quite variable, but the sequence encoding the N-terminal region of the unusually long signal peptide of IGF-I is strongly conserved, suggesting specific function(s), at least partly associated with nucleotide rather than protein sequence. The Ea domain of proIGF-I and the N-terminal end of the E-domain of proIGF-II are quite strongly conserved, which accords with reports of a biologically active peptide (preptin) derived from the latter. However, the C-terminal parts of the Eb and Ec domains of proIGF-I (produced by alternative splicing) are very variable, which is of interest in view of reports of peptides with important biological activities deriving from these regions.

Hypothesis: upregulation of a muscle-specific isoform of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) by spinal manipulation

Spinal manipulation is a manual therapy approach commonly employed by chiropractors, osteopaths and manipulative physiotherapists in the treatment of back pain. It is characterised by a rapid high velocity, low amplitude thrust which commonly causes an audible 'pop' or 'cavitation' in the joint. Any beneficial effects are generally explained with reference to changes in vertebral joint movement. This paper looks at the process of spinal manipulation to see if there is reason to expect effects beyond simple changes in the biomechanics of the spine. It shows that during the process of spinal manipulation, rapid stretching of spinal muscles is inevitable. It goes on to review recent evidence that muscle stretch is a potent stimulus for the upregulation of a splice product of the insulin-like growth factor gene by the stretched muscle. Evidence that the product of this gene (mechano-growth factor; MGF) promotes muscle growth and repair (myotrophism) is presented, together with evidence that MGF promotes the growth and repair of neurones (neurotrophism). Against this background the hypothesis is proposed that one of the effects of spinal manipulation is to stretch spinal muscles which will upregulate MGF and result in local myotrophic and neurotrophic effects. This growth factor hypothesis represents a major departure from the biomechanical and biopsychosocial models currently used to explain the effects of spinal manipulation, and could provide the basis for further studies aimed at defining the molecular correlates of this type of manual therapy.

Cellular and molecular regulation of muscle growth and development in meat animals1,2

Although in vivo and in vitro studies have established that anabolic steroids, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), and myostatin affect muscle growth in meat-producing animals, their mechanisms of action are not completely understood. Anabolic steroids have been widely used as growth promoters in feedlot cattle for over 50 yr. A growing body of evidence suggests that increased muscle levels of IGF-I and increased muscle satellite cell numbers play a role in anabolic steroid enhanced muscle growth. In contrast to anabolic steroids, the members of the TGF-beta-myostatin family suppress muscle growth in vivo and suppress both proliferation and differentiation of cultured myogenic cells. Recent evidence suggests that IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-5 play a role in mediating the proliferation-suppressing actions of both TGF-beta and myostatin on cultured myogenic cells. Consequently, this review will focus on the roles of IGF-I and IGFBP in the cellular and molecular mechanisms of action of anabolic steroids and TGF-beta and myostatin, respectively.

The emerging biology of satellite cells and their therapeutic potential

Adult skeletal muscle contains an abundant and highly accessible population of muscle stem and progenitor cells called satellite cells. The primary function of satellite cells is to mediate postnatal muscle growth and repair. Owing to their availability and remarkable capacity to regenerate damaged muscle, satellite cells and their descendent myoblasts have been considered as powerful candidates for cell-based therapies to treat muscular dystrophies and other neuromuscular diseases. However, regenerative medicine in muscle repair requires a thorough understanding of, and the ability to manipulate, the molecular mechanisms that control the proliferation, self-renewal and myogenic differentiation of satellite cells. Here, we review the latest advances in our current understanding of the quiescence, activation, proliferation and self-renewal of satellite cells and the challenges in the development of satellite cell-based regenerative medicine.